Welcome from the Board President
On behalf of the board of directors of the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network. I wish to welcome you to our 34th annual conference. I am overjoyed that we were able to have this conference this year in person. I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for your effort, tenacity, and perseverance during the most recent pandemic. I've seen and experienced examples of peer support all over Georgia. You have strived and weathered the unexpected death of our former executive director, and your strength has kept the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network alive throughout these difficult times. This conference is happening due to your unwavering support, as this is the first conference for our new CEO, Mr. James Todd, Jr., and for many of our key staff. They, with representatives of our board, have put together what will be the “Best Conference Ever, “to use the words of Sherry Jenkins-Tucker.
It is my hope that this conference provides a learning experience that will assist each of you in your recovery and help you assist others. Our theme, “Back to the Beginning and Reimaging Our Future,” tells our story as to where the network is today. We have had great conferences in the past, but starting with this conference, it is my belief that we will continue to a magnificent future. I invite you to participate fully in this conference and share your experience with those who are unable to attend. Welcome!
E. Joseph Sanders BS, CPS-MH, WH, TIC, MHFA SGM/USA(RET) President of the Board of DirectorsGeorgia Mental Health Consumer Network
Welcome from the Chief Executive Officer
James E. Todd, Jr.Dear Peers,
It is with esteemed pleasure that I welcome you to the 34th Annual Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network Conference. This gathering represents a powerful convergence of minds, hearts, and voices committed to advancing recovery. Our theme this year, “Back to the Beginning and Reimagining Our Future,’ encapsulates the essence of our shared mission of “hope.” As we come together, we recognize the challenges faced by peers across the state living with mental health and substance use conditions, their families, and the broader community. We acknowledge the stigma, discrimination, and systemic obstacles that persist. Yet, we also celebrate the resilience, strength, and determination that define our collective spirit.
Throughout the next few days, we will engage in meaningful conversations, workshops, and networking opportunities. We will explore innovative approaches to mental health care, discuss policy reforms, and amplify the voices of those often marginalized. Our goal is not only to break down barriers but also to construct bridges-bridges that connect us to resources, support networks, and pathways toward recovery and well-being.
I encourage you to engage fully, challenge the status quo, and forge connections. As we share our stories of hope, let us remember that each person’s journey is unique and that no peer is alike. Every triumph, every setback, contributes to the strength and the voice of our collective power. Let us seize this opportunity to learn, grow, and inspire one another.
Thank you for being part of this vital gathering. May the next few days be filled with hope, enlightenment, camaraderie, and a renewed commitment to our shared cause.
Welcome to the 34th Annual Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network Conference!
Yours in Service,
James E. Todd, Jr., MSW, LCSW, CCS Chief Executive OfficerGeorgia Mental Health Consumer Network
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Evening Activities
9:00p-Midnight
Tuesday, June 4th 2024
9:00pm-10:00pm: DTR Meeting –Nalls and Culbreth building (Aerosmith Room)
Bonfire and S’mores* @ The Oak Pit (See Map) *S’mores are available on a first come first served basis
Board and Card Games- Nalls and Culbreth Building (Goonies Room)
Art Room- Nalls and Culbreth (Duran Duran)
Karaoke- Nalls and Culbreth (Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Room)
Wednesday, June 5th 2024
Board and Card Games- Nalls and Culbreth Building (Goonies Room)
Art Room- Nalls and Culbreth (Duran Duran)
Karaoke- Nalls and Culbreth (Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Room)
Featured Guests
Jennifer Dunn, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Field Operations South
Sean Garvey, Media Mogul and Mental Health Advocate (Keynote Speaker)
Anne Westbrooke, Georgia
House of Representatives, District 163
Dr. Rick Townsend, Georgia
House of Representatives, District 179
Mike Hodges, Georgia State Senate, District 3
Stanley S. Jones, Jr, Partner at Nelson Mullins Law Firm and Mental Health Advocate
About Our Featured Guest
Jennifer Dunn- is currently serving as the Deputy Assistant Commissioner for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. She previously worked as the University of Georgia's Rural Health Agent for the Southwest District of UGA Extension. She earned both her bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Child and Family Development from the University of Georgia in 1996 and 2001, respectively. Jennifer is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a recipient of the Intensive Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Schizophrenia Certification at the Aaron T. Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Philadelphia, a trainer for Mental Health First Aid and QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) to assist with Suicide Prevention. Before beginning her position with UGA Extension, Jennifer worked for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities for sixteen years, where she served as the Regional Services Administrator for the twenty-four counties located in the southwestern portion of the state. In her current role, Jennifer is helping advance the vision and mission of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities in the Southern part of the state with a focus on rural communities. She also is an advisory Board member for the Georgia Department of Community Health's State office of Rural Health and their Georgia Farmworker Healthcare Program.
