Training and Events Calendar

In this training, Sierra Grandy, JD, will teach therapists and mental health professionals how they may assist clients in navigating their mental health, neurodivergence, and/or disability needs at their place of employment, including practical support strategies and information about ADA accommodations.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Attendees will learn about neurodiversity and its role in the workplace, with a focus on how it relates to ADA accommodations. Attendees will learn about the ADA and how that impacts their work and their client’s lives. Attendees will learn about ADA accommodations and how to guide and support clients in attempting to achieve reasonable accommodations in the workplace.   CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the event or training.   PRESENTER: Sierra Grandy, JD Sierra Grandy is a public speaker, disability advocate, and a law school graduate who is dedicated to promoting neurodiversity awareness and mental wellness. Drawing from her own journey of mental health recovery, Sierra brings authenticity and insight to her speaking engagements, which have many audiences across diverse platforms, including mental health conferences, police intervention trainings, podcasts, and corporate inclusion initiatives. In addition to her speaking engagements, Sierra is deeply involved in advocacy work, serving as Minnesota's Representative on NAMI's Peer Leadership Council and as a council member on Minnesota's State Advisory Council on Mental Health. Her commitment to effecting change within the mental health system is fueled by her lived experience and passion for ensuring equitable access to support and resources for all. Sierra's dedication to advocacy and teaching is complemented by her academic achievements, having recently graduated from law school with a focus on disability and tax law (strange mix—she knows). Her undergraduate degree is in psychology, which she has continued to self-study as she continues her education to better support her advocacy work.     The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

Join Us to Learn Realistic, Achievable Habits that Strengthen Our Mind and Improve Wellbeing SMART offers an innovative, modern, uplifting, and highly scalable approach to enhance individual resilience. Developed by Dr. Amit Sood at the Mayo Clinic, SMART is offered as a four-module structured program. SMART has been tested and found efficacious in over 30 clinical trials for decreasing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and burnout, and increasing resilience, wellbeing, mindfulness, happiness, and positive health behaviors. CEUs are available!

DESCRIPTION Depression has been a growing problem in the United States for decades. Recent data reports that the nation reached record levels of depression in 2023, and these trends have continued into 2024. During this same time, the use of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy has grown steadily. While both have been shown to be helpful interventions, they have not been sufficient to slow the growth in this potentially life-threatening condition. A growing body of research has been focusing on modern western culture's impact on mental health disorders. Factors such as social isolation, sedentary work and leisure activities, impaired sleep, processed foods, time pressured work schedules and stress, and abuse of substances all contribute to the susceptibility to symptoms of depression. Research and clinical experience have also been demonstrating the benefits of regular exercise, exposure to full spectrum light, whole food diets, regular social engagement and support, connection to community, spending time in green spaces and near bodies of water, and avoidance of ruminative thinking. This webinar will examine these factors and the impact they can have as part of a comprehensive natural approach toward building robust mental health and overall wellbeing. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Recognize links between modern Western culture and increasing prevalence of depression Identify cultural patterns common among ancestral human societies believed to support physical, social, and emotional well-being Describe natural interventions that can be incorporated into modern life that have been shown to improve depression and well-being List strategies for including natural interventions in behavioral health services to support improved mood PRESENTERS Philip Rainer, M.S.W., LCSW-R, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York. Mr. Rainer has many years of experience as a psychotherapist, behavioral health program manager, and senior leader in hospitals and community-based organizations serving people with mental health issues and substance use disorders. Mr. Rainer began to integrate natural interventions in his work with people early on, after recognizing that these choices were having a significant impact on the path of recovery and quality of life for those experiencing depression and other behavioral health concerns. As Mr. Rainer developed and supervised integrated behavioral health and primary care services, he became aware of the value of simple natural choices in the support of both physical and behavioral health and integrated them into treatment protocols. As a consultant with Advocates for Human Potential, Inc., Mr. Rainer has provided guidance nationally to health centers in the implementation of integrated behavioral health and primary care, including natural strategies for supporting overall health and well-being. Xiomara Romero, M.S., LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. She has more than 14 years’ experience in the mental health field, including providing behavioral health services in an integrative behavioral health setting, counseling and psychological services at universities, and private practice. Ms. Romero has consulted with nonprofit organizations focused on providing services for cancer patients and their families and consulting with clinicians interested in going into private practice. She has worked with clients of all ages—children to adults—providing mental health services. Throughout her direct clinical practice in integrative settings, she witnessed the impact of limited access to natural approaches on mental and physical well-being. Through podcasting, she has enjoyed interviewing several holistic providers and learning about indigenous and ancestral forms of healing. Additionally, she has experience with group facilitation, presenting at conferences, and consulting. Ms. Romero is bilingual in English and Spanish, provides culturally responsive care, and is an advocate for underserved communities. She currently serves as a Senior Program Associate with Advocates for Human Potential, Inc., supporting several projects. WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Behavioral health professionals and peer specialists working with individuals experiencing depression.

