34th Annual Conference -...

34th Annual Conference

With Keynote Speaker,

Darrell P. Wheeler, PhD, MPH, ACSW

Leader, Educator, and Scholar

May 3, 2019

Red Lion Hotel

100 Berlin Road, Cromwell, CT 06416

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Thanks to Our Conference Partnering Sponsor

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Welcome!

Social workers touch the lives of millions of people each day, helping them overcome life’s hurdles so they

can live to their full potential. The profession is vital and the need for social workers continues to rise. Trained

to examine situations in a holistic way, social workers elevate and empower people. We use this “ELEVATE”

logo and theme, created by the National Office of NASW, for our Annual State Conference to acknowledge

the profession’s role in working to meet the basic needs of all people, especially the most vulnerable in our

society. Social workers are present in our government, our schools and colleges, our communities, the military,

the corporate world, and in healthcare and mental health organizations. Social workers are present in times

of crisis; they push to protect and ensure human rights, working to solve social problems within their

communities and bring about positive change. This is not always an easy job, especially when funding for

services is being cut and health care is under threat and the government seeks to weaken certain rights. We

applaud all the social workers in Connecticut who make such important contributions to society and hope

that we can start a conversation about ways to explore better compensation for the work they do.

We hope you find the conference to be timely, meaningful, and an asset to your work in the field. Please

enjoy the day and don’t forget to join us at the Wine & Cheese Reception immediately following the

conference.

Thank you to those who are presenting today for giving so generously of your ideas and time. Thank you to

the Sponsors and Exhibitors whose resources and contributions are truly invaluable to this event. Thank you to

the NASW/CT staff, the workshop Moderators, and other volunteers who contribute to making this conference

run smoothly. Thank you to those students who participate in the Poster Session. Thanks also to the hotel staff

who work hard to make this conference a success. Thank you in particular to my Planning Committee: Jackie

Alessio, Jennifer Bennett, Amy Hood, Diana Lombardi, Michael Marshall, Leianna McIntire, Amy Myers, Jessica

Serra-Grant, and Lorraine Wozniak. And a special thanks to those of you who support NASW through your

membership. Without you there would be no Connecticut organization to advocate for those we serve as

well as for the profession of social work.

Pat

Patricia Hartman

Coordinator of Professional Development, NASW/CT


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Conference Notes

We’re glad you could join us at our 34th Annual Conference. There is a lot happening to squeeze into one day! In between the

workshops please visit the Exhibitors and Sponsors who so generously support this event and be sure to take advantage of the resources

available at the BookShop located near the Registration Desk. You’ll find the Student Poster Session near the Registration Desk as well.

Find the time to check out the work of our BSW and MSW Student participants!

For the second year, we welcome High Watch as our Partnering Sponsor. Nestled in two hundred wooded acres in the lush Litchfield Hills

of Connecticut, High Watch Recovery Center is a residential medical facility that provides state of the art treatment for Substance Use

Disorders and co-occurring Psychiatric Disorders. As the oldest residential addiction treatment center in the United States their substance

abuse programs are tailored to each individual addiction and administered in a safe, comfortable and healthy environment. The ability

to deliver proven effective treatment for drug and alcohol abuse lies in what is called the unique High Watch Program where the latest

breakthroughs in addiction medicine for treatment of both the neurobiology of addiction and any co occurring disorders (such as

depression, anxiety or bi-polar disorder) are integrated into the time-tested spiritual teachings of the 12 Steps. Visit their Exhibit table at

the conference, meet Jason Perillo, High Watch’s Director of Communication and Marketing at lunch, and, for more information, go to

their web site at www.highwatchrecovery.com .

Books for Sale

Baystate Book Service joins us again, giving you an

opportunity to purchase books of interest. Some of

the most popular authors in the social work field, in-

cluding some of our presenters, are among those

represented and displayed in our very own

“BookShop” located near the Registration Desk.

Exhibitor Display Area

Don’t miss the chance to visit and talk with our exhibitors.

They’ve brought information about their products and services

that may prove helpful to you in your work and your life.

Exhibitors are located in the hallways surrounding the Grand

Ballroom. If you receive this brochure and wish that you, too,

were an exhibitor—give our office a call.

Continuing Education Credits for:

LCSWs, LMSWs, LMFTs, LPC’s, and Licensed

Psychologists

This program has been approved for up to 6

Continuing Education Credit hours (including the

keynote address) by the National Association of

Social Workers CT chapter and meets the continuing

education criteria for licensure renewal for LCSWs,

LMSWs, LMFTs, LPCs, and Licensed Psychologists. Walk-Ins

While we may be able to accommodate walk-ins on the day

of the conference, workshop choices may be limited and

lunch tickets may not be available. Don’t take a chance,

register today! Hotel Accommodations

Should you wish to stay at the Red Lion Hotel, the

overnight rate is $109 plus tax. Please call the Hotel

directly to make reservations at (860) 635-2000 and

say you are with NASW/CT.

At a Glance...

6:30-7:30 am 7:30-8:30 8:30 8:45-9:45 9:45-10:15 10:15-12:15 pm

Exhibitor Set Up

Conference Registration Exhibitor Displays

Light Breakfast

Poster Session

Welcome Keynote Address

Exhibitor

Displays

Poster Session

2 Hour Morning Workshops

#1-13

12:15-1:30 pm 1:30-3:00 3:00-3:15 3:15-4:45 5:00 5:00-6:00

LUNCH

Exhibitor

Displays

First Half of Full Afternoon

Workshops #14-16

and

Early Afternoon

Workshops #17-26

BREAK

Poster Session

Second Half of Full Afternoon Workshops

#14-16 Continue

and

Mid Afternoon

Workshops #27-36

Drop Off

CEC

Participant Form at

Registration Desk

Join us for a

Wine & Cheese Reception

Poster Session

Check out the 5th Annual Poster Session near the Registration

Desk. Students in BSW and MSW programs are encouraged to

participate. Call Liz Roberts at (860) 257-8066 or email her at

[email protected] for more information.


Early Registration Special

Have your registration submitted on-line by midnight April 5th

and you will save on your conference registration fee! All

registrations this year must be made online. Go to

www.naswct.org for more details. All registrations must be paid

in advance to be considered complete.

http://highwatchrecovery.com/high-watch-program

http://www.highwatchrecovery.com

http://www.naswct.org

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SAVE MONEY!

EARLY BIRD

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Register On-line by midnight

Friday, April 5, 2019

BookShop

Check out our bookshop near

the Registration Desk!

LMSW and LCSW Prep Classes

2019

Two Day Review for License Exam offered:

May 4-5

June 8-9

August 15-16

November 16-17

Social Work Examination Services

In partnership with NASW/CT

For information and to register

go to www.swes.net

or call (800) 933-8802

Social Workers

Rollin’ on the River

SAVE THE DATE!

Annual Awards Dinner

November 14, 2019


“We make a living by what we get,

but we make a life by what we give.”

- Winston Churchill

http://www.swes.net

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Keynote Speaker

Darrell P. Wheeler, PhD, MPH, ACSW Leader, Educator, and Scholar

A well-regarded and active scholar, Darrell Wheeler, PhD has researched, published, and presented extensively in many areas of health and mental health disparities including HIV prevention and intervention, minority health, individual and community resilience, LGBTQ community health and intervention, social justice, and community service. The recipient of numerous distinguished awards and honors, Dr Wheeler earned a BA in Sociology at Cornell College, a MSW from Howard University, and both a MPH and a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh.

At present Dr. Wheeler is the new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY. Prior positions include being the dean of the School of Social Welfare and Vice President for Public Engagement at the University at Albany SUNY and before that a professor and the dean of the School of Social Work at Loyola University in Chicago. He also held academic positions at Hunter College, Columbia University, and the University of North Carolina in Greensboro. His career reflects a deep commitment to social work practice and the social work community.

From 2016 to 2017 Dr. Wheeler served as Vice Chair of the US Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS and was the President of the Board of the National Association of Social Workers from 2014 to 2017. He has held numerous positions within NASW at both the chapter and national levels. He is also a member of the Council on Social Work Education, the American Public Health Association, and is a member of the NASW Social Work Pioneers. In 2015 he was named among the 30 most influential social workers alive.

NASW/CT extends a warm welcome to Dr. Wheeler as the Keynote Speaker for our 34th Annual State Conference.

