2025 Annual Convention & Expo Workshop Tracks

To learn what workshops are in the process of being accredited, please click here. 

Block A Workshops:

1. Chat with the Secretaries & Commissioners: Public & Mental Health, Veterans Services & Elder Affairs
(Block A Slot: 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Commissioner Brooke Doyle, Mass. Department of Mental Health
  • Secretary Robin Lipson, Mass. Executive Office of Aging & Independence
  • Deputy Secretary Andrea-Gayle Bennett, Mass. Executive Office of Veterans Affairs
  • TBA
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LMFT, LADC, Social Work
• Description:
  • Hear about departmental updates from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence and Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services.

2. Wellness and Joy in the Modern Workforce
(Block A Slot: 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Anouska Bhattacharyya, VP for Programs, YW Boston
  • Roobvia Muñoz, Marketing and Communications Manager, YW Boston
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LMFT, LADC, Social Work
• Description:
  • In an era marked by rapid change and heightened demands, the well-being of all our employees is essential for innovation, meeting goals, and staff retention. Participants will engage in dynamic discussions and activities designed to promote wellness and joy at both the individual and organizational levels. We’ll dive into practice strategies that emphasize the integration of joy as a critical component of work and provide actionable tools for each participant to use in their organization.

3. Connect with Cait: Burnout Chat for Supervisors & Managers
(Block A Slot: 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Cait Donovan, Keynote Speaker
• Description:
  • This interactive session, led by Keynote Speaker and Burnout Expert Cait Donovan, explore the roots of burnout and how to combat its negative effects. Whether leading a team experiencing burnout or feeling the effects of it personally, supervisors and managers will gain actionable tools to use in their own lives and workplaces to beat burnout for good.

4. Lead What’s Next
(Block A Slot: 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Lynn Ireland, President & CEO, Riverside Industries, Inc.
• Description:
  • In this engaging session, we’ll explore a powerful, research-backed framework for leading change that works in any circumstance—frontline teams to system-wide transformation. Inspired by Chip and Dan Heath’s book, Switch, this presentation will equip human services leaders with a simple yet profound model to drive meaningful, sustainable change. Whether navigating policy shifts, workforce challenges, leaders must be equipped to lead it. This session offers a fresh, human-centered lens that aligns with our mission and values.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will understand the three-part framework of Switch: Direct the Rider, Motivate the Elephant, and Shape the Path.
  • Participants will learn how to apply the model to real-world challenges in human services.
  • Participants will leave with actionable strategies to lead change with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

5. The Ethical Manager
(Block A Slot: 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Vanessa Henry, HR Director, NFI Massachusetts
  • Joel Aufiero, Employee Relations and Benefits Manager, NFI Massachusetts
• CEs:
  • SHRM, LMHC, LMFT, LADC, Social Work
• Description:
  • In this workshop you will learn to recognize and navigate ethical dilemmas in the workplace. Managers will leave with the ability to identify common ethical challenges and apply structured decision-making frameworks to resolve them with integrity and fairness.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will recognize and navigate ethical dilemmas in the workplace.
  • Participants will foster a culture of ethical leadership and accountability.
  • Participants will understand legal and organizational standards for ethical conduct.

6. From Policy to Practice: How One Agency is Adopting AI
(Block A Slot: 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Daniel Esdale, Chief Marketing Officer, Incompass Human Services
  • Gillian Feld, COO, Incompass Human Services
• Description:
  • Hear how Incompass Human Services is embracing innovation with artificial intelligence as a practical tool to enhance operations, improve communications, and empower staff. Attendees will learn how Incompass is using AI to enhance policies, improve grant writing and fundraising research, and improve data quality. The workshop will provide a roadmap for turning policy into practice with tangible examples, lessons learned, and prompt templates that participants can adapt within their own organizations.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will identify practical applications of AI in human services settings, including policy development, staff training, and data governance.
  • Participants will understand how to implement AI tools to ethically and effectively support the work of human services agencies.
  • Participants will identify AI tools and apply prompt engineering strategies to streamline internal processes, support staff, and enhance communications initiatives.

