Home > Articles by: Kayla Bunch

Author: Kayla Bunch

By

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 

 

 

By

Public Health Approach to Firearm Suicide Prevention

Room: Paradise A

Speaker(s): 

Sorg, Shanna

Rice-Portwood, Reba

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
By

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):

Public Health Approach to Firearm Suicide Prevention 

By

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):

Public Health Approach to Firearm Suicide Prevention 

By

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 

By

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):

Youth Behavioral Health Liaisons and Community Engagement

Upstream Youth Mapping

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Charbonnier, Michelle, CRADC, CGDC, CPS

Michelle Charbonnier is executive director of MoNetwork, a recovery community center rooted in the practices and principles of harm reduction. She is a therapist and interventionist with Plan Your Recovery at Clayton Behavioral. Michelle is dedicated to giving a voice to people who use drugs and actively opposes the war on drugs. She finds fulfillment in facilitating self-inquiry processes to foster deeper understanding of oneself, relationships, and behaviors.

Presentation(s):

By

Cobb, Melanie, CPS and CPS Supervisor

Melanie Cobb serves as the Director of Landmark Recovery Center located in Jefferson City, Missouri. The center operates as a Recovery Community Center, aiming to provide resources and support for individuals with Behavioral Health Conditions. Being in long-term recovery, Melanie brings a personal perspective to her role, blending her passion with her professional duties. She possesses a Certified Peer Support Specialist Credential and has finished the Certified Peer Support Specialist Supervisor Training.

Presentation(s):

By

Stoecker, David, LCSW, CPS, HRS

David Stoecker, LCSW, CPS, HRS is a person in long-term recovery. He is the Executive Director/Founder of Better Life in Recovery and co-founder of the Springfield Recovery Community Center. He was a founding member of the Southwest Missouri Drug Poisoning Coalition. Previously, David was a therapist for 8 ½ years, working with people involved with treatment courts as well as residential and outpatient clients. He co-created the Certified Peer Specialist training for Missouri and Missouri and ICRC’s Harm Reduction Specialist training and co-facilitates both trainings.

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