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PACEs: How Protective and Compensatory Experiences Influence ACEs

Room Windgate 60-61

Speaker(s): 

Dixon, Desiree, BS, MS

Cannon, Valerie, BS, MS

Description: 

This presentation looks at how PACEs (protective and compensatory experiences) can aid in buffering the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). This presentation also dives into the history of ACEs, the current impact of ACEs, how resiliency is incredibly important when looking at childhood trauma, what PACEs are, and how PACEs can be applied on a practical level when interacting with clients. This includes looking at how PACEs can be applied throughout the lifespan, from birth- adulthood.

Objectives

1. Define ACEs
2. Describe the Concept of Resilience
3. Describe how to promote resilience through PACEs

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Navigating Trauma: Understanding the Brain and Building Supportive Strategies for Emotional and Behavioral Growth

Room Paradise A

Speaker(s): 

Moran, Ricki, DSW, LCSW

Rongey, Kori, BSCS, MSWc

Description: 

This engaging and informative presentation delves into the profound impact of trauma on brain function and behavior, providing essential insights for educators, families, and professionals. Attendees will explore the roles of the Frontal Lobe (Driver’s Seat), Limbic System (Backseat), and Brain Stem (Trunk) in regulating thought, emotion, and survival instincts. The science of “Flipping Your Lid” will be introduced, offering practical tools to recognize emotional versus thoughtful responses, empowering individuals to better navigate challenging situations. Through an understanding of how trauma survivors often operate from the Trunk due to survival instincts, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the behaviors and needs of those impacted by trauma.

Building on this foundational knowledge, the presentation will provide actionable trauma-informed strategies to support emotional regulation and address disruptive behaviors. Participants will learn to implement preventative techniques such as transitional warnings, sensory tools, and structured task lists that promote safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment. The session will also cover a tiered intervention framework, including universal supports (Tier 1), targeted strategies for specific needs (Tier 2), and individualized services (Tier 3) tailored to address complex challenges. By the end of the presentation, attendees will leave equipped with the knowledge and tools to foster a supportive and effective environment for students and families impacted by trauma.

Objectives

1. Enhance understanding of trauma and Its impact on the brain
2. Foster Trauma-Informed Practices to support emotional regulation
3. Provide tiered interventions to address disruptive behaviors

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Autism Spectrum Disorder: Developing a Deeper Understanding

Room Parasol II

Speaker(s): 

Sohl, Kristin, MD, FAAP

Description: 

Let’s talk about the Spectrum and learn to think beyond the stereotypical conceptualization of autism to a deeper understanding of how characteristics present and evolve over time and across individuals. We will discuss the DSM-5 criteria, how it is applied and common co-occurring conditions to screen and manage.

Objectives

1. Recall the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria as it relates to Autism Spectrum Disorder
2. Assess how symptoms of ASD present in early childhood and manifest across the lifespan.
3. List common medical and psychiatric co-occurring conditions in Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Schizotypal Disorder: Management Challenges with “Clozapine-Induced Myocarditis”

Room Nautical Wheeler

Speaker(s): 

Karim, Ahmed, MD

Description: 

This presentation offers an overview of personality disorders, with a particular focus on distinguishing between Schizophrenia and Schizotypal Personality Disorder (SPD). It will explore the roles of antipsychotics in managing SPD and delve into the diagnostic criteria and underlying causes of Clozapine-Induced Myocarditis (CIM), providing a comprehensive understanding of these conditions and their treatment considerations.

Objectives

1. Differentiate between Schizophrenia and Schizotypal Personality Disorder SPD
2. Discuss roles of antipsychotics in Schizotypal Personality Disorder
3. Explore diagnostic criteria and etiologies for Clozapine-Induced Myocarditis (CIM)t

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Strategies for Optimizing Client Relationships and Self-Management

Room Paradise C

Speaker(s): 

Doherty, Stephen, MEd, LPC, CRADC, CCJP

Description: 

This presentation focuses on helping staff working with individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. It identifies strategies for successful verbal de-escalation of patients who may have difficulty managing their behavior and emotions as a result of struggling with these disorders. It also introduces staff to a different “Lens” to look at both the patients we work with as well as themselves in order to meet the diverse emotional and treatment needs of this population. This training has a primary focus to “inspire change” in both our patients and our approach to supporting recovery from mental health and substance use disorders.

Objectives

1. Discuss signs and triggers of escalation
2. Develop verbal and non-verbal tactics to deescalate clients in crisis
3. Review self-management and staff resources for support

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Leadership in Times of Crisis

Room Windgate 62-63

Speaker(s): 

Vincenz, Felix, PhD

Description: 

True leaders emerge in times of crises, demonstrating competence, clarity of vision, compassion, and the ability to delegate and work collaboratively with others.  These qualities enable businesses, organizations, and nations to meet the challenges of the moment and transform tragedy into triumph.  While such leadership qualities are often seen as innate and not learned, we now know there are dimensions which can be learned and called upon by all of us.

Objectives

1. Identify the qualities of successful crisis leadership
2. Identify the key features of crisis leadership which can be learened
3. Discuss how to prepare for the next crisis

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Tools for Trauma: Mindful Activities for Youth

Room Windgate 60-61

Speaker(s): 

Swee, Candace, BS, MS

Thockmorton, Stacey, BS MEd

 

Description: 

There is an increasing need for youth to develop social-emotional skills. Integrating mindfulness techniques can help teach youth this learned behavior. In turn, teaching them how to recognize and cope with challenging situations and emotions caused by trauma. This session will add tools for coping to your toolbox and explain the science and research behind the strategies presented. Lead by Candice Swee, MS, ATC, 200-RYT and Stacey Throckmorton, MEd., 200-RYT.

Objectives

1. Identify and a mindfulness strategy to utilize with youth in their practice
2. Describe how the mindfulness strategy could help youth cope with emotions dealing with trauma
3. Describe what the research and/or science presented says about the mindfulness strategy.

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Why Provide DBT: Latest updates on effectiveness and clinical applications

Room Paradise A

Speaker(s): 

Oswalt Reitz, Rhonda, PhD

 

Description: 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed in the 1980’s for treatment of severe mood and behavioral dysregulation, including suicide and self-directed harm.  It was published in manualized form in 1993.  Since that time there have been approximately 73 randomized controlled trials conducted (38 standard DBT, 32 skills-only applications, and 3 adaptations)  examining the effectiveness of this treatment.  The current workshop will review outcomes of recent studies and meta-analyses in an overview of what we know to date about who the treatment is useful for, what benefits can reliably be seen, and necessary elements for success.

Objectives

1. Identify 3-5 major outcomes that DBT studies demonstrate consistently.
2. Define how the skills-only studies differ from those evaluating comprehensive treatment.
3. List at least 3 populations for which DBT adaptations have been successfully designed and researched.

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The Power of the ECHO Model: Advancing Behavioral Health Through Collaboration and Innovation

Room: Parasol II

Speaker(s): 

Mutrux, Rachel

Description: 

This session will provide an in-depth exploration of the Show-Me ECHO model, a collaborative approach designed to enhance the capacity of healthcare providers in addressing behavioral health and substance use challenges. Participants will gain insights into how this model fosters knowledge-sharing, professional support, and improved patient care.

Key learning objectives include:

Describing the ECHO Model – Explore the history, principles, and impact of the Show-Me ECHO model in expanding healthcare capacity.

Exploring the Depth and Breadth of ECHO Programming – Learn about specialized ECHO programs, including Child Psychiatry, Opioid Use Disorder, Developmental Disabilities, Suicide Prevention, and Adult Psychiatry, and their role in enhancing provider knowledge and patient care.

Identifying Key Indicators of Success – Examine essential metrics that reflect the effectiveness of ECHO programs, such as participant engagement, knowledge retention, clinical outcomes, and program sustainability.

Reviewing Outcomes and Benefits – Understand how ECHO participation leads to improved clinical skills, increased provider confidence, and better patient outcomes, particularly in underserved communities.

Objectives

1. Describe the Show-Me ECHO model, including its history, principles, and how it enhances the capacity of healthcare providers to address behavioral health and substance use challenges
2. Review the diverse range of Show-Me ECHO programs, including the Child Psychiatry, Opioid Use Disorder, Developmental Disabilities, Suicide Prevention, and Adult Psychiatry ECHOs, and how they each contribute to improving patient care and provider knowledge
3. Identify key indicators that demonstrate the success of ECHO programs, including participant engagement, knowledge retention, clinical outcomes, and the sustainability of the collaborative model

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Perinatal Mood Disorders: Recognition, Treatment, and Support

Room: Nautical Wheeler

Speaker(s): 

Agha, Sara, MD

Description: 

Perinatal mood disorders, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis, affect up to 1 in 7 women and remain a critical yet underrecognized aspect of maternal mental health. This presentation will provide an overview of the clinical presentation, risk factors, and potential consequences of untreated perinatal mood disorders for both mother and child. Emphasis will be placed on screening tools and best practices for early identification in obstetric and primary care settings.

Attendees will also learn about evidence-based treatment approaches, including psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and nonpharmacologic interventions tailored to the unique needs of perinatal patients. The presentation will highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and offer strategies for supporting mothers in accessing care, reducing stigma, and fostering long-term recovery. By the end of the session, participants will leave with practical tools to enhance their care for this vulnerable population.

Objectives

1. Discuss the spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), including postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis
2. Identify key risk factors, screening tools, and diagnostic criteria for perinatal mood disorders
3. Evaluate the impact of untreated perinatal mood disorders on maternal and infant health outcomes