2023 Convention Workshops

2023 Annual Convention & Expo Workshop Tracks

Administrative & Finance Track	Clinical & Direct Care Programs Track	Executive Track
1. Development Versus Finance: Healthy Friction or Organizational Liability 2. Writing for Systems Change: How to Make the Case for Advocacy 18. What you Need to Know about Nonprofit Accounting and Banking 19. Charitable Giving Panel	3. Bridging the Digital Divide 4. Community Based Work with LGBTQ Clients 5. Strong for a Purpose: Using Exercise to Build Strength, Confidence and Community 6. Supporting Whole Health & Burnout Prevention (MAX CAPACITY REACHED) 7. “Whatever it Takes”: Using Cross-Agency Collaboration to Strengthen Permanency Outcomes 20. Community Inclusion: What It Is (and Isn’t) & How to Achieve It 21. Understanding Assistive Technology for Optimal Impact 22. Using an Interdisciplinary Family Centered Approach 23. When your Clients’ Cultural Norms Don’t Match Yours: Learning to Work with Immigrant Families	8. Chat with the Commissioners: Disability and Community Services 9. Chat with the Secretaries & Commissioners: Public & Mental Health, Veterans Services & Elder Affairs 10. If You Don’t Advocate for Your Missions and Those You Serve, Who Will? 11. Legal and Financial Update and Best Practices 24. Chat with Commissioners: Children, Youth and Family 25. Driving Better Results in a Changing Cyber Risk Environment 26. Human Centered Organizations: A Call for Radical Humanity at Work
Human Resources Track	Personal Growth & Wellness Track	Supervision & Management Track
12. Creating Career Pathways for the Foreign-Born Workforce 13. Practical Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Approaches to Talent Acquisition 27. The Ecology of Diversity 28. The Four P’s of Talent Retention	29. Creating Connection Through Music 30. Intersectionality: The Presumed Dichotomy of Race and Queerness 31. Mindful Exploration of Unconscious Bias	14. Breaking Up is Hard to Do 15. Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast: How to Intentionally Cultivate Program Culture in Any Setting 16. Responding to Record Requests 17. Your Role in Creating a Positive Environment (MAX CAPACITY REACHED) 32. Got Conflict? Deal with Conflict Effectively: Tools for Your Toolbox (MAX CAPACITY REACHED) 33. Navigating Grief in Human Services 34. Prime Your Team through Improv

PLEASE NOTE:

Social Work:
This following workshops 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 92094-1 and D 92094-2:
Workshop #’s: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 , 12, 15, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34.

LMFT:
The following activities have been certified by NEAFAST for professional continuing education of Marriage & Family Therapists licensed in Massachusetts:
Workshop #’s 4, 6, 7, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 31 and 33.

LMHC:
The following workshops have been approved by MaMHCA/MCEAP for 1.5 CEs per workshop:
Workshop #’s 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 29, 31 and 33.

LADC:
The following workshops have been approved by BSAS for 1.5 CEs per workshop:
Workshop #’s: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 33.

SHRM
The following workshops are approved by SHRM for 1.5 PDCs per workshop:
Workshop #s 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31 and 34.

A.M. Workshops:

1. Development Versus Finance: Healthy Friction or Organizational Liability
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Presenter:
- Melissa Murphy, Manager, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP)
- Raeann Whalen, Director of Development, Waypoint Adventure
- Kathleen A. Carney, Chief Development Officer, Hildebrand Family Self-Help Center, Inc.
- Eileen Marks, CFO, Conservation Law Foundation
Description
- Through panel discussion, we will discuss the friction that can develop between the finance and development departments in your organization, and provide new ideas and ways to address this friction and mitigate risk. In this session, finance and development professionals from the nonprofit industry will discuss natural friction between these offices and promote understanding between these roles.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will recognize the natural friction between your development and finance offices.
- Attendees will identify risks to the organization in an unhealthy environment.
- Attendees will understand your organization’s internal environment and embrace the roles each play.

