PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING WORKSHOPS ARE ACCREDITED:

Social Work:
This program has been approved for 1.5 Social Work Continuing Education hours for relicensure. in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization Numbers D 92486-1 and D 92486-2.
AM Workshop #s: 1, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16
PM Workshop #s: 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34

LMFT:
The following activities have been certified by NEAFAST for professional continuing education of Marriage & Family Therapists licensed in Massachusetts.
AM Workshop #s: 3, 4, 11, 12, 14
PM Workshop #s: 21, 26, 28

LMHC:
The following activities have been certified by MaMHCA for professional continuing education of licensed mental health counselors in Massachusetts.
AM Workshop #s: 3, 4, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16
PM Workshop #s: 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34

LADC:
The following activities have been certified for professional continuing education credits for Alcohol and Drug Counselors licensed in Massachusetts.
AM Workshop #s: 3, 4, 14, 15, 16
PM Workshop #s: 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34

SHRM:
The following workshops have been approved for PDC credit by SHRM:
AM Workshop #s: 1, 2, 10, 14, 15, 16
PM Workshop #s: 18, 19, 20, 27, 33, 34

2024 Annual Convention & Expo Workshop Tracks

** denotes Race, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion subject matter.

A.M. Workshops:

1. Leveraging Workplace Mentoring to Advance Careers
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Emmanuel Owusu, Executive Director, African Bridge Network
  • Imane Roussel, Program Manager, African Bridge Network
• CEs:
  • Social Work, SHRM
• Description:
  • During this session, workshop participants will have the opportunity to gain insights from industry peers’ experiences in implementing successful mentorship programs within their organizations. Join us to learn about their strategies, challenges and successes in developing future leaders and cultivating a mentoring culture.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will understand the benefits of mentorship for career and leadership development.
  • Participants will learn how to support the career development of foreign-born workforce.
  • Participants will learn strategies for designing and implementing effective mentorship programs.

2. Hot Topics in Employment Law for Non-Profit Providers
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Bettina Toner, Of Counsel, Krokidas &  Bluestein LLP
  • Jill Meixel, Partner, Krokidas & Bluestein LLP
  • Cassidy Mills, Associate, Krokidas & Bluestein LLP
• CEs:
  • SHRM
• Description:
  • In this workshop, participants will learn about the latest updates to laws, including wage and hour issues (including recent United States DOL changes to overtime regulations), leave of absence issues (including Massachusetts PFML and reasonable accommodation requests), managing performance issues and other recommendations impacting human resources.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will understand the requirements of the United States Department of Labor’s recently released final rule, updating the Fair Labor Standards Act overtime pay requirements.
  • Participants will be able to identify key considerations when receiving a request for a leave of absence or an accommodation in the workplace.
  • Participants will be prepared to implement best practices for identifying, addressing and documenting employee performance issues.

3. Chat with Commissioners: Disability and Community Services
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • John Oliveira, Commissioner, Mass.  Commission for the Blind
  • Dr. Opeoluwa Sotonwa, Commissioner,  Mass. Commission for the Deaf and Hard  of Hearing
  • Toni Wolf, Commissioner, Mass. Rehabilitation Commission
  • Sarah Peterson, Acting Commissioner, Mass. Department of Developmental Services
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LMFT, LADC, Social Work
• Description:
  • Hear about departmental updates from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.

4. Chat with the Secretaries &  Commissioners: Public & Mental Health, Veterans Services & Elder Affairs
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Brooke Doyle, Commissioner, Mass. Department of Mental Health
  • Jon Santiago, Secretary, Mass. Executive Office of Veterans Services
  • Dr. Robbie Goldstein, Mass. Department of Public Health
  • Robin Lipson, Acting Secretary, Mass. Executive Office of Elder Affairs
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LMFT, LADC, Social Work
• Description:
  • Hear about departmental updates from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services.

