2025 NASW-NJ Annual Conference Registration Book

EARN UP TO 23 CEUs

March 30 - April 1, 2025 2025 NASW-NJ ANNUAL CONFERENCE Registration Book

About the Conference We are excited to welcome social workers and those in the helping professions from across New Jersey and beyond to Atlantic City for our 32nd Annual Conference and Exhibition.

This year’s theme is: “Doing Good, Doing Right, Doing Well: Ethical and EvidenceBased Practice in the Future.”

NASW-NJ is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrating evidence-based practices into the field of social work. The dedication of social workers to excellence in doing good and doing right is shaping the future of our profession. This provides a platform for professionals to explore and discuss the

latest research, ethical dilemmas, and innovative practices. By focusing on evidence-based approaches, the conference ensures that social workers are equipped with the most effective tools and strategies to support their clients. Additionally, addressing ethical considerations helps practitioners navigate complex situations with integrity and professionalism.

We hope you will join us in Atlantic City, March 30 - April 1, 2025, however, for those unable to attend in­ person, we'll also have a limited virtual Conference option providing 8.5 CEUs and allowing you to livestream the conference Keynote and select Plenary sessions. See page 21 for more information.

NASW-NJ acknowledges that the conference gathers on the land of the Lenni-Lanape. We honor the Lenape and other Indigenous caretakers of these lands and waters, the elders who lived here before, the Indigenous today, and the generations to come.

How This Year’s Conference Works KEYNOTES – The opening keynote presentation on Sunday sets the tone for the conference. The closing keynote brings us back together to reflect upon all we have learned during the event.

PLENARIES – We have added plenary sessions to the schedule so we can come together to learn and examine key issues collectively.

CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS – Each day, you’ll have the opportunity to choose a workshop on a topic of interest to you from a selection of concurrent sessions. You’ll attend one concurrent workshop session each day.

ON-DEMAND WORKSHOPS – To help keep your conference schedule manageable, while still providing the opportunity to earn up to 23 CE credits, we are offering two pre-recorded workshops that you will complete on-demand any time between April 2 – May 2. If you are a member and have registered for all three days of the conference, you will also receive a third pre-recorded webinar for on-demand credit. That’s 2 bonus CE credits, at no extra charge, just for members!

Browse through this registration brochure and then be sure to register today!

Commitment to Safe Spaces The National Association of Social Workers New Jersey Chapter is committed to providing a safe, affirming, and inclusive space for all our social work community, partners, volunteers, and event attendees. We believe that everyone has the right to arrive at our space as their authentic self and engage in our activities without fear, intimidation, belittlement and/or harassment of any kind. We believe that everyone’s authenticity should be celebrated and makes us stronger as a social work community.

Our strength as an association is in our people, and we cherish your diversity. We value all our members, partners and attendees equally and will not accept any treatment in any arena of association business which goes contrary to this.

NASW-NJ’s conferences and meeting events are dedicated to providing this safe space for everyone, regardless of gender, identity, expression, orientation, appearance, body size, race, religion and ability. We have a zero-tolerance policy for hostile or harassing conduct of conference participants, partners and volunteers in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any conference venue, including sessions and networking events.

Conference participants violating these rules may be expelled from the conference (without a refund) at the discretion of the conference organizers.

Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, identity, expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing, photography, recordings, sustained disruption of talks or events, inappropriate physical conduct, and unwelcomed attention. We have a zero-tolerance policy and anticipate that all attendees will act in accordance of our policy, and professional code of conduct.

We believe that our community shares our values and while we anticipate no issues, our chapter has created safety protocols that will be available to all attendees. All attendees will have access to our policies and how to report any activity that violates this policy in the conference app as well as the conference program upon attendance.

Schedule at a Glance Sunday, March 30 Conference Check-In Desk Opens at 8 AM Pre-Conference Plenary: Flipping the Script on Youth Suicide: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Optional Understanding and Addressing Youth Suicide Risk

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Visit Exhibit Hall 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Keynote - Navigating Digital Futures: Contemporary Social Work & Generative Artificial Intelligence

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Break/Visit Exhibits 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Concurrent Sessions 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Exhibit Grand Opening Reception (with light food) 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Quizlet Game Show 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM Sponsor & Exhibitor Reception (Invitation Only)

Monday, March 31 Conference Check-In Desk Opens at 8 AM 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM Continental Breakfast/Visit Exhibits 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM Keynote - Reimagining Social Work: Leading with Purpose in a New Era 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Break/Visit Exhibits 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Concurrent Sessions 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Student Program 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM Lunch w/ optional Committees/Unit Networking & Visit Exhibit Hall 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM Plenary - Social Work Diagnosis in the Age of the DSM: The Clinician's Dilemma 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Refreshment Breaks & Visit Exhibit Hall 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Plenary - Whose Body is it, Anyway: The Intersection of Health, Client Autonomy, and Social Work Across The Lifespan

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Free Time/ Networking/ Visit Exhibits 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Disco/Country Party

Tuesday, April 1 7:30

Conference Check-In Desk Opens at 8 AM

AM - 9:00 AM Continental Breakfast & Visit Exhibits

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Closing Plenary Session- 3 Rivers of Social Work CEO’s of NASW, CSWE, ASWB 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Break/ Last chance to Visit Exhibit Hall 11:00 AM - 1:00

PM Concurrent Sessions

On-Demand Workshops

Monday Student Program

On-demand virtual sessions available April 2 – May 2 Information on accessing your on-demand workshops will be provided at the conference.