DESCRIPTION The Central East MHTTC in collaboration with the National Center for School Mental Health is pleased to offer a school mental health webinar series with a focus on advancing high quality, sustainable school mental health from a multi-tiered system of support, trauma sensitive, and culturally responsive and equitable lens. To familiarize yourself with the foundations of school mental health, please review the school mental health guidance document. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explore how to create a Culturally Responsive Ecosystem through teaching, school leadership, and instructional supervision. Describe Culturally Responsive Instructional Supervision. Identify implementation barriers and solutions to implementing Culturally Responsive Instructional Supervision. PRESENTERS Dwayne Ray Cormier, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Culturally Responsive Solutions, LLC, is a visionary leader with a diverse background. His career includes roles as a middle school science teacher and assistant professor at a Research 1 University. Dr. Cormier’s educational path led him through historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), where he earned a BA in Psychology from Edward Waters College, an M.Ed in Sports and Leisure Management from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, and an MAT in Middle School Science and Mild to Moderate Special Education from Xavier University of Louisiana. Dr. Cormier’s academic journey included a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Pennsylvania State University, with an emphasis on Curriculum and Supervision, and a professorship at a Research 1 institution. His extensive knowledge of culturally responsive praxis has made him a recognized expert in institutional leadership. Driven by his passion for advancing education and technology, he launched VSorts™ AI—an NSF SBIR-funded startup for qualitative data analysis in people management and research in education. AUDIENCE Educators, Administrators, Health and Behavioral Health Care Professionals, Central East (Region 3) Project AWARE Grantees, Policymakers and Advocates, and Child-Serving Agency Staff.

This event is an excellent opportunity for professionals in the early childhood mental and behavioral health field to learn about ASQ-3™ and ASQ:SE-2™, two important developmental screening tools that are widely used in all child-serving settings. Led by certified trainer, Holly Gursslin M.Ed, NCC, LPC attendees will gain practical skills and knowledge to use these tools to effectively identify and monitor developmental and social-emotional needs in young children.   *This event has reached full capacity. Please join our waitlist by applying here. Please note that this is not the link to attend the training event, but to join our waitlist for future events.

Join us for an enlightening webinar featuring two dedicated community mental health and wellness professionals from Kosciusko County, Indiana. Our speakers, who both come from and work within this rural community, will share their firsthand experiences and expertise in providing mental health support and prevention services. This session will delve into the unique challenges faced by rural communities in accessing mental health care and highlight effective strategies for engaging diverse populations, including Spanish speakers, in these areas.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Explore the specific barriers to mental health care and wellness in rural communities, including stigma, accessibility, and cultural factors. Identify the challenges faced by mental health providers and organizations in rural settings, such as limited resources and workforce shortages. Present successful strategies and programs that have been implemented in Kosciusko County to improve mental health support, prevention, and community wellness. Encourage the development of networks and partnerships to enhance mental health support and services in rural communities.   CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the event or training.   PRESENTERS: Jessica Camarena, BS, Vice President of Programs, Live Well Kosciusko Jessica Camarena is the dedicated Vice President of Programs at Live Well Kosciusko, a small non-profit committed to enhancing the lives of residents in the vibrant community of Kosciusko County. Under Jessica’s guidance, Live Well has helped empower individuals who live, work, or play in Kosciusko to thrive. A dynamic force for positive change, the organization provides essential resources and innovative programs to uplift the community. Jessica is a proud graduate of Wawasee High school and a true local, she carries the spirit of the community in every endeavor. Outside the professional realm, Jessica enjoys exploring nature through invigorating hikes in the Midwest, indulging in DIY crafts, and reveling in quality time with friends and family.   Lauro A. Zuñiga, CCHW, Intake Coordinator, Bowen Center, IU School of Social Work MSW Student Lauro Zuñiga is a Master of Social Work student at Indiana University South Bend and a bilingual mental health professional in northern Indiana. Lauro enjoys working in community mental health, and currently serves as an Intake Coordinator for The Bowen Center’s inpatient hospital in Kosciusko County. This position allows him to be on the frontlines of helping persons experiencing severe mental illness in rural settings. In the past, Lauro has also worked with established and recently arrived immigrants as Director of Immigrant Services at Center for Healing and Hope and as a Parent Liaison for Goshen Community Schools. As the son of Mexican immigrants, Lauro is committed to ensuring mental health services are accessible to Spanish-speakers in rural Hoosier communities, where he has made a home for the past eight years. He hopes to continue contributing to creating solutions for rural communities’ pressing problems by working with stakeholders at the micro, mezzo, and macro level.   The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

Event Description Recent data from the FBI indicates that over 30% of hate crimes against youth victims occur at school. In this interactive workshop, we will explore how bias, discriminatory behaviors, and identity-based bullying surfaces in schools from covert (perhaps even unintentional) behaviors, like microaggressions, to egregious ones, like hate crimes. These behaviors occur on a continuum that coincides with the dehumanization of individuals based on their identity, culture, or characteristics. However, they can be addressed proactively through fostering a culture of belonging, and they can be responded to effectively through individual and systemic follow-up when biased behavior occurs. Join this workshop to better understand our current context of bias and discrimination in schools, learn about individual sentence stems and systemic interventions to address biased language and behavior, and dedicate some time to actually practicing and integrating your learning into your plans for the next school year.    Learning Objectives:  Understand our current context of bias and discrimination in schools Learn about individual sentence stems to address biased language and behavior Learn about systemic interventions to foster a culture of belonging Practice and integrate your learning into your plans for the next school year Trainer Dr. Rana Razzaque Dr. Rana Razzaque’s commitment to improving opportunity, access, and inclusion for all children has driven her educational and professional journey. This commitment has deepened over time due to her own lived experiences and the continuous learning she seeks out on a variety of topics related to equity and inclusion, the persistent disparities for marginalized communities, and the deep need to build understanding and empathy through courageous conversations with people from multiple perspectives. Rana was born in Bangladesh, raised in Maryland, spent her adolescence in Texas, and spent a couple of years in Arizona before moving to Denver in 2011. In the warmer months, you might find Rana hiking with her husband, Rob, and her dog Eeyore. She also loves reading (especially fiction and poetry), trying out new recipes to cook, going to concerts, boxing, and indoor rock climbing (even though she is afraid of heights). 

