Day 1: October 26, 2021
8:30 - 8:45 a.m.
Welcome
Susan Brooks, Colleen Gordon, Angelica Salcido
8:45 - 10:00 a.m.
Opening Keynote: Moving Forward with Purpose
Anxiety, stress and burnout are at an all-time high, and if we don’t take time to reset, the physical and psychological results can be catastrophic. More than training, education or experience, your resilience determines your success, personally and professionally. Fortunately, resilience is a set of skills and habits that can be learned and cultivated. Learn how to take back control, make stress work for you and cultivate a resilient mindset, skill set and the ability to reset.
This keynote focuses on the three pillars of resilience:
- Mindset: Understand your brain, your habits and the belief systems that can both support and sabotage your resilience.
- Skill set: Learn to cultivate positive emotions, make stress work for you and engage in activities that proactively build resilience.
- Reset: Step out of reactivity to focus on what is most important, resetting your nervous system, priorities and perspective.
Presenter
Laurie Cozart is a seasoned executive and brings mature perspective and broad expertise to leadership training, coaching and consulting. For more than 30 years she has trained, coached and mentored emerging leaders from a wide range of industries. Some of her most sought-after trainings address critical and strategic thinking, leadership, management and supervision, and public communication. Cozart is credentialed through the International Coaching Federation, the Coaching Institute and the NeuroLeadership Institute. She has been a leadership development instructor and executive coach for UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education for over six years and has earned an Outstanding Service Award for teaching.
10 - 10:30 a.m.
Break/Networking
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Workshop Sessions #1
Program Updates – CalWORKs
Description coming soon
Presenter
Jennifer Hernandez
Case Management and Organization
The objective of this course is to help identify the barriers and challenges of caseload management in a public human services agency. The course will identify limitations in current casework organization practices and how they result in implications to overall caseload management. The course will focus on providing strategies, skills and techniques that will assist with a more productive workday. Attendees will learn tools to efficiently prioritize the workload and effective use of time management.
Presenter
Annie Barrett has over 18 years of experience in social services, including extensive experience in Medi-Cal, CalFresh and In Home Supportive Services. Her growth in social services has allowed her to see and understand the needs at multiple levels in an organization. She recognizes different classifications and how their role identifies with the work of the organization from front-line staff to Management. She is forward thinking and has an innovative, interactive approach to engage adult learners. Her training focuses on soft skills, time management, case management, customer service, organization, and career building/succession planning. She has Bachelor of Science in psychology from Saint Mary’s College.
Building and Fostering Effective Community Partnerships
Collaboration and community partnerships are essential for effective service delivery in human service programs. Interagency relationships are especially important to bridge service gaps and maximize resources to meet the needs of diverse clients. For programs such as CalWORKs and Tribal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), these partnerships are not only critical but also mandated to ensure both agencies are working in tandem to achieve program objectives and serve their respective communities efficiently. This interactive workshop will focus on how to identify community partners, enhance existing partnerships, strategies to encourage coordination and ways to foster meaningful collaboration with other agencies beyond referrals.
Presenter
Lisa Martin, MSW, has over 13 years of experience working in Tribal TANF. Currently, she serves as a regional manager for California Tribal TANF Partnership, overseeing seven counties of service throughout Northern California. Prior to this, she was a caseworker and site manager for the same program. Her various positions have provided her with an in-depth understanding of delivering direct services, case management practices, leadership and administrative responsibilities. Through her latest position, she enjoys working in the areas of data collection, inter-agency collaboration, program development and staff training.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Youth
This workshop is a brief introduction to the identification of the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Youth (CSECY) population and information on how to provide support. Using video, lecture and activities, the group will discuss basic needs, the survival response and the importance of our own self-care. We will also provide an overview of how to support others using a trauma responsive lens regardless of our knowledge of their personal experience. Finally, we will share resources and trainings that provide more education around this topic.