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM Student Leadership Summit

Optional PreConference Plenary Flipping the Script on Youth Suicide: Understanding and Addressing Youth Suicide Risk 2 Clinical CEUs Sunday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Youth suicide is often reduced to a single devastating statistic: it is the second leading cause of death among youth. But that narrative, while shocking, often obscures the deeper, systemic issues at play. This oversimplified perspective can justify policies that protect systems instead of children, perpetuate a deficit-based approach, and fail to challenge the structural inequities that devalue certain lives.

The workshop aims to uncover the deeper systemic issues and structural inequities that contribute to youth suicide. It will explore culturally relevant approaches to prevention, assessment, and postvention, and highlight how well-intentioned policies can sometimes have harmful outcomes. Participants will learn about the societal pressures, mental health challenges, and digital culture influences that affect youth, and will be equipped with practical tools for early detection, prevention, and intervention. The goal is to empower social workers to create a safer, more equitable world for all youth.

Jonathan B. Singer, PhD, LCSW Jonathan B. Singer, PhD, LCSW is a professor at Loyola University Chicago's School of Social Work, Past-President of the American Association of Suicidology and coauthor of two editions of the best-selling text, Suicide in Schools: A Practitioner's Guide to Multi-level Prevention, Assessment, Intervention, and Postvention. He is a two-time winner of the National Association of Social Workers Media Award (2012 and 2016). In 2023, he was inducted as an NASW "Social Work Pioneer" for introducing podcasting to social work, and in 2024 he was inducted as a Fellow of the Society for Social Work and Research.

Dr. Singer is a well-regarded international speaker who has given continuing education workshops, keynote addresses, and presentations on youth suicide, ethics, technology, adolescent development and attachment-based family therapy in the USA, Latin America, Asia, and Europe. Dr. Singer has chaired national committees for the National Associate of Social Workers (NASW) and Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). He is an NASW Expert, Healio Psychiatry Peer Perspective Board member, and has served on several national advisory boards including JED Foundation, Suicide Prevention Resource Center, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. He was a 2014 Visiting Scholar at Fordham University, the 2017 Lucille N. Austin Scholar at Columbia University, the 2018 Distinguished Lecturer at Weber State University, and 2024 Visiting Fellow at Indiana University.

Sunday Keynote Session Navigating Digital Futures: Contemporary Social Work and Generative Artificial Intelligence Sunday, March 30, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM 1.5 General Credits The rise of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) marks a pivotal moment in technological innovation, with profound implications for the future of social work. From ChatGPT's public debut in 2022 to the growing integration of AI tools across social work and allied professions, we stand at the threshold of a transformative era where universal access to intelligence can reshape how social workers support, serve and advocate with clients, and take their professional development to the next level. This keynote address will delve into the promise and complexities of GAI, offering a forward-looking exploration of its potential to enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and create more effective therapeutic interventions.

Rooted in real-world applications and informed by ethical considerations, this address will illuminate how social workers can harness tools like ChatGPT to augment service coordination, clinical interactions, and administrative workflows while ensuring fidelity to core social work values. Attendees will gain insights into the responsible use of AI, including strategies to mitigate biases inherent in these systems, safeguard client confidentiality, and leverage visual AI technologies like Midjourney and Dalle to create personalized, culturally responsive therapeutic resources. By envisioning a future where technology enhances, rather than replaces, human connection, this keynote will inspire social workers to critically and ethically engage with these groundbreaking tools, ensuring that their practice remains at the forefront of innovation and compassion in an increasingly digital world.

with Jonathan B. Singer, PhD, LCSW

Monday Keynote Session Reimagining Social Work: Leading with Purpose in a New Era Monday, March 31, 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM 1.5 Clinical Credits The future of social work calls for a bold reimagining of the profession, where social workers step into their roles as purposeful leaders and visionary change-makers. This session will inspire social workers to embrace leadership with renewed purpose, redefining how the world sees social work.

We'll explore strategies to lead with conviction, challenge outdated stereotypes, and drive social innovation that addresses the complexities of our modern world. By leading purposefully, social workers can revolutionize the profession and create lasting, meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

In this transformative session, participants will delve into the evolving landscape of social work, recognizing the critical need for innovative approaches and dynamic leadership. It will highlight the importance of social workers as catalysts for change, emphasizing their unique position to influence policy, advocate for social justice, and empower communities.

