Room: Nautical Wheeler

Speaker(s):

Mariana Edwards, MD

Presentation: Schizophrenia is a chronic illness that affects approximately 23 million people in the world. It is associated with high chronic risk of suicide and lifelong functional impairment, and it is one of the leading 15 causes of disability. People with schizophrenia are at more vulnerable to human rights violations, neglect, and homelessness and there is still stigma about the illness from society at large.

Objectives:

• Highlight data and statistics about schizophrenia, and its cognitive symptoms
• Present case of a patient with schizophrenia with prominent cognitive symptoms
• Talk about cognitive symptoms and social difficulties in schizophrenia
• Talk about the overall negative impact of cognitive symptoms in the lives of patients with schizophrenia
• Discuss evidence-based treatments of cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise C

Speaker(s):

Kerri Tesreau

Presentation:

Objectives:

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Windgate 62-63

Speaker(s):

Johna Trapani, MEd

Presentation: The Department of Mental Health houses several programs to assist Missourians with mental health and substance use disorders obtain and maintain safe, decent, and affordable housing that meets their individual and family needs. These programs, which are supported through federal and state funds, are key to helping Missourians in need and their families attain self-determination, self-sufficiency, and integration with the community.

Objectives:

• Provide an overview of DMH housing programs
• Highlight the Continuum of Care model for addressing homelessness in Missouri communities
• Give an overview of the Person-Centered approach to housing

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise B

Speaker(s):

Rebecca Preston, PhD

Presentation: Due to the changing attitude towards cannabis, and the increasing decriminalization of non-medical marijuana, cannabis use is at historically high levels among adolescents and young adults – with daily or near daily use continuing to rise. At the same time, perception of risk associated with cannabis use has decreased. Exposing developing brains to cannabis disrupts brain development and behavior, primes the brain for being more susceptible to developing other forms of addiction later in life, and impacts trajectories leading to psychosis, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other substance use disorders. Of the various mental health disorders, significant attention has focused on the co-occurrence of cannabis use and psychosis.

Objectives:

• Understand the association between cannabis use during brain development and cognition, emotional functioning, and the risk of developing mental health disorders, particularly psychosis
• Highlight the developmental, acute, and long-term effects of cannabis use
• Raise awareness that regular THC use during brain development is not a benign activity and can impact brain, behavior, and mental health trajectories

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Windgate 60-61

Speaker(s):

Kritika Chauhan, PsyD

Presentation: Forensic psychology plays a critical role in shaping decisions that impact justice, safety, and individual lives. Yet even the most skilled professionals are vulnerable to cognitive biases that can subtly influence judgement. This introductory level presentation will examine the most common cognitive biases encountered in forensic settings and review the contextual and systematic factors that contribute to these biases. The session will also identify strategies to reduce the impact of cognitive biases. By fostering awareness and offering mitigating approaches, the session aims to enhance fairness, accuracy, and professional integrity in forensic practice and decision-making.

Objectives:

• Define common cognitive biases observed in forensic psychology settings
• Explore individual, organizational, and contextual factors that contribute to the development and reinforcement of cognitive biases
• Identify practical strategies and interventions to reduce the impact of cognitive biases in forensic practice

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Windgate 62-63

Speaker(s): TBD

Presentation:

Objectives:

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise B

Speaker(s): TBD

Presentation:

Objectives:

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Nautical Wheeler

Speaker(s):

Madeline Cusimano, MD

Presentation: Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe maternal mental health condition that can emerge rapidly after childbirth and requires coordinated intervention across healthcare and community systems. This presentation will review core clinical features, risk factors, and early warning signs, with emphasis on distinguishing postpartum psychosis from more common perinatal mood disorders. Case examples will illustrate how symptoms may present across obstetric, emergency, outpatient, and child welfare settings.

Objectives:

• Describe the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic framework of postpartum psychosis (PPP)
• Differentiate PPP from postpartum OCD, severe postpartum depression, and primary psychotic disorders
• Review evidence-based acute treatment and relapse-prevention strategies, including lithium, antipsychotics, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
• Recognize suicide and infanticide risk using a prevention-focused, evidence-based framework.
• Apply systems-level and family-centered strategies to the care of patients at high risk for PPP.