5. CEO & Board Alignment: Strategies for Success
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Eric Curtis, CEO, Curtis Strategy
• Description:
  • This workshop explores the challenges that arise when nonprofit boards lack market or sector understanding, hindering a CEO’s ability to execute their vision. We’ll identify common pitfalls and equip you with strategies for building a strong, collaborative partnership. In this session, participants will learn how to educate boards, leverage data, and foster open communication. Empower your Board to become a strategic partner and ensure your nonprofit thrives in a changing landscape.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will conduct a Board self-assessment on market awareness and strategic expertise and develop a plan for ongoing board education on industry trends and best practices.
  • Participants will learn how to craft a communication plan for fostering open dialogue between the Board and CEO.
  • Participants will develop a Board engagement plan to empower strategic contribution.

6. Legal and Financial Update and Best Practices
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Anita Lichtblau, Partner, Casner & Edwards LLP
  • Sharon Lincoln, Partner, Casner & Edwards LLP
  • Janet O’Neill, Managing Director, CBIZ MHM LLC
  • Dyan Reinhold, Managing Director, CBIZ MHM LLC
• Description:
  • Join legal and financial nonprofit experts for updates in key areas, including: accounting, financial auditing and UFR update; best practices for boards facing a crisis; update on new Fair Labor Standards Act regulations on overtime exemptions; and implications on employment practices, DEI programs, and grantmaking of 2023 Supreme Court Harvard/UNC affirmative action decision and a legal challenge to a nonprofit awarding grants to Black women.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will learn about new accounting and financial audit rules and guidance.
  • Participants will gain insight on board of director’s role in addressing organization crisis.
  • Participants will understand the implications of Supreme Court’s higher education affirmative action decision.

7. Unraveling the Profitability in Your Nonprofit
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Melissa Murphy, Principal, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
  • James Clarkson, Principal, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
  • Timothy Warren, Principal, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
• Description:
  • It’s vital that your organization understands how to measure the profitability of programs to enhance strategic decision-making. Join this session as we focus on how to allocate costs for program analysis and get tools to help you use this information in strategic planning. Share your experience and insights and hear those of your peers in a lively and informative forum.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will identify different methods of allocating costs to programs to meet external and internal reporting needs.
  • Participants will measure impact and profitability to identify the value of a program to an organization.
  • Participants will identify ideas on how to incorporate program analysis into strategic decision making.

8. Grow Your Career in Health and Human Services
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Jim Ognibene, President, Visioneer Consulting LLC
• Description:
  • During this workshop, we will begin with an assessment of your professional strengths and competencies. Participants will then learn how to create a career strategy by considering the kind of positions or roles you would like to fill in the next three to five years, and will also learn how to analyze job requirements to list needed skills and experience. Finally, the session will define what you need to do now to get ready for your target job(s).

• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will learn how to conduct a personal assessment of their current professional skill set.
  • Participants will learn how to create a career strategy naming at least one targeted position within human services for themselves.
  • Participants will learn how to create a plan to develop the skills needed for their targeted position(s) within human services.

9. Let’s Get Personal…About Personal Finance, That Is!
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Julie Beckham, AVP/Financial Education & Development & Strategy, Rockland Trust
• Description:
  • Personal finance IS personal and many of us don’t know where to start when it comes to managing our money. We are faced with real-life financial decisions without the knowledge or know-how to handle many situations. In this workshop, we will de-mystify learning about money, discuss how Massachusetts is lagging behind when it comes to financially educating its students and what we, as citizens, can do about it.

• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will learn about the barriers we face learning about money as adults.
  • Participants will learn how companies can help employees learn about money.
  • Participants will learn how we can advocate for personal finance education for ALL.

