Past Events

  DESCRIPTION: Join us for an engaging panel discussion focused on the critical topics of opioid use and innovative approaches to harm reduction with an emphasis on the profound impact of overdose and adverse events on those working with individuals affected by substance misuse. Panelists will share insights and strategies to address these challenges, aiming to raise awareness and empower professionals in the field. This webinar is a unique opportunity to explore solutions, learn from the best practices, and collectively work toward safer and more effective substance misuse interventions while ensuring the well-being of staff impacted by adverse outcomes.     LEARNING OBJECTIVES: • Discuss emerging trends and challenges related to the treatment of opioid use disorder, including the impact of synthetic opioids. • Introduce innovative harm reduction approaches that aim to reduce the negative consequences of opioid use. • Examine the impact of overdose and adverse events on staff and discuss strategies to mitigate their effects.     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: Ashley E. Collins, LCSW, Program Director/Manager of Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Center (CORC) Grant, Centerstone Ashley E. Collins obtained her B.S. in Psychology at Indiana University Bloomington in 2006 and her MSW at IUPUI in 2008. She started as a therapist at Ireland Home Based Services working with adults and children involved with DCS and was quickly promoted to supervisor then regional coordinator. In 2011, Ashley became a Family Case Manager (FCM) at DCS in Brown County and became an FCM Supervisor in 2014 for Monroe County and later Owen County. After being with DCS for 5 ½ years, Ashley wanted to return to working in treatment and joined Centerstone in 2016 as a Forensic Coordinator where she obtained her LSW and LCSW. Ashley worked with grant programs, pilot programs, and specialized contracts, including SUD jail programming. In September 2020, Ashley became the Program Director of Centerstone’s Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Center (CORC) grant, a 4-year SAMHSA grant covering 9 counties.       Nate Metz, CCHW, President and CEO, Phoenix Paramedic Solutions Nathaniel Metz is the President and CEO of Phoenix Paramedic Solutions, a diversified EMS agency operating in the State of Indiana that provides a diversity of healthcare services including E-911, non-emergency medical transports, Community Paramedicine for hospitals and communities, and Occupational Health solutions for industrial and commercial clients. Initially working in a hospital setting as a Nurses Aid and in nursing school, then as an EKG Tech in the ICU, to earning his EMT-B and ultimately his Paramedic certification, Nathaniel’s healthcare career has grown through his experiences in caring for patients. Nathaniel is also certified as a CHW as part of Phoenix Recovery Solutions. Prior to founding Phoenix Paramedic Solutions, Nathaniel served as the Vice-President of Operations for Prompt Ambulance Service, at that time the largest private EMS agency in the State of Indiana. Nathaniel is recognized internationally as a leader and advocate for the proliferation of Community Paramedicine models to extend access to care in underserved communities and to address critical gaps in our current healthcare system. Nathaniel has been an invited speaker at the IRCP in Melbourne Australia, EMS World each of the past 5 years, at the Zoll Summit in Colorado, and at the Hennepin Community Paramedicine Conference in Minnesota.       Bradley Ray, PhD, Senior Researcher, RTI International Bradley Ray, who is a senior research public health analyst in the Applied Justice Research Division at RTI International, is a sociologist who conducts translational research along with training and technical assistance at the intersection of criminal-legal and behavioral health systems with a focus on overdose and violence prevention through harm reduction strategies. Dr. Ray has served as a principal investigator and co-investigator on studies funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),  the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). His work focuses on how people who use drugs or have substance use or other behavioral health disorders experience criminal-legal and behavioral health systems. At a policy level, Dr. Ray’s work has helped to address iatrogenic effects of social control on treatment systems through rigorous implementation science along with methodologically rigorous randomized controlled trials of interventions and big data integration aimed at evaluating overdose prevention and behavioral health-related strategies. He has an extensive publication record in peer-reviewed journals, including the American Journal of Public Health, Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment, Journal of Experimental Criminology, Drug and Alcohol Dependence, Psychiatric Services, and Addiction.     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 South Southwest MHTTC is pleased to host Bring on the Fear! Maximizing Exposure in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders for Youth for our Region 6 states and communities. The workshop will introduce the dominant theoretical model of anxiety disorders and the best-established treatment: exposure-based CBT. Strategies for making the most of exposures to achieve optimal outcomes for anxious youth will be illustrated, and practical application discussed. The training will include didactic, experiential activities, video modeling and behavioral rehearsal of exposure strategies.     Facilitator Dr. Sarah Kate Bearman, Ph.D. Department of Educational Psychology University of Texas at Austin Sarah Kate Bearman’s research focuses on the dissemination and implementation of empirically supported practices (ESPs) for underserved youth in community settings. Her research examines the processes and contexts that promote and support the effective use and sustainability of ESPs, with particular focus on treatment redesign, training and supervision, and the use of non-traditional providers and settings to increase ESP access. Bearman also has many years of experience in the development, testing, and dissemination of effective treatments for youth. She provides both clinical supervision and national trainings for therapists in the use of empirically supported practices for anxiety, depression, disruptive conduct and traumatic stress.  