Sean Garvey- Media mogul, six-time ATL's Hottest Award nominee, and mental health advocate Sean Garvey (born Sean Anthony Garvin) is a radio DJ, radio personality, writer, producer, actor, poet, program director, owner, founder and president of Reach One Communications. Garvey has executive produced over 50 radio, television, and podcast shows. He is best known for his roles on radio, T.V., and film projects, including WRFG's Casual Conversations with DCas & DJ Yogi, The Reggie Gay Gospel Show, BET's American Soul, Boomerang, Ed and Rooster's Great Adventure, The Beat Break Morning Show, On Point with Juandolyn Stokes, and 1380 WAOK's The Mental Space.
Sean Garvey's new projects Therapy Ain't No Joke , Unemployment Check, Love, Passion, & Poetry Presents... are due to release in the fall of 2024 and early 2025. False Advertisement is one of many spoken word projects Garvey is set to publish in 2024 as a follow up to his recent works, including A Poet found Dead (2022) and Made From Cotton (2008).
Featured Guests
Sarah Farmer, M.A., WRAP ALF, Advocates for Human Potential
Shawn Witt, LPC –Savannah Trauma Institute and Founder TraumAnon
Dr. Dietra Hawkins, Psy.D – Both And Partners, Owner/Lead Consultant
Sara Corley and Mike Moss from Athens Recovery Warriors
Molly Keefe, Respect Institute Featured Speaker
About Our Featured Guest
Sarah Farmer, M.A., WRAP ALF, is a Lead Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Advanced Level Facilitator (ALF) and Managing Editor of Human Potential Press at Advocates for Human Potential (AHP). She manages all WRAP communication, creates new WRAP publications and products, and manages/facilitates WRAP seminars around the world. She has three decades of experience in the mental health arena and is a certified trauma integration practitioner. She has worked on health education publications, education, and initiatives with National Institutes of Health, Harvard Medical School, SAMHSA, Department of Justice, FEMA, etc. She strongly believes recovery is for everyone and that we can all lead lives filled with hope, meaning, and self-determination— no matter our challenges, mistakes, or situations. Sarah has lived experience with mental health recovery and is the parent of a daughter with dual diagnoses and multiple other challenges. WRAP is vital in both of their recovery journeys.
Shawn Witt, LPC -- As a trauma survivor herself, Shawn had the vision that no person should ever feel alone in their recovery, which prompted her to become a Certified Peer Specialist. Shawn continued her education and received her master’s in clinical Mental Health and Counseling in psychoanalytic discipline from Northwestern University and holds certifications in addiction (CAADC), trauma (CCTP-II) and personality disorders, (C-PD); and is trained in Level Two EMDR techniques.
Shawn lectures throughout Georgia on trauma and recovery and introduces others to an innovative approach to trauma therapy with a unique connection to community. Motivated by these experience, Shaw founded TraumAnon, a peerled, 12-step trauma support group. In 2023, Shawn founded The Savannah Trauma Institute, which offers group therapy to those suffering from mental health issues related to trauma.