10. Filling in the Generation Gap: Gender, Sex, Race and Advocacy
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Shaplaie Brooks, Owner-Operator, Beyond DEI, LLC
• CEs:
  • Social Work, SHRM
• Description:
  • Participants in this workshop will go on a journey to discover the nuances of gender, sex, race and generations. How does it play a role in our advocacy? What are the dangers to our fellow community members, how to engage with young people (Gen Z and beyond) concerning their advocacy methods and how to bridge the gap between all four sectors.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will learn how to connect with young advocates and meet them where they are.
  • Participants will explore how the GSR (Gender, Sex, and Race) cycle has continued, and the nuances of advocacy as a result.
  • Participants will expand their understanding and co-create solutions that are tailor made for the next generation (staff and clients).

11. Gender Diversity Intersection with Disordered Eating and Body Image
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Annie Crossman, LMHC, Clinical Coordinator, The Home for Little Wanderers (Out at Home)
  • Joy Lochelt, LICSW, Clinical Director, The  Home for Little Wanderers (Out at Home)
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LMFT, Social Work
• Description:
  • This workshop explores the intersection that can occur between gender diversity and disordered eating/body image issues. We will explore etiology of these issues within the LGBTQ+ community and impacts of socialization/marginalization that trans/gender expansive folx can experience regarding food and bodies.We will identify recommendations for best practice to utilize when working with trans/gender expansive clients who struggle with disordered eating or body image issues.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will explore the etiology of disordered eating and body image issues in trans/gender expansive populations.
  • Participants will explore impacts of socialization and marginalization regarding food and bodies within the trans/gender expansive community.
  • Participants will identify and utilize best practice when working with folx who identify as trans/gender expansive and struggling with disordered eating and body image.

12. Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) Implementation in a Post-Covid World
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Allison Traub, Clinical Director of Adult  Services, The Guild for Human Services
  •  Sydney Mountzouris, BCBA, The Guild for Human Services
  • Mory Konate, Associate Director, The Guild for Human Services
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LMFT, Social Work
• Description:
  • In a post-Covid world, adult residential programming is heavily impacted by staffing shortages, lack of day program access, and negligible funding for Positive Behavior Supports (PBS)-specific staff positions. What once seemed like a step-by-step checklist towards full PBS implementation has dramatically shifted in trajectory to accommodate day programming within the residences. This shift has allowed the Guild to envision new possibilities for PBS implementation to meet the ever-changing needs of our individuals, working within our limited resources.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will gain insight into the shift in the PBS implementation trajectory based on the new reality of supports and services, post-Covid.
  • Participants will envision new possibilities for PBS implementation to include development of person-centered day supports (a meaningful day) for individuals who are not in day programs, shifting to a 24/7 residential care model.
  • Participants will understand how to utilize existing resources to implement PBS, given the staffing shortage crisis and the lack of funding to support PBS-specific positions.

13. Welcoming Haitian Arrivals: An Introduction to Immigration Process and Best Practices
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Cristina Dacchille Freeman, IAS Managing Attorney, Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA)
  • Geralde Gabeau, Executive Director, Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI)
  • Jennifer Pamphile, Director of Programs, Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI)
• Description:
  • Presenting in collaboration with an immigration attorney and community engagement professional working directly with Haitian new arrivals, this session will provide a comprehensive overview of what conditions are leading Haitians to make their way to the United States and Massachusetts, the immigration pathways available to new arrivals and some of the corresponding challenges, as well as information about how to provide culturally appropriate services.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will have an understanding of the immigration pathways and processes that newly arrived Haitians in Massachusetts are navigating.
  • Participants will have an understanding of best cultural practices in working with new Haitian arrivals.
  • Participants will gain insight into the country conditions leading individuals and families to seek safety in the United States.

14. Belonging is the New Inclusion: Dimensions of Authentic Community
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Lisa Drennan, Inclusion Consultant,  MERGE Diverse Abilities Inclusion Consulting
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LMFT, LADC, Social Work, SHRM
• Description:
  • Learn how authentic belonging for individuals with disabilities involves meaningful participation into existing activities rather than creating separate specialized programs or experiences. This session will explore the key dimensions of belonging such as presence, invitation, being welcome, acceptance, support, and friendship.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will assess community program features and supports, identify the model of participation (specialized, adaptive, integrated, peer buddy, or authentic inclusion), and evaluate the benefits and challenges of each type.
  • Participants will understand the essential dimensions of belonging and provide examples of how these may manifest for individuals with disabilities in various community settings.
  • Participants will develop skills to advocate for and create community connections where individuals with disabilities feel meaningfully included and valued.

15. Ethical Supervision of Mental Health Counselors (and others)
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Midge Williams, Executive Director, MaMHCA
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LADC, Social Work, SHRM
• Description:
  • In this workshop, we will highlight the importance of knowing legal and ethical standards for supervision of Mental Health Counselors, in the context of organizations and group providers of mental health services. Presenters will incorporate the history of mental health counseling supervision, the current standards and areas for growth within the field.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will learn the overview of legal and ethical supervision in a large employment setting.
  • Participants will be able to identify current standards of practice for supervision model, documentation and recordkeeping.
  • Participants will learn about recommended action items for employers and supervisors on a macro level to advocate and promote workforce development.

16. Restorative Practice and  Building Communities of Healing
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Kat Everett, Founder and CEO, Everetts Enterprise LLC
  • Dennis Everett, Director of Restorative Justice, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LADC, Social Work, SHRM
• Description:
  • Healing happens in community. Yet, we often lack the time and tools to create and maintain effective healing modalities within community settings that are not hierarchical. In this workshop we will explore the basic elements of restorative practice and the use of circle as a healing modality within communities.The Everetts will share lessons learned from the field, and guide participants through core principles of restorative practice. Participants will also be able to experience circle.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will be introduced to restorative practices and core assumptions.
  • Participants will develop skills on the use of circle as a healing modality.
  • Participants will be exposed to circle practice.

17. Building Reputation and  Driving Development Through Storytelling
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • T.J. Winick, Principal, Essex Strategies
  • David Brown, Vice President of Communications & Development, Vinfen
• Description:
  • Storytelling is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance an organization’s reputation, drive development and boost fundraising efforts.During this session, we will explore the role of storytelling in building a positive reputation. Participants will learn how authentic and compelling narratives can foster trust, transparency, and emotional connections with various stakeholders, shaping public perception and enhancing organizational credibility. In addition, the session will focus on fundraising, demonstrating how emotionally engaging stories can resonate with potential donors, driving donations and donor engagement.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will understand the role of storytelling in reputation building.
  • Participants will develop skills to create and utilize impactful stories for fundraising.
  • Participants will learn how to implement storytelling techniques to drive organizational development and change.

P.M. Workshops:

18. Organizational Strategies for Supporting Gender-Expansive Staff
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Felicia Heywood, Executive Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, BAMSI
  • Chase Garvey, Transgender Health Navigator, BAMSI
  •  Samantha Eaton-Roberts, Senior Human Resources Business Partner, BAMSI
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LADC, Social Work, SHRM
• Description
  • The struggle for transgender and non-binary rights is the nascent civil rights issue of our time.  We will share some specific and actionable strategies around supporting gender-expansive staff in human services.  In this session, we will articulate ways various departments within BAMSI came together to provide support and develop policy.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will understand the progression of the trans rights movement and challenges it has faced, and how that relates to human services.
  • Participants will learn how to create tangible ways to offer support in the agency.
  • Participants will learn how to generate pathways to organizational collaboration and creating supportive policies.

19. Strategies for Building and Sustaining Inclusive Organizations
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Shavon Andrews, Team Lead & Senior HR Consultant, Insource Services, Inc.
  • David Harrington, HR Consultant, Insource Services, Inc.
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LADC, Social Work, SHRM
• Description:
  • Too many organizations have put their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) work on the back burner due to budget constraints, conversation fatigue, political pressure and/or a lack of understanding of where to start. This workshop is designed to help empower you and your organization on a journey towards creating, maintaining or re-energizing a strong inclusive culture.

• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will learn strategies to evaluate the current state of your DEIB initiatives and how to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Participants will learn how to create checklists to guide through the key components of a successful DEIB program, from recruitment and hiring practices to employee engagement.
  • Participants will learn how to build inclusive culture to set up and sustain your DEIB culture from leadership commitment to grassroots initiatives.

20. Hiring and Managing Staff with Lived Experience
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Gina Blake, Senior Vice President, 18 Degrees
  • John Cadiz, Director of Human Resources, 18 Degrees
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LADC, Social Work, SHRM
• Description:
  • In this session, we will review how employees with lived experience (LE) can use their personal experiences as a tool to connect with others. We will discuss key areas for success including managing triggers, coping skills, vicarious trauma and professional boundaries. The unique aspects of legal recruiting, interviewing and hiring will also be discussed.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will learn at least two essential ways to support staff with lived experience.
  • Participants will learn how lived experience and one’s personal story is a tool that needs to be learned and practiced to use to connect to others
  • Participants will identify potential pitfalls in wording job descriptions and job postings, as well as identify how hiring for lived experience is an important diversity, inclusion and equity practice.

21. Chat with the Commissioners: Children, Youth and Family
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Amy Kershaw, Commissioner, Mass. Department of Early Education & Care
  • Cecely Reardon, Commissioner, Mass. Department of Youth Services
  • Staverne Miller, Commissioner, Mass. Department of Children and Families
  • Maria Mossaides, Director, Mass. Office of the Child Advocate
  • Erin Quinn, Assistant Commissioner, Mass. Department of Transitional Assistance
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LMFT, LADC, Social Work
• Description:
  • Hear about departmental updates from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance and Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate.

22. Harnessing AI Tools in Behavioral Health and Human Services
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Jacob Buckley-Fortin, CEO and Co-Founder, eHana
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LADC, Social Work
• Description:
  • This workshop will explore the transformative potential of AI tools in behavioral health and human services. Attendees will gain practical insights into the application of AI technologies, such as how AI can enhance clinical outcomes, streamline administrative tasks and support personal growth and wellness. The workshop aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how AI can be integrated into various aspects of behavioral health and human services to improve efficiency, decision-making, and client outcomes.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will understand the fundamental principles and applications of AI in behavioral health and human services.
  • Participants will identify and evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of integrating AI tools in clinical practice and administrative functions.
  • Participants will develop strategies for the effective and ethical implementation of AI technologies to enhance service delivery and client care.

23. Maximizing Impact, Minimizing Cost
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • David Harris, Managing Partner, Interim Executive Solutions
• Description:
  • Deciding where to invest and where to cut back is a constant challenge in the face of changes in funding, the employment environment, client needs and more. This session will explore these challenges and more, and will provide a framework for making decisions as leaders seek to address and balance them.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will assess the current state of the organization, where the vulnerabilities are and how they might be addressed.
  • Participants will explore frameworks for effective decision-making and implementation.
  • Participants will build organizational capacity to enhance resilience and sustainability.

24. Charitable Giving Panel
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Bithiah Carter, President & CEO, Give Black Alliance
  • April Mcgonnigal, Vice President, Public Affairs Director, Citizens
  • Phillip Gonzalez, President & CEO, MetroWest Health Foundation
• Description:
  • This workshop provides a look into the trends in charitable giving, as well as a funder’s perspective on priorities and strategies in charitable giving. The workshop will also provide attendees an opportunity to have their questions about charitable giving answered by a panel of experts.

25. The Convergence of Cybersecurity & Data Privacy
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Deborah Nitka, Privacy Services Lead, CohnReznick
• Description:
  • In an effort to deliver services to their constituents, NFPs have amassed crucial and sensitive data, including personal, health, and payment information. Nonprofits also have important people — donors, staff, board members — connected to their organization and data set. Each of these comes with a need to develop and operationalize strategies to protect it. Without proper protection, this data can be stolen at the expense of the organization’s brand reputation and financials. This session will be focused on strategies that NFPs can use to protect their data in support of their mission.

• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will understand the threats facing organizations from a cybersecurity and privacy lens.
  • Participants will learn strategies to implement in order to mitigate associated risks.
  • Participants will develop forward-looking plans to create resiliency.

26. The Arc of the South Shore’s Sensational Story Time Yoga Program
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Elizabeth Jones, Chief Program Officer, The Arc of the South Shore
  • Janine Birmingham, Autism Resource Center Director, The Arc of the South  Shore
  • Christine Walker, Owner-Operator, Little Bee Yoga Company
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LMFT, Social Work
• Description:
  • Sensational Story Time Yoga addresses the unique learning needs of children with autism through the transformative power of yoga. It combines story time with sensory kits and an interactive yoga class to bring books to life. This workshop will empower providers to implement this program in their own communities, vastly improving learning and community inclusion for people with autism. Get ready to move; workshop participants will take part in a sample yoga class.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will be able to discuss the research-based benefits of yoga for children with autism, understand the main components of Sensational Story Time Yoga and will have the framework to implement the program at a venue of their choice.
  • Participants will learn the science behind the Sensational Story Time Yoga approach and how it nurtures the mind, body, and spirit.
  • Participants will learn from parents about the impact of the program, see sample sensory kits and learn how to use them to improve engagement and how to integrate various yoga components to complement the featured story.

27. Conflict Skills for Human Service Professionals
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Pedro Spivakovsky-Gonzalez, Executive  Director, Community Dispute Settlement Center
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LADC, Social Work, SHRM
• Description:
  • This workshop will provide a framework for understanding the styles of how people respond to conflict, enable participants to examine how conflicts escalate and assist participants to identify strategies for de-escalation and prevention.The Community Dispute Settlement Center’s approach is based on a model that combines presentations with experiential learning. Participants will have the opportunity for such practical application through a format that is interactive, engaging and draws from participants’ own experiences.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will learn about the styles of responses to conflict.
  • Participants will learn about the common myths about conflicts and the dynamics of people engaged in conflict.
  • Participants will learn about how conflict escalates and be able to identify strategies for de-escalation and prevention.

28. Exploring Adolescent Identity: Healing Through Physical Activity
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Dr. Ramona Cox, Director of Champions Network, Doc Wayne
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LMFT, LADC, Social Work
• Description:
  • Adolescents that have been exposed to trauma experience a number of social, psychological and behavioral detriments. As a result, their growth in areas such as identity formation can be significantly impacted. Trauma-informed physical activity can offer valuable support in their healing journey. By incorporating principles of positive youth development, these activities can facilitate the development of a stronger sense of self, foster overall well-being and promote resilience and life skills in young people.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the social, psychological and behavioral  detriments experienced by adolescents exposed to trauma.
  • Participants will learn how trauma affects identity formation in adolescents and discover strategies to support healthy identity development.
  • Participants will explore how to integrate principles of positive youth development into physical activities to promote resilience, life skills and overall well-being in adolescents.

29. Smart & Assistive Technologies in Action in Independent Living
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Pam Fields, CEO & Founder, Living Without Limits/ATECH Center at MidState Arc
  • Amy Rubin Mindell, Director of Community Outreach & Assistive
    Technology, Living Without Limits/ATECH Center at MidState Arc
  • Michael Gibney, Director of Assistive Technology Innovation, Living Without Limits/ATECH Center at MidState Arc
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LADC, Social Work
• Description:
  • The current service delivery system for people with developmental and other disabilities is unsustainable. Systemwide transformation is required as nationwide waiting lists for services grow, costs increase and there is a staffing crisis for direct support professionals. Learn how to rethink services and move people to independent living through implementation of assistive, smart and remote support technologies. Case studies will show the possibilities are wide-ranging and individualized, providing increased independence while ensuring safety, wellness and community involvement.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will understand case studies where people with I/DD and other disabilities moved to independent living with technology.
  • Participants will learn about specific assistive, smart home and remote support technologies that support independent living.
  • Participants will learn ways to change the culture within their organizations to move from care taking service delivery to supporting people with disabilities in independent living situations.