2. Writing for Systems Change: How to Make the Case for Advocacy
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Presenter:
- Eric Spioch, Supervising Director of Capacity Building Projects, Elevate
- Noura Hemady, Senior Director, Elevate
Description:
- This workshop will explore the complexities of fundraising for advocacy activities, particularly as they complement direct service work, and enable participants to craft compelling advocacy proposals. Through participation in the workshop, attendees will develop skills to properly craft, construct and submit an effective grant application for nuanced advocacy work.
Learning Objectives:
- Presenters will define advocacy and how it can complement direct service work.
- Presenters will explore strategies for identifying need/advantage of advocacy and systems change.
- Presenters will determine best practices for preparing compelling requests and learn how to frame objectives and outcomes for advocacy work.

3. Bridging the Digital Divide
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Presenters:
- Jessica Wolfe, Project Director, Vinfen
- Liz Olivera-Mustard, Vice President of Quality Management, Open Sky Community Services
CEs:
- Social Work, LMHC
Description:
- Digital equity work is crucial to ensuring that people with disabilities are part of an equitable pandemic recovery. This workshop will present lessons learned from a Technology Navigation program embedded in eight human service agencies and discuss the role of Technology Navigators in supporting digital literacy and access.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will be able to describe the work of Technology Navigators, including digital literacy and access support.
- Attendees will identify barriers to digital inclusion and learn how Technology Navigators can address these barriers.
- Attendees will learn the foundational components of a Technology Navigation program and how to adapt for their organization.

This activity has been approved by MaMHCA/MCEAP for 1.5 CEs.
Application for social work continuing education credits has been submitted. Please contact us at nwalat@providers.org for the status of social work CE accreditation.

4. Community Based Work with LGBTQ+ Clients
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Presenters:
- Joy Lochelt, Clinical Coordinator of LGBTQ+ Services, The Home for Little Wanderers
- Becky Smith, Program Director, The Home for Little Wanderers
CEs:
- Social Work, LMHC, LADC, LMFT
Description:
- This workshop will explore tools and psychoeducation to support the needs of the LGBTQ+ community in a community-based setting. We will discuss basic knowledge to increase effectiveness around LGBTQ folks and their needs, strategies for individual and family therapy, and strategies for diagnosis and ethical assessment that account for common comorbidities and stressors.
Learning Objectives:
- Presenters will discuss environmental barriers and modifications to inform working on a care team and managing referrals and community supports.
- Presenters will explore other complicating factors with the LGBTQ+ community including transition, being a part of the larger LGBTQ community and co-morbidity.
- Attendees will be able to apply the knowledge in clinical practice, including assessment, individual and family intervention.

This activity has been certified by NEAFAST for professional continuing education of Marriage & Family Therapists licensed in Massachusetts.
This activity has been approved by MaMHCA/MCEAP for 1.5 CEs.
Application for social work continuing education credits has been submitted. Please contact us at nwalat@providers.org for the status of social work CE accreditation.

5. Strong For a Purpose: Using Exercise to Build Strength, Confidence and Community
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Presenter:
- Greg Austin, Founder & President, Inclusive Fitness, Inc.
CEs:
- Social Work, LMHC, LADC
Description:
- In this interactive workshop, we will discuss the critical importance of integrating strength and conditioning training into the lives of neurodivergent people, including those with complex profiles. We will address barriers and explore ways to overcome them. We will also practice methods and skills attendees can put to immediate use.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will appreciate the critical importance of integrating high-quality strength and conditioning training into the lives of neurodivergent people to improve their engagement, productivity, and overall quality of life.
- Attendees will understand the barriers to launching and sustaining adaptive fitness programs, explore practical ways to overcome them, and to introduce a framework to help attendees design a program that works for them.
- Attendees will learn valuable methods and skills necessary to coaching neurodivergent people through hands-on application.

6. Supporting Whole Health & Burnout Prevention (MAX CAPACITY REACHED)
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Presenter:
- Daisy Hernandez, MSW, LCSW, MBA, Trainer, C4 Innovations
CEs:
- Social Work, LMHC, LADC, LMFT
Description:
- Sustaining high quality services and maintaining morale requires providers to regularly engage in whole wellness activities for themselves, as well as a professional collective. In this workshop, we will discuss systemic and traumatic stressors, the importance of a trauma-informed and healing-centered engagement, provide strategies to sustain safe and healthy professional boundaries while supporting the unique needs of the individuals working in a service capacity. Importantly, facilitators will also explore how to make positive use of employee supervision to reinforce the importance of whole health.
Learning Objectives:
- Presenter and attendees will discuss examples of systemic workplace and traumatic workplace stress (secondary traumatic stress, vicarious, compare and contrast compassion fatigue, burnout).
- Presenter will discuss the rationale for a trauma informed, healing centered approach to provider whole wellness.
- Presenter and attendees will discuss at least three ways employers and staff can habituate trauma informed self-care and ethical but compassionate professional boundaries that support those who may be experiencing work-related stress.

