Dixon, Desiree, BS

My name is Desiree Dixon, and I am currently a graduate student at the University of Central Missouri studying Human Development and Family Sciences. Prior to this, I graduated
with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Sociology, Rehabilitation, and Criminology from Emporia State University. I also hold an A.A. in Liberal
Arts and an A.S. in Early Childhood Education from Johnson County Community College. I had the great honor of being in the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
during my undergraduate studies. Through this experience I was able to present my original research project entitled Young Adults’ Perceptions of Intimate Relationships and Family Units in
Correlation with ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Scores at both the 2023 Baylor University McNair Conference and the 2023 Emporia State University McNair Scholars Research Forum. My current research interests include relationships between parents and adolescents, the effects of invisible labor on individuals who have chronic invisible disabilities,
and dual-trauma couples.
 

Presentation(s):

Adolescent Social Media: Myths Managing Risks and Maximizing Benefits

 

 

Chang, Joyce, PhD

Dr. I. Joyce Chang received her doctorate in Human Development and Family Sciences and her master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Psychology, Women Studies, & Statistics) from Oregon State University. Before beginning her career at the University of Central Missouri, she taught at universities in Oregon and Washington. Her primary research interests are high-risk behaviors, relationship development, and the impact of technology on families. Dr. Chang is a legacy member of the National Council on Family Relations and has received awards and recognitions for excellence in teaching, research, service, and advisement from universities, and professional organizations. Dr. Chang has collaborated with international colleagues and taught/lectured in Sweden, Taiwan, and the Netherlands.

Presentation(s):

Adolescent Social Media: Myths Managing Risks and Maximizing Benefits

 

 

Gargis, Heather, MA, LPC, SEP, NATP (In Training)

Heather Gargis, LPC, SEP, NATP (In Training), has a thriving therapy practice in St. Louis, MO. She is certified in Somatic Experiencing and NeuroAffective Touch as well as EMDR and IFS trained.
Through a holistic therapeutic approach, she helps clients who have endured complex trauma by focusing on fostering a compassionate relationship between the mind and body. A seasoned somatic trauma therapist, Heather’s diverse skill set allows her to offer a range of services in trauma healing, making a real impact on her client’s well-being.
Beyond one-on-one therapy, Heather loves teaching at different trainings and workshops, consulting with other practitioners, and guest lecturing at the local universities where she equips mental health professionals with holistic and practical applications for trauma recovery and embodiment.
Outside of the office, Heather enjoys reading fantasy fiction (the more witches, the better!), playing tennis and pickleball, as well as trying new restaurants.
 

Presentation(s):

Somatic Therapies and Trauma: Healing for the Whole Self

 

Wieberg Massman, Judy, MEd, LPC, LCSW

Judy Wieberg Massman is a Licensed Professional Counselor. and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has provided psychotherapy for over 35 years to clients from various cultures, personal challenges and walks of life.
Judy is certified in numerous Evidence Based Practices including EMDR, DBT, Bio-feedback, Prolonged Exposure Trauma Therapy , Equine Assisted Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Bibliotherapy. Judy has written and published books that have been effectively used for Bibliotherapy. In 2023 Judy published Mind win: manage your mind, mange your life that is currently being used in therapy.
Judy has provided child and family therapy in liaison with schools, juvenile court services and family/ custody court services. Judy served as a consultant for the State of Missouri in the Healthy Children and Youth Program. She has provided professional training on ADHD and other therapeutic topics and has supervised upcoming therapist. Judy has taught as an adjunct instructor at a community college. She continues to provide therapy in- office and through tele-med. Judy is enthusiastic and dedicated in promoting learning and personal growth.
 

Presentation(s):

Biblia Therapy used in Adjunct with other Therapies to Enhance Treatment

 

Duke, Jeremy, MA, LPC

Jeremy Duke, LPC owns Individual, Marriage & Family Counseling in Columbia, and has been in private counseling practice for more than 20 years; he has successfully grown his solo practice into a thriving group practice of 10 clinicians. In addition to providing individual, couple’s, and group therapy, Mr. Duke supervises provisionally licensed counselors and practicum and internship students.
Mr. Duke is the Regional Coordinator of the Missouri Physicians Health Program (MPHP) providing services to physicians and other health care providers through the Missouri chapter of the American Medical Association.
In addition to private practice, Mr. Duke has previously served as Assistant Director, Senior Counselor, and Residential Clinical Manager of Phoenix Programs, Inc.
 

Presentation(s):

Harm Reduction: The Next Wave in Substance Use Disorder Treatment

 

Adolescent Social Media: Myths Managing Risks and Maximizing Benefits

Room Wingate 60-61


Speaker(s):

Description

This presentation will review and summarize relevant research on the effects of social media use on adolescent well-being and mental health. The presentation will contrast research findings on social media use with the portrayal of the effects of social media in popular press and media. The presentation will describe research that explores different factors such as motivation to use social media influences the effects of social media more than the amount of time spent on social media. The presentation will then discuss the potential beneficial effects of social media use for adolescence. Lastly, the presentation will provide research-based strategies and recommendations for parents and others working with adolescents for minimizing the harm of social media use, while maximizing potential benefits.

Objectives

    • Describe the association between adolescent social media use and adolescent well-being and mental health.
    • Name several factors that influence the association between adolescent social media use and adolescent well-being.
    • Identify and describe the positive and beneficial effects of social media use for adolescents.
    • Identify research-based strategies and recommendations for safe(r) social media use in adolescents.

Compassion Fatigue

Room Wingate 62-63


Speaker(s):

Description

This session is intended for behavioral health workers who wish to learn more about how experiencing traumatic events, either directly or indirectly, as a first responder reacting to an emergency or crisis situation may impact their professional and personal well-being.

Objectives

    • Define and discuss the impact of trauma, vicarious trauma, and burnout on professional and personal wellbeing
    • Identify compassion fatigue and burnout warning signs
    • Describe individualized self-care and resiliency strategies to mitigate the damaging impacts of trauma and associated stress responses

 

Assessment and Diagnosis of Dementia for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Room Nautical Wheeler


Speaker(s):

Description

Individuals with IDD are living longer than they ever have before.
In the U.S., the population of people over 60 who have a developmental disability is projected to increase from an estimated 173,000 in 1995 to 332,900 by the year 2025. Until recently, a shortened life span was expected for people with ID, and services and research were geared toward serving children.
75% of Adults with DD are in the 40 to 60 year age group *9,000 individual currently – projected to grow to 30,000 in next ten years. Individuals with IDD are most likely will to be served in the community. Because of this older people with developmental disabilities comprise a relatively unstudied group. Furthermore, individuals with IDD and Dementia are also relatively unstudied.
The prevalence of Dementia is 4x higher in IDD population than the general population.
Adults with Down Syndrome are at a higher risk of dementia and show a significantly elevated prevalence with advancing age. Early onset and more rapid progression of the disease (5-7 years) with more cognitive and adaptive functioning losses are more evident with Down syndrome. Prevalence of dementia doubles every 5 years between 45-60 years and is often the reason for referral is different for the IDD population than general population (e.g. a behavior change, like “He’s hitting people,” or “He’s incontinent.”). Almost half of the individuals that meet criteria go undetected/undiagnosed.

Objectives

    • Discuss disability awareness
    • Define the dementia umbrella
    • Discuss dementia in the IDD population
    • Review assessing dementia in IDD
    • Review treatment and recommendations for IDD and dementia

Youth Suicide: A Look at Before and After

Room Paradise Ballroom B


Speaker(s):

Description

Suicide slipped into the top ten as far as causes of death in the United States (CDC, 2016). Deaths among school-aged children and teens continue to be on the rise; so much so, that suicide has statistically risen to the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-34. Suicide traumatizes those left in its path and how to navigate the grief following a suicide is both tricky and scary. This presentation reviews precipitating factors in youth who die by suicide, as well as risk factors and red flags for youth who attempt it in hopes of informing prevention efforts moving forward. How to best screen kids for suicidality, as well as how to talk to youth who express suicidal thoughts shall also be highlighted. Additionally, this presentation covers common grief reactions in those working through the death of a loved one to suicide and how to best support those individuals.

Objectives

    • Examine 10,000 pediatric suicides to determine factors, causes, and warning signs
    • Identify red flags in suicidal youth
    • Learn how to directly talk with youth who express suicidality
    • Explore steps to take following the suicide death of a student

Somatic Therapies and Trauma: Healing for the Whole Self

Room Parasol II


Speaker(s):

Description

Embark on a transformative exploration of somatic therapies and trauma in this presentation, where the focus extends beyond conventional cognitive approaches. We will delve into a deeper understanding of the nervous system, unraveling the complexities of the trauma response, and moving beyond mere cognition into the profound healing wisdom of the body. Participants will be able to define the innate threat response cycle and its role in fostering resilience and facilitating a comprehensive healing process that recognizes the body as an integral player in the narrative.
In this journey, participants will learn about key concepts of interoception and proprioception as they explore the internal landscape of sensation and movement through experiential exercises. Building a profound relationship with the body becomes a cornerstone, unlocking the wisdom and intellect inherent in the body. The presentation serves as a roadmap for participants to venture into nuanced realms, cultivating a deeper understanding of the body’s language. Through gaining an understanding of the importance of attuning to the nervous system in therapy and supporting clients in redefining their relationship with the bodies, participants will be empowered to guide clients toward profound self-discovery and restoration, transcending the boundaries of traditional talk therapy.

Objectives

    • Define “somatic” therapies: Establish a professional understanding of the term within a conceptual framework.
    • Analyze the phases and methods of completing the threat response cycle for fostering resilience and comprehensive healing.
    • Describe 3 somatic interventions that can be used in clinical settings