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Morning Workshops 10:15—12:15

1. The Future of Dementia Care 2 CECs Dementia now tops cancer and heart disease in cost of care. In the United States, the number of Alzheimer’s patients is set to triple to 16 million by 2050. The typical Alzheimer patient is disabled for 9 to 20 years and this is expected to increase to 40 to 50 years as medical advances continue and life expectancy continues to grow. Are there solutions to this Dementia Tsunami? How can we look at health care differently factoring in public health, health care, community, business, and technology? The workshop will address better prevention strategies, better diagnoses, better caregiver support, better residential options, and adoptive models of housing so we can better prepare for what is to come and how to advise patients and families. Steven Rubin, JD, is an attorney with the Drazen Law Group. He is a passionate advocate for helping clients maneuver the often-rough terrain of estate and elder law planning to safeguard assets, independence, and one’s livelihood. In addition to practicing in the area of estate planning, Attorney Rubin is one of 12 attorneys in the State to earn the distinction of Certified Elder Lawyer by the National Elder Law Foundation.

2. Beyond the Opioid Epidemic—Solutions to the Problem 2 CECs The current opioid epidemic in the United States and its origins have been covered in great detail in the news. Moving beyond the history, this workshop will look at solutions that address the problem in government policy, medical guidelines, and social work practices. The risk factors for addiction and overdose, the options for treatment of opioid use disorders, and the associated research on outcomes will be discussed including medication-assisted treatment and the treatment of co-occurring disorders. This interactive workshop will include best intervention techniques, the importance of assessing for co-occurring disorders, and alternative methods for treating chronic pain. Sheila Owen, LCSW, LADC has over 25 years of clinical experience treating both mental health and addiction issues. She maintains a private practice in North Haven and is an Adjunct Professor at Southern Connecticut State University in the MSW program. Sheila is a member of NASW and a member of the NASW/CT Addictions Committee.

3. Trauma and Resilience in the Field of Social Work: Using Mindfulness to Heal 2 CECs Social work is a process of connection and support. Supporting individuals who have experienced various kinds of trauma is an evolving area of discovery in the fields of research and applications of neurobiology, stress management, and resilience training. As caregivers in the field, it is essential that we also check in with our own feelings and behaviors as we encounter challenges with those we support and as we balance our own work/life/family and time. Mindfulness holds many studied benefits. This workshop is designed to give an overview of mindfulness as it applies to trauma-informed practices, providing a deeper understanding of the role of the body and nervous system in healing trauma and how the wellbeing of caregivers who hold critical and demanding roles in the welfare of those they support can be bolstered. Sandrine Harris is Mindfulness Facilitator and Trauma Educator at the Copper Beech Institute in West Hartford. She is a teacher-in-outreach on behalf of the Institute to vulnerable populations as well as offering workshop to professionals in medicine, clinical social work, and other related fields offering an experiential model of nurturing the well-being of the caretaker. She offers tools for learning, stress relief, resiliency, and an understanding of the role of the body and nervous system from a trauma-informed, evidence-based perspective.

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Morning Workshops

10:15—12:15

4. Expanding the Box: Integrating Behavioral Health and Medical Healthcare 2 CECs Are the mind and body connected? Physical health care and behavioral health care have historically been addressed separately, operating in different silos. What if we used a whole person, team-based care approach to an individual’s daily functionality? Integrating and enhancing services to ensure optimum quality of life sounds great right? This workshop will start with a baseline mutual understanding of Integrated Care and its evidenced based models, providing a starting point on how to advance our skillset in this area. There will be discussion of workflows and strategies to utilize in building cohesive partnerships in a variety of settings as well as discussion around co-morbid conditions and best practices. Monica Williams Harrison, LCSW provides consulting services to organizations integrating physical and behavioral health care, enhancing co-occurring mental health and substance use services, and integrating specialty medial settings. She has both clinical knowledge and direct practice experience in Integrated Care Models and practices. Monica is a member of the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association and a longtime member of NASW.

5. How Connecticut is Using One Key Question (OKQ): A Tool to Empower Women and their Partners Around Pregnancy Intentionally and Optimal Birth Spacing. Lessons learned from Every Woman Connecticut Learning Collaborative 2 CECs Nearly 1 in 5 new mothers in Connecticut report that they wish they had become pregnant at a later time. Additionally, vital records data suggest that over 37% of repeat births in Connecticut in 2015 occurred less than 18 months after the mother’s last live birth which is considered the minimal wait time before another pregnancy in order to reduce the risk of a premature birth and other negative birth outcomes. Established by the March of Dimes and the Maternal and Child Health Coalition to address these statistics, the Every Woman Connecticut Learning Collaborative (EWCT) partners with hospitals, private practitioners, planned parenthood clinics, community health centers, home visiting programs, local health departments, and WIC sites to empower women and their partners around pregnancy intentionally and optimal birth spacing by implementing One Key Question in clinical and non-clinical settings throughout the state: Would you like to become pregnant in the next year? The presenters of this workshop will share data and the knowledge of OKQ implementers, and demonstrate how the strategies used have resulted in successes and positive birth outcomes. Marijane Carey, MSW, MPH is the principal of Carey Consulting, a 29-year-old consulting firm specializing in public health and human services with a focus on women and children. She is a long time member of NASW and an advocate for women and children throughout her 35 yearlong career. Jordana Frost, DrPH, MPH, CPH, CD(DONA) is the Director of Maternal Child Health and Government Affairs for the March of Dimes in CT and RI. She is a DONA-certified childbirth doula and serves as Co-chair of Every Woman Connecticut. Kimberly Karanda, PhD, LCSW is the Director of the DMHAS Statewide Services Division. She co-chairs the state’s Women’s Services Practice Improvement Collaborative that focuses on best practices in gender-responsive and trauma-informed programming as well as chairing the CT Women and Opioids Workgroup along with many inter-agency and legislative committees addressing women’s behavioral health. Michal Llau-Stevens, MSW is a dual Masters candidate at UCONN, currently completing a Masters degree in Public Health. She interned with March of Dimes and worked on the Every Woman Connecticut One Key Question program. She is also a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator and a NASW member. Cindy Hernandez, MPH is a family support provider at East Shore District Health Department, Nurturing Families Network and her main interest in public health is Maternal Child Health. She has been implementing One Key Question with her families for over a year.

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6. Technology & The Developing Brain 2 CECs What is the impact of current forms of technology on the brain development of children and adolescents—both positive and negative? What are the good outcomes that research has associated with the use of technology and what are the potential physiological, psychological, social, and mental health repercussions? Strategies will be provided to understand, assess, and intervene with technology induced concerns and time will be spent interactively brainstorming additional ways of intervening through individual practice, interacting with parents, interacting with schools, and reaching into the community. Participants will learn methods to help develop a “tech resilient” child, creating environments that foster positive development in a technological world. Jordyn Hager, LICSW is a licensed clinical social worker in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts with 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families. She has worked in a variety of settings doing individual, group, and family therapy and also teaches at Providence College in the Social Work Department.

7. Family Estrangement: Can It Ever Be Healed? 2 CECs Despite an incredible “need to belong” among most individuals, specifically having a sense of belonging to one’s family, we are witnessing many more people reporting an experience of Family Estrangement. After years of discontent or conflict, many adults have stopped having contact with parents or siblings and the ending of familial relationships can be traumatizing for all family members. This workshop will provide an overview of family estrangement, why it might happen, and the emotional and lifelong consequences. Intervention strategies including forgiveness, exoneration, reconciliation, and a resilience exercise will be discussed to mitigate the effects of estrangement upon members of a family. Jack Paul Gesino, DSW, LCSW is an Associate Professor of Social Work at Southern Connecticut State University where he chairs the Elders and Families Specialization. He has been engaged for forty years in a clinical practice with elders at the Center for Elders and Families. He has received extensive training in neuroscience and clinical practice, biofeedback, and Positive psychology and is a practitioner and trainer in Positive psychology. A longtime member of NASW, Dr. Gesino is a frequent and popular workshop presenter at the annual conference.