This activity has been approved by MaMHCA/MCEAP for 1.5 CEs.
This activity has been certified by NEAFAST for professional continuing education of Marriage & Family Therapists licensed in Massachusetts.
Application for social work continuing education credits has been submitted. Please contact us at nwalat@providers.org for the status of social work CE accreditation.

7. “Whatever it Takes”: Using Cross-Agency Collaboration to Strengthen Permanency Outcomes
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Presenters:
- Meredith Rapoza, Senior Director of Quality and Compliance, Justice Resource Institute
- Noreen Dolan, Deputy Director, Bridges Homeward
- Cheryl Peltier, Lead Permanency Trainer and Consultant, Plummer Youth Promise
- Kara Sabalauskas, Director of Evaluation & Research, The Home for Little Wanderers
CEs:
- Social Work, LMHC, LADC, LMFT
Description:
- The Massachusetts Permanency Practice Alliance joins four residential care providers with the goal of creating a pathway to permanence that enables every child to stay home, go home, or find home. This workshop will introduce a unique permanency-focused partnership that addresses outcomes for youth while unifying clinical practices across child-serving agencies. Workshop participants will learn about our process to collectively engage in permanency practices, advocacy, and outcome evaluation to ensure safe permanency.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will learn how permanency practices ensure stronger youth and family voice, and promote permanent relationships and stronger supports.
- Attendees will learn how to use cross-provider agency collaboration to support workforce strategies and improved outcomes for families.
- Attendees will learn key methods to evaluate permanency outcomes.

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

Presenters:
- John Oliveira, Commissioner, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
- Jane Ryder, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services
- Dr. Opeoluwa Sotonwa, Commissioner, Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Toni Wolf, Commissioner, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
CEs:
- Social Work, SHRM, LMHC, LADC
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.

9. 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, Massachusetts Department of Mental Health
- Elizabeth Chen, Secretary, Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs
- Dr. Jon Santiago, Secretary, Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services
- Dr. Robbie Goldstein, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Public Health
CEs:
- Social Work, SHRM, LMHC, LADC
Description:
- Hear about departmental updates from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services and Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

10. If You Don’t Advocate for Your Missions and Those You Serve, Who Will?
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Presenters:
- Elizabeth Schmidt, Professor of Practice, University of Massachusetts
CEs:
- Social Work
Description:
- How much could your human service agency accomplish if your community and its politicians understood the systemic issues your clients face? How do you deliver that message without running afoul of 501(c)(3) rules? Brainstorm with other participants, look at case studies, & find ways to better serve clients through advocacy.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will come up with at least 3 strategies for advocating for those they serve.
- Attendees will understand the legal differences between educational advocacy, lobbying, and political campaign intervention.
- Attendees will learn how other human service agencies—both those in this conference and throughout the nation—have advocated for their clients, despite limited resources.

Application for social work continuing education credits has been submitted. Please contact us at nwalat@providers.org for the status of social work CE accreditation.

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

Presenters:
- Anita Lichtblau , Attorney, Casner & Edwards, LLP
- Scott Harshbarger, Attorney, Casner & Edwards, LLP
- Sharon C. Lincoln, Attorney, Casner & Edwards, LLP
- Dyan D. Reinhold, CPA/Managing Director/Shareholder, CBIZ & MHM, LLC
- Janet O’Neill, CPA/Managing Director/Shareholder, CBIZ & MHM, LLC
Description:
- Join legal and financial nonprofit experts for updates on: top auditing, accounting and regulatory issues impacting non-for-profits; changes in federal tax law for tax-exempt entities; requirements for nonprofit contractors under the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions for Human and Social Services, including following revised AG’s Guide for Board Members of Charitable Organizations.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will gain the ability to implement recent changes in federal tax laws and regulations.
- Attendees will be able to implement measures to comply with Commonwealth Terms and Conditions for Human and Social Services.
- Attendees will learn practical steps to take on recent accounting, auditing and regulatory issues.