Challenging behaviors are a form of communication. Children tend to relay their feelings and needs by acting out rather than explaining. Hospital workers can inadvertently reinforce this pattern by paying close attention to disruptive behaviors while ignoring more desirable ones like playing quietly. While this makes sense for the worker, it can incentivize the creation of drama and angst to get attention. This class describes ways to promote and reinforce calm and pro-social behaviors while setting effective and practical limits when necessary.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Interpret challenging behaviors as communication Describe a communication model for responding Illustrate the communication model with examples   CONTINUING EDUCATION: Registrants who fully attend this training will be eligible to receive 1.5 continuing education (CE) hours certified by the Minnesota Board of Social Work. CE certificates are provided by People Incorporated Training Institute.   PRESENTER: Warren Duncan, BS, has had various roles throughout his career working with households experiencing homelessness and multiple barriers to stable housing. He has worked as direct support staff on mobile teams in Permanent Supportive Housing program across the metro area, assisted in outreach efforts for program participants living on the streets and in shelter, provided outreach to property managers and landlords, connecting them to support services in metro and greater Minnesota communities. He has worked to provide support to a network of supportive housing programs and community organizing among County, State, and local community agencies in Southern and Central Minnesota. He is currently overseeing all programming as Program Director for a Minnesota Nonprofit. Warren enjoys facilitating workshops and has led a number of training sessions. Topics include Building Landlord Relationships, Housing First, Harm Reduction, Navigating Conflict, De-escalation, and Mindfulness. Warren grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and moved to Minnesota shortly after graduating from Iowa State University. He currently lives with his family in the Twin Cities western suburbs. He enjoys drawing, painting, and photography in his spare time.   This training is provided by our valued partners at the People Incorporated Training Institute. The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

A series of monthly calls for ACT psychiatric care providers. Offered in collaboration with the Institute for Best Practices at the University of North Carolina. ABOUT THIS EVENT Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a multidisciplinary, team-based model that provides intensive community-based and outreach-oriented services to people who experience the most severe and persistent mental illness. The vast majority also have a co-occurring substance use disorder and many experience comorbid medical illnesses. The Northwest MHTTC is hosting a series for ACT psychiatric care providers. We welcome all ACT psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and other prescribers. Sessions will be held once a month on Thursdays at 12:00-1:30 pm Pacific/3:00-4:30 pm Eastern, May-July 2024. Learn more about the series and past sessions here. This presentation will discuss Substance Use Disorder (SUD) care in the age of fentanyl and stimulants, with a focus on implementation of harm reduction and treatment. FACILITATORS   Jeremy Weleff, DO (he/him/his) Dr. Jeremy Weleff is an addiction psychiatrist and ACT doc at Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC) in New Haven, CT and Instructor of Psychiatry at Yale University. He completed psychiatry residency training at the Cleveland Clinic. He has published broadly on social determinants of health, homelessness, adverse childhood experiences, and SUDs.  Terence Tumenta, MD, MPH (he/him/his) Dr. Terence Tumenta is an addiction psychiatry fellow at Yale School of Medicine. He completed his psychiatry residency at One Brooklyn Health Interfaith Medical Center, in Brooklyn NY. He has worked at different levels in the healthcare system, including public health, in the US and internationally. He is passionate about serving underrepresented minorities and addressing health disparities and inequities. He has a special interest in addiction research and global mental health.    

DESCRIPTION Black maternal bereavement, or the distinctive sense of grief and loss of Black mothers, not only refers to the intense experience of maternal suffering from the loss of a child or complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum but also reflects social, emotional, and psychological losses within Black communities. Cultural beliefs and societal expectations influence the expression of grief in Black mothers and the ways in which others respond to their losses. Social injustices and systemic discrimination as well as racial inequalities in healthcare exacerbate the negative impacts of grief on the mental and physical health of Black mothers. Awareness and acknowledgment of these factors are essential to supporting Black mothers and promote healing and empowerment within Black communities. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Describe unique challenges that Black mothers face when grieving the loss of a child or complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Discuss historical and contemporary factors that influence cultural beliefs about Black maternal grief. Identify strategies to validate and support Black mothers who are grieving. PRESENTER Delane Casiano, MD, is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. With specialization in cultural psychiatry and women’s mental health, She has worked with ethnically diverse populations in a multitude of health care settings. Dr. Casiano earned her bachelor’s degree from Brown University and medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine. She completed her residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship through the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Program for Minority Research Training in Psychiatry (PMRTP) at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) Center for Psychotherapy Research (CPR). Clinical organizations herald Dr. Casiano’s work as well. She collaborated with the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and the Penn Center for Women’s Behavioral Wellness (PCWBW) to create the Maternal Wellness Initiative (MWI), a combined program of psychiatry and obstetrics/gynecology services for women. She also supervised multidisciplinary teams as associate medical director for the Princeton House Behavioral Health Women’s Program. Dr. Casiano is a Founding Member and current President of Global Health Psychiatry, LLC (GHP), an organization founded by ten African American psychiatrists committed to empowering individuals and their families through mental health education and community action. HOST Annelle Primm MD, MPH is the Senior Medical Director of the Steve Fund, an organization focused on the mental health of young people of color. She is also a member of the Black Psychiatrists of America Council of Elders. This webinar is part of the Health Equity Webinar Series, an ongoing collaboration between the Central East MHTTC and the Black Psychiatrists of America to increase education and awareness surrounding mental health in the Black community. View past webinars in the series

