NASW-MO Chapter 2024 Fall Conference

Friday, Oct 11, 2024 at 8:30 AM to Sunday, Oct 13, 2024 at 12:00 PM CDT

2601 S Providence Road, Columbia, MO, 65203, United States

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Friday, Oct 11, 2024 at 8:30 AM to Sunday, Oct 13, 2024 at 12:00 PM CDT

Stoney Creek Hotel, 2601 S Providence Road, Columbia, MO, 65203, United States.

 


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Stoney Creek Hotel
2601 S Providence Road
Columbia, MO 65203

Group Rate valid thru September 19, 2024

Reservation Code is NASWMO24 

CALL 800-659-2220 

Hotel Room Rate is $109.00 per night + Lodging & State Taxes

NASW Missouri Chapter

The National Association of Social Workers Missouri Chapter is the largest professional association of social workers in the state, with over 1,400 members. Our members represent NASW throughout the state, living and working in rural, suburban, and urban counties. Our members work in wide range of settings among diverse populations. The Missouri Chapter office is located in in downtown Jefferson City, just blocks from the Capital Building. We are a non-profit professional membership organization for degreed social workers as well as students matriculating through Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited schools.

Contact the Organizer

Michele Brown, Ph. D., LMSW
Assistant Professor
Missouri State University

Michele Brown, Ph. D., LMSW has her Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her MSW is from Missouri State University and her BA is from the University of Arkansas. She is currently an assistant professor in the Social Work Program at Missouri State University.

About Michele Brown, Ph. D., LMSW

Assistant Professor
Missouri State University
Arika Wiggins, PhD, MSW
Assistant Professor
Southeast Missouri State University

Arika Wiggins, PhD, MSW is an assistant professor at Southeast Missouri State University. She teaches in the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology. Prior to joining the CJSWS department at Southeast, Dr. Wiggins practiced social work for 11 years, starting as a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), and with most of her practice experience as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Dr. Wiggins worked with children, youth, and families in the child protective services domain, older adults and adults with disabilities in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and hospice care. Dr. Wiggins’ research interests are qualitative methods focusing on the social determinants of mental health disparities and mental health service provision for underserved populations.

About Arika Wiggins, PhD, MSW

Assistant Professor
Southeast Missouri State University
Oliver Stone, MSW
Therapist
Better Together Mental Health LLC

Oliver Stone, MSW is a recent graduate of the University of Missouri's MSW program. While at MU he served as the clinic director for the Integrated Behavioral Health Clinic. Oliver completed their practicum at Better Together Mental Health and stayed on as a full time licensed social worker. Oliver's role includes providing therapy as well as administrative support.

About Oliver Stone, MSW

Therapist
Better Together Mental Health LLC
Shay Cecil, MSW, LCSW, PhD Student
Director of Field Education
Southeast Missouri State University

Shay Cecil, MSW, LCSW, PhD Student is the Director of Field Education for the Social Work Program at Southeast Missouri State University. Prior to joining the department, Cecil was a practicing clinical social worker involving school, medical, substance use disorder, mental health, and trauma-informed settings. Cecil also has experience with individual, couple, and family therapy in independent practice. Cecil is involved with a number of macro-level social work initiatives in the Cape Girardeau area focused on increasing financial sustainability to communities and households in high poverty areas. Cecil is currently pursuing her PhD in social psychology from Liberty University.

About Shay Cecil, MSW, LCSW, PhD Student

Director of Field Education
Southeast Missouri State University
Beth Orns, MSW, LCSW
Owner/Therapist
Better Together Mental Health LLC

Beth Orns, MSW, LCSW is an LCSW in Missouri and Illinois as well as a licensure supervisor in Missouri. She completed her BSW & MSW (Clinical Social Work Emphasis) from the University of Missouri. Beth has been practicing social work for over 20 years and has practiced in a wide range of clinical settings (from inpatient to forensic to community mental health to crisis to private practice) and provided direct care as well as management/program development. After three years practicing in someone else's private practice Beth decided to open her own group practice with a goal of providing quality clinical care from a social work perspective while also supporting her team to ensure they are adequately paid and able to take care of their emotional needs. Beth lives in Columbia with her husband and sons. She enjoys diamond art, embroidery, reading, and binging TV shows like Ted Lasso when she is away from work. Beth feels her family, friends, and community support are the key to her being able to remain in social work for the long term.