12. Creating Career Pathways for the Foreign-Born Workforce
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Presenters:
- Emmanuel Owusu, Executive Director, African Bridge Network
- Stacey Forrest, Chief Operating Officer, Thrive Inc.
- Carley Lubarsky, Chief Operating Officer, Bay Cove Human Services
- Promise Mchenga, Chief Diversity and Belonging Officer, Advocates
CEs:
- Social Work, SHRM
Description:
- This workshop will showcase the innovation and collaborative effort toward finding solutions to support the foreign-born workforce’s career needs in the human services industry. Join this workshop to hear about the experiences of five human services agencies who created a consortium to learn and support each other in developing career pathways and leadership development programs for their foreign-born workforce.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will understand the career advancement needs of the foreign-born workforce.
- Attendees will learn how to engage the foreign-borns in creating career advancement programs.
- Attendees will learn from other agencies’ experience in developing career pathway programs.

Application for social work continuing education credits has been submitted. Please contact us at nwalat@providers.org for the status of social work CE accreditation.

13. Practical Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Approaches to Talent Acquisition
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Presenters:
- Shavon Andrews, Team Lead and Senior HR Consultant, Insource Services, Inc.
- David Harrington, HR Consultant, Insource Services, Inc.
CEs:
- SHRM
Description:
- The candidate market is challenging, and while we want to increase the diversity of candidate pools, it is overwhelming to think about where to begin. This session will provide tips to increase your diversity and ideas about how to strengthen your internal recruiting processes to increase your likelihood of success.
Learning Objectives:
- Presenters will discuss DEIB recruiting challenges and learn practical tools and strategies to diversify your talent pool.
- Attendees will be able to confidently approach the topic of diversity in hiring and help avoid bias as you work to expand your candidate pools and your interview process.
- Attendees will learn the most common mistakes recruiters make and ways to assess and improve your current recruiting approaches to succeed.

14. Breaking Up is Hard to Do
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Presenter:
- Vanessa Henry, Director of Human Resources, NFI Massachusetts
CEs:
- SHRM
Description:
- This workshop will give managers the tools to effectively hold people accountable and let people go when the working relationship needs to end. Participants will work through scenarios and get feedback on how to handle a termination in-person or virtually, what written documentation to have and how to deal with the fall out after someone is gone.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will learn about effective employee-to-employer communication.
- Attendees will learn about reducing risk around termination.
- Attendees will learn ways to hold employees accountable.

15. Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast: How to Intentionally Cultivate Program Culture in Any Setting
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Presenter:
- Christine Palmieri, Vice President of Recovery and Housing, Mental Health Association
CEs:
- Social Work, SHRM
Description:
- We will discuss what program culture is, and how it influences the experiences of those providing and receiving services. Attendees will learn how to cultivate a culture that is aligned with organizational values and funder expectations. Attendees will develop a detailed program culture roadmap, and leave with action steps they can take to start influencing program culture immediately.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will be able to articulate the values, beliefs, and behaviors that will inform the program culture.
- Attendees will be able to identify the specific steps needed to intentionally cultivate a culture aligned with organizational values in any setting.
- Attendees will learn to develop and utilize a program specific roadmap to measure program growth and progress.

Application for social work continuing education credits has been submitted. Please contact us at nwalat@providers.org for the status of social work CE accreditation.

16. Responding to Record Requests
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Presenters:
- Anthony Cichello, Co-Managing Partner, Krokidas & Bluestein LLP
- Allison Lennon, Associate Attorney, Krokidas & Bluestein LLP
CEs:
- LMFT
Description:
- In this workshop, we will review the types of records requests that a provider may receive and when a provider is permitted and/or required to disclose the requested information. We also will review unique circumstances surrounding some requests, such as contentious family dynamics, state agency involvement and minor consent.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn how to identify the different types of records requests that a provider may receive and the legal framework for each type of request.
- Participants will learn under what circumstances they are permitted and/or required to disclose the requested records or information.
- Participants will learn to identify confidentiality and privilege issues raised by various documents request.

This activity has been certified by NEAFAST for professional continuing education of Marriage & Family Therapists licensed in Massachusetts.

