TABLE OF CONTENTS
January
1/10
1/24
1/27
1/29
1/31
February
March
Supporting Grief “Work” in Recovery
Don Scherling, PsyD
Loss, bereavement, and grief are an integral and unavoidable experience in human life. Substance use, post-traumatic stress disorder, and physical & mental illnesses greatly increase the risk of unexpected, tragic, and traumatic losses, motivate behaviors to numb pain and distress, and multiply challenges to engaging in the important “work” of grieving. Loss, bereavement, and grieving are further complicated by stigma, guilt, and shame in the context of substance use and associated accidental overdose deaths and suicide. This course will review theories of bereavement and grief, and provide practice tools for supporting recovery in people whose grieving is often complicated and compromised in both active addiction and recovery.
Beyond Trauma-Informed Approaches:
Creating Healing-Centered Spaces for Survivors of Sexual and Intimate Violence
Stephanie Burns, MARJ
Dive into the intentional, thoughtful world of restorative and transformative approaches. We’ll learn about Healing Courage’s Consentric Circles learning and healing framework as a model for restorative and inclusive spaces. Armed with this collective wisdom, and grounded in healing-centered practices, we’ll identify how to cultivate spaces that honor and value survivors of sexual violence and intimate harm and create powerful conditions for equity and inclusion and learning and healing.
Misconceptions of the Angry Black Woman Welcome2Reality (Shauna Figueroa, LCSW)
The Misconceptions of the Angry Black Woman training is an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the stereotypes and realities surrounding the “angry black woman” narrative. This training series seeks to unpack the historical roots, societal impact, and contemporary implications of this harmful stereotype while fostering understanding, empathy, and allyship among participants.
Communicating Care
Kathryn Bingner , MS, LCPC
Unlock the power of effective communication for clinical efficacy! This dynamic training will guide you through an in-depth exploration of common communication styles, helping you understand their strengths and limitations. You’ll assess your own communication habits to uncover areas for growth, while tackling real-world challenges therapists face daily, such as implicit bias, discrimination, and power dynamics. Through interactive learning, you’ll set personalized communication goals, gain practical strategies to elevate your communication skills, and improve the therapeutic experience for both you and your clients. Boost your confidence, strengthen your therapeutic relationships, and enhance your clients’ outcomes with this essential training.
If people were silent, nothing would change.
— Malala Yousafzai
Clinical Documentation
Shalyn Rose, LCSW
In this interactive workshop, participants will learn to understand and assess for medical necessity, learn the necessary components of key pieces of the medical record, learn how to apply the Golden Thread Process and lastly, learn about documentation requirements set by insurance companies. Sign up early! This workshop is limited to 35 participants
September
DBT Skills 4: Interpersonal Effectiveness
Nancy Grechko, PsyD
The purpose of this presentation is to dive deeper into the DBT Skills module: Interpersonal Effectiveness. This program will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of all DBT Interpersonal Effectiveness skills including the three goals of obtaining your objective, maintaining relationships, and maintaining self-respect. Participants will learn and practice skills to ask for what they want, say no to what they don’t want, building relationships and ending destructive ones, troubleshooting skills, dialectics and validation, and managing intensity. This program is highly experiential with participants practicing all skills live with time for questions and processing.
I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.
— Lily Tomlin
Building Financial Stability for Helping Professionals and the Communities They Serve
LeAnn Sharpe, JD, MBA
This training aims to improve financial equity and close the racial wealth gap by improving the financial well-being of social workers and other helping professionals through holistic self-care inclusive of financial health, and includes recommendations on integrating financial education, strategy and skill development in practice with participants.
An
Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS): Learning about Self, Parts, and How it Can Help Your Clients
Kim Daniels, PsyD
In this six-hour training, we will be covering core concepts of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, including parts, self, the goals of the model, and the role of the therapist. The training will utilize a variety of training techniques, including didactic presentations, experiential learning exercises, and small group discussion. Participants will leave the training with an understanding of the IFS model and how it differs from other therapeutic modalities, as well as an ability to conceptualize their clients from a “parts” framework.
Trans 101: An Introduction to Transgender Affirming Care
Sarah Gilbert, LCSW
Trans 101 is an introduction to gender diversity that will enable participants to gain a foundational understanding of how to provide culturally competent, affirming care to the transgender community. Differences between gender identity and sexuality will be highlighted, as well as an overview of aspects of gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic factors that impact this community. Specific attention will be given to factors that affect engagement and retention in behavioral health services. This training experience includes didactic instruction, group discussion, videos, and case vignettes.