8. Suicide Prevention and Risk Assessment in the Veteran Population 2 CECs This workshop meets the licensure requirement for Veterans Services. Suicide is a public health concern that does not discriminate and impacts people of all races, genders, and socioeconomic status and veterans are disproportionately impacted by suicide with rates higher than their non-veteran counterparts. However, research has shown that social workers receive little to no education on suicide prevention or risk assessment as part of their formal education. This presentation aims to fill that knowledge gap by using a public health model to include ways that social workers can combat this issue in various settings. Risks factors and warning signs, with an emphasis on the veteran population, will be discussed. Case presentation will be used to allow for interaction and clinical skill building. Evidence-based interventions and resources will also be provided. Christina Allen, LCSW is a Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the VA Healthcare System in West Haven. She has been practicing for over 10 years and has 6 years of experience treating veterans with mental health and substance use disorders. She is a member of the CT Suicide Advisory Board and, as a NASW member, represents the organization on a workgroup to develop core competency training for clinicians treating individuals at risk for suicide.

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Latonya Harts, LCSW is a Suicide Prevention Coordinator employed by the VA in Newington. She responds to veterans and families in crisis, working with the National Military Veterans Crisis Line, and ensuring enhanced care services are offered for veterans at high risk. She also serves as a board member of the CT Suicide Advisory Board. Jessie Loss, LCSW is a Suicide Prevention Coordinator at VA Connecticut where she provides training and education, consultation, and clinical oversight relative to suicide prevention. She also has 10 years of experience in the field of correctional social work. Jessie operates a part-time private practice and is also an Adjunct Professor with a MSW program.

9. Comorbid Disorders with Dyslexia: Social Workers Taking the Lead in Identifying and Supporting Students with Dyslexia 2 CECs Dyslexia is a specific learning difference that is neurological in origin, characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition, poor spelling, and decoding abilities. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and dyslexia is often misdiagnosed or seen as a lack of motivation. Social workers do not diagnose dyslexia and often do not identify it, which is of concern since anxiety, depression, and ADHD (all highly comorbid disorders with dyslexia) are often the reasons children are referred to social workers in the first place. Given that students with dyslexia often excel in the areas of critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity they should be identified, assessed properly, and offered accommodations to help them succeed in school as opposed to seeing them under-represented in universities. This workshop will address how social workers can take a lead role in this area by learning how to identify dyslexia and work collaboratively with schools. Carmela Smith, EdD, LCSW is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at Southern Connecticut State University. She is also the parent of a child with dyslexia. She has learned through her research that master level social workers can be trained to diagnose dyslexia and she advocates that they take a lead in doing so. Dr. Smith has worked as a clinician, a supervisor, and a school administrator and is a member of NASW. Natalie Smith is 14 and a 9th grade student with dyslexia. She recently assisted her mother when she presented this workshop at the National Conference for CSWE. She is helping to write a children’s book to increase parent understanding of dyslexia and also created an award winning artistic depiction of dyslexia that was selected to be on two covers of the Journal of Learning Disabilities.

10. The Journey to Cultural Awareness through Micro, Mezzo, and Macro Practices 2 CECs This workshop meets the licensure requirement for Cultural Competence. NASW sets forth standards for Cultural Competence that obliges social workers to apply these principles to their practice. In addition to required standards, the changing demographics of the United States highlight the need for social workers to continually reinforce their knowledge and commitment to delivering culturally competent services. It is projected that more than 50% of Americans will be of a “marginalized” population by the year 2050. Thus, this workshop will examine and apply cultural competencies to the 3 levels of social work: micro, mezzo, and macro practices. The NASW/CT Diversity Committee will present an engaging workshop consisting of learning objectives, theoretical concepts, experiential learning, panel and participant conversation. From private practitioners to policy practitioners, this workshop will instruct on the fundamentals of cultural awareness and the journey one takes to achieve the final and ongoing stage of cultural humility. Participants will learn to identify, assess, and apply a range of cultural competencies to their own practices and an array of environments.

Sherryl Chin, MSW works at Southern Connecticut State University as an Administrative Assistant with the Department of Nursing. She is a member of the PFAC (Patient Family Advisory Committee) at Middlesex Health, a Connecticut union steward and delegate, a member of NASW, and an active member of the NASW/CT Diversity Committee. Ms. Chin is passionate about the education and empowerment of others.

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Laqueshia Clemons, LMSW is co-chair of the NASW/CT Diversity Committee. LaQueshia is currently working in a public defender’s office as a social worker. She also has experience as a case manager and clinician and is a NASW member. Antonia Cordero, PhD, LCSW is a Tenured Associate Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work and a member of the Puerto Rican/Latino/a Studies Project. With 20 years of agency and private practice experience, Dr. Cordero has been a member of NASW since 1979 and has served as NASW/CT assembly Delegate since 2013. Cheryl Green, RN, MSW is a nursing professor at Southern Connecticut State University and an Off-Shift Nurse Leader at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Dr. Green is also a licensed clinical social worker providing therapy services to adults, children, couples, and families. Her areas of research include incivility, addiction and mental illness, spiritual health, and perceived discrimination as a component of incivility. Dr. Green is a NASW member. Marlanda Hamilton, LMSW is co-chair of the NASW/CT Diversity Committee. She is a dedicated clinician at Community Health Resources (CHR) and travels throughout Connecticut providing in-home social work services to children and families. Marlanda is a member of NASW. Irwin Krieger, LCSW has provided psychotherapy for LGBT individuals, couples, and their families for over 30 years. He provides essential training for mental health and health care professionals with the goal of expanding the base of knowledgeable providers for transgender individuals. A long time member of NASW, he received the NASW/CT Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. Karen McLean, PhD, MSW, is an Assistant Professor at Western Connecticut State University in the Social Work Department. She has experience in the social welfare arena, was a fair hearings officer, worked in a hospital setting, and was an adjunct faculty member before joining the faculty at WCSU. She serves on the NASW/CT Board as a Member At Large and co-chairs the Diversity Committee. Dr. McLean is the facilitator for the workshop.

11. Trans 101: Micro and Macro Perspectives 2 CECs This workshop meets the licensure requirement for Cultural Competence. Research has shown that the transgender community faces disproportionately higher rates of suicidality, trauma, discrimination, and violence, which necessitates greater access to competent, compassionate mental health services. This workshop will provide mental health professionals with a well-rounded introduction to working with the transgender community to better prepare practitioners to competently serve this underserved and stigmatized group. The distinctions between gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and various transition options will be explored. Implications for individual, couples, and family work will be discussed as well as clinical issues that arise across the lifespan. The processes of social, legal, and medical transition will be presented as well as the political barriers and advances that the transgender community has experienced in recent times. Sarah Gilbert, LCSW is the owner of Transitions Therapy, LLC, a private practice in Manchester. Transitions Therapy LLC specializes in serving the transgender community and their loved ones through individual therapy, monthly partner support groups, consultation, and training on transgender-affirmative care. Diana Lombardi, MSW is the Executive Director of the Connecticut Trans-Advocacy Coalition. She worked with ctEQUALITY to pass the gender inclusive Anti-Discrimination law in CT in 2011 and in 2015 worked to help pass legislation that allows CT birth certificates gender markers to be changed without surgery. She is a member of LGBT Aging Advocacy, a committee working with senior centers and agencies to create open and affirming aging service for LGBT elders in Connecticut. Diana is an active member of NASW and a well-known speaker in the state.

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12. Lobbying Skills for Social Workers: How to be an effective advocate at the policy level 2 CECs

In this session learn the ins and outs of advocating for legislative or administrative policy change. Basic lobbying skills will be discussed so that you can be an effective advocate. Learn the do’s and don’ts of lobbying legislators, how to track legislation at the state level, what makes for effective testimony, in what ways and at what points can you impact legislation, and what you as an individual can do to make a difference. Find out the differences in lobbying elected officials vs. lobbying executive branch agencies and administrators. Using examples from both past and current issues NASW/CT is working on you will gain important insights into effective means for communicating with policy makers. This presentation will include developing an advocacy campaign, building support for your issue, pros and cons of working within coalitions, and using story telling as a persuasion tool. The criteria used by NASW/CT in issues selection and the Chapter’s successful mobilization model with be presented. The tie between electoral politics and legislative action will be briefly discussed. Case examples from the presenters over 30 years of experience will be used for a lively discussion of the realities on how a bill or policy is becomes a law or regulation. Attendees will be encourage to write their legislator before the session is done.

Stephen Wanczyk-Karp, LMSW is the Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers, CT Chapter. He has over 30 years of experience in the legislative and political arena, including overseeing the passage of social work licensure, confidentiality and third party payment for social workers. He has extensive experience in getting social work bills passed, and in derailing bills that would threaten social work practice in Connecticut. Recognized amongst his peers for his skills in political social work, he is the architect of the successful campaign to have the State of Connecticut give preference in hiring to BSWs and MSWs for the position of social worker that brought Steve the NASW Gilman-Wells Award for exceptional practice in government relations. He has been employed with NASW for over 30 years, 27 of them as the NASW/CT executive director.