Documentation is a source of stress for many mental health professionals. Finding the balance on what to document and how much in a timely manner is an art. In this webinar, participants will explore the “golden thread”, a framework for connecting diagnosis, assessment, interventions, and treatment plans. Key areas for a comprehensive assessment and medical necessity will be explored. Participants will review common mistakes and learn practical times to improve documentation.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. Review and understanding of documentation standards and common documentation mistakes. 2. Understand the golden thread: tying the diagnosis, assessment, interventions, treatment plan, and clinical plan together 3. Discuss 12 areas of documentation for a through assessment.   CERTIFICATES: All participants who fully attend will receive a CEU Certificate which can serve as a certificate of attendance.   PRESENTER: Leona Jackson, MSW, LISW-S, LICDC, is the Owner of Heart’s Haven Counseling where she specializes in trauma, anxiety, press ion and relationship issues. She received her master’s from Spring Arbor University and received training in EMDR. She has a wealth of experience in mental health starting her career community mental health. She has been a case manager, therapist, and supervisor. She is a licensed independent social worker and a licensed independent chemical dependency counselor in Ohio. This training is provided by our valued partners at the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities.   The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

About this Event: The Southeast MHTTC is pleased to host this event in collaboration with the Hispanic/Latino Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (COE). Culture is an enduring element, a tradition that is embedded in every human thought, emotion,  and behavior. It is also a key factor that upholds normed belief patterns that maintain physical and psychological health and contributes to the tenacity of mental health and substance use disorders (SUD). This webinar is developed for behavioral health care providers interested in learning about the impact of cultural factors as they relate to behavioral health domains of Hispanic and Latine clients. The approach taken in this webinar session includes highlighting key cultural beliefs, attitudes, and practices that potentially influence responsiveness to treatment among Latine persons with mental health conditions and SUDs. The webinar also addresses culturally informed therapeutic strategies that can facilitate effective engagement and therapeutic relationships with Hispanic and Latine patients. Webinar will cover: An overview of trends and demographics among Hispanic/Latine populations in the Southeast Principles of cultural humility and the multicultural framework. Common cultural values, beliefs and gender norms among Hispanic and Latine populations. Common idioms of distress, and expressions of grief, sorrow, joy, anger, fatalism and resilience among Latine populations Culturally responsive approaches and strategies for adapting mental health interventions to be culturally centered. About the Speaker: Diane Arms, MA  Diane Arms currently serves as the Director for The Center for Co-occurring Disorders at The Council on Recovery. She has dedicated her career to serving the Latino population in the Health Field, including Mental Health and Substance Use. She received both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas at El Paso. Diane has served as Director of Health Integration at Avenue 360 Health and Wellness, Director of Prevention and Counseling at the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans and with the Harris County Health Care Alliance as Program Manager facilitating leadership meetings amongst local FQHCs to proactively identify, address, and resolve systemic issues. Ms. Arms has also served as an Operations Administrator for the children’s division unit at Emergence Health Network, El Paso’s Local Mental Health Authority. She has successfully implemented programs such as Multisystemic Therapy in a Mental Health Setting and Transition Age Youth, assisting transitioning clients from children’ services to adult services in the mental health system. She spearheaded the transition of in person clinical and behavioral health services of the agency to telehealth services to accommodate social distancing and stay at home orders due to COVID 19. Previously funded projects consist of identifying relationships between stress, depression and anxiety to substance use and parenting styles in young adult Latinos, investigating the effects of chronic illnesses on children’s health-related quality of life in the Colonias, an underserved and impoverished neighborhood along the Texas-Mexico border, and exploring effective decision-making aids on colorectal cancer for the aging Latino population. She sits on the Houston BARC Foundation’s board, the City of Houston’s Animal Shelter and Adoption Facility. She is also a fellow of the American Leadership Forum, Class 44.

The Region 6 Peer Support Advisory Committee (PSAC) to the South Southwest MHTTC meets on a monthly basis to collaborate across the states and tribal communities to identify and address common areas of need and share resources. Based on feedback from the PSAC, and needs identified by peers across Region 6, the MHTTC organizes training and technical assistance focused on peer retention and workforce development. This is a closed meeting.

Event Description The primary objective of the training is to educate school staff and stakeholders about Rural Behavioral Health Institutes’ Screening Linked to Care (SLTC) Program. Presenters will provide education about STLC, data on effectiveness of the program, challenges, and successes of SLTC and talk about prevention and early intervention of mental health challenges for students. Presenters will talk about work states can do to support prevention and early intervention for mental health and suicide and how schools can sustainably implement screening and follow up care for students. Presenters will share challenges and successes schools have had with implementation and share about connecting students to supports and ongoing care.    Learning Objectives:   1) Learning about implementing universal digital mental health screening.   2) Identifying students struggling and connecting them to support.   3) Learning about the utilization of data to make decisions.    Trainers Janet Lindow, PhD & Kayleigh Brown  Janet Lindow, PhD champions the application of novel research approaches to identify, evaluate and implement preventive and acute treatments for diseases with great public health impact. For the past 12 years, her career goal has been to improve the health of populations with limited access to effective treatment with a primary focus now on those experiencing mental disorders.  Janet’s career path has given her a broad and deep understanding of public health issues and potential solutions. At MIT, she trained as a basic research scientist. After finishing her doctoral work, she taught a science course in Botswana which widened her understanding of health disparities and left her with a fervent desire to help improve the health of people globally. Janet then completed two post-doctoral fellowships, one focused on finding new antibiotics for Gram negative bacterial infections and the other building research programs to help prevent infections in people living in poverty. Next, the Yale School of Public Health recruited her to work full time in Brazil on leptospirosis, the world’s leading cause of hemorrhagic disease and to build research infrastructure. In 2016, Janet’s passion for finding solutions to difficult challenges in public health brought her to Montana where she was recruited as faculty at the Center for Mental Health Research and Recovery at Montana State University. At the Center, she and her mentor, Matt Byerly, MD, focused on suicide prevention across all age groups and digital treatments for depression and anxiety in rural areas where therapy was sparse or not available. She is currently a Research Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Kansas Medical School. Janet lives in Livingston, Montana and is actively pursuing her work on suicide prevention, depression, and anxiety in Montana and Kansas.  Kayleigh Brown is dedicated to delivering and improving mental health care for kids. She has broad experience providing care and education to children, adolescents, young adults, and their families within and external to hospital settings.  Prior to joining the RBHI team, she spent the last decade working at Shodair Children’s Hospital, a nonprofit hospital offering inpatient and outpatient care to children and adolescents with serious mental illness in Montana. As the Shodair Director of Outpatient Services, Kayleigh helped to develop and lead one of the largest outpatient clinic systems serving Montana children and families. She has trained staff in trauma-informed care that focuses on organizational culture and the vicarious trauma that people can experience when working in complex care settings. Kayleigh has also been involved in co-facilitating Dare to Lead training with a Certified Dare to Lead instructor throughout Montana. She is passionate about improving mental health care, educating others about caring for people with a mental health diagnosis, helping families navigate the mental health care system, and increasing access to care, particularly among children and adolescents. 