Bringing Vision Boards into Clinical Practice
Alicia Feller, LCSW, MA-IHH
Alana Valdez, MA
Visions boards are concrete and creative outlets which provide visual cues and focus. In this hands-on workshop, we will explore goal-setting techniques that can be used with clients, the process of creating a vision board, and how various graphic models can be used in the clinical setting. Participants will also have an opportunity to explore their own goal-setting process and create a vision board for themselves.
You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.
— Rosa Parks
Understanding the Minds of People with Alzheimer’s
Donna Fedus, MA
Increases in Alzheimer’s prevalence make it essential to understand the illness. Understanding why can help you determine how to react with less frustration and greater empathy. In this practical interactive workshop, we will examine what goes on in the minds of people with Alzheimer’s and why they do what they do. In addition to surfacing a wide range of examples, we will share practical strategies to help you respond with greater confidence, to prevent behavioral challenges, and to create more moments of connection. Bring your questions!
Family & End of Life Caregiving 101
Eric Rodko, LMSW
An informational and insightful program for social workers and aging service professionals who work with family caregivers in the community and for family caregivers themselves. Sudden physical events, information overload, financial distress, emotional conflict, exhaustion and spiritual strain can all combine to quickly move a person, entire household and/or family, from being in a sandwich to being in a vice. Furthermore, caregivers typically do not realize early on that they have also entered the stages of grief. Where do caregivers begin to seek information? What kinds of help are available? How do caregivers anticipate while being in a constant state of reaction? What should caregivers consider relative to their own successful aging...and aging in place? What are some of the challenges with person-centered therapy when a person and their family caregiver(s) have reached end state? Eric will review and discuss the stages of aging, caregiving, and grief all together as he weaves 30+ years of professional experiences while sharing his own personal experiences from twice being an end-of-life family caregiver, for his grandmother and mother, both of whom died at home.
Peripartum Cultural Humility & Birthing Person Health Disparities
Catharine McDonald, MS, NCC, LPC, PMH-C
This training looks into the multitude of complex psychosocial systems that intersect with maternal health, influencing outcomes for birthing people and their newborns. As we navigate the complexities of family growth, we’ll explore external factors affecting birthing person and newborn wellness, emphasizing the role of mental health providers in education, collaboration, and advocacy. The training specifically addresses critical issues such as reproductive rights, racial disparities in healthcare, maternal health inequities, and the challenges faced by marginalized birthing individuals. From family planning to postpartum care, this course will examine how systemic influences shape mental health outcomes for birthing families. Clinician self-reflective processes will be explored as they relate to implicit biases, privilege, and ability to implement decolonizing anti-racist advocacy practices in mental health work with perinatal populations.
Date Time
February 13, 2025 9am - 4pm 6
Resilience Rising: Working with EMS and Firefighting Professionals
Kelly Lynch, LCSW
This is an introductory-level training for mental health professionals on supporting EMS professionals in therapy. Far too often, people in this line of work are reluctant to engage in necessary mental health treatment out of a concern that clinicians won’t get it. This training aims to help therapists in understanding the nuances of working in public safety and a complicated healthcare system, and the compassion fatigue, burnout, and vicarious trauma that often result. This training will provide participants with insights into the specific clinical presentations of EMS professionals in therapy, as well as best practices for clinical interventions. This presentation provides clinical information pertaining to individuals employed as EMS professionals who experience unique stressors as related to their challenging work environments, with the aim of enhancing engagement and retention in clinical services. This training also aims to address the problem of reluctance amongst EMS professionals to engage in mental health treatment out of a concern about lack of training and cultural awareness about first responders amongst the therapy community.
Date Time CECs Series Price February 21, 2025 9am - 12pm 3
Trauma-Informed Mindfulness: Practices for Regulation and Resilience
Vamsi Koneru, Ph.D
Trauma is an event or series of events that is highly stressful, profoundly difficult to integrate and can leave us feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and profoundly unsafe. It has been said that trauma “leaves traces on our minds and emotions, our capacity for joy and intimacy, and even our biology and immune system” (van der Kolk). Individuals who have endured trauma can experience significant psychological distress marked by intrusive memories and flashbacks, tendencies to avoid reminders of their trauma, and physical hyperarousal as well as intense feelings of shame, self-blame, and guilt. Offering mindfulness practices to individuals who have experienced trauma can be a highly effective approach to support well-being and recovery. However, asking individuals to pay focused, sustained attention to their experience can be challenging and potentially dysregulating, thus, it is important to offer mindfulness meditation in a trauma-informed manner. In this workshop, we will explore the theory of trauma-informed mindfulness, engage in various individual and group practices as well as develop skills to effectively and safely support survivors of trauma.