LAKEYA CHERRY DSW, MSSW

Dr. Lakeya Cherry, DSW, MSSW, ACC, is the CEO/Founder of Lakeya Cherry LLC, a Partner at Evolution, and an executive leadership coach. She is an ICF Certified Coach, a StartingBloc Fellow, a Google #IamRemarkable Facilitator, and a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator. Her coaching experience has fueled her passion for helping individuals, teams, and organizations lead authentically and courageously.

Her former clients include Glassdoor, LA Cleantech Incubator (LACI), Snap, Cisco, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Southern Veterinary Partners (SVP), The Trust powered by the NFL Players Association, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Chicago Foundation for Women, Seattle Children’s Hospital, UCSD Palliative Care, Black Administrators of Child Welfare, and the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute.

Dr. Cherry is the former CEO of The Network for Social Work Management, where she expanded the organization globally and introduced transformative programming. She also serves as a Commissioner on San Diego’s Commission on the Status of Women. Her educational background includes a Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California, an MS in Social Work from Columbia University, and a BA in Psychology and Legal Studies from the University of California at Santa Cruz. She holds additional certifications in Team Coaching, Psychological Safety, EQi 2.0 and EQ 360, Diversity and Inclusion, Women's Entrepreneurship, and Nonprofit Executive Leadership.

MONDAY PLENARY SESSIONS Social Work Diagnosis in the Age of the DSM: The Clinician's Dilemma

1.5 Clinical/Ethics CEUs, 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM This presentation examines the history and rationale of the DSM diagnostic system, exploring its successes, failures, and the factors that shaped it into its current form. It addresses major controversies surrounding the DSM and considers its potential future direction, including proposals for alternative systems. The discussion highlights the ways in which the widespread use of DSM diagnoses intersects with social work’s aspirations, both positively and negatively.

Jerome C. ("Jerry") Wakefield, PhD, DSW, MSW, MA

As the largest mental health profession, social workers are often required to provide clients with DSM diagnoses. However, unlike other mental health professions, social work maintains a broader mandate to address person-in-environment challenges, including issues of social deprivation and injustice. The presentation emphasizes the tension between how clients' problems are conceptualized versus how they must be DSM-diagnosed—a conflict described as the "clinician's dilemma."

Whose Body is it, Anyway: The Intersection of Health, Client Autonomy, and Social Work Across The Lifespan

1.5 Clinical CEUs, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Facilitator: E. Goldblatt Hyatt (they/them), DSW, LCSW, MBE

Whether engaged in healthcare environments or other settings, at some point social workers will encounter clients experiencing transformative challenges with and within their bodies. From birth to death, health issues often have important psychosocial and social justice implications. This panel explores novel health experiences across the lifespan and engages attendees to consider such questions as “whose body is it anyway?;” “how can social workers support the autonomy of clients in compromising medical situations;” and “how can we advocate for underserved populations in the healthcare sphere?”

Picture

Presenters in order of appearance:

Judie McCoyd, PhD, LCSW Patricia Palmer, LCSW Kimberly Rumaker, LCSW Jacqueline Salvatore, MSW LSW, Simone Snyder, MSW

Unavailable

Enjoy the benefits of NASW Membership throughout the year:

SUNDAY, MARCH 30 1.5 GENERAL CEUS

WN SOCIAL WORK SHOWDO

A NIGHT OF FUN, LEARNING, & PRIZES Put your knowledge to the test and your teamwork skills to work!

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

COUNTRY PARTY BALLROOM Join us for a night where the Wild West meets the Disco Inferno! Dust off your cowboy boots and shine up your disco balls for the ultimate Country/Disco Dance Party. Expect a night filled with toe-tapping country hits, groovy disco beats, and a dance floor that's ready to rock!

Don't miss out on the most fun fusion party of the year! Grab your friends, put on your best country or disco attire, and let's dance the night away!

See you there!

LEADING WITH IMPACT

A Workshop for Social Work Students About the Event This workshop is designed to equip social work students with the essential leadership skills and knowledge to positively impact our community. The workshop will include roundtable talks with leaders in the field who will discuss topics related to developing a professional identity, elevating practice, branding, social justice, the business of social work, and more. Students can expect to be inspired by engaged conversations on leadership, connect and network with fellow students and professionals, and enhance personal and professional growth. The workshop will be followed by a lunch where students can connect with professionals in the field.