17. Your Role in Creating a Positive Environment (MAX CAPACITY REACHED)
(AM Slot: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Presenters:
- Sonia D’Alarcao, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, BAMSI
- Jill Conlon, Executive Vice President of Community & Day Services, BAMSI
CEs:
- Social Work, SHRM
Description:
- Studies have shown that a key element to retaining staff is a positive work environment. Together we will explore some strategies to create a safe and inclusive environment, the value and role of emotional intelligence, providing open communication and positive feedback, establishing common goals and infusing fun into the workplace!
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will be able to note three root causes of employee turnover.
- Attendees will identify three emotional intelligence traits that are strengths, and three to work on improving (self-reflection).
- Presenters will cite strategies to infuse fun in the workplace.

Application for social work continuing education credits has been submitted. Please contact us at nwalat@providers.org for the status of social work CE accreditation.

P.M. Workshops:

18. What You Need to Know About Nonprofit Accounting and Banking
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Presenters:
- Harriet Cutshall, Director, Your Part-Time Controller, LLC
- Mike Ouellet, Senior Vice President of Non-profit Banking, Citizens Commercial Banking
Description
- Please join us as we outline the accounting and financial reporting principles unique to non-profits, knowledge and mastery of which is critical to satisfy the needs of stakeholders such as federal and state agencies, fund grantors and commercial banks. We will then provide an overview of the credit, treasury and risk management services used by nonprofits to execute their missions. The session will conclude with a review of the factors and metrics that many banks use to determine the creditworthiness of nonprofits seeking bank financing.
Learning Objectives:
- Presenters will define nonprofit accounting terminology and concepts.
- Attendees will be able to understand basic reporting requirements for the preparation of nonprofit financial statements.
- Attendees will learn about tools your bank might offer and the role financial reporting plays with the bank.

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

Presenters:
- Bithiah Carter, President and CEO, New England Blacks in Philanthropy
- Michael Vazquez, Vice President, Public Affairs Market Manager, Citizens Bank
- TBA
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.

20. Community Inclusion: What It Is (and Isn’t) & How to Achieve It
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Presenter:
- Lisa Drennan, Founder and Inclusion Consultant, MERGE Diverse Abilities Inclusion Consulting
CEs:
- Social Work, LMHC, LADC, LMFT
Description:
- In Community Recreational Programs, the term “inclusion” can have different meanings or be misunderstood. During this workshop, we will explore the principles & benefits of inclusion and the models of how programs can be offered.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to identify and describe at least 3 inclusion principles and indicate how that would apply to a recreational, sport, faith-based, social or community-based program provider.
- Participants will be able to assess recreational program features and supports and identify what type of model it is and evaluate the benefits and hurdles to that type of programming.
- Participants will be able to apply the best practices explored to their person-centered approach to accessing community inclusion and increase a sense of belonging.

21. Understanding Assistive Technology for Optimal Impact
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Presenters:
- Michele Boutelle, Assistive Technology Regional Center Manager, Easterseals MA
- Kobena Bonney, MassMATCH Assistive Technology Program Coordinator, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
- Jennifer Petersen, Director of Supportive Technology, Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services
CEs:
- Social Work, LMHC, LADC, LMFT
Description:
- Interested in learning more about Assistive Technology (AT) and wondering where to start? We will define AT, provide an overview of the different option, and discuss what to consider when referring someone for AT services. We will also include information on several AT initiatives that are available in Massachusetts and how to access them.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will be able to identify at least 3 benefits of AT and at least 3 benefits of RSM and examples of situations/scenarios where they are used.
- Attendees will be able to identify 3 considerations for choosing AT.
- Attendees will be able to identify 3 Massachusetts AT programs.

22. Using an Interdisciplinary Family Centered Approach
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Presenters:
- Michelle McGonagle, Senior Clinical Advisor for Mental Health Services, The Guild for Human Services
- Corrina Riggs, Senior Clinician-Related Services, The Guild for Human Services
- Christine Dimmick, Director of Youth Admissions, The Guild for Human Services
- Allison Traub, Clinical Director of Adult Services, The Guild for Human Services
- Facilitator: Jennifer Magnuson, Chief Clinical Officer, The Guild for Human Services
CEs:
- Social Work, LMHC, LADC, LMFT
Description:
- Family-Centered Services are critical to successful residential programming for individuals with IDD. This workshop acknowledges that sustaining lifelong relationships between individuals and their families can be challenging. Case examples from multiple disciplines will demonstrate how family-centered frameworks can build collaborative relationships with families to achieve improved outcomes for individuals served in residential programs
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will understand the family-centered service framework and its role in residential programming.
- Participants will identify methods for incorporating family input into universal and targeted program practices for individuals with I/DD living in residential programs.
- Participants will identify methods for incorporating family input into various clinical interventions.