DESCRIPTION This in-person training teaches the general public how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. It gives participants the skills needed to provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. This training is split into two sessions over two days. July 13 & 14 | 8:30am - 12:30pm each day   LEARNING OBJECTIVES Recognize the signs of a mental health or substance use disorder crisis Identify community resources Link individuals in need of treatment and support to the proper resources Learn a 5-step action plan that can be used to help those in need   Closed Registration: Civic Works (Baltimore, Maryland) staff only  

NOTE: This event is specifically for Washington State attendees who are part of the behavioral health workforce. This session is part of the Older Adults track of the Mental Health Institute. ABOUT THIS EVENT Reminiscence therapy is an evidence-based psychosocial intervention that engages elders in a reflective, narrative process to improve quality of life and well-being in older adults. This workshop provides an overview of the evidence base for Reminiscence therapy, describes specific elements of Reminiscence therapy, and engages attendees in hands-on exercises to practice acquired skills.  Contact hours will be available for participants who attend the entire session. The University of Washington is an approved provider of continuing education for DOH licensed social workers, licensed mental health counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, psychologists, chemical dependency professionals, nurses and physicians under the provisions of: WAC 246-809-610, WAC 246-809-620,WAC 246-811-200, WAC 246-840-210, WAC 246-919-460 and WAC 246-924-240.   Session is 1-5pm PT See more in the Older Adults (OA) track HERE  LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE HERE FACILITATORS Patricia Areán, PhD  Patricia Areán is a professor in the University of Washington’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and also is a clinical psychologist. Dr. Areán is a leading behavioral scientist, with an expertise cross-cultural mental health, geriatric psychology, assessment and treatment of depression and anxiety, the use of Human Centered Design for adapting psychosocial interventions and in the use of technology to conduct surveys, user experience research and clinical trials to scale. She is currently co-director of the NIMH funded ALACRITY Center and directs the CREATIV and the MHATS Digital Laboratories at the University of Washington. Dr. Areán has published on the recognition and treatment of depression and anxiety, methods for recruiting and retaining large and representative numbers of adults into longitudinal research, and acceptability of using digital methods for the purpose of screening and treating mental illnesses.       VISIT THE MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE MAIN PAGE    

Back to Basics All Over Again: EBPs ‘Baked into’ the 12 Steps Please join us for our monthly MHTTC webinar series, featuring Mike Bricker, MS, CADC-II, NCAC-2, LPC, a consultant on “dual recovery” from substance use and mental disorders through the STEMSS Institute. Mike specializes in blending research-based treatment with other Wisdom Traditions. Mike is also a Behavioral Health Clinician for Lifestance Behavioral Health in Eugene, Oregon, where he provides trauma-responsive care for chronic pain, methamphetamine, and Medication- Assisted Treatment. He has educated and trained counselors in Alaska, Oregon, and the Navajo Nation. Mike is a seasoned trainer who presents regularly at national conferences; he is training director for the Oregon NAADAC Chapter, an invited reviewer for SAMHSA grants, and a NAADAC-Approved Education Provider. He has been a clinician, consultant, and teacher for more than 35 years. 1-2 ET / 12-1 CT / 11-12 MT / 10-11 PT / 9-10 AKT

Recovering From A Mental Health Distress: A Supportive Approach to Crisis A lunch-and-learn training series designed to raise mental health awareness and enhance the toolkits of housing professionals.    Presenters: Maria E. Restrepo-Toro, MS and Megan Melamed, LICSW   For more information on this training and technical assistance collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Region One, visit https://mhttcnetwork.org/centers/new-england-mhttc/product/humanizing-mental-health-housing-training-and-technical.

SERIES 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. SERIES LEARNING OBJECTIVES Gain increased awareness of school well-being within a multi-tiered system of school mental health supports and services Support trauma-informed systems in schools Increase understanding of strength-based practices that promote student academic and social-emotional-behavioral success Learn to provide more culturally responsive and equitable services and supports Hear perspectives on school mental health from school, district and state levels Obtain insight into how youth, families, schools and communities can best work together to address student mental health needs     PRESENTER Shanéa Thomas, Ed.D, LICSW, LGBTQ+ Training Specialist & Assistant Clinical Research Professor, University of Maryland School of Public Health   AUDIENCE Educators, Administrators, Health and Behavioral Health Care Professionals, Central East (Region 3) Project AWARE Grantees, Policymakers and Advocates, and Child-Serving Agency Staff  

