About this Session: Trauma can affect individuals at any stage of life. When children or adolescents undergo adverse experiences such as abuse or assault, they may develop PTSD. Supportive adults in educational, medical, or clinical environments play a crucial role in providing a network of support for these young individuals. Join Shari Botwin, LCSW, as she presents clinical examples from her practice and discusses various ways adults can positively impact children or adolescents who have experienced trauma.  By building trust and fostering resilience, we can enhance the well-being and future outcomes for these children. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the profound impact that caring adults can have in guiding children towards healing after traumatic experiences.

This program has been approved for 1.0 Social Work Continuing Education hours for
relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization
Number 10396-1.

About Shari:

Shari Botwin, LCSW, has been counseling survivors in recovery from all types of traumas in her Philadelphia based private practice for over twenty-eight years. Her second book, “Thriving After Trauma: Stories of Living and Healing, Rowman & Littlefield,” (Rowman & Littlefield, November 8, 2019) deals with overcoming trauma including physical and sexual abuse, war-related injury, loss due to tragedy or illness and natural disaster. Botwin’s third book, Stolen Childhoods: Thriving After Abuse, released worldwide in May 2024. Botwin has been qualified as an expert witness in high profile civil and criminal cases, including a case against R Kelly and another case involving over 100 plaintiffs against former pediatrician, Stuart Copperman. In January, Botwin was a featured panelist on a CLE panel about trauma-informed care for the Montgomery Bar Association, in Pennsylvania. Botwin has conducted Keynote presentations for CE credits for Advanced Recovery Systems, Stockton University, Rutgers University, Monte Nido Eating Disorders Center, International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Organization, Hofstra University, and Bay Path University. Botwin has given expert on-air commentary on breaking stories related to trauma and abuse. She also is a regular guest contributor on the Law & Crime Network and has also been featured on NBC Nightly News , NBC News Now, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning NBC News Now with Dr. John Torres, Merit Street, Woman’s World, ABC News, CBS News, MSNBC Live, CTV News, CP-24 News, CNN, Time Magazine, Rolling Stone Magazine, Parade Magazine, The Daily Beast,  US Weekly, Parents Magazine, US Weekly, Newsy, Sports Illustrated, Prevention Magazine, The New York Times, Rolling Stone Magazine, Bored Panda, Parade Magazine, Parents Magazine, Newsbreak, The Associated Press, Philadelphia Magazine and Radio Europe.

Presented by Dr. John DeGarmo

Foster Care Expert – Author – Consultant

This powerful and interactive session is designed for professionals who give deeply of themselves—educators, caregivers, healthcare workers, social workers, and others in helping roles. Participants will gain a clear understanding of what Compassion Fatigue is, how it develops over time, and how it uniquely impacts those in trauma-exposed or high-empathy environments.

Dr. John DeGarmo, drawing from years of experience in foster care, trauma-informed advocacy, and leadership, will break down the emotional, psychological, and physical toll that chronic caregiving can take. He will help participants recognize warning signs such as emotional exhaustion, detachment, guilt, and burnout.

Through real-world examples, guided reflection, and evidence-based practices, attendees will walk away with:

• Insight into their own risk factors and resilience levels
• Strategies to set healthy boundaries without compromising care
• Tools to build emotional stamina and workplace well-being
• A renewed connection to purpose and passion in their roles

Whether you’re experiencing Compassion Fatigue yourself or leading others who are, this workshop provides the knowledge, validation, and tools needed to create a culture of care that includes you.

This program has been approved for 1.0 Social Work Continuing Education hours for relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization Number 10428-1.

About John:

Dr. John DeGarmo is an international expert on foster care and TEDx Speaker. He and his wife have had over 60 children come through their home as foster parents. He is a consultant to foster care agencies, child welfare organizations, and legal firms, as well as a speaker and trainer on many topics about the foster care system. He is the author of several foster care books, including The Little Book of Foster Care Wisdom: 365 Days of Inspiration and Encouragement for Foster Care Families, and writes for several publications. Dr. John has appeared on CNN HLN, Good Morning America, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS, and elsewhere, He and his wife have received many awards, including the Good Morning America Ultimate Hero Award. He can be contacted at drjohndegarmo@gmail, through his Facebook page, Dr. John DeGarmo, or at The Foster Care Institute.

In the face of shrinking budgets, rising needs, and an increasingly complex landscape, it is easy to feel like we have hit the end of the road. But what if the hardest moments—the breaking points, the pauses, the unraveling—aren’t endings at all? What if they are catapults?