Youth Vape Prevention
Kelsey Hust, LMSW, CPS
This training explores prevention strategies for youth vaping at the community, school, and micro levels, emphasizing how we can apply the strategic prevention framework to effectively reduce youth vaping. We will examine substance use trends among youth, the dangers associated with vaping, signs to identify if a young person is vaping, and approaches to address youth vaping while supporting parents in their efforts to guide their children.
Serving Those Who Serve: Enhancing Perspective & Creating Helping Opportunities
Amy Otzel, MA, MS, LPC
As service members, veterans, and their families are increasingly seeking assistance within community settings, mental health practitioners have an opportunity to fulfill the important role of providing support to their subsequent health, wellness, and healing needs. Facilitated by a U.S. Army Iraq War Veteran and licensed psychotherapist, this engaging seminar offers insights grounded in both lived experience and professional expertise detailing not only vastly distinct cultural factors as well as multifaceted treatment considerations, but also harnesses the power of our warriors’ valiant voices through the sharing of Grammy-nominated therapeutic songwriting tracks curated to stir your deeper connection with our heroes’ servicetime journeys. Whether you’re new to working with military-connected clients or looking to refine your expertise, this course is designed to enhance your skills and confidence while inspiring your call to action in helping service. You will be armed with pertinent information, insightful frameworks and conceptualizations, and a cache of resources to empower your delivery of compassionate, effective, and culturally humble care.
Supervising Staff Using a Trauma-Informed Approach
Eileen Russo, MA, LADC
It is not uncommon in human services for excellent direct care staff to be promoted to a supervisory position without the skills and training needed to be successful supervisors. This introductory workshop is designed for the new supervisor and will explore supervisory styles, competencies of trauma-informed supervision, and effective responses to burnout, moral distress, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma.
Harnessing the Power of the Vagus Nerve
Hilary Rudenauer
Join Hilary Rudenauer for a presentation designed to expand the way you see yourself and the individuals you serve. Participants will learn about the vagus nerve and its role in trauma, stress, burnout, and the therapeutic relationship, through the lens of polyvagal theory. In this educational and experiential training, Hilary will guide attendees through self-exploration exercises to help them better understand their own nervous systems. These exercises will also highlight the link between nervous system dysregulation and mental health challenges. Attendees will participate in a number of simple and accessible exercises that balance the various states of the nervous system, and explore ways in which they can be implemented personally and professionally. Following this training, attendees will possess the knowledge and tools necessary to practice simple nervous system healing techniques, both at home and at work, for the betterment of themselves and their clients.
Exploring Alternative Practices: An Experiential Workshop
Gina Ferrara
This workship is an experiential introduction to integrative healing practices for professional and personal growth. Participants will learn about several integrative practices, with accompanying experiential sessions, that includes research into the health and self-care benefits. Participants will learn strategies for utilizing these practices at home, in the workplace, as well as in high stress behavioral health environments.
Fundamentals of Sound Healing for Professionals
Kelvin Young, RSS
Maria del Carmen Rodriguez
This training provides professionals with a foundational understanding of sound healing and its practical applications in therapeutic settings. Participants will explore the science and ancient traditions behind sound healing, focusing on how sound frequencies can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support emotional and physical healing. Through experiential learning and hands-on practice, professionals will gain the entry-level skills to integrate sound healing techniques into their current modalities, enhancing their ability to support clients in holistic healing and recovery.
The happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others.
— Gordon B. Hinckley
Expert Trainers
Katie Bingner , MS, LCPC, is a licensed mental health therapist and communication coach with a diverse background in performing arts and nine years of experience as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Since 2015, she has been helping adults manage anxiety, improve communication, and navigate grief, identity development, and trauma. Katie also offers coaching for those seeking to improve how they show up in their relationships through learning effective communication and boundary setting. Passionate about holistic healing, she integrates various evidence-based and trauma-informed therapeutic techniques, such as ACT, IFS, Somatics, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Katie began developing and teaching continuing education courses in 2020, focusing on validating the everyday challenges clinicians face and offering practical strategies for overcoming them! In her free time, Katie volunteers in an animal rescue and is the Mental Health Ambassador for the nonprofit organization, Responders for Pride.