Ethical Considerations for Peer Specialists provides opportunity for Louisiana peer specialists to deepen their understanding of ethical decision-making through the use of scenarios, discussion, and guidance from experienced peer specialist trainers. This training was approved by the Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health, providing 3 CEUs towards the annual ethics training requirements for LA peer specialists.     Louisiana peer specialists can choose to attend 1 of 2 sessions offered.     Session 1 - 9:00AM-12:15PM CDT Session 2 - 1:30PM-4:45PM CDT     By the end of this training, participants will be able to: Identify different areas of consideration when making ethical decisions Apply the Louisiana Code of Ethics for peer specialists to different ethical situations Recognize a course of action for receiving support when an ethical situation does arise     This training will be facilitated by Via Hope, an Texas-based peer specialist training and workforce development organization with a mission to transform the way we think about behavioral health.     The deadline to apply for this training is June 30, 2023. Follow this link to apply: https://www.viahope.org/resources/ethical-considerations-for-peer-specialists-la-elearning/   Speakers   Maisha Barrett Training Coordinator [email protected]  Maisha Barrett (she/her) spent most of her life in the New Orleans area. She began her college degree at Loyola New Orleans and finished at St. Edward's University in Austin. She has spent ten years in the nonprofit sector in fields that address trauma. These include mental health, domestic violence, and sexual violence. She is passionate about education and considers herself a lifelong learner. Her educational background includes music therapy, psychology, women's studies, and art. She is passionate about social justice, healing, and making the world a better place through all forms of art and expression. She enjoys a good story, keeping her hands busy with art, and long conversations on her porch. She is currently the Training Coordinator at Via Hope.     Christina Carney Training and Curriculum Design Manager [email protected]  Christina Carney (she/her) is a creative with a passion for equity, justice, and healing. She spent several years working in Central New York as an advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence before moving to Austin, TX in 2012. While there, she received her MA from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Engaged Humanities with an Emphasis in Depth Psychology. Drawing on her lived experience, Christina became a Mental Health Peer Specialist in 2014, working at Austin State Hospital for three years, before starting at Via Hope in 2017. She is the founder and host of Community Connections, a free monthly webinar for Peer Specialists and was the Coordinator of the Peer Voice Project, a leadership program for Peers. Christina is now the Training and Curriculum Design Manager at Via Hope.

The South Southwest MHTTC is pleased to collaborate with the Texas Association of Community Health Centers to host a Trauma Informed Care Series: Knowledge & Strategies for Health and Hope. Join us as we empower staff with “hands-on” Trauma Informed Care knowledge and strategies to advance holistic patient-centered care.     Trauma Informed Care (TIC) is an evidence-based framework particularly suited to collaboratively identify risk factors to care, such as medication access and use, therapeutic engagement, and non-medical resource needs and navigation.     This series is open and applicable to all providers (Medical, Dental, Behavioral Health, and SUD Treatment Clinicians) and all staff (direct-care, front-line, operations, administration, and leadership).       These 1-hour didactic sessions will meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Session 1 (July 11th): Trauma Informed Care Foundations Session 2 (August 8th): Real-world Applications of Trauma Informed Care Principles: Non-Medical Drivers of Health (SDoH) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Session 3 (September 12th): TIC and Care Coordination through Cross-Sector Collaborations Session 4 (October 10th): TIC and Care for Individuals with Chronic Diseases Session 5 (November 14th): TIC and Care for Individuals with SUD   Download Flyer

Self-care among those who help trauma-affected individuals is a critical part of their success and the success of their clients. Event Description This webinar will discuss elements of trauma informed leadership with a particular focus on how to promote self-care among those who help trauma-affected individuals. Whether you are a teacher, counselor, administrator or community member, we all have a unique role to play in promoting wellness in our teams. This presentation will discuss elements of healthy work environments, potential red flags and signs of burnout, nuances of dual relationships and bias in tribal settings. The presentation will end with ideas and strategies on how to promote self-care all year long.  Trainer Cynthia Guzman                     Dr. Cynthia E. Guzmán is a licensed psychologist who has devoted her career to addressing health disparities in underserved communities, primarily in Indian Country for the past 12 years. She has experience with program design, development, and implementation of programs that address co-occurring disorders as well as primary care/mental health integration. Aside from clinical work and the supervision of other trainees, Dr. Guzmán considers herself a servant leader and enjoys developing community assessments, policy and procedure writing, as well as implementing culturally safe interventions at the community level. Dr. Guzmán is a proud member of the American Psychological Association, Society for Indian Psychologists and currently serves as the 2022 National Latinx Psychological Association Past President.

This learning community is closed to select participants.  To learn more about this series, visit the homepage: Implementing Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) in Kansas

    DESCRIPTION: Co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders can complicate treatment and many issues go unmanaged. Without integrated care people are also likely to develop medical concerns like diabetes or chronic pain. This presents a difficult treatment problem for professionals to solve and family members to navigate, as it can be difficult to know the best place to start. This class presents an integrated care approach using the Stages of Change model.     LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Recognize the importance of adopting an integrated approach Examine the neurobiology and risk factors of co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders Acquire a more complex understanding and application of the Stages of Change Explore different models and approaches to treatment of co-occurring disorders through scenario work     CONTINUING EDUCATION: Registrants who fully attend this training will be eligible to receive 2.0 continuing education (CE) hours certified by the Minnesota Board of Social Work. CE certificates are provided by the host agency, People Incorporated Training Institute.     PRESENTER: Raymond Young, CPS, BA Raymond Young, CPS, BA, has 15 years of experience training diverse groups of adult, youth, and adolescent learners prior to joining the Training Institute at People Incorporated Mental Health Services. He has trained mental health workers, police officers, transportation professionals, business partners, and clients. Ray received his certification as a Certified Peer Specialist from the Minnesota Department of Human Services in 2017 and has since worked with individuals with various mental health conditions and behavioral health concerns. He has also studied Drug and Alcohol Counseling. Ray has a passion for working with youth in Youth Leadership Programs and as a mentor in the community.   This training is provided by our valued partners at the People Incorporated Training Institute.   The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC 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.