Presenter
Dana Wyss, Ph.D., LMFT, ATR-BC, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, board certified clinical art therapist and coauthor of The Invisible String Workbook. Her doctorate in expressive therapies has led her to create programs integrating art, music, poetry, dance and animal-assisted therapy in the healing process for clients and the self-care of staff. She has worked in psychiatric hospitals, group homes and nonpublic school settings to manage crisis, conduct trainings, coach staff and support children and families. Dr. Wyss is currently the director of training at Star View Adolescent Center, a psychiatric hospital and secure group home. She is a national trainer and consultant with the Center for Trauma Training and a national trainer to raise awareness of commercial sexual exploitation of children.
Day 2: October 27, 2021
8:30 - 10 a.m.
Workshop Sessions #2
Program Updates - CalWORKs
Description coming soon
Presenter
Jennifer Hernandez
Understanding the Impact of Homelessness
Through this course, participants will understand the difficulties encountered when an individual or family within the community is experiencing homelessness. Closely linked to poverty, homelessness creates real vulnerabilities and unique needs for those impacted. Participants will examine contributing factors to homelessness and will enhance their understanding of how to provide effective services that recognize the human element of homelessness.
Presenter
Natalie Newson, MBA, brings over three decades of experience in addressing barriers that prevent self-sufficiency. She has built a career by following a passion for helping others overcome the very challenges and obstacles experienced in her own life and leading others to do the same. She has had various leadership roles and teaching opportunities over the years, including work with public assistance programs such as CalWORKs, SNAP, Medi-Cal, housing support, family stabilization, childcare and Welfare to Work. Among her previous roles, Newsom has served as a deputy project director for San Diego County’s contractors within the Welfare to Work Program and the project director for WIOA in Monterey, California. She is currently an instructor for UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education’s Human Services.
Engaging with Families and Youth about Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) in a Trauma-Informed System
Engaging with families on the topic of SOGIE can be a potentially triggering experience for youth and young adults. Many families we work with may have and may continue to experience trauma related to their real or perceived LGBT+ Identities. This workshop is intended to help enhance the ability of helping professionals to consider how to begin discussing SOGIE with youth and parents of youth through a trauma-informed lens. Through a combination of modified lecture, small group discussion and teach-back we will explore the basics of SOGIE and the six principles of a trauma-informed system as we explore ways to deepen our engagement with families about SOGIE.
After this workshop all participants will be able to:
- Identify enhanced youth engagement practices for families and caregivers
- Align knowledge and practices to the six principles of a trauma-informed system
- Describe three or more best practices that will enable them to better engage with youth about SOGIE
Presenter
Rene Flowers
Trauma-Informed Care
This interactive workshop is designed to promote Workforce Wellness and address the current realities of the secondary and vicarious trauma and burnout. Opportunities to share experiences and impacts in the era of COVID -19 and the ongoing variants will be provided. This workshop will focus on understanding, respecting and addressing vulnerabilities to Compassion Fatigue as we EVOLVE with a myriad of unknowns, changes, cautions and frustrations.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to gracefully evolve into the new-news with purpose.
- Experience decompressing from the stress activation in your body-mind.
- Recognize and intervene early to the warning signs and indicators of Compassion Fatigue.
Presenter
Beverly Kyer, MSW, CSW, ACSW, is a certified compassion fatigue specialist and the founder and CEO of The Kyer Group Corporation, a team of compassionate trauma-informed specialists who assist employees within helping professions. She has been a public speaker and educator for more than 33 years, with specialties in post-traumatic stress disorder, compassion fatigue and trauma's impact on brain development, behavior and learning in children, youth and adults. Previously, she served as the employee assistance program coordinator and the assistant chief of social work services at the Bronx, New York Veteran’s Administration Medical Center and has worked with children and families receiving medical and psychiatric care and those in juvenile justice and foster care systems.
10 - 10:30 a.m.
Break/Networking
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Workshop Sessions #3
Diverse Strength-Based Services for Engaging Fathers
This workshop will introduce successful models for developing and engaging fathers and fatherhood services. It will emphasize the importance of recognizing and respecting how culture plays a role in the “fatherhood" experience. It offers a trauma-informed approach to engage and deliver services that is strength based and client driven.