About Beth Orns, MSW, LCSW

Owner/Therapist
Better Together Mental Health LLC
Tamitha R. Ague, ACSW, CSWM, LBSW-IP, BSBA
CEO/Owner
Right Directions, LLC

Tamitha R. Ague, ACSW, CSWM, LBSW-IP, BSBA is currently the CEO/Owner of Right Directions, LLC aka Double Hearts Ranch (DHR) in Mark Twain Lake, Monroe City, MO. Establishing DHR in 2022, Tamitha intertwined her 30+ years of non-profit management skills and administrative social work practice experience with her passion for horses and serving others. By combining these strengths with equine-assisted leadership development principles, she is eager to show how these amazing animals’ lessons and gifts can strengthen your individual leadership roles. She holds bachelor’s degrees in social work and business administration from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau and a master’s in social work from Saint Louis University School of Social Service in St. Louis.

About Tamitha R. Ague, ACSW, CSWM, LBSW-IP, BSBA

CEO/Owner
Right Directions, LLC
Amy R. Simmons, MSW, LCSW, ABD
MSW Program Director and Associate Teaching Professor
University of Missouri - Kansas City

Amy R. Simmons, MSW, LCSW, ABD earned a BSW from UCM, an MSW from UMKC, and is currently an EdD candidate with a focus in Higher Education Administration. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri. Currently, Amy serves as the MSW Program Director and Associate Teaching Professor in the Social Work Department at UMKC. Her practice experience includes prevention and intervention in behavioral health, school social work, and community organizing. Amy has served in the role of administration and compliance; in 2006 she was a member of the Kansas State Board which developed the Kansas Psychiatric Residential Treatment (PRTF) Standards.

About Amy R. Simmons, MSW, LCSW, ABD

MSW Program Director and Associate Teaching Professor
University of Missouri - Kansas City
Anna C. Donihoo, MFA, MSW, LCSW
Social Worker, Community Outreach, and Volunteer Coordinator
The Hospice of East Texas

Anna C. Donihoo, MFA, MSW, LCSW is a Clinical Social Worker in Nacogdoches, Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Dallas, a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Maryland, and a Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Anna has twenty years of experience in the delivery of behavioral and mental health services in a variety of contexts, including residential treatment, schools, hospice, nursing facilities, counseling, and rural community development. For the last 15 years she has worked for The Hospice of East Texas in the roles of social worker, community outreach, and volunteer coordinator. In addition, she has served as chairperson for Better Together, a grant-funded initiative out of the School of Social Work at Stephen F. Austin University.

About Anna C. Donihoo, MFA, MSW, LCSW

Social Worker, Community Outreach, and Volunteer Coordinator
The Hospice of East Texas
H. Stephen Cooper, MSW, PhD, LCSW
Professor of Social Work & BSW Program Director
William Woods University

H. Stephen Cooper, MSW, PhD, LCSW is a Professor of Social Work and Director of the BSW Program at William Woods University (Fulton, MO). He holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and Master of Social Work from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in social work from The University of Texas at Austin. He primarily teaches research, statistics, policy, and macro practice. His work experience includes law enforcement; child and adolescent mental health; residential treatment; administration; rural network planning and development; community capacity building. Dr. Cooper has more than 25 years of practice experience in rural communities including leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of multiple successful efforts to build community and regional collaboratives to address challenges related to mental health care, substance abuse, healthcare, wellness, and well-being.

About H. Stephen Cooper, MSW, PhD, LCSW

Professor of Social Work & BSW Program Director
William Woods University
Megan Hope, LMSW, MA
National Qualified Representative Program Social Worker
Mariposa Legal