13. Striving and Surviving as a New Social Worker: Looking for a Job, Getting Hired, and Basic Organizational Life for New Professionals For new and near graduates, no CECs This presentation is intended for young professionals and new (or near) graduates as they enter the job market for the first time. (Experienced professionals embarking on second careers in social work may find this presentation less helpful than younger professionals starting out.) While social work attracts a diverse student body, sizable portions of our trainees are entering organizational life for the first time. The workshop will provide a basic outline of how to successfully present in writing, during an interview, and through the life cycle of ones employment with an agency. Using humor, stories, and insight based on experience as a supervisor and a clinician, the presenter will share some of the common mistakes that new professionals make and provide advice on how to avoid them. Content includes how to manage conflict with coworkers, common organizational frustrations, understanding organizational life, and how to work in a culturally, gendered, and ethnically diverse workplace. Edwin Renaud, PhD, LCSW is currently Director of Social Work and Multicultural Services at Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown. He has over 20 years of experiences as a selected candidate and rejected applicant in federal, state, and non-profit organizations. He has made every possible career mistake and is widely recognized for his innovation in the discovery of new ones.

Morning Workshops 10:15 to 12:15

Social Work Online CE Institute

Wondering how to get 6 Continuing Ed Online Credits that you know will meet Connecticut’s licensing requirements?

Go to the CE Institute on the NASW/CT website at www.naswct.org, and click on Continuing Education/CE Institute.

You’ll discover dozens of classes on dozens of topics at reasonable prices— all accepted in Connecticut!



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14. De-escalation, Management of Aggressive Behavior, and Patient Engagement Strategies: A Trauma-Informed Approach 3 CECs Aggressive and drug-seeking behavior creates unique and often frustrating challenges in clinical settings; often these behaviors are fueled by substance use and trauma related disorders. This presentation will offer strategies for addressing these behaviors in an assertive and therapeutic approach while retaining patient engagement. This interactive and experiential presentation offers an overview of the impact of trauma on the recovery process from a social, biological, psychological, and spiritual perspective and will provide clinicians with skills to work with people affected by substance use and trauma throughout their recovery. Chris Dorval, LICSW, LCDP, LCDCS, LADC, ICADC is Clinical Director at Northeast Addiction Treatment Center in Quincy, Massachusetts. He is also Project Coordinator for the Rhode Island College School of Social Work SBIRT Training and Resource Center. Chris is a recognized speaker, trainer, and clinical consultant in the areas of addiction, trauma, and men’s health. He has extensive training in trauma informed care, treating co-occurring trauma and addiction, and is committed to helping others in their own personal journeys in recovery. An NASW member, in 2018 he was the recipient of the Social Worker of the Year Award in Addictions from the RI Chapter.

15. Cultivating Cultural Humility: A Framework for Practitioners and Educators 3 CECs This workshop meets the licensure requirement for Cultural Competence. Many of our clients have endured experiences we cannot fathom. In arriving at the first session with us they are already the survivors, heroes and heroines of their own lived experiences. Approaching the clinical relationship through a lens of cultural humility asks us to honor the resilience and wisdom our clients already possess, to strive for a deeper level of openness to and respect for their experience and the way they see the world. Cultural humility is a distillation of all that social work strives to embody at its noblest realization: the fullest embodiment of “being where the client is”. The practice of cultural humility is gentle, forgiving, empowering and transformational, allowing both client and clinician to experience growth, intimacy, and greater authenticity as the work progresses. It challenges us to explore how our own identities impact beliefs regarding what is “healthy” or “right”, to de-center our own knowledge and to be vigilant to power imbalances and the impact of the system. Attending this training will provide the theory behind this new approach, a clear understanding of a cultural humility framework, and multiple experiential opportunities to implement it and witness its benefits firsthand. Mara Gottlieb, PhD, LMSW, is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the NYU Silver School of Social Work and an adjunct lecturer at Southern CT State University, teaching at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Dr. Gottlieb is also an author and the founder and CEO of Talking Changes, a training and bias-awareness organization that seeks to create safe learning environments in which maximal knowledge, self-awareness, and insight can be cultivated. A member of NASW, in 2017 Mara was honored with the Distinguished Achievement Award from NASW/CT.

16. Power, Purpose, and Passion: Preventing Burnout 3 CECs While balance and self-care may be healthy, often they don’t alleviate burnout. This training goes to the heart of the three most common causes of burnout: a lack of power, passion, and purpose. Participants in this workshop will examine the concept of power and how to build it inside oneself as well as in the workplace; participants will investigate passion, remember early passions, and learn how to ignite it; and finally, participants will consider the meaning of purpose in one’s career and how to increase its value for job satisfaction and for the opportunity to provide better mental health counseling.

Full Afternoon Workshops 1:30—4:45

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Jennifer Berton, PhD, LCSW, CADC-II is the Founder and Principal Clinician at The Rose Center for Learning in Newport, RI, which includes both a private counseling practice and a supervision, consultation, and training company. Dr. Berton has published articles in journals, magazines, and blogs and is the author of Ethics for Addiction Professionals. For more than 20 years, she has been working in a variety of mental health settings and has been providing clinical trainings on many topics. She is licensed in the states of CT and RI and is a member of NASW.

17. Incorporating LCSW Services and Music Therapy in a Geriatric Setting

1.5 CECs In 2015 The Center for Geriatrics at Bridgeport Hospital implemented Shared Medical Visits for patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. While Shared Medical Visits, a medical concept of bringing multiple patients with the same diagnosis together, had historically been used for patients with diabetes, asthma, and other chronic diseases with large educational components to manage, this effort brought the families and caretakers into the mix. While the Alzheimer’s/Dementia patients were first seen by medical staff, they were then encouraged to participate in a group with a music therapist who engaged them in cognitive exercises to promote memory. At the same time an LCSW met with the caretakers, giving them opportunities for discussion, mutual support, and the sharing of skills to promote stress reduction. This model and the outcomes for both patients and caretakers will be shared in this engaging workshop. Kimberly Wills-Rinaldi, LCSW, ACSW has worked for 25 years in Connecticut hospitals and for the past 4 years has been the Geriatric and Palliative Care Social Workers for the Center for Geriatrics at Bridgeport Hospital. Kimberly is a Field Advisor for both UCONN and Southern CT State University Masters level students. She is a NASW member. Cassandra Mulcahy, MMT, MT-BC is a board certified music therapist with 10 years of experience with various populations including oncology patients, elderly patients, children with special needs, and Alzheimer’s/Dementia patients, using music for stress reduction, emotional processing, and self expression.

18. Addressing Inequality and Social Justice Through Voting: An effective, professional, and ethical intervention in all social work practice settings 1.5 CECs Power through voting is at the heart of social justice, race equity, and community wellbeing. Voting is also a method of increasing efficacy and affirming the equality of populations who have been historically dismissed by society. While many people, for a variety of reasons, are disconnected from voting and believe their vote doesn’t matter, once engaged in dialogue about voting in general, not a particular campaign, it changes their perceptions and increase their interest in voting. This interactive workshop will address the important connection between voting rights and community outcomes, describing how voter engagement can be part of both clinical practice and community outreach. Learn how social workers can make a difference! Tanya Rhodes Smith, MSW is the Director of the Nancy A. Humphreys Institute for Political Social Work and Instructor in Residence at UCONN School of Social Work teaching political advocacy and political social work. Her experience includes policy development, nonprofit administration, team management, community organizing, legislative advocacy, and research. She is a long time member of NASW.

Early Afternoon Workshops 1:30—3:00 Full Afternoon Workshops 1:30—4:45

Early Afternoon Workshops 1:30—3:00

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Adelaide Sandler, PhD, MSW is Assistant Professor at Westfield State University in Westfield, MA. She has 10 years of teaching experience but her experiences include working in non-profit community agencies and in the political arena. Addie works in collaboration with the Nancy A. Humphreys Institute for Political Social Work on voter engagement projects and research. She is a member of NASW. Morgan Reiss is a first year MSW student at the University of Connecticut in the Policy Practice concentration and is currently interning with the Nancy A. Humphreys Institute for Political Social Work. She coordinates and facilitates trainings and events related to advocacy and lobbying, voter engagement efforts, and outreach efforts. Patrici Wallen is a second year MSW student at the University of Connecticut in the Community Organizing concentration. Currently an intern for the Nancy A. Humphreys Institute for Political Social Work, she coordinates and facilitates voter engagement and advocacy trainings. She recently worked on a publication addressing felony voting rights. Patrici is a member of NASW.

19. Pediatric Social Work in the Medical Setting: Lessons Learned and Implications for Clinical Practice

1.5 CECs Within medical settings the role of the social worker is critical but it can be complex. Social workers function as an integral part of the healthcare team to address the psychosocial needs of the patients and their families but the fast pace and the multi-disciplinary nature of the medical setting can make the work challenging. This workshop will explore how medical institutions can act as key points of entry for mental health services and how they intersect with community partners such as medical professionals, law enforcement, and child protection agencies. Through real case examples the presenters will explore strategies to address expectations and misconceptions of the social work role in a medical setting, how to implement and develop a social work program within these settings, and how social workers can effectively intersect with their multi-disciplinary partners. Ashley Bolella, LCSW works in the Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) program at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford. She is acting Clinical Core Lead for the Children’s Center on Family Violence, an innovative partnership between Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and the Connecticut Coalition against Domestic Violence created to reduce the impact of family violence on children. Alexandra Derbacher, LMSW provides crisis counseling and support to children and their families who have been victims of abuse and neglect at the SCAN program at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. She provides coordination of care and works collaboratively with community organizations.

20. Couples Therapy Using Imago Therapy 1.5 CEC Working with couples can be challenging. Often spouses and partners come to therapy with the idea that the therapist is going to “fix” their partner. In Imago therapy clients are invited to look at their relationship with new eyes which includes understanding that the unconscious purpose of marriage is to heal childhood wounds. Couples are taught skills so they can become relationally competent. Participants in this workshop will understand the basics of Imago Therapy and will acquire an understanding of the couples dialogue and how to facilitate safe communication within the structure of the dialogue. Johanna Rayman, LCSW has a private practice where she offers individual and marital/couples/family counseling. She has experience in short and long term psychotherapy with adolescent and adult populations. An experienced presenter, Johanna is a trained Imago therapist and a member of NASW.



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21. Grief Counseling: Seven Effective Tools to Use with Your Grieving Clients 1.5 CECs Loss and its ensuing grief is a rite of passage we all experience but there are many therapists who are uncomfortable talking about the death of a client’s loved one and others who want to “fix” grief by selecting from the tool box of treatments we’ve acquired over the years. But acute grief isn’t a problem to be fixed; rather it’s a healing process to be lived. This presentation will offer 7 tools for clinicians to make them more confident in their clinical abilities and more comfortable offering grief counseling. From your original meeting with a client to the steps to take if there is concern for complicated grief reaction, these are simple strategies to learn and facilitate with clients who are grieving. Nicola Sewell, LCSW is employed by Yale-New Haven Hospital conducting psychiatric evaluations in the ER and also maintains a private practice where she focuses on grief and loss. After receiving her MSW at the University of Michigan, Nikki moved to CT and completed a 1-year Fellowship with Yale University School of Medicine then a 1-year Fellowship in Psychosocial Rehabilitation at the West Haven VA. She is an experienced presenter and a member of NASW.

22. The Development of a Social Skills Curriculum for Elementary School Students 1.5 CECs Social skills are essential to students to help them succeed in elementary school and beyond. However, despite the recognition that these skills are important many school districts do not have a formal social skills curriculum or it might be taught in vastly different ways within the same school system. This presentation offers a description of a pilot social skills intervention curriculum designed to teach upper elementary students the verbal and nonverbal behaviors involved in social interactions. The curriculum is ideal for elementary school social workers or other personnel teaching social skills and will increase a student’s self esteem and increase the likelihood that peers will respond to them favorably. Private practice clinicians working with children can also use this module, as the formatted lessons are clear and easy to teach. Emily Banach, LCSW is a School Social Worker at an Elementary School in Wallingford. After receiving her MSW, she was employed as both an inpatient and outpatient pediatric hospital social worker for the first 6 years of her career. She is the creator of a social skills curriculum that is described above, teaching and facilitating this instruction as a school social worker.

23. Trauma-Informed Community Building and Healing with Latinx Immigrant Families 1.5 CECs This workshop meets the licensure requirement for Cultural Competence. Members of oppressed groups are often wounded by individual, community, race-based, historical and/or intergenerational trauma. Research demonstrates that Latinx youth are more likely than all youth to have adverse childhood experiences and 28% of Latinx youth experience four or more adverse conditions such as poverty, neglect, substance abuse, violence, mental health issues, or household dysfunction. Many members of racial-ethnic minority groups report racial discrimination. Immigrants in particular may endure traumatic experiences in their home countries only to encounter harsh and traumatic experiences upon arriving in a host country. Latinx and immigrant community members often do not receive the services and therapy needed to inspire healing and wellness. In this workshop the presenter will demonstrate how trauma-informed care was utilized in one community center to foster collective healing among Latinx immigrant families. In the absence of clinical care, healing was nurtured by building on the cultural assets and traditions of the participants. The care provided was holistic and included civic engagement, peer-to-peer support, and strategies such as storytelling to foster empowerment. Here is a pathway to healing and connection by creating an environment that promotes wellness.


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Lorraine Moya Salas, PhD, MSW joined the Social Work Department at Western Connecticut State University in 2017. She has over 30 years of experience working in an urban school setting, an inpatient facility, and in community practice with Latino immigrant families. Her research is focused on community and family health and equity initiatives.

24. Understanding Internet and Technology Addiction 1.5 CECs Technology is inextricably embedded in our daily lives and our society and is transforming our world in both positive and negative ways. Getting “likes” and notifications and playing Internet based games is described as being identical to smoking a cigarette or doing a line of cocaine. There is unfettered use and no regulations. While others debate whether technology addiction exists, social workers are on the front lines treating anxiety, depression, compulsive behaviors, and developmental delays which can be directly correlated to technology. So what is Internet Addiction? Is it a disorder or a symptom of other disorders? Is compulsive Social Media use the same as Porn or Gaming on the web? What are the addictive characteristics of technology when it comes to cell phones and the rising use of home assistants such as Echo and Alexa? This workshop will encourage discussion about the risk factors, the implications for our families and our clients, and considerations for treatment and advocacy. Nadja Streiter, LMSW works at The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction seeing people of all ages who struggle with some form of technology overuse or addition. She has received training in EMDR, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and Process Addictions. Nadja is a member of NASW and the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work.

25. Sexual Assault Prevention in the Age of #MeToo 1.5 CECs The #MeToo movement has generated a perceptible shift in public perception about sexual assault and harassment. We have begun to see a movement away from tacit acceptance of rape culture to one that demands greater accountability. While survivor support is critical, the social work community should be an integral part of an effort to prevent sexual assault before it happens. This workshop offers a sexual assault survivor’s approach to prevention, including identifying victims of sexual assault and identifying our willingness to be a safe person for disclosure; reporting known or suspected cases to make future prosecution efforts more successful, and supporting survivors and helping them heal. Through a survivor lens, this workshop will explore ways to lead prevention efforts. Suzanne Alden, MSA is a sexual assault prevention educator and survivor. Making the transition from survivor to advocate has uniquely positioned her to understand the complexity of sexual assault while being an effective writer, presenter, and leader on this issue. Suzanne earned a BA in sociology and an MA in accounting and has practical experience working with domestic violence survivors in shelters and youth with mental health concerns. In addition to her work as an educator and advocate, she is a grant writer and works in higher education.

26. A Look Inside the Ivory Tower: A conversation about what is new in social work education 1.5 CECs A panel of three leaders in social work education will offer this workshop illuminating some of the issues that are center stage in the national conversation about social work education. For example, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has identified a commission to study the viability and impact of a CSWE accredited doctoral degree in social work. This raises many questions and could have significant implications on agency life and social


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Early Afternoon Workshops 1:30—3:00 pm

work practice. “Hot topics” in social work education also include the national shortage of field placements and resulting new models of field education along with the push for faculty to engage in grant funded research. Join the conversation and learn about mechanisms for feedback and input into proposed changes. Raymie Wayne, PhD, JD, MSW is Chair and Professor, Department of Social Work and Equitable Community Practice at the University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford. A member of NASW, Raymie served as President elect and President of the Connecticut Chapter of NASW from 2011 to 2014. Elba Caraballo, PhD, MSW, MA is Assistant Professor and Director of Field Education in the Department of Social Work and Equitable Community Practice at the University of Saint Joseph. Nina Heller, PhD, MSW is Dean, Co-Director of the Doctoral Program, and Zachs Professor of Social Work at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work.

27. Reminiscence as a Therapeutic Intervention for Underserved Older Adults 1.5 CECs This workshop meets the licensure requirement for Cultural Competence. Reminiscence is the act of recalling the past including persons, places, events, and feelings associated with an experience. It may occur silently, but is enhanced in the presence of a supportive listener who facilitates the process through questions and validations. Reminiscence is particularly notable for providing patient-centered care utilizing a strengths-based approach in treating clients with symptoms associated with PTSD, depression, and end-of-life concerns and it continues to accrue evidence-based validation of its effectiveness. In this workshop the presenters will use case studies with older adults to show how reminiscence promotes the health and well being of individuals. A new cultural competency model designed for providers working with diverse, underserved populations will be introduced and will be part of the discussion. This presentation explores ways to use reminiscence and narratives within an interprofessional collaborative practice and will also engage participants to reflect on their own reminiscence and its function in coping, resolving conflicts, and problem solving. Catherine Medina, PhD, LCSW is Professor Associate Professor at the UCONN School of Social Work, Chair of the Policy Practice sequence, former Director of the Puerto Rican and Latin@ Studies Project, and Coordinator of the Puerto Rico Travel Study. She is a leader in informing interprofessional education and interprofessional collaborative practice models. A long time member of NASW, Dr. Medina received the CT/NASW Educator of the Year Award in 2018. Juliette Shellman, PhD is an Associate Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Nursing. She is a leading expert in the field of reminiscence and life review, with a particular focus on the use of reminiscence to improve mental health, enhance physical activity, and decrease pain. She has published widely on this topic and has developed and taught reminiscence education courses to nursing students and a variety of disciplines such as social work, physical therapy, and medicine.

28. Adolescent SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) 1.5 CECs The developing adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of alcohol and other drug use and drug and alcohol use are each strongly associated with the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in adolescence. SBIRT provides a valuable framework to reduce these harms and societal costs by efficiently incorporating screening, brief advice and motivational interventions, and referrals for further evaluation and


Mid Afternoon Workshops 3:15—4:45

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treatment. The primary goal of Adolescent SBIRT is not to diagnose and treat but to address low to moderate risk early on and to facilitate effective referrals for assessment and care. This workshop will provide an overview of the value of this practice, some opportunities for role-playing for screening, techniques for using Motivational Interviewing, and discussion of barriers to implementing A-SBIRT. Kathleen Callahan, BS is the Trauma and Gender Coordinator at The Connecticut Women’s Consortium. Transitioning from a career in software, she completed Gateway Community College’s Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counselor program and is currently enrolled in Southern Connecticut State University’s MSW Co-Occurring Disorders program. Kathleen is a certified SBIRT trainer and recently received the NASW/CT MSW Student of the Year Award. Nova Comisar, BA is an Administrative Training Specialist at The Connecticut Women’s Consortium. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and is a certified SBIRT trainer.

29. Helping Kids Grieve: A framework for supporting children and teenagers who have experienced the death of a loved one 1.5 CECs One in five children will experience the death of someone close to them by age 18 and these children are at greater risk for symptoms of depression, anxiety, withdrawal, and lower self-esteem. In cases of traumatic death, the confusion is greater, the coping harder. But we know there is hope for these children for research has shown that a significant predictor of resiliency in children who have faced adversity is the presence of one safe, supportive adult. This workshop serves to provide social workers with realistic, concrete tools for navigating the challenges children impacted by grief may face. Explore how to best support children who are grieving as they learn how to integrate loss into their lives. Hallie Riggs, LCSW is the Coordinator of The Den for Grieving Kids, a program of Family Centers in Darien. For the past 10 years Hallie has provided support to children and families impacted by traumatic events, providing trainings to mental health professionals, educators, and caregivers. Her work with bereaved children and families has taught her that every person possesses the ability to heal and that this healing is best supported through connection with others. Hallie is a member of NASW. Ashleigh Miller, LMSW graduated from Fordham in May of 2018 and received the Student Leadership Award for generating visibility of the CT NASW Chapter on the school’s Westchester campus through her position as MSW Student Representative on the Board. An an intern at Family Centers in Darien, Ashleigh initially worked with The Den for Grieving Children and then ran in-school Den groups and participated on the Trauma Response Team. She was hired as a full time clinician upon her graduation. Ashleigh is a member of NASW.

30. Treating Eating Disorders and PTSD Concurrently: Why we avoid it, and why we shouldn’t 1.5 CECs Clients who present for treatment of an eating disorder often have co-occurring conditions such as personality disorders, depression, anxiety, self-harm, substance abuse, and PTSD. Research has shown a significant percentage of people with eating disorders have experienced interpersonal trauma such as rape or childhood sexual abuse. Eating disorders and PTSD seem to have many common symptoms and, perhaps due to these overlaps, treatment for PTSD has been shown to have a positive impact on reducing eating disorder symptoms as well. Myths and misconceptions still abound, however, that prevent clinicians from addressing the underlying traumas that may be maintaining both the PTSD symptoms and the ED symptoms. This presentation seeks to explore the impact of clinician avoidance, engaging the audience in discussion, reviewing research, and sharing case examples to illustrate the profound benefits of treating PTSD in clients with eating disorders.


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Gillian Tanz, LCSW is the Clinical Director at Monte Nido Rivertowns, a residential treatment center for adult women with eating disorders in Irvington, NY. Gillian is trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy, an empirically validated treatment for PTSD that she is using to treat clients with eating disorders. A member of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professions she presented at their 2016 conference. Licensed in both CT and NY, she has been a member of NASW since 2007. Elizabeth Parks, LCSW is Lead Therapist at Monte Nido’s Eating Disorder Center of Westchester, a day treatment program in White Plains, NY. She has particular interest in the treatment of trauma and was recently published in the Psychiatric Annals on the topic of treating PTSD and eating disorders concurrently. Elizabeth is a member of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.

31. Military Veterans: What agencies and community providers need to know

1.5 CECs This workshop meets the licensure requirement for Veterans Services. Although many veterans access their healthcare through the Veterans Administration, others utilize community-based providers for their mental and physical healthcare. In an advanced clinical practice course at the University of Saint Joseph, four groups of master level students explored the issues facing veterans and what community agencies and providers needed to know to help social workers engage with veterans and serve them within the community. Each of the groups informed themselves of the issues facing veterans and their families such as traumatic brain injuries, moral injuries, suicidality, and substance use disorders and then determined treatment and advocacy approaches using evidence-based best practices in culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. In this presentation, the students will share their work. Mariann Mankowski, PhD, LICSW is an Assistant Professor at USJ in the Department of Social Work and Equitable Practice. Her substantive research and clinical areas of focus are on military and veterans issues and gerontology. A clinical social worker for 25 years, Mariann’s current research focuses on the reintegration needs of justice involved veterans. Dr. Mankowski will facilitate the panel. Taylor Andrews is a MSW candidate at the University of Saint Joseph specializing in aging and substance use disorders. She has done research on recidivism rates in men. Michelle Marie Castro is a MSW candidate at USJ specializing in Veterans and social service administration. Areadner Cruz is a MSW candidate at USJ and an Army Veteran specializing in Military Veterans, Children and Families. He has field experience with families and children. Marisa Desjardins is a MSW candidate at USJ specializing in Veterans services and substance use. She has done research on the opioid epidemic. Shinea Girard is a MSW candidate at USJ specializing in Children and Families. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration. Tadd Mclaughlin is a MSW candidate at USJ specializing in Veterans and substance use issues. He is trained in DBT and EFT and has experience with homeless individuals and post incarcerated men. Connor Marie Blais and Emely Maria Chenard also participated in planning this presentation.

32. How to Improve Absenteeism in a Middle School: A simple, cost effective approach 1.5 CECs Chronic absenteeism among middle school students can impact their academic performance, their high school success, and life events long into adulthood. This presentation outlines a program designed to address absenteeism through an approach that supports students and their families. Called PAWS (Perfect Attendance Wins Stuff), the program works with groups of students who have fallen below the 90% attendance level, engaging them in daily check-ins, referring their parents to needed resources, and offering weekly and monthly rewards for their participation and the changes that are made. Come learn how your school or program might enact a PAWS program!


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Lori Sollose, LCSW is a school social worker at Broadview Middle School in Danbury and a Field Supervisor for the Western Connecticut State University Department of Social Work. A member of NASW, Lori co-authored a paper with Sharon Young on the program they are presenting at this conference. Sharon Young, PhD, LCSW is Associate Professor in the Social Work Department at Western Connecticut State University. She has also served as Field Coordinator at WCSU and as an Embedded Clinician for the CT National Guard. Sharon received her MSW at UCONN and her PhD at Fordham University and has presented for NASW and other agencies on numerous occasions. She is a member of NASW.

33. STORIES: SMART™: A Formula for SMART Storytelling 1.5 CECs Telling your “story” can be an opportunity to heal. Sharing your experiences and connecting to another person can help a person navigate life’s journey. This presentation will provide a unique, easy, systematic approach and process to assist youth and adults who have been involved with the behavioral health care system, the child welfare system, and the juvenile justice system in particular. The goal of STORIES: SMART™ is to provide tools to those individuals and groups that seek to make a difference in the lives of people they work with and impact system transformation. While the use of personal stories can be effective on an individual basis and in advocacy work, it is most effective when the stories consider why they share, what they share, where they share, and with whom. STORIES: SMART™ provides attendees with a simple, replicable process to develop a personal story that can lead to transformation while honoring the individuals experience and respecting others connected to the storyteller. The goal for participants is that they understand the components of building a SMART story for their own advocacy or for their work with others. Susan Graham, MSW, MA is a speaker, trainer, and coach. After a 20-year career as a police officer and the tragedy in Sandy Hook, Susan focused on a variety of children’s mental health, juvenile justice, and child welfare system reform efforts. Her passion for developing transformational leaders and teams led to the birth of Let’s Build It, her consultation, coaching, and training company. Nan Arnstein, MA is the CEO and founder of Creative Arts for Developing Minds, Inc. CADM provides opportunities for creative expression for children in foster care using music, art, and movement. Her academic credentials include a BA in Music and an MA in Music Education. She is the author of Rocky Shores, the story of nine-year-old Charles Farmer and his experiences in a new foster care placement.

34. An Overview of Research on Outcomes for Transgender Youth

1.5 CECs This workshop meets the licensure requirement for Cultural Competency. This workshop will include a presentation of a number of research studies as the background for a group discussion of the decision-making challenges that professionals face when acting in the best interests of transgender youth. To date, research on outcomes for transgender youth provides only a patchwork of information to guide parents and professionals. While more research is underway, clinicians have to make decisions concerning transgender youth in our care without waiting for additional outcome studies. This intermediate workshop will give participants the opportunity to discuss specific ethical or clinical challenges that have arisen in their work with transgender youth and how the available research can inform their practice. Irwin Krieger, LCSW has provided psychotherapy for LGBT individuals, couples, and families for over 30 years, including extensive work with transgender teens, adults, and their families. He is the author of Helping Your Transgender Teen: A Guide for Parents and Counseling Transgender and Non-Binary Youth: The Essential Guide. Irwin provides training for mental health and health care professionals with the goal of expanding the base of knowledgeable providers for transgender individuals. A long time member of NASW, he received the NASW/CT Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.


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35. Strategic Planning for Disruptive Leaders 1.5 CECs A strategic plan requires the full commitment of an organization and its staff in developing a vision statement, core values, a mission statement, goals, and objectives. Given the importance of strategic plans and how they set priorities, focus energy and resources, and ensure that stakeholders are working toward common goals, it behooves all of us to understand the meaning of these terms and their differences—particularly the “disruptive leader”/social worker. Social workers have a long and prideful history of disrupting, or challenging the status quos that perpetuate ailments and social injustices. This presentation will address how aspiring, “disruptive”, leaders or those who aim to innovate and foster progressive changes, can employ their skills in leading organizations and teams toward greater innovation to mobilize positive, productive strategic plans. Todd Rofuth, MSW, DSW currently serves as Co-chair of the Social Work Department at Southern Connecticut State University. He was Chair for 15 years, a professor for 26 years, and served on many department committees. He has taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels including courses in social service management, research, social welfare policy, ethnic realities, and the thesis practicum seminar. Dr. Rofuth is a site visitor chairperson for CSWE and is active in the New Haven community. Julie Piepenbring, PhD, MSW is Assistant Professor of Social Work at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. Prior to joining the faculty at Saint Rose, Dr. Piepenbring served as the executive vice president and chief clinical officer at Adelbrook Behavioral and Developmental Services where she specialized in serving youths diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders. During her tenure at Adelbrook, she also taught in the social work department at SCSU and provided clinical therapy in a private practice.

36. Nerd Out: Practical applications of research in social work 1.5 CECs Social workers are expected to integrate research into their work and this directive is intended to support social workers. In practice, however, research can often seem like a burden, synonymous with endless documentation that primarily informs billing efforts rather than clinical practice. This session offers practical advice on integrating research competencies into the day-to-day life at an agency. Topics will include searching for reference literature when you don’t have access to subscription journals; budget-friendly options for collecting, storing, and evaluating feedback; and guidance on assessing meaningful outcome metrics. The emphasis will be on how data can be used as a force for good, whether you are strengthening an argument on behalf of a client, trying to secure vital funding, or seeking to ensure the well-being of your clients and your team. Real-world examples will be used to help attendees grasp concepts, make research meaningful and effective, and spark encouragement! Meredith Campbell Britton, LMSW is a social work researcher at Yale University. Her work focuses on improving the quality and delivery of care to vulnerable populations. Meredith has authored articles for various journals and is also a grant writer at HK Consulting Group, a specialized firm that helps non-profits navigate private and public funding landscapes. She is a member of NASW.

Mid Afternoon Workshops 3:15—4:45 Mid Afternoon Workshops 3:15—4:45

If you’ve ever considered presenting at this conference, now is the time to start thinking about it, because be assured, we are! The opportunity to submit Workshop Proposals for the 2020 conference will be available in October of 2019 when we post the Call for Proposals on the NASW website. We know you’ve got expertise to

share, so start polishing that presentation and show us what you’ve got!

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REGISTER TODAY

(Registration Deadline is midnight April 26, 2019. No refunds given after April 26)

All Registrations Must Be Completed Online

www.naswct.org

Look for the link to register in the green “Special Events” Box

on the home page.

Note: We Accept Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express.

All conference registrations must be paid in full to be considered complete.

For consideration of hardship contact NASW/CT in confidence.

Lunch Choices at the Radisson Cromwell

The Cromwell Sandwich: rare, sliced roast beef with horseradish cream, caramelized red onions and roasted

red pepper on a ciabatta roll. Served with a dill pickle and a side salad. Dessert too!

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad: greens, applewood smoked bacon, slow-roasted tomatoes, grilled red onion,

blue cheese crumbles, and herb grilled chicken with buttermilk ranch dressing. Served with warm rolls

and butter. Dessert too!

The Hummus Wrap: roasted red pepper hummus, julienne vegetables, chopped spinach and alfalfa sprouts in a

wrap. Served with a dill pickle and side salad. Dessert too!

2019 Fee Schedule

Submitted by April 5, 2019

Submitted After April 5, 2019

NASW Member $155.00 $175.00

Non-Member $195.00 $225.00

Full Time Student $65.00 $85.00

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS!

If you require special accommodations to permit your attendance

or participation, please contact Pat Hartman at the chapter office at

(860) 257-8066 or [email protected]

Deadline for Requests to contact resources is April 5, 2019


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Tracking Your Workshops

While there is always some overlap between workshops, this may help you locate presentations of interest.

Children & Families: Workshops 6, 19, 28, 29, 33

School Social Work: 9, 22, 32

Clinical Social Work: 7, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 24, 29, 30, 33

Self Care: 3, 16

Advocacy and Policy: 4, 5, 12, 18, 25, 35, 36

Cultural Competency: 10, 11, 15, 23, 34

Aging Issues: 1, 17, 21, 27

Veterans Services: 8, 31

Addictions: 2, 14, 24, 28

For Students and New Social Workers: 13

Social Work Education: 9, 26

Medical Social Work: 4, 19

Supervisor’s Registry

If you are an LMSW looking for LCSW supervision towards your clinical license, you just might find someone who suits your needs at www.naswct.org/registry-supervisors or go to naswct.org and click on the Supervisor’s Registry tab in the center of the gold bar at the top. Only LCSWs with at least 3 years of clinical supervisory experience, interested in providing LMSW supervision are listed because they’ve asked us to post their information. Posts are detailed and include specialties, current practice, graduate education, continuing ed activities, supervision fees, contact information, and the location where supervision will occur. If you are an LCSW wanting to begin or expand your supervision caseload, you might want to check it out too. The fee is $100.00 for a 1 year listing and can be viewed by any LMSW seeking supervision, not just NASW members. Please feel free to call for more information at 860-257-8066 or email us at [email protected]. We’d be happy to speak with you.

