30th Annual Conference - NASW-CT

Morning Workshops 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 1. The Code of Ethics: Universal Social Work 2 CECs The mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of core values. These core values, embraced by social workers throughout the profession’s history, are the foundation of social work’s unique purpose and perspective and form the backbone of the core of ethics we subscribe to: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. This workshop will provide an open discussion on some key issues facing our society today, such as crime and the prison system, the education of our children, the poverty that exists within our wealthy country, and the cultural diversity and growing multiplicity of our society. Members of the NASW/CT Ethics Committee will offer this interactive panel presentation. Rosaline Brown, LCSW, CMC is a social work supervisor with the Department of Social Services. Programs under her supervision include Elderly Protective Services, The Acquired Brain Injury Program, and the Personal Care Assistance Program. A long time member of NASW, she serves on the Board of Directors and is Chair of the Ethics Committee. Marie Carlin, MA, LCSW, CCHP, CBIS is the designated discharge planner for mentally and medically compromised inmates at the Hartford Correctional Center. She is a NASW member. Catherine Hogan, LCSW has Professional Educator Certification in School Social Work and is certified in EMDR. She is self-employed as an educational consultant and has been a member of NASW’s Ethics Committee for five years. Nancy Hubbard, LCSW has a background of work with children and adolescents and is presently the Director of Outpatient and Rehabilitative Services at the Institute of Living. She has long been a member of NASW. Ron Sturm, MS, MSW is a Geriatric Care Manager at Connecticut Community Care. A NASW member, he served as a Student Representative on the Board of Directors and presently serves on the Ethics Committee. Cheryl Toth, LCSW works for the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. She also holds a Certification in School Social Work. An NASW member, she serves on the Ethics Committee and was formerly on the Board of Directors as a Member-at-Large. 2. Healing: How Treating Trauma is More Than Trauma Treatment 2 CECs Trauma research in recent years has led us to understand more about the developing brain and the impact of trauma. Evidence based practices have come into play that support the use of specific tools and protocols designed to lessen the long term impact of trauma on child development. This workshop will explore the evolution of our menu of trauma treatment for children and their families at the Village for Families and Children, with a special emphasis on two of our new evidence based models of treatment—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Child and Parent Psychotherapy (CPP). Through the use of clinical examples the panel will highlight the implementation factors for each model as well as discuss the initial data and the implications for future practice. Catherine Corto-Mergins, LCSW is the Director of Training and the Director of the Collaborative Trauma Center at The Village. She is also a Multidimensional Family Therapy Master Trainer. Ms. Corto-Mergins is a member of NASW and a member of the Chapter’s Latino Mentoring Program. Jennifer Jaffe, LCSW is trained in EMDR therapy and serves as the lead for the EMDR Learning Collaborative at The Village, implementing a grant from SAMHSA. A member of EMDRIA, she is involved with ongoing efforts to support, supervise, and monitor the use of EMDR throughout the agency. Jessica D’Angelo, LMFT works as an Enhanced Care Clinician at The Village and is trained in two evidence based trauma treatment models: EMDR and Trauma Focused CBT. She is a member of CTAMFT and AAMFT. Alane Sawka, LCSW is an IICAPS supervisor at The Village, is trained in EMDR, and uses this model regularly with her clients. Her experiences include extensive work with mobile crisis services. Maryellen Sciallo, LCSW is a certified therapist and consultant for Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is also a Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) trained therapist and is the lead for the CPP implementation of the Village’s SAMHSA grant. 7

Morning Workshops 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Sandy Kyriakopoulos, PsyD is the Senior Director of Maternal and Child Health at The Village where she oversees the Child First program, the Nurturing Families Network, Friends of the Family, and the Mid Level Developmental Assessment program. Beth Weston Meekins, LCSW is a Clinical Supervisor in the Enhanced Care Clinic at The Village. She is part of the Early Childhood Team and is trained in Trauma Informed Child Parent Psychotherapy (TI-CPP) and in Mid Level Development Assessments. 3. The Mindful Case Conference 2 CECs The tools of mindfulness, somatic awareness, and contemplation are actively being incorporated in clinical work these days. Applied Mindfulness is the term for bringing these tools into our interaction with the world, particularly in the workplace. The Mindful Case Conference, thus, is a direct way to bring applied mindfulness into an agency, a group practice, or a peer supervision group. Case conferences and group supervision can be transformed into a truly supportive experience that facilitates clinical work, counters vicarious traumatization, and improves client care when mindfulness, somatic awareness, and contemplation are incorporated. This primarily experiential workshop is appropriate for clinicians, supervisors, and management who wish to learn more about this highly effective process. Barbara Heffernan, LCSW, LADC has a private psychotherapy practice in Norwalk that focuses on trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. She utilizes CBT, EMDR, meditation and visualization in her practice and developed the concept of the Mindful Case Conference through workshops she has led on Applied Mindfulness in the psychotherapy field. She is a member of NASW. 4. Professional Health: Healthy Professionals/Healthy Patients 2 CECs Healthcare professionals are not immune to substance abuse and mental illness and the notion that these professionals are stronger and more able-minded than the rest of the general population is a myth. Created in 2007 by the passage of Public Act 07-103, HAVEN, Health Assistance InterVention Education Network, is a confidential assistance program for those healthcare professionals licensed by the State of Connecticut who are facing the challenges of physical illness, mental illness, chemical dependence, or emotional disorder. This workshop will illuminate an important resource in the state where healthcare professionals can address personal issues for themselves and their colleagues in a confidential and sensitive manner. Maureen Sullivan Dinnan, JD has dedicated her career to assisting health professionals in medical malpractice, licensing, and regulatory issues. She is the Executive Director of HAVEN, the Health Assistance InterVention Education Network that has assisted more than 700 professionals since 2007, including social workers, doctors, nurses, dentists, paramedics, APRNs, optometrists, and many other licensed healthcare disciplines. 5. “Rewiring” the Brains of Elders 2 CECs The focus of treating elders with mental health issues often, sadly, continues to be around simply helping them to survive or to recover from their stressors. Helping elders to thrive and to flourish is rarely the goal of treatment. In fact, elders themselves do not necessarily believe such a goal is possible. This workshop will describe the utilization of various positive psychology interventions such as kindness, gratitude, self-compassion, humor, and the models of Rick Hanson, PhD, author of Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence. Do these interventions really “rewire” a brain toward more positive states? The skills found most beneficial for elders by the presenters in their work at a life care community will be discussed and how clinicians can implement these skills in their own clinical practice will be reviewed. Jack Paul Gesino, DSW, LCSW is an Associate Professor at Southern Connecticut State University and Chair of the Elder and Family Specialization. He maintains a private practice at the Center for Elders and Families in Hamden. A practicing clinician and educator for over thirty years, he provides clinical supervision and training in 8 Positive Psychology. Dr. Gesino is a member of NASW.

Morning Workshops 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Cate Barber is a second year MSW student at SCSU. She is specializing in Geriatrics and currently interns at The Whitney Center in Hamden. She is a graduate of Eastern CT State University in 2011 with a degree in Communication. 6. To Tweet or Not to Tweet: Welcome 2 Reality 2 CECs Welcome to a presentation about social media and the impact social media has on youth; a presentation about cyber space and the messages being sent in the cyber/social environment. Welcome 2 Reality is an organization that addresses issues related to media literacy and technology, the impact social media and the use of mobile devices might have on society and today’s youth, and how there might be other, healthier, alternatives. Based in Waterbury, Welcome 2 Reality has taken on the task of educating and empowering individuals with the hope that they will see these mediums in a clear light. Through trainings, listening forums, workshops, and mentoring, the curriculum of Welcome 2 Reality is designed to raise the consciousness and knowledge base of those who might overlook the potential dangers of social media. The panel from Welcome 2 Reality will share their thoughts and goals for today’s youth who are living in a world of heightened social media impact. Anthony Gay, BA is currently an Adolescent Supervisor for DCF. He previously was a trainer for the agency facilitating and participating in the development of various trainings offered at the DCF Training Academy. He is also the statewide co-lead of the Department’s fatherhood initiative. Mr. Gay is the co-creator of the “Man Up” program for incarcerated/at risk youth and has taught courses on Civility and Success at Post University. Lastly, he is the organizer for the Annual Dads Matter Too! 5K Community Awareness Day, an effort to promote engagement and combat fatherlessness in CT. Marcus Stallworth, LMSW has been employed in the field of child welfare for the past 15 years. He was employed by the Department of Children and Families for 14 years, working in child protective services. Mr. Stallworth currently works for the Child Welfare League of America as a trainer and consultant. The owner of Stallworth Counseling Services which provides individual, family, and group therapy services, he also works as a Prevention Education Associate for Love 146 and is a member of the Disaster Behavioral Health Response Network formed after 9/11. Qur-an Webb, MSW is an Adolescent Supervisor at DCF and also provides services to children and families through Bristol Youth Services. Mr. Webb co-facilitates a mentoring program through the Queen Ann Nzinga Center where he works to ensure that each mentee is able to develop a sense of self and the confidence to overcome obstacles. 7. Equine Assisted Activities as Therapeutic Strategies 2 CECs Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) are becoming a “hot” therapeutic intervention. Horses are sensitive and sentient beings that belong to complex social groups (herds) and communicate primarily through body language. They live in the moment and are very adept at reading and reflecting the feelings of other beings, including humans. This presentation will discuss the benefits of the human/horse bond, and why horses, in their non-judgmental responses, allow humans to develop self-awareness. Clinicians who wish to learn more about this evolving therapeutic approach, how it can be helpful and who is qualified to provide EAAT will find this workshop beneficial. Learning how to evaluate programs in order to make appropriate and safe referrals will also be a part of the presentation. Jeanna Pellion is the Program Director at Hidden Acres Therapeutic Riding Center in Naugatuck. Horses have been a part of Jeanna’s life for over 30 years, 15 of which have been spent as a full time professional in the EAAT field. She has presented at numerous professional conferences and most recently has expanded her services to include programming that collaborates with wellness professionals. 9

Morning Workshops 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Branwen O’Shea-Refai, LCSW is in private practice in Bethany and is co-founder and a teacher of Equine Assisted Learning Workshops at Hidden Acres Therapeutic Riding Center. She has worked in the mental health field for over 17 years, with a specialty in trauma recovery and holistic counseling. Ms. O’Shea-Refai is a Certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher, a Healing Touch Practitioner, and a Sound Healer. Nadine Finger-Thomas is a senior social work major at Western Connecticut State University. Her junior intern placement was with Hidden Acres Therapeutic Riding Center where she engaged with program participants and participated in Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) workshops. She is a member of the Phi-Alpha Social Work Honor Society and a member of NASW. Meg Currie, LCSW, ACSW, CCDP-D does clinical work at the Family Study Center in Danbury and also teaches in the social work department at Western Connecticut State University. Her current interest is animal assisted social work interventions and she is pursuing certification as a therapy dog team with her puppy, Norbert. As the field liaison for Hidden Acres placements, she experienced the healing powers of equines and is now an enthusiastic EAL supporter. Ms. Currie is a member of NASW. 8. LGBTQIA SOS! Sexuality and Gender, Differentiated and Demystified 2 CECs *This workshop meets the cultural competence requirement for licensure renewal We are witnessing the dawn of a new civil rights movement and the question is no longer whether we will have LGBTQIA clients, but when, and whether we will be adequately prepared to serve these populations respectfully. So let’s talk about sex, and gender, and what, if anything, the two have to do with one another. This highly experiential and interactive workshop will explain in plain language—using case examples, group discussion, and video—exactly what it means to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, transgender, cisgendered, intersex, FTM, MTF, and any other term you may have heard but aren’t yet familiar with. Mara Gottlieb, LMSW, PhD is presently an adjunct faculty member at the NYU Silver School of Social Work and Smith College School of Social Work. Her primary areas of teaching and scholarship are in direct practice, theory, and pedagogy, particularly with an anti-oppression and social justice lens. She is the founder and CEO of Talking Changes, a training and bias-awareness organization that seeks to create safe learning environments, targeting clinicians and social service professionals and addressing issues ranging from self-care to cultural competence. Ms. Gottlieb is a member of NASW. 9. Mum’s The Word—Unmasking the silence of adoption secrets 2 CECs Adoption has long conjured up a sense of secrecy. While many have worked to bring honesty and transparency to this way of creating or enlarging families there is still work to be done. The presenters of this workshop will use case vignettes and experiential activities to facilitate the discussion of family secrecy, adoption policies, and adoption practices. Those who attend will be asked to explore their own biases and increase their level of awareness on adoption issues. Participants will have the opportunity to share their own experiences working with children, families, and adult adoptees, offering strategies and resources to others. Lorna Little, LCSW is the Executive Director of St. Agnes Home, a group home for pregnant and parenting young mothers and their babies. Her diverse background melds an interesting mix of social services and media as Ms. Little is a clinical social worker, a television producer, a community activist, and diversity consultant, and the author of a new book entitled “Mum’s the Word”. She holds a Post Master’s certificate in Foster and Adoption studies, is a certified Therapeutic Crisis Intervention trainer, and serves on the Social Work advisory board for the University of Saint Joseph and Springfield College. Ms. Little is a member of NASW. Alice Farrell, LCSW, JD sees clients in her private practice, Olive Branch Clinical Counseling, and also provides clinical supervision. She has worked in the field for 24 years and has served as the interim Executive Director for several non-profits in the behavioral health service arena over the years. 10

Morning Workshops 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Alicia Little Hodge, MA is a licensed professional counselor presently working at both Saint Agnes Family Center and the University of Hartford. She is a doctoral candidate in the University of Hartford’s clinical psychology program and an adoption competent mental health professional, trained through the Center for Adoption Support and Education. 10. Building Organizational Capacity to Advance Cultural Competence: A Case Study 2 CECs *This workshop meets the cultural competence requirement for licensure renewal. The importance of cultural competence and cultural humility for providing effective services and achieving positive outcomes are widely recognized in social work and related professions. Individual practitioners must engage in ongoing efforts to enhance their knowledge, skills, and attitudes. But organizations also have a responsibility for advancing culturally competent practices as well—beyond promoting individual competency development. This interactive session will examine a process for increasing organizational cultural competence by examining the specific efforts of a School of Social Work. Five elements that are crucial to this journey will be discussed and participants will have opportunities to consider their organization’s readiness for change while strategizing ways to promote cultural competence in their organizations. Salome Raheim, PhD, ACSW is the Dean and Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. Known nationally and internationally, Dr. Raheim is a scholar, educator, and consultant to educational institutions and health and human service organizations to increase their ability to work effectively in the context of diversity. She is a collaborator on an international initiative entitled The Privilege Project and founder and Co-chair of the UCONN School of Social Work Just Community: Change Starts Here initiative. She has been a member of NASW since 1985. Nelly Rojas Schwan, PhD, LCSW is Assistant Professor of Social Work and Latino Community Practice at the University of Saint Joseph. Dr. Schwan’s clinical and administrative experience has focused on delivery of culturally appropriate child welfare, treatment, and prevention services to the community. A member of NASW since 1980, she has been active both locally and nationally on numerous NASW boards and committees. Professor Schwan is Co-chair of the UCONN School of Social Work Just Community: Change Starts Here initiative. Milagros Marrero-Johnson, MSW is Director of the Office of Student and Academic Services at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. She has served as chairperson of the NASW/CT Latino/a Social Worker’s Network since 2013. She is a dedicated, multi-cultural, social work professional with more than a decade of successful experience in higher education, community organizing, and administration. An adjunct faculty member as well, she is an active member of the Just Community: Change Starts Here initiative. 11. De-Stress Using Your Mind, Body, and Breath—Yoga and Other Wellness Techniques for the Practitioner 2 CECs As staff becomes the change they desire to see, they translate into powerful and inspirational models for their clients. In this experiential workshop, participants will learn chair yoga poses and deep breathing exercises to destress and restore themselves. When clinicians can model and share these benefits with their clients they can have a lasting, positive effect. Participants will experience a shift in their own state of being through deep breathing, chair yoga poses, and mindfulness meditation. The benefits of these techniques will be discussed. Kathleen Kiley Fisher is the Founder and President of Wellness Insights, LLC. As a certified Yoga Facilitator, Energy Medicine practitioner, and Pastoral Counselor, she works with clinical staff in healthcare facilities offering “Train the Trainer” Wellness programs. She is the author of several Wellness training manuals that include instruction and exercises for optimal self-care. 11

Morning Workshops 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 12. The Poverty Simulation and Its Impact on Raising Awareness of the Difficulties Faced by Low Income People 2 CECs Historically social work is a profession that has been committed to helping the poor and disadvantaged--but has the profession and social work school curriculum abandoned this commitment to some degree? Students entering social work programs rarely have direct experience with poverty and may also have attitudes that conflict with the social justice values of the profession, values that may impede their ability to provide non-judgmental services to poor clients. This workshop will present the “Poverty Simulation”, a tool used to sensitize students by way of an experiential learning activity that allows participants to take on the roles of individuals and families living in poverty, thus “simulating” poverty and the difficulties faced by the poor in daily living. Both Southern Connecticut State University’s and Western Connecticut State University’s Departments of Social Work engaged in this “simulation” and their findings from focus groups illustrate the impact such a “simulation” can have on student understanding and att

NASW/CT Chapter Staff, workshop Moderators, and other volunteers who contribute to making this conference run smoothly. And, finally, thank you to all of you who attend the conference and a special thanks to those who support NASW through your membership. Happy 60! 40! 30! Pat . Patricia Hartman . Coordinator of Professional Development, NASW/CT 3