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise C

Speaker(s):

Kerri Tesreau

Presentation:

Objectives:

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise A

Speaker(s):

Fred Rottnek, MD

Presentation: Changing alcohol behaviors is not easy. These conversations can be uncomfortable, but they are where real progress begins. In Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable: Conversational Approaches to Changing Alcohol Behavior, an addiction medicine physician and a certified peer specialist will demonstrate practical, compassionate strategies for engaging individuals in meaningful discussions about alcohol use. Participants will explore evidence-based tools for supporting alcohol reduction, practice motivational interviewing and screening techniques, and learn how to collaborate across professional roles to promote healthy choices. The session will also highlight community and policy-level interventions that make lasting impact possible.

Objectives:

• Review evidence-based and best-practice approaches to support alcohol reduction
• Apply screening and motivational techniques effectively
• Utilize the talents of professional team members in promoting healthy habits
• Identify community and policy strategies that work

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Windgate 60-61

Speaker(s):

Nikki Reitz

Bethany Van Lant

Presentation:

Objectives:

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise Ballroom

Speaker(s): 

Angeline Stanislaus, MD

Presentation:

Objectives:

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise Ballroom

Speaker(s): 

Elaine Hill, BA

Presentation: You show up every day to do serious work — often while running on caffeine, compassion, and sheer determination. In this energizing and humor-filled keynote, Elaine Kochanowicz offers a new way to measure success that doesn’t require perfection or superhero status. You’ll learn how small wins can free you from unrealistic expectations, quiet those relentless inner critics, and remind you why you started this work in the first place. Through laughter, relatable stories, and practical mindset shifts, you’ll leave lighter, encouraged, and guaranteed to see your impact in a whole new way.

Objectives:

• Identify unrealistic expectations that contribute to stress and emotional fatigue in professional practice
• Reframe negative or self-critical thought patterns into constructive, healing perspectives
• Recognize and document small wins as indicators of meaningful impact in client care
• Apply practical strategies for incorporating appropriate humor and perspective to reduce personal stress
• Implement a daily mindset shift practice that reinforces resilience and professional sustainability

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise A

Speaker(s): 

Nia Estes, MEd

Presentation: Do you have a teen in your life who sees you as a trusted adult? Do you have a niece or nephew you’re concerned about but aren’t sure how to broach a conversation with them? This session is designed for anyone working directly with teens or who has teens in their lives whom they offer support to. Join us to learn how to start conversations that may be difficult to have with young people (relationships, substance use, mental health, etc.). The session is designed to give insight into youths to allow for deep and meaningful conversations.

Objectives:

• Discuss how to create a safe and supportive environment where difficult conversations can occur
• Review active listening and communication skills needed for successful and meaningful conversations
• Describe ways to guide teens towards sensible and responsible decisions

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise C

Speaker(s): 

Amberly Pritchard, MA, DBH

Presentation: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) consists of various forms of abuse perpetrated by a loved one. It is a public health concern which negatively affects the physical and mental well-being of victims. It is detrimental to society and comes with economic costs. Individuals in violent relationships visit emergency departments and primary care clinics more frequently than people who never experience IPV. Victims regularly disclose violence to healthcare professionals. Missouri practitioners can only report the abuse to authorities if the adult patient requests it. Breaching confidentiality by mandated reporting is limited when faced with adult patients in violent relationships. This study aimed to analyze how Missouri practitioners feel about breaching confidentiality in adult intimate partner violent situations. Seventeen Missouri licensed practitioners responded to a qualitative survey. Their responses were analyzed using a thematic analytic approach. Results show licensed practitioners want the ability to breach confidentiality to report adult IPV, but they do not want to be forced by mandate to report it.