One of the lesser-known benefits to our members is our Job Seekers list. When employment ads are posted on our

website, and when colleagues from other agencies make a request, we send those job listings to the members who

have requested to be on our Job Seekers list. All you have to do is send an email to [email protected],

put “Job Seekers” in the subject line, and “add me to the Job Seekers list” in the body of the

email, along with your contact information, and you will be added the next business day.

Jobs may come to your inbox once a month or twice a week; when we have something,

you’ll know about it. This is a free service only available to NASW members, so if you aren’t

a member yet, you may want to consider it!

Job Seekers

http://www.naswct.org/registry-supervisors

mailto:[email protected]

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Call For Nominations

NASW/CT ANNUAL AWARDS 2019

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD ∞ SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR

STUDENT OF THE YEAR, MSW & BSW ∞ EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR ∞ PUBLIC CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

The Connecticut Chapter of NASW annually honors individuals who have made valuable contributions to the social work profession. Anyone

who appreciates a Social Worker is eligible to make a nomination. NASW/CT’s 2019 Annual Awards Dinner Committee considers all the

nominations and the selected honorees are recognized at the Annual Dinner. The awards give the Chapter an opportunity to show

appreciation to the members of the profession who exemplify the commitment, spirit, advocacy, and integrity of a social worker.

Those wishing to resubmit past nominations are encouraged to do so.

Submit Nominations To

Send to: NASW/CT, 2139 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 205, Rocky Hill, CT 06067

ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED by 9/21/19 ***** Dinner will be held on 11/14/19 Nominations should include:

• A statement explaining why you are nominating the individual AND the award for which the candidate is being nominated.

(Please include clear and specific description of the nominee’s outstanding contributions)

• Supporting documentation (i.e. letters of support from colleagues, newspaper clippings, AND her/his resume or c.v.).

• The CANDIDATE’s name, place of employment, address and phone.

• YOUR name, address, and phone number.

Criteria For Awards

The LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT award is given to a person having a career-long history of exemplary performance

representing the mission of social work and notable participation in NASW. She/he should be a role model to

other social workers.

The SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR should have made a recent outstanding contribution to the profession.

She/he should demonstrate exceptional qualities that make her/him exceed the expectations of her/his job.

The STUDENT OF THE YEAR, either a MSW or a BSW student, should have an above average academic record in

addition to having made noteworthy contributions to the professional community beyond the expectations of

the field experience. May include students who graduated in 2018.

The EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR award is given to an educator who has excelled in the field of social work education.

The LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR award is given when a legislator demonstrates outstanding leadership and

commitment to social and economic justice.

The PUBLIC CITIZEN OF THE YEAR award is given to someone who is not a member of the social work profession but who

has advanced the profession’s aims and ideals.

All nominees must:

• Be a member of NASW/CT in good standing (with the exception of the Public Citizen of the Year and the Legislator of

the Year); demonstrate notable ability to take a leading role in contributing to the growth and development of the

social work profession; and stimulate the contributions of others. NASW/CT Board Members are not eligible for

consideration.

• Contribute to the positive image of the social work profession.

• Effectively integrate experience and education to promote the development of social work practice to meet

human needs.

• Represent the professional ethics of social workers as defined in the NASW Code of Ethics.

• Demonstrate a willingness to take risks for improved social services.

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Thanks to our Tote Bag Sponsors!

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NASW/Connecticut Chapter

Regional Network Meetings

Connect with others in your geographical area

Earn affordable Continuing Education Credits (CECs)

Stay well-informed on trends in social work

Inexpensive way to fulfill licensure requirements!

*Regions are for convenience. All meetings are open to all disciplines, so feel free to attend any meeting of interest

in any part of the state. The cost to non-members and licensed professionals who are not social workers who want

CECs is $25.00.

• Several locations

• $10 per meeting/

workshop for

members

• 1 hour 30 minutes

each workshop

• 1.5 CECs

• Key topics

• Qualified presenters

• Variety of dates/

times

• NASW/CT approved

• Certificates provided

• Convenient learning

• Engage with new

social workers

• Network with

experienced social

workers

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NASW/CT – THE STATE’S LARGEST ORGANIZATION REPRESENTING PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS

The National Association of Social Workers was established in 1955, combining 10 national organizations related to social work practice. NASW has a national office and 55 chapters and in Connecticut the NASW chapter represents over 2,500 members.

NASW/CT has multiple purposes aimed at serving professional social workers, social work students and the general public. The chapter’s key program areas are as follows:

Continuing Education: NASW/CT holds an annual statewide conference, the largest, premier social work conference in the state. Additionally, various workshops are offered throughout the year, online courses are available, and through a provider approval program the chapter approves for continuing education credits over 700 programs per year.

Policy and Advocacy: NASW/CT actively supports legislative initiatives that support the funding and programs necessary for the betterment of Connecticut’s residents. An emphasis is placed on legislation that positively impacts the lives of vulnerable and at-risk populations. Advocacy initiatives are also undertaken through work with state administrative departments.

Advancement of the Profession: As the largest representative organization for social work practice, NASW/CT works to advance and protect the ability of social workers to practice within Connecticut. This includes successful passage of licensing laws, confidentiality statute, and attaining preference in hiring of applicants with social work degrees for the state job classification series of Social Worker. Employers often contact NASW/CT as to practice standards and state regulations that govern social work practice in Connecticut.

Protection of the Public: NASW/CT upholds professional practice standards to assure that individuals and families who receive services from a social worker are receiving care in accordance with the NASW Code of Ethics and NASW Standards of Practice.

Member Services: NASW/CT staff provide members with assistance on a wide range of inquiries, publishes a quarterly newsletter, monthly email update, a job bank and frequent communications to keep members up to date on practice issues.

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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS CONNECTICUT


Poster Session

CALLING ALL SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS!

DISPLAY A POSTER AT THE NASW/CT ANNUAL CONFERENCE! Present research, raise awareness, educate and advocate.

PRIZES AWARDED TO ALL STUDENTS SELECTED TO DISPLAY!

Judges wil l choose 15 posters to exhibit at the conference. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th place and honorable mentions awarded.

NOTIFY OF ‘INTENT TO DISPLAY’ BY MARCH 25TH

SUBMIT DIGITAL POSTER BY APRIL 22ND Include participants name(s), col lege, and title/topic.

Individual & team submissions are welcome. BRING POSTER & ATTEND CONFERENCE ON MAY 3RD

Requirements:

1.Acceptable poster sizes: 2x3, 3x3, 3x4 2.Dry-mounted posters only (for better display on easels). 3.Attention-grabbing title 4.Abstract (Problem/Issue, Methods, Results, Conclusion, References).

Judges evaluate posters 3 times throughout the conference. (7 :30am -8:30am, 9:45am -10:15am, 3:15pm -3:30pm)

TO NOTIFY OF INTENT TO DISPLAY, SUBMIT DIGITALLY AND/OR TO OBTAIN JUDGING CRITERIA, PLEASE CONTACT LIZ ROBERTS:

[email protected]

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Thanks to Our Brochure Sponsor

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Traveling from the North (Hartford): Take I-91 South to Exit 21. Turn left off exit. The hotel

is on the left and the Parking Garage is behind the hotel.

Traveling from the South (New Haven): Take I-91 North to Exit 21. Turn left off the exit.

The hotel is on the left and the Parking Garage is behind the hotel.

Traveling from the East (Waterbury Area): Take I-84 to Exit 27 for Route 691E to I-91

North. Take I-91 North to Exit 21. Turn left off the exit. The hotel is on the left.

Traveling on Route 9 either North or South: Take Exit 20S onto I-91 South. Take

Exit 21. Turn left off the exit. The hotel is on the left and the Parking Garage is

behind the hotel.

NASW/CT Chapter

2139 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 205

Rocky Hill, CT 06067

Phone: (860) 257-8066 • Fax: (860) 257-8074

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.naswct.org

Serving the Profession and Advocating for

Responsive Social Policy

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