23. When your Clients’ Cultural Norms Don’t Match Yours: Learning to Work with Immigrant Families
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Presenters:
- Lydia Carbone, Director of Network Support, Parenting Journey
- Cristina Pachano, Director of Training, Parenting Journey
CEs:
- Social Work, LMHC, LADC, LMFT
Description:
- We often avoid that which is unfamiliar or in which we don’t feel adept. Through a mix of mini lectures and interactive exercises, open a window into the world of immigrant experiences in the United States and begin the process of building confidence through connection.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will expand their view and understanding of the immigrant experience.
- Participants will gain tools for engaging people whose culture is different than theirs.
- Participants will learn to start from a place of similarity despite external differences.

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

Presenters:
- Amy Kershaw, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care
- Michael Cole, Deputy Commissioner for Programs and Policy, Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance
- Maria Mossaides, Director, Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate
- Cecely Reardon, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Youth Services
- Linda Spears, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Children and Families
CEs:
- Social Work, SHRM, LMHC, LADC
Description:
- Hear about departmental updates from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate, Massachusetts Department of Youth Services and Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.

25. Driving Better Results in a Changing Cyber Risk Environment
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Presenters:
- Nadia Hoyte, National Cyber Practice Leader, USI
Description:
- During this presentation, presenters will walk through the current thread landscape, outlining strategies and solutions to mitigate Cyber & Privacy exposures at your organization.

26. Human-Centered Organizations: A Call for Radical Humanity at Work
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Presenter:
- Maya Townsend, Founder and Lead Consultant, Partnering Resources, LLC
CEs:
- Social Work, SHRM
Description:
- We will explore what organizations could look like if we truly centered our businesses around human dignity, learning, and well-being. We will explore the ways that organizations have centered humans in unique ways, and consider the impacts of human centering on practices such as appraising performance, hiring, onboarding and managing.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will learn about the concept of human-centered organizations.
- Attendees will learn from organizations that have developed processes and practices that center human dignity, learning, and well-being.
- Attendees will explore the implications for centering humans in participant organizations.

Application for social work continuing education credits has been submitted. Please contact us at nwalat@providers.org for the status of social work CE accreditation.

27. The Ecology of Diversity
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Presenter:
- Dr. Norman Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer, Integrated Diversity (iD)
CEs:
- Social Work, SHRM
Description:
- Whether you’re a DEI or HR professional, or just starting out in your DEI journey, you’ll leave with actionable tactics and an understanding of how to build a roadmap for success for all members of your organization. In this workshop, we will dive into big ideas such as models of distributive leadership, using data to ask big questions, the reality of demography and what’s next, creating new paradigms for work and lifelong learning, and how to change environments to adapt to the inhabitants.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will learn to about actionable diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.
- Attendees will learn how to use data effectively for formulating questions.
- Attendees will be able to create environments that promote learning and adapt to diverse inhabitants.

Application for social work continuing education credits has been submitted. Please contact us at nwalat@providers.org for the status of social work CE accreditation.

28. The Four P’s of Talent Retention
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Presenter:
- Nell Callen, Consultant, Curtis Strategy
CEs:
- SHRM
Description:
- We know when employees are looking for another job or “quietly quitting,” but what can be done? Employee disengagement and departures can primarily be attributed to one or more of the following: Purpose, Promotion, People, & Package. In this workshop, we will identify which of the Four P’s is at risk and how to address it at your organization with targeted solutions.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will be able to describe the key influences on employee retention, engagement, and attrition.
- Attendees will learn to be proactive and intentional about enhancing employee’s sense of purpose, structuring growth opportunities, building and maintaining culture, and developing creative, competitive compensation packages.
- Attendees will find creative solutions to the workforce crisis executives are facing and develop strategies to overcome them.

29. Creating Connection Through Music
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Presenter:
- Eve Montague, Director of Day Habilitation, New England Village
CEs:
- Social Work, LMHC
Description:
- Music, with it’s inherent structure of rhythm, melody, and harmony, creates emotional and physical connections that invite, inspire, motivate, and soothe. This interactive discussion on the power of music will offer opportunity to create community and connection through that power. Music is available to, and inclusive with, everyone.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will understand the difference between active and passive music making and the differences it makes in our bodies and brains .
- Attendees will be able to articulate wellness benefits of incorporating music and arts into daily activities for both individuals supported and self.
- Attendees will learn to identify at least one music activity to incorporate into a daily routine for individuals supported and/or for self.

