Schedule for Wednesday, May 2, 2018


7:30-8:35 a.m. Breakfast


8:30-9:30 a.m.
General Session

Better Together: Partnering to Expand and Sustain Systems of Care
Gary Blau, PhD, Chief, Child, Adolescent and Family Branch,
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,
Rockville, MD
Pennsylvania has received a variety of federal SAMHSA grants over the
years. The grants have given us an opportunity to explore new ideas and
ways of working better together. Dr. Blau will share the SAMHSA
perspective on the opportunities at the federal level and how they are
supporting the work at the family youth and state level.


Presentation of Conference Awards


9:45-11:15 a.m. Workshops (90 minutes)


W 1
Level: Basic
Audience: Y, F, C, Co
Stacking for Success: Building Authentic Partnerships with Youth and Young Adults
Alexis Gingell, MA, Healthy Transitions Youth Coordinator,
UPMC/OMHSAS, Harrisburg, PA
Chad Owen, Youth Support Partner Specialist, UPMC, Monroeville, PA
Will McKenna, Data Base Manager, UPMC, Monroeville, PA
HT Network Youth, to be determined

The Pennsylvania Healthy Transitions Partnership is on a journey to
capture authentic youth voice across the Commonwealth of PA by creating a
Youth and Young Adult Network. Join us and hear from the Healthy
Transitions statewide staff, County Learning Laboratories and youth and
young adults themselves on successes thus far, challenge areas, lessons
learned, and how being a part of this Network is bridging a gap to wellness!


W 2
Level: Basic
Audience: Y
An In-Depth Look into the First Stage(s) of Youth Advocate to Advocate for Youth
Corey Ludden, Technical Assistance and Engagement Coordinator,
Youth M.O.V.E. PA (Motivating Others through Voices of Experience), Harrisburg, PA
Zack Karenchak/Policy and Program Development Coordinator,
Youth M.O.V.E. PA (Motivating Others through Voices of Experience), Harrisburg, PA

This interactive session will discuss the first two stages of becoming a Youth
Advocate and help participants understand their experiences and how to
use them to advocate, as well as understanding what to say and how to take
care of themselves.


W 3
Level: Basic
Audience: Y, F, C
Wellness and Warmth: Reaching Individuals Across the Lifespan
Marie Krechowski, Peer Supervisor, Mental Health Association in
Beaver County, Rochester, PA
Lori Vish Stearns, Executive Director, Keystone Wellness Programs, Evans City, PA

Participants will be walked through the SAMHSA wellness initiative
website with particular attention to useful worksheets and printable
materials. The wellness project was implemented with transition-aged youth
with their natural supports, but the approach is fully appropriate for
individuals of all ages. The warm handoff in Beaver County has been
established by collaboration with all provider agencies. This includes
outreach to local inpatient units and LTSR's to provide people with
information, referral, and peer support.

W 4
Level: Intermediate
Audience: XS
Repairing the Breach: the Impact of Family Therapy in Residential
Treatment

Adrienne Dixon, Associate Vice President, Residential Services, Erie, PA
Tyler Jarmuzek

There are many methods for engaging families in residential treatment
however, but there is a significant gap as to how to demonstrate efficacy in
working with youth and their families in this setting. This workshop will
present a case study on the use of interpersonal family therapy with a youth
and his family that focused on the resolution of family conflicts rooted in
systemic trauma.

W 5
Level: Basic
Audience: All
Why Should I Learn About FASD?
Gordon R. Hodas, MD, Statewide Child Psychiatric Consultant,
Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Philadelphia, PA
Dianna Brocious, Family Involvement Specialist, PA System of Care, Templeton, PA
Lyn Becker, MBA, RMA, Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

This workshop helps mental health and human service professionals better
understand Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in children and
adolescents (youth). FASD is nearly four times more prevalent than
Autism. Among high-risk youth (child welfare, juvenile justice, special
education), the prevalence may exceed 40%. Faculty involves two family
members and a child and adolescent psychiatrist, all on the Statewide FASD
Task Force. We consider FASD presentation, impact, identification, and
management. Developmental competence and system of care principles are essential.


W 6
Level: Intermediate
Audience: C, XS
Psychosis in Young People: Early Detection and Intervention
Peter Bachman, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
Diana Mermon, MS, Outreach Coordinator, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
 

This workshop aims to develop skills for recognition and assessment of early
signs of psychosis in children, adolescents, and transition-age youth. We
will also discuss the content, evidence-base, and implementation of
interventions designed to reduce psychosis risk and prevent the development of
illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The HOPE TEAM Project
will provide an example of a research-inspired program facing the challenges
and opportunities for integrating evidence-based practice and system-of-care
principles to impact public health.

W 7
Level: Basic
Audience: XS, Co, EC
Creating an Interconnected Systems Framework Starts in Early
Childhood

Susan Zeiders, MEd, BCBA, Consultant and Project Manager, Early Intervention Technical Assistance, Harrisburg, PA
Kelly Perales, MSW, Director of Training and Technical Assistance,
PBIS/Mental Health Integration, Midwest PBIS Network, Hummelstown, PA

This session will focus on the critical elements of cross-system leadership
teams, stakeholder buy-in and participation, and lessons learned from sites
implementing the ISF. Examples will be shared of partnerships between
family and community partners, with a particular focus on early childhood.

W 8
Level: Basic
Audience: C, XS, Co, EC
Nurse Family Partnership and Moving Beyond Depression: An In-Home Collaborative Approach
Jennifer Walker, LSW, Therapist, Penn Medicine Lancaster General, Lancaster, PA
Janine Castle, PhD, Psychologist, Penn Medicine Lancaster General, Lancaster, PA
Mary L. Steffy, BS, RN, Supervisor, Nurse Family Partnership Penn Medicine Lancaster General, Lancaster, PA

Nurse-Family Partnership is a program for at-risk, first-time mothers that
improves maternal and child health outcomes and self-efficacy. Moving
Beyond Depression is an In-Home Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-H CBT)
evidence-based treatment program for mothers with depression The two
programs work collaboratively to identify, assess and treat new mothers with
depression This collaborative approach improves the success of both
programs while simultaneously improving the mother's well-being and her
parenting skills.

W 9
Level: Basic
Audience: C, XS, Co, EC
Stable Housing is Essential for Child Development and Healthy
Families: An Infant Mental Health Perspective

Tracy Duarte, Director, PA Head Start State Collaboration Office, PA Key, Harrisburg, PA
Andres Sheesley, Regional Homeless Coordinator, ARIN IU 28, Indiana, PA

In the U.S. one has a greater likelihood of being in a public shelter as an
infant than at any other age. Recent advances in child development—e.g.,
ACES, brain imaging and the impact of toxic stress, etc.—have highlighted
the critical importance of stability in the early years. Housing insecurity
stresses parents, causing depression and inhibiting the ability to be fully
available to the child which can block the child's experience and
internalization of the concepts of security and “home.” We will discuss what
strategies and resources might be employed to optimize secure attachments.

W 10
Level: Basic
Audience: Y, F, C
Best Practices in Bullying Prevention
Mary Dolan MA, Bullying Prevention Consultant, Office for Safe
Schools, PA Department of Education, Harrisburg, PA

Best practice indicates the ongoing need for comprehensive bullying
prevention, which includes a three-tiered approach with representation by
all partners. Even in the best school climates, youth report being bullied or
witnessing this anti-social behavior. This workshop will provide a roadmap
on best practices and guidance on how to partner with their local school or
community. The PA Bullying Prevention Consultation Line will be
highlighted as a supportive resource for unresolved bullying situations.

W 11
Level: Intermediate
Audience: XS
Educational Stability for Foster Care Youth
Matthew Butensky, Center for Schools and Communities, Camp Hill, PA
Alicia Tyler, Human Services Program Specialist, Department of Human Services, Harrisburg, PA

Youth in foster care placement are much more likely than their peers to
struggle academically. This workshop will give an overview of legislation
which provides protections for foster care youth enrolled in schools and the
required role of both education and child welfare professionals. Challenges
children in foster care face and how cross-system collaboration between
education and child welfare partners can cultivate positive school outcomes
for youth in foster care will also be reviewed.

W 12
Level: Basic
Audience: C, Co
Implementing Transition Age Youth Certified Peer Support: A Regional Approach
Tara Karbiner, LCSW, Children's Clinical System Transformation
Manager, Magellan Behavioral Health, Newtown, PA
TAY CPS agency staff, to be determined
TAY CPS agency staff, to be determined
This presentation will highlight the regional efforts to implement a
Transition Age Youth Certified Peer Support Program that promotes youth
resiliency and recovery supports a young workforce with thoughtful
training and supervision practices, as well as creating a community of
practice that promotes best practices.

W 13
Level: Intermediate
Audience: C, XS, Co
PA Children's TiPS (Telephonic Psychiatric Consultation Service)
Abigail Schlesinger, MD, Medical Director, TiPS; Clinical Director,
Behavioral Science Division of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of
UPMC; Medical Director, Ambulatory Integrated Behavioral
Healthcare at WPIC; Associate Professor, Western Psychiatric
Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Wexford, PA
 James G. Waxmosky, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry; Division
Chief, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
Taliba M. Foster, MD, Medical Director, TiPS Program, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

Children's TiPS is a unique system of care partnership, providing
psychiatric consultation to physicians, physician assistants, nurse
practitioners, and other prescribers of psychotropic medications. With help
from children's TiPS teams, primary care clinicians can effectively meet the
needs of children and adolescents with many mental health conditions. TiPS
care coordinators assist providers and families with locating evidenced-based
interventions in their own communities and utilize family driven and youth
guided practices to improve treatment outcomes for children and adolescents.

W 14
Level: Basic
Audience: F, C, XS, Co
Becoming Trauma-Informed
Stephen Paesani, Children and Adolescent Training Specialist, The
Behavioral Health Training & Education Network (BHTEN),
Philadelphia, PA

This basic, introductory workshop is designed to offer an overview of the
central conceptual and practical changes that attend trauma-informed
modifications in services. This includes, among others, a basic overview and
definition of trauma; the use of universal precautions against
retraumatization; and trauma’s impact on brain development. Information
is presented and participants are engaged in small group discussions and
exercises that may be adopted to assist agencies in trauma-informed systems change.

W 15
Level: Intermediate
Audience: All
Pulling the Pieces Together: Caring for Families with Special Needs and Trauma
Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, Director of Family and Community
Services, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, Strafford, PA
Vernick Smith, MS, Mental Healthcare Consultant, Devereux
Advanced Behavioral Health, Strafford, PA

In this interactive presentation, the “inside view” of families living with
special needs (developmental disabilities) as well as those who have
experienced trauma will be examined. The co-presenters discuss diagnoses
and unique evidence-based treatment modalities. There is a focus on
resiliency and empowerment for individuals, families, and treating
clinicians. Shame and stigma will be addressed, as well as challenges and
solutions in navigating the systems of care. This presentation will offer
practical “tips and tricks” that can be used immediately.

W 16
Level: Basic
Audience: XS
Charting Life Course: Envisioning an Everyday Life for All
Nancy Richey, Supporting Families Initiative Coordinator, Office of
Developmental Programs, Harrisburg, PA
Lisa Tesler, Director, PA Family Network

The LifeCourse Framework has a core belief: All people have the right to live,
love, work, play and pursue their dreams and aspirations in the community.
This pursuit involves a strong vision, and creating opportunities for
experiences. As family members, caregivers and supporters in helping people
reach their dreams, each one of us has the ability to be the messengers of hope
and high expectations every day. The LifeCourse tools are easy-to-use,
helpful in reframing conversations, and powerful in changing lives.

W 17
Level: Basic
Audience: F, C, XS, Co
An Overview of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
Amy D. Herschell, PhD, Associate Professor, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Kristen F. Schaffner, PhD, Project Coordinator/Psychologist, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

This workshop will describe Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), an
intervention that has documented effectiveness for supporting parents with
young children (2.5 to 7 years) who experience behavioral concerns. PCIT is
a short-term approach that involves direct coaching of parent-child
interactions. Parents receive immediate feedback in praising appropriate
behavior, interacting at the child’s developmental level and teaching children to accept consequences.


W 18
Level: Intermediate
Audience: C, XS, Co
Youth Suicide Risk Assessment and Brief Interventions
Matthew Wintersteen, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of
Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA

Youth suicide is a complex public health challenge that often presents to
behavioral health providers. This institute will focus on current
epidemiology on youth suicide, as well as direct clinical applications of a
research-informed, best practice approach to risk assessment. Finally,
attendees will learn skills associated with brief interventions to address
suicide risk in youth, including an empirically-supported approach to safety planning.

W 19
Level: Basic
Audience: C, XS, Co
Learning How to Engage People Using Motivational Interviewing
Billie Jo Smith, MS, LPC, Program Coordinator, Western Psychiatric
Institute and Clinic, Addiction Medicine Services, Pittsburgh, PA

This presentation will provide an overview of the theory, principles, and
main concepts of Motivational Interviewing (MI) for healthy behavior
change. The trainer will guide the participants in understanding and
learning MI techniques and style.

W 20
Level: Basic
Audience: C
An Overview of Trauma-Informed Care
Bernice Andrews, Trainer, Lakeside Global Institute, North Wales, PA
Susannah Spanton Horsey, Trainer, Lakeside Global Institute, North Wales, PA
Andrés Celin, Trainer, Lakeside Global Institute, North Wales, PA

Research shows that 67 percent of the population has experienced at least
one Adverse Childhood Experience. These adversities are predictive of a
multitude of toxic physical, mental and social outcomes throughout a
person’s lifetime. This session will provide introductory information as well
as specific skills in a hand-on interactive workshops for professionals.

W 21
Level: Basic
Audience: Y, F, C, XS, EC
The Right Question to Ask Children: What Happened to You?
Anne Katona Linn, Co-Director, Safe Schools Healthy Students, Paxinos, PA
Brandy Fox, LCSW, PA Project LAUNCH and Early Childhood
Mental Health Consultation Project, PA Keys to Quality, Harrisburg, PA
Christopher Minnich, MEd, System of Care Project Leader,
Behavioral Health Association of Rural Pennsylvania

In early childhood, children suffering from PTSD-like symptoms are often
misinterpreted as “acting out.” As a result, large numbers of children are
suspended or expelled from preschool. A trauma-informed care model asks
not, “What’s wrong with you?” but rather, “What happened to you?” We
will view the Wounded Places documentary, have small group discussions,
and a cross-systems panel. A shift to a trauma-informed lens can be
transformative, not only for children but also for their families, neighborhoods, and for professionals.

W 22
Level: Advanced
Audience: All
Personalizing Care for Adolescents with an Autism Spectrum
Disorder

Amanda Pearl, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Penn State Hershey, Hershey, PA
Michael Murray, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Penn State Hershey, Hershey, PA

Outcome data for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are poor,
showing underemployment, reduced social engagement, high frequencies of
comorbid mental health issues and lower quality of life. Identifying and
addressing the skill gaps during the high school years is critical to best
utilizing services available to prepare teens for the transition to adulthood.
Outcomes from novel social skills and collaborative care/responsive
engagement interventions for adolescents with ASD will be presented.

W 23
Level: Basic
Audience: All
Youth Homelessness and Human Trafficking
Caren Rosser-Morris, PhD, Consulting Child Psychologist, Office of
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Bureau of Children’s
Behavioral Health Services, Harrisburg, PA
Gail Yoder, Welfare Program Executive 1, Office of Children Youth
and Families, Bureau of Policy Programs and Operations, Harrisburg, PA
Connie Miller, Family Member of Trafficking Survivor

Parents and professionals in healthcare, law enforcement, education, etc.
must be able to identify youth at risk for being commercially and sexually
exploited ("trafficked"). Participants will learn what factors increase and
decrease risk, and how to use identification tools, community-based supports
and mental health treatment programs to help youth escape their traffickers
and recover from trauma. Prevention, reduction and elimination of
Trafficking can also be achieved through effective use of legislation,
advocacy, and cross-system partnerships.

W 24
Level: Basic
Audience: F, C, XS, Co
LGBTQI, Mental Health and Creating a Safe Zone
Joel E Brecht, Mobile Care Manager, Community Care Behavioral Health, Sunbury, PA
Families of Child and Youth Member Advisory Board Member of Advisory Board

A lack of social acceptance by family, society, and personal relationships can
affect the mental health and personal safety of LGBTQI individuals.
Research shows that many LGBTQI individuals have high rates of
depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicide. Terms associated with
individuals of differing sexual/gender identities will be reviewed. Discussion
of social stigma, discrimination, and family rejection will prepare providers,
clinicians, family members to provide a supportive environment for LGBTQI youth and families.

W 25
Level: Basic
Audience: C, XS,F
Recognizing Vicarious and Secondary Trauma for Caregivers
Cathleen Stith Watkins, Trainer, Lakeside Global Institute, North Wales, PA
Pearl Calica, Trainer, Lakeside Global Institute, North Wales, PA
Marc Calica, Trainer, lakeside Global Institute, North Wales, PA

The emotional and physical cost of being an engaged and empathetic caregiver
can be an occupational hazard. Considering the potential impact of vicarious and
secondary trauma, compassion fatigue and burn-out, caregivers are provided
with critical steps in identifying signs and symptoms of each. Additionally,
practical skills and a commitment to self-care are an integral part of this
interactive workshop.

1:00-2:30 p.m. Workshops (90 minutes)
 

W 26
Level: Basic
Audience: All
How the Exception Becomes the Rule
Alex C. Knapp, Chapter Leader, Foster Care Alumni of America—
Pennsylvania Chapter, Pittsburgh, PA
Constance Krebs Iannetta, Co-Founder, Foster Care Alumni of
America—Pennsylvania Chapter; National Board Member, Foster
Care Alumni of America
Nico'Lee Biddle, MSW, LSW, Chapter Member, Foster Care Alumni
of America—Pennsylvania Chapter
Colin McShane, Chapter Member, Foster Care Alumni of America—
Pennsylvania Chapter

Most youth and even adults don’t typically wake up one morning and
decide, “You know what? I think I’m going to be an advocate.” Typically
there is a moment, a catalyst in one’s life, especially for youth, that propel
them into action. This panel will feature child welfare alumni who will share
their catalytic moment in becoming advocates, and will provide tools for
parents and professionals looking to encourage young people to use their stories for change.

W 27
Level: Basic
Audience: Y, F
PRISM: Acceptance and Guidance
Jaclyn Palmer, Executive Director/Founder, PRISM, Ambridge, PA
Jessica Young, Board Treasurer, PRISM, Beaver Falls, PA

PRISM stands for Pride, Respect, Inspiration, Safety, Mentoring. LGBTQ
youth need a safe place to discuss concerns, dreams, ideas, and goals.
PRISM allows youth to do this in a supportive environment. PRISM
founder and staff will discuss the importance of feeling safe and accepted in
the community and how to be more empowered to discuss relevant topics
and transition level concerns in the home and other personal environments.

W 28
Level: Intermediate
Audience: Y, F, C, Co, EC
Strengthening Families in the Context of Early Childhood Mental
Health and Protective Factors

Melanie Comans, Youth Support Partner, Allegheny County
Department of Human Services, Pittsburgh, PA
Kimberly Cauley Eckel, Young Child Wellness Council, Allegheny
County Department of Human Services, Pittsburgh, PA

This workshop will explore the work of PA Project LAUNCH to strengthen
families from the perspective of a young parent who is a key workgroup
member, as well as the local coordinator of this grant. The presentation will
unpack the importance of understanding key tenets of infant and early
childhood mental health. It will also examine the approach taken in
Allegheny County to infuse prevention work with a lens of protective factors.

W 29
Level: Intermediate
Audience: XS, EC
Developmental and Social-Emotional Screening in Pennsylvania’s
Child Welfare System

Rachel R. Winters, MA, Senior Evaluation Coordinator, University of
Pittsburgh, School of Social Work, Child Welfare Education and
Research and Programs, Pittsburgh, PA
Helen Cahalane, PhD, Principal Investigator, Child Welfare
Education and Research Programs, University of Pittsburgh, School
of Social Work, Child Welfare Education and Research and Programs, Pittsburgh, PA

With the implicit trauma associated with involvement in the child welfare
system, it is imperative that children with open child welfare cases receive
necessary services to mitigate any developmental or social-emotional
concerns. To accomplish this goal, Pennsylvania instituted a series of
screenings for children under the age of 5 involved in child welfare. Children
who screen with concerns on these screenings are referred to Early
Intervention or other service providers for a more in-depth evaluation.

W 30
Level: Basic
Audience: Y, F, C, Co
Overcoming Barriers to Natural and Community Supports
Mark Durgin, Project Director, PA System of Care Partnership, Harrisburg, PA
Corey Ludden, Technical Assistance and Engagement Coordinator,
Youth M.O.V.E. PA/PMHCA, Harrisburg, PA
Crystal Karenchak, Family Involvement Specialist, PA System of Care Partnership, Harrisburg, PA

This session will explore the known barriers for youth and family to find,
engage and retain natural and community supports. The presentation meets
the cultural and linguistic needs of youth and family while building
relationships that will be sustained long after educational and professional
services have stopped working with youth and family. The session will also
detail the benefits to the system partners and how natural and community
supports and supplement paid services.

W 31
Level: Intermediate
Audience: XS
Cracks in the Vessels: The Use of Art in a Clinical Group Model
Adrienne Dixon, Associate Vice President, Residential Services, Sarah
Reed Children's Center, Erie, PA
Tyler Jarmuzek
Eric Schwartz, Art Therapist, Sarah Reed Children's Center, Erie, PA

Art therapy is an integrated component to the residential milieu at the Sarah
Reed Children’s Center. The use of experiential techniques is integrated into
the process of healing and recovery. This presentation is designed to
demonstrate the use of art as fostering experiential alternatives to emotional
expression with children and adolescents especially with clients who have
experienced trauma and who struggle with interpersonal dysfunction and
affect dysregulation.

W 32
Level: Basic
Audience: C, Co
Creating Supports for Transition Age Youth to Achieve Optimal
Outcomes Through a Provider, County, and Managed Care Partnership

Tara Karbiner, LCSW, Children's Clinical System Transformation
Manager, Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania, Newtown, PA
Additional presenters to be determined

Magellan Health Services, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, Lehigh and
Northampton Counties, and three provider agencies partnered to improve
the services and supports provided to Transition Age Youth with behavioral
health challenges to improve their health and wellness outcomes through the
implementation and adaptation of the evidence supported model Transition
to Independence Process (TIP), ™ developed by Dr. Hewitt “Rusty” Clark.
Learn about the regional partnership that promoted program
implementation, the fidelity assessment process, site-based trainer
development, and outcomes collection.

W 33
Level: Basic
Audience: F, C, XS, Co

What Makes the FAB Fabulous? A Family Advisory Model
Wendy Luckenbill, Senior Recovery and Resilience Specialist for
Children, Youth, and their Families, Community Care Behavioral
Health Managed Care Organization, Exton, PA
Additional family member presenters to be determined, including
members of Families of Child and Youth Members Advisory Board
(FAB) and the FAB Family Faculty, Community Care Behavioral
Health Managed Care Organization, Exton, PA

Family voice is key to positive quality outcomes both for a child or youth’s
services and for the oversight of their services at the organization level. This
presentation will tell the story of one family advisory board, Community
Care BMHCO’s Families of Child and Youth Advisory Board. Participants
are invited to share their experiences in developing and sustaining the
family voice, so session serves as a learning community that can continue
after the conference.

W34
Level: Basic
Audience: Co, XS, C

Allegheny County Department of Human Services’ cross-system
Trauma Think Tank

Joseph Martin, MA, Assistant manager, Integrated Engagement
Practices and Assessments, Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Pittsburgh, PA
Colleen Davis-Maxwell, MSW, LSW, Systems Integration Specialist,
Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Pittsburgh, PA
Towan Hall, Youth Voice Specialist, Youth Support Partner Unit,
Allegheny Department of Human Services, Pittsburgh, PA

The impact of trauma is a common thread among programs in a human
services system. In this workshop, we will discuss Allegheny County
Department of Human Services’ effort to examine this thread and promote
system integration through the formation of our cross-system Trauma Think
Tank. We will discuss engagement of youth and family representatives side
by side with program and provider staff and will provide examples of
resources developed to foster a trauma-informed system.



2:45-4:15 p.m. Workshops (90 minutes)

 

W 35
Level: Intermediate
Audience: C, XS, Co
Overview from the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Services (OMHSAS)

Sherry Peters, MSW, ACSW, Director, Bureau of Policy , Planning
and Program Development, Office of Mental Health and Substance
Abuse Services, Harrisburg, PA
Shannon Fagan, MS, Director, Bureau of Children’s Behavioral
Health Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Harrisburg, PA

This workshop will give an update on recent work at the state level relating
to the provision of Behavioral Health Services to Children, Youth, Young
Adults and their Families. Information will be given regarding regulations,
bulletins, grants, and plans for future endeavors.