Table Topics Developing your professional identity How to talk about what you do Self-care in social work Elevate your practice (all levels) Branding and marketing 101 Social work and social justice

Schedule 10:30am-10:40am

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Welcome/Introductions

10:40am-12:20pm

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Table Rotation

12:20pm-12:45pm

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Group Process

12:45pm-1:30pm

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Mentorship Lunch

1:30pm-2:30pm

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Visit Exhibit Hall

Social work leadership in action The business of social work Staying engaged in the social work community

CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS Sunday, March 30, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm S1. Clinical Toolkit for Reversing Parental Burnout Talia Starr Filippelli, MSW, LCSW 2 Clinical CEUs Since parental burnout can have detrimental consequences for parents, couples, and children, easy-touse, reliable, and valid practical tools for the early detection of parental burnout are required. This webinar aims to equip mental health professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively address and alleviate burnout in parents.

S2. Social Work & Holistic Defense: Interdisciplinary Opportunities for Justice Colleen Smith, MSW, LCSW & Prescott Loveland, JD, MSW 2 General/Ethics CEUs Social workers are pivotal partners in advancing justice. As the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender transitions to a more team-based, community-oriented holistic defense model, social workers have much to offer. This presentation explores the opportunities and challenges social workers face as interdisciplinary collaborators within the criminal justice system.

S3. Civic Engagement as Trauma Informed Work: A Call to Action Tiffany Starr, MSW, LSW & Jessica Taube, MSW, LSW 2 General CEUs Civic engagement is a trauma informed practice that all social workers should embrace to address oppression impacting clients and to promote healing. This session will demystify what macro social work is and provide tools for engaging in civic action as social workers and encouraging clients to do the same.

S4. The Future of Modern Relationships: The Need for a Relational Revolution Widian Nicola, DSW, LCSW 2 Clinical CEUs This workshop begs the question of whether it is possible to have healthy relationships in today’s world and, consequently, what it requires. Along with case studies and the help of neuroscience, well-known research on relationships, philosophy, anthropology, and spiritual teachings, this workshop will provide a roadmap to help answer this pressing question. A Relational Revolution Model will be presented.

S5. Bridging the Gap: Integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into Ethical Macro Practice Dr. La'Tesha Sampson, PhD, DSW, MPA, LCSW, ACSW 2 Social/Cultural Competence or General or Ethics CEUs This session focuses on integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles into macro-level social work practice. Participants will explore strategies for promoting equitable policies, addressing systemic barriers, and implementing ethical frameworks that support diverse communities, fostering long-term social change and justice.

CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS Sunday, March 30, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm S6. Integrating Memory Training and Psychotherapy with the Aging Population Jennifer A. Pax, PhD, JD, MSW, LCSW 2 Clinical CEUs Memory interventions help support mental health goals with the aging population and are a great way to enhance services to clients with a mental health diagnosis and evidence of memory decline. Learn about the process of writing memory goals and implementing them in practice.

S7. Empowering Leaders: The Crucial Role of Mentorship and Sponsorship in Social Work Leadership Development Erica Sandoval, LCSW 2 General or Social/Cultural CEUs This session explores the vital role of mentorship and sponsorship in the development of social work leaders, with a focus on empowering emerging social workers. It highlights how effective leadership development fosters professional growth, resilience, and post-traumatic recovery, especially within marginalized communities. Through mentorship and sponsorship, established social work leaders can guide the next generation, offering support and opportunities that facilitate personal and professional healing. This discussion will emphasize the significance of mentorship in shaping confident, compassionate leaders who can navigate the challenges of social work practice while promoting positive outcomes for clients and communities.

S8. Money: The Last Taboo in Psychotherapy Silvia Dutchevici, MA, MSW, LCSW 2 Clinical CEUs Whether it is fee setting, or deciding how much a psychotherapy session is worth, the topic of money is a difficult one for therapists and patients alike. This interactive workshop will introduce an equitable sliding scale model that also provokes therapeutic conversations around money, wealth, power, capitalism and economic justice.

S9. Advocacy Through Storytelling: Shaping Public Perceptions of Social Work Lakeya Cherry, DSW 2 General CEUs Social workers are often underestimated due to outdated stereotypes. This session will teach participants how to use storytelling to highlight the impact of their work and advocate for systemic change.

Participants will practice crafting compelling narratives that elevate their profession’s value and influence policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.

CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS Monday March 31st 10:30 am – 12:30 pm M1. Anti-Oppressive Supervision: Cultivating Radical Genuineness Between BIPOC Supervisees and White Supervisors Jennifer Campbell, LCSW, DBT-LBC & Ayanna Bates, LSW, LMSW 2 Social/Cultural Competence or Clinical CEUs This workshop will disseminate adoption of an anti-oppressive lens within the supervisory relationship to establish a radically genuine rapport between BIPOC supervisees and white supervisors. Supervision dynamics to explore will include active listening, DEI and remaining authentic, and avoiding saviorism while providing ethical support.