And Then… is an invitation to reframe the struggle, to see what lies just beyond the current moment—for us, for the young people we serve, and for the systems we are working to change. This keynote is not about tying things up neatly. It is about honoring what is real and then daring to ask what is next.

Designed as a powerful close to the day, this session offers reflection, renewal, and a reminder: the story isn’t over. Not for you, not for them. Something great, something different—is still unfolding.

About Ja’Net:

Ja’Net Smith is a visionary leader, speaker, and strategist with over 20 years of experience transforming systems that impact youth, families, and communities. She currently serves as Senior Director of Community Impact and Partnerships at the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM), a trust-based philanthropic organization committed to advancing equity and community-led work. In this role, she supports initiatives that invest in education through scholarships and interest-free loans, uplift the arts community, expand economic mobility, and strengthen the region’s nonprofit ecosystem through deep partnerships and inclusive strategies.

Her career spans leadership roles in state government and the nonprofit sector, including Deputy Commissioner for the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services and regional leadership of residential and community-based programs for system-involved youth. With a deep commitment to healing and empowerment, Ja’Net centers trauma-informed care, racial equity, and youth voice in all her work.

Ja’Net is also the founder of The Underground Executive Coaching and Consulting, a practice dedicated to supporting leaders—particularly BIPOC leaders—as they navigate the pressures of systemic barriers and leadership fatigue. Through coaching, consulting, and community-building, she creates space for growth, clarity, and success without compromise.

A sought-after speaker and facilitator, Ja’Net has delivered keynotes and workshops on topics including trauma and resilience, understanding and navigating systemic racism, race equity, wellness, and rest as a radical act. Her keynote, And Then…, is a powerful closing message for those who serve others—offering reflection, renewal, and the reminder that the story isn’t over.

Her work has earned honors such as BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty and the CHD Eyes of Courage Award for advocacy on behalf of girls in the justice system.

Ja’Net holds an MSW from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work and a BA in Psychology from Boston College. She has also received an executive certification in Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities from Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy.

Born and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ja’Net has called Western Massachusetts home for the past 25 years. She is deeply rooted in her church community and is the proud mother of two—one in college and one in high school—supported by a loving and steadfast spouse who anchors her work and mission.

Presented by: Kim Monson

About this Session: This foundational training in Trauma Informed Care is designed to increase awareness and understanding of the impact of trauma on individuals. Participants will gain knowledge about the nature and types of trauma, how trauma affects brain development and behavior, and the importance of recognizing trauma responses. The training explores the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, developmental trauma, and the ways in which trauma can manifest in daily life.

Attendees will learn how to identify trauma triggers, support healthy coping skills, and create environments that foster safety, empowerment, and healing. An emphasis will also be placed on self-care and preventing vicarious trauma for caregivers. Through interactive discussion, reflection, and practical tools, this training equips participants to begin applying trauma-informed principles in both personal and professional settings.

This program has been approved for 1.0 Social Work Continuing Education hours for
relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization
Number 10396-2.

About Kim: Kim Monson, MSW, LICSW (she/her) identifies as a Black, cis female from Holyoke, MA. She is the Associate Director of Practicum Learning at Smith College School for Social Work (SSW) and an adjunct professor at Westfield State University (WSU). In addition, Kim owns a small private practice in Western MA.

Kim earned an Associates Degree in Arts & Sciences from Holyoke Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from University of Hartford, and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Smith College School for Social Work.

Over the last 17 years Kim has worked in Western Massachusetts with youth, adults, and families. She has worked in a variety of settings, including outpatient, preschools, residential programs for youth in DCF care & with adult women with postpartum depression and/or substance use disorders, and as an administrator overseeing residential programs for youth in DCF care.

Kim has received additional training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy  (TF -CBT), Adoption competency (becoming an adoption competent therapist), Trauma informed treatment, and Family Systems Therapy.

As an adjunct professor Kim has taught Advanced Practice with Families, Advanced Practicum, and Foundation Practicum at WSU and Second Year Practicum Learning Seminar at Smith SSW. In addition, Kim supervised Bachelor and Master level social work students for 8 years.

Kim is also a member of the Holyoke Community College Alumni Council. In her free time, she enjoys painting/art, hiking/outdoors, music, and spending time with family & friends.

Presented by: Christian Smith, LICSW

About this Session: This workshop invites human service providers to explore how adopting an approach rooted in cultural humility—marked by empathy, respect, and collaboration—can strengthen their relationships with clients and foster better life outcomes. Participants will engage in learning how to honor the diverse experiences, values, and perspectives of those they serve, recognizing the resilience inherent in every individual.