This learning community is closed to select participants.  To learn more about this series, visit the homepage: Implementing Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) in Kansas  

This 2-day Learning Collaborative will bring together key leaders in Skagit County, WA in Region 10 to explore strategies to rethink behavioral health to reduce stigma. Offered in partnership with the Northwest ATTC, Northwest PTTC, and Skagit County Public Health.  ABOUT THIS EVENT People in Skagit County who struggle with mental health or substance use disorders often confront stigma that prevents them from accessing appropriate treatment. The stigma is held in place by a range of systemic factors, including a lack of cross-discipline understanding and collaboration. In July, we will be convening a Leadership Collaborative to learn more about stigma, discuss effective strategies and take action at a system level.   The learning collaborative will convene July 11th and 12th (9 AM – 4:00 PM PST both days) at McIntyre Hall Conference and Performing Arts Center in Mount Vernon, WA, and will focus on deepening collaboration across disciplines, exploring the best evidence about stigma, and understanding the conditions that make it possible to transform entrenched systems. Our time together will culminate with the identification of 1-2 stigma reduction initiatives that will be supported by the Technology Transfer Centers.    Skagit County was selected as the Pacific Northwest’s initial location for the Learning Collaborative due to the county’s leadership in advancing thriving for all community members, without exceptions. That includes initiatives from North Sound Accountable Community of Health, the Population Health Trust, and the county’s unprecedented North Star Project.   Learning Objectives Examine stigma through a system change lens and understanding the six conditions of system change.  Describe subjective and shared beliefs, attitudes, actions, and structures that produce and sustain stigmas. Observe how and why we and the communities in which we live, and work are affected by stigma and stigmatizing beliefs and attitudes.  Identify root causes and multiple forms and levels of stigma. Rethink behavioral health services across disciplines that are stigmatizing and further perpetuate discrimination. Examine mental models and how they shape how we act and collaborate across disciplines. Discuss the research on evidence-based strategies to address integration of behavioral health and stigma related to behavioral health disorders and goals in reducing stigma. Identify strategies for building stronger partnerships across prevention, MH, and SUD sectors as a strategy for reducing cross-discipline stigma. Discuss strategies that will impact system change and aligns with current Skagit County efforts. Create teams and develop an action plan to implement 2-3 stigma reduction strategies.   RESOURCES  July  Slide Deck: Coming Together to Rethink Behavioral Health: Integrating Practice, Reducing Stigma, and Achieving Outcomes. A Skagit County Leadership Learning Collaborative The Waters of Systems Change Additional info Eagle Team Ideas Tulip Team System Change Ideas Skagit Valley Newspaper Headlines in 2028 Learning Collaborative Participant List   September  System change initiative ideas Slides for September 20, 2023 September meeting page FACILITATORS Denna Vandersloot, M.Ed Denna Vandersloot is the Co-Director of the Northwest ATTC. She has over 20 years of experience as a clinician, researcher, trainer, and system change specialist in the field of addictions. Her areas of expertise include: Motivational Interviewing, Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment, Co-occurring Disorder Treatment, NIATx, and Recovery Oriented System of Care. She is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and a nationally registered SBIRT trainer. Christina Clayton, MSW, LICSW, SUDP Christina Clayton is the Co-Director of the Northwest MHTTC and has been working in the behavioral health field since 1993 working with people and programs addressing severe mental health issues, substance use, co-occurring issues, chronic homelessness, integrated care, outreach, physical health, trauma and diversity/equity/inclusion topics. Christina has education and licenses/credentials in clinical social work, mental health and substance use.  She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor and Field Instructor for the University of Washington School of Social Work (MSW ’97).   Kevin Haggerty, MSW, PhD Kevin Haggerty specializes in prevention programs at the community, school and family level. He is the Director of the Social Development Research Group. Dr. Haggerty serves as the Project PI/ Director for the Northwest PTTC. He is a Professor at the University of Washington (UW) School of Social Work. For more than 30 years, he has focused on developing innovative ways to organize the scientific knowledge base for prevention so that parents, communities and schools can better identify, assess and prioritize customized approaches that meet their needs.  He has an extensive research background in the intersection of biological and environmental risks for drug abuse in emerging adults and is an expert on substance abuse and delinquency prevention. Additionally, Dr. Haggerty is an investigator of the Community Youth Development Study, which tests the effectiveness of the Communities That Care program.   Michelle Frye-Spray, MS, CPS Michelle Frye-Spray is the Project Co-Director/Coordinator at the Northwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC). She leverages her knowledge of prevention science with over 25 years of prevention-related experiences to design and deliver engaging and impactful training and technical assistance. Her skills include coaching prevention practitioners to integrate prevention science into practices and interventions worth sustaining. Michelle has delivered prevention services in primary to post-secondary educational settings, facilitated the development of coalitions in rural/frontier communities, and trained state, local and tribal prevention practitioners in prevention science. Michelle is Workforce Development Project Manager at the University of Reno, CASAT, where she manages the Northwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center services.  Louise Parker, PhD Louise Parker is the Special Projects Advisor for the Northwest PTTC. Her research focuses on the delivery of evidence-based prevention programs in real-world settings. Dr. Parker is particularly interested in the cultural adaptation of interventions to increase reach and relevance for diverse communities. Her work in the prevention field is broad, with her most recent research activities focusing on childhood obesity prevention through the creation and implementation of family interventions in community settings. This research has advanced the prevention field’s understanding of effective research-practitioner and interdisciplinary partnerships Dr. Parker is also the developer and trainer for a cultural competency program called Navigating Difference and has used this expertise to inform the successful recruitment and retention of culturally diverse families in community-based prevention programs.   Chris Kelleher Chris Kelleher is a Portland, Oregon, consultant who works at the intersection of strategy, management, and language. He has held positions with Kaiser Permanente, Oregon Health and Science University, and the University of North Carolina. His client engagements focus on achieving meaningful progress by increasing coherence in thought and action. A frequent collaborator with ReThink Health, he is dedicated to developing cases and practices that drive equitable system change.    

Ethical Considerations for Peer Specialists provides opportunity for Louisiana peer specialists to deepen their understanding of ethical decision-making through the use of scenarios, discussion, and guidance from experienced peer specialist trainers. This training was approved by the Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health, providing 3 CEUs towards the annual ethics training requirements for LA peer specialists.     Louisiana peer specialists can choose to attend 1 of 2 sessions offered.     Session 1 - 9:00AM-12:15PM CDT Session 2 - 1:30PM-4:45PM CDT     By the end of this training, participants will be able to: Identify different areas of consideration when making ethical decisions Apply the Louisiana Code of Ethics for peer specialists to different ethical situations Recognize a course of action for receiving support when an ethical situation does arise     This training will be facilitated by Via Hope, an Texas-based peer specialist training and workforce development organization with a mission to transform the way we think about behavioral health.     The deadline to apply for this training is June 30, 2023. Follow this link to apply: https://www.viahope.org/resources/ethical-considerations-for-peer-specialists-la-elearning/   Speakers   Maisha Barrett Training Coordinator [email protected]  Maisha Barrett (she/her) spent most of her life in the New Orleans area. She began her college degree at Loyola New Orleans and finished at St. Edward's University in Austin. She has spent ten years in the nonprofit sector in fields that address trauma. These include mental health, domestic violence, and sexual violence. She is passionate about education and considers herself a lifelong learner. Her educational background includes music therapy, psychology, women's studies, and art. She is passionate about social justice, healing, and making the world a better place through all forms of art and expression. She enjoys a good story, keeping her hands busy with art, and long conversations on her porch. She is currently the Training Coordinator at Via Hope.     Christina Carney Training and Curriculum Design Manager [email protected]  Christina Carney (she/her) is a creative with a passion for equity, justice, and healing. She spent several years working in Central New York as an advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence before moving to Austin, TX in 2012. While there, she received her MA from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Engaged Humanities with an Emphasis in Depth Psychology. Drawing on her lived experience, Christina became a Mental Health Peer Specialist in 2014, working at Austin State Hospital for three years, before starting at Via Hope in 2017. She is the founder and host of Community Connections, a free monthly webinar for Peer Specialists and was the Coordinator of the Peer Voice Project, a leadership program for Peers. Christina is now the Training and Curriculum Design Manager at Via Hope.

  This event is closed to select participants.    

MONDAY, JULY 10, 2023 Main Session: 3:00 - 4:15 p.m. PT Optional Discussion: 4:15 - 4:45 p.m. PT [Find your local time zone here] Session 3 of 4 in the "Rising Practices & Policies Revisited" 2023 Learning Series (view series page for full details)   Our region’s families, students, and individuals are experiencing homelessness and home insecurity at a staggering rate (California alone is holding 28% of our nation’s students experiencing homelessness), and inflation, natural disasters, and lapsed pandemic support initiatives have only exacerbated the critical housing shortage. Examining ways in which community-based organizations, mental health systems, and school services are responding to the issues, challenges, and needs of this critical experience offers learning for all participants. Join us and providers throughout our region as we examine the alarming structural issue of home insecurity and what rising practices and policies are emerging to meet the mental and school mental health needs of people experiencing the impact of structural inequities in our region.   In this session, we explore the following questions and more: How can we interrupt the stigmatization of homelessness and foster safe and equitable access to mental health services? How are school and community-based mental health partners utilizing the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and other federal funding streams to maximize the workforce’s skills and support? How can we increase access to school services and supports? How can we collaborate with services that address compounding issues (e.g., interpersonal violence, the foster system) to be innovative in our approaches?     Select comments and quotes participants shared during last year’s 2022 session: “The afterparty is "awesome!" It allows participants to obtain answers to their questions. It also creates a "safe" nonjudgmental space.” “Identify the barriers for clients to access services and affordable housing and learn to advocate for them better.” “The aspect of talking about different strategies to help unhoused youth. I work with foster families and providers. So these strategies will be directly important in my work.” “How the programs tap into community resources to provide wrap around services.”     Presenters   Elida Sanchez MSW, PPSC, Program Specialist, Homeless Education, Division of Education Services, Orange County Department of Education Elida is a social worker focused on the field of Education, Community Advocacy, Program Implementation, and Evaluation. She has experience creating support systems and managing programs to serve students, families, teachers, and administrators. She has bridged the gaps between students and families by building partnerships, securing funding, and ensuring a pipeline for future success. Most recently she has focused on unhoused McKinney- Vento and foster youth, community schools, as well as Women Empowerment Initiatives in the UC system. Elida currently participates in the Continuum of Care Board as a McKinney-Vento and an Education representative, serves in the Transitional Age Youth Committee, Homelessness Providers Forum, and Collaboration to Assist Motel Families. Elida is passionate about leading teams and is dedicated to creating systemic change in multidisciplinary settings.     Hannah Etchison M.S., Special Projects Coordinator, McKinney-Vento & Foster Care Liaison Hannah Etchison began her role as Special Projects Coordinator, McKinney-Vento & Foster Care Liaison for Carson City School District,  July 2022. Previously, Etchison worked at Carson High School as the 21st CCLC Program Coordinator for 3 years. Prior to her time with Carson City School District, Hannah was a Safe School Professional for Washoe County School District at Echo Loder Elementary School for 3 years. She received her Master of Science from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2017 with a degree in Human Development & Family Studies and a Certification in Addiction Treatment & Prevention Services. Hannah enjoys spending time with her son, friends & family as well as singing/songwriting/recording and performing music. As the McKinney-Vento Liaison, one of Hannah's greatest priorities is to build strong bonds with families, students and community partners through continuous empathy, relatability & genuineness.      Samantha Taitano Executive Director, Manelu  Samantha Taitano is the Chairperson for the Guam Homeless Coalition (GHC), Guam's continuum of care (CoC), and the Executive Director of Mañelu, a nonprofit organization that empowers and educates youth and families to make changes that better their lives. She has been with both organizations since 2018 and became Chairperson for the GHC in 2020, leading the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and the expansion of its programs and partnerships. Before joining Mañe’lu and the GHC, Samantha attended film school in San Francisco, spent time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa and returned home to hone her marketing skills with a local technology company. Samantha credits her varied background as the driving force that propelled her into positions of leadership and responsibility. In her off time, Samantha lives the self-care she promotes by teaching and practicing yoga, carpentry, and most recently, golf.     Emily Clouse Executive Director Collaborative Association for Reintegration & Education, (CARE) Olympia Emily Clouse is a Certified Peer Counselor (CPC) and the founder and Executive Director of the Collaborative Association for Reintegration and Education (CARE), based in Olympia, Washington. CARE is committed to supporting justice-impacted youth and young adults, offering services such as peer counseling, systems navigation assistance, and mutual aid. Additionally, the organization conducts weekly outreach to assist youth living on the streets or in encampments throughout Thurston County. Emily's dedication to helping justice-impacted youth and families stems from her own experiences, particularly within the military justice system. She possesses an academic background in Psychology and Global Engagement from the University of Washington Tacoma, which has equipped her with the tools to leverage her personal experiences and promote change. Through her work, Emily strives to positively impact young individuals grappling with mental health issues and justice involvement in her region.     Main Session Moderator Evelyn Clark, CPP, Change Consultant and Racial Equity Trainer, Change Matrix Miranda March, PhD, PS MHTTC Co-Director     Session Debrief Facilitator Evelyn Clark, CPP, Change Consultant and Racial Equity Trainer, Change Matrix Miranda March, PhD, PS MHTTC Co-Director     Priming Materials State of Crisis: Dismantling Student Homelessness in California – Center for the Transformation of Schools A school created a homeless shelter in the gym and it paid off in the classroom  Addressing the Needs of Students Experiencing Homelessness During the COVID-19 Pandemic Students Experiencing Homelessness: The Conditions and Outcomes of Homelessness Among California Students [Research Brief] California's Students Experiencing Homelessness: Conditions, Outcomes, and Policy Considerations ISSUE BRIEF - Consequences of Youth Homelessness    

This is Session 1 of our Mindful Monday series, which focuses on a wide range of evidence-based practices from different disciplines.  Event Description Compassion Session #1 July 10th, 2023 This is a 30-minute training and will run every other week through September 25th, 2023.     Each month will have a specific theme/focus with exercises from that discipline. At the beginning of each session, participants will spend a few minutes grounding and learning about the practice for that day and then spend approximately 15-20 minutes in experiential practice, leaving a few minutes in the end for reflection and discussion.   Trainer Genevieve Berry

    DESCRIPTION: Understanding what drives someone to continue using substances will help address barriers to seeking help and successfully complete treatment. This class uncovers the nature of addiction and why treatment can be so difficult. The American Society of Addiction Medicine continuum is used as a framework for understanding how addiction professionals assess the person’s motivation to change, their situation, and their options for treatment.     LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Recognize warning signs of burnout and compassion fatigue Review of the “why” of caregiver work Assess current potential for compassion satisfaction Introduce strategies for reducing burnout in an individual and team     CONTINUING EDUCATION: Registrants who fully attend this training will be eligible to receive 2.0 continuing education (CE) hours certified by the Minnesota Board of Social Work and Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. CE certificates are provided by the host agency, People Incorporated Training Institute.     PRESENTER: Raymond Young, CPS, BA Raymond Young, CPS, BA, has 15 years of experience training diverse groups of adult, youth, and adolescent learners prior to joining the Training Institute at People Incorporated Mental Health Services. He has trained mental health workers, police officers, transportation professionals, business partners, and clients. Ray received his certification as a Certified Peer Specialist from the Minnesota Department of Human Services in 2017 and has since worked with individuals with various mental health conditions and behavioral health concerns. He has also studied Drug and Alcohol Counseling. Ray has a passion for working with youth in Youth Leadership Programs and as a mentor in the community.   This training is provided by our valued partners at the People Incorporated Training Institute.   The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC 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 South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC), invites Region 6 Peer Specialists and Family Partners working in First Episode Psychosis (FEP) and Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) teams to participate in our monthly networking meetings. These no-cost, virtual meetings offer you the opportunity to collaborate with other FEP/CSC Team Peer Specialists and Family Partners in a supportive, mentoring environment. The goal is provide a space for resource sharing, support around ways to be most effective when working with FEP/CSC clients, options for self-care strategies, and more! This event takes place on the first Friday of each month.   Facilitators:   Missy Boyd Certified Peer Specialist FEP/Hope Program I started out as a client and on my journey to recovery became a Peer Specialist.  I now work in FEP and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my life.               Angie Tyler  Certified Family Partner I have been working with the Integral Care RA1SE Team for 5 years and 7 months. I am fortunate to work and be part of an amazing team here in Austin. As a Certified Bilingual Family Partner, I am able to share my lived experience with families and help them navigate through community resources. My work background includes working with Travis County Juvenile Probation, Caseworker at Lifeworks for Homeless Foster Youth, and Arc of the Capital Area working with IDD services as well as with the Juvenile Justice Program. The work I am most proud of is with the Integral Care RA1SE team because it has allowed me the honor to walk with so many families through their own journey and to give them hope and encouragement in their most challenging moments.

  NOTICE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the National Hispanic and Latino MHTTC will need to postpone the June 16 event, Empowering Latina Behavioral Health Professionals Serving Hispanic & Latino Communities. The event is rescheduled for July 7 at the Grand Geneva Hotel in Lake Geneva, WI. We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience. We know the effort that you put into registering, arranging travel plans, and taking time out of your work schedules to attend. We hope that you will consider registering again and would love to see you in July. Please contact Sherrie Nichols at [email protected] with any questions. **************************************************************************************************************     Empowering Latina Professionals Serving Hispanic & Latino Communities           DESCRIPTION: The main purpose of this free 1-day in-person conference is to facilitate a meeting of Latina professionals working in the behavioral health field. Sessions will focus on strengthening behavioral health services for Hispanic/Latino communities, developing leadership and mentoring skills, and establishing a community of practice among Latina behavioral healthcare professionals.   Participants will be immersed in an educational and creative experience that includes presentations and roundtable discussions on topics with the potential to impact their leadership styles, improve the reach and effectiveness of their care through culturally responsive services, and celebrate the important influence women have within the communities they serve and the behavioral healthcare field overall. Please Note: All presentations will be in Spanish.      LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Discuss the unique cultural realities and experiences of Latina behavioral health professionals. Explore strategies to successfully navigate systems of care and facilitate the implementation of positive change. Promote a shift in thinking about the various roles of women professionals working in behavioral healthcare and the importance of these roles within the communities they serve. Highlight the power of mentorship as a strategy to pass along information and empower the work of emerging Latina leaders. Create an open dialogue emphasizing the vital importance of providing culturally responsive services and staying connected with the communities you serve.       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.      AGENDA: 7:30 AM–8:00 AM          Registration & Coffee Service   8:00 AM–8:30 AM          Welcome & Conference Overview   8:30 AM–9:30 AM          Presentation: Estrategias para navegar con éxito los sistemas de cuidado salud y facilitar la implementación de un cambio positivo CDR Karina D. Aguilar   9:30 AM–9:45 AM         Morning Break            10:45 AM–11:45 AM      Presentation: Café entre Mujeres Fabiola Hamdan, MSSW Teresa Tellez-Giron  Verónica Vega  Lucia Nuñez, MEd   10:45 AM–11:45 AM     Presentation: Fortaleciendo el Empoderamiento de la Mujer Hispana, Parte 1 Evylegna Rodriguez, PhD 11:45 AM–1:00 PM       Lunch (Lunch is not included, but local restaurant info will be provided at registration)   1:30 PM–2:30 PM        Presentation: Fortaleciendo el Empoderamiento de la Mujer Hispana, Parte 2 Evylegna Rodriguez, PhD   2:30 PM–2:45 PM        Afternoon Break   2:45 PM–4:15 PM        Presentation: Fortaleciendo el Empoderamiento de la Mujer Hispana, Parte 3 Evylegna Rodriguez, PhD   4:15 PM–4:30 PM        Closing Session & Evaluations   DOWNLOAD: Presentations and Materials   QUESTIONS? Please contact Sherrie Nichols, [email protected].     The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training opportunity 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.    