M2. Suicide Prevention Strategies and Support: Empowering School Mental Health Professionals Jillian Meinhardt, MSW, LCSW 2 Clinical CEUs This session will equip school mental health providers with effective approaches to implement suicide prevention, intervention and postvention processes, along with the tools required to educate all school personnel. In two hours, school mental health providers will acquire a comprehensive suicide prevention roadmap covering psychoeducation, prevention, intervention and postvention strategies.

M3. Supporting Latina/o/e Youth in Child Welfare: Culturally Informed School Social Work Sharon Bale-Peña, DSW, LCSW 2 Social/Cultural or Clinical CEUs Latina/o/e youth impacted by the child welfare system often experience complex trauma resulting in mental health issues, poor educational achievement, relational difficulties, and behavioral challenges.

This presentation highlights strategies school social workers and can implement to reduce barriers and provide culturally informed care to support these youth.

M4. Chronic Pain and Mental Health: Managing Symptoms Physically and Emotionally J Cangialosi, LCPC 2 Clinical CEUs This presentation explores the correlation between chronic pain and mental health disorders.

Participants will learn to assess the impacts of chronic pain on daily functioning and mental health, utilizing holistic treatment plans incorporating psychological, physical, and social interventions for effective management.

CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS Monday March 31, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm M5. The Trauma of Incarceration: Institutionalize Racism & Shared Humanity Helena D. Lewis, DSW, LCSW, LCADC, CCS & Dr. Asa Paris, DSW, LCSW, LCADC, CJM 2 Social/Cultural Competence or Clinical or Ethic CEUs Using poems and monologues to explore the lived experience of incarcerated people, this workshop explores the origins of institutionalized racism and the complex nuances of reentry work that illuminates generational and historical trauma. This workshop concludes with a panel discussion on ethical and trauma-informed practices for reentry populations.

M6. Understanding Religious Trauma: Advocating for the Future Becky Johnson, MSW, LCSW, CCM 2 Clinical CEUs This session will define religious trauma, as well as explore related terms such as spiritual abuse and spiritual violence. It will also review risk factors and presentation of Religious Trauma, with attention to special populations that may be at higher risk. Finally, this presentation will review macro changes needed to successfully treat and prevent religious trauma.

M7. "Liberating Grief": Applying an Anti-Oppressive Framework to the Field E. Goldblatt Hyatt, DSW, LCSW, MBE & Tangela Sawyerr, DSW, MA 2 Clinical or Social/Cultural CEUs White supremacy and colonialism have shaped a dominant narrative of grief that promotes oppressive practices and structural inequities. These pathological paradigms may impede meaningful healing and grief processes for bereaved people. In response, this presentation examines grief through the lens of Liberatory Consciousness to reevaluate interventions. The presenters utilize the Liberatory Consciousness framework to explore intersections of grief and oppression within bereavement work and conceptualize intentional strategies for change.

M8. The Right to Grieve: Disenfranchised Grief and Its Impact on Health Anthony Gallo, MSW, LCSW, LCADC 2 Social/Cultural Competence or Clinical CEUs Grief is an emotionally painful experience typically softened by the consoling words and support provided by others. Disenfranchised grievers instead receive silence, ridicule, or shame which can exacerbate their loss and complicate healthy grieving. Improved treatment may reduce morbidity and mortality, especially amongst underserved populations.

CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS Tuesday, April 1, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

T1. Creating Cultures of Change: Social Work Practice in Education & Beyond!

Jordan Warner, BSW & V. DuWayne Battle, PhD, DMin, MSW, MDiv. 2 Social/Cultural Competence or General CEUs This workshop explores how peer-to-peer engagement can empower students in both K-12 and higher education settings to lead sustainability and social justice initiatives. Participants will learn how to implement peer-led models that create inclusive, student-centered programs, fostering cultural shifts and addressing systemic issues in educational communities.

CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS Tuesday, April 1, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm T2. First Steps Toward Decolonial Practice: Introducing the Contextual Indigeneity in Social Work Toolkit (CISWT) Ausirys Alviz, MSW,LCSW 2 Social/Cultural Competence or General CEUs This workshop presents the Contextual Indigeneity in Social Work Toolkit (CISWT), an online resource that equips social workers with culturally responsive content that can make social workers better allied to Indigenous communities. The CISWT aligns with decolonizing and anti-racist principles, providing a comprehensive proposal that will be an evidence-based strategy to support ethical social work practice.

T3. Radical Self-Care for the Social Worker Leader Sharea Farmer, LCSW & Michelle Hall-Boggan, LCSW 2 Social/Cultural Competence or Clinical CEUs Radical Self-Care for the Social Worker Leader empowers leaders to integrate ethical, anti-racist self-care practices, fostering resilience and well-being. This workshop explores the intersection of leadership, social justice, and personal care, emphasizing the importance of addressing power, privilege, and identity in sustaining ethical, evidence-based social work practice.