Stephanie Burns is a collaborative problem solver, educator, and transformative community leader with over 20 years of educational program design, management, and facilitation, Stephanie’s rare experience with a criminal trial as a survivor of sexual violence led her to criminal justice reform, a Master’s in Restorative Justice, and a deep commitment to anti-oppression pedagogy and collective learning and healing. Holding certifications in mindfulness and somatic embodiment, she has designed and delivered meaningful experiential learning programs and trainings in diverse communities across the country and is known for holding powerful, intentional healing spaces and cultivating collaborative learning environments. Inspired by vulnerability and authenticity, Stephanie currently serves as the Director and Co-Founder of Healing Courage, an organization dedicated to centering the wisdom of survivors to deepen our understanding and transform our cultural responses to sexual violence and intimate harm. Through community conversations, workshops, and media, Healing Courage challenges harmful mythology, reimagines healing and justice, and drives policy change to prevent sexual and intimate harm. Healing Courage partners with anti-violence agencies and education organizations across the US to transform the status quo, including Jefferson County’s (WA) Superior Court, SF-based W.O.M.A.N., Inc, and Seattle-based National Center for Restorative Justice.
Dr Kim Daniels, is a Clinical Psychologist with a private practice in Hartford, CT. She is a Certified, Level 2 trained IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapist and a Certified Intuitive Eating counselor. Dr. Daniels uses IFS to help her clients understand and appreciate all of their complexities and connect with their authentic selves. She works with clients struggling with a variety of issues and specializes in working with women experiencing food and body concerns. She loves working with therapists, especially those who are just starting out in the field.
Maria del Carmen Rodriguez, is a Certified Sound Healer, Practitioner of Sound Therapies, and Practitioner of Vibrational Therapies. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Metaphysical Science in Natural Medicine and is the Co-Founder of SoulCare Love, LLC, where she leads sound healing sessions nationally. Her holistic approach to sound healing is shaped by her extensive formal training and the rich cultural heritage passed down through her lineage. Holistic practices are deeply rooted from her childhood experiences. She draws from the traditions and wisdom of her elders and ancestors. She offers sound healing services to diverse audiences, including the Hispanic community in their native language. Maria del Carmen is passionate about empowering women through holistic healing. She specializes in Sound Healing for home births and end-of-life care, collaborating closely with experienced doulas. Maria del Carmen has shared her expertise on global platforms, such as The Shift Network and at an Indigenous cacao plantation in Puerto Rico, with many more opportunities on the horizon. She leads sessions at yoga studios, universities, conferences, and health and wellness agencies. She also developed a branded offering called “Caribbean Wellness, A Sound Healing Paradise”, blending drum medicine with mindful yoga and meditative sound healing.
Donna Fedus, MA, is a gerontologist educator, professor, program strategist, instructional designer, researcher, and entrepreneur. Her life’s work - pursued enthusiastically for more than 30 years so faris to offer alternatives to the tragedy narrative that often surrounds aging, caregiving, and dementia. Donna is a gerontologist and founder of Borrow My Glasses, which provides scalable learning solutions, training, and evaluation services for organizations and individuals looking to embrace the many opportunities brought by longevity. Learn more at borrowmyglasses.com.
Alicia Feller, LCSW, MA-IHH, specializes in holistic stress management which compliments her 25+ years of experience as a clinical social worker in the behavioral health field. She enjoys working with people to help them develop a mastery over their well-being utilizing empathy, empowerment and mind-body-spirit connection as cornerstones of her approach. Alicia is a certified hypnotherapist. She holds a master’s degree in integrated health and Healing and is a certified Holistic Stress Management Instructor. She is a certified Acudetox Specialist. Alicia lives her practice and relishes the time she spends with family and friends. She believes that one grows the most when they step outside of their comfort zone.
Gina Ferrara, is a master of Reiki and sound/vibration, and an Auricular Acupuncture Specialist. She supports others with simple tools toward empowerment and overall wellness. Through her business, Odonata Reiki Healing Arts, Gina offers courses, workshops, and presentations for personal development and inner selfcare. Gina also provides healing sessions for individuals, couples, and groups. She is currently a teacher on the meditation app, Insight Timer.
Shauna L Figueroa, LCSW, has over 25 years of experience in various settings, including state-funded programs and academia. With expertise in child welfare and experience in addressing issues such as homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse, Shauna has managed macro-level systems and provided direct therapeutic interventions to individuals, couples, and families. Currently, she serves as the Vice President of Housing Services at Friendship Place in the District of Columbia, where she works to end homelessness. Additionally, she is an adjunct professor, a field placement supervisor, and clinician in private practice at Sacred Heart University. Shauna is dedicated to social justice and has provided numerous trainings on various topics related to mental health and wellness.