Objectives:

• Define intimate partner violence
• Discuss the impact intimate partner violence has on society
• Review the existing gaps in treatment for victims of intimate partner violence
• Learn how licensed medical professionals feel limiting confidentiality could help and harm victims of intimate partner violence

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise B

Speaker(s): 

Candice Swee, MS

Stacey Throckmorton

Presentation: Sound therapy and vibrational healing are emerging modalities in the behavioral health field that support regulation of the nervous system, reduction of stress and anxiety, and improvement in overall emotional wellbeing. This session will explore how sound frequencies delivered through instruments such as crystal bowls, gongs, tuning forks, and even one’s own voice can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promote coherence in brainwave states, and foster resilience. Participants will review traditional and contemporary approaches to sound healing, along with current research linking vibrational therapy to measurable improvements in mental health outcomes. Demonstrations will highlight how sound therapy can be integrated into mental health care and prevention efforts, with applications for reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma responses. Attendees will leave with evidence-informed strategies to incorporate sound-based practices into both therapeutic settings and personal self-care routines.

Objectives:

• Describe the neuroscience and physiological mechanisms by which sound and vibration regulate the nervous system and support mental health
• Identify evidence-based findings and emerging research on the effectiveness of sound therapy in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma
• Experience and apply practical sound-based techniques that can be integrated into therapeutic practice, prevention strategies, or personal self-care

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Nautical Wheeler

Speaker(s): 

Jerica Bowman, MSW

Roy Farmer

Presentation: The justice system often intersects with recovery support services at the point of crisis, when individuals facing addiction, incarceration, or mental health challenges need coordinated support the most. This presentation explores how recovery support services can work hand-in-hand with the justice system at every intercept level to help individuals successfully reintegrate into society.

Objectives:

• Describe how peer support can improve treatment engagement and improve recovery outcomes
• Identify strategies for integrating peer support within the correctional, court, and crisis intervention settings
• Utilize practical ways to build strong collaboration with recovery support providers

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Windgate 62-62

Speaker(s): 

Le’Anna Schlotzhauer, BS

Presentation: Preventing Burnout Through the Power of Fun is an engaging training that helps professionals recognize the signs of burnout and discover how fun can be a powerful tool for resilience. Participants will explore how stress impacts health, relationships, and work performance, and learn practical ways to recharge through play, laughter, and connection. By prioritizing fun, you can boost energy, improve mood, strengthen relationships, and create a healthier work-life balance. This session reframes fun not as a luxury but as an essential strategy for preventing burnout and thriving both personally and professionally.

Objectives:

• Understanding burnout and it’s effects
• Understanding how to prevent burnout
• Understanding fun and how it works to prevent burnout
• Discover ways to find and prioritize fun

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Windgate 60-61

Speaker(s): 

Angeline Stanislaus, MD

Presentation:

Objectives:

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise A

Speaker(s): 

Rachel Cramsey, MSW, LCSW

Presentation: According to the State of Mental Health in America report, youth mental health saw progress between 2023 and 2024. There is, however, an overarching need for providers to increase access to mental health treatment, especially where barriers to treatment are more prevalent. Many youth experiencing depression and other mental health concerns lack access to therapy due to obstacles including, but not limited to, stigma, transportation, finances, and childcare. St. Louis Children’s Hospital (SLCH), a Level 1 Trauma Center for Illinois and Missouri, serves children from all 50 states and over 80 countries. Since 2018, SLCH has worked in partnership with various school districts in the St. Louis area to provide on-site mental health services within the school setting. Starting in 2020, a school-based virtual behavioral health program through St. Louis Children’s Hospital began to also increase mental health access to students and reduce barriers to treatment. This program, known as Healthy Kids, links licensed or provisionally licensed therapists to the school setting.

Objectives:

• Identify and secure funders as key partners for financial sustainability
• Identify barriers to child mental health services in Missouri
• Utilize school partnerships to eliminate barriers to child mental health

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise C

Speaker(s): 

Tracy Tackett, MEd

Presentation: This presentation aims to provide education about trauma-informed care and being mindful that there is a reason and a story behind the presenting problems.

Objectives:

• Identify what trauma is
• Identify types of trauma
• Identify signs and symptoms related to trauma
• Learn about how to provide trauma-informed care

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise B

Speaker(s): 

James Smith, MEd, PhD

Presentation: Every person has a healthy self-critic that performs important functions in our lives. For some, that unhealthy self-critic gets sick, becoming the Pathological Critic. The Pathological Critic is that voice that tells us harmful messages about ourselves. Responding to this internal voice effectively is important for our overall mental health. In this presentation, Dr. Smith will discuss what the Pathological Critic is, experiences that promote its developmental, and how to quiet it using foundational Mindfulness principles.

Objectives:

• Describe the 3 core principles of Mindfulness
• Review the meaning and origin of the “Pathological Critic”
• Apply the 3 core principles of Mindfulness to creating effective responses to the Pathological Critic
• Participants will consider the application of creating Mindfulness-based responses to the Pathological Critic with clients in clinical settings

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Nautical Wheeler

Speaker(s): 

John Carpenter, MSW, LCSW

Presentation: Many times a therapist can feel overwhelmed or “stuck” with a complicated case or lack of helpful information to be able to move forward. This presentation will help the clinician see their own case in a completely new way — exposed by experiential techniques, visual displays, props to illustrate psychological impacts, emotional distance, strength of relations, hidden effect of therapist, metaphorical imagery, and actual emotional ages. These experiential approaches will help the therapist as well as the whole audience to see and feel new ideas to help each difficult case. No identifying names or information is necessary.

Objectives:

• Describe new experiential techniques for assessing client situations
• Review one’s case in an experiential manner
• Use visual props to illustrate relationships
• To learn how a therapist position might be blocking progress
• To learn how to use this model for supervising staff’s cases

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Windgate 62-63

Speaker(s): 

Michael Abrams, MSW

Presentation: The Clubhouse model provides a supportive environment that promotes growth, empowerment, and inclusion through shared work, social connection, and opportunities for education and employment. By working with Clubhouses, Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) Teams can offer a unique opportunity to build meaningful connections, discover purpose, and experience a genuine sense of belonging within their community for the young adults they serve.

Objectives:

• Define the Clubhouse model utilized by Clubhouse International and Independence Center
• Summarize how Independence Center’s CSC and Clubhouse programs work together to achieve shared member outcomes
• Examine how the unique aspects of the Clubhouse model benefit young adults experiencing early psychosis
• Connect with Clubhouses in their area to analyze if a partnership will benefit the young people they serve

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Windgate 60-61

Speaker(s): 

Angela Torres

Presentation:

Objectives:

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Windgate 60-61

Speaker(s): 

Angela Torres

Presentation:

Objectives:

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise A

Speaker(s): 

Amber Stockreef, DHS

Presentation:

Objectives:

• Define a Youth Behavioral Health Liaison
• Identify how to locate a Youth Behavioral Health Liaison
• Describe the multiple systems and supports a Youth Behavioral Health Liaison provides

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise C

Speaker(s): 

Terri Cooley-Bennett, DSW

Presentation:

Objectives:

• Examine the research and enhance understanding of the different aspects of Vicarious Trauma
• Describe ethical approaches for managing Vicarious Trauma
• Identify prevention techniques and evidence-based self-care practices

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise B

Speaker(s): 

Le’Anne Schlotzhauer, BS

Presentation: Preventing Burnout Through the Power of Fun is an engaging training that helps professionals recognize the signs of burnout and discover how fun can be a powerful tool for resilience. Participants will explore how stress impacts health, relationships, and work performance, and learn practical ways to recharge through play, laughter, and connection. By prioritizing fun, you can boost energy, improve mood, strengthen relationships, and create a healthier work-life balance. This session reframes fun not as a luxury but as an essential strategy for preventing burnout and thriving both personally and professionally.

