Wellness Together's 8th Annual Student Mental Wellness Conference: Full Schedule

4:00pm PDT

Maintaining Wellness through Managing Conflict and Improving Culture

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Participants will explore methods for dealing with conflicts in the workplace. Participants will practice new techniques for listening, and holding conflict resolution meetings. After which, participants will learn ways of refocusing staff on the work at hand by developing core values and developing SMART goals. Action plans processes will follow to help staff want to refocus their efforts on the goals of the organization or school.

Speakers

Steve Williams

Site Support Administrator, Wellness Together

My name is Steve Williams, and I am the Site Support Administrator for Wellness Together, a non-profit organization that provides mental health services to school children, families, and adults primarily in California, but also serving students in New York. I am a lifelong public-school... Read More →

Andrea Zimmerman

Board Member/Retired Educator, Wellness Together

Hi, I'm Andrea Zimmerman. As a former school administrator, teacher and professional development specialist, I have worked in schools and for students for over 30 years. I also am a mental health advocate. I help schools to expand mental health services and providing professional... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
210B

School & District-Wide Leadership

8:30am PDT

Trauma-Informed Schools

Thursday October 10, 2024 8:30am - 9:30am PDT

210B

Stress is normal, but prolonged stress and adversity--especially when not buffered by a
caring adult or mentor--can lead to physical and mental health issues and even impact a
child's development and ability to learn. This session will explore the research behind
this and highlight a trauma-informed training from the Office of the California
Surgeon General (A project of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative) that can help educators, early care providers and other school
personnel recognize and respond to the signs of stress and trauma in youth. At the end
of this session participants will be able to: A) list and explain the 10 Adverse Childhood
Experiences that can lead to toxic stress. B) Define the mental and physical health
impacts that can be caused by toxic stress. C) Leverage tools and resources to nurture
trauma-informed environments in schools and buffer toxic stress.

Speakers

Laura McMullin

Thursday October 10, 2024 8:30am - 9:30am PDT
210B

Student and Community Mental Health

12:30pm PDT

Behind the Scenes: Exploring Self-Care Through the Lens of Mental Health Heroes, A Phenomenological Approach

Thursday October 10, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT

210B

The work of a mental health professional can be very rewarding, however there are inherent risks involved in this profession that can impact the emotional and physical wellbeing of the provider. In general, mental health providers have a tendency to neglect their own self-care and continue to provide services to clients in an impaired or distressed state and can ultimately lead to experiencing occupational hazards. This workshop will explore a phenomenological study on self-care from the lens of community mental health providers. Participants will be able to:
1. Gain awareness on the impact of the workplace on the self of the provider
2. Identify occupational hazards and recognize the symptoms
3. Understand how attitudes and feelings about self-care impact one’s ability to practice it
4. Empower school mental health providers and educators to align their values with actions and regularly engage in self-care practices

Speakers

Dr. Judith Brannon, Phd, LMFT, PPS

Behavioral Health Therapist, Bakersfield City School District

Dr. Judith Brannon has been in the field of education for over 15 years and a mental health provider for over 10 years. She is passionate about instilling hope and evoking positive change in others. Dr. Judy integrates her knowledge of performance psychology into her sessions with... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
210B

Mental Health Policy & Advocacy

3:30pm PDT

A Bold New Approach to School-Based Services Financing: A Deep Dive Into The CYBHI Fee Schedule

Thursday October 10, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

210B

In this session, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will demystify and share lessons learned from the first cohort of the CYBHI Fee Schedule program. Participants will learn about DHCS' progress in implementing the CYBHI Fee Schedule program, including frequently asked questions, and will have the opportunity to ask burning questions.

Speakers

Autumn Boylan

Office of Strategic Partnerships, Deputy Director, DHCS

Autumn Boylan (she/her/hers), M.P.H., is the Deputy Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships at the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). In this role, Ms. Boylan serves as a key contributor in the formulation of policy to achieve the mission of DHCS. She provides... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
210B

10:15am PDT

Another Black Boy Lost

Friday October 11, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

210B

An overlooked aspect of the rising rates of suicide in the U.S. is its impact on black boys. Recent research reveals that the rate of suicides for black boys between the ages of five and 12 has exceeded that of white children, and more than a third of elementary school-aged suicides involved black boys. Through stories, data, and courageous conversations, participants of this workshop will acquire resources and culturally proficient trauma-informed strategies as we explore the current state of mental health within the black community and its impact on black boys.

Speakers

Ron Thomas

Associate Director of Equity and Student Engagemen, Visions In Education Charter School

Ron Thomas’ passion for creating equitable and engaging learning environments drives his commitment to having a transformative impact on the lives of all students. His extensive experience improving student success began as an English teacher. He partnered with his students to use... Read More →

Friday October 11, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
210B

Mental Health Policy & Advocacy

1:45pm PDT

Introduction to Expressive Arts Therapy

Friday October 11, 2024 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

210B

In this interactive presentation/workshop, participants will learn: 1) What is expressive arts therapy, 2) How to apply basic expressive art therapy fundamentals into individual & group sessions for any age, and 3) Engage in 1 intermodal expressive arts therapeutic intervention. Participants will also receive a digital link to the presentation powerpoint & a list of book recommendations.

Speakers

UyenMy Nguyen, LMFT

Mental Health Therapist, Aspire Langston Hughes Academy

UYENMY NGUYEN, LMFT (they/she) is a proud queer & second-generation Vietnamese-American who is passionate about advancing social justice through the lens of art, healing, and working in community. UyenMy has provided counseling & case management services to the Southeast Asian Community... Read More →

Friday October 11, 2024 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
210B

Student and Community Mental Health

Wellness Together's 8th Annual Student Mental Wellness Conference