Sarah Gilbert, LCSW is the owner of Transitions Therapy, LLC. Founded in 2014, Transitions Therapy LLC is a private practice with a focus on serving the transgender community and those who love them. Through her practice, Sarah provides individual therapy, a monthly support group, and trainings & consultation on trans-affirming care.
Dr Nancy Grechko, is a clinical psychologist and Founder of Grechko Training & Consulting. Besides providing direct clinical care in her community, she also supports mental health practitioners and organizations through clinical supervision and consultation as well as continuing education training. She is best known for making even the most complex clinical concepts accessible so practitioners walk away with tangible tools to integrate in their practice. Dr. Grechko is passionate about supporting mental health practitioners do the work they love while taking care of their professional and personal needs.
Kelsey Hust, LMSW, CPS, is a Social Worker, Certified Prevention Specialist, and is a trained Tobacco Treatment Specialist. Kelsey has formal education in Community Organizing. She has worked in various programs focusing on mental health and substance use work in Adult Outpatient and EAP, to managing a youth substance prevention program, and building an adult outpatient tobacco treatment program. Kelsey is committed to DEI work and has co-chaired a Diversity, Health Equity, and Inclusion Committee and is a trained facilitator in Courageous Conversations. Kelsey passionately pursues her work of supporting individuals and communities through empathy and combining macro and micro approaches in her work.
Vamsi Koneru, PhD is a clinical psychologist in private practice at Koneru Psychotherapy, LLC. His work focuses on the intersection of trauma and mindfulness, and he specializes in providing compassionate, evidence-based psychotherapy for adolescents, adults and families. He is a certified mindfulness teacher with the Engaged Mindfulness Institute – an institute dedicated to supporting individuals in at-risk situations and communities that have been marginalized and underserved. Additionally, he is a member of the Forensic Counseling team at Community Mental Health Affiliates, Inc., an Assistant Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and a teacher with the Copper Beech Institute - a center dedicated to mindfulness practice and compassionate action. Dr. Koneru completed his MS and PhD at the University of Miami, his clinical internship at the Yale University School of Medicine and his postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School/VA Boston Healthcare System.
Kelly Lynch is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, retired EMT, Personal Trainer, and Nutrition Coach She became an EMT in 2003, and worked in commercial EMS as an EMT and FTO for 10 years prior to becoming a therapist. Kelly has been a therapist for over 15 years, and specializes in Acute Stress and Post Traumatic Stress Injuries in EMS professionals. She opened Turning Point Wellness in 2014, with the goal of normalizing mental wellness in public safety, to change the stigma of asking for help, and increase access and availability of appropriate support services to all professional and volunteer first responders. Kelly also owns The GRIIT Project, where she speaks nationally and internationally on topics related to mindset and problem-solving. She specializes in teaching people how to practice authenticity and find personal and professional alignment through the power of self-leadership. Her first book, F*ck the Rules, was published in February 2024 and quickly became an Amazon Bestseller.
Catharine McDonald, MS, NCC, LPC, PMH-C, is a fierce advocate for perinatal wellness and seasoned CT Licensed Professional Counselor, certified in Perinatal Mental Health by Postpartum Support International. She is the Owner and Clinical Director of Growing Well Counseling in Tolland, Connecticut, a private practice focusing solely on perinatal wellness encompassing integrative mental health, fertility, birth trauma, and peripartum sexual health. While studying Counseling at UNC Greensboro in 2007, she supported families in antenatal units and NICUs, igniting a profound commitment to perinatal mental health. Her passion for learning continues as she works through a post-graduate certificate program in Sex Therapy at The University of Michigan. Catharine is also a trained family life educator, baby-led sleep specialist, and Fair Play Method Certified Facilitator. A founding member of the CT Chapter of PSI, she has offered practical perinatal continuing education training at state and national conferences for nearly a decade. Her unwavering dedication to reproductive freedoms and nurturing better birth experiences defines her both professionally and personally.
Amy B Otzel, LPC (GA &CT), LMHC (FL), is a retired U.S. Army Behavioral Health Sergeant and Iraq War Veteran whose personal journey to empower her health and find healing from trauma has enhanced her endeavor to contribute forward in helping service to others as a skilled psychotherapist, passionate educator, and dedicated advocate. As a professional counselor, she proudly continues the mission promoting wellness, resilience, and personal growth opportunities supporting the militaryconnected community. Amy routinely contributes in educational service as a Yale University Dept. of Psychiatry Lecturer, an adjunct faculty member with Colorado Chinese Medicine University, a professional development specialist, a certified holistic stress management instructor, and an Advanced Level-3 Breath~Body~Mind teacher. In volunteer service, she is an assertive advocate sharing her recovery-oriented lived experience as a peer support representative and has formerly acted as Co-Chairperson of a Veterans Affairs Mental Health Advisory Board chapter. Amy is also a published songwriter whose endeavors and accomplishments have been complimented by the valued relationships she shares with her husband and children currently enjoying residency in southeastern coastal Georgia.
Eric S Rodko, BSW, LMSW, is the Administrative Manager for the North Central Area Agency on Aging, a private non-profit in Hartford, CT, that is funded by the federal Older Americans Act to provide and support community-based programs for older adults and persons with disabilities that help them live healthier and independently. Eric is a graduate of Salve Regina University (BSW) and the UConn School of Social Work (MSW). For the past 30 years, Eric has worked in the field of aging involving family caregiver counseling, developing community-based services, conducting benefits education and advocacy, volunteer program development, clinical casework management, public speaking and professional social work training, and grant writing.
Shalyn Rose, LCSW, is a multifaceted individual who has charted an impressive professional journey. In 2010, she graduated from Fordham University with a master’s degree in social work. She worked at Rushford with adolescents in the PHP/IOP program and later, she managed the outpatient clinic program, focusing on improving mental health. In 2012, Shalyn achieved a significant milestone by becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Seeking new challenges, she joined Yale Psychiatric Inpatient, where she spent a year and a half. During this time, she also embarked on building her private practice. Shalyn’s entrepreneurial spirit blossomed, and she founded Supportive Solutions. Throughout her career, Shalyn encountered audit processes. Her curiosity and commitment led her to delve deeper into this aspect of her work. She collaborated with attorneys, consulting firms, and underwent her own audit. Armed with firsthand knowledge, Shalyn became an advocate for meticulous documentation and compliance. Her insights have guided countless professionals and organizations. Shalyn wears many hats—a clinician, a businesswoman, and a mother of twins. Her unwavering dedication to her craft and her family exemplifies her resilience.
Hilary Rudenauer is a Reiki Master Teacher, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner in training, Certified Postpartum Doula, 500-Hour Kripalu Yoga Teacher, and owner of Resonance Healing Arts. She has worked at the intersection of mental health and holistic healing for over a decade. Hilary combines her lived experience as a trauma-survivor with her professional training and expertise to inform and enrich her sessions, classes, and trainings. She is grateful for every opportunity to create spaces where authentic relating, healing, and growth can occur.
EILEEN M RUSSO, M A , LADC, is a licensed addiction counselor, a certified clinical supervisor, and an advanced certified alcohol and drug counselor (substance use and co-occurring disorders) who has worked in the addiction and mental health field for the past 39 years. Ms. Russo also holds credentials as a relapse prevention specialist and a compassion fatigue educator. She has recently retired as Program Coordinator and Professor Emeritus for the Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counselor program with Gateway Community College in New Haven, CT. For the past 18 years, she has served as a trainer/consultant with the CT Women’s Consortium, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, private agencies, and several states beyond Connecticut. Ms. Russo has assisted over 40 agencies/programs with developing trauma-informed programs including those who provide services for mental health and substance use disorders, employment, and criminal justice programs. Her training experience is extensive, including but not limited to, the staff of private- nonprofits, corrections, domestic violence programs and presentations at national conferences. Ms. Russo has co-authored articles on the integration of trauma-specific services into treatment for substance use disorders and is a co-author of the curriculum Healing Trauma+: A Brief Intervention for Women and Gender-Diverse People, Third Edition, by Stephanie Convington.
Don Scherling, PsyD, LADC, is a Senior Clinical Consultant & Clinical Faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Services at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, MA where he is also a Health Educator, Employee Assistance Counselor, Behavioral Health Wellness Coach, and serves on the Physician-Practitioner Health Committee and the Care for Caregivers Yoga Wellness Program. Dr. Scherling is a certified trainer for the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), The Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR Institute), and a Senior Clinical Consultant & Trainer with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, The CT Women’s Consortium and other regional statewide agencies in the Northeast.
LeAnn Sharpe, JD, MBA, is a long-time social worker with over 15 years of experience from direct practice to senior management and working largely with clients and agencies at the intersection of mental health and the criminal legal system. With her social justice roots holding strong, LeAnn now specializes in holistic financial guidance with a focus on bringing together finance and social justice in her role as a financial professional. Working to create financial equity, LeAnn’s mission is to make financial education and resources easily accessible, especially for individuals and communities who have been historically marginalized, by providing an avenue to empowerment through building financial security and capability through knowledge sharing and the integration of wealthbuilding strategies.
Alana Valdez, MA, serves as the Project Coordinator at the Connecticut Women’s Consortium, where she draws on her rich background in art education and freelance illustration to inform her creative work. She holds an MA in Art Education from Smith College and a BFA in Illustration from UConn, and has been working as a freelance illustrator since 2015. With four years of experience teaching middle school art and developing curricula, Alana has also led adult workshops in collage and zine-making. She is deeply passionate about art’s ability to foster communication, healing, and social justice.
Kelvin Young, RSS, is an award-winning sound healer, recovery support specialist, and co-founder of both Toivo and Soul Care Love, LLC. Sober from alcohol and other drugs since March 6, 2009, Kelvin’s recovery journey led him to integrate holistic healing into the behavioral health system, focusing on stress management, trauma healing, addiction, and mental health recovery through sound healing. His passion for vibrational sound therapy began during his incarceration, where he first experienced its profound impact on calming the mind and body. Kelvin has shared his expertise internationally, presenting at conferences and facilitating healing sessions in diverse settings, including yoga festivals, addiction treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals, and mental health agencies. His work has been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2021 Deron Drumm Excellence in Integrative Medicine Award and the 2023 100 Men of Color Award. Kelvin is known for his warm, compassionate nature and his dedication to creating healing spaces where people can find strength, recover, and thrive.
Registration Policies
Always check www.womensconsortium.org for the most up to date information. Some special events may have different registration policies or credits. By registering you agree to our registration and privacy policies.
If you are registering with a purchase order
Send your registration form and a copy of your approved purchase order by email (training@ womensconsortium.org) or fax (203-909-6894). You must include a copy of the purchase order as proof of payment, we cannot process registrations or guarantee your space in the event without this document.
To register by mail
Complete the form on page 24 and mail with a check or money order. There is a $25 bank & handling fee for all returned checks. Failure to pay this fee will prevent you from registering for future courses. Checks and purchase orders are payable to The Connecticut Women’s Consortium and can be sent to ATTN: Education & Training, 2321 Whitney Avenue, Suite 401, Hamden, CT 06518
Waitlist and sold out courses
For workshops that are sold out, call to determine if a waitlist is available.
How do I get my certificate or credits?
Between 3 and 5 business days after the training (this may be longer for offsite events and conferences), you will receive an email with instructions to access the online survey and certificate. If you have trouble accessing these items, please email training@womensconsortium.org or call us at (203)909-6888 x2.
What are your attendance policies?
By accreditation standards, continuing education credits (CECs) are only given to those individuals who have completed the entire training; partial credit cannot be given. If you arrive more than 30 minutes after the start of the event or leave early for any reason you will not receive CECs. For on-site events, you must sign-in/out on the designated attendance sheets provided by staff. If you are not sure where the attendance sheets are, please ask a staff member for assistance. For virtual events, you must log into Zoom with your first and last name, matching your Consortium account. Zoom automatically tracks your attendance, including any Breakout sessions. Please note that participation in breakout sessions is an important part of the training experience and counts towards your total attendance for all virtual trainings. If you miss more than one breakout session, Consortium staff members will provide you with a written and verbal warning. If you do not join the breakout session or contact Consortium staff as directed in the written and verbal outreach, you will be removed from the training. Please note that our attendance policies are based on state statute and requirements from our accrediting body.
EMERGENCIES & CANCELLATIONS
If you cannot attend a workshop
As of January 1st, 2020, The Connecticut Women’s Consortium will no longer offer credit on account for training cancellations. You must cancel your registration a minimum of 2 business days before the training start date in order to receive a refund minus a 25% administration fee. Alternatively, you may transfer into another course of your choosing until 9am on the training day.
What happens during inclement weather or if a workshop is canceled
In the event of inclement weather, call (203) 909-6888 x1 the morning of your workshop. This is a recorded voice message that is updated with a weather delay or cancellation. We also post a message at www.womensconsortium.org. The CWC reserves the right to cancel a program at any time. This may include weather, venue/staff emergencies or low attendance. In the event of a cancellation, we will contact you by email with a rescheduled date, or offer a credit or refund.
AVAILABLE CERTIFICATES & CREDITS
Certificates of Attendance are available to all attendees who have signed in/out.
Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, and Psychologists
National Association of Social Workers Connecticut Chapter (CECs) are accepted in the states of MA, RI, and VT. Check with your state board to see if they offer reciprocity. These credits are applicable to Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), and Licensed Clinical Psychologists.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors
Connecticut Certification Board CECs are applicable to Licensed Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors (LADC) & Certified Addiction Counselors (CAC).The Association of Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) & National International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) are covered under CCB-CT Credits.
Accommodation and Access
Food & Dietary Restrictions
Please identify any dietary restrictions when prompted during the registration process. We can easily accommodate for vegan, nut, gluten and dairy free diets. If you have additional concerns about serious allergies, contact us in advance to ensure we can make accommodations.
Accessibility
Please identify any accessibility requests when prompted during the registration process. The CWC office is wheelchair accessible; off-site event accessibility is coordinated with the venue, please call with any questions or concerns. Be sure to confirm all accessibility requests a minimum of 1 month in advance so we can ensure access.
Nursing Individuals, Children (18 & Under)
For nursing accommodations, please ask staff for use of the wellness room or call ahead to learn more. Our educational events may contain sensitive topics including abuse, mental health, and addiction. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to review the topics suitability. If we are concerned, we may restrict access to individuals under 18 or recommend another event.
Photos, recording & social media
If you post on social media regarding an event, tag The Connecticut Women’s Consortium. We recommend that you follow a trauma-informed safety policy by asking individuals and groups before taking and sharing photos and posts. We reserve the right to photograph, record, or film classes, events and other programming. If you do not want to be included, notify a CWC staff member. Learn more through the privacy policy on our website.
Directions
From the South, Bridgeport Area
Take 15 North
Take Exit 61
Turn right off ramp, onto Whitney Avenue
Half a block is a sign for Hamden Centre
Turn right into driveway before this sign
From the east, New London area
Take 95 South to 91 North
From 91, Take Exit 10
You are now on a connector
Take Exit 1 off of the ramp,
Turn left onto Devine St
Turn left onto Hartford Turnpike
Then turn right onto Dixwell Avenue
Turn left At the 3rd stoplight into the driveway (before KinderCare)
From the North, Hartford area
Take 91 South to Exit 17
On exit ramp, stay left for 15 South
From 15, take Exit 62
At end of ramp, turn right on to Whitney Ave
Half a block is a sign for Hamden Centre
Turn right into driveway before this sign
Nearby Transportation & Hotel Information
Clarion Hotel & Suites, 2660 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT
Tweed or Bradley Airports or NYC Airports (JFK, LaGuardia)
Union Station - Metro North, Amtrak & Greyhound Bus
CT Transit - we are located on the bus line:
(J Bus - Whitney Avenue, Centerville Whitney & Dixwell stops)
Metro Taxi - (203) 777-7777 or Uber/Lyft
Parking
All visitors must park in the FREE parking garage to the right of our building. With the exception of handicap spaces, parking in front of the building is for retail businesses.
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION
*Last name:
Registration Form
(Applications must be complete to be processed)
*First Name: Middle Initial:
*Agency Name: No Agency/Private Practice/Retired
*Agency Address:
Street:
Street (2):
City: State: Zip Code:
Phone Number (Please check your preferred phone number):
Work: Cell Phone: Home
Email Address:
Please specify any special accommodations that you will need for the training. We will confirm availability ahead of the training Visual Hearing Other
Accommodation request:
Billing Information
Accounting Department Phone Number:
Accounting Department Email Address:
Training:
Registration will not be processed without payment or purchase order If you’re registering with an agency purchase order or check request form, please send this form along with a copy of this purchase order to: CT Women’s Consortium to reserve your spot.
Email: training@womensconsortium.org Fax: (203) 909-6894
If you are paying by check: Please mail this form along with your check to: CT Women’s Consortium Training Department 2321 Whitney Ave, Suite 401 Hamden, CT 06518
To pay by credit card, please submit a credit card authorization with this form. Credit card authorization forms can be found here: https://8d6d7841-c514-42a9-b59d-7361c08d7804.usrfiles.com/ugd/62fb48_e508d02e449f47cb922fda711a839251.pdf
All our trainings include a CEC certificate for those who attend in full. CECs are approved by NASW/CT (National Association of Social Workers) and CCB (CT Certification Board).
By submitting this form, you are agreeing to the cancellation policy available at www.womensconsortium.org
For Consortium use only
Invoice # Check number:
Date payment received: Agency Personal Registration confirmed:
