May 6 and May 7 • 2024
Join us for the Mental Health Conference: Across the Lifespan, on May 6th and 7th, 2024, at the Prescott Resort Center. This conference is focused on the mental health of everyone and will have tracks that focus on youth, older adults, and general.
Our target audience for this conference are individuals who work with the public and are community advocates for mental health, including; teachers, probation officers, therapists/counselors, health educators, doctors, nurses, EMTs, faith leaders, hospice workers, parents, and community leaders.
The goal of this conference is to provide both information on the latest research and practical tools and resources to improve mental health outcomes, reduce stigma, and prevention of mental health crises.
Dr. Susan Biali Haas is an award-winning medical doctor, internationally recognized for her expertise in mental health, stress management, burnout prevention, and resilience.
She has provided education on these topics to a wide range of organizations including the United States Navy, Google, McKinsey & Company, Deloitte, AT&T, and MIT.
In addition to her twenty years of clinical experience in general practice, she also coaches a broad range of clients — from senior executives to physicians and other health professionals — to take control of their mental and physical well-being. Dr. Susan’s popular Psychology Today blog has over 11 million views, and she has been featured in media such as The Today Show, Forbes, BBC World Service, Fast Company, Oprah.com, and others. Her latest book is The Resilient Life: Manage Stress, Prevent Burnout, and Strengthen Your Mental and Physical Health.
Amanda E. Sokan holds a PhD in Gerontology, and Masters in Healthcare Administration from the University of Kentucky, as well as a law degree (LL.B) from the University of Buckingham, England. Her professional experience includes faculty positions in Gerontology and Health Administration, consultancy work on aging issues, and program evaluation. Her interests straddle the nexus of gerontology and healthcare, and include: elder rights and justice, elder abuse/mistreatment, cultural competence, LGBT aging, long-term care, aging and healthcare navigation, health promotion and well-being, provider relationships, and workforce planning and development.
Dr. Sokan has a broad range of experience in conducting/facilitating workshops for professionals and laypeople on aging related issues. She has multi-year experience in quality assurance/evaluation – working on a HUD Multi-Family Service Grant, which provides on-site Social Service Coordinator services for residents of a Senior Housing Development.
Dr. Sokan provides consultancy, advocacy and counseling services to individuals (family members and caregivers of persons with dementia) on supportive caregiving, and is a trained facilitator in dementia caregiving. She is currently a member of the Arizona team participating in the CDC/ASTHO Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) lab, tasked with developing a state-wide Lab strategy-and-action plan with a focus on dementia, and dementia caregiving in Arizona. Overall, her focus is on the translation of knowledge and research to improve the aging experience.
Leaders from various Arizona’s Organizations will discuss strategies, barriers, and resources in addressing mental health concerns.
Moderator:
Carol Lewis, Assistant Director, Yavapai County Community Health Services
Panelists:
Dr. Erin Smith, Executive Director, Sedona Sky Academy
Esther Cynthia – Lead Therapist – Children’s Services, Southwest Behavioral & Health Services
Kathy Bashor – Chair, Arizona Peer & Family Coalition
Virginia Cons – Director of Behavioral Health, Arizona Complete Health
Living in a Neurotypical World: The Autistic Paradox – Diana Orem, Psychologist, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
• Learn what it is like for individuals with Autism to navigate a world geared towards the needs and wants of the majority neurotype.
Stories that Teach, Stories that Heal, Stories that Bring us Together – Jeremiah Kaplan, MSW, Senior Research & Training Specialist at Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center, Arizona State University
• This workshop presents a combination of the old (storytelling, games, connection) and the new (gamification of learning, social and emotional outcomes) as an intervention being developed and implemented in one community.
The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children’s Mental Health – Missy Sikora, Director, Yavapai Family Advocacy Center
• In this Training, discussions will be on how being exposure to emotional, verbal, and physical abuse can have lifelong emotional and psychological consequences.
Connecting with Your Students – Debra Thompson, Teacher, Prescott Lakes Parkway School Marvy McNeese, Principal, Prescott Lakes Parkway School
• Learn how specialized trainings equipped teachers with knowledge and tools to work with youth in a Juvenile Detention environment.
Crisis Systems Overview: Youth – Bill Mitchell, First Responder Liaison, Arizona Complete Health Allison Hephner, First Responder Liaison, Arizona Complete Health
• The road map to access crisis services in Northern Arizona.
Exercise: A Prescription for Superior Mental Health – William Wennerholm, LCSW, Psychotherapist
• The goal of this workshop will be to help each attendee develop their own exercise prescription to aid in their quest for optimal mental health.
Help or Hurt: The Relationship Between Marijuana & Mental Health – Nikki Rosson, Assistant Director, Matforce
• Learn details of how marijuana is affecting our most vulnerable populations as rates and frequency of use continues to rise.
Emotional Intelligence – Denise Beagley, M.Sc., Beagley Consulting
• Learn what emotional intelligence is, how to identify and name one’s own emotions, how to manage emotions, and how to help others do the same.
Crisis Systems Overview Adults – Bill Mitchell, First Responder Liaison, Arizona Complete Health Allison Hephner, First Responder Liaison Arizona Complete Health
• The road map to access crisis services in Northern Arizona.
Practical Strategies for Navigating Mental Health Resources – Erin Soto, Human Service Advocate
• Learning discussion to create tools for collaborative support when someone may be experiencing isolation, trauma, or disconnection.
Affirming Practice: Gender Expansive Literacy & Cases for Mental Health – Dylan Wilder Quinn and Jennie Pearl, Facilitators and Trainers, TransIntimate
• Explore stressors specific to transgender and gender expansive community and cultivating resilience with clients, students, and community members
Join or Die: A film about why you should join a club and why the fate of America depends on it. – Film Panel Moderator: Lesley Jenkins, Director, YMCA Panelists: Cyndi Thomas, Chino Valley Senior Center Heather Kurowski, Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition Joy Goff, The Launch Pad
• A panel of community leaders, with experience engaging community members, will discuss ways to connect through volunteering, participating in clubs, classes, and more.
Anxiety & Depression: How to Recognize the Signs & How to Respond – Christina McKelvy, LPC, CCMHC, Owner of Colibri Counseling & Consulting, PLLC
• Attendees will learn the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression and how to support those with anxiety and depression, and how to respond to those in crisis.
Healing Through Reconnection – Kelly R. Vallo, MSW, CEO & Founder of Bah’Hané Consulting, LLC
• Healing through Reconnection is a curriculum that implements an Indigenous framework to help individuals reconnect with themselves, their culture, and their community.
Suicide Prevention: Strategies for Tough Conversations – Andrea Annibale, Psychologist, Owner of ONE Psychological Services
• Learn how to assess warning signs, provide practical interventions, and know when to call for help.
Unmasking Cyber-Bullying Strategies & Insight – Ergi Gumusaneli, Psychiatrist, CEO, Fitz Ilias Inc.
• In this session, attendees gain insights into cyberbullying recognition, prevention strategies, and responsible digital citizenship among all stakeholders.
Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating: How to Recognize it & How to Help – Christina Caple, MS, RD, CEDS, Hope for Healing Nutrition Co., LLC
• Learn types of eating disorders and strategies to support loved ones with eating disorders.
Fostering Resiliency: Human Trafficking Prevention in Rural Communities – Savannah Sanders, Executive Director, Applejack’s Ranch, Founder, Conquer Method
• Drawing from the work of Applejack’s Ranch, this session will explore how a community-based, survivor-centered approach can effectively foster resilience and counter trafficking.
Dementia: Reaching Out, Improving Care, and Securing Wellbeing: A Call to Action – Amanda E. Sokan, PhD, MHA, LL.B, Research Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine (Geriatrics), University of Arizona
• Information to come.
Grief – Andrea Meronuck, MA, LPC, SEP, Clinical Director, Northland Family Help Center
• Information to come.
Identifying and Combatting Elder Abuse, Exploitation and Neglect – Brandon Baxter, Aging Director, NACOG Aging
• In this session we will explore the various types of Abuse, Exploitation and Neglect, how to identify when it may be occurring, and identify what resources are available and what actions can be taken when we suspect our loved ones are at risk.
The Link Between Substance Misuse, Chronic Pain, and Mental Health – Shurine Pate, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, CCRN, Pate Complete Healthcare
• Older Adults living with chronic pain are at higher risk for mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and substance misuse disorders. Learn how to better understand and help manage care for this population.
Creating New Connections as We Age – Kelly Paradis, Community Engagement, Home Health, Hospice & Marley House IPU, Good Samaritan Society
• Loneliness is a growing issue in our world. Older adults are especially at risk as isolation, physical health challenges and deaths of close friends increase with age. Participants will learn about local resources and ways to engage with and encourage older adults to socialize.
A film about why you should join a club – and why the fate of America depends on it.
There will be a special showing of the Film, Join or Die, at the Conference. In this feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America’s civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking “Bowling Alone” research into America’s decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy’s present crisis.
Join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly… What can we do about it?
Following the film, a local panel of community leaders will share and explore ways to engage community members through volunteering, participating in clubs, classes, and more!
What does registration include?
Registration includes attendance for both days of the Conference, lunch both days, and a copy of our Keynote Speaker’s book, The Resilient Life. There will also be networking opportunities and CEUs (if applicable).
Will the Conference include CEUs?
CEUs will be available for school educators and social workers. When registering, please indicate which one is needed. Certificates of Attendance will be given out at the end of the Conference for attendees who may need them for other professions.
Is there a special event hotel room rate available?
There are a limited number of hotel rooms at the Prescott Resort for Conference Attendees. The rate is $119 plus tax. Please call 800-967-4637 directly and let them know you are making a reservation for the Mental Health Conference. Please make arrangements by April 5th for the discounted rate.
Will meals have the option for dietary preferences?
Lunch is included in your registration. Unfortunately, specific dietary needs will not be accommodated.
Can registration tickets be refunded?
Tickets can be refunded until April 29th, 2024. Please be aware that there is an Eventbrite processing fee.