30. Intersectionality: The Presumed Dichotomy of Race and Queerness
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Presenter:
- Shaplaie Brooks, Executive Director, MA Commission on LGBTQ Youth
CEs:
- Social Work, SHRM
Description:
- In this session, participants will understand the dangers of being queer and other, how to break the cycle as an ally, how to recognize the nuances of homophobia, transphobia, and racism, and how to advocate for yourself and those you serve.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will understand the dangers faced by queer and marginalized individuals.
- Attendees will recognize and address nuances in homophobia, transphobia, and racism to create safer environments.
- Attendees will equip themselves to advocate for both themself and those they serve.

Application for social work continuing education credits has been submitted. Please contact us at nwalat@providers.org for the status of social work CE accreditation.

31. Mindful Exploration of Unconscious Bias
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Presenters:
- Katrina Everett, Founder and CEO, Everetts Enterprise LLC
- Brad Howell, President and CEO, Waystone Health and Human Services
CEs:
- Social Work, SHRM, LMHC, LMFT
Description:
- This workshop will take participants on an immersive experience to encounter one’s own biases. This session will provide mindfulness techniques that help relax and reduce mental reactivity so we can be open to explore our unconscious bias. Integrating mindfulness while exploring bias provides a unique approach to developing inclusive practices.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will have an increased awareness of discomfort in the mind and body related to bias.
- Attendees will have an increased awareness of unconscious bias.
- Attendees will be introduced to basic mindfulness practices.

32. Got Conflict? Dealing with Conflict Effectively: Tools for your Toolbox (MAX CAPACITY REACHED)
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Presenters:
- Daniele Ozeri, Mediator and Youth Coordinator, Community Dispute Settlement Center
CEs:
- Social Work
Description:
- This workshop will help you hone your skills at dealing with conflict situations as a human services provider. Our training approach is based on a model that combines presentations with experiential learning. Skills related to effective conflict management are best learned by practice, and so we like to include the opportunity for such practical application through a format that is interactive, engaging, and draws from the group’s own experiences.
Learning Objectives:
- Presenter will provide a framework for understanding the styles of how people respond to conflict.
- Presenter will examine how conflicts escalate and identify strategies for de-escalation and prevention.
- Presenters will explore the nature of conflict in our lives.

33. Navigating Grief in Human Services
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Presenters:
- Lindsey Monahan, Senior Clinician and Grief Specialist, Bridgewell
CEs:
- Social Work, LMHC, LADC, LMFT
Description:
- In this workshop, we will turn toward our grief and address how we are navigating the post-death work environment. We will learn how to allow yourself to grieve for individuals you support while maintaining your own life balance, cover grief and loss, how to prepare for a positive death and how to support ourselves and staff after the death.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will learn to identify delayed grief and being supportive.
- Attendees will learn to allow themself to grieve and how to turn toward their grief.
- Attendees will learn about supporting staff and co-workers when going through grief.

34. Prime Your Team for Action through Improv
(PM Slot: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Presenters:
- Amy Timmins, Vice President of Community Relations, ServiceNet
- Katrina Manegio, Clinical Director with Developmental & Brain Injury Services, ServiceNet
- Janelle Matrow, Speech-Language Pathology Assistant/REACH Early Intervention Program, ServiceNet
- Adam Goodwin, Residential Program Participant, ServiceNet
CEs:
- Social Work, SHRM
Description:
- Improv strengthens team spirit as we take chances, risk vulnerability, and succeed together. High-achieving teams know that success is based on everyone rising – and these improv storytelling and theater games will help you do just that as you build connections, go deeper, laugh longer, and become more flexible.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will understand the core principles of improv.
- Attendees will learn a variety of games and techniques that can be played in-person and/or online.
- Attendees will learn how to use improv in team meetings and group trainings to se the tone, stir reflection and deepen connections.

Administrative & Finance Track

Clinical & Direct Care Programs Track

Executive Track

Human Resources Track

Personal Growth & Wellness Track

Supervision & Management Track

A.M. Workshops:

P.M. Workshops: