Past Events

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 upcoming sessions here. This presentation will define an ACT Psychiatrist, discuss ACT Team and Psychiatrist expectations, and share how to best advocate for the client while working within a multidisciplinary team setting. Slides Learning Objectives At the end of the presentation participants should be able to do the following: Describe ways in which ACT psychiatry differs from other psychiatric practices and is a unique version of community psychiatry Identify skill sets important for ACT Psychiatrists Understand personal characteristics which serve ACT Psychiatrists well and make the work fulfilling FACILITATORS   Steve Harker, MD Dr. Steve Harker has been committed to the ACT model for almost 20 years in a variety of roles. Dr. Harker is an ACT psychiatrist based in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is a certified ACT Fidelity Reviewer and frequently conducts case consultations to PACT teams in Washington state. He also advises students in Hennepin-Regions' psychiatry residency program and conducts training in Hennepin-Regions' Training Institute.   Ann Hackman, MD Dr. Ann Hackman is an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.  She completed her psychiatry residency training at the University of Maryland in 1994.  She is a board certified psychiatrist with added qualifications in forensics and addictions.  She is the Division Director for Community Psychiatry, Medical Director for the University of Maryland’s Programs of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT), Senior Education Consultant and Senior Psychiatrist for the Recovery After Initial Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE) program.  She has longstanding interest in serious mental illness, in the treatment of people living with schizophrenia and in underserved populations including people experiencing homelessness.

  With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare providers found themselves abruptly thrust into the world of telehealth services delivery. As agencies, clinicians, and clients increased the use of these new technologies and methods of clinical practice and collaboration, an apparent need for ethical best practices within this modality arose. This presentation will emphasize ethical best practices using technology and telehealth, ethical responses to unique challenges faced by clients and providers using this modality, and ethical concerns unique to using virtual methods in clinical practice.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this educational activity, learners will be able to: Identify ethical concerns specific to virtual service delivery in their clinical practice. Identify ethical responses to challenges associated with the use of virtual technologies. Identify and mitigate limitations in the use of technology and virtual platforms in their work.   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:  Dr. Jill D. Stinson is a licensed clinical psychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at East Tennessee State University. She received her dual doctorate in Clinical Psychology and Psychology, Policy, and Law from the University of Arizona prior to serving as the Director of Sex Offender Treatment at Fulton State Hospital with the Missouri Department of Mental Health. Her teaching focuses on professional ethics, forensic psychology, and psychological assessment, while her research focuses on serious mental illness, personality disorders, self-regulatory problems, and histories of early childhood maltreatment in persons who have committed violent and sexual offenses, as well as issues related to community re-entry, stigma, and suicidality in justice-involved populations. Dr. Stinson has authored three books related to etiology and treatment of sexual offending and motivation to engage in therapy. She is the incoming Editor-in-Chief for Sexual Abuse, Chair of the ETSU Campus IRB, and Secretary of the Board of the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology.   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.

WEDNESDAY, May 22, 2024 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. PT Session 4 of 4 in the "Rooting Young Adult Mental Health Services in Culturally Sustaining Values & Practices" Series (view series main page for full details)   Honoring and Supporting Peer Support in Healing-Centered Approaches May 22, 2024: Session 4   This session’s essential question is: How might organizations truly value, uplift, and support the wisdom and skill of those with lived experience? Join us as we explore peer support in healing-centered engagement. The learning objectives include: How YYA serving organizations can implement peer support providers, and uplift lived experience professionals Learn about the power and benefits of peer support in a young person's life Ways to implement peer support in young people's treatment plan as a way to promote employment opportunities and belonging How to create youth leadership programming and youth voice initiatives   Main Series Program Goals Counter the impacts of vicarious trauma and burn out by creating a safe and responsive learning community for the YYA workforce to be heard and seen in their efforts to support the holistic needs of their clientele. Build an understanding of healing centered engagement and approaches to youth development and case management that strengthens service provision for transition-aged youth. Expand our organizational and individual capacity to support young adult holistic wellness, critical consciousness development, and collective healing.     Audience All community-based organizations, institutions, and mental health professionals, including peer support specialists, therapists, psychologists, counselors, and others who support the mental health and wellness of transition-aged youth.     Meet the Co-Facilitators   Oriana Ides, MA, APCC, PPS (she/hers) 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.       Falilah “Aisha” Bilal (she/her) Falilah “Aisha” Bilal has worked joyously for over 30 years creating innovative, relevant evidence-based strategies to transform, empower and develop individuals, systems, organizations and contemporary thought. Ms. Bilal’s work is centered in healing practices, empowering youth and families, and self-discovery.  Ms. Bilal specializes in the field of youth development, healing informed organizational development, and strategic fundraising consultation. Currently Ms. Bilal serves as the Chief of Staff for the Black Organizing Project as well as directs her own consulting company where she provides trainings, curriculum development, healing experiences, coaching, and executive leadership to local and national agencies, companies and programs. Previously, Ms. Bilal served as a Senior Trainer with the National Black Women’s Justice Institute and a Radical Healer with Flourish Agenda.  She served as the Executive Director for M.I.S.S.S.E.Y. raising over 2 million dollars in funds to support sexually exploited children and young adults.   She has worked for numerous Bay Area agencies including World Trust, Alameda County Sheriff’s Department, Oakland Bay Area CARES Mentoring Movement, GirlSource, Office of Family, Children and Youth, City of Oakland, and the Young Women’s Freedom Center. Ms. Bilal holds a M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies and a B.A. in Theater Arts and Child Psychology from San Francisco State University.   Meet the Panel Speakers   Nola Brantley (she/her) Nola Brantley, the Founder & CEO of Nola Brantley Speaks, stands as a beacon in the fight against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) in California since 2004. Her journey, intertwined with the struggles of sex trafficking victims, fuels her unwavering advocacy for historically oppressed and marginalized children. Nola's deep-rooted understanding of trauma, shaped by her own experiences of poverty, abuse, foster care, and authority misuse, positions her as a powerful voice in the national discourse on child sex trafficking. Through compelling public speaking engagements, Nola has earned acclaim for her steadfast commitment to combatting child sex trafficking. Her personal narrative illuminates the intricate web of challenges faced by CSEC victims, shedding light on the systemic issues that perpetuate their vulnerability in society. Nola's advocacy serves as a catalyst for change, amplifying the voices of youth who have long been silenced and overlooked. As a revered subject matter expert in the realm of child sex trafficking, Nola channels her expertise as a master-trainer at Nola Brantley Speaks, impacting over 350,000 professionals and community members worldwide. Her groundbreaking aftercare methods for survivors of abuse offer a path to healing and restoration, instilling hope in those grappling with trauma. Nola's tireless dedication to raising awareness and providing holistic support for victims of CSEC embodies a commitment to fostering resilience and empowerment in the face of adversity. Her work continues to drive meaningful progress in the fight against child sex trafficking, advocating for a future where all children are safeguarded and valued.   Xochtil Larios (she/her) Xochtil Larios is the Youth Justice Coordinator at Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice (CURYJ), where she cut her teeth in community organizing, youth leadership, and activism as a program participant while incarcerated in juvenile hall. At CURYJ, Xochtil brought her innovative Youth Transformation Curriculum to detained youth and led participatory research, culminating in the 2019 report “Dream Beyond Bars: A Youth Vision for Alameda County’s Juvenile Justice System.” Xochtil received her Associate in Social Science from Laney College, where she was honored as a Chicana graduate of Restoring Our Communities and Raíces student networks. She is a 2018 recipient of the California Endowment Community Champion Youth Award. She also serves as a Youth Commissioner on the Alameda County Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commission, ensuring youth voices are heard in policymaking. Xochtil works in the trenches of grassroots mobilizing and relentlessly advocates for youth representation.

About this Event: Mental Health Awareness Month is not just about community awareness, or being aware of the people around us. For those of us living in mental health recovery, being aware of ourselves—being able to hear, see, and interpret the signals our body and mind send us—is ​an important part of maintaining our recovery. Waiting for others to observe and comment on perceived changes in us can unnecessarily extend or even increase negative impacts of mental health concerns. In this webinar,  Beth Lambert, CPS-MH, CPS-AD and Claudia Renee Hamilton, CPS-MH, CPS-AD of Rome, Georgia will discuss the benefits of having a self-care plan for daily living that is not crisis-focused, but a strengths-based approach that emphasizes nurturing wellness and strengthening resilience in manageable moments throughout the day. They will demonstrate some of the techniques they employ, including a brief, self-guided meditation that can be done anytime, anywhere. Learning Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: List the benefits of having a self-care plan; Describe behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that may serve as signals that a self-care activity is warranted; Demonstrate at least one informal self-care activity that can be used as part of a self-care plan.

The South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center is thrilled to host a free, one-hour event on Reflective Supervision. This event is specifically for those new to the concept or within three years of practice/participation. The webinar is open to early childhood mental and behavioral health providers within the HHS Region VI states including Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.  The South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center is honored to host Nat Vikitsreth, a nationally award-winning decolonized therapist and facilitator, trans rights activist, and host of the Come Back to Care Podcast, to present on the topic. This webinar is open to all curious and compassionate early childhood providers who meet the criteria listed above and are looking to understand Reflective Supervision as a means to grow, create, and connect.  The heART of Reflective Supervision: Attunement, Reflection, and Togetherness webinar will help shape experiences providing and participating in reflective practices across disciplines. Join us for an hour of education, “a-hah” moments, and strategies to elevate the work in and around Reflective Supervision.  Objectives Participants will be able to: Define Reflective Supervision and the participating roles Learn strategies for providing and receiving Reflective Supervision Describe how equity and the parallel process are involved in Reflective Supervision Facilitator Nat Vikitsreth, LCSW (she/her) works as a nationally award-winning decolonized therapist and facilitator, a trans rights activist, and host of the Come Back to Care Podcast, which you can visit here. She founded Come Back to Care to help anyone who loves and raises children to heal as they get free.   

Event Description This online webinar offers a focused exploration into implementing Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT) within settings necessitating brief, effective interventions (e.g., Integrated Behavioral Health positions). This 60-minute session, split between didactic learning and hands-on practice, is designed for clinicians seeking effective, short-term therapeutic strategies that encourage long-term patient engagement. Learn the fundamentals of FACT, its application in IBH or similar settings for addressing a wide range of issues quickly and effectively, and techniques to boost patient retention and follow-up. Ideal for mental health professionals in fast-paced settings, this webinar will equip you with the skills to make a lasting impact in brief clinical encounters.    This training is in response to questions we received from participants at our April training,  Rural Resilience:  Bridging Mental Health Support for Men in the Heartland  Trainer Andrew Jordan Thayer, PhD, LP 

Reasonable accommodations and modifications for tenants with mental or behavioral health conditions is the focus of this 90-minute webinar. ABOUT THIS EVENT Housing isn't "one size fits all," and tenants with mental or behavioral health conditions might need adjustments to their housing so they, too, can have a stable, healthy home. Reasonable accommodations and modifications can help tenants make these necessary adjustments to their rental so their house can become a home. During this presentation, attorneys will review what reasonable accommodations and modifications are, how to talk to landlords about them, and provide tips on handling difficult cases. The Northwest MHTTC is proud to offer this webinar in partnership with the Tenant Law Center. Additional Resources: Slides RA guide for medical professionals Washington Low Income Housing Alliance - want to get involved with WLIHA? Please email [email protected] King County Tenant Resource Line, open M-F (except holidays) from 9 AM to 1 PM: (206) 580-0762 Solid Ground classes: Webinars for tenants  FACILITATORS Elizabeth Powell, Staff Attorney Elizabeth Powell has been actively practicing law since she was admitted to the Washington Bar in 2000. She volunteered for the King County Housing Justice Project for years and took the knowledge she gained representing tenants facing evictions into her private practice, where she litigated well over a thousand cases in the last 23 years. She was solo counsel on Thoreson Homes v Prudhon, a Div I published decision which reversed the trial court. She has presented at CLE’s geared towards landlord-tenant litigation and has assisted with litigation and/or settlement of housing cases all over the state. She has handled grievance hearings with PCHA, THA, SHA, and KCHA. She has litigated matters involving the WSLAD, the ADA and service animals, and reasonable accommodation. Kasey Burton, Senior Staff Attorney Kasey Burton is a Senior Staff Attorney at the Tenant Law Center, which provides eviction prevention and tenant advocacy services to King County. Kasey has spent several years practicing landlord-tenant law as both a right-to-counsel attorney for tenants facing eviction and providing eviction prevention assistance, which has allowed her to pursue her passion for housing justice.  Kasey attended the University of Washington for both her Bachelor’s in Political Science, with a minor in Law, Societies, and Justice, and her Juris Doctorate. She is currently working on her Master’s in Public Administration at the University of Colorado Denver and hopes to use this degree to facilitate her engagement in policy change that provides Washington citizens who are tenants or unhoused with the protections they deserve.

Suicide is a global public health concern, and the need for robust prevention infrastructure is more critical than ever. This learning session will delve into the multi-faceted approach the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) has taken to support states and territories in building effective and sustainable suicide prevention infrastructure. During this session we will explore the intersection of community behavioral health services and suicide prevention infrastructure through shared risk and protective factors, crisis supports, and focus on social determinants of health. Participants will learn about: SPRC’s Recommendations for State Suicide Prevention Infrastructure including the six essential elements of prevention infrastructure Evaluating suicide prevention infrastructure using the State and Territorial Suicide Prevention Needs Assessment (SNA) Current national priority areas and key findings of the 2023 SNA SPRC resources and tools to support comprehensive suicide prevention infrastructure A case study demonstrating how effective suicide prevention infrastructure tangibly reduces suicide rates During this session we will also briefly touch upon the broader significance of these elements within the wider suicide prevention landscape. This session aims to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to address shared gaps in effective suicide prevention and promote progress towards sustainable suicide prevention infrastructure. A certificate of attendance will be provided to participants who attend 50% or more of the session.

Join us to learn about person-centered, family-driven partnerships to support the recovery journey for individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges and their families—the focus of a new, free, online course module, Partnering with Families in Behavioral Health, developed by the National Family Support Technical Assistance Center and the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University. The course's focus is to present an approach that teaches the behavioral health workforce how to partner with families.   The 6 lessons present strategies to put evidence-based partnership principles into action using the “FAMILY” approach: Facing Personal and Professional Attitudes; Acknowledging Family Identities and Expertise; Making Meaningful Partnerships; Identifying Solutions to Conflict; “Letting Go” to Support; and Yielding to Outside Resources.   The presentation will provide opportunities for participants to engage in reflection exercises, as well as opportunities to ask questions of the course developers, so that they can increase their understanding of the strategies involved in family partnerships.   Presenters: Gail Cormier, MS, brings over 25 years of experience providing national and statewide technical assistance and expertise working with families, youth, and young adults. She is a proven national family leader with both professional and family-lived experience. Cormier’s knowledge is demonstrated by her work at several levels. At the national level, she partners in the development of federal programs that serve at-risk and vulnerable individuals, families, and their children-of-any age. Dana Asby, MA, MEd, is a developmental and educational psychology researcher and author, as well as a mental health and transformational leadership educator. She has a passion for helping all members of the family use their strengths to find person-centered solutions to challenges. Dana applies her lived experience as a family member to those with mental health challenges, her own recovery from traumatic experiences, and a decade as a teacher in preschool to junior high school classrooms to her current work in behavioral health.   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.  

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.

ABOUT THIS EVENT It’s estimated that 50 million adults in the United States have chronic daily pain and approximately 19.6 million of those adults are experiencing high impact chronic pain that interferes with daily life or work activities. Nation-wide the cost of chronic pain is estimated to be between $560-635 billion annually and our nation is facing an opioid crisis that, over the past two decades, has resulted in an unprecedented wave of overdose deaths associated with prescription opioids, heroin, and synthetic opioids. Multidisciplinary and biopsychosocial pain management has long been the gold standard for the treatment of care, yet most allied behavioral health professionals are not trained in evidence-based interventions for chronic pain. This 90-minute workshop will utilize the shared knowledge of the University of Washington Center for Pain Relief’s multidisciplinary team to provide education and training on evidence-based interventions to support those in chronic pain. FACILITATORS Kaitlin Touza, PhD Kaitlin Touza is a pain psychologist and acting assistant professor at the University of Washington’s Center for Pain Relief. She provides evidence-based individual and group intervention, including CBT, ACT, EAET, and PRT.  She also provides consultation to a broad population in the Pacific Northwest region and Alaska through UW’s TelePain program. Kaitlin is fellowship trained at Stanford in clinical pain psychology and is committed to multidisciplinary care and education in pain management. She is passionate about educational outreach and program development for patients, family members, and healthcare providers, with the goal of improving access to specialized multidisciplinary pain management in rural and underserved populations. She believes in a patient-centered, evidence-based, and biopsychosocial approach to intervention, program development, and assessment.   Bethany Pester, PhD Bethany Pester is a pain psychologist and acting assistant professor at the University of Washington’s Center for Pain Relief. Her patient-centered approach incorporates evidence-based psychological treatments for chronic pain, such as CBT, ACT, EAET, and PRT, while partnering with each patient to understand their unique needs and tailor treatment accordingly. Bethany has collaborated with research teams at UW/Seattle Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical System, Medical University of South Carolina, and academic medical centers across Michigan to study biopsychosocial approaches to understand, treat, and prevent acute and chronic pain. She is passionate about advancing research to better understand these complex conditions and translate discoveries into effective personalized treatments for children, adolescents, and adults.   Eric Wanzel, MSW, LICSW Eric Wanzel is a masters-level therapist at the University of Washington’s Center for Pain Relief.  Eric has a special interest in the intersections between chronic pain and PTSD and provides evidence-based interventions to this population including CBT, ACT, PRT, CPT, PE, and WET.  He received his foundational training at the State University of New York and specialized training with the Neuro Orthopaedic Institute Australasia (i.e. noigroup) in pain neuroscience education and graded motor imagery.  Eric strives to provide whole person and multidisciplinary healthcare to underserved populations in addition to educational outreach and training for healthcare providers.   Elisabeth Powelson, MD, MSc Elisabeth Powelson is trained in anesthesia and pain medicine and treats patients at the University of Washington’s Center for Pain Relief and Harborview Medical Center. Additionally, she is an acting assistant professor in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine and a T32 Research Fellow at the Pediatric and Sleep Innovations Lab.  She has a special interest in post-traumatic pain, PTSD, and pain in older adults. She believes that pain treatment requires a comprehensive multimodal approach and focuses on a partnership with her patients to improve their overall wellness and improve their quality of life. 

Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Psychosis (CBT-P) is an evidence-based approach to support recovery for individuals experiencing psychosis. Case conceptualization can guide CBT-P individual treatment and team-based treatment in a multidisciplinary setting, such as a First Episode Psychosis (FEP) team. In these monthly case-based learning calls, First Episode Psychosis (FEP) Team Leads and Therapists in MHTTC Region 6 will practice using case conceptualization models for young people on their FEP teams. Each month, up to two providers will have the opportunity to present their case conceptualization and receive feedback from the group. Providers will be asked to submit their case conceptualization one week in advance of the call. Samantha Reznik, PhD, will facilitate the calls. Although the calls will practice using a CBT-P case conceptualization, other modalities may be integrated as clinically indicated by the conceptualization and an emphasis will be placed on shared decision-making and recovery-oriented approaches. Participants should expect to learn basic theory of CBT-P case conceptualization rather than to be competent in provision of full CBT-P. Further CBT-P training options will be discussed during the series.   Interested parties should register by completing this form by December 18, 2023 and expect to share at least one case conceptualization within the six-month series as well as having some materials to review in January. Applications will be reviewed and all applicants will be notified of the status of their selection by January 5, 2024. Accepted participants are expected to share at least one case conceptualization within the six-month series and will have some pre-work materials to review in January.   Facilitator Samantha Reznik is the current research postdoctoral fellow with the Advancing the Early Psychosis Intervention Network in Texas (EPINET-TX) project at the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health (TIEMH), University of Texas at Austin. She has specialized in providing recovery-oriented services to individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI) and other underserved populations. She completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Arizona. She trained in Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Psychosis (CBT-P) at the Early Psychosis Intervention Center (EPICenter) in Tucson, Arizona. She completed an advanced clinical fellowship in rehabilitation and recovery for SMI at VA San Diego Healthcare System/University of California San Diego (VASDHS/UCSD), where she expanded her training in CBT-P and learned how to integrate Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R). She also completed a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded clinical internship at University of Kansas Medical Center to specialize in working with underserved populations.     Positionality statement:   I have been passionate about CBT-P since I saw how it can be used to effectively partner with young people in service of recovery. One important area of non-expertise in my use of CBT-P is that I do not have lived experience of psychosis or participating in CBT-P. Having a positionality as only provider rather than receiver of services, I am mindful that lived experiences may or may not align with the evidence base of CBT-P. I work to honor each individual’s lived experience of participating in CBT-P by sharing and collaboratively building any case conceptualizations and partnering in setting goals and techniques. I apply CBT-P flexibly and use CBT-P case conceptualization to guide therapy, which often incorporates strategies from other modalities.

  This is session 6 of the Mindful Monday series, running from March 11 to May 20. Event Description We are excited to announce that Christina Ruggiero, RP, is returning to lead our first Mindful Monday series, Mindful Monday – Experiential Mental Health Practice, for Spring 2024. Join us as we continue to explore and experience different mindfulness practices related to the topics of creativity, rest, and self-care. This series is for anyone who desires to improve their overall well-being, resilience, and mental health.  The practices that are presented in the training are designed for quick and effective implementation both personally and professionally.  For mental and behavioral health practitioners these techniques can be easily incorporate into their practice.  Mindfulness practices are varied and can last anywhere from a couple of minutes to an hour or more. Vishen Lakhiani, Meditation Expert and CEO of Mindvalley, states “You can take a one- to three-minute dip into peacefulness, and you can see remarkable results. The biggest benefits are going to happen in the first few minutes.” Attendees who have participated in past Mindful Monday series have the following to say about the training: “Incredibly validating experience”, “Love doing this- can we do it indefinitely”, “Thank you for this training. It is hard to recognize we also deserve to be heard, have needs/wants and slow down and breathe for a while.” This is a 30-minute interactive training that begins on March 11th and will run every other week through May 20th, 2024.  Each training will feature exercises from different mindfulness disciplines. 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 at the end for reflection and discussion. Trainer Christina Ruggiero Master’s Counselling Psychology  Registered Psychotherapist

Event Description Executive function symptoms are common effects of everyday stress, myriad psychological concerns and, crucially, trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Yet, Criterion E—that ADHD is a diagnosis of exclusion—is often ignored. How can we adequately assess for ADHD given the pervasiveness of trauma? Best practice considerations will be discussed.     Trainer Melanie Wilcox, PhD, ABPP  Dr. Melanie Wilcox is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Public and Preventive Health, and Department of Psychiatry at Augusta University. She is also a licensed psychologist and board certified in counseling psychology and works part-time in private practice providing both therapy and assessment via telehealth. Her clinical areas of expertise include culturally responsive and trauma-informed care as well as substance abuse and addiction. Her research focuses on culturally response and antiracist psychotherapy and training, racial and socioeconomic inequity in higher education, and racial and social justice more broadly. She is in her final year as a member of the American Psychological Association’s Board of Educational Affairs, which she chaired in 2020, and is currently President Elect-Elect of APA Division 17, the Society of Counseling Psychology. 

Regardless of the form of therapy a practitioner may utilize or population worked with, it is likely that most mental health professionals will come into contact with individuals who struggle with an eating disorder or disordered eating. In this training, participants will learn the difference between disordered eating and a diagnosable eating disorder, when to refer out to a specialty provider as well as what to say and what not to say when working with an individual suffering from an eating disorder. Participants will also learn key characteristics of the most common eating disorder diagnoses as well as discussing key treatment objectives for each. A short overview of different treatment approaches for eating disorders will also be provided. A time for Q&A will be facilitated for the last portion of the training.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES Be able to identify the most common eating disorders based on symptoms Know the difference between disordered eating and an eating disorder Be able to create goals and objectives for treatment of an individual with an eating disorder Identify when it is appropriate to continue seeing a client suffering from an eating disorder and when to refer out Have the knowledge of helpful vs unhelpful things to say to someone struggling with food or their body Have knowledge of different popular approaches used in treating eating disorders   CONTINUING EDUCATION Participants who fully attend this training will be eligible to receive 1.5 continuing education (CE) hours certified by Ohio MHAS. CE certificates will be managed by the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA).   PRESENTER Danielle Castro, MSW, LISW-S Dani holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Toledo as well as an LISW-S license (Licensed Independent Social Worker with supervisory designation). She is passionate about treating eating disorders and body image/self-esteem concerns after healing from her own eating disorder. She is trained in FBT (Family Based Treatment) as well as CBT-e (Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) both to treat eating disorders. She has worked in the field of eating disorders since 2017 and also treats conditions that frequently co-occur with disordered eating such as anxiety, depression, OCD, perfectionism, self-esteem issues and body image concerns. She is also trained in IBCT (Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy) and offers couples counseling. Dani utilizes a strengths-based, solution-focused approach to therapy and utilizes a mixture of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy based on the needs of each individual.​ Dani believes that the relationship between therapist and client is an important part of the healing process. She operates from a faith-based approach if this is of interest to each individual. She is currently open for appointments Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays with morning, afternoon, and evening availability. She currently is accepting only self-pay clients and is able to provide a super bill to submit to insurance companies for reimbursement. She can see clients aged 16 and above. ​Outside of being a therapist, Dani enjoys spending time with her husband, baby and dog as well as running, teaching yoga, being outdoors, reading and exploring new coffee shops and restaurants.   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.

Burnout is a general term that describes the chronic and cumulative effect of different stresses at work and how it negatively impacts the worker’s health and wellbeing. If unaddressed, the various stresses of Human Services work contribute to an erosion of compassion and empathy which reduces a worker’s effectiveness in helping others, rendering the worker ineffective and lacking confidence. This class builds awareness of the signs and stages of Compassion Fatigue and Burnout and offers strategies for cultivating compassion satisfaction for the individual and in team dynamics.   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 continuing education (CE) hours certified by the Minnesota Board of Social Work. CE certificates are provided by People Incorporated Training Institute.   PRESENTER 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 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.

This presentation presents evidence-based interventions as critical in mental health and substance use treatment. Through case scenarios, real-life stories, and discussion, we will work to identify specific barriers to treatment progress and explore strategies and cultural adaptations to address them. Attendees will engage in discussion, review case scenarios, and hear real life scenarios in order to: Review the code of ethics to examine how institutional racism has influenced the implementation of ethics and practical strategies for advancing racial equity within the social work profession. Obtain up-to-date, data-driven, meaningful, real-world applications for implementing culturally specific strategies within evidence-based practices. Consider how the use of evidence-based practices and cultural adaptation impacts client success in meeting goals relating to mental health and recovery. Important Note: A recording of this webinar will NOT be provided. Please only register for this event if you are able to attend live.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES After attending this training, participants will be able to: Discuss the 10 elements of culture and their influence on providing competent care Explain fidelity and cultural adaptation's purpose in behavioral health Determine effective strategies for culturally adapting Evidence-based interventions (EBI) Obtain practical strategies for advancing racial equity through ethical behavior   CONTINUING EDUCATION Participants who fully attend this virtual training will be eligible to receive 4 continuing education (CE) hours certified by NBCC. The hosting agency (WAFCA) will manage the dissemination of CE certificates after the conclusion of the event.   PRESENTER Chardé Hollins, LCSW Chardé Hollins is a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience in healthcare, corrections, education, and grant management. Her remarkable contributions have propelled her to the forefront of the industry, earning her a seat on numerous advisory committees, including the distinguished Ohio Governor's Behavioral Health Workforce Advisory Council the Strategic Prevention Framework for Prescription Drugs in Ohio. As a keynote speaker and presenter for national organizations and state conferences, she captivates audiences with her insights and transformative strategies. Chardé groundbreaking initiatives have paved the way for monumental change, leading to the placement of mental health services in 100% of Ohio's second-largest county and setting a new precedent in school districts. With her invaluable consultation and technical assistance, she ensures proper program implementation and addresses challenges in early childhood mental health, prevention education, school-based services, and suicide prevention. Known for her exceptional ability to build rapport and provide innovative strategies for culturally adapting evidence-based practices, Chardé is sought after in various fields to support organizations in evaluating DEI practices, increasing cultural competence, and promoting mental health. Her transformative work in corrections has resulted in a remarkable increase in client treatment engagement and a significant reduction in violent behavior through the implementation of tailored curriculum and strategic partnerships. With a passion for uplifting minority-owned non-profits, Chardé goes beyond her clinical work to secure funding through grant writing. Under her exceptional leadership, her firm has secured over $4.5 Million in funding, specializing in crafting proposals that elevate the stories and amplify the voices of the people living in the communities they serve. This unique gift not only showcases her unwavering commitment to inclusivity but also strengthens her ability to support others in identifying ways to better support BIPOC communities. Beyond her professional achievements, Chardé is featured in national publications and recognized for her dedication to creating lasting impact and enhancing the continuum of care.     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.

  This workshop will introduce participants to the theory and practice of using theater in therapeutic ways to facilitate self-expression, support self-esteem, cultivate supportive communities, and challenge stereotypes among incarcerated and re-entry populations.     During our time together, we will explore the theoretical underpinnings of Drama Therapy, provide concrete examples of Drama Therapy applications with incarcerated and re-entry populations, and engage in several simple and transformative Drama Therapy exercises. Two individuals who have been formerly incarcerated will also share their experiences participating in therapeutic theater programs, both in prison and after returning home.     • • • •   INTENDED AUDIENCE This training is intended to serve clinical practitioners, including marriage and family therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers, drug recovery counselors, psychiatric nurses, as well as those in training or internship programs for their respective licenses.   • • • •   LEARNING OUTCOMES Participants will be able to: Explain why Drama Therapy is an effective intervention for incarcerated and re-entry populations. Articulate two ways in which theater and/or Drama Therapy can support  incarcerated and re-entry populations. Identify one similarity and one difference between “Drama Therapy” and “Theater as Therapy.” Learn and practice two Drama Therapy exercises that can be used in working with incarcerated and re-entry populations and articulate one benefit of each.   • • • •   **1.5 continuing education hours (CEH's) are available through full participation in this workshop.   • • • •   PRIMING MATERIALS   Hope from adversity | Shakespeare at San Quentin | TEDxSanQuentin The Impact of Prison Arts Programs on Inmate Attitude & Behavior: A Quantitative Evaluation. Justice Policy Journal Trauma-Informed Approaches to Expressive Arts Therapy: A Toolkit for Providers and Clients, Pacific Southwest MHTTC   • • • • ABOUT THE FACULTY & PANEL SPEAKERS    Suraya Keating, MFT, RDT (she/hers) Suraya Keating, MFT (#43996), REAT, RDT is a bilingual (Spanish-English) Registered Expressive Arts Therapist, Registered Drama Therapist and master trainer in Expressive Arts and Drama Therapy.  Suraya has worked as Shakespeare for Social Justice Director for Marin Shakespeare Company since 2005, and helped expand Marin Shakespeare’s prison programs from a single prison (San Quentin) to 14 California prisons. She also co-founded Marin Shakespeare’s Returned Citizens’ Theater Troupe, a theater program for artists returning home from incarceration. She has worked as an adjunct professor at the California Institute of Integral Studies, John F Kennedy University and Santa Rosa Junior College, and supervised an Expressive Arts Therapy Program at Contra Costa Health Services, where she provided training and supervision to MFT associates in the use of therapeutic arts practices with multiple populations. Suraya loves facilitating Expressive Arts and Drama Therapy processes with individuals and groups in schools, prisons, hospitals, juvenile halls and in private practice, and has heavily focused her work on populations who are marginalized and oppressed. An avid practitioner of Playback Theater as well as a life-story performance coach, Suraya believes in the healing power of sharing and listening to each others’ life stories. She also has extensive experience in somatic practices including 5 Rhythms Dance, Open Floor Dance and Yoga. www.suraya.org   Photo credit: Peter Merts Photography Tony Cyprien  Tony hails from Watts in southern California but spent most of his adolescence and all of his adulthood incarcerated. He was paroled from prison in 2011 and since then found opportunity for expression of his life experience through improv and storytelling. His stories have been performed at the Castro Theater, Herbst Theater, at a podcast festival in Anaheim, and two broadcasts on Moth Radio. He found support from Marin Shakespeare’s Returned Citizens Group and Formerly Incarcerated People’s Performance Project, has acted in “Train Stories” at the Marsh Theater in Berkeley and the Afro Solo Arts Festival in San Francisco, which culminated in a nomination for Best Performer in a Play from Broadway World San Francisco Bay Area Aware. He has enjoyed creating and performing both long and short solo performance pieces at small theaters and stages throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.         Photo credit: Peter Merts Photography Preston “Zoe” Gardner My name is Preston Gardner. Many people call me Zoe. I was born in Richmond, California, where I went to many schools. I always wanted to be an artist. My life is grand of as of now, though growing up was kind of hard. I was incarcerated at 21 years old. I’ve changed a lot in my life from when I was 21. I'm looking forward to living my life the best way I know how through God, who gives me strength.

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 of webinar session 3 is "Peer Specialist Roles in PCRP-Aligning with Peer Ethics & Values." We know that in person-centered recovery planning (PCRP), the person receiving services makes decisions and takes ownership of their plan for recovery. This can be a new and uncomfortable role for people initially, for a variety of reasons. Peer supporters join with individuals to discover and advocate for what they want and need. This does not mean that the peer provider will always agree with people’s choices — however, it’s ALWAYS their ethical responsibility to support individuals in their unique recovery journey as that individual defines it. Join us for this 90-min webinar as we highlight the mutually beneficial relationship between PCRP and peer support, as well as how staff at clinical provider organizations can intentionally enhance this connection. Participants will also be invited to explore tensions that arise when peer professionals work to maintain their never-directive, non-clinical stance while immersed in an environment that is heavily defined by clinical professionals, processes and services.   At the end of the session, participants will be able to: Describe a “must do” and a “must not do” related to the role of peer support in PCRP, Name one way that professional peer support ethics supports a person-centered approach, and Identify two resources to support and promote peer provider role clarity in PCRP.   While the Consultation Corner’s webinar series is open to a national audience, priority for technical assistance office hours following this webinar session on May 15 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, Amy Pierce, and Amanda Bowman 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.  

Event Description Review the increased nutritional needs of pregnancy and lactation. Learn about obstacles to achieving optimal dietary intake during pregnancy and after birth.  Explore the link between worsened mental health and poor or limited dietary intake in mothers and infants. Describe some steps clinicians can take to support people during the perinatal period through the lens of nutrition.    Trainer Nathaniel Johnson, PhD  Dr. Nathaniel Johnson is in his second year as an assistant professor at the University of North Dakota. He received his doctorate only a year and a half ago in Nutrition and Exercise Sciences from NDSU. He has published 14 research papers across a diverse set of journals such as Nutrition and Metabolic Insights, The Journal of Clinical Medicine, and Sensors. He is the founder and organizer of the UND Disability Affinity Network for Employees and is passionate about nutrition, disability, and equity. On a personal note, he loves his family, enjoys sports and competitions of all varieties, and has never met a dog that he doesn’t like.     

Event Description WHEN:  Every Wednesday, May 15 – June 12, 2024 from 12:00 – 1:30 PM Mountain/1:00 – 2:30 PM Central  LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  At the end of the series, participants will be able to:  Identify the key components of effective, trauma-informed crisis intervention and suicide prevention strategies within diverse communities.  Apply evidence-based techniques in crisis intervention to reduce risk factors and increase protective factors in acute suicidality.  Recognize and address the unique cultural and societal factors influencing mental health crises.  Utilize practical skills in empathetic communication, assessment, safety planning, and transitioning care in crisis situations.  Develop and implement an action plan for integrating crisis intervention and suicide prevention best practices into their professional setting.  INTENDED AUDIENCE:  Mental health professionals who are located in the Mountain Pains MHTTC region (HHS Region 8 includes CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, and WY).  PARTICIPANT COMMITMENT & EXPECTATIONS:  Attend a live 1-hour Orientation Session on May 15 at 12pm MT/1pm CT  Commit to 4-weeks of training for 1.5 hours weekly from May 22 – June 12  Complete 1-hour of weekly self-study learning activities  Access to appropriate technology to utilize online videoconferencing platform (i.e., an internet connection, webcam, computer/tablet, speakers, and microphone)  Be prepared and actively engage while on camera during the scheduled series time.    THERE IS NO COST TO PARTICIPATE  Registration for this series is limited to 35 mental health/behavioral health professionals who work in HHS Region 8 states on a first come first served basis (Region 8 includes Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming). Once the 35 spots have been filled, registration will be closed. Due to limited enrollment, if you cannot commit to the full requirements, please defer this opportunity to others.  Note: It is expected that participants will have access to the appropriate technology to be able fully participate and be on camera during the session. This is not a webinar series and active participation is required to gain/improve skills.  CONTINUING EDUCATION:  The series has been approved for a total of 11 contact hours (10-hours content instruction and 1-hour orientation session). No credit will be awarded for non-attendance. The knowledge and skills learned should be applied within the framework of any applicable Operating and/or Credentialing regulations in your State of practice.  Trainer Bianca D. McCall, LMFT 

The Community Resiliency Model (CRM) is a skill-based wellness and prevention program that provides a biological, non-stigmatizing perspective on normal human reactions to stress and trauma. In this webinar we will apply CRM to schools by teaching skills for educators, administrators, and the school mental health workforce to reduce burnout and promote staff retention. Attendees will gain knowledge of concepts to understand stress responses in themselves and others as well as learn skills to help regain emotional balance after experiencing strong negative emotions. The knowledge and skills gained will help attendees avoid burn-out and promote cultures of resiliency in schools to better support student mental health.   Learning objectives: 1. Describe how stress and trauma affect mental and physical health. 2. Describe how CRM can protect and heal via sensory-motor awareness. 3. Explain the 6 CRM skills. 4. Understand how CRM can help reduce burnout and promote resiliency.

Drs. Keshavan and Yassine will provide a historical overview of psychiatric nosology, with a focus on the schizophrenia spectrum. Based on their findings and the synthesis of extant literature, they suggest that a feasible next step is to reframe mental disorders based on biology (biotypes) and etiology (etiotypes). They will outline the established etiological factors for psychosis including genetic and environmental factors such as trauma and substance abuse, and they will propose an innovative clustering approach of the psychosis spectrum based on etiology using machine learning. This approach aims to facilitate future efforts at targeted interventions, prevention, and policy changes. Finally, they will summarize by proposing a revised multiaxial classification of psychotic disorders, using the phenotype, biotype, and etiotype dimensions.   Presenters: Walid Yassine, DMSc, MMSc and Matcheri Keshavan, MD   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.  

Join us for an engaging panel discussion designed for those with lived experience working as peers and mental health professionals seeking collaborative opportunities! This panel will cover the unique perspective that individuals with lived experiences bring to the peer support role. We'll showcase how these diverse experiences enrich peer support and contribute to the effectiveness of mental health treatment and recovery. This information is particularly pertinent for mental health professionals aiming to integrate and optimize their collaborative efforts with peers in diverse professional settings.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain the integral role peers play in mental health services, promoting inclusivity, understanding, and empowerment in the recovery process. Explore the unique perspective that individuals with lived experiences bring to this role, emphasizing how these experiences contribute to effective peer support and recovery. Showcase the various career pathways available for peers, including opportunities within mental health organizations, community settings, and collaborative healthcare environments.   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 Danielle Burkett, MSW, LSW, CSPR-PR, CAPRCII, MATS, CHW/CRS, Founder/Executive Director and Peer Recovery Coach, Unlikely Journeys Danielle is a passionate and accomplished professional with a Master of Social Work. Her background includes working in three county jails, work release programs, and alongside a police officer. Since 2017, she has been making a difference as a Peer Recovery Coach. However, her inspiring journey took an unexpected turn in March 2022 when she suffered a stroke. This life-altering event propelled Danielle to found Unlikely Journeys, an organization driven by the belief that time is precious, and fear is merely an illusion.   Mallory Chaffin, BS, Executive Director, Mallory's Mission Mallory, a University of Southern Indiana alumna, holds a BS in Accounting and Professional Services and has over a decade’s worth of experience in various accounting settings, including the nonprofit industry. A proud participant of the Indiana DMHA Leadership Fellows Academy (LFA) 2022-2023 program, she leveraged the experience and startup funding to establish a nonprofit business. As an adoptee and adoptive mother, Mallory's passion lies in providing trauma-informed education to foster and adoptive families. Her nonprofit also extends support to first families, particularly those affected by addiction, in their journey toward reunification with their children. The LFA program played a pivotal role in launching and nurturing her nonprofit initiative.   Yvette Markey, CHW/CRS, Y-MHFA, A-MHFA, MATS, CSPR-PR, CAPRC II-MH, CBTi, CEO/Founder, InTouch Outreach Yvette, is the Founder/CEO of InTouch Outreach (ITOR), a Recovery Community Organization and also works on the Behavioral Health Team, with a local organization providing Peer support services and Recovery Support groups as part of their newly created IOP Program. As a person with lived experiences of trauma, addiction and mental health challenges, Yvette is able to identify things that may be helpful as a person works towards their personal wellness. As a Human Services Professional that serves to connect people in need to people who care, her expertise aligns perfectly for the alignment of joining this panel. Yvette’s passion for helping people to help themselves has led her to some of the roughest streets of Indianapolis, the services she provides reach those in need. In her free time, she enjoys a good book, gardening and spending time with family, and outdoors in the warmer months enjoying nature.   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.