Tag: 2025
Miller, Jacqueline, BSW
Jacquelyn Miller has her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She spent 18 years working as an Alternative Care Case Manager, Family Drug Court Liaison, and Contract Oversight Specialist at Missouri Children’s Division. In 2016, she became the Public Administrator of St. Charles County. She is an advocate for individuals with Developmental Disabilities becoming as independent as possible. She is a wife and mom of two. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.
Presentation(s):
Adams, Alicia, MSW
With a passion for helping others and a true commitment to a growth mindset, I thrive in collaborative environments committed to education and professionalism. I have served as a social worker and as a trainer/educator in both academic and hospital settings. My favorite aspect of my work is interacting with my colleagues to create a safe and productive environment for everyone to thrive, learn, and do their best.
Presentation(s):
Show Me Peer Power: Missouri DMH’s Critical Incident Stress Management Network for the Workforce
Public Health Approach to Firearm Suicide Prevention
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Speaker(s):
Description:
The Safer Homes Collaborative (SHC) is dedicated to tackling the urgent issue of firearm-related suicides through lethal means safety (LMS). Over the past seven years, SHC has navigated numerous challenges and achieved significant milestones in messaging, bridging research gaps, reducing stigma, fostering collaboration and partnerships, and securing ongoing funding. This workshop highlights the imperative for behavioral health professionals and community partners to integrate LMS strategies into their comprehensive suicide prevention efforts.
Objectives
1. A foundational understanding of the National and Missouri suicide prevention plans, including the focus on firearm suicide prevention
2. A foundational understanding of the four target audiences that Safer Homes Collaborative focuses on
3. Practical strategies and evidence-based approaches to integrate firearm suicide prevention into their community health initiatives, ultimately contributing to a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention
Rice-Portwood, Reba
Senior Program Manager at Safer Homes Collaborative, is a dedicated advocate for suicide prevention and gun safety. She captivates audiences with engaging presentations, sharing her lived experiences and practical insights. Known for her empathy, Reba connects deeply with those needing this training, empowering others to recognize the importance of gun safety.
Presentation(s):
Sorg, Shanna
Senior Program Support Manager at Safer Homes Collaborative, has over a decade of experience in community engagement and program development. She connects people with vital health and wellness information, making a significant impact by empowering individuals and communities to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Presentation(s):
Pennington, Nancy, BS, CPA
Nancy Pennington serves as the Executive Director/CEO of the Missouri Association of County Developmental Disabilities Services (MACDDS). Prior to this, she worked with the Adair County SB40 Developmental Disability Board. Nancy has over twenty-five years working with various non-profits, previously serving as the Executive Director for the United Way of Adair County/Northeast Missouri and working with several organizations in the nonprofit field. She received her BS degree in Accounting from Truman State University, earned her certificate in Certified Public Accounting, and is a graduate of the National Leadership Institute on Developmental Disabilities. Nancy currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Mental Health Foundation and the Missouri Council on Aging as well as the Advisory Leadership Team for the Institute of Human Development at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She is also on the Advisory Council for the Missouri’s Master Plan on Aging.
Presentation(s):
Local Initiatives to Improve the Lives of People with Developmental Disabilities
Levely, Hannah, MS
Hannah Levely is the Youth Services Coordinator with the Missouri Department of Mental Health. She has her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and her Master of Science in Criminology. Her interest in behavioral health started while volunteering in a correctional institution. She quickly saw the need to move “Upstream” and provide supports and services to youth, before they enter the criminal justice system. In her role, she oversees various state initiatives to support youth experiencing behavioral health challenges, attempting to keep them within their community.
Presentation(s):
Banyan Treatment Centers
Banyan Treatment Centers is a nationally recognized leader in behavioral healthcare, offering comprehensive residential treatment for primary mental health disorders and substance use disorders. With facilities located across the country, Banyan provides individualized, evidence-based care in a supportive environment, helping clients achieve lasting recovery. Our nationwide network ensures access to high-quality treatment close to home, while our dedicated team of professionals delivers compassionate care at every stage of the recovery journey.
website: banyantreatment.com
Somatic Therapies and Trauma: Healing through the Wisdom of the Nervous System
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Speaker(s):
Gargis, Heather
Description:
Step into a compelling exploration of somatic therapies and trauma, where healing goes beyond traditional cognitive approaches. This presentation dives deeply into the wisdom of the nervous system, unraveling the complexities of trauma responses and embracing the body’s vital role in recovery. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the innate threat response cycle and its pivotal role in fostering resilience. This approach highlights the body’s profound capacity to heal and restore, offering a more holistic view of trauma recovery.
Through experiential exercises, participants will explore interoception, exteroception, and proprioception, cultivating a deeper connection to the landscape of sensation and movement. This lecture provides a roadmap to understanding the language of the body and integrating its wisdom into therapy. By learning how to attune to the nervous system and guide clients toward redefining their relationship with their bodies, practitioners will leave equipped to facilitate self-discovery, resilience, and holistic healing that extends beyond the boundaries of traditional talk therapy.
Objectives
1. Define “somatic” therapies: Establish a professional understanding of the conceptual framework within trauma treatment
2. Identify the neurobiological impact of trauma on the nervous system and its role in healing
3. Analyze the phases and methods for completing the threat response cycle to enhance resilience and healing