7. Allyship in Action
(Block A Slot: 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Felicia Heywood, Executive Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, BAMSI
• CEs:
  • SHRM, LMHC, LMFT, LADC, Social Work
• Description:
  • Well-meaning individuals seeking ways to ally with historically marginalized communities often struggle with how to respectfully and meaningfully engage in allyship work. During this workshop, we will explore varying levels of engagement and concrete actions to consider. We will discuss pitfalls, such as performative allyship and savior complex, and how avoid these behaviors. After grounding in these concepts and tactics, participants will have the opportunity to create allyship commitment and action plans to help bring learning into practice.

• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will be able to define the terms ally, collaborator, accomplice and co-conspirator.
  • Participants will be able to describe what is problematic about saviorism and performative allyship.
  • Participants will create an allyship commitment and action plan.

8. Not Just a Game: Addressing Youth Sports Betting in Massachusetts
(Block A Slot: 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Shekinah Hoffman, Director of Programs & DEIB, Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health
  • Phree Dom, Program Trainer, Massachusetts Council on Gaming & Health
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LMFT, LADC, Social Work
• Description:
  • The legalization of sports betting in Massachusetts has increased youth exposure to gambling through apps, advertising, and the pervasive sports culture. This workshop introduces Not Just a Game Massachusetts, a youth prevention curriculum with five interactive lessons on financial literacy, media literacy, and more, implemented in several communities across Massachusetts. Attendees will gain practical tools to recognize gambling harm and engage youth in meaningful dialogue about sports, media, culture, and the risks of betting.

• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will identify emerging public health risks related to youth exposure to sports betting and gambling culture.
  • Participants will gain tools to engage youth in conversations about gambling, media and healthy decision-making.
  • Participants will explore effective strategies and tools to educate and support youth and families in preventing gambling-related harm.

9. Financial Intelligence: How to Tell Your Nonprofit’s Story
(Block A Slot: 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Timothy Warren, Principal, CLA
  • Brian Berry, Signing Director, CLA
  • Jennifer Olivier, CPA, Principal, CLA
• Description:
  • This presentation explores the essential of being able to tell your nonprofit’s financial story and emphasizes how technology can enhance financial transparency, streamline reporting, and improve engagement with key stakeholders. Participants will learn to identify the most critical financial data and leverage digital tools for efficient financial communication. The session will highlight best practices for presenting financial information using dashboards, visualization tools, and automation, ensuring nonprofit leaders can make strategic decisions with confidence and clarity.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will identify critical financial metrics – explore essential financial reports and key performance indicators that are the right fit to tell your financial story.
  • Participants will discover how digital platforms, dashboards, and visualization tools can make complex financial data clear and actionable for boards and senior leadership.
  • Participants will learn strategies for utilizing technology to foster active financial discussions, improve decision-making, and ensure leadership alignment with financial sustainability goals.

10. Influence Up! The Secrets to Managing Your Manager
(Block A Slot: 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Jacqueline Ross, Speaker, Author and Leadership Development Coach, Jacqueline C Ross LLC
• CEs:
  • SHRM, LMHC, LMFT, LADC, Social Work
• Description:
  • Most leadership programs teach how to manage others—but few teach how to manage up. This high-impact workshop equips professionals with practical tools to build strong, strategic relationships with their managers. Participants will learn to identify communication styles, align expectations, and advocate for their needs with clarity and confidence. Based on Coach Jackie’s book Manage UP!, this session empowers attendees to lead from where they are and influence with purpose—no matter who they report to.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will understand and adapt to their manager’s communication and decision-making style to improve collaboration, reduce conflict, and increase mutual trust.
  • Participants will develop strategic self-advocacy skills to confidently communicate your value, set boundaries, and align their goals with organizational priorities.
  • Participants will apply practical influence techniques to manage up effectively, lead from any level, and navigate difficult dynamics with professionalism and clarity.

11. Guidelines for Effective Cross-Cultural Dialogue
(Block A Slot: 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Gary Lyon, Vice President of Innovation and External Affairs/Senior Diversity Officer, The Baker Center for Children and Families
  • Kim Hopkins, Consultant, Centerboard, Inc.
• CEs:
  • SHRM, LMHC, LMFT, LADC, Social Work
• Description:
  • This interactive workshop introduces the VISIONS, Inc. Guidelines for Cross-Cultural Dialogue, the Feelings Wheel, and the concept of Feelings as Messengers to foster deeper self-awareness and more effective communication across difference. Participants will explore tools to navigate difficult conversations, recognize emotional responses, and build shared understanding in diverse teams and communities.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will apply the VISIONS Guidelines to facilitate respectful, productive cross-cultural dialogue.
  • Participants will use the Feelings Wheel to identify and articulate emotional responses.
  • Participants will understand how emotions serve as messengers to support self-awareness and empathy in communication.