T4. What Works in Therapy: Understanding the Common Factors of Psychotherapy Douglas Behan, DSW, LCSW 2 Clinical CEUs Clients deserve therapy that is research-supported and effective. Understanding the basic factors of effective psychotherapy will make your work more impactful and more inclusive. This workshop will provide an overview of psychotherapy research and explore key factors that are essential for therapy to be effective - regardless of the model being used. The concepts covered can be adapted to all therapeutic settings, populations, and approaches.

T5. Enhancing Ethical Practice with Clients At-Risk for Suicide to Protect Against Malpractice Maureen Underwood, MSW, LCSW & Michelle Scott, MSW, Ph.D. 2 Ethics or Clinical CEUs Clinical standards of care to enhance practice and prevent malpractice related to suicide risk assessment will be taught using case studies and small group discussion. Participants will understand best practice for assessment, crisis-intervention and documentation with clients, across the life span, who are at-risk for or currently suicidal.

CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS Tuesday, April 1, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm T6. Recent Changes to DSM Depressive and Grief Disorders: Are We Misdiagnosing Normal Sadness and Grief as Mental Disorders Jerome C. ("Jerry") Wakefield, PhD, DSW, MSW, MA 2 Clinical CEUs The revision processes leading to DSM-5 (2013) and DSM-5-TR (2022) were marked by significant controversies, particularly regarding the introduction of prolonged grief disorder and expansions within the depressive disorders chapter. Critics raised concerns about psychiatry potentially overstepping its boundaries by pathologizing normal emotional responses to life circumstances as mental disorders. This workshop will explore the changes to depressive and grief disorders, examining the rationale behind the updates, the controversies they sparked, and the backstories of successful proposals. Additionally, it will provide a systematic review of updates to depressive disorder categories and share research findings on the validity of depressive disorder diagnostic criteria to contextualize the broader implications of these diagnostic revisions.

T7. Civic Empowerment of our Unhoused Neighbors Caitlin Krenn, DSW, LCSW, SIFI 2 Social/Cultural Competence or General or Ethics CEUs The homeless population, although often a source of political contention, is forgotten and unseen in the civic process. Political participation and influence remain unequal and biased in favor of the privileged.

This presentation addresses this phenomenon as it pertains to our unhoused neighbors and societal civic health.

T8. Modern Teens and Classic Techniques: Getting Them to Open Up Noel Hiers, LCSW & Brian Taylor, LSW 2 Clinical CEUs With cell phone addictions, suicides, and school shootings, it is imperative that we hear the inner thoughts of generation alpha. Participants will learn concrete strategies, games, prompts, whiteboard activities, and how to utilize siblings when a youth presents as shy, awkward, withdrawn, angry, defiant, or otherwise challenging when conversing.

T9. The Ethics Bridge: Connecting Values to Decision-Making in Social Work Kristin L. Miller, MSW, LCSW 2 Clinical or Ethics CEUs Understanding how personal values impact the social worker-client relationship is essential for effective practice. This workshop examines the relationship between personal and social work values in ethical decision-making. Through self-reflection and real-world scenarios, participants will identify their values, evaluate their influence on practice, and learn strategies for maintaining healthy boundaries.

ON DEMAND COURSES April 2nd – May 2nd D1. Evidence and Ethics: Building Inclusive Practices for a Diverse Future Dr. La'Tesha Sampson, Ph.D, DSW, MPA, LCSW. ACSW 2 General or Social/Cultural CEUs This session focuses on integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles into macro-level social work practice. Participants will explore strategies for promoting equitable policies, addressing systemic barriers, and implementing ethical frameworks that support diverse communities, fostering long-term social change and justice.

D2. Trauma-Informed & Stress Reducing Practices in Educational Settings Danielle Bachant, LCSW, MT-B & Jennifer A. Pax, PhD, JD, MSW, LCSW 2 Clinical CEUs The implementation of trauma-informed and stress reducing practices in educational settings are crucial for students’ well-being including academic success. This presentation will provide tools for traumainformed practices that support a culture of support.

D3. Integrating Participatory Design and Community-Engaged Scholarship for Ethical and Evidence-Based Duwayne Battle PhD, DMin, MSW, MDiv & Amml F. Hussein, EdD, LMSW 2 Ethics CEUs This workshop presents the integration of participatory design and community engaged inquiry in an an undergraduate Applied Statistics course in Social Work. The course equips future social workers with the tools necessary to critically engage with data and address ethical dilemmas in evidence-based practice, focusing on racial equity and health disparities within community contexts. By integrating elements of participatory design within this applied statistics course, the authors aim to prepare future practitioners in making data informed decision making within their agencies and practice contexts.

