Relationships are foundational to the positive cognitive, social, and emotional growth of our youth and research illustrates that the more developmental relationships youth have, the more positive their academic and life outcomes. But what are the elements of a developmental relationship? Join us to learn how each of us can contribute to the health and well-being of our children and youth by expressing care, challenging growth, expanding possibilities, sharing power, and providing support. Instructors for this course have been trained in Developmental Relationships Framework through the Search Institute.

Facilitator: Melanie Awtry, LMSW

Join us to learn about landmark research that highlights the relationship between chronic physical and behavioral health issues and childhood trauma. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are the leading cause of health and social problems in our nation and the most powerful determinant of the public’s health. Preventing ACEs is the greatest opportunity for improving the wellbeing of human populations. In this course you will learn information about developmental neuroscience, results of the ACE Study, and how to create conditions for resilience and healing. Considered a foundational training for those interested in trauma-informed care, participants will come away with strategies to operationalize this knowledge in their respective communities. Instructor(s) have been trained through the Dr. Rob Anda’s ACE Interface Master Trainer Education program licensed by UT Health. Ideal for the general public.

Facilitator: Lauren Geraghty

This training session will give participants a better understanding of what is Cultural Competency, why is important for our global economy and how can we build or strengthen our knowledge / understanding of working with diverse cultural backgrounds.

Facilitator: Gustavo Gonzalez, BA

Professionals who work with children and families are dedicated to focus on the needs of the clients and the community. We may neglect our own needs or address our needs as an afterthought. This session will provide some simple and practical strategies to help professionals pay closer attention to our own needs as well. This can empower us to be better equipped to increase our effectiveness as we do the work we value with our clients.

Facilitator: Fred Cardenas, LMSW

No one wants to talk about death and dying with a child or teen. But students NEED adults to hear their stories, witness and validate their pain. The goal of this presentation is to help school and mental health professionals create safe places for grieving children that will support the healing process.

Facilitator: Tami Logsdon, LPC-S

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The session is an introduction to the 6.5 hours course that goes over common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. 

Facilitator: Shelly Bosse  LMSW, MA

Relationships are foundational to the positive cognitive, social, and emotional growth of our youth and research illustrates that the more developmental relationships youth have, the more positive their academic and life outcomes. But what are the elements of a developmental relationship? Join us to learn how each of us can contribute to the health and well-being of our children and youth by expressing care, challenging growth, expanding possibilities, sharing power, and providing support. Instructors for this course have been trained in Developmental Relationships Framework through the Search Institute.

Facilitator: Melanie Awtry, LMSW

Every student has their own story, or "invisible backpack," that they bring to school every day. This session will help attendees look inside and slowly unpack their students' invisible backpacks and build meaningful relationships with students and their families. Using elements from the Developmental Relationships framework, the strengths-based approach, and the presenters' expertise, this session will feature interactive activities and discussions to help attendees apply concepts to their everyday interactions with children and families.

Facilitators: Maria Hoenigman,MA,  Melina Acosta, LMSW and Hilda Macias, BSW

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Education is an essential part of preparing our students for 21st-century jobs and careers.  Attendees will learn about the basics of STEM and how to implement STEM programming for elementary and middle school students.

Facilitator: Aspen Meineke and Natasha Wilkerson

Do you want to reduce your stress and increase your resilience during the pandemic? Mindfulness can help. Research has shown that mindfulness can reduce the impact of stress on the brain and body. In this workshop you will learn the definition of mindfulness, how mindfulness benefits the brain and body and practice basic mindfulness strategies. You will walk away with hands on strategies you can use with adults and children.

Facilitator: Kim Sayers, LPC-S

Participants will learn fun and engaging experiential learning activities (ROPES) to facilitate in their work and classroom settings. The activities can be used to improve communication and team building skills as well as build stronger relationships with co-workers and students.

Facilitators: David Gauna, Thomas Bowman and Kim Beauchamp 

This session is only offered in-person.

This training based on the book entitled Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change by  William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick will teach the fundamentals and applications of MI with people who are stuck in unhealthy behaviors. This training will demonstrate  the therapist-client relationship using  a particular type of talk known as “change talk” that promotes the client’s intrinsic motivation for change.

Facilitators: Marcia Castanon, LPC and Lynn Sokolowski, LPC 

Learn how to a restorative mindset forms a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment around you. Having a restorative mindset requires a shift in perspective so that we can face the challenges and conflicts that continually undermine the youth we serve. This session provides you with discussion and insight into DEI and social justice through a restorative lens, where harm can be addressed and relationships can thrive, even amidst our differences. 

Facilitator: Rachel Vargas

Every wonder what Trauma Informed Care means? Join us for a review of the definition of trauma and learn what it means to be trauma informed. Participants will also learn how trauma affects the brain and the importance of attachment. Participants will be introduced to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) and gain tools to create a trauma informed classroom or office. 

Facilitator: Shelly Bosse, LMSW, MA

A conversation on achieving educational success by understanding the emotional well-being of students and teachers! 

What does good mental health look like for children? How can we foster teacher wellness within the classroom? Join us as we discuss mental health wellbeing in the school setting and provide practical suggestions on building on emotional wellness. 

Facilitators: Jonathan De Jesus, LPC and Veronica Sandoval, LPC