12. The REAL Program: A ‘Pathway’ to Hope
(Block A Slot: 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Christopher Laureano, Recovery Education and Learning (REAL) Program Director, Bay Cove Human Services
• CEs:
  • SHRM, LMHC, LMFT, LADC, Social Work
• Description:
  • This workshop will provide information to attendees about the Recovery Education and Learning (REAL) Program at Bay Cove Human Services and how it can be a valuable resource for anyone with lived experience that is either interested in or is currently doing work as either a Peer Specialist or a Mental Health Provider. This workshop will also provide opportunities for attendees to reflect on how the REAL Program can be useful in their own lives.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will identify their own definition of ‘Recovery’ and how they came to know what they know about their understanding of ‘Recovery.’
  • Participants will understand and identify how the REAL Program can help support individuals with lived experience with their personal and professional goals.
  • Participants will gain insight into the country conditions leading individuals and families to seek safety in the United States.

13. Legal and Financial Update
(Block A Slot: 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Anita Lichtblau, Partner, Casner & Edwards LLP
  • Sharon Lincoln, Partner, Casner & Edwards LLP
  • Dyan D. Reinhold, Managing Director, CBIZ Advisors LLC
  • Brenda DeCosta, Managing Director, CBIZ Advisors LLC
• Description:
  • Join legal and financial nonprofit experts for updates in key areas, including: accounting, financial auditing and UFR update; challenges to termination and suspension of federal grants; procedure and grounds for revocation of 501(c)(3) tax exemption; and proposed changes to Internal Revenue Code provisions governing 501(c)(3) organizations.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will learn about new accounting and financial audit rules and guidance.
  • Participants will gain insight on how to challenge potential loss of federal grants.
  • Participants will understand legal basis and process for revocation of 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.

Block B Workshops:

14. Chat with the Commissioners: Disability & Community Services
(Block B Slot: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Dr. Opeoluwa Sotonwa, Commissioner, Mass. Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • Commissioner Sarah Peterson, Mass. Department of Developmental Services
  • Commissioner John Oliveira, Mass. Commission for the Blind
  • Commissioner Toni Wolf, MassAbility
• 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.

15. Trauma Informed Yoga
(Block B Slot: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • David Emerson, Co-Director, Center for Trauma and Embodiment
• Description:
  • Take a moment out of your busy day to de-stress and unwind! Join the Center for Trauma and Embodiment for an embodied practice session of trauma informed yoga. Participants will learn embodiment techniques to apply in their own lives and workplaces, and will discuss the benefits of embodied practice on persons served. No prior experience in yoga or embodiment practices is required.

16. Finding Calm in the Chaos: Decreasing Stress Through Mindful Thinking
(Block B Slot: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Stacie Watson, Owner/Partner, Transformative Leadership Strategies
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LADC, Social Work, SHRM
• Description:
  • Participants will explore meaningful ways to shift worry, feelings of anxiety, and negative thinking patterns.  This includes bringing mindful attention and intention to thoughts and practicing a centering and a breathing exercise designed to deepen awareness – resulting in a greater sense of calm and peacefulness in body, mind and heart.  No prior experience in mindfulness practice is required.

17.  Great Leaders Eat Lunch
(Block B Slot: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Colleen DelVecchio, Chief Maximizer, Maxady
• Description:
  • Burnout should never be a badge of honor. And it’s not a personal failure – it’s a leadership challenge. In this powerful workshop, Colleen shares how leaders can prevent burnout by modeling healthy habits, setting boundaries, and creating a culture where well-being is part of the job. Because when leaders eat lunch, everyone wins.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will identify how leadership behaviors can unintentionally contribute to team burnout.
  • Participants will gain actionable tools to set boundaries, encourage work-life integration, and promote psychological safety.
  • Participants will understand the business impact of modeling well-being as a leadership strategy.

