Agenda & Workshop Descriptions

Janelle Jones, BS, Arizona Supreme Court; Kate Dobler, MEd, BS, CPM, IMH-E®, AHCCCS; and Dr. Alana Brunacini, Behavioral Health Director, Cochise County

This session will offer an interactive learning experience on substance use disorders and the neurological impacts on people in our communities. The session will also feature the perspective of a mother with a substance use disorder and the devastating impacts of stigma on parents working toward creating a better life for themselves and their children. (Intermediate)

Edward A. Casillas and Sleepy Vildosola, Family Involvement Center

Engaging fathers in parenting support services can be difficult and at times intimidating, but when fathers are actively involved, the whole family can be strengthened. Attendees will hear and learn from fathers who share their lived experiences as well as tips and tools on how to engage fathers. (Introductory)

Stephen Browning and Samantha Greer, Arizona Child and Adolescent Survivor Initiative

This presentation will discuss new, expanded approaches within the Arizona Child & Adolescent Survivor Initiative (ACASI). A general overview of this statewide program will be reviewed with a deeper focus on breaking the cycle of violence through the implementation of Healthy Teen Relationships Workshops (featuring One Love Curriculum) and the launching of a Therapeutic Model to support child survivors of intimate partner violence.

Nicole Gordon, LCSW, and Olawumi Okunade, MPH, Best Self

People striving to turn the corner from surviving to thriving need to develop intention, curiosity and connection. In this workshop, we will create a safe space to address how the dynamics of diversity, equity and inclusion shape our bias and ability to have meaningful connection with ourselves and the people we are supporting to find their own path to healing and joy. Together, by developing and sharing our toolkits, we are giving our clients the opportunity for real connection and success. (Intermediate)

Laura Serna, Southwest Human Development, and Ana Laura Serna, LPN, Serna Consultants

Join us for a workshop of creativity and learning. During our time together, you will connect with your inner artist and gain a deeper understanding of how art and literacy heal, empower, and transform communities through creative play. Participants will learn how to utilize art as an ongoing self-care practice to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and increase creative thinking and problem-solving skills. (Introductory)

Shefali Gandhi, Midwestern University; Peggy Peixoto, MEd, Arizona Department of Health Services;  Nicole Roskens, MC, LPC, Maricopa Superior Court, Juvenile Department; and Tasia Grzecka, Department of Child Safety

The (free!) Strong Families Toolkit provides a way for families to own their experiences engaging with support services, while helping service providers better coordinate their effort to address families’ needs. Learn about this tool created by Together for Arizona, its connection to the protective factors, and how you can begin using it in your own work. (Introductory)

Jerald Monahan, M.S., B.S., A.A.S., and Brandelyn Andres, PhD, Yavapai College

An emotional and social competency that appropriately aligns with a child’s developmental stage is an important protective factor in the prevention of child abuse and neglect. This workshop details the ways in which a child’s verbal and visual communication can be used to evaluate their ability to convey self-awareness and to utilize interpersonal skills to safely navigate their family relationships and their home and school environments. Difficulties in communicating through creative expression may correlate with a higher potential for a young person to be considered at risk and, in turn, indicate that intervention is needed. These indicators can assist social services and law enforcement professionals in determining whether the young people they work with are at risk and require intervention. (Intermediate)

Albert M. Pooley, Native American Fatherhood & Families Association

The Three Pillars workshop focuses on three areas of wellness: self-worth, personal identity and purpose. Through these three pillars, we empower ourselves with positive thought, attitude, kindness and hope. (Introductory)

Denise Ann Bodman, PhD, and Bethany Bustamante Van Vleet, PhD, Arizona State University

“The world, the human world, is bound together not by protons and electrons, but by stories,” author Brian Morton observed. “All the objects in the world would be shards of bare mute blankness, spinning wildly out of orbit if we didn’t bind them together with stories.” Whether we realize it or not, each of us has our own story and own history worth knowing and sharing. Knowing our own stories, including family history, connects us, helps us understand who we are, communicates our values, and, importantly, increases resilience, self-esteem, and a sense of control over our lives. This workshop is designed to help helpers and clients discover their stories, and through these discoveries grow, find purpose and meaning, and discover the hero (self) in their own lives. (Introductory)

Amy L’Ecuyer, RDH, BS, BA, Bridge the Gap Consulting Services

Do you have a co-worker, child, or friend who suffers in silence with suicidal thoughts, depression, or anxiety? Would you like to be prepared to handle sensitive conversations with loved ones at any age regarding their mental health? Join me in taking a proactive approach in learning the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) methods to communicate effectively with anyone about their mental health. On average, 129 people die every day by suicide in the US. Don’t let fear of not knowing what to say keep you from potentially saving a life. (Introductory)

Christi Stephens                                                             

Resilience is key to overcoming adversity and gaining confidence. This workshop will focus on positive insight, fun, and a proactive approach to our interactions with others. (Introductory)

Michele Schmidt, Natalie Long, and Julia Garcia, LeCroy & Milligan Associates

The Healthy Families Parenting Inventory is not just an assessment tool to document and measure outcomes: It is a comprehensive process that helps engage families and build meaningful, individualized family service plans. This presentation outlines the utility of the HFPI as part of an ongoing data-based process to help service providers and families identify strengths and areas of concern. Through case examples, we will examine how to embed the HFPI into quality practices that address the diverse experiences, backgrounds and unique needs of families.

Andrea Klimas, MS, LISAC, Native American Connections

Learn about the benefits of whole-family substance use disorder services, keeping parents and children together in a clinically supported environment while parents engage in substance use treatment. Combined with Native Cultural Practices and conducted in a residential setting, providers identify treatment strategies for pregnant and parenting families struggling with substance use, while ensuring children are safe. (Introductory)

Jamie Green, AHCCCS

It’s hard to find answers to questions about how government works. AHCCCS has developed one-page guides to AHCCCS services to make information more readily available and understandable. There are 50 one-pagers on AHCCS’s array of services, with answers to important questions related to children and families. This workshop will introduce the topics covered and how to find them for use as an ongoing resource. (Intermediate)

Shequan Palmer, Open Hearts Family Wellness

This workshop is designed to provide knowledge and tools needed to break the cycle of trauma. Gain a better understanding of the complex issues facing the Black community. This is an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others who are committed to breaking the cycle of trauma and building a better future for children and communities. (Introductory)

Janna Murrell, Raising Special Kids

Eighty percent of individuals with disabilities will experience abuse or neglect within their lifetime. The most common perpetrators are people who the individual knows and trusts. The best prevention methods for reducing this alarming and devastating reality is recognition of signs, knowing how and when to report, and dispelling the belief that people with disabilities are unreliable in their ability to relay their experiences. (Intermediate)

Neil Tift, MA, Native American Fatherhood & Families Association

Too many family service providers are called upon to resolve difficult ethical problems they typically confront with very limited training in ethical decision-making and problem-solving techniques. This session will utilize a variety of approaches to examine difficult ethical issues, provide guidelines for the application of ethical decision-making and establishing healthy boundaries for a range of client populations, and encourage sound and relevant ethical practice among family service practitioners. (Introductory)

Missy Sikora, Yavapai Family Advocacy Center

In the field of child welfare, it is essential that we develop the ability to understand—compassionately—why a parent or guardian might resist a change that would clearly benefit them and their children. But what is clear to some is not to others. In this training, we will talk about how to discuss “the elephant in the room” —parenting choices that make children unsafe—in a way that is honest and productive. (Introductory)

Christina Schopen, LPC, and Kelly Wills, MC/MFT

Come laugh, relax, and enjoy special “You Time!” Giving so much to so many can be taxing, but before you tell your organization, “Take this Job and…,” let’s pool our resources and find optimal functioning in the sometimes dysfunctional environments we face. (Intermediate)

Jillian Schuldt and Sandra Quintanilla, Coconino County Juvenile Court

Over the last two years, Coconino County has taken a more trauma-responsive and prevention-focused approach to offering services to families involved with the Department of Child Safety. A Dependency Division was created to serve families in-house through an array of services and supports. This workshop will outline the offerings of Coconino County Juvenile Court’s Family Support Team and the impact these services have had. (Introductory)

Jenna Christie-Tabron and Erina Sanchez, Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona

Art can be a transformative tool to help families connect and grow with one another. Participants will receive an introduction to the Free Arts Family Program and be guided through a creative process designed to encourage self-exploration and emotional processing. (Introductory)

Allan Stockellburg and Chod McClintock, Parent Aid

Working with dads can be tricky to say the least. Whether you are engaging them directly or co-involving them with mom, it can be a real struggle to get their investment. Oftentimes, that is because we are having the wrong conversations with them. Learn what drives dads’ motivations for wanting to be the best dad they can be, and support them to reach that goal. (Introductory)

Paola D’Gyves, LPKNC

Now more than ever, it’s important to recognize that we must take care of our mind, our mental health, just as we must take care of our physical health. By learning strategies and tools for mental health, individuals can be better equipped to take proactive steps to avert a crisis. By learning how to engage and respond to difficult conversations, individuals can learn to be an askable adult. In turn, those in need will no longer need to suffer in silence and tragedies may be prevented. (Introductory)

Michelle Sambrano, Southwest Behavioral Health Services

Communication is the cornerstone of trust and the foundation of healing relationships. This workshop focuses on helping providers build trust with the families they serve by using basic Non-Violent Communication (NVC) and Neuro Reset skills. The goal of NVC is to increase our ability to stay present moment to moment while we are communicating with one another. Neuro Reset skills are simple, quick tools that help keep the nervous system regulated. The outcome of combining the two is increased connection, compassion and empathy, building trust with those you serve more effectively. (Intermediate)

Tammy Lee and Misty Standeford, Arizona PBS, Arizona State University

Technology is at our fingertips daily, but how much is too much? This session discusses the appropriate use of technology in the early years and research on the impact on the brain. Arizona PBS provides educational resources for using technology with young children. Leave this session with a wealth of information to pass along to families and caregivers. (Introductory)

Cricket Mitchell, PhD, Triple P Arizona, and Frances Holguin, MSW, University of Arizona Family Engagement Program

Have you heard of the Triple P Positive Parenting Program? Have you seen it in action? The presenters will share activities and accomplishments as Prevent Child Abuse Arizona enters its eighth year of building and supporting the Triple P workforce in Arizona. This session will provide a facilitated opportunity for participants to learn and apply simple, yet impactful, positive parenting tips. Join us to learn what’s happening with Triple P in Arizona, how small changes can make a big difference in the lives of children and families, and how you can become part of the Triple P AZ community. (Introductory)

Hon. Richard Weiss, Superior Court Judge, Ret.

A nonlinear approach to examine our biases, implicit and explicit, this workshop will empower participants’ lenses and perspectives to assist our connections to children and families. We will also explore discomfort as a medium for growth. (Intermediate)

Elisia Manuel, Three Precious Miracles / A Place To Call Home

This workshop will celebrate and share our Native history, culture and heritage by teaching participants beading techniques, with step-by-step demonstrations to create beautiful lanyard. Supplies will be provided. This beading workshop provides cultural enrichment and mental health healing to promote the health and well-being of children and families. (Introductory)

Dr. Meghan Velasquez and Stephen Flaaen, Valley Leadership’s Impact Maker

Meet the Together for Arizona ChatBot, a text-based interactive chat technology developed to help any Arizonan connect to supports and services when they need them most, without the noise and confusion of a general web search. Hear various user perspectives about the ChatBot experience and consider how it could be incorporated into your daily work. (Introductory)

Anna Loebe, EdD, Children’s Advocacy Center of Southern Arizona

Children separated from mothers and birth families will experience disorientation, fear, and trepidation as they find their footing in a new environment. Beyond losing birth parents and familiar surroundings, they have left behind family celebrations as well. This presentation addresses the effect of trauma on the behavior of children around significant days of celebration, as these are reminders of the missing people, traditions, and rituals in their lives. Learn how to help your children through these times. (Introductory)

Melissa Keller, LCSW, University of Arizona, and Andrea Meronuck, LPC, Northland Family Help Center

This experiential workshop will explore self-compassion as a framework for building cultures of collective care within your team. We will offer tools for relationality, courageous conversations, reflective leadership, and cultivating presence. Participants will explore their values as supervisors to prevent and recover from burnout and build resilience. (Intermediate)

Justin Greer, MS, LAC, BHP

This workshop details and provides opportunities to learn and practice the four most important messages children need to hear. These messages help children develop the skills and resilience required to navigate challenges they are sure to face. The four messages also help parents understand how to evaluate their engagement in their children’s life, enabling them to confidently provide the right level of support at the right time, regardless of the circumstances. (Introductory)

Rita Stageman, MSW, PhD Candidate, Northern Arizona University

Child welfare policies regarding prenatal substance use have changed drastically over the last two decades. Changes to CAPTA in the early 2000s amended reporting requirements for prenatal substance use. However, states implemented these directives differently. This presentation examines variances in state policies over the last 20 years and explores the implications of such policies for women’s willingness and ability to seek substance use disorder treatment. (Intermediate)

Patrick Hutchins, Dou-Bro’z

This workshop will explain the effects of hormonal changes men experience during the pregnancy-to-birth cycle. We discuss how to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome by understanding your baby’s cries, identifying stressors and learning coping methods. Through education and preparation, we can change the narrative about fathers and their roles in childbirth and care. (Intermediate)

Jeremiah Kaplan, Arizona State University

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an accessible, conversational style leveraging a person’s intrinsic motivation and commitment to long-term healthy behavior changes. Its new edition, scheduled for release in 2023, leverages 40 years of research and brings with it some important changes. This workshop will review some basic MI concepts with emphasis on the upcoming changes, as well as the implementation and evaluation of MI to fidelity. (Introductory)

Sabrina Marie Walton and Veronica Lopez, Catholic Charities

It is estimated that 95% of our behavior runs on autopilot – often called “fast brain.” That’s because neural networks underlie all of our habits, reducing our millions of sensory inputs per second into manageable shortcuts so we can function in this crazy world. We can slow this down through a process we all know as mindfulness! Mindfulness is best thought of as a way of being. Almost any activity can be carried out with mindful awareness. There is growing evidence and research that mindfulness helps to improve relationships, increase cognitive and academic performance, and keep health and wellbeing in balance. Are you ready to get started? (Intermediate)

Michael White and Shauna Anderson, Hushabye Nursery

Hushabye Nursery is an in-patient detox nursery customized to treat babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome and provide intensive outpatient family services as part of pre-natal and pos-tnatal continuous care. Its mission is to embrace substance-exposed infants and their caregivers with compassionate, evidence-based care that can change the course of their entire lives. Workshop attendees will learn how Hushabye Nursery was developed, how the agency supports families, trends in opioids around Arizona, and how community agencies are pulling together to improve the way they serve Arizona families struggling with opioid dependence. (Introductory)

Michele Schmidt, LeCroy & Milligan Associates, and Pauline Haas-Vaughn, Danielle Gagnier and Adriana Salles, Healthy Families

Healthy Families Arizona (HFAz) has created statewide and program site-level equity plans that will soon be implemented. The plans identify strategies to combat implicit bias, address barriers, and dismantle the causes of disparity and inequity. HFAz leadership and the evaluation team at LeCroy & Milligan Associates revised the annual Caregiver Survey to include questions on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. This survey gathered information from parents and caregivers to ensure that their voices were heard, and the feedback received was used to improve the program’s ability to provide culturally respectful and responsive services.

Kat Willard, Mollie Bailey, MEd, and Christine Waldbeiser, First Things First, and Tene Marion, DCS Office of Prevention

Why are Family Resource Centers on the rise? First Things First (FTF) and the Department of Child Safety (DCS) are teaming up to change the landscape of FRCs in Arizona. Learn about FRCs and how they function as a model for primary prevention on a national and state level. As the original collective impact pioneers, learn how you can partner with FRCs to support families. (Introductory)      

Sarah Reed, Children’s Advocacy Center of Southern Arizona

Have you ever been working with a client when suddenly they break down and cry, burst out in anger, or shut down? Have you ever felt at a loss as to what to do? This interactive, skill-building workshop will provide an overview of the Psychological First Aid intervention, which will give you the confidence and tools you need to help clients and families in times of distress. (Introductory)

Neil Tift, MA, Native American Fatherhood & Families Association

This workshop will emphasize the critically important role that engaged fathers play in the healthy growth and development of young children. It will explain inadvertent barriers that fathers often face in seeking assistance and will present proven strategies that identify and respect paternal instincts that promote and support male involvement in parenting and early childhood education programs. (Introductory)

Kenny E. Miller, LCSW, COS-P, Clinical Social Worker

Drawing on the presenter’s 25 years of experience in this field, this workshop will look at hands-on interventions in work with high-risk families. Attachment, trauma and polyvagal theories, three core and intertwined knowledge areas, offer a powerful lens to support our work. (Intermediate)

Beth Dunn, Yavapai County Education Services Agency

This workshop reviews the “whys” behind difficult and challenging behaviors, and will focus on practical 1-5 minute activities parents, caregivers and educators can do with children to get brains set for the task of the moment. (Intermediate)

Jeffrey Holzberg, MD, MSc, FAAP, Chiricahua Community Health Centers

Learning to cope with stress starts at birth, and there are lessons from the earliest years of brain development that can help manage stress in childhood and adulthood. Learn how the ways that we support infants and toddlers in managing stress can build happiness, peace, and resilience in our own lives and in the families we serve. Attendees will participate in activities that strengthen the mind-body connection and learn how to bring these exercises into their home and work. (Introductory)

Hon. Wendy S. Morton, Superior Court of Arizona; Ari Weber, Superior Court of Arizona; Jeremiah Caldwell, Terros; and Mark Cain, Community Impact Specialist

When families become involved in the dependency system, it is often the worst day. But with Family Treatment Court, there is hope. Learn how Family Treatment court uses a multi-disciplinary, phase-structured, evidence-based approach to serve families who are involved in the dependency process and help them work toward recovery and reunification. (Introductory)

Hilary Mahoney MPH, CPHQ, CPC, and Makisha Gunty, LMSW

“The expectation that we can be immersed in suffering and loss daily and not be touched by it is as unrealistic as expecting to be able to walk through water without getting wet,” observed author Rachel Naomi Remen, MD. This workshop explores how caring, supportive, long-term relationships are the antidote to the compassion fatigue and secondary trauma we experience in our everyday lives and especially in helping professions. Explore how human connection is a primary protective factor necessary to support ourselves and each other. (Intermediate)

Beth Braun, Samantha Transue and Arianna Montes, Esperanza Dance Project

Participants will experience the transformational power of integrating personal narrative and movement. This workshop will lead participants through a gentle warm-up, guided writing exercise, and an exploration of creating movement inspired by their narrative. The session will culminate with an informal sharing of material created and final experiential reflection. (Introductory)

Annie Waters, Healthy Families

Children on the autism spectrum are more vulnerable to abuse and neglect than their neurotypical peers. Parents of these children often report frustration and confusion: many of their children’s behaviors just don’t seem to make any sense. This session will offer critical insights into the nature of autism that will demystify common behaviors, reduce communication barriers, and facilitate empathy-informed problem-solving in alliance with autistic children. You’ll leave armed with all the skills you need to create empowering environments that let children thrive. (Intermediate)

Sheila Hammer, MSW, LCSW, Northern Arizona University                                            

Too often, biological families are shamed once their children enter the child welfare system. It is well established that shame causes symptoms of depression, anxiety, and an overall exacerbation of negative behaviors. This further pushes biological families away from healthy lifestyles needed to regain custody of their children. Research shows that supporting someone struggling to change their behaviors in a positive manner is much more effective than shaming. This workshop will look at ways to support, at both the micro and macro level, biological parents whose children are in the foster care system. (Introductory)

Hilary Mahoney, MPH, CPHQ, CNP, Banner University Family Care

All organizations are perfectly designed to get the results they get! If you want different results, you need to address program evaluation and design, and focus on Quality Improvement. This training will provide an introduction to data for quality improvement, program evaluation, fishbone diagrams and PDSA implementation. If you want to make your good program better, start here. (Intermediate)

Chuck Price, Blue Collar Consulting

Cultivating an environment of trust is crucial to implementing and sustaining change. This presentation will outline strategies for managing the messy middle that leaders/organizations may encounter. The group will also discuss the importance of the leader’s role in establishing rhythm, predictability, and safety, all of which are key to developing a healthy workforce. A healthy, regulated workforce and a trauma-informed approach to the work benefits the staff, the organization, and those we serve. (Intermediate)

Amy Fa’atoafe, MSW, Native American Fatherhood & Families Association

This workshop discusses the cultural model of the five core principles of belief in the Creator, making wise choices, being teachable, learning wisdom, and performing acts of service. Fathers and mothers learn to inspire and motivate family members to build each other’s self-worth and overcome communication barriers. This workshop will also identify important principles of life adapted to strengthen fathers’ relationships with their families. (Introductory)

Lizette Roeder, Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence

Our shared beliefs, attitudes, and traditions, also known as culture, play a significant role in human development. Add pop culture (social media, entertainment, etc.), and you have a pervasive and often harmful view of intimate relationships. This has a significant impact on teens and young adults learning to navigate intimacy and learn more about themselves. Learn about the positive and negative impacts culture can play, and gain tools and resources from state and national organizations. (Intermediate)

Brenda Urbina, Natalia Miranda, and Erica Romero, Pascua Yaqui Tribe

Pascua Yaqui ICWA partners with the state and other tribes to promote cultural diversity, equality, inclusion, and cultural awareness. Participants will learn how bridging such gaps between families and service providers can improve engagement with prevention and intervention services and other resources. (Introductory)

Casey Cole-Albertson, Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona; Matt Sandoval, LMSW, MEd, Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona; and Jayley Janssen, PhD, and Ronae Matriano, Indigo Cultural Center

This workshop will provide a snapshot of the power of the arts and caring adult mentors to transform children’s trauma to resilience. New and expanding research from Free Arts trauma-informed arts programming will be presented. This session will go deeper than evidenced-based metrics by engaging participants in a trauma-informed art activity. Attendees will leave with new knowledge and tools for building resilience and creating expressive outlets for children. (Introductory)

Cortney Vaughan, Southwest Human Development

This session will explore how we can better support children and their families by connecting home, school, and the community. Using a culturally responsive lens, we will address children and their family’s barriers to care, identify gaps in services and support, and develop an action plan to best meet their individual needs. We will explore how you, as an advocate of change, can build sustainable partnerships, and increase meaningful communication between families and providers. (Intermediate)

Delaney Weise and Nicole Yezzi, First Things First

The first five years are the building blocks and foundation of a child’s life. This workshop will help increase the knowledge and understanding of early childhood, and will demonstrate the strength of how networks can help build understanding and support around the first 5 years. Learn how to further discuss early childhood within your networks and communities, while also gaining insight into the work of First Things First within the state of Arizona. (Introductory)

Rose Phillips, MA, Full Bloom Consulting

Working with children and families who have experienced trauma can be stressful and discouraging to caregivers and service providers. It’s painful to see people struggle with some of the greatest difficulties life offers. Understanding Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) provides hope and inspiration. Participants will learn about the phenomenon of PTG, what is necessary for it to develop, and how to support others to encourage PTG in the long term. (Advanced)

Robin J. Blumenthal, MA

Prevention starts with me. I cannot lead others, inspire healthy relationships, and bring my full and best self to the table if I don’t make refilling my tank a priority. Join us as we have a very lively and active workshop, including Minute to Win It games that hit home the need for making sure that our personal well is full. It is up to each of us to ensure that we have what we need in order to bring transformation to our families and communities. (Intermediate)

Rev. Dr. Sanghoon Yoo, MSW, The Faithful City, and Joe Petrielli and Shara Markwell, Sunshine Acres Children’s Home

This workshop presents the fundamental paradigm shift in building trauma-informed organizational culture: from focusing on struggling children to facilitating resilience and community care for house parents and the staff first. The presenters will illustrate the 18-month trauma-informed systemic and cultural change process with persevering leadership, practical flexibility, facing challenges, and powerful testimonies. The workshop participants will learn the presenters’ cultural change design and implementation examples, including practical exercises and toolkits to take away. (Intermediate)