D4. Promoting Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation: A Framework for National Projects in Community-Engaged Research Amml F. Hussein, EdD, LMSW & Juan A. Rios, DSW, LCSW 2 Social/Cultural Competence or General CEUs This workshop features the community-engaged research projects and convergence activities emerging from the Collaborative on Health Equity (NCEH) national cohort funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Kellogg Foundation. Grounded in the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) framework, this cohort of scholars and community leaders is dedicated to advancing healingcentered, evidence-based research that uncovers truths about racial and systemic injustices while actively working to foster racial healing and transformation at the community and policy levels. The cohort’s work provides a national model for integrating social justice into research and practice, with a particular focus on long-term societal transformation through ethical and collaborative community engagement. Two of the collaboratives lead fellows are also social work educators who will present on their community engaged research projects.

PRICING BREAKDOWN In Person (Earn up to 23 CEUs) HOLIDAY DEAL (BY JAN. 5)

EARLY BIRD (BY FEB. 12)

STANDARD (AFTER FEB. 12)

NASW Member

$475

$490

$590

Non-Member

$615

$630

$715

NASW Member

$390

$400

$465

Non-Member

$485

$500

$570

NASW Member

$220

$225

$255

Non-Member

$235

$240

$275

TYPE 3 Days

2 Days

1 Day

Additional Pricing Optional Pre-Conference Plenary Flipping the Script on Youth Suicide: Understanding and Addressing Youth Suicide Risk

Student Pricing - In person (Students not eligible for CEUs)

NASW Member

$50

NASW Student Member

$100

Non-Member

$70

Student Non-Member

$160

DSW Student Member Flat Rate (Eligible for CEUs) DSW Student Member Flat Rate

$250

DSW Student Non-Member Flat Rate

$325

Thank You to Our Year-Round Sponsors

Join us as a sponsor or exhibitor at the 2025 NASW-NJ Annual Conference.

Exhibitor prospectus will be available here.

Email jmunoz.naswnj@socialworkers.org for more information.

DISCOUNTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATION Traveling with Friends or Family YOU CAN PURCHASE GUEST MEALS! Guest Breakfast Monday = $30 Guest Lunch Monday = $50 Guest Breakfast Tuesday = $30 HOTEL DISCOUNTS & PERKS Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Spa: Discount of 10% off all regularly priced services.

Guests may make reservations by calling 609-449-5380 and identifying themselves as an attendee of the National Association of Social Workers – New Jersey.

Link to the guide of services: 07-22-hard-rock-ac-spa-brochure.pdf (hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com) General Hotel Perks: Wi-fi and use of the indoor pool are complimentary.

THERE WILL BE NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION AVAILABLE! PLEASE REGISTER IN ADVANCE. REGISTRATION & ATTENDANCE INFORMATION PREFERRED PAYMENT METHOD: Please use the online registration to register with a credit card. It’s quick, secure and you’ll receive instant confirmation and receipt of payment and courses! Current NASW members must provide their NASW Member ID number (starting with 88) in order to receive discounted pricing.

Mailed or faxed registrations must be filled out completely, legibly and be accompanied by payment. Confirmation emails will be sent once registration is entered.

Space in workshops at conference is not guaranteed. We encourage you to pre-register to secure a space at the conference. THERE WILL BE NO ON-SITE REGISTRATIONS Consent to Use Photographic Images: Attendance at, or participation in, NASW-NJ conferences constitutes as an agreement by the attendee to the use and distribution of the attendee's image or voice in photographs, videotapes, and electronic reproductions by NASW-NJ. PAYMENT INFORMATION

By Purchase Orders - If paying for your

registration with a purchase order, you must provide a copy of the completed PO with your completed registration form. Registrations with Purchase Orders must be mailed or faxed, they cannot be entered online.

NOTE: FAXES STRONGLY PREFERRED and can be sent to: 732-296-8074 or email conference.naswnj@socialworkers.org.

By Credit Card - Registrations paid by credit card must be received by March 21, 2025 by fax, mail or online (preferred). Registrations received after this date may not be processed.

REFUND POLICY Refund requests received by two weeks before the Annual Conference will be subject to a $100.00 processing fee. No refunds will be granted for cancellations after that time period.

Refunds will be made in the same form the payments were received. If payment was made by check, refund will be issued via check; if payment was made by credit card, refund will be issued to the credit card used to pay for the course. Your refund will arrive by check or back to your card within 3-4 weeks after receiving your request.

THE VIRTUAL CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE Not able to attend in person? We’ve got you covered!

While we are thrilled to be able to return to Atlantic City for an in-person conference experience with our social work community, we recognize that not everyone is comfortable returning to in-person events. Or maybe your schedule just doesn’t allow the time away. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on this year’s conference.

Our Virtual Conference option will allow you to earn 8.5 CE credits while participating remotely in the highlights of the conference, including keynotes and select plenaries. You’ll also be able to take advantage of the on-demand workshop options available to conference attendees.

Check out the Virtual Conference schedule-at-a-glance below. Please note, keynotes and plenaries will only be available to stream live during their scheduled conference slots; they will not be available to access after the livestream. The On-Demand workshops will be available for you to access between April 2 – May 2.

Have additional questions about the Virtual Conference Option? Email conference.naswnj@socialworkers.org

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE –

VIRTUAL ATTENDEES Sunday, March 30 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

Kickoff Keynote - Navigating Digital Futures: Contemporary Social Work & Generative Artificial Intelligence

Monday, March 31 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Social Work Diagnosis in the Age of the DSM: The Clinician's Dilemma

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Whose Body is it, Anyway: The Intersection of Health, Client Autonomy, and Social Work Across The Lifespan

SUNDAY AND MONDAY SESSIONS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE LIVE. THERE IS NO OPTION TO VIEW IF MISSED.

ON-DEMAND WORKSHOPS On-demand virtual sessions will be available from April 2 – May 2.

More information on accessing your on-demand workshops will be emailed in advance of the conference.

VIRTUAL CONFERENCE OPTION PRICING (Earn up to 8.5 CEUs) NASW Member

$175

Non-Member

$275

Conference Room Reservations The 2025 NASW-NJ Annual Conference and Exhibition will be held at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City. Special room rates of

$69/night plus fees and taxes have been reserved for conference attendees. Rooms must be booked by March 15, 2025 to receive the special rate.

Click here to reserve online.

Or call 609-449-6860 and mention Group Code: GNAS25Z

HARDROCKHOTELATLANTICCITY.COM

1000 BOARDWALK, ATLANTIC CITY, NJ 08401

LMFT

ONDEMAND SESSIONS

TUESDAY

MONDAY

SUNDAY

WORKSHOP SELECTIONS

2025 NASW-NJ ANNUAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM REGISTRATION INFORMATION All registrations must be received by March 21, 2025.

LPC

NASW-NJ members who register for 3 days of conference can choose a third #3 _________

ON DEMAND SESSION CHOICE (I.E. D1 OR D2 ETC).CHOOSE TWO. #1_______ #2 _______

CONCURRENT WORKSHOP CHOICE (IE T1 OR T2 ETC)______________ 11AM-1PM

CONCURRENT WORKSHOP CHOICE (IE M1 OR M2 ETC) ____________ 10:30AM-12:30PM

CONCURRENT WORKSHOP CHOICE (IE S1 OR S2 ETC) ______________ 2:30PM-4:30PM

LCADC

Name:

LSW

CADC

Quizlet Game Show (1.5 General CEUs)

CSW

LCSW

Address: City/State/Zip: Phone: Email (for certificate):

N/A

NASW Member ID (starts w/ 88): License: Licensure Status: Affiliation: Pronouns:

$590

$500

$400

$570

$465

#1_______

#2 _______ Guest Breakfast Monday $30

GUEST MEALS

$100

□ Personal Check # ____________ □ PO# ____________ □ Business Check #____________

Make all checks and POs payable to NASW-NJ.

PAYMENT- MUST BE SUBMITTED OR POSTMARKED BY MARCH 21 NASW Student Member

$160

$225

$255

NASW Member

$70

$50

DSW Student Member Flat Rate

$250

Refunds: Refund requests received by two weeks before the Annual Conference will be subject to a $100.00 processing fee. No refunds will be granted for cancellations after that time period.

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $___________________

Billing Address, City, Zip _______________________________________________________

Signature ___________________________________________________________________

Cardholder’s Printed Name _____________________________________________________

Exp. Date _______________________ CVV/Security Code (required) ___________________

Card # _____________________________________________________________________

□ Credit Card (Check One) □ Visa □ Mastercard □ Amex □ Discover

Student Non-Member

(Students not eligible for CEUs)

Student Pricing - In person

Guest Breakfast Tuesday $30

VIRTUAL OPTION ONLY

$715

$390

Guest Lunch Monday $50

NASW Membership ID #:

$490

$485

Additional Pricing

On Demand Sessions On Demand session choice (i.e. D1 or D2 etc). Choose two.

$630

STANDARD (AFTER FEB. 12)

$475

EARLY BIRD (BY FEB. 12)

$615

HOLIDAY DEAL (BY JAN. 5)

Not an NASW Member? Join now to gain access to member pricing (you’ll save on your registration fee) PLUS gain all the benefits of membership! Join NASW now!

TYPE

NASW Member

3 Days

Non-Member

NASW Member

2 Days

Non-Member

$220

Non-Member

Flipping the Script on Youth Suicide: Understanding and Addressing Youth Suicide Risk

NASW Member

$275

1 Day

Non-Member

$240

DSW Student Non-Member Flat Rate

(Eligible for CEUs)

DSW Student Member Flat Rate

$235

OPTIONAL WORKSHOP $70 Non-Members

□ Sunday Pre-Conference Session: □ $50 Members

$325

Register By Credit Card at: https://cvent.me/m8dQYy ● For check/POs contact conference.naswnj@socialworkers.org ● Fax to: 732-296-8074