Co-Keynote Speakers: Kendrick Dial and Derrin Ford
Building Bridges with Art and Empathy
This unique keynote session utilizes creative expression to help leaders and trainers to explore the transformational power of empathy in learning environments. Using storytelling, visual imagery and spoken word, our co-keynotes Kendrick Dial and Derrin Ford will co-create a shared experience that centers empathetic connection and culturally responsive engagement.
Participants will gain a fresh perspective on adult learning theory while discovering practical tools for fostering emotionally safe, inclusive spaces. Through the lens of coaching and cultural responsiveness, we’ll demonstrate how to hold space for difficult conversations in ways that resonate and stay with learners. Whether you're new to training or a seasoned facilitator, this session will turn the abstract concept of empathy into a usable, impactful skill.
Kendrick Dial, M.S.W., artistically known as Mr. Lyrical Groove is a multidisciplinary artist, spoken word poet, and front man of the award-winning band The Lyrical Groove, known for blending soul, hip-hop and thought-provoking lyricism. With experience as a Navy veteran, creative and executive coach and leadership trainer, he brings a unique blend of structure and soul to his work. Under the umbrella of his own consulting brand Creative Engagement, he fuses professional development and creativity to allow learners and professionals to explore personal narratives with cultural commentary, using music, poetry and performance as tools for healing and social change.
Derrin Ford, M.Ed., is a visionary coach and workforce development coach and trainer. Representing on behalf of California’s Academy of Professional Excellence (Southern Academy), Ford coaches clients to improve their self-awareness through a technique he calls mastering internal dialogue. With more than 10 years of professional experience, including roles as a career counselor and a workforce development coach and trainer in CWDS, he brings critical thinking and self-awareness strategies into group environments to improve everyone's internal validation and autonomy.
Keynote Speaker: Avni Panchal
Thriving Together: Strategies to Navigate Burnout & Enhance Well-Being
Explore how self-care serves as the foundation for collective healing in this interactive and engaging keynote session. The session presents trainers who support child welfare workers with practical strategies for achieving personal and professional balance while fostering collaboration and resilience. Participants will gain insights into managing stress, establishing healthy boundaries and optimizing time to enhance their well-being.
Avni Panchal, LCSW, MSW, teaches in the Social Work Graduate Program at San Francisco State University and currently trains child welfare workers and mental health professionals. Panchal has more than a decade of experience in child welfare, working across emergency response, dependency, investigations, independent living and adoptions. In addition, Panchal runs a virtual private practice that offers individual and couples therapy as well as empowerment coaching. She also facilitates wellness sessions, dialogue circles, and discussions on racial equity, trauma-informed care and other mental health topics. Her work emphasizes strength-based practices and cultural responsiveness in learning environments.
2025 West Coast Child Welfare Trainer's Conference
Sacramento: Sept. 8-10
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