W 36
Level: Basic
Audience: All
Together We Can! Using Data Through Social Marketing to Be Heard
Monica Walker-Payne, Director of Evaluation, Youth and Family
Training Institute and PA System of Care Partnership, Monroeville, PA
Jill Santiago, Social Marketing and Communications Coordinator, PA
System of Care Partnership, Harrisburg, PA
Judy Davis, Consultant, BHARP System of Care Project, Behavioral
Health Alliance of Rural Pennsylvania, State College, PA
Chris Minnich, BHARP System of Care Project Director, Behavioral
Health Alliance of Rural Pennsylvania, State College, PA

Are you a youth, family, systems or provider partner? Would you like to be
able to share the importance of System of Care or your planning process
through data? This workshop will be a brainstorming interactive session on
how using data and evaluation in Social Marketing to increase
sustainability, spread key messages, and influence decision making in your
community. We will have small group discussions to create a marketing
message that you can take and use in the future.

W 37
Level: Intermediate

Audience: Y, F, C, XS
All Behavior is Communication
Michelle Heim, Lead Trainer and Field Support Coordinator for PA,
Youth Advocate Programs and Adult Services, Reading, PA
We will use a bookmark with points to discuss as a team when someone
presents with challenging behaviors. We will address each of the points and
then spend time working through a case study to practice applying the skills.

W 38
Level: Intermediate
Audience: CO, C, XS
Journey to Cultural and Linguistic Competency (CLC): PA System
of Care CLC Pilot Program

Kelsey Leonard, CLC Coordinator, PA System of Care Partnership
and PA Healthy Transitions Partnership, Pittsburgh, PA

Learn from the Pennsylvania System of Care on their experience developing
a Cultural and Linguistic Competency Pilot Project. The session will share
steps to incorporating culturally and linguistically competent methods into
your System of Care CLC planning process by engaging youth, family, and
system partners in the following core areas: (1) Assessment, (2) Planning,
and (3) Implementation.

W 39
Level: Basic
Audience: F, C, XS, Co
Social Media Awareness for Individuals Working with Youth
Devin N. Petrusky, MS, Juvenile Probation Officer, (Northumberland
County Juvenile Court Services, Sunbury, PA

Social media awareness is vital for youth, parent(s), guardian(s) and
individuals working with youth since today’s teens are connected to each
other and the world by means of digital technology. Social media education
is important for youth, parent(s)/guardian(s) of youth, and individuals
working with youth. Discussing the topics of social media, cyberbullying,
sexing, dating, other online risky behaviors, the legal and non-legal
consequences of risky online behavior, and prevention methods and tips, will
provide participants with an understanding of the risks associated with social media use.

W 40
Level: Basic
Audience: F, C, XS, Co, EC
OCDEL Family Support Programs…What Are they?
Andrew Dietz, Family Support Program Manager, Office of Child
Development and Early Learning, Bureau of Early Intervention
Services and Family Supports, Harrisburg, PA

This interactive panel discussion will review Pennsylvania's family support
programs (home visitation, family centers, fatherhood, Children trust
Funds) and show when families receive these services their children are born
healthier and less likely to suffer from abuse or neglect.

W 41
Level: Basic
Audience: Y, F, XS, C
Positive Interactions Between Youth w/ASD and Law Enforcement
Kate Hooven, Justice System Consultant, ASERT Collaborative, Eastern Region, Mechanicsburg, PA
Kaitlyn H. Koffer Miller, Managing Director, ASERT Eastern Region Collaborative, Philadelphia, PA
Paul Turcotte, Data Director, Research Associate, ASERT Eastern Region Collaborative, Philadelphia, PA

In order for there to be positive interactions between youth with ASD and
law enforcement, both members of the law enforcement community and
youth with autism and their families need to understand how to safely
interact with each other. The intent is for youth and families to have a better
understanding of what to do and not do if stopped by a police officer.
Various resources, such as social stories, can help prepare them for an
interaction with law enforcement.

W 42
Level: Intermediate
Audience: Y, F, C, Co
Are You System of Care? I Bet You Are, Know Why?…
Mark Durgin, Project Director, PA System of Care Partnership, Harrisburg, PA
Lisa Kennedy, Family Member, State Leadership and Management Team, York PA
Ariel Mickey, Youth Partner, State Leadership and Management Team

This session will educate on the philosophy on the System of Care model and
how it this model works in Pennsylvania. We will review the history of
System of Care and how Pennsylvania came to be a System of Care
community, from the early foundation of the Child and Adolescent Service
System Program (CASSP). Finally, this session will discuss the value and
importance of youth and family as equal respected partners in order to
facilitate change in their communities.

W 43
Level: Basic
Audience: Y
Self-Empowerment for Youth: Using Your Story for Change
Nicole Campbell, BSPH, Peer Engagement and Education Specialist,
National Alliance on Mental Illness Keystone Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, PA
Alyssa Cypher, MPA, Data and Communication Specialist, National
Alliance on Mental Illness Keystone Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, PA

Storytelling is a powerful tool for connection, and each person’s story has the
potential to educate and inspire others. This interactive workshop presented
by young adults with lived experience, will provide the space for youth to
craft their own story and utilize storytelling as a means for self-advocacy
and self-care. In addition, this workshop will teach empathy and coping
skills to help the audience overcome internal and external stigma and
improve their own mental health.


4:30-6:00 p.m. Poster Session 
Poster presentations are listed below in alphabetical order by title

Aligning School-wide Positive Behavior Support and Mental
Health Practices to Aid Student Success.

Nichole Held, School Counselor, Centennial School of Lehigh
University, Bethlehem, PA
Katie Herczeg, Transition Coordinator, Centennial School of Lehigh University, Bethlehem

An Intensive Outpatient Program for Undergraduates at Risk for Suicide
Susan Mastruserio, PsyD, Psychologist Associate, Western
Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, PA
Kim Poling, LCSW, Program Manager, Western Psychiatric Institute
and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Autism Support Environment Perceptions and Recommendations
Susan Griffith, DEd, Regional Director of Education, New Story Schools, Indiana, PA

Behavioral Risk Factors of Firearm-exposed Youth in an Urban ED
Tita Atte, MPH, CPH, Director of Mental Health Screening, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Guy Diamond, PhD, Director and Associate Professor, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA

Better Together: Youth/Family Voice in System and Program Improvement
Kathy Laws, Family Member, Program Manager, Mental Health Partnerships Norristown, PA
Martha Hochschwender, Project Manager, Mental Health Partnerships, Norristown, PA

Challenges with Autism: A Relational Approach for Side-Stepping
Treatment-Related Impasses

Steve Simms, PhD., LMFT, Co-Director, Philadelphia Child and
Family Therapy Training Center, West Chester, PA
Gabreille Desnouee, MA LPC, Philadelphia County Autism
Specialist, Elwyn, Media, PA
Karen Draper, MA, LPC, Philadelphia County Autism Specialist, Elwyn, Media PA

Collaboration in Crisis Stabilization through the Use of Mobile Teams
Todd Hart, Help Team Supervisor, Pressley Ridge, Beaver Falls, PA
Alex Jendrek, Research Associate, HPW Associates, Pittsburgh, PA
Community Data Roundtable's Collaborative Outcomes and
Decision-Support Initiative Across Pennsylvania
Daniel N Warner, Executive Director, Community Data Roundtable, Pittsburgh, PA
Amanda Hope, MPA, Chief Business Officer, Community Data Roundtable, Mars, PA

Creating Psychologically Safe Spaces for Early Childhood Educators
Shannon B. Wanless, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Ashley E. Shafer, MS, Doctoral Researcher, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Delaware County System of Care Family Engagement Workgroup
Shannon Fitzpatrick Thomas, MA, LPC, NCC, Coordinator of
Children's Mental Health, County of Delaware, Upper Darby, PA
ECMHC Delivery of CSEFEL Pyramid Model Strategies:
 

Implications of Facility Quality Rating and Teachers’ Education Level
Michele Walsh, LSW, ABD, Adjunct Professor, Widener University, Chester, PA
Brandy Fox, LCSW, ECMHC Program Manager, PA Key, Harrisburg, PA

Evaluating Allegheny Family Network's Court Program
Maria Silva, Chief Program Officer, Allegheny Family Network, Pittsburgh, PA
Quinci Adams, Research Associate, Youth and Family Training Institute, Monroeville, PA

Evaluating Alternative School Breakfast Models in Selected
Allegheny County Schools

Amanda Cross, PhD, Research and Evaluation Manager, University
of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development, Pittsburgh, PA
Mara Kelosky, Research and Operations Manager, Allies for Children, Pittsburgh, PA

Evaluating Youth Peer Support within High Fidelity Wraparound
Monica Payne, MA, Evaluation Director, Youth and Family Training Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Monroeville, PA
Chad Owens, Youth Support Partner Specialist, Youth and Family Training Institute, Monroeville, PA
 

Exploring Staff Turnover During Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Implementation
Laurel A. Brabson, MS, Graduate Student, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Amy D. Herschell, PhD, Associate Professor, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

Facilitating Clinician Skill in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
through Consultation and Caseload

Carrie B. Jackson, MS, Graduate Student, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Amy D. Herschell, PhD, Associate Professor, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

Family Interaction Therapy: A Low-Cost, Evidence-Based Parent Training Program
Rebecca Olson, MS, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Laurel Brabson, MS, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

Finding a Better Way: Therapeutic Crisis Interventions for Caregivers
Brent Swope, BA, Organizational Development and Management
Director of Milieu and Behavior Management, WellSpan Philhaven, Mt. Gretna, PA
Shannon Stalnaker, Dauphin County FBMHS Director, WellSpan Philhaven, Mt. Gretna, PA

Implementation of Integrated School- and Community-Based
Behavioral Health Supports

Caitlin Forbes Spear, PhD, Director of Evaluation and Research,
University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development, Pittsburgh, PA
Tracy K. Larson, MEd, CAGS, NCSP, Director, Early Childhood
Partnerships, University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development, Pittsburgh, PA

Linguistic and Cultural Barriers in Mental Health
Maria Andreu Pascual, MD, Fellow in Children’s Mental Health,
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, PA
Laura Gillespie, Psychotherapist, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, PA

Leaving Treatment Prematurely: Predictors of Attrition in an Evidence-Based Treatment
Brittany K. Liebsack, MS
Amy D. Herschell, PhD, Associate Professor, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

My School, My Community
Christine Englot Ferrato, MEd, Director, Greater Nanticoke Area
Family Center/Pre-K Counts, Nanticoke, PA
PA-AIMH Endorsement for Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-focused
Practice Promoting Infant Mental Health®
Brandy V. Fox, LCSW, Vice President, Pennsylvania Infant Mental
Health Association, Harrisburg, PA

Parent and Teacher Perceptions of Race in Early Childhood
Jennifer O. Briggs, MSW, Doctoral Candidate, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Shannon B. Wanless, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Pennsylvania Child Welfare Council and Subcommittees
Natalie Perrin, MS, Continuous Quality Improvement Manager,
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Children,
Youth and Families, Harrisburg, PA
Jeanne Edwards, MSW, Program Development Specialist, University
of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work, PA Child Welfare Resource
Center, Mechanicsburg, PA

Pennsylvania Oral Health Collective Impact Initiative: Achieving Whole Child Health
Kristin Haegele Hill, Program Director, PA Chapter, American
Academy of Pediatrics, Media, PA
Helen Hawkey, Executive Director, PA Coalition for Oral Health, Delmont, PA

Pennsylvania Positive Behavior Support Network – Successful
Collaborations Using Evidence-Based Interventions and Data-
Based Decision Making

Kathryn Poggi, MS, BCBA, Educational Consultant, Pennsylvania
Training and Technical Assistance Network, Pittsburgh, PA

Pennsylvania's Citizen Review Panels: Enacting Positive Changes
for Pennsylvania's Children

Marsha Lynch, Statewide Quality Improvement Supervisor,
Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center, University of
Pittsburgh, School of Social Work, Mechanicsburg, PA
Jason James Raines, MPA, MBA, SSBB, CLS, Doctoral Student,
Position Founder and Principal, Chair of the Northeast Citizen
Review Panel, Raines Consulting Group, LLC, Northeast Citizen
Review Panel, Allentown, PA

Penguin March to the COOL Zone (Children Overcoming
Obstacles and Limits): Integrating a MH Team in a Primary School.

Kate Nicholson, Clinical Manager, Community Care Behavioral Health, Pittsburgh, PA
Patrick McKelvey, MS, LPC, NCC, Clinical Manager, Community
and School-Based Behavioral Health Team, Matilda Theiss Early
Childhood Behavioral Health Programs, Pittsburgh, PA

Quality Service Reviews: Teaming to Strengthen Practice and Improve Outcomes
Natalie Perrin, MS, Continuous Quality Improvement Manager,
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Children,
Youth and Families, Harrisburg, PA
Jeanne Edwards, MSW, Program Development Specialist, University
of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work, PA Child Welfare Resource
Center, Mechanicsburg, PA

Suicide Prevention and Intervention with Youth with Autism
Spectrum Disorders

Amy Kabiru, MSW, LSW, BCBA, Consulting LSW, BCBA, Office of
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Bureau of Children’s
Behavioral Health Services, Harrisburg, PA
Perri Rosen, PhD, NCSP, Project Director, Garrett Lee Smith Youth
Suicide Prevention, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Services, Bureau of Children’s Behavioral Health Services, Harrisburg, PA

Suicide Prevention: Today’s Stresses on Today’s Kids
Ellen Chung, ACSW, LCSW, BCD, Director Mental Health Services, Elwyn, Media, PA
Nikole Heilmann, LCSW, ACSW, School Social Worker, William
Penn School District, Lansdowne, PA

The ASERT Collaborative: An Innovative Public-Private Partnership Model
Kaitlin Koffer Miller, Managing Director, ASERT Collaborative
Eastern Region, Philadelphia, PA
Paul Turcotte, Data Director, ASERT Collaborative Eastern Region, Philadelphia, PA

The Pittsverse Magazine
Michelle Heim, Lead Trainer and Field Support Coordinator, PA
Youth Advocate Programs and Adult Services, Reading, PA
Brian Kluchurosky, Director, Allegheny Office of Youth Advocate
Programs and Adult Services, Pittsburgh, PA
Daniel Hackett, Self-Advocate, Youth Advocate Programs and Adult
Services, Pittsburgh, PA

The Truth About EPSDT
Steve Kossor, Executive Director, The Institute for Behavior Change, Coatesville, PA


6:15 p.m. Youth Activity and Food


7:00 p.m. Family Networking and Activity