2024 Conference
Thank you to our sponsors!
Platinum Sponsors
Steel Sponsors
Iron Sponsors
Ore Sponsors
- Advocacy Alliance
- Belmont Behavioral Health
- Tower Behavioral Health
- Lehigh Valley Mental Health Awareness Walk
- Chimes
- Mental Health Association in PA
- Clubhouse of Lehigh County
- NAMI - Lehigh Valley
- New Leaf Supports
- Pyramid Healthcare
- Foundations Behavioral Health
- White Deer Run Treatment Network
- PA Art Therapy Association
- United Way of the Lehigh Valley
- PA State Treasury
- Recovery Cove
- Summit View Counseling
- Treatment Trends
Workshop Presentations
Best Practices for Staying Resilient During Your Recovery
Anita Kelly (Moderator), Magellan Behavioral Health
This keynote panel is comprised of various professionals that represent different areas of the systems we all are navigating in supporting a person in recovery. We hope to bring insight on the perspectives of resiliency and recovery, while sharing helpful best practices along with useful resources.
Why I’m Still Here: Living and Working in Human Services
Wendy Heatley, OMHSAS
*Sponsored by Northampton County Mental Health*
After 30 years of working in the mental health field, Wendy left Human Services and was not sure she would return. Find out what inspired Wendy to come back to the mental health field and what makes her want to continue this journey.
How to Access and Maintain Resources to Maintain a Productive Life
Michael B. Judkins, MARS
This presentation will help social workers and other helping professionals understand how to utilize different services i.e., CRS. This presentation will also assist the helping professional to ensure they are making available to those in treatment the various services that are available to them. The session objectives are to provide community members and other professionals with a clear understanding of how case managers, counselors, and certified recovery specialists work together as a treatment team, as well as understand the importance of each role to an individual’s recovery.
Empowered Relief TM
Steve Denton, Lehigh Valley Health Network
Empowered Relief is an evidence-based, single-session pain class that equips patients with pain management skills. This presentation will discuss the background behind Empowered Relief and then will cover an overview of the neuroscience of pain. In addition, the type of person who would benefit from an Empowered Relief class will be explored and the three components of an Empowered Relief class will be covered.
Keep Coming Back: Strategies to Engage People in Their Recovery
Steven Burkitt, Horizon House
This class will help learners to define engagement and understand a variety of challenges that impact participation in Behavioral Health services. The training draws from the evidence-based practice of Motivational Interviewing as well as trauma-informed principles and practices to help staff develop strategies to address these challenges and identify practical approaches to engaging participants in their recovery process. Learners will also explore interpersonal and environmental factors that contribute to engagement and help people to Keep Coming Back!
I’m the Evidence – Becoming Grounded in Recovery Through Art
Karen Morton, Support the Journey
*Sponsored by MHAPA/I’m the Evidence*
As the owner and artist of Support the Journey (STJ), Karen applies her creative energy in woodworking, photography, digital art, painting, and other mediums. By attending the workshop, participants will (1) be introduced to the I’m The Evidence Campaign, (2) learn how art can be used as a tool to support recovery, (3) understand how intention, focus and energy can be directed into artwork and used to stay grounded in what’s important to them, (4) be able to identify art and other items in their living/working environment that enhance their wellness, and (5) create a piece of art that infuses their energy and intention for becoming grounded in Recovery.
Cultivating Resilience: why Lifestyle is the BEST Medicine
Meagan Grega, Kellyn Foundation
*Sponsored by Lehigh County Mental Health*
LUNCH AND LEARN - There is an epidemic of chronic disease in our country, the majority of which is largely preventable, reversible and directly related to our lifestyle habits. To effectively curb the high cost of healthcare and improve the vitality of our population we must address the root cause of health problems rather than primarily treating the symptoms with medications and procedures. Devising effective and innovative strategies to support our community in making healthy lifestyle choices is an urgent priority. Are we ready for the challenge?
Veteran Suicide Prevention: Bridging Clinical Insights with Real World Perspectives
Laura Foster and Justin Wunderler, New Vitae
This presentation delves into veteran suicide prevention with a focus on evidence-based interventions, risk assessment, and culturally sensitive strategies for diverse populations. It combines clinical insights with real-world experiences, highlighting personal stories, support services, and the integration of inclusive practices to better address the needs of all veterans.
New Frontiers in Psychiatric Care: Innovations in Treatment
Brooke Lipton, Mosam Naik, and Rina Bhalodi, St. Luke’s University Hospital
This presentation will delve into the exciting advancements transforming psychiatric care. Explore groundbreaking treatments, emerging technologies, and the future of mental health management. Discover how these innovations are revolutionizing patient outcomes and enhancing the therapeutic process.