  NOTICE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the National Hispanic and Latino MHTTC will need to postpone the June 16 event, Empowering Latina Behavioral Health Professionals Serving Hispanic & Latino Communities. The event is rescheduled for July 7 at the Grand Geneva Hotel in Lake Geneva, WI. We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience. We know the effort that you put into registering, arranging travel plans, and taking time out of your work schedules to attend. We hope that you will consider registering again and would love to see you in July. Please contact Sherrie Nichols at [email protected] with any questions. **************************************************************************************************************     Empoderamiento de Mujeres Latinas en Servicio de sus Comunidades           DESCRIPCIÓN: El propósito principal de esta conferencia presencial y gratuita de 1 día es facilitar una reunión de profesionales latinas que trabajan en el campo de la salud conductual y otros campos relacionados. Las sesiones se enfocarán en fortalecer los servicios de salud conductual para las comunidades hispanas/latinas, desarrollar habilidades de liderazgo y mentoría y establecer una comunidad de práctica entre mujeres latinas profesionales   Las participantes estarán inmersas en una experiencia educativa y creativa que incluye presentaciones y un panel de discusión (Café entre Mujeres) sobre temas referentes al impacto de estilos de liderazgo, el alcance y eficacia de sus prácticas a través de servicios culturalmente receptivos, y que celebran el importante impacto que tienen las mujeres latinas en las comunidades a las que sirven y en el campo de salud conductual en general. Todas las presentaciones serán en español.     OBJETIVOS: Discutir las realidades y experiencias culturales particulares de las profesionales latinas en el campo de la salud conductual. Explorar estrategias para navegar con éxito en los sistemas de servicios de cuidado de salud y facilitar la implementación de cambios positivos. Promover un cambio en la forma de pensar acerca de los diversos roles de las mujeres profesionales que trabajan con la salud conductual y la importancia de estos roles dentro de las comunidades a las que sirven. Destacar el poder de la mentoría como una estrategia para transmitir información y empoderar el trabajo de las líderes latinas emergentes. Crear un diálogo abierto que enfatice la importancia vital de brindar servicios culturalmente receptivos y mantenerse conectado con las comunidades a las que sirve.     CERTIFICADOS:  Participantes inscritas que asistan este evento o capacitación en su totalidad recibirán un certificado de asistencia por correo electrónico dentro de dos semanas posteriores a culminarse el evento o capacitación.     AGENDA DE CONFERENCIA: 7:30 AM–8:00 AM         Registro   8:00 AM–8:30 AM         Bienvenida Ibis S. Carrion, PhD   8:30 AM–9:30 AM        Presentación: Estrategias para navegar con éxito los sistemas de cuidado salud y facilitar la implementación de un cambio positivo CDR Karina D. Aguilar, DrPh   9:30 AM–9:45 AM          Receso            10:45 AM–11:45 AM       Presentación: Café entre Mujeres Fabiola Hamdan, MSSW Teresa Tellez-Giron  Verónica Vega  Lucia Nuñez, MEd   10:45 AM–11:45 AM      Presentación: Fortaleciendo el Empoderamiento de la Mujer Hispana, Parte 1 Evylegna Rodriguez, PhD   11:45 AM–1:00 PM       Almuerzo (El almuerzo no está incluido)   1:30 PM–2:30 PM         Presentación: Fortaleciendo el Empoderamiento de la Mujer Hispana, Parte 2 Evylegna Rodriguez, PhD   2:30 PM–2:45 PM         Receso   2:45 PM–4:15 PM         Presentación: Fortaleciendo el Empoderamiento de la Mujer Hispana, Parte 3 Evylegna Rodriguez, PhD   4:15 PM–4:30 PM        Cierre y Evaluación     ¿PREGUNTAS?  Sherrie Nichols, [email protected].     The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training opportunity 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.    

This learning community is closed to select participants.  To learn more about this series, visit the homepage: Implementing Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) in Kansas  

Description: The current sociocultural and sociopolitical realities require that mental health providers re-envision and re-examine the services we offer.   This presentation addresses the impact of racial capitalism, implicit bias, and colorism within Latinx communities.  A discussion about unexamined intersectionality of privilege and oppression within Latinx communities will be examined from both social, personal, and professional domains. The presenter will advocate for why there is no “opting out” of intersectionality and inclusivity in working with Latinx communities, and how an understanding of such lived realities can aid providers in deconstructing oppressive systemic influences through therapeutic practice.    This webinar is presented in partnership with El Futuro.   Learning Objectives: By the end of this training, participants will be able to: Explain why cultural humility is essential in changing the nature by which we understand ourselves and others. Identify at least two ways in which professionals can address their own implicit biases.  Identify at least two ways to increase one’s antiracist and social justice work in their professional capacities.   Presenter:   Miguel Gallardo, PsyD is a Professor of Psychology and Director of Aliento, The Center for Latinx Communities at Pepperdine University.  He teaches courses on social justice advocacy and Latinx professional practice issues.   Dr. Gallardo is a licensed clinical psychologist and maintains an independent/consultation practice where he conducts psycho-legal evaluations and assessments.  Dr. Gallardo’s areas of scholarship and research interests include understanding the psychotherapy process when working with ethnocultural communities, particularly Latinx communities and in understanding the processes by which individuals develop cultural awareness and humility.  Dr. Gallardo has published refereed journal articles, books, and book chapters in the areas of multicultural psychology, Latinx psychology, ethics and evidence-based practices, cultural humility, and racial color-limited perspectives.  He is currently a Series Editor for Cognella Academic Press’ Advances in Culture, Race, and Ethnicity book series.  Dr. Gallardo also regularly discusses issues relevant to understanding how we can develop more humane relationships with one another on his Cultural Humility podcast.   Dr. Gallardo served a 6-year Governor appointed licensed member of the California Board of Psychology.  Dr. Gallardo is the founding president of the California Latinx Psychological Association, a past-president of the California Psychological Association and past chair of the Committee on Ethnic Minority Affairs of the American Psychological Association.   Dr. Gallardo is currently serving a 5-year appointment on the Clergy Misconduct Oversight Board for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles (ADLA) and also on the Anti-Racism Taskforce Education Committee for the ADLA.  Dr. Gallardo is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association.