30. Envision Evidence-Based Community Treatment That Works!
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Valerie Kuthe, Multi-Systemic Program Director, NFI Massachusetts
  •  Caitlyn Patton, LICSW, Senior MST Therapist, NFI Massachusetts
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LADC, Social Work
• Description:
  • The needs in human services are glaring, and especially difficult is finding effective treatment for adolescents with substance use, truancy and refusal to engage in treatment. Envision an EVIDENCE-BASED treatment, working with all the ecologies the youth is in, keeping them home and sustaining change!If this sounds too good to be true, this workshop is for you. Learn about Multisystemic Therapy (MST®), a scientifically proven intervention for at-risk youth!
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will understand the basic premise of Multisystemic Therapy.
  • Participants will learn about MST evidence-based practices, how model fidelity is measured and maintained, and outcomes that have impact on individual families to state budgets and resources.
  • Participants will illustrate practical application of MST on a case example.

31. Drug Story Theater
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Joseph Shrand, Chief Medical Officer, Riverside Community Care
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LADC, Social Work
• Description:
  • Join this live performance of Drug Story Theater show, which will feature a talk-back between the audience and performers, then discuss the power of peer-to-peer intervention to help prevent substance use in adolescents. This session will also discuss the I-M Approach, which extends the biopsychosocial model by integrating Theory of Mind.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will understand the I-M Approach.
  • Participants will understand Theory of Mind.
  • Participants will learn about the power of peer-to-peer as a prevention and treatment tool.

32. The Accountability Challenge
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Garry Foisy, Partner, Dirigo
  • Dave Ramsden, Partner, Dirigo
  • Tim Hebert, CEO, Founder, & President, Dirigo
• Description:
  • Many executives and employees link leadership, culture and empowerment issues to a widespread lack of accountability, which can result in unproductive behaviors. This workshop is designed to change views on accountability, underlining its importance for culture, communication and performance. Participants will learn a common language and strategies for identifying issues and creating solutions that boost accountability.Drawing from “”The Oz Principle””, presenter Garry Foisy will provide essential frameworks and insights to strengthen organizational accountability.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will develop a modern definition of accountability that drives more effective outcomes.
  • Participants will learn how to cultivate individual and team behaviors that foster a stronger culture of accountability and transparency organizationally.
  • Participants will learn vocabulary and gain understanding of these concepts and behaviors within teams and across the organization.

33. Neurodiversity in the Workplace
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Elizabeth Ghinea-Dwelly, Senior Clinical Documentation Specialist, Advocates
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LADC, Social Work, SHRM
• Description:
  • Neurodiverse employees are an asset to the workplace, and participants in this workshop will learn about practical ways to support their staff. During this session, we will provide a general overview of Neurodiversity – what it is and why it matters, before exploring tangible steps that any workplace can take to better support their employees.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will gain a basic understanding about neurodiversity and the strengths/challenges that are commonly associated with people who are neurodiverse.
  • Participants will increase their knowledge of how to support all staff, especially the neurodiverse.
  • Participants will have realistic, actionable steps to take back that will increase accessibility in the workplace.

34. Isolation, Inclusion & Community Care: Improving Employee Wellness
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Anouska Bhattacharrya, PhD, Vice President of Programs, YW Boston
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LADC, Social Work, SHRM
• Description:
  • Reports of isolation and loneliness are on the rise in society and within the workplace. This is especially true for younger employees and those who hold marginalized identities. Through the use of a case study, frameworks, and group discussion, participants will explore ways leaders, HR professionals and supervisors can implement tactics that build a culture of community care that all staff can actively contribute to, and benefit from.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will expand their understanding of the connections between isolation, identity and career stage.
  • Participants will learn components and benefits of a community care model.
  • Participants will develop at least one new tactic to apply back at their workplace.