18. Holding Hope by Remembering How Far We Have Come
(Block B Slot: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Sara Kyser, Vice President of New Way Services and Professional Development, Mental Health Association
• Description:
  • In times of growth and uncertainty for the human services world, we can find hope in the great strides we have made as a whole. The aim of this workshop is to learn from the adaptability of those who faced their unprecedented times as we rally together to tap into the unique resources of our time.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will understand key historical milestones in the development of social services in Massachusetts, including major reforms and policy shifts.
  • Participants will evaluate trends and initiatives that are shaping the future of social services in Massachusetts, including workforce development, funding strategies, and innovations in care.
  • Participants will discuss potential strategies for improving service delivery and outcomes in Massachusetts, informed by historical context and current needs.

19. Ethics Discussion: Use of AI in Supervision of Mental Health Counseling
(Block B Slot: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Joe Weeks, Executive Director and Public Policy Director, Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association, Inc.
  • Jennifer Hurley, Special Projects/Membership Chair, Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association, Inc.
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LADC, LMFT, Social Work, SHRM
• Description:
  • The use of artificial intelligence is becoming widespread in the field of counseling, with various applications. Joe Weeks, LMHC, MACCS and Jenn Hurley, LMHC will be providing an overview of how these developments may impact clinical practice and supervision of mental health counselors. The emphasis of this workshop will be discussing implications for compliance of ethical and legal standards and will include an overview of relevant ACA and AMHCA ethics codes. Mental health counseling has always required an awareness of emotional, intellectual and cultural competency to our practice and to the tools we use. Reviewing AI through the lens of the ethical and legal standards will allow participants to recognize how to apply our principles to the application of these exciting technological advancements
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will be re-familiarized with the ethical and legal standards relevant to the use of developing technology.
  • Participants will participate in discussion to facilitate an understanding of the use of AI in supervision of mental health counselors.
  • Participants will recognize how to apply ethical principles to the application of technological advancements like AI.

20. The Equity Workforce Metric: Evaluation Framework for Career Advancement Programs
(Block B Slot: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Emmanuel Owusu, Executive Director, African Bridge Network
  • Imane Roussel, Partnership & Engagement Director, African Bridge Network
• CEs:
  • SHRM
• Description:
  • How do human services agencies know if their workforce is truly advancing their careers? A group of agencies is partnering with African Bridge Network to explore how data can be used to track, understand, and support staff career advancement. This workshop will share insights into building measurement systems to assess programs, inform decision-making, and strengthen retention. Participants will engage in a dynamic discussion on defining and benchmarking career advancement in the human service industry.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will understand the key components of a data system that measures career advancement beyond job retention.
  • Participants will learn how agencies are using data to inform workforce development strategy, internal investments, and organizational positioning.
  • Participants will contribute to the development of a shared benchmarking framework for career growth in the human services sector.

21. Strategic Self-Disclosure: A Clinical Tool
(Block B Slot: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Kathryn Wilson, Senior Program Director, Parenting Journey
  • Lydia Carbone, Director of Training, Parenting Journey
• CEs: 
  • LMHC, LADC, LMFT, Social Work
• Description:
  • Strategic self-disclosure, once discouraged in helping professions, is now recognized as a valuable tool. When used thoughtfully, it can strengthen relationships, build trust, reduce power imbalances, support participation, and ease shame or guilt. This presentation defines strategic self-disclosure, outlines its benefits and risks, and offers guidance on adapting its use in virtual settings to enhance service delivery.

• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will define strategic self-disclosure.
  • Participants will explore the specific uses, benefits, and risks of utilizing strategic self-disclosure.
  • Participants will consider adaptations necessary when employing strategic self-disclosure in a
    virtual setting.

22. Beyond Compliance: Why Continuous Quality Improvement Matters
(Block B Slot: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Kimberly Fisher, Chief Behavioral Health Strategy Officer
  • Raya Jackson, Director of Quality and Outcomes, Riverside Community Care
  • Elizabeth McDonald, Area Program Director – Mobile Crisis Intervention, Riverside Community Care
• Description:
  • Workshop participants will learn about the Plan, Do, Study, Act model of continuous quality improvement (CQI) and will learn about the value of CQI as it relates to quality improvement, stakeholder investment, and risk management. Participants will receive a CQI Toolkit with resources to implement a CQI framework within their organizations. The workshop will be interactive, and participants will have the opportunity to walk through a scenario, rehearsing, piloting and scaling CQI within their organizations.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will understand the value of CQI as it relates to stakeholder investment, quality improvement, and risk management.
  • Participants will become familiar with the Plan, Do, Study, Act CQI framework.
  • Participants will receive the tools necessary to implement CQI within their programs and organizations.

23. Strategies to Retain a Diverse Behavioral Health Workforce
(Block B Slot: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Alexandra Alden, Associate Director of Research, William James College
  • Gemima St. Louis, Vice President for Workforce Initiatives & Specialty Training, William James College
• CEs:
  • SHRM
• Description:
  • Retention of behavioral health workers from underrepresented groups is vital to culturally competent care and organizational sustainability. This workshop shares findings from a workforce study on why these professionals stay or leave—and how organizations can respond. Using a guided worksheet, participants will reflect on their practices, identify high-impact retention strategies, and outline actionable steps on a timeline. Designed for professionals at all levels, this interactive session supports workforce equity and long-term impact.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will identify the key work-related and identity-related factors—including preferred
    incentives—that influence retention among behavioral health professionals from
    underrepresented populations.
  • Participants will describe the workplace experiences of inclusion, stress, and discrimination that shape underrepresented professionals’ decisions to stay in or leave their
    organizations.
  • Participants will develop a concrete, timeline-based retention action plan tailored to participants’ own organizational contexts using study-informed strategies.

24. ICHRA: Is It Right For Your Organization?
(Block B Slot: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • TBA, USI Insurance Services
• Description:
  • In a continuously changing environment, employee benefits are crucial to recruitment and retention. This session will explore the benefits of ICHRA (Individual Coverage HRA) health insurance plans and what ICHRA can bring to your organization’s employee benefits package. Experts from Convention Sponsor USI Insurance Services share the value of ICHRA and answer frequently asked questions about implementation and cost savings for human service nonprofits.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will define ICHRA and understand how an ICHRA plan works.
  • Participants will understand the implementation process and costs associated with ICHRA.
  • Participants will leave the session with resources on how to implement ICHRA in their own organizations.

25. Hot Topics in Employment Law for Non-Profit Providers
(Block B Slot: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Jill Meixel, Partner, Krokidas & Bluestein LLP
  • Cassidy Mills, Attorney, Krokidas & Bluestein LLP
• CEs:
  • SHRM
• Description:
  • Federal and state employment laws rapidly evolve, and it can be challenging for employers to keep up with changing obligations. Questions regarding employers’ obligations have increased greatly this year given the broad slate of Executive Orders, adding a layer of complexity. This workshop will provide guidance and best practices on employment law “hot topics,” including updates to federal and state employment laws, and updated guidance regarding the Executive Orders’ impacts and federal enforcement priorities.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will understand the current landscape pertaining to the employment-related Executive Orders issued earlier this year.
  • Participants will understand recent updates to state employment laws, including the Massachusetts Pay Transparency Law.
  • Participants will understand federal enforcement priorities, including any updates stemming from the change in administration.

26. Side by Side: Peer Support for Families Navigating Recovery
(Block C Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Latisha Goullaud, Director of Recovery, Institute for Health and Recovery
  • Omer Mendelson, Director of Family Engagement Program and Parenting Services , Institute for Health and Recovery
  • Angela Owens, CARC, Peer Support Specialist, Institute for Health and Recovery
  • Eddie Pomeroy, Peer Support Specialist, Institute for Health and Recovery
  • Linda Saro, Family Engagement Specialist, Institute for Health and Recovery
  • Alyssa Iannuccilli, LMHC, Clinical Supervisor, Institute for Health and Recovery
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LMFT, LADC, Social Work
• Description:
  • This panel discussion will explore the role of peer support specialists with lived experience of recovery in supporting parents navigating substance use and the Department of Children and Families. Panelists will share how peer support can reduce stigma, address trauma, and build trust with families. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the value of peer roles, learn effective peer-led engagement strategies, and reflect on the potential challenges of peer-clinical collaboration.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will develop an understanding of peer support roles, specifically in the context of stigma and trauma.
  • Participants will explore effective peer-led engagement strategies.
  • Participants will explore some of the potential challenges with integrating peer services in a traditional clinical setting.

Block C Workshops:

27. Chat with the Commissioners: Children, Youth & Family
(Block C Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Commissioner Jeff McCue, Mass. Department of Transitional Assistance
  • TBA
• 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.

28. Networking Round: Human Resources & Training Leaders
(Block C Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

• Facilitator:
  • Shavon Andrews, Team Lead & Associate HR Director, Insource Services, Inc.
• Description:
  • Connect with your network! Join fellow Human Resources professionals and Training Leaders from across the state to discuss tips, strategies and best practices in the HR and training space.

29. Networking Round: Supervisors & Middle Managers
(Block C Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

• Facilitator:
  • Jim Ognibene, President, Visioneer Consulting LLC
• Description:
  • Connect with your network! Join fellow Supervisors & Middle Managers from across the state to discuss tips, strategies and best practices in supervision and management.

30. Networking Round: Public Policy & Advocacy
(Block C Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

• Facilitators:
  • Andrea Cook, VP of Communications and Community Relations, WORK, Inc.
  • Karen Williams, Senior Vice President or Strategy, IDD, and BI Services, Advocates
• Description:
  • Connect with your network! Join fellow Public Policy professionals from across the state to discuss tips, strategies and best practices in the public policy and advocacy space.

31. De-Stress on the Job: Simple Tools for Staying Grounded and Effective
(Block C Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Suzanne Kratzig, Founder, Turtle Fire Coaching Training
• Description:
  • Participants will explore how stress shows up in the body, thoughts, and
    behavior; discover simple practices to shift out of survival mode in the moment; and leave with strategies they can apply for themselves and share with their teams. Whether you’re a leader, direct service provider, or support staff, this workshop offers immediate takeaways to support well-being, effectiveness, and sustainability in your role.

32. Connect with Cait: Burnout Chat for Supervisors & Managers
(Block C Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Cait Donovan, Keynote Speaker
• Description:
  • This interactive session, led by Keynote Speaker and Burnout Expert Cait Donovan, explore the roots of burnout and how to combat its negative effects. Whether leading a team experiencing burnout or feeling the effects of it personally, supervisors and managers will gain actionable tools to use in their own lives and workplaces to beat burnout for good.

33. Strategic Planning and Communication for Resilient Nonprofits
(Block C Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Dixie Casford, Partner, Curtis Strategy
• Description:
  • In today’s volatile environment, nonprofits struggle to remain agile while maintaining mission clarity amidst unpredictable funding and shifting regulations. Many react to crises, risking sustainability and trust. This interactive workshop reveals how strategic planning and intentional communication stabilize organizations during uncertainty. Drawing from real-world examples, participants will learn adaptive planning, scenario mapping, and cross-stakeholder communication. Participants will gain tools to reframe uncertainty as opportunity, enhance transparency, and make purpose-driven decisions to guide their own organizations through challenges.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will apply adaptive strategic planning methods that help organizations remain mission-focused and operationally flexible during periods of political, regulatory, or economic instability.
  • Participants will develop clear, consistent communication strategies for internal teams, funders, and external stakeholders that build trust, reduce fear, and maintain momentum in uncertain times.
  • Participants will implement scenario planning and rapid risk assessment tools to prepare their organization for external disruptions without defaulting to reactive or short-term thinking.

34. Our Greatest Asset: Workforce Recruitment, Retention and Resilience
(Block C Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Audrey Clairmont, Chief Operating Officer , North Suffolk Community Services
• CEs:
  • SHRM
• Description:
  • This interactive training is designed for human service leaders and focuses on promoting workforce recruitment, retention, and resilience. These three pillars will be explored as essential components of building a strong and stable workforce. Participants will gain practical tools to help their agencies foster a healthy, committed, and sustainable team. Through education, reflection, and solution-focused discussion, attendees will leave with actionable insights to support workforce well-being in high-demand, trauma-exposed environments.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will identify and assess at least two innovative recruitment strategies
    that can be adapted to meet the unique needs of human service organizations.
  • Participants will develop a plan that incorporates at least two retention practices that
    their agencies could explore implementing.
  • Participants will identify at least three techniques or tools designed to strengthen
    individual and team resilience in trauma-exposed work environments.

35. AI Is Here—Now What? Bring Your Questions, Leave with Prompts!
(Block C Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Michael Halperin, HR and Engagement, Belonging, and Advancement Consultant, Vinfen
• Description:
  • Titled, designed, and executed with the assistance of AI, this interactive presentation will demonstrate the value of AI in addressing strategic and tactical issues faced by social service agencies. You’ll explore AI’s history, learn how to create an effective prompt, review use cases
    and sample prompts for social services, examine prompts that contributed to this session, practice creating prompts, and discuss the ethical use of AI. Bring your laptop to maximize your value and fun!
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will be able to describe how AI can benefit strategic and tactical issues facing social service agencies.
  • Participants will be able to develop, test, modify, and critique prompts.
  • Participants will be able to describe an array of applications and resources to explore after the workshop.

36. Moving from Unconscious Bias to Inclusive Leadership
(Block C Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Dr. Jessica Pepple, Chief Diversity & Culture Officer, RFK Community Alliance
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LMFT, LADC, Social Work, SHRM
• Description:
  • Transitioning from unconscious bias to inclusive leadership necessitates that participants recognize the subtle, often unintentional verbal and behavioral expressions of bias and microaggressions that can adversely affect marginalized and overlooked groups. The intention of this workshop is to enhance awareness, foster understanding, and devise strategies for identifying and addressing the different categories of bias and microaggressions, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and respectful environment.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will examine the prevalent instances and consequences of
    unconscious bias and microaggressions in the workplace.
  • Participants will uncover strategies to reduce the prevalence of
    microaggressions and learn effective responses when faced with
    microaggressive behavior.
  • Participants will understand the significant impact of inclusive leadership on organizational performance and profitability, including ways to enhance the qualities of inclusive leadership and monitor microbehaviors that foster inclusivity.

37.  Got Conflict? Conflict Skills for Human Service Professionals
(Block C Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Pedro Spivakovsky-Gonzalez, Executive Director, Community Dispute Settlement Center
  • Jennifer Svendsen, Associate Partner, Edgility Talent Partners
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LMFT, 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.

38. Hot Topics in Compensation
(Block C Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

• Presenter:
  • Allison Wyatt, CEO, Edgility Talent Partners
• CEs:
  • LMHC, LADC, Social Work, SHRM
• Description:
  • In this session, Edgility Talent Partners will unpack timely issues, including how to navigate rising costs of living, what really drives compensation, and how to apply equity considerations when inflation hits. We’ll share real-life examples of living wage strategies, explore creative benefits that go beyond pay, and walk through how to align your salary planning and compensation philosophy with your organization’s values. Perfect for leaders seeking clarity, strategy, and sustainability.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will understand the difference between cost of labor and cost of living—and how each impacts compensation strategy, equity considerations, and inflation response.
  • Participants will explore creative benefits and real-life examples of living wage strategies that support employee well-being and organizational sustainability.
  • Participants will gain practical tools for compensation planning, including selecting relevant market data and drafting a values-aligned compensation philosophy.

39. Creating Dream Teams through Courage, Culture and Coaching
(Block C Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

• Presenters:
  • Jennifer Ray, Director of Talent, Roman Music Therapy Services LLC
  • Meredith Pizzi, CEO, Roman Music Therapy Services LLC
• CEs:
  • SHRM
• Description:
  • During this session, we will explore building high-performing teams by fostering bold decision-making, nurturing a supportive culture, and implementing effective coaching. Learn how courageous leadership drives innovation, a strong culture enhances collaboration, and tailored coaching unlocks potential. This presentation offers practical strategies to align values, empower individuals, and sustain team success, drawing on real-world examples and actionable insights to inspire leaders to create cohesive, dynamic dream teams.
• Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will learn how to demonstrate accountability and foster transparency to build trust, inspire confidence, and drive team performance.
  • Participants will learn strategies to cultivate a supportive, inclusive culture that provides purpose, enhances communication, and aligns shared values.
  • Participants will gain practical tools to provide personalized coaching that unlocks individual potential and sustains long-term team success.

To learn what workshops are in the process of being accredited, please click here.