Through reflective discussions, case studies, and interactive activities, this session will focus on the importance of understanding power dynamics, acknowledging our own biases, and centering the voices of clients in the helping process. By cultivating a mindset of openness and lifelong learning, providers can more effectively collaborate with clients, respecting their autonomy and empowering them to lead their own journeys toward healing and growth.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have practical tools for engaging clients in ways that are culturally responsive, empathetic, and respectful—helping them to recognize and build upon the strengths and resilience that each individual brings to the table. This approach promotes a path toward more equitable, client-centered outcomes.

This program has been approved for 1.0 Social Work Continuing Education hours for
relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization
Number 10396-3.

About Christian: Christian Smith, LICSW, is a mental health practitioner who was first introduced to Motivational Interviewing (MI) while developing a milieu for Massachusetts Juvenile Justice programs in 2006. He became a member of MINT in 2012 and has since delivered highly rated training for caseworkers, clinicians, probation officers, medical professionals, and recovery coaches across MA, CT, VT, DE, and FL.

A passionate advocate for MI-based communication, Christian is currently focused on its intersection with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work. Over the past eight years, he has actively worked to create brave spaces where Cultural Humility intersects with meaningful systemic change.

With 18 years of experience as a clinical social worker, Christian is licensed in both MA and CT. He currently provides counseling through his practice, Forward Progress Counseling and Consultation, where he specializes in ADHD coaching, identity empowerment, and relationship dynamics.

Presented by: Cristina Rivera, LICSW

About this Session: When you are eager to work with a client, but you are met with resistance, it can be challenging. This training explores how resistance often reflects underlying fear or mistrust.  Participants will have the opportunity for an interactive discussion and leave with tools to strengthen engagement, build comfort with the discomfort of resistance, and recognize resistance as a part of the process.

This program has been approved for 1.0 Social Work Continuing Education hours for
relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization
Number 10396-4.

About Cristina: Cristina Rivera, LICSW is a licensed clinical social worker with a background in outpatient mental health and community-based care. She currently works as a psychotherapist in private practice and as a Clinical Supervisor for Helix Human Services.  She supports clients across a range of mental health needs with a focus on culturally responsive, person-centered care. Cristina specializes in working with individuals navigating depression, anxiety, and life challenges. She integrates cognitive-behavioral and relational approaches with a strong foundation in empathy.

Presented by: Dr. Latoya Bosworth

About this Session: “The Master’s Tools will Never Dismantle the Master’s House.” In her well-known essay, Audre Lorde discourages marginalized groups from using the tools of oppression to combat oppression. In this workshop participants will explore the historical, cultural and communal uses of joy as a form of holistic preservation and renewal. Participants will make connections between joy and resilience, and joy as resistance, particularly during turbulent times and as a part of movements

Participants will:

• Explore varied perspectives and connection between resilience and resistance
• Understand practice of joy historical and current contexts as both resilience and resistance for collective preservation, restoration, and movements.
• Learn the current science of using joy as a tool for resilience and resistance.
• Explore strategies for cultivating joy that support both resilience and resistance.

This program has been approved for 1.0 Social Work Continuing Education hours for
relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization
Number 10396-5.

About Latoya: Dr. Latoya Bosworth, who honors her paternal great grandfather with the shortened “Dr. Boz,” is your favorite holistic coach and while Got H.E.R.S Get More Coaching was established in 2020, she has been coaching in some capacity for more 25 years. Her work spans the continental United States, Canada, the UK, Ireland and India.  Her clients include individuals, groups, schools, nonprofit and corporate organizations. With over 2 decades of education and human services experience, 10 coaching certifications, and multiple publications, Dr. Boz supports others in connecting more deeply with themselves so they may connect more deeply with others, personally and professionally.  

Dr. Boz has received multiple awards for her work including: 100 Women of Color, Eyes of Courage award from CHD, Business West’s 40 under 40, one of Business West’s 2022 Women of Impact, Pioneer Valley Women’s Conference 2023 Goddess Award, the 2024 Hometown Hero Award presented by the Springfield Ballers. She continuously spreads her philosophy of H.E.R.S (health, Empowerment, Resilience and Self-worth) through workshops, keynotes, coaching, and in print.

www.brendaschild.com

Presented by: Emely Rumble, LCSW

About this Session: This workshop will equip social workers and others with trauma-informed culturally responsive tools to integrate bibliotherapy into direct practice. Participants will learn how to use literature to support emotional regulation, strengthen caregiver-child relationships, and foster strength in individuals and communities. These tools are especially useful in school, clinical, and community-based social work settings. This interactive workshop is perfect for educators, social workers, and caregivers seeking practical culturally responsive tools they can use right away.

This program has been approved for 1.0 Social Work Continuing Education hours for
relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization
Number 10396-8.

About Emely: Emely Rumble, LCSW, is a distinguished licensed clinical social worker, school social worker, and seasoned biblio/psychotherapist with over 14 years of professional experience. Committed to making mental health services more accessible, Emely specializes in the transformative practice of bibliotherapy.

Rumble is passionate about advocating for the integration of creative arts in psychotherapy, mental well-being, and self-improvement. Emely champions the social model of disability and embraces a neurodiversity-affirming therapeutic approach. Emely’s work has been featured in respected publications such as Parents Magazine, ‘School Library Journal’, Dazed Magazine, Success Magazine, BronxNet News, The Bronx is Reading, Essence Magazine, CNN Health, The New York Times, Bustle Wellness and Therapy for Black Girls among other publications. Her debut book Bibliotherapy in the Bronx released in April and explores the modality of literature based therapy in healing practice.

Presented by: Jennifer Wolfe-Hagstrom

About this Session: As helping professionals we have an increased likelihood of experiencing burnout at some point.  Since COVID the topic of burnout has gotten more attention, as it should, and professionals need more concrete skills to not only cope with active burnout but set up routines for prevention. Creative expression interventions offer outlets to get at the core of the contributing factors while engaging in novel and playful activities. This workshop will provide information about symptoms, risk factors, and actions to take. Additionally, hands-on techniques will be taught and experienced so that you can leave this workshop knowing exactly how to access these resources outside of the teaching environment. Come nurture parts of you that need some extra attention while learning about effective and fun methods immediately accessible, all while getting Continuing Education Credits. Your exhausted and depleted parts will thank you!

This program has been approved for 1.0 Social Work Continuing Education hours for
relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization
Number 10396-6.

About Jennifer: Jennifer Wolfe-Hagstrom, BS Edu, MSW, LICSW (she/they) is a creative leader, trainer, clinician, mentor, artist, and change-maker. They provide LGBTQIA+ and NeuroDivergent Affirming clinical psychotherapy, clinical supervision, professional training, and supportive creative expressive workshop groups for helpers and healers. Committed to inspiring self- advocacy for clients and colleagues, Jennifer strives to walk the walk, not just talk the talk and believes that “Role Model” is one of her most important titles. Across multiple mediums Jennifer inspires folx to break cycles of pain and live free, authentic, and joy-filled lives! Jennifer is based in Southern New Hampshire with her kiddo, animals, family (bio & chosen), and friends. Connect with them at KindnessCornerTherapy.com & KindnessCornerStudio.com!

Presented by: Joe Pereira, LICSW, CAS

About this Session: Anger is an emotional state that can range from mild irritation to overwhelming rage and is a response to events which can be interpreted through a set of unrealistic expectations.  The workshop will look at how an individual can monitor their anger.  The program will also introduce specific anger regulation techniques that a person can use to help build resiliency in being able to cope with feelings of anger.   In this session you will learn specific techniques to improve one’s ability to regulate one’s anger, learn the distinction between anger, aggression and assertiveness, and understand the dynamics of anger.

This program has been approved for 1.0 Social Work Continuing Education hours for
relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization
Number 10396-9.

About Joe: Joe Pereira is a licensed clinical social worker and addictions specialist who has been practicing for over 30 years. He is a co-founder of Outlook Associates of New England, a practice he started to provide assistance and workshops for persons with anger control problems. Joe is currently in private practice in Arlington, MA offering individual and group therapy as well as training and consultation with a focus on anger management to adults and adolescents. He has an interest in helping clinicians work with individuals with substance use issues and he has given numerous trainings regionally, nationally and internationally on the treatment of anger management problems, workplace conflict, chemical addictions and stress management.

Presented by: Kevin Grady, M.Ed (he/him) and Neil Dembkoski (they/them)

About this Session: As behavioral health organizations strive to provide more inclusive services, white silence frequently serves as a barrier to achieving genuine equity and access. Participants will explore how silence in response to racial inequality continues to hurt LGBTQIA+ spaces and creates disparities in care. Using an intersectional and social justice-focused approach, the workshop will present strategies for breaking white silence and promoting inclusive environments.

About the Presenters: Kevin Grady, M.Ed. (he/him), is a professional development facilitator, LMS administrator, and project manager at the Social Justice Institute within BHN’s Center for Education and Professional Excellence. He earned a Master of Education from American International College and a B.A. in English from UMass Amherst. With over twelve years of experience in education and training across various roles and settings, he focuses on literacy, accessibility, and equity in his professional growth. Kevin, a lifelong resident of Springfield, MA, is passionate about instructional design, community advocacy, and intersectional social justice.

Neil Dembkoski (they/them) is a professional development facilitator and project manager at the Administration and Compliance Institute within BHN’s Center for Education and Professional Excellence. They earned a bachelor’s degree in business management with a focus on hospitality and marketing from Bay State College. Neil has held various management roles for over 10 years, including promoting city tourism and managing college course materials, and has always been passionate about education. They are committed to inclusion, continuous learning, community advocacy, and listening to others’ stories.

Presented by: Kim Monson

About this Session: This foundational training in Trauma Informed Care is designed to increase awareness and understanding of the impact of trauma on individuals. Participants will gain knowledge about the nature and types of trauma, how trauma affects brain development and behavior, and the importance of recognizing trauma responses. The training explores the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, developmental trauma, and the ways in which trauma can manifest in daily life.

Attendees will learn how to identify trauma triggers, support healthy coping skills, and create environments that foster safety, empowerment, and healing. An emphasis will also be placed on self-care and preventing vicarious trauma for caregivers. Through interactive discussion, reflection, and practical tools, this training equips participants to begin applying trauma-informed principles in both personal and professional settings.

This program has been approved for 1.0 Social Work Continuing Education hours for
relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization
Number 10396-2.

About Kim: Kim Monson, MSW, LICSW (she/her) identifies as a Black, cis female from Holyoke, MA. She is the Associate Director of Practicum Learning at Smith College School for Social Work (SSW) and an adjunct professor at Westfield State University (WSU). In addition, Kim owns a small private practice in Western MA.

Kim earned an Associates Degree in Arts & Sciences from Holyoke Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from University of Hartford, and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Smith College School for Social Work.

Over the last 17 years Kim has worked in Western Massachusetts with youth, adults, and families. She has worked in a variety of settings, including outpatient, preschools, residential programs for youth in DCF care & with adult women with postpartum depression and/or substance use disorders, and as an administrator overseeing residential programs for youth in DCF care.

Kim has received additional training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy  (TF -CBT), Adoption competency (becoming an adoption competent therapist), Trauma informed treatment, and Family Systems Therapy.

As an adjunct professor Kim has taught Advanced Practice with Families, Advanced Practicum, and Foundation Practicum at WSU and Second Year Practicum Learning Seminar at Smith SSW. In addition, Kim supervised Bachelor and Master level social work students for 8 years.

Kim is also a member of the Holyoke Community College Alumni Council. In her free time, she enjoys painting/art, hiking/outdoors, music, and spending time with family & friends.

Presented by: Christian Smith, LICSW

About this Session: This workshop invites human service providers to explore how adopting an approach rooted in cultural humility—marked by empathy, respect, and collaboration—can strengthen their relationships with clients and foster better life outcomes. Participants will engage in learning how to honor the diverse experiences, values, and perspectives of those they serve, recognizing the resilience inherent in every individual.

Through reflective discussions, case studies, and interactive activities, this session will focus on the importance of understanding power dynamics, acknowledging our own biases, and centering the voices of clients in the helping process. By cultivating a mindset of openness and lifelong learning, providers can more effectively collaborate with clients, respecting their autonomy and empowering them to lead their own journeys toward healing and growth.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have practical tools for engaging clients in ways that are culturally responsive, empathetic, and respectful—helping them to recognize and build upon the strengths and resilience that each individual brings to the table. This approach promotes a path toward more equitable, client-centered outcomes.

This program has been approved for 1.0 Social Work Continuing Education hours for
relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization
Number 10396-3.

About Christian: Christian Smith, LICSW, is a mental health practitioner who was first introduced to Motivational Interviewing (MI) while developing a milieu for Massachusetts Juvenile Justice programs in 2006. He became a member of MINT in 2012 and has since delivered highly rated training for caseworkers, clinicians, probation officers, medical professionals, and recovery coaches across MA, CT, VT, DE, and FL.

A passionate advocate for MI-based communication, Christian is currently focused on its intersection with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work. Over the past eight years, he has actively worked to create brave spaces where Cultural Humility intersects with meaningful systemic change.

With 18 years of experience as a clinical social worker, Christian is licensed in both MA and CT. He currently provides counseling through his practice, Forward Progress Counseling and Consultation, where he specializes in ADHD coaching, identity empowerment, and relationship dynamics.

Presented by: Cristina Rivera, LICSW

About this Session: When you are eager to work with a client, but you are met with resistance, it can be challenging. This training explores how resistance often reflects underlying fear or mistrust.  Participants will have the opportunity for an interactive discussion and leave with tools to strengthen engagement, build comfort with the discomfort of resistance, and recognize resistance as a part of the process.

This program has been approved for 1.0 Social Work Continuing Education hours for
relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization
Number 10396-4.

About Cristina: Cristina Rivera, LICSW is a licensed clinical social worker with a background in outpatient mental health and community-based care. She currently works as a psychotherapist in private practice and as a Clinical Supervisor for Helix Human Services.  She supports clients across a range of mental health needs with a focus on culturally responsive, person-centered care. Cristina specializes in working with individuals navigating depression, anxiety, and life challenges. She integrates cognitive-behavioral and relational approaches with a strong foundation in empathy.

Presented by: Dr. Latoya Bosworth

About this Session: “The Master’s Tools will Never Dismantle the Master’s House.” In her well-known essay, Audre Lorde discourages marginalized groups from using the tools of oppression to combat oppression. In this workshop participants will explore the historical, cultural and communal uses of joy as a form of holistic preservation and renewal. Participants will make connections between joy and resilience, and joy as resistance, particularly during turbulent times and as a part of movements

Participants will:

• Explore varied perspectives and connection between resilience and resistance
• Understand practice of joy historical and current contexts as both resilience and resistance for collective preservation, restoration, and movements.
• Learn the current science of using joy as a tool for resilience and resistance.
• Explore strategies for cultivating joy that support both resilience and resistance.

This program has been approved for 1.0 Social Work Continuing Education hours for
relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization
Number 10396-5.

About Latoya: Dr. Latoya Bosworth, who honors her paternal great grandfather with the shortened “Dr. Boz,” is your favorite holistic coach and while Got H.E.R.S Get More Coaching was established in 2020, she has been coaching in some capacity for more 25 years. Her work spans the continental United States, Canada, the UK, Ireland and India.  Her clients include individuals, groups, schools, nonprofit and corporate organizations.  With over 2 decades of education and human services experience, 10 coaching certifications, and multiple publications, Dr. Boz supports others in connecting more deeply with themselves so they may connect more deeply with others, personally and professionally.  

Dr. Boz has received multiple awards for her work including: 100 Women of Color, Eyes of Courage award from CHD, Business West’s 40 under 40, one of Business West’s 2022 Women of Impact, Pioneer Valley Women’s Conference 2023 Goddess Award, the 2024 Hometown Hero Award presented by the Springfield Ballers. She continuously spreads her philosophy of H.E.R.S (health, Empowerment, Resilience and Self-worth) through workshops, keynotes, coaching, and in print.

www.brendaschild.com

 Presented by: Lisa Zarcone

In this workshop we will be discussing mental health and how it can affect a whole family unit.  When a parent or guardian is struggling with mental illness, and does not get the proper help and support that they need, who helps the child?  How does this effect the environment in which they all live.

I will break down the family dynamics and how it can all unravel quickly when there is no support.  We will discuss different types of mental health disorders, and the trauma and abuse factor surrounding family dysfunctions.

What is the long-term effect on children and young adults living in this type of situation, and how deep does the trauma go.  The body does keep the score, and eventually it ends up filtering out into their adult lives if not addressed. The cycle cannot be broken unless we do the work.

Silence is the main culprit of families who struggle.  There is still a “stigma” surrounding mental health, and a real fear to talk about it, and ask for help.  Because of that silence countless families end up in the system.  There is also a great fear of children being taken away.

What are the statistics and do we have concrete answers when it comes to helping the families who are struggling.

About Lisa: Lisa Zarcone, author of The Unspoken Truth & The Book of Joann, is one remarkable woman. Her childhood was nothing less than hideous. Her ability to survive in her silent world of treachery is truly astonishing. Writing her own memoir and her mother’s personal journey, is her way of giving back.

Child Abuse Survivor – Author – Child and Mental Health Advocate, Public Keynote Speaker – Social Media Influencer – Radio Personality

MA National Ambassador for NAASCA (National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse)

CASA Advocate (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for children

2023 Women of Impact Award – Business West Magazine

2021 Massachusetts Heroine Award Recipient

Blogger on her website –

www.lisazarcone.net

As the Massachusetts National Ambassador & Regional Director for NAASCA (National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse), she uses her title and personal story as a platform to speak publicly about child abuse and mental health.  Her vigorous career includes, conference presentations, keynote speaker, workshops, author talks, podcast interviews, TV, Newspaper, Radio & DJ Spotlights.

Lisa speaks in detail about how incorporating kindness, compassion and a positive mindset in your daily life are such incredible skills to have.  She feels it is such an amazing gift to offer others.  Whether you are using these important skills in a business environment or personal, it is always breath of fresh air.   These are practiced skills that can become second nature when applied daily.

Life is about turning our negatives into positives, and that is exactly what she did by breaking the silence and sharing her personal story for purpose, awareness and education.

Wife, mother of three, grandmother of four, Lisa took all her past experiences of trauma and abuse writing a powerful, raw and detailed memoir of her life.  She shares her story through the eyes of a child, giving the reader a first-hand view of abuse through the child’s perspective.  This is a profound look at her life as it unfolds. Written in such a unique way, she gives the child a voice.

She has also worked with the disabled teaching life skills and writing. Lisa has also mentored young women teaching journaling, DBT Skills, poetry and art therapy.

Lisa gained her voice by validating her story, healing through the process.  By looking at the views and prospective of the people in her life that hurt and abused her, she found understanding and forgiveness.  When you walk the path of the very people who have traumatized you, it gives you a different view of the whole situation. It was a very difficult journey, but she dug deep into her past, sifting through the rubble piece by piece.  Through this intense work, she found clarity, understanding and a bigger picture explaining the why and how it all fell apart. 

Lisa is a fierce advocate for child safety and mental health. She has a powerful voice!

 Her second book, “The Book of Joann”,  is her mother’s story and their complex journey together as mother and daughter.   A look into Joann’s world will show people how mental illness and abuse is generational, and without understanding and awareness we cannot break the cycle.  Mental Illness robs far too many people of the goodness in life.  Without proper help and support countless families do fall apart, and the children are the innocent victims.

Working with those who have mental illness has been a great passion for Lisa because of all that she has been through. What her past has taught her cannot be read in a textbook. This is life experience and watching it through the eyes of a young child puts a whole new understanding to it.

Lisa calls herself, “A voice for the voiceless”.

Presented by: Martha J. Henry, PhD and Michael J. McManus, LICSW

Children and youth thrive when adults can recognize their own emotions and manage their reactions, minimizing any negative impact on those around them. This 75-minute session emphasizes the importance of well-regulated adults in trauma-informed care. Facilitators will guide participants through a self-discovery process to help them identify the actions, behaviors, and circumstances that lead to dysregulation, as well as those that promote emotional and physical regulation.

This program has been approved for 1.0 Social Work Continuing Education hours for relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization Number 10428-2.

About: MJ Henry & Associates, Inc. is an education and consultation firm that focuses on providing services to state agencies and human service organizations that support children, youth, and families, especially those who have experienced adversity. The firm offers professional education and program evaluation in the areas of child welfare, foster care, adoption, and child and family behavioral health. Our goal is to influence policy and practice at all levels.
Led by Dr. Martha Henry and Michael McManus, together they focus on systems change projects to improve the lives of children and families who have experienced adversity and complex trauma. Both are both nationally recognized for their strategic implementation, training, coaching, and practice of Communimetrics instruments, both the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths and Family Advocacy and Support Tool. They have trained and certified over 10,000 professionals in these tools across multiple states and organizations. They have collaborated as a team for over 20 years, and their current work includes supporting the redesign of the foster parent applicant licensing program for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Martha Henry, Ph.D., is the founder and president of MJ Henry & Associates, Inc.
Dr. Henry earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in developmental psychology from Clark University in Worcester, MA. She has several personal connections to adoption that shape her perspectives and increase her sensitivity to its complexities, as well as the diverse experiences of the various members of the adoption constellation. Additionally, she is the lead author of Adoption in the United States: A Reference for Families, Professionals, and Students, a comprehensive resource that particularly addresses the medical and behavioral health needs of adopted children.
Prior to her current position, Dr. Henry was the Director of the Office of Foster Care and Adoption at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. In this role, she led a team of multidisciplinary professionals who provided educational programs, evaluation, and consultation services related to various aspects of child welfare and children’s mental health practices.
Michael J. McManus, M.S.W., LICSW, is a Senior Associate at MJ Henry and Associates, Inc., and a private clinician who specializes in working with children, youth, and families affected by trauma and loss. Mr. McManus earned his master’s degree in social work from Springfield College in Springfield, MA.
Before joining MJ Henry & Associates, he served as the Director of Training and Technical Assistance at the Office of Foster Care and Adoption. In this role, he led the team responsible for redesigning the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families’ foster parent preparation program (MAPP-III). He has also worked for the Massachusetts DCF at various levels throughout his career.
Mr. McManus’s background in social work and his experience as a foster and adoptive parent inform his development of curricula and training programs for families and professionals across various fields.

Presented by: Ari Kriegsman, MD FASAM

In this breakout session we will review the history of medical care for people living with substance use disorders. Special focus will be given to stigma in the healthcare setting, and the frequency of psychological trauma and sub-par medical care that people with SUD experienced when accessing care.

We will then review the principles of trauma informed care, and their practical application in different medical settings, including the ER, hospital, primary care and addiction treatment centers. Special attention will also be given to developing policies and procedures so that these principles can be applied on a systematic level within a given organization.

About Ari: Ari Kriegsman, MD FASAM is a board certified Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine Physician. He attended Middlebury College, the Weill Cornell School of Medicine, and did his Internal Medicine Residency in the Social Medicine Program at Montefiore/Albert Einstein, where he also served as Chief Resident. He spent 6 years in the San Francisco Bay Area working at the Valley Homeless Healthcare Program. While there he co-founded the Backpack Medicine Program and was Medical Director of the Santa Clara County Re-Entry Medical Clinic where he focused on the health and wellbeing of people returning home from incarceration. During this time he was on faculty at the Stanford University School of Medicine where he directed the Social Medicine rotation of the Internal Medicine Residency Program. Ari has been working in Springfield, MA for the past 6 years. He created the Addiction Consult Service at Mercy Medical Center, one of the first such services in a community hospital, anywhere in the country; where his mission was to help the hospital become a truly healing place for people with substance use disorders. He currently is the Medical Director of the Carlson Recovery Center, and Medical Director of the BHN Springfield Opioid Treatment Program where his mission is to increase access to life-saving medications, and to continue to transform addiction medicine care into a truly healing experience.

Presented by: Areliz Barbosa, CHW

About this Session: Join Areliz O. Barbosa—a proud Latina mother, trauma survivor, and seasoned Community Health Worker with over 22 years of experience—for an inspiring session rooted in lived experience and professional insight. Areliz will share her personal journey navigating systems of healthcare and social services, turning hardship into advocacy and leadership. Participants will gain insight into the power of culturally responsive care, the value of dignity and equity in service delivery, and the transformative role of Community Health Workers in creating lasting change. Learn how one voice—and one mission—can spark ripples of healing, empowerment, and justice across entire communities.

This program has been approved for 1.0 Social Work Continuing Education hours for
relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization
Number 10396-7.

About Areliz: Areliz O. Barbosa is a dedicated Community Health Worker, mentor, and advocate with over 23 years of experience advancing health equity and social justice. A Latina mother and trauma survivor, she blends lived experience with professional training—earning a B.S. in Human Services from Springfield College in 2020—to champion dignity and access for all.

Areliz has supported countless individuals navigating healthcare and public systems, emphasizing racial equity and respect. She holds leadership roles with the New England Public Health Training Center Advisory Committee and contributes her expertise to Baystate Health initiatives like Wellness on Wheels, population health education, and lung cancer care improvement.

At Bay Path University, she serves as Project Coordinator for SAMHSA-funded programs and provides cultural humility training through the HSRA Advisory Board. Areliz is also active in the Faith-Based Health Alliance, collaborating with churches to promote health through education and outreach.

Her advocacy extends to national efforts as the coordinator for Power 4 Puerto Rico, pushing for equitable federal policies and recovery for the island. As a mentor for EforAll, she supports diverse entrepreneurs in launching small businesses. Through every role, Areliz continues to uplift underserved communities and advocate for lasting, inclusive change.

Presented by: Kevin Grady, M.Ed (he/him) and Neil Dembkoski (they/them)

About this Session: As behavioral health organizations strive to provide more inclusive services, white silence frequently serves as a barrier to achieving genuine equity and access. Participants will explore how silence in response to racial inequality continues to hurt LGBTQIA+ spaces and creates disparities in care. Using an intersectional and social justice-focused approach, the workshop will present strategies for breaking white silence and promoting inclusive environments.

About the Presenters: Kevin Grady, M.Ed. (he/him), is a professional development facilitator, LMS administrator, and project manager at the Social Justice Institute within BHN’s Center for Education and Professional Excellence. He earned a Master of Education from American International College and a B.A. in English from UMass Amherst. With over twelve years of experience in education and training across various roles and settings, he focuses on literacy, accessibility, and equity in his professional growth. Kevin, a lifelong resident of Springfield, MA, is passionate about instructional design, community advocacy, and intersectional social justice.

Neil Dembkoski (they/them) is a professional development facilitator and project manager at the Administration and Compliance Institute within BHN’s Center for Education and Professional Excellence. They earned a bachelor’s degree in business management with a focus on hospitality and marketing from Bay State College. Neil has held various management roles for over 10 years, including promoting city tourism and managing college course materials, and has always been passionate about education. They are committed to inclusion, continuous learning, community advocacy, and listening to others’ stories.