Objectives:

• Describe burnout and it’s effects
• Discuss how to prevent burnout
• Examine fun and how it works to prevent burnout
• Discover ways to find and prioritize fun

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Nautical Wheeler

Speaker(s): 

Rachel Winograd, PhD

Kanila Brown, MA

Presentation: Bridging substance use related research with clinical practice is essential to improving outcomes, ensuring equitable care, and translating evidence into real-world interventions that reduce overdose risk and promote recovery. By integrating research on contextual insights from affected communities, stigma, and implementation science, clinicians and researchers can develop approaches that are both compassionate and evidence-based, advancing the collective goal of reducing harm and improving quality of life for people who use drugs. There are many ways to study drug use, addiction, and the services designed to address them. In this presentation, Dr. Rachel Winograd, Director of the Addiction Science team and the Addiction, Science, Practice, Implementation, Research and Education (ASPIRE) Lab at the University of Missouri, St. Louis, and four ASPIRE Lab graduate students, will discuss the current landscape of Missouri’s overdose crisis and how they are applying various research methodologies to better understand and improve substance use services. Specifically, they will demonstrate the critical roles of working with medical examiner death data and neighborhood deprivation indices, the value of forming and working closely with a Community Advisory Board to enrich both research and clinical practice, the need to measure and mitigate stigma toward people who use drugs and toward the interventions designed to serve them, and the application of implementation science to improve the adoption and delivery of effective substance use services.

Objectives:

• Describe recent changes to Missouri’s overdose death trends by region, demographic group, and substance type
• Discuss the importance of assessing demographic and structural risk factors in individuals substance use outcomes
• Describe how community advisory boards (CABs) of people with lived experience with drugs may help to enhance substance use research and community-informed practice
• Recognize the importance of measuring stigma surrounding people who use drugs and associated interventions to better understand its nature, impact, and potential leverage points
• Define implementation science and describe its primary goals in bridging the gap between substance use service research and practice

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Windgate 62-63

Speaker(s): 

Hannah Meyer, MSW

Presentation: Optimistic Beginnings approach to treating the individuals no one could. Innovative and creative treatment for individuals that struggle with living successfully in community settings- who also have experienced significant trauma along with their intellectual/developmental disability and mental illness. Learn how our program has utilized various approaches resulting in successful outcomes and individuals who are able to live a fulfilling, safe life.

Objectives:

• Discuss the prevalence and recognizing the signs of trauma in the BHIDD population
• Describe therapeutic approaches, including biases and adaptations, to treatment (specifically DBT, EMDR and Trauma Recovery)
• Introduce the EMPOWER model- a compassionate framework developed to guide providers in supporting individuals within the BHIDD population
• Understand the value of “outside the box” thinking, adaptability and teamwork to provide the best outcomes.

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise A

Speaker(s): 

JJ Gossrau, LCSW

Cla Stearns, PhD

Presentation: System of Care (SOC) is a comprehensive spectrum of effective services and supports for children, youth, and young adults with or at risk for mental health or other challenges and their families that is organized into a coordinated network of care. SOC Teams include a diverse array of community providers and partners, including family members and youth. All SOC Teams across Missouri work towards achieving the SOC core values and guiding principles. This presentation will provide an in-depth look at SOC, describe Missouri’s expansion efforts, identify key resources, and provide examples of why SOC is necessary. This presntation is interactive and will give audience members an opportunity to ask questions, have dialog with presenters, and other audience members. As a result, audience members will have a better understanding of how they can get involved and why they would want to connect with their local SOC team.

Objectives:

• Discuss rates of mental health challenges for children are increasing
• Review SOC core values and guiding principles
• Describe why and how to get involved in local SOC team efforts

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise C

Speaker(s): 

Terri Cooley-Bennett, DSW

Presentation: Vicarious trauma can negatively impact practitioners, clients, colleagues, supervisors, and entire organizations. In recent years, the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) have updated their professional codes of ethics to include self-care as an ethical responsibility. The Missouri Credentialing Board (MCB) addresses self-care and impairment within its ethical codes. Vicarious trauma is termed by Van der Merwe as trauma related employment stress (TRES).

Objectives:

• Examine the research and enhance understanding of the different aspects of Vicarious Trauma
• Describe ethical approaches for managing Vicarious Trauma
• Identify prevention techniques and evidence-based self-care practices

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise B

Speaker(s): 

Le’Anne Schlotzhauer, BS

Presentation: This presentation provides a structured overview of trauma-informed care principles tailored for supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It explains what trauma is, how it uniquely impacts people with IDD, and practical ways staff can apply these principles in daily care.

Objectives:

• Describe the core principles of Trauma Informed Care
• Define Trauma in the IDD context
• Discuss Trauma Informed Supervision Principles

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Nautical Wheeler

Speaker(s): 

Dana Silverblatt, MSW

Kathleen Murray, MS

Presentation: Millions of Americans are living with complex health-related and social needs, characterized by combinations of chronic illness, functional impairments, mental illness, housing instability, and inadequate social support. As these individuals experience impairments that are cyclical, they often endure further chronic issues, such as food insecurity or ongoing homelessness. This makes receiving adequate support especially challenging, and they frequently enter multiple systems such as health care, social service, behavioral health, law enforcement, courts, housing, and others. Many of these individuals turn toward hospital emergency departments (EDs), which are intended to address acute physical health concerns episodically. Due to the long-lasting and progressive nature of the needs of patients with complex needs, they often leave EDs without having their needs fully met. People with complex needs who frequently utilize hospitals and other systems experience fragmented care and poorer outcomes due to a lack of coordinated, integrated services within their regions. In the St. Louis region, organizations and leaders in healthcare coordination have begun to address this issue in our own community. During this presentation, you will learn about the complexity of this populations needs and solutions with proven results. You will get an in-depth look into two local programs, Hospital to Housing (H2H) and Building Engagement to Address Complex Needs (BEACN), that are using national best practices to improve outcomes for individuals and reduce preventable and costly hospital utilization. You will also learn about the planning and coordination for a complex care model underway that aims to draw lessons learned from the existing programs for a regionwide approach, including opportunities for local and state systems, behavioral health providers, housing supports, advocacy groups, and funders.

Objectives:

• Identify best practice components of a complex care model
• Identify at least 3 outcomes/metrics core to St. Louis area complex care programs
• Describe challenges and opportunities for improving lives of people living with complex health and behavioral health conditions

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Windgate 62-63

Speaker(s): 

Amber Stockreef, DHS

Presentation: Participants will learn of Missouri history with the BHIDD efforts, current best practices and future efforts in supporting the dual behavioral health and developmental disability population.

Objectives:

• Discuss MO BHIDD history
• Describe current best practices
• Review current and future BHIDD efforts in Missouri

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Windgate 60-61

Speaker(s): 

Angela Torres

Presentation:

Objectives:

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise Ballroom

Speaker(s): 

Whitney Guison

Presentation:

Objectives:

Slides and Handouts:

Paradise Ballroom ABC

The Department of Mental Health, Division of Behavioral Health, is recognizing three Outstanding Performers for Housing, Supported Employment, and Recovery Support Services.  These awards go to agencies that exemplify the DMH Mission of serving, empowering, and supporting Missourians to live their best lives.

The Department of Mental Health, Division of Behavioral Health, is recognizing three categories of Outstanding Performers this year: Recovery Support Services, Supported Employment, and Housing.  These awards go to agencies that exemplify the DMH Mission of serving, empowering and supporting Missourians to live their best lives. 

The 2025 Outstanding Performer Award for Recovery Support Services is Recovery Lighthouse. 

Recovery Lighthouse is a Recovery Support Access Site managing vouchers for the Central Region of the state.  They provide an array of recovery support services, including counseling, support groups, housing, and peer coaching.  They have developed the curriculum for the Family Recovery Program and have generously trained other providers on this model.  They started two new Recovery Community Centers in 2024: Beacon of Hope Recovery Community Center in Sedalia and The Pier Recovery Community Center in Warrensburg.  These new Recovery Community Centers are already a valuable resource in their communities. 

Pictured accepting the award for Recovery Lighthouse is Adriatik Likcani, Executive Director, and his recovery team. 

The 2025 Outstanding Performer Awardee for Supported Employment is FCC Behavioral Health. 

FCC Behavioral Health has demonstrated a strong commitment to implementing the evidence-based practice of supported employment known as Individual Placement and Support (IPS).  FCC Behavioral Health has consistently scored in the highest range of fidelity to the IPS model and has one of the highest employment outcomes in the state.  They have initiated innovate practices and shown great ambition in offering IPS services to rural/underserved areas.  FCC has a strong collaborative partnership with Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation. 

Pictured accepting the award on behalf of FCC is Aaron Floyd, IPS Supervisor, and the FCC team. 

 The 2025 Outstanding Performer Awardee for Housing is FCC Behavioral Health. 

FCC Behavioral Health offers a variety of housing services for persons experiencing homelessness who suffer from mental health or substance use disorders.  FCC Behavioral Health has a variety of innovative housing programs including Permanent Housing Program (PHP), Cape Women and Children’s Program, SEMO Safe Haven, New Beginnings, Housing Liaison, PATH and assist with Shelter Plus Care.  FCC Behavioral Health is an early adopter of best practices and continuously looks for new opportunities to expand services and options. 

Pictured accepting the Housing award for FCC Behavioral Health is Noble Shaver and Tammie Bratton. 

Room: Paradise B

Speaker(s): 

Jeremiah Weinstock, PhD, ABPP

Presentation: Gambling opportunities are rapidly expanding across the United States with many states legalizing sports betting, online gambling, and casinos. Gambling disorder affects about 2% of the general population. These individuals, their families, and communities experience significant harm due to their maladaptive gambling behavior. This workshop will review gambling disorder and its causes, identify high-risk populations, and discuss evidenced-based treatment options for individuals and families. Case studies of sports betters will be used as part of an active learning component of the presentation.

Objectives:

• Describe the gambling disorder criteria and how they are similar and dissimilar to the criteria for substance use disorders.
• Identify two populations that are at a higher risk of developing the disorder and identify at least two underlying factors to contribute to this increased risk
• Discuss how research findings about motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy generalize to clinical practice

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise C

Speaker(s): 

Stacy Spradling, BBA

Presentation: Leadership today requires more than strategy and execution. Good leadership calls for presence. In this 45-minute breakout session, we go beyond the basics of active listening and body language to explore what it truly means to be a fearless leader through the power of practiced presence.

Objectives:

• Describe how grounded, intentional presence can be a quiet game changer in the boardroom, during performance reviews, and in difficult conversations
• Practice some simple grounding techniques to jump start your journey
• Discover how presence creates space for vulnerability, gentleness, and authenticity. All qualities that transform how you lead and how your teams respond

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Nautical Wheeler

Speaker(s): 

Tracy Tackett, MEd

Presentation: This presentation will address all the barriers that can hold people back in life from reaching their full potential including impact of past trauma or adverse life experiences, mental illness, and substance use. Education will be provided about ways to break through barriers including various types of therapies.

Objectives:

• Identify barriers that keep people from progressing in life
• Discuss impact of past trauma or adverse life experiences
• Describe about impact of mental illness
• Learn about impact of substance use
• Identify strategies to break through barriers that impede personal growth

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Paradise A

Speaker(s): 

Nicole McWilliams

Presentation:

Objectives:

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Windgate 62-63

Speaker(s): 

Jennifer Copeland, PsyD

Cassidy Richards, MSW

Presentation: Eating disorders are the second deadliest mental illness in the United States, affecting 28.8 million Americans and more than 600,000 Missourians over the course of their lives. Despite the high prevalence, 96% of individuals with eating disorders encounter substantial barriers to accessing effective treatment, creating a critical public health crisis. These barriers are especially pronounced for individuals in low income and rural communities, which make up a significant portion of Missouri’s population. Additionally, most professional training programs provide limited education on eating disorders, further widening treatment gaps across the state. This presentation will offer a clear overview of eating disorders, associated medical and psychological risks, and the markedly elevated suicide risk within this population. Participants will leave with practical, evidence informed strategies for supporting under resourced individuals with eating disorders and improving access to effective care.

Objectives:

• Describe at least 2 stereotypes about people with eating disorders that are relevant to Missouri communities
• Apply at least 2 strategies to provide more effective care for under-resourced clients
• Identify at least 2 resources to utilize in improving care for clients with eating disorders

Slides and Handouts:

Room: Windgate 60-61

Speaker(s): 

Tim Wilson, PhD

Presentation:

Objectives:

Slides and Handouts: