2024 Trauma & Recovery Conference Digital Program

10/17/2024 - 10/18/2024 DOUBLETREE HOTEL | BRISTOL, CT

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

CONFERENCE SPONSORS

EXHIBITOR BOOTHS ON-SITE ATTENDEES: VISIT OUR EXHIBITOR BOOTHS LOCATED OUTSIDE OF THE BALLROOM! VIRTUAL ATTENDEES: CLICK EACH LOGO TO CHECK OUT OUR EXHIBITORS’ WEBSITES

VENDORS ON-SITE ATTENDEES: VISIT OUR VENDORS IN THE ATRIUM VIRTUAL ATTENDEES: CLICK EACH LOGO TO CHECK OUT OUR VENDORS’ WEBSITES THURSDAY 10/17/24

Bryn Lottig Consulting

FRIDAY 10/18/24

Designs By Melba

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGISTRATION Please remember to sign in at the beginning and sign out at the end of each conference day.

Attendees who fail to do so or do not attend the full duration will not be eligible for CECs. Zoom participants, ensure you log into the meeting using your full first and last name.

On-site participants: for any questions or concerns, please visit the registration desk.

Virtual participants: for any questions or concerns, please communicate with a staff member via Zoom chat, by emailing us at training@womensconsortium.org or calling at 203-909-6888 x 2 MEALS Our breakfast and lunch buffet accommodates gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free and vegetarian diets.

SAFETY & ACCESSIBILITY: COVID-19 At The Connecticut Women’s Consortium (CWC), the health and safety of our staff, trainers, and participants is our top priority. We encourage all attendees to take the precautions that best support their comfort and well-being during their time with us.

Masks will be available at the registration desk.

NURSING ROOM To access the nursing room, please request the key from a CWC staff member.

ZOOM For those participating via Zoom, we will have automatic closed captioning throughout the duration of the conference.

PARKING Parking is available in the DoubleTree parking lot. No additional payment required.

OTHER: Device charging stations with Lightning, Micro USB, and USB-C cables are conveniently located outside the ballroom.

WIFI: Network: Hilton Honors Meeting Password: Bristol2019!

THURSDAY AGENDA 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Registration, Vendors, Breakfast

9:00 am - 9:15am

Opening Remarks presented by Alicia Feller, LCSW

9:15 am - 10:15 am

Giving the Best to Those Who Need the Most presented by Kim Carter-Tillman

10:15 am - 10:30 am

Break

10:15 am - 10:45 am

Book Signing: Kim Carter-Tillman

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Breakouts

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Lunch

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Breakouts

2:30 pm - 2:45 pm

Break

2:45 pm - 3:45 pm

No Child Left Inside

3:45 pm - 4:00 pm

presented by Bryn Lottig

Closing Remarks

BREAKOUT SCHEDULE Thursday | 10/17/2024 SESSION 1 | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Golden Oak Multigenerational Family Systems: Leaving Behind Family Trauma Debra Borzellino, LMFT

English Oak Pastor Briggitte Brown, LCSW

Evergreens Trauma and Grief Recovery: An Integrated Approach to Healing Erin O'Neil, LCSW & Anthony Nave, LCSW, LADC, ACS

White Oak Healing the Mother Wound Leyanne Oliveira

SESSION 2 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Golden Oak How to Work in the Human Service Field and Thrive Eileen Russo, MA

English Oak Recognizing and Responding to Human Trafficking in a Clinical Setting Stephanie Zanker-Rivera, MS, LPC, & Lisa Zurolo, LCSW

Evergreens Polyvagal Theory: Accessing the Healing Power of Our Nervous System Michele Klimczak, MA, LCSW

White Oak Introduction to Accelerated Resolution Therapy Laney Rosenzweig, MS, LMFT & Vickie Alston, LCSW, DCSW

INDICIATES OFFERING AVAILABLE TO VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS

The Role of Spirituality and Religion in Healing Trauma in Black Mental Health

THURSDAY KEYNOTES

KIM CARTER-TILLMAN Giving the Best to Those Who Need the Most 9:15 - 10:15 AM Kim’s presentation promises to inspire and inform, blending theory with practical insights on healing, empowerment, and action for the greater good.

Centered on the “Trauma and Recovery” theme, Kim will address trauma dynamics and the journey to reclaiming one's purpose. Attendees will view a 13-minute clip from Tell It Like A Woman, starring Jennifer Hudson as Kim, with the full film available on Prime Video. Kim's memoir, “Waking Up to My Purpose”, exploring her childhood trauma and path to success, will be available for purchase and signing after the session.

BRYN LOTTIG No Child Left Inside 2:45 - 3:45 PM Adult children of generational trauma, mental illness, and substance abuse are 2-4 times more likely to struggle with addiction. However, Bryn Lottig, despite her family history, never faced this issue. An expert in Adventure-Based Experiential Education with a Master's from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Bryn has over 20 years of experience using adventure to develop social and emotional skills. She’s also a pilot, scuba diver, and martial artist. In her keynote, Bryn will share how she escaped her family's cycle of trauma and discovered an effective, low-cost method to break generational patterns and help adolescents thrive. Her talk is not just a story, it’s a solution.

FRIDAY AGENDA 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Registration, Vendors, Breakfast

9:00 am - 9:15am

Opening Remarks presented by Alicia Feller, LCSW

9:15 am - 10:15 am

The Lighthouse Effect: A Chance in the Word presented by Steve Pemberton

10:15 am - 10:30 am

Break

10:15 am - 10:45 am

Book Signing: Steve Pemberton

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Breakouts

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Lunch

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Breakouts

2:30 pm - 2:45 pm

Break

2:45 pm - 3:45 pm

The Bridge Between Trauma-Informed Training and Real- Life Experience presented by Justin and Alexis Black

3:45 pm - 4:00 pm

Closing Remarks

BREAKOUT SCHEDULE Friday | 10/18/2024 SESSION 1 | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Golden Oak Rethinking Re-entry: How Mandated Treatment Can Perpetuate Punishment & Prevent Healing AnnMarie Hager, MS & Kathryn Thomas, PhD JD

English Oak Somatic Experiencing Trauma Healing: Introduction to Principles and Practices

Evergreens Maintaining Composure in the Face of Hostility Alicia Davis, PCC

White Oak Redefining Wealth: Healing Financial Wounds LaQueshia Clemons, LCSW, AFC

SESSION 2 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Golden Oak Standing Our Sacred Ground: A Parallel Process of Resiliency and Post-Traumatic Growth Tawanna Woolfolk, LCSW, CIT

English Oak Social Justice and Vicarious Trauma Patricia D Wilcox, LCSW & Aminah Ali, LMSW

Evergreens Building Resilience from Within: Integrating EMDR and Yoga Therapy for Trauma Christine Saari, MA, C-IAYT & Sara Merrick-Albano, C-IAYT

White Oak Risk and Resilience: A Strength Based Approach to LGBTQ+ Trauma Robin McHaelen, MSW and Shane Scott, LCSW

INDICIATES OFFERING AVAILABLE TO VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS

Beth Robins Roth, APRN, SEP

FRIDAY KEYNOTES

STEVE PEMBERTON The Lighthouse Effect: A Chance in the World 9:15 - 10:15 AM Steve Pemberton's first book, “A Chance in the World”, connected him with stories from around the globe, enriching his insight into human experiences through his extensive career in human resources. In his talk based on his bestselling book, “The Lighthouse Effect”, Pemberton explores the concept of "human lighthouses," showing how we all have the potential to guide and inspire others. Using stories from his personal and professional life, he provides a framework for living, earning, and leading, emphasizing trust and understanding beyond labels. Pemberton will be hosting a book signing during the conference, offering attendees a chance to meet the author and get their copies signed.

JUSTIN & ALEXIS BLACK The Bridge Between Trauma-Informed Training and Real-Life Experience

2:45 - 3:45 PM Authors of Redefining Normal, Justin and Alexis Black, share insights from their experiences in child welfare, counseling, and mental health advocacy.

They discuss the importance of community, advocacy, and resources in creating a fulfilling life. In this session, they explore mental health terms, their real-life implications, and how to use them appropriately, especially for those who’ve experienced trauma. The Blacks, both former foster care youth, cover concepts like secondhand trauma, boundaries, and various forms of abuse, highlighting how adults can support youth through healthy coping strategies.

HEALING ARTS All healing arts will take place in the Spruce room, located on the bottom level of the DoubleTree. Please visit the conference registration table to sign up for an available time slot. Healing arts will be first come first serve. Please note some time slots will interfere with presentations.

REIKI 15 minute individual sessions

Gina Ferrara, Reiki Master Teacher Hilary Rudenauer, Reiki Master Teacher Nilsa Rivera, LCSW, LADC, Reiki Master Teacher

SOUND HEALING & BREATHWORK 25 minute group sessions

Kelvin Young, RSS, Sound Healer Linda Lentini, Breath-Body-Mind Practitioner ALL HEALING ARTS SESSIONS WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 9 AM - 3:30 PM

TRAUMA & RECOVERY CONFERENCE

BY THE CONNECTICUT WOMEN’S CONSORTIUM

KEYNOTE PRESENTERS

Kim Carter is the Founder and Ambassador of Time for Change Foundation. Today, she is a powerful leader in transforming the lives of those impacted by poverty, marginalization, and recidivism. In 2002, she started Time for Change Foundation for previously incarcerated homeless women and quickly created additional housing for those women with their children. As a thriving entrepreneur for the past 21 years, she created a plethora of evidence-based programs and services in addition to the full housing continuum which includes 3 emergency shelters, 13 permanent supportive housing units and developing her first affordable housing project the Phoenix Square. The agency’s budget has grown 500% since its humble beginnings in 2002 with current annual revenues exceeding 15 million dollars.

In 2010, Kim created the Center for Housing Advancement and Motivational Projects, LLC (CHAMP), where she currently serves as President & CEO. CHAMP, featured on the Compass Point Coaches of Color Directory, provices training on a variety of subjects related to service delivery to social service agencies, nonprofit organizations, law enforcement and medical professionals. Using her passion, history of incarceration and drive, she created opportunities to assist government agencies and nonprofits with scaling and strengthening their agency’s capacity to demonstrate performance, collecting evidence and marketing those results for greater community impact and investment.

In 2017, Kim was certified as a Gallup’s Strength Coach. In 2022, Kim was inspired to create BBOP, The Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit Center. BBOP is currently creating the BBOP Hub, where Black and brown women can access capital, information, technology, and networks needed to build, grow, and scale investable businesses. BBOP has truly created a system that works for us diverting dealing with systemic racism and inequality.

Kim is the also the author of “Waking Up to My Purpose”, a memoir highlighting her extraordinary life and “Invisible Bars: Barriers to Women’s Health and Well-Being During and After Incarceration”, a report which provides a road map for addressing issues of incarceration.

KIM CARTER-TILLMAN

TRAUMA & RECOVERY CONFERENCE

BY THE CONNECTICUT WOMEN’S CONSORTIUM

KEYNOTE PRESENTERS

Bryn Lottig is the author of “No Child Left Inside” and one of the proud cofounders of Kikori. In addition to holding a master’s degree, she has honed her expertise in Adventure-Based Experiential Education over twenty years of using adventure as a medium to develop social and emotional skills in learners of all ages.

Her passion lies in crafting and leading programs that translate outdoor experiences into lifelong learning, whether in schools or through professional development.

She believes in empowering individuals to embrace challenges as a catalyst for growth and discovery. She lives with her husband and their two children in Northern Wisconsin. To learn more about her work, visit brynlottig.com

BRYN LOTTIG

TRAUMA & RECOVERY CONFERENCE

BY THE CONNECTICUT WOMEN’S CONSORTIUM

KEYNOTE PRESENTERS

Justin and Alexis are authors, speakers, business owners, and part of the Forbes Next 1000 class of 2021. Together, they’ve published a twelve-time award-winning, international bestselling book titled “Redefining Normal: How Two Foster Kids Beat The Odds and Discovered Healing, Happiness and Love” that has impacted over 30,000 individuals and families.

Now they are releasing a new children's book teaching the principles of love titled “I Love You More Than Cereal: Maeva and Dad Redefine Love.” With ROSE (Rising Over Societal Expectations) Empowerment Group and their organization Redefining Normal, they hope to continue the conversation on healthy relationships, mental health, and healing to help others create a life worth living.

With their new venture, Story to Stages, they are supporting others in creating a brand and getting on stage to share their story and expertise.

JUSTIN & ALEXIS BLACK

TRAUMA & RECOVERY CONFERENCE

BY THE CONNECTICUT WOMEN’S CONSORTIUM

KEYNOTE PRESENTERS

Steve Pemberton is a visionary senior human resource (HR) executive, human capital strategist, bestselling author, ardent human rights champion, youth advocate and one of the most inspiring leaders of our time. A passionate communicator and powerful presenter, Steve is widely appreciated for his ability to connect with a broad spectrum of audiences. From corporate America and the non-profit world, to healthcare and higher education, Steve's relentless mission and framework continue to inspire and encourage others to deliver trusted guideposts for living, learning and leading.

From Monster.com to Walgreens, Steve has consistently served in leadership positions that have furthered his gift for seeking the greater good and creating engaged communities and organizations. Most recently, he served as the chief HR officer of Workhuman, a technology company that delivers performance management and employee engagement solutions to corporations worldwide. There, he avidly fostered the company's goal of inspiring HR leaders to embrace more humanity and cultivate a higher purpose in the workplace and their communities. Steve is exceptionally skilled at creating inspiring, innovative environments while recognizing and developing talent.

His "next practices" approach has successfully created award-winning organizational cultures that create maximum performance. Steve's philosophy on human capital has been shaped by positions that delivered talent solutions to HR executives. As a result, he has observed how domestic and international organizations manage talent, particularly as the relationship between employer and employee has transformed in a world still recovering from a global pandemic. A highly sought-after voice on workplace trends, he presents at the most recognizable HR conferences in the world, is interviewed often by the business media on human capital matters and consults with organizations across the world on their talent strategies.

Beyond his professional achievements in the world of HR, Steve is also widely known as the author of two critically acclaimed, bestselling books. His first, “A Chance in the World”, shares his extraordinary story of how he defied seemingly impossible odds as an orphan navigating the perils of the foster care system all while trying to solve the mystery of his own identity. In 2018, the book was adapted into an independent film of the same name. A partnership with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt led to creating an integrated social-emotional learning curriculum based on the book, taught today in high schools throughout the United States.

Steve's second book, “The Lighthouse Effect: How Ordinary People Can Have an Extraordinary Impact in the World”, offers practical encouragement for becoming a "human lighthouse" – turning personal pain into a purposeful mission to help others, as he has done in his own life. The overwhelming response to “The Lighthouse Effect” is what led Steve to create The Lighthouse Academy, the inspiring lifecoaching platform that is transforming lives each and every day.

STEVE PEMBERTON

TRAUMA & RECOVERY CONFERENCE

BY THE CONNECTICUT WOMEN’S CONSORTIUM

BREAKOUT PRESENTERS

DEBRA BORZELLINO, LMFT Debra Borzellino, LMFT, AAMFT-Approved Supervisor and AAMFT Clinical Fellow has a career that has extended over 25 years. As the owner of Pieces That Fit, LLC, Deb provides couple, family, and individual therapy. As an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, Deb providers mentorship for AAMFT approved supervisor candidates and clinical consultation/supervision to associate and licensed professionals of all disciplines. Deb focuses on the professional development of the clinician, and traditional oversight of case review, interventions, case notes, treatment planning, ethical issues, and liability.

PASTOR BRIGGITTE BROWN, LCSW Pastor Briggitte P. Brown, LCSW and Certified EMDR trauma therapist, owns the Spirit Soul and Body Wellness Center. With over 20 years in social work, she provides bilingual clinical and spiritual support. As an AfroLatina and Dominican, she draws on her journey as an at-risk teenage mom and stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor.

Pastor Brown's holistic approach combines Western and Eastern medicine and mindbody practices. Since 2018, she has integrated her clinical and spiritual expertise as an ordained Pastor with her husband. Pastor Brown exemplifies resilience, faith, and a commitment to guiding others toward holistic well-being.

ERIN O’NEIL, LCSW Erin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who holds a Master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on Community Organizing, Planning and Development. She is advanced certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and is an EMDR Consultant in Training. Erin is experienced in addiction, trauma, grief, and co-occurring disorders. In her current role at Mountainside Treatment Center, she manages an outpatient program, creates and delivers trainings, and provides supervision and professional development for other clinicians. In her clinical practice, she incorporates attachment and trauma lenses to help facilitate healing. Outside of work, Erin enjoys family (and alone) time, reading and anything to do with being outdoors.

ANTHONY NAVE, LCSW, LADC, ACS Anthony is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Master’s degrees in Educational Psychology and Clinical Social Work. He is advanced certified in EMDR and serves as an EMDR Consultant. With experience in medication-assisted treatment, co-occurring disorders, and adolescent programming, he previously taught at a therapeutic school for youth with mental health and cognitive disorders. At Mountainside, he directs outpatient services and telehealth in New England, designs clinical curriculums, and integrates interpersonal neurobiology and trauma-responsive approaches into treatment. Outside of work, he enjoys playing superheroes with his sons and cheering for the Red Sox and Patriots.

TRAUMA & RECOVERY CONFERENCE

BY THE CONNECTICUT WOMEN’S CONSORTIUM

BREAKOUT PRESENTERS

LEYANNE OLIVEIRA Leyanne Oliveira is a passionate trauma-informed spiritual life coach, medicine woman, yogi, doula, mother & a fierce protector of the feminine consciousness.

Based currently in Quinnipiac Lands colonized as New Haven, CT, Leyanne works intensely with women as a healing partner creating safe spaces for them to reclaim their authenticity, power, and liberated untamed feminine essence. Through one-on-one coaching, group programs, community workshops, and sisterhood red tent gatherings, Leyanne has committed her life to the liberation of all woman, beginning with herself.

EILEEN RUSSO, MA, LADC Eileen M. Russo, MA, is a licensed addiction counselor, certified clinical supervisor, and advanced alcohol and drug counselor specializing in substance use and co-occurring disorders. With 37 years of experience, she is also a relapse prevention specialist and compassion fatigue educator. Recently retired as Professor and Program Coordinator at Gateway Community College, she has spent 17 years as a trainer/consultant with the CT Women’s Consortium, The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and private agencies. Russo has assisted over 35 agencies in developing traumainformed programs and has trained staff across a range of fields including mental health, corrections, and domestic violence.

STEPHANIE ZANKER-RIVERA, MS, LPC Stephanie Zanker-Rivera, M.S., L.P.C., is a Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), overseeing Young Adult Services (YAS). With over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families, she provides administrative and clinical oversight for multiple YAS programs statewide and manages transitions from the Department of Children and Families (DCF). She also directs the Parenting Program for YAS, leading a team of Perinatal Support Specialists and Doulas who offer birth support and parenting education.

LISA ZUROLO, LCSW Lisa M. Zurolo, LCSW, is a Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor for the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. She has over 30 years of experience working with individuals from adolescence through later adulthood who are diagnosed with mental health or co-occurring disorders. Mrs. Zurolo has worked in a variety of settings in both the private and public sector including community hospital inpatient and outpatient programs, crisis service, stateoperated local mental health authority outpatient programs, as well as a state psychiatric hospital.

TRAUMA & RECOVERY CONFERENCE

BY THE CONNECTICUT WOMEN’S CONSORTIUM

BREAKOUT PRESENTERS

MICHELE KLIMCZAK, MA, LCSW Michele Klimczak, MA, LMSW, is the Director of the Connection Institute for Innovative Practice and the Director of Training and Grant Management for The Connection. She is also an associate professor in the Human Services Department at Post University in Waterbury, CT. She has over twenty-five years of direct practice and administrative experience in the fields of child welfare and family violence. Her research interests include the developmental effects of complex trauma, innovative case management models, and narrative approaches to recovery.

LANEY ROSENZWEIG, MS, LMFT Laney Rosenzweig is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been in the mental health field since 1989. Laney is the Founder/Developer of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) developed in 2008. She is the CEO of Rosenzweig Center for Rapid Recovery, which trains clinicians in ART. ART has a treatment protocol that is directive, standardized and easy to apply using. It is an eye movement therapy. Her introduction of the Voluntary Image Replacement (VIR), which guides clients to erase negative images from view in their mind, is a unique and powerful way to quickly eliminate triggers and eradicate symptoms.

VICKIE ALSTON, LCSW, DCSW Mrs. Alston, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Correctional Health Care Professional, is a Master Practitioner in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and EMDRtrained. She has been an ART therapist since 2009 and an assistant ART trainer since 2016. Since 2022, she has offered 3-5 day intensive therapy retreats, primarily using ART for trauma healing. With over four decades of experience, Mrs. Alston is recognized for her dedication to improving health outcomes for diverse, vulnerable, military, and correctional populations. She also runs a private practice in Connecticut, focusing on ART therapy and consulting.

ANN MARIE HAGER, MS Ann Marie Hager is an Investigator/Paralegal for the Hartford Office of the Federal Defender’s Office where she uses compassion and mitigation to achieve the best course for clients. Ann Marie was formerly a Consular Officer with the U.S. Department of State where she adjudicated non-immigrant visas and citizenship claims, while assisting U.S. citizens during arrest, death, repatriation, and welfare/whereabouts cases. Prior to joining the Department of State, Ann Marie held several roles in academia and the private sector including at AL DIA News Media, Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Johns Hopkins University, and her two alma maters. Ann Marie holds a Bachelor's in Political Science from Drexel University and a Master's in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution from Columbia University.

TRAUMA & RECOVERY CONFERENCE

BY THE CONNECTICUT WOMEN’S CONSORTIUM

BREAKOUT PRESENTERS

KATHRYN THOMAS, PHD, JD Dr. Kathryn Thomas joined the Federal Defender’s Office as a part-time Mitigation Research and Writing Attorney in February 2023. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and attorney. In addition to her work at the Federal Defender’s Office, she works at Yale conducting research at the intersection of mental health and the criminal legal system. Kathryn holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from University of Wisconsin-Madison, a JD, cum laude, from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and an MEd in Community Counseling from Loyola University Chicago.

BETH ROBINS ROTH, APRN, SEP Beth Robins Roth, APRN, SEP, is a bilingual Family Nurse Practitioner and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner. In 1993, she founded the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program at the Community Health Center of Meriden, where she taught meditation in English and Spanish for 21 years. In 2016, she opened Hummingbird Trauma Resolution, a medical practice focusing on trauma/PTSD, physical pain, and chronic stress. Beth also provides trauma healing for individuals, leads group programs, and offers professional training for various providers and nonprofit staff throughout Connecticut and New York.

ALICIA DAVIS, PCC Alicia Davis, PCC, is a Professional Certified Coach, former CT Licensed Massage Therapist and partner in the coaching firm Transformative Leadership Strategies. She brings over 30 years of leadership development experience in the fields of holistic healthcare, social services and behavioral health non-profits, insurance, engineering and corporate settings. She creates dynamic coaching and team-building experiences for leaders at all levels of an organization that address challenges such as organizational culture, team alignment, change management, communication and high stress. Alicia offers a unique Core Energy™ coaching approach to individuals, executives, teams and boards who are looking to achieve exceptional results.

LAQUESHIA CLEMONS, LCSW, AFC LaQueshia Clemons, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC), holds a Master's from Springfield College in Massachusetts. She operates a thriving private practice in Middletown, CT as a Financial Therapist, specializing in guiding individuals and couples in addressing their emotional and behavioral patterns related to personal finance. With a dynamic and experienced background, LaQueshia initiated her career in 2010, working extensively with youth and families across various life stages in diverse settings. Her current focus centers on conducting workshops and delivering compelling speeches aimed at helping individuals gain insights into their unique financial narratives and how these narratives impact their lives.

TRAUMA & RECOVERY CONFERENCE

BY THE CONNECTICUT WOMEN’S CONSORTIUM

BREAKOUT PRESENTERS

TAWANNA WOOLFOLK, LCSW, CIT With over 20 years of clinical experience specializing in complex trauma treatment and integrated wellness services, Tawanna Woolfolk is a licensed clinical social worker with an MSW from Smith College School of Social Work. Woolfolk is certified as a EMDR therapist, Trauma Professional, and Grief Specialist. She is in private practice at Sacred Ground Institute, LIC where she is also the director and CEO. Tawanna grew up in the foster care system after suffering malnutrition, educational neglect, sexual and physical trauma. Tawanna always intuitively knew who were the right people to steward her through towards resiliency and has committed her life to planting mustard seeds of hope and faith through her clinical work, public speaking, training, education, supervision and consultation.

PATRICIA D. WILCOX, LCSW Patricia Wilcox, LCSW, is the Vice President for Strategic Development at Klingberg Family Centers in New Britain, Connecticut. She specializes in helping organizations improve their treatment of traumatized people and make the day-to-day moments of their programs as healing for clients and staff as possible. She created the Restorative Approach™, a traumaand relationship-based treatment. She is a Faculty Trainer for Risking Connection® and an Adjunct Faculty at the Uconn School of Social Work and the University of St. Joseph. She trains internationally on trauma-informed care. She was the 2011 Connecticut Social Worker of the Year. She is the author of “Trauma Informed Care: The Restorative Approach” (Levelers Press) as well as several articles.

AMINAH ALI, LMSW Aminah Ali, LMSW is the Therapeutic Clinical Supervisor for Klingberg Family Centers’ TFC and PPSP programs. Aminah has a combined 19 years of experience in community service, the child welfare system, home based therapy, and as a 3-5-7 clinician. She has committed her career to helping youth tell their stories and fill in the blanks on their journey to full and integrated lives. As co-chair of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Awareness & Sensitivity (IDEAS) committee, she is a Diversity Trainer and promotes an inclusive and culturally informed culture at Klingberg Family Centers. Aminah received her social work degree from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work.

TRAUMA & RECOVERY CONFERENCE

BY THE CONNECTICUT WOMEN’S CONSORTIUM

BREAKOUT PRESENTERS

CHRISTINE SAARI, MA, C-IAYT Christine Saari, MA, C- IAYT, is a certified yoga therapist working with a diverse roster of pediatric and adult clients. Christine is grateful to be part of this emerging field providing integrative health options that empower people to take a leading role in their own healing process. She provides safe and confidential therapy for clients in New Haven and Guilford, and via telehealth. She is a cofounder of Yoga Therapy Associates.

SARA MERRICK-ALBANO, C-IAYT Sara Merrick-Albano, C-IAYT, is a practicing yoga therapist and co-founder of Yoga Therapy Associates, specializing in adaptive yoga, breathwork, and meditation for adult and geriatric clients. She provides a supportive and compassionate space for her clients to engage with a transformative felt experience that aligns with their goals. Sara sees clients via telehealth, and in New Haven, Watertown, and Trumbull.

ROBIN MCHAELEN, MSW Robin P. McHaelen, MSW, is the founder and former Executive Director of True Colors, Inc. The recipient of numerous state and national awards, Robin has coauthored two books, a book chapter, and several articles on LGBTQ+ youth, and is considered a nationally-recognized thought leader. She is an adjunct professor at Central Connecticut State University, teaching Intergroup Communications, Human Sexuality, and Social Work with LGBTQ+ Clients. She is an appointed member of Connecticut’s Hate Crimes Commission and is Secretary of the LGBTQ Justice and Opportunity Network.

SHANE SCOTT, LCSW Shane Scott, a licensed clinical social worker from Connecticut, earned his master's from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work in 2012. With a career starting in 2005, Shane has extensive experience working with youth, families, and individuals in various settings, addressing issues like depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, and gender and sexual identity. He also specializes in facilitating workshops, trainings, and coaching for professionals, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community. Shane currently runs a private practice in West Hartford, Connecticut.

TRAUMA & RECOVERY CONFERENCE

BY THE CONNECTICUT WOMEN’S CONSORTIUM

HEALING ARTS PRACTITIONERS

GINA FERRARA Gina Ferrara, has worked in mental health wellness for the past 40 years.

She uses energy, meditation, dance/movement and vibrational healing in her approach to recovery. She is an Usui and Holy Fire Reiki Master, a Rainbow Reiki practitioner, a Master of Vibrational Healing at the Cellular Level and a board-certified Dance/Movement Therapist. Gina offers in person and remote/online Reiki Sessions, Usui Reiki training classes and Employee Wellness. Currently, Gina is the practitioner of Odonata Reiki Healing Arts, a therapist at The Connecticut Valley Hospital, and a teacher with Insight Timer.

HILARY RUDENAUER Hilary Rudenauer is an Usui and Holy Fire® III Karuna Reiki Master Teacher, Gendai Reiki Practitioner, 500-Hour Kripalu Yoga Teacher, postpartum doula, and owner of Resonance Healing Arts. Hilary has completed additional training and certifications in peer support, trauma-informed practices, spiritual counseling, lactation, perinatal mental health, birth support, prenatal yoga, sound healing, Ayurveda, Qigong, mindfulness, breathwork, and LifeForce Yoga for Anxiety and Depression. She is currently completing her three-year certification in Somatic Experiencing. Hilary combines her lived experience as a trauma survivor with her professional expertise in the areas of mental health, maternal care, and holistic healing to create transformational experiences where people feel seen, safe, nurtured, and empowered.

Hilary is a mother of two amazing kiddos, a wife, gardener, hiker, and dog mom. When she's not working, she can usually be found in the woods, or laying on the floor with her kids piled on top of her.

NILSA RIVERA, LCSW, LADC Nilsa Rivera is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Alcohol Drug Counselor, Basic Level 1-2 EDMR practitioner, and Reiki Master, Teacher. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, somatic and trauma reprocessing approaches as well as other modalities, to begin the healing process for her clients. Nilsa specializes in guiding individuals’ transitioning and transforming from their hurtful human experiences to finding effective ways of balancing their lives and pursuing wellness within their internal/external connections. She wholeheartedly believes in a strength-based approach; non-judgmental and respectful; while also providing a guilt and shame-free environment.

TRAUMA & RECOVERY CONFERENCE

BY THE CONNECTICUT WOMEN’S CONSORTIUM

HEALING ARTS PRACTITIONERS

KELVIN YOUNG, RSS Kelvin Young, RSS, is a recovery coach, recovery support specialist, certified sound healer and co-founder of both Toivo and SoulCare Love, LLC. A published author and highly sought-after speaker, Kelvin has presented his work internationally, bringing healing to yoga studios, retreat centers, conferences, high schools, colleges, prisons, addiction treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals, and mental health agencies.

With a genuine passion for holding space for transformation, Kelvin is known for his warm, loving, and down-to-earth approach that resonates deeply with people from all walks of life.

LINDA LENTINI Linda Lentini is the Executive Director of the Breath-Body-Mind Foundation, and a Level 4 teacher. Linda has over 25 years of peer service experience and 10 of those years have focused on emphasizing the mindbody connection around mental health and addiction recovery. After exploring many healing practices over the past 25 years she discovered Breath-Body-Mind (BBM). BBM provides trauma-sensitive practices which support the recovery process while honoring everyone’s comfort levels.

Linda uses these practices as a Rehab Therapist at CT Valley Hospital on all the inpatient psychiatric and addiction units.