Megan Hope, LMSW, MA is the National Qualified Representative Program Social Worker at Mariposa Legal, a non-profit provider of immigration legal services. From her home in southwest Missouri, she supports adult clients throughout the United States who are in, or recently released from, immigration detention and have been determined mentally incompetent to represent themselves, most often due to serious mental health conditions. Before returning to Missouri in 2021, Megan was the Social Service Project Director at the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN), where she worked for 12 years. There she oversaw the development of the organization’s innovative integration of social work and legal services for immigrant adults and children. She was also a Department of Justice fully accredited legal representative and conducted legal orientation presentations and intakes at a large immigration detention center in Denver. For several years, she coordinated RMIAN’s Anti-Human Trafficking Project and co-led the Colorado Network to End Human Trafficking. Prior to her time in Colorado, Megan lived in Kansas City and worked as a migrant advocate, immigration paralegal, and grant writer with Legal Aid of Western Missouri and the Migrant Farmworker Project, working with migrant farmworkers in northwest and southeast Missouri. She served as board president and clinic coordinator of the Kansas City Worker Justice Center and was an activist with other immigrant and economic justice organizations, including the Cross Border Network and Missouri Jobs with Justice. For several years she did occasional program evaluations in Latin America and Asia for two Kansas City-based child sponsorship organizations. Megan’s work with immigrant communities began in 1995 as a full-time, live-in volunteer at Annunciation House’s houses of hospitality for immigrants in El Paso, Texas; she now serves on the board of directors. Megan is a frequent trainer and presenter on immigrant legal and social services needs, secondary trauma, and other topics. She has written about her work in the journal "Social Work" and a new social work textbook. She has a MA in Latin American Studies from the University of Kansas, and MSW and Certificate in Latinx Social Work from the University of Denver.

About Megan Hope, LMSW, MA

National Qualified Representative Program Social Worker
Mariposa Legal
Georgia "Lynn" Slawson, CRAADC, CGDC, CCJP
Therapist
Horses Healing Hearts, LLC

Georgia "Lynn" Slawson, CRAADC, CGDC, CCJP has a master’s degree in Guidance & Counseling and graduated from Missouri State University in1993. She retired from a career of 34 years with the State of Missouri, which included vocational rehabilitation, social work, mental health, adolescent services, alcohol and drug treatment, and community housing for persons with developmental disabilities. Lynn is certified as an addiction counselor in the areas of alcohol/drug, criminal justice, and gambling addiction, as well as having an extensive history of working with horses. She is a member of and certified as an Equine Specialist/Mental Health professional in EAGALA model Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning (EAP/EAL).

About Georgia "Lynn" Slawson, CRAADC, CGDC, CCJP

Therapist
Horses Healing Hearts, LLC
Linda Richards, LCSW
Owner
Horses Healing Hearts, LLC

Linda Richards, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated with a master’s in social work from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 1998. She has been working in the social work field for over 30 years and has experience working with populations including the elderly, developmentally disabled, youth, juvenile sex offenders, trauma victims, couples, groups, and active duty and retired military service members and their families. She has worked in such environments as residential treatment, Hospice, nursing home, and military hospital. Linda has experience working with such issues as eating disorders, body image, self-esteem, self-harm, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, anger and other behavioral issues. Linda is also a certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapy provider, a Level 2 trained Internal Family Systems therapy provider, trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, a former certified eating disorder specialist, and a member of the Equine Assisted Growth & Learning Association and National Association of Social Workers.

About Linda Richards, LCSW

Owner
Horses Healing Hearts, LLC
Nancy Twillman, LMSW
Assistant Teaching Professor
Department of Social Work, University of Missouri-Kansas City

Nancy Twillman, LMSW is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). She received her MSW at UMKC and an MST-E (teaching) and BA (psychology) from the University of Chicago. Nancy’s practice experience is as an evaluator working with non-profits and educational entities to plan for and measure outcomes as well as audit processes and implementation. Her teaching interests include a focus on teaching advanced generalist practice classes, supporting students as they work within a framework of selecting, implementing, and evaluating practice interventions. Specific focus is given to inclusive teaching environments which honor individual and community sources of knowledge.

About Nancy Twillman, LMSW

Assistant Teaching Professor
Department of Social Work, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Amanda Keys PhD, LCSW
Associate Professor
Missouri State University

Amanda Keys PhD, LCSW is an associate professor in the School of Social Work at Missouri State University, where she has been a faculty member since 2014. She served as the BSW program coordinator from 2014-2019 and transitioned into the role of MSW coordinator in 2019. Prior to starting in academia, she spent over a decade in various child welfare positions. She has over ten years of experience as a presenter and academic researcher. She has also co-authored a book titled, “Social Work and Family Violence.” Keys presently serves on the Springfield Area Social Workers Committee, the Restorative Justice Board, and supervises Head Start family advocates to obtain their certification.

About Amanda Keys PhD, LCSW

Associate Professor
Missouri State University
Tiffany Havlin, Ph.D., LCSW
Assistant Professor
Missouri State University

Tiffany Havlin, Ph.D., LCSW has her Ph.D. from Capella University. She received her BSW and MSW from Missouri State University. She has her LCSW. Dr. Havlin has worked as a medical social worker in a hospice for many years. She also worked as an EAP Specialist. Dr. Havlin is currently an assistant professor at Missouri State University.

About Tiffany Havlin, Ph.D., LCSW

Assistant Professor
Missouri State University
Kenneth Bedell, PhD, LMSW
Assistant Professor
Missouri State University

Kenneth Bedell, PhD, LMSW is a licensed master social worker and an assistant professor at Missouri State University. Kenneth Bedell has a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a BSW and MSW from Missouri State University. Dr. Bedell has over ten years of experience working with individuals with co-occurring and autism diagnoses. Dr. Bedell's research focuses include mental health, higher education outcomes, multiracial identity, and intersectionality.

About Kenneth Bedell, PhD, LMSW

Assistant Professor
Missouri State University
LaDaisha Miller, BSW
The Soulfisher Ministries
The Soulfisher Ministries

LaDaisha Miller, BSW is the Educational Case Manager at The SoulFisher Ministries. Her keen interest in child services led her to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work from Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri. Post graduation, LaDaisha struggled to find her niche in the social work field. She’s held an array of titles, none of which challenged her enough to reach her full potential and excel beyond comfortability. That was until she was almost immediately hired at TSM and within a month’s time, promoted to her current position. LaDaisha’s newfound passion for reentry compelled her to take advantage of every opportunity aimed at advocating for justice-impacted individuals. LaDaisha continuously forces herself out of her comfort zone and jumps at every opportunity to advance in her career.

About LaDaisha Miller, BSW

The Soulfisher Ministries
The Soulfisher Ministries
Katia Dunn, BSW
Reentry Case Manager
The Soulfisher Ministries

Katia Dunn, BSW is from Saint Louis, Missouri. She is a Reentry Case Manager at The Soulfisher Ministries. Her passion for helping others and making a difference allowed her to pursue her bachelor’s in social work at Lincoln University. Katia has had the opportunity to work directly in her field immediately after graduating college. and is excited about her future and the opportunities around her.

About Katia Dunn, BSW

Reentry Case Manager
The Soulfisher Ministries
Kayla Love, MSW Student
Reentry Case Manager
The SoulFisher Ministries

Kayla Love, MSW Student is a Reentry Case Manager at The SoulFisher Ministries. Prior to gaining employment with TSM, she was an active volunteer with TSM for over a year. Kayla obtained her bachelor’s in psychology through the University of Missouri- Saint Louis and is currently working on her master’s in social work. Ms. Love is a proud board member of the Kiwanis-Normandy 24:1 chapter. Kayla is passionate and confident in her ability to empower others who have encountered adversities, to succeed in their life endeavors by any means necessary.

About Kayla Love, MSW Student

Reentry Case Manager
The SoulFisher Ministries
Dana Branson, PhD, LCSW
Associate Professor
Southeast Missouri State University

Dana C. Branson, PhD, LCSW, CRAADC is an associate professor of social work in the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology. Branson has been a licensed practitioner (LCSW) and a member of NASW since 1997. Dr. Branson has over 25 years of clinical experience with substance use disorders, mental health, co-occurring disorders, and trauma-informed care. Branson’s practice is focused primarily with women and adolescents and incorporates the many diverse dynamics of rural social work. Branson regularly serves as a conference presenter discussing vicarious and secondary traumas, Adverse Childhood Events (ACE), substance use disorder topics, the importance of school social workers, and a variety of other topics. Branson has participated in international social work opportunities in Ireland, Brazil, and Belarus.

About Dana Branson, PhD, LCSW

Associate Professor
Southeast Missouri State University
Cassie E. Brown, MSW, LCSW
Executive Director
NASW-MO

Cassie E. Brown, MSW, LCSW is a native of rural Missouri where she grew up on a small farm. She is the first of her family to graduate college. Her undergraduate degree from is Kenyon College, Ohio (2003). She worked with individuals with disabilities in Missouri and in education in California before entering the social work field. Her MSW (2010) is from the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. Cassie provided in-home therapy with children and families and worked at a public psychiatric hospital with adults with mental illness and substance use. Her career has included direct social work services, in- and outpatient therapy, adjunct teaching, and program development and evaluation. She has helped produce both research and continuing education conferences and has provided continuing education on topics such as self-care, compassion fatigue, clinical supervision, LGBTQ+ best practices, multiple clinical interventions, substance use disorders, and the stigma of mental illness.

About Cassie E. Brown, MSW, LCSW

Executive Director
NASW-MO
Marlys R Peck, Ph.D, MSW
Social Work Program Director and Associate Professor
University of Central Missouri (UCM)

Dr. Marlys R. Peck is the Social Work Program Director and Associate Professor at the University of Central Missouri (UCM), Warrensburg, MO. She has taught at UCM for 18 years. Before teaching, Dr. Peck worked as an oncology social worker at the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center in Columbia, MO. Her professional interests include end-of-life, student engagement, and social entrepreneurship for social workers. She has traveled to various places outside of the United States and has taught several times at Opole University, Opole, Poland.

About Marlys R Peck, Ph.D, MSW

Social Work Program Director and Associate Professor
University of Central Missouri (UCM)
Jessica Petrie Thelemaque
Lobbyist
Winton Policy Group

About Jessica Petrie Thelemaque

Lobbyist
Winton Policy Group
Hannah Prince, LCSW
Director of Substance Use Programming
Missouri Hospital Association

Hannah Prince, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri. Hannah graduated from the University of Missouri with her master’s in social work in 2019 and has worked in a variety of behavioral healthcare settings since. This has included residential substance use treatment, private practice therapy, and within the admissions department for a Behavioral Health Hospital. Hannah currently serves as the Director of Substance Use Programming for the Missouri Hospital Association with a focus on increasing Emergency Department surveillance of non-fatal drug overdoses. Hannah also provides individual therapy for clients in rural Missouri and specializes in Substance Use Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and has a strong passion for the LGBTQ+ community.

About Hannah Prince, LCSW

Director of Substance Use Programming
Missouri Hospital Association
Stephanie Barbee, MSW, LCSW
Therapist
Spectrum of Healing, LLC

Stephanie Barbee, MSW, LCSW is a multi-talented healer. After earning a master’s in social work at Saint Louis University, Stephanie gained experience in child welfare/adoption, early childhood, schools, and Black LGBTQ+ mental health treatment and support. Stephanie expanded her experience beyond the classroom and started learning into decolonized approaches to therapy, which lead her on a path to holistic wellness. In addition to creating an internship library for a non-profit, Stephanie has also served as a field supervisor for emerging social workers, is certified in brainspotting, and recently became a clinical supervisor.

About Stephanie Barbee, MSW, LCSW

Therapist
Spectrum of Healing, LLC
Marty Martin-Forman MSW ACSW LCSW
CEO/Owner
Martin-Forman Consulting LLC

Marty Martin-Forman, MSW, ACSW, LCSW has over 40 years of experience in the field of behavioral health in the clinical and administrative areas. As the chief operating officer of a high security behavioral health hospital she gained her first experience in the programming, design and construction of a behavioral health facility while a customer of architectural design firms. Since her retirement as a COO, she has consulted exclusively with an architectural firm that shares her values for the design of health care facilities that promote recovery and inclusion as well as consideration for the human factors affecting patient and staff safety and dignity. She is known to be one of the only social workers in the nation that participates as team member with any architectural firm. This experience has included the design and redesign of inpatient, all levels of outpatient, crisis evaluation and diversion. and medical intensive treatment facilities for children and adolescents. adults and senior adults.

About Marty Martin-Forman MSW ACSW LCSW

CEO/Owner
Martin-Forman Consulting LLC
Hannah Peterson BSW, MSW, LCSW, LSCSW
Contract LCSW/LSCSW
Hourglass Counseling and Wellness Services

Hannah Peterson, BSW, MSW, LCSW, LSCSW graduated with her BSW in 2012 from University of Central Missouri and her MSW in 2014 from University of Missouri Kansas City. She is a therapist with a social work heart. Helping others learn to love and understand themselves is her favorite part of the job. She diagnoses and treats through different types of therapy such as psychotherapy, trauma informed care, DBT, CBT, Grief and Loss, Couples Therapy, and numerous strengths perspective approaches. Hannah works with adult patients who struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, personality disorders, bipolar disorders, and trauma-based disorders. She has a special interest in working with those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Hannah values empathy, kindness, self-expression, humor, and integrity.

About Hannah Peterson BSW, MSW, LCSW, LSCSW

Contract LCSW/LSCSW
Hourglass Counseling and Wellness Services
Rebecca Mackelprang, LMSW
Co-Founder, Peer Facilitator