Session 1 of 3 in the "Championing Students Through Change: Welcoming Youth Transitioning To and From School" Series (view series page for full details)   Navigating life's transitions can be challenging, especially for students moving between different educational and institutional settings. This August, the Pacific Southwest MHTTC invites you to join us for a three-part series dedicated to supporting students through these critical periods of transition.   In this first session and throughout the series, we'll take a deep dive into trauma-sensitive and culturally responsive strategies for welcoming students back to school from special education programs, juvenile justice system involvement, hospitalizations, and more. Our goal is to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to create nurturing environments that uplift students and foster their resilience as they navigate these significant transitions. We'll explore practical strategies for supporting students transitioning to and from programs and institutions, and provide participants with the skills to promote a sense of belonging and resilience among students during these pivotal times. Key questions we'll address include: How can school staff prepare themselves and students to welcome youth back from institutional settings? What unique challenges do students face when returning to school? What unique strengths do students bring to us as school leaders when returning to their school? Join us to build your capacity to champion students through times of transition. Whether you're an educator, administrator, school mental health professional, or youth advocate, you'll walk away with deepened empathy, practical tools, and a network of support.    Meet the Faculty    Melissa Smith, M.S. (she/her)  Melissa Smith is the newest member of the Pacific Southwest MHTTC team. As a licensed collegiate and postgraduate professional, Melissa comprehends the immense influence education can have on cultivating safe, inclusive, and engaging learning spaces that amplify voices which often go unheard. As a licensed collegiate and postgraduate professional, Melissa understands education's profound impact on ability to challenge existing norms and perceptions, amplifying the voices of those from marginalized communities. As a Change Consultant with Change Matrix, Melissa crafts transformative learning experiences that foster personal and professional growth. Her commitment extends beyond conventions as she envisions landscapes where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive. She uses her scholarly knowledge to create safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments.  Her methodology empowers people and organizations to question the status quo, utilize data-driven insights, and take tangible actions to create more equitable and inclusive environments. A passionate professional with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Reading from Radford University, Melissa encourages us to move beyond comfort zones to dismantle systemic barriers hindering social, emotional and mental health.     Oriana Ides, MA, APCC, PPS (she/her) Oriana Ides is a School Mental Health Training Specialist at CARS (the Center for Applied Research Solutions) and approaches healing the wounds of trauma and oppression as core elements of social justice. She has worked with young people across the life course from elementary school to college, and has served as teacher-leader, school counselor, classroom educator and program director. She is committed to generating equity within school structures and policies by focusing on evidence-based mental health techniques and institutional design.       Meet the Panelists    Ariael Brooks Porter (she/her) Ariael Brooks-Porter is an accomplished Special Education Professional and dedicated Educator with an unwavering commitment to empowering students and fostering a culture of equity for all. As a passionate advocate for inclusive education, Ariael envisions a world where every student has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of her background or challenges. A proud graduate of Delaware State University, Ariael holds a Bachelor of Psychology degree, a discipline that has deeply enriched her understanding of human behavior and the diverse needs of students. Committed to translating this knowledge into impactful change, Ariael pursued a Master of Arts in Teaching from Relay Graduate School, honing her pedagogical skills and gaining invaluable insights into the art of effective instruction. As a beacon of inspiration in the field of education, Ariael is not only shaping the minds of students but also influencing the broader conversation around inclusivity, equity, and the transformative power of education. With a compelling blend of expertise, passion, and a profound belief in the potential of every student, Ariael is leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of education and inspiring others to join the mission of creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all.     Jerica Coffey, M.Ed. (she/her)  Jerica Coffey teaches English and Ethnic Studies at Coliseum College Prep in East Oakland and is working to grow the next generation of critically conscious educators through City College of San Francisco's Teacher Preparation Program.

ABOUT THIS EVENT This 90-minute webinar in partnership with Reinsel Consulting will focus on providing participants with a framework for developing their personal awareness during instances of de-escalation, while utilizing principles of trauma-informed care to increase competencies during and after a crisis. Participants will learn the “Spectrum of Escalation" and elements of personal preparedness, while focusing on prevention and early intervention and post-intervention practices. Through these methods, participants will enhance confidence in managing complex behavioral situations. FACILITATOR Martin Reinsel, LMHC (he/him) Martin “Marty” Reinsel is a Seattle-based therapist, clinical supervisor, educator, and consultant with over 30-years of experience working in a variety of behavioral healthcare settings. Marty has consistently worked in unique and challenging environments and is competent in addressing complex, and often uncomfortable, issues and situations, while leading with care, compassion, and a growth-mindset. He spent the first 20 years of his career at Seattle based Harborview Medical Center and Navos Mental Health Solutions, where he gained extensive experience in Crisis Intervention, before starting his own business, Reinsel Consulting in 2018. Marty’s training and consultation work has transcended many organizations, including those in the trades and transportation industry. He is currently working with internationally acclaimed musicians, local librarians, executives, food bank organizers, law enforcement officers, and Health Care for the Homeless clinicians. Marty believes we all benefit from kindness, care, mentorship and supportive practices. He appreciates having the opportunity to be real and genuine, and to equally laugh and cry with amazing people who have impact upon our communities. In addition to Marty’s clinical work, he is an accomplished recording and touring musician who loves to travel and spend quality time with his family and close friends.

Imagine a learning environment where every student feels safe, supported, and empowered to learn. In today’s dynamic educational landscape, understanding and addressing trauma is pivotal to fostering an equitable and supportive space for all learners. By building on an understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), this presentation will introduce participations to complex trauma and the impacts on learning. Participants will go beyond theory by diving into practical strategies for implementing trauma-informed practices in the classroom. Educator wellbeing will be explored as strategy to create a trauma-informed learning environment.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Participants will differentiate between trauma and complex trauma. Participants will learn at least three trauma-informed interventions to implement in the classroom. Participants will evaluate their own wellbeing in preparation to implement trauma-informed strategies.   CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the event or training.   PRESENTER: Elijah Jones, MSW, MEd, LISW-S, LICDC, CHES, CDP Elijah Jones (he/him) is a licensed independent social worker, a licensed independent chemical dependency counselor, a certified health education specialist, and a certified diversity professional. He received his BSW and MSW from the University of Toledo and a MEd in Health and Wellness Education for the American College of Education. His experiences includes micro to macro practices having worked in inpatient and community psychiatric crisis, substance use disorder treatment, integrated care, health equity, consulting, and higher education. His passion lives in finding solutions to complex problems while ground his work in trauma-informed care principles, cultural humility, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. He currently works as the Assistant Director of Programs and Services with the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County, a county government agency response for ensuring a continuum of behavioral health services exists for residents.   This training is provided by our valued partners at the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities.   The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

The Person-Centered Recovery Planning (PCRP) Consultation Corner is a 6-month learning series featuring a monthly webinar on the “FAQs” of PCRP; offering practical tools and resources to support quality PCRP at the level of both individual service delivery and organizational systems change; and providing follow-up “office hours” through smaller-group technical assistance for webinar participants who wish to take a “deeper dive” on a given topic. The topic for webinar session 6 is "Staff Training, Supervision & Quality Monitoring-How to Reinforce PCRP in Practice." At the end of the series, participants will be able to: Define PCRP and its essential elements Increase familiarity with existing and emerging state and federal requirements regarding PCRP Articulate a minimum of three differences between traditional methods of treatment planning and best-practice PCRP Learn more about how the MHTTC PCRP Consultation Corner series can provide tools and resources to support the implementation of PCRP at your organization   While the Consultation Corner’s webinar series is open to a national audience, priority for technical assistance office hours following this webinar session on August 21 will be given to webinar participants from the New England (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire) and South Southwest (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas) regions.   Presenters: Janis Tondora and Amy Pierce Janis Tondora, Psy.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine.  Her work involves supporting the implementation of person-centered practices that help people with behavioral health concerns and other disabilities to get more control over decisions about their services so they can live a good life as they define it. She has provided training and consultation to over 25 states seeking to implement Person-Centered Recovery Planning and has shared her work with the field in dozens of publications, including her 2014 book, Partnering for Recovery in Mental Health: A Practical Guide to Person-Centered Planning. Janis’ consultation and publications have been widely used by both public and private service systems to advance the implementation of recovery-oriented practices in the U.S. and abroad. She is a life-long resident of Connecticut where she lives with her husband and beloved labradoodles after recently becoming an empty-nester with two children in college.   Amy Pierce (she/her) is an international trainer and consultant has been working in the Peer Movement in the State of Texas for over two decades. She currently serves as Recovery Institute Associate Director at Via Hope by serving as a subject matter expert on the implementation of peer services and other recovery-oriented practices. She has extensive experience in the peer support sector, having started the first peer support program in the state hospitals in Texas, working as a peer support worker in a community mental health agency, and working as the Program Coordinator for a transitional peer residential housing project.   This series is co-sponsored by the New England and South Southwest MHTTCs. More information about the series.   Continuing Education Units for this event are offered by the Office of Professional Development, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin: · Social Work · Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) · Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)   Continuing Education Units for this event are offered by the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health/South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center, The University of Texas at Austin as recognized by the Texas Certification Board: · Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) · Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS) · Re-Entry Peer Specialist (JI-RPS) · Peer Specialist Supervisor (PSS) · Certified Family Partner (CFP)   These entities are recognized as providers of continuing education credits, however, attendees are responsible for checking with their licensing or credentialing board to ensure acceptance of the CEUs issued. If you have questions about CEUs for a credential that you do not see listed here, contact [email protected].     If you would like accommodations to participate in any of our events, please contact us at [email protected] ahead of the event date. For example, if you would like an ASL interpreter, please let us know 3 weeks ahead of the event date so we have sufficient time to secure the services.  

Session 2 of 3 in the "Championing Students Through Change: Welcoming Youth Transitioning To and From School" Series (view series page for full details)   In this second session, Amanda Lipp will focus on trauma-sensitive and culturally responsive strategies for welcoming students back to school from hospitalization. This session will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to create nurturing environments that uplift students and foster their resilience as they navigate these significant transitions. We'll explore practical strategies for supporting students transitioning to and from programs and institutions, and provide participants with the skills to promote a sense of belonging and resilience among students during these pivotal times. Key questions we'll address include: How can school staff prepare themselves and students to welcome youth back from institutional settings? What unique challenges do students face when returning to school? What unique strengths do students bring to us as school leaders when returning to their school? Join us to build your capacity to champion students through times of transition. Whether you're an educator, administrator, school mental health professional, or youth advocate, you'll walk away with deepened empathy, practical tools, and a network of support.    Meet the Faculty    Amanda Lipp (she/they) Amanda Lipp serves as a Training & Technical Assistance Specialist with the Center for Applied Research Solutions and the Pacific Southwest MHTTC and is a filmmaker, multimedia artist, and speaker working at the intersection of mental health care, storytelling, and technology. Ms. Lipp has created over 100 short documentary films and educational comic books elevating complex mental health and social impact topics like youth psychosis, mass trauma, recreation therapy, and alternative living. As a passionate advocate, Ms. Lipp has delivered over 150 workshops and keynotes sharing mental health resources, films, and her own personal story. She currently serves on the Mental Health Advisory Panel at Google, and the Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Committee (ISMICC) created by Congress to advise on federal policy. Ms. Lipp formerly served as the youngest board member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Amanda graduated from UC Davis with a B.S. in Human Development. Ms. Lipp identifies with the LGBTQ community, and has passion for social awareness, and systems access for this population.    Meet the Panelists   Erin Hughes, MSW, PPSC (she/her) Erin Hughes is a school based social worker who has spent her career working with adolescents in San Francisco. For the past 17 years, she has been the Wellness Coordinator at June Jordan School for Equity, a small social justice high school in the Excelsior neighborhood. Her work primarily focuses on supporting the well-being of students and families through mental health services, case management, crisis prevention and intervention, and health education. Erin uses a trauma informed, strength based approach in her work with students that centers harm reduction and empowerment. She believes that harm reduction is a powerful approach to use with adolescents because it is rooted in justice and human rights, meets clients where they are at, honors their voice and choice, and aligns with their developmental needs.         Olivia P Hamrah, MD (she/her) Olivia Hamrah, MD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. She works with emerging adults in the Launch Clinic, Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic, and in school-based mental health through the MedStar Center for Wellbeing in School Environments (WISE). Her clinical and research focus is in early and first episode psychosis including the prevention of psychosis, treatment of clinical high-risk for psychosis, CBT for psychosis, and medication management of those experiencing a first episode of psychosis. Dr. Hamrah completed her fellowship training at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. She completed her adult psychiatry training at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and medical school at Georgetown University School of Medicine. Prior to her medical training, Dr. Hamrah earned a BA in Physics and a BS in Chemistry at the University of Virginia and taught middle school physics and math at a public charter school in Washington, DC.

This event is being offered to a specific cohort and is not accepting applications.  ABOUT THIS EVENT The Northwest MHTTC is offering this training in collaboration with Yakama Nation and Partnerships for Native Health. This training is being held from August 22 - 23, 2024, in Toppenish, WA. Learning Objectives Understand the fundamental aspects of the way of being with relatives/clients using Motivational Interviewing (MI). Learn to recognize change talk and sustain talk and how to respond to each in a good way. Utilize open-ended questions to develop discrepancy between ideal self and current behaviors in a way that encourages movement toward integrity. Day 1: 9:00am - 4:30pm Introduction to the Spirit of Motivational Interviewing (MI) Why MI for Native Communities Introduction to the Tools of MI Skill-building Exercises Day 2: 9:00am - 4:30pm De-escalation-overview/definition Situational/Predisposing Factors Triggers & Trauma Responses Trauma Informed De-escalation Supportive Responsiveness Post-Conflict Resolution FACILITATOR Lonnie Nelson, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Associate Professor, Partnerships for Native Health, Eastern band Cherokee (AniKituwah) Dr. Lonnie Nelson (descendant of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Arizona and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Rehabilitation Psychology at University of Washington's Harborview Medical Center. In 2012, he returned to the field of Native health disparities through the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Career Development Award (K12) at the University of Washington School of Public Health. Dr. Nelson joined the Washington State University College of Nursing in 2015. His work aims to address health disparities experienced by American Indian and Alaska Native communities through multiple avenues. His current research interests focus on the elimination of health disparities in urban dwelling and other Native populations through the application of culturally adapted evidence-based interventions and other patient centered approaches to changing health behaviors, such as indigenized motivational interviewing and harm reduction treatments. Outside of work, he enjoys making and using traditional Native archery gear and spending time with his 7-year-old daughter, Amelia.

Event Description This is Session 2 of the Thriving Together series. Learning objectives for this session include: Identify the principles of compassionate leadership by articulating its key components, such as empathy, active listening, and fostering a supportive work environment.  Demonstrate self-awareness as foundational elements of compassionate leadership, recognizing and managing one's own emotions while also empathizing with the emotions and perspectives of others to promote understanding and unity within the team.  Apply techniques for building trust and rapport within a team, utilizing strategies such as vulnerability, authenticity, and transparency to create a culture of trust and psychological safety conducive to collaboration and innovation. Trainers Rachel Navarro, PhD, LP  Topaza Yu 

Session 3 of 3 in the "Championing Students Through Change: Welcoming Youth Transitioning To and From School" Series (view series page for full details)   In this last session, Oriana and Melissa will focus on trauma-sensitive and culturally responsive strategies for welcoming students back to school from juvenile justice system involvement. Our goal is to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to create nurturing environments that uplift students and foster their resilience as they navigate these significant transitions. We'll explore practical strategies for supporting students transitioning to and from programs and institutions and provide participants with the skills to promote a sense of belonging and resilience among students during these pivotal times. Key questions we'll address include: How can school staff prepare themselves and students to welcome youth back from institutional settings? What unique challenges do students face when returning to school? What unique strengths do students bring to us as school leaders when returning to their school? Join us to build your capacity to champion students through times of transition. Whether you're an educator, administrator, school mental health professional, or youth advocate, you'll walk away with deepened empathy, practical tools, and a network of support.    Meet the Faculty    Melissa Smith, M.S. (she/her)  Melissa Smith is the newest member of the Pacific Southwest MHTTC team. As a licensed collegiate and postgraduate professional, Melissa comprehends the immense influence education can have on cultivating safe, inclusive, and engaging learning spaces that amplify voices which often go unheard. As a licensed collegiate and postgraduate professional, Melissa understands education's profound impact on ability to challenge existing norms and perceptions, amplifying the voices of those from marginalized communities. As a Change Consultant with Change Matrix, Melissa crafts transformative learning experiences that foster personal and professional growth. Her commitment extends beyond conventions as she envisions landscapes where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive. She uses her scholarly knowledge to create safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments.  Her methodology empowers people and organizations to question the status quo, utilize data-driven insights, and take tangible actions to create more equitable and inclusive environments. A passionate professional with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Reading from Radford University, Melissa encourages us to move beyond comfort zones to dismantle systemic barriers hindering social, emotional and mental health.   Oriana Ides, MA, APCC, PPS (she/her) Oriana Ides is a School Mental Health Training Specialist at CARS (the Center for Applied Research Solutions) and approaches healing the wounds of trauma and oppression as core elements of social justice. She has worked with young people across the life course from elementary school to college, and has served as teacher-leader, school counselor, classroom educator and program director. She is committed to generating equity within school structures and policies by focusing on evidence-based mental health techniques and institutional design.         Meet the Panelists   Ebony Sinnamon-Johnson (she/her) Ebony’s path is grounded in the integrity of Spirit and guided by her ancestors. Her calling is to be of service to those targeted by the brutality of oppressive systems. As a Black woman, Ebony prioritizes her advocacy, organizing, teaching, consulting, and healing guidance work to uplift Black people and Black communities. In addition to supporting marginalized people to navigate, resist, and heal from structural violence; Ebony recognizes this work is incomplete without asserting methods of accountability for abusive systems and empowerment for those harmed. Ebony has worked across a variety of institutional settings including public education, child welfare, community based mental health, and juvenile justice. Her practice has always been accompanied by efforts to partner with those most impacted and their ally’s to develop and implement protocols of systemic accountability to address issues of bias and discrimination. A hallmark of Ebony’s practice is challenging the status quo and inspiring people to initiate and create healthier ways of existing. Principles from Transformative Justice, Disability Justice, and the Black Radical tradition like self-determination, intersectionality, collective empowerment, sovereignty, and love inform her perspective and guide her approach.      Macheo Payne, Ed.D. MSW (he/him)   Dr. Macheo Payne is a Director of Juvenile Justice Systems Change at Public Works Alliance, a nonprofit organization that collaborates with local governments and communities to advance equity and justice. With over 15 years of experience in social work, Macheo is a passionate advocate for youth development, mental health, and family support.   Macheo is also a Professor of Social Work at California State University - East Bay, where he teaches Social Welfare Policy and Race, Gender & Inequality for 12 years. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from San Francisco State University, and has published on the disproportionate suspension of Black male students and the role of critical race theory in addressing systemic racism. Macheo is a motivator who works best in diverse teams, charged with solving some of society's biggest problems using transformational approaches that are human and healing centered.  

This highly interactive training is only open to Early Childhood Professionals working in the following states: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, & Texas. This event will provide training on the use of the following level one screening tools for identifying developmental concerns: Survey of Well Being of Young Children (SWYC) and the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (MCHAT-R/F).  The training will include: Guidelines for the administration, scoring, and interpretation of each measure Review of best practices in communicating results and decision-making regarding referrals Discussion of cultural considerations and resources to use in everyday practice About the Presenter Meredith Brinster, PhD has focused her research and clinical work on increasing access to care for autistic children and their families, with a special emphasis on supporting families through the lengthy diagnostic odyssey. She has over 15 years of experience and has partnered with Sheri Ravenscroft, MD, the Section Chief of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics to develop the Comprehensive Autism Program (CAP), with novel program development that has dramatically reduced waitlists to obtain an early autism diagnosis. She has also developed numerous programs to further support primary care physicians and reduce waitlists for school-aged children. She maintains a passion for empowering families through the diagnostic process while supporting and developing programs to further empower families during the post-diagnostic process.

Communicating feedback to team members in a way that motivates them to improve can be a difficult challenge. Most people dread feedback and automatically think it will be negative. However, given effectively, feedback can help people grow, which is a key part of the supervisory function. This webinar addresses some practical tools to give effective feedback to your direct reports. This class is part of the Leadership Coffee Break Series. Be sure to check out other classes in the series: Coffee Break Series.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Describe strategies for dealing with high and low performers Outline feedback approaches that focus on building on strengths   CONTINUING EDUCATION: Registrants who fully attend this training will be eligible to receive 1 continuing education (CE) hour certified by the Minnesota Board of Social Work. CE certificates are provided by People Incorporated Training Institute.   PRESENTER: Russ Turner, MA, Director of the People Incorporated Training InstituteDuring Russ’s 16-year tenure, he has written and taught thousands of hours of person-centered curriculum to help people become more effective helpers, communicators, and leaders. His audience includes workers and leaders across a wide range of organizations from human services, healthcare, and libraries, to law enforcement and corrections. He trains trainers, works with management, and has consulted and coached on training projects across multiple sectors of the economy. He has worked as an educator for three decades in a variety of countries and settings including Japan, the Czech Republic, and the UK. His teaching philosophy is that adults learn best when they are challenged, the material is applicable to work situations, and sessions are interactive and engaging.   This training is provided by our valued partners at the People Incorporated Training Institute. The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.