Topics Include:
- Model of a successful fatherhood program
- Creating a father-friendly environment
- Understanding the unique dynamics of diversity in fatherhood practice
- Creating a safe space
- Essentials of quality contact and relationship building
- Building community partners and resources serving diverse fathers and families
- Navigating challenges when working with dads
Participants will gain a variety of skills to help them build, engage and sustain effective father-focused practices.
Presenters
Roger De Leon is currently a parent partner with the Parent Partner Program for Riverside County’s Children Services Division and a founder and steering committee member for Riverside County’s “Dads Assisting Dads” (D.A.D) coalition. He is part of the Parent Partner Advisory Committee and an instructor for the UC Davis Resource Center for Family Focused Practice and for San Diego State University’s Cultural Responsiveness Academy. He has 18 years of experience helping families, including working with at risk youth in group homes, volunteering for a mentor for an alternative juvenile probation program, working as a youth minister at his local church and working with parents to navigate the child welfare system.
Lamar Henderson has thirteen years of experience in human services and foster care programs. He has experience in employment and training, child welfare and independent living for foster youth services. He has been a program coordinator for 13 years developing, implementing and delivering innovative specialized programs for county human services agencies. He’s provided specialized coaching in program and leadership. He is a certified Parent Educator and has over 15 years’ experience in case management and customer service. He has been involved in policy development and change management. He has developed and instructed classes for Independent Living Programs designed for Foster Youth 16-24 years of age.
Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
What is the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and what does it mean? This workshop will involve discussing what ICWA is and how it applies to public assistance professionals and the work that they do. We will discuss the importance of keeping children within their communities and Tribes, as well as how you can better support and engage Tribal families and communities.
Presenters
Kimberly Cluff and Michelle Castagne
Caring for Our Workforce: Dynamics of a New Work Environment
As the world recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many human services professionals are transitioning from remote work back to being in the office. While many welcome this transition, others may view returning to their office and its associated daily activities with worry, anxiety and fear. This interactive learning will discuss the intricacies associated with returning to the office and will provide participants with skills and strategies to promote healthy reintegration, especially as it relates to interacting with the public and each other. This training will explore topics like maintaining wellness, managing change, addressing trauma and loss, supporting each other with empathy and positive strategies for both work and life. Human services professionals will become better equipped to confidently return to the office and thrive in the workforce.
Presenter
Carl Rabun, Ph.D., has over 25 years of experience in customer service, with more than 10 years of experience in government agencies, where he specialized in workforce development and youth leadership. He served as an employment services case manager, unit supervisor and Employment Zone workshop facilitator at the Kern County Department of Human Services. Rabun’s areas of expertise include workshop facilitation, client and employee motivation, building life skills, clerical and office support training, addressing barriers, team dynamics, strength-based coaching and goal setting.
12 - 12:45 p.m.
Networking Lunch
Day 3: October 28, 2021
8:30 - 10 a.m.
Workshop Sessions #4
Program Updates – CalWORKs
Description coming soon
Presenter
Kristine Meza
Adults and Aging - Social Isolation and Hoarding
As the population continues to turn age 65 at record rates, this full-day workshop examines a looming public health crisis. Participants will examine costs to personal health, society and the healthcare and social services system connected with aging. Information will include how to identify and support those most at risk and explore prevention measures.
Learning Objectives:
- Defining social isolation and loneliness and reviewing challenges and myths
- Understanding the physical and mental health risks associated with social isolation
- Recognizing the triggering events and contributing factors leading to social isolation and loneliness
- Reviewing existing and effective programs and discussing how to expand solutions for this growing epidemic
Presenter
Maureen Feldman is a seasoned communications and business development professional specializing in positive aging and cross-generational communications. An authority on positive aging, wellness and digital literacy, she has extensive experience designing programs to increase social connectivity and independence to combat isolation and loneliness in the senior population. Feldman has a passion for lifelong learning and a desire to support the needs of older adults in all communities to improve overall wellbeing. Her research and expertise have allowed her to speak at several national conferences and events in support of our aging population, and she formed and serves as the chair of the Los Angeles-based Social Isolation and Loneliness Impact Coalition.
Creating a Community Engaged Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan
Effective diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts require a community-planned and driven process to ensure those most impacted have a voice in system improvement. This workshop focuses on how to develop a community-engaged DEI planning process that includes both internal and external stakeholder involvement and how to measure success. Successful DEI strategies including outreach, training and assessment tools will be shared.
Presenter
Ebony Chambers has provided youth and family services for over 15 years. As a mother who has worked through and navigated multiple systems with her own child, she brings that experience to her work and provides the oversight of advocacy and support to families in the greater Sacramento and Yolo county communities. Prior to her role as director of Family and Youth Partnership at Stanford Youth Solutions, she worked as an administrator for residential care for youth. She is actively involved in the community, serving as the co-chair of the UC Davis Parent Partner Advisory Committee, a member of the Mental Health Services Act Steering Committee and other community initiatives.
Healing the Healer - Drawing Class
This experiential training offers Human Services professionals a relaxing and engaging opportunity to use mindfulness and self-care practices, such as art and journaling, to address stress, design creative self-care plans and rejuvenate. The session also focuses on honoring the important work of staff and celebrates workplace well-being.
During this training, participants will:
- Utilize mindfulness and self-care practices, such as creative expression and journaling, to support rejuvenation and address any secondary traumatic stress symptoms on cognitive, emotional and nervous system levels
- Use a self-care assessment tool and art materials to design creative self-care plans to support and enhance work-life resilience
- Use a goal setting process to follow through with identified strategies to maintain self-care
Presenter
Rachel Bavis is a certified Intentional Creativity coach and teacher working with organizations, individuals and youth. She designs workshops called Healing the Healer to help social workers and other professionals renew and heal secondary traumatic stress to maintain their ongoing health to best serve children and families. After representing social workers for 12 years as an attorney, Bavis embarked on a personal journey, volunteering in communities around the world to explore healing practices. She discovered art to be the most transformational modality for herself and thousands of others around the world after studying Intentional Creativity with the method’s founder and visionary artist Shiloh Sophia.
10 - 10:30 a.m.
Break/Networking
10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
Closing Keynote: Building Resilience and Psychological Immunity: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The complex path of this pandemic and other concurrent disasters is greatly impacting our health and well-being. National workforce data has revealed increased anxiety, trauma, isolation, sleep difficulty, depressed mood and irritability. A significant number of employees are also reporting serious impacts on focus, engagement and productivity.
Building and maintaining resilience is essential at this time. Our internal ability to manage significant stressors can assist us in facing, minimizing negative impact, overcoming and even becoming personally strengthened by our challenges. Learn strategies to adjust, adapt and fluidly move forward when confronted with difficult and adverse circumstances, and gain tools for navigating uncertainty.
The learning objectives of this presentation are to:
- Understand disaster impacts through a neuroscientific lens
- Identify how our brains and bodies perceive threats and trigger the stress response
- Assess the current state of your resilience
- Construct an individual mindset of self-care and a personalized resilience toolbox
- Experience a mindfulness meditation for managing stress
Presenter
Beth Cohen, Ph.D., is the administrator of the Organizational Mind Group PC, a professional consultative business focused on building individual and organizational health and well-being. Cohen utilizes her many years of expertise in organizational and individual well-being to assess needs, design interventions, develop programs and train leadership, management and staff. She is a professional threat assessor, primary and secondary trauma and violence prevention expert, national speaker and certified meditation instructor with postgraduate studies in organizational neuroscience. In addition, Cohen has an extensive background in human resources, occupational health, emergency response, and risk management and works with health and human services organizations across the nation as a consultant, facilitator and trainer.