Shawn lives in Savannah, GA with her husband, four children and her mastiff, EllieMae. She coaches cheerleading for CHAA, a local Christian homeschool association and is active in her church and community. Shawn also hosts her own podcast focused on trauma called, Trauma Talks with Shawn Witt, which can be streamed on Spotify.
About Our Featured Guest
Dr. Dietra Hawkins, Psy.D --Is a licensed Clinical Psychologist who holds a faculty appointment as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale University School of Medicine, Program for Recovery and Community Health. She has spent nearly two decades helping individual, communities, and organizations apply research-based approaches to diversity, equity and inclusion. Dietra is a published author and a frequent speaker for workshops addressing appreciative approaches towards system change, Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC), Asset-Based Community Development and Inclusion and the Healing of Racism.
At Athens Recovery Warriors, our mission is clear and resolute: to create a thriving and supportive community through the transformative power of fitness and art. We believe that true healing and recovery extend beyond individual efforts, encompassing the strength of a united community. Our journey began with a simple idea that grew into a powerful movement, driven by a deep desire to help individuals in their recovery journey.
Workshop Descriptions
Pam Brooks-Crump, co-presenter Donna Brooks, Building in the Moment Resiliency, Emotional Intelligence, and Self-Awareness (in order to thrive as a CPS or other Frontline Worker): Our goal for this workshop is to empower CPSs and other frontline workers to reach their full potential as service workers by embracing continual transformation. We will address secondary trauma and learn and experience in-the-moment rebalancing tools. We will teach ways to increase the capacity of our "Resiliency Zones” and show how this creates emotional intelligence and self-awareness. With our expanded Resiliency Zones, we now have increased capacity for connection, enjoyment and thriving! As always, I like to end in a fun way... by just dancing!
Shawn Whitt, The Traumatized Brain: “Why do I act like this?” “What is WRONG with me?” “Why can’t I hold it together?” Often, we feel as though we have lost control of ourselves and our behavior. We do and say things that we instantly regret. WHY? Shame washes over us. This workshop will break down why we lose control, how to ‘see it coming,’ and teach methods to broaden our ability to handle everyday stress and past trauma and will explain what it means to be ‘triggered’ and how to minimize those triggers in the future.
You will learn how ‘just ten minutes’ may change your life for the better, forever!
Sarah Farmer, WRAP, So You Wanna Be WRAP Co-Facilitator: This workshop will present the fundamentals on how to successfully conduct a WRAP group, while upholding the Values, Ethics and Fidelity of the WRAP training and will explore career opportunities as a WRAP facilitator.
Workshop Descriptions
Dottie Bailey, co-presenter Hiram Rivera: Mental Health Alert Wristbands: In this session, participants will learn the background of the Mental Health Alert Wristbands and the impact they have made around the world. These wristbands help peers feel and stay safe. Wristbands will be given out during the presentation, along with our glow in the dark decals. Come hear the story of a simple idea that has touched the lives of thousands of people. Dottie Bailey is the CEO and Hiram sits on the board of directors for the Wristbands.
The Respect Institute of Georgia: Respect Institute of Georgia Graduates will discuss the transformative effects of the RESPECT Institute training and speaking experience. A RI Graduate will present their story and join a panel of Graduates, who will describe the healing benefits of the RI process in the context of recovery, resilience, wellness and personal growth. Additionally, they will discuss how the RI process prepared them to create a healing workplace environment in which the peers they serve are empowered to share openly about their lived experience and find their voice.
Ty Cardaci, co-presenter Amy Morris, Humor: Offering Resilience and Wellbeing in any Pathway to Recovery: Humor isn't just a punchline – it’s a positive coping skill. This workshop takes a lighthearted look at all aspects of humor in recovery, and how we can take recovery seriously without taking ourselves too seriously. Fun is a form of self-care that can help us continue healing and help sustain our wellness. Laughter can help letting go of past trauma. The opposite of addiction is connection and laughter is the shortest distance between two people. The healing power of laughter is evidence based and there are numerous studies that show how humor helps our physical well-being. Being
Workshop Descriptions
Kurt Butts, from EF 243809 TO GPA 4.00: This workshop will demonstrate how to embrace your past and use it to have a bright future for yourself as well as helping others. Using personal testimony drawn from forensic experience, I will highlight the power of words and how they can be used to affect your future.
Ellyn Jeager, Turning Thoughts Into Acton: This session will help you understand the legislative session and give you the needed information on how to make advocacy more effective.
TaTa-Nisha Frazier, Unlocking Potential For Addiction Recovery and Mental Wellness: Taking the time to build effective soft skills can contribute to a more efficient, harmonious and productive workplace. This workshop will explore why soft skills are important in the workplace, understand 10 soft skills you should have in the workplace and how to apply them.
Jennifer Yearwood, Affordable Housing: Is it, really?: Focus will be placed on the "Housing First" model and how finding an agency to provide this service can be overwhelming and confusing for many: those who are unsheltered, at risk, or trying to relocate. We will discuss the reasons people are denied housing, such as having felony convictions on their record, using vouchers, or being low income. We will look at solutions for how to overcome those barriers when working with people in recovery who are affected by these factors. The presenter will utilize a property locator app during an interactive workshop to give a real time look at rent fees throughout the state. Resources will be provided to attendees upon request.
Workshop Descriptions
Hiram Rivera, Behavioral Health Unit: a Collaborative Response to People in Crisis: This workshop will present the Behavioral Health Unit currently operating in Chatham County. It was developed as a collaboration between the behavioral health crisis center, law enforcement, and emergency medical services to enhance the ability of people in crisis to connect to resources. Chatham County’s Behavioral Health Unit takes clinicians and paramedics into the field together with peer specialists. I will discuss my role in its development, the impact it is having on our community, and how you can advocate for more collaboration in your own community.
Jen Banathy, Exploring the Trait of High Sensitivity from an Empowered Perspective: Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is an innate personality trait, or temperament, of people born with a more sensitive and finely tuned nervous system. Highly Sensitive People, or HSPs, are more aware of subtleties in their environment and process information deeply. This leads to heightened insight, empathy and creativity, but it also can lead to stress and overwhelm. Understanding the trait of high sensitivity is lifechanging and with the right supports, HSPs can move out of survival mode and into thriving to their fullest potential. In this interactive workshop we will explore the trait of high sensitivity and discuss ways in which HSPs can support themselves and others in living empowered lives.
Joseph Sanders, co-presenter Ashleigh Sanders, Moral Injury: what is it and what are its effects?: In this workshop we will define Moral Injury and answer important questions you may have about it. Who is affected by this illness, and why is there so much stigma surrounding it? What are the differences and similarities between post-traumatic stress and moral injury? We will describe its effects on our mental health and how it impacts the mental health of those close to someone experiencing this illness. We will also discuss how Peer Support can assist in recovery from this illness and reduce the stigma associated with it.
Workshop Descriptions
Gary Merritt, co-presenter Angela Patterson, How to Start and Run a Dual Recovery (Double Trouble in Recovery) (DTR) Meeting: DTR creates a safe environment where peers can discuss the issues of mental health without shame or stigma. People who are in dual Recovery are challenged by the double stigma of mental health concerns and chemical dependency. These negative attitudes are everywhere, including in single-focus self-help groups. For people who are in dual Recovery, these negative attitudes can be devastating to the recovery process. In this workshop, we will cover how to facilitate a Double Trouble Meeting, and how to start a DTR group in your area. We discuss how DTR is different than other 12-step programs and the specific benefits of dual recovery peer support.
Lori Blanchard, Georgia Housing Voucher Program: This workshop will cover the role of the peer mentor with a mental health team and guidance on how to fill out DBHDD’s Georgia Housing Voucher Application. We will start by discussing statistics for successes already obtained, through Georgia Department of Corrections, while outlining how to access GHVP’s Need for Supporting Housing (NSH) survey Zendesk website. We will walk through the application/survey process, together, step by step, to familiarize interested mentors to the process required for a positive resolution. By the end of the workshop, you will know how to request NSH access on the website and be able to begin an application requesting housing placement options for our peers.
Beth Boersma CPRP Certification: Is It For Me?: This workshop explores the Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) credential, offered by the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (PRA). PRA developed the practice of psychosocial/psychiatric rehabilitation, establishing it as an integral part of community-based services and the recovery movement. PRA's primary mission is to grow and train the recovery workforce while promoting wellness and recovery. We will explore the CPRP credential and steps for pursuing certification, benefits of achieving this certification for CPS’s and other interested individuals. We will also provide a description of the Georgia chapter of PRA and how to become involved.
Workshop Descriptions
Amy Morris, Bold New Visions for Peer Support: Celebrating Neurodiversity Awareness and Inclusion: This interactive presentation will encourage discussion on Neurodiversity awareness to increase participants’ knowledge of peers with a mental health diagnosis that also identify as having an intellectual/developmental disability or learning challenge. We will share ways to support each other and embrace untapped potential by learning how some traits or characteristics may impede one’s ability to participate in their wellness fully. We will discuss several types of assistive technology, communication devices, and other accommodations that may be requested by peers and how to communicate, support and advocate for them in your community and workplace. We will discuss ways neurodiverse people can be self-advocates on a personal, local, and state level. We will give attendees a basic understanding of the most common learning challenges people experience. We will look at reports from SAMHSA that give statistical data on how learning challenges can cause cycling in and out of jails, institutions, and care homes when you also have a mental health diagnosis, substance use disorder or physical disability. We will complete a questionnaire at the end of the presentation to determine the individual needs of participants.
Angela Adgers, co-presenter Antionette Jarrells , The Past, Presente, and Future of the FPM Project: The Forensic Peer Mentor Project launched as a pilot in 2015. Since then, it has grown by leaps and bounds. Go on a journey with us as we explain the How, Why, and When. We will walk you through the past, present and future of the Forensic Peer Mentor Project. Come join us!
Beth Boersma, Professional (and Effective) Communication: Are you sure that the messages you send are being received the way you intend? This workshop explores the various types of communication (verbal, written, non-verbal) and steps you can take to ensure that you are communicating effectively. Applicable to both professional and personal life, effective communication skills help to ensure clarity, minimize conflict/misunderstanding, and strengthen relationships. Come see how you might strengthen your skills and become a more effective communicator.
80s Themed Awards Banquet and Dance, featuring The Life Atlantic
The Life Atlantic is a fresh voice on the party scene, a collection of Florida’s finest performance talent featuring Disney and Universal Studios vocalists, Busch Gardens stage performers, and Grammynominated musicians. Its members have played concerts and events across Florida, the nation, and the globe, providing the experience and excellence that power their irresistible live performances. The band’s music is a dynamic journey through classic songs and current hits, from Motown to modern, from 80s to Americana, from light jazz to Latino, from the Beatles to Big Band to Bruno Mars. They’re well-versed in the art of crafting the right mood at the right moment, to make any event unforgettable. The Life Atlantic was formed by Danny Stephens, keyboardist and founding member of the multi-Grammy & Dove nominated band Smalltown Poets. “I basically made a list of my favorite Florida performers to play live music with, and started asking them to get involved,” says Stephens. “I couldn’t have dreamed that so many of them would say yes. We’re having fun celebrating people, and we want to share that fun with as many people as possible.” It’s all for the sake of making the most of people’s moments and milestones. The Life Atlantic...celebrating people in a way they’ll never forget.
Event Located in Strickland Auditorium
6:30p-8:30p: Dinner and Awards Banquet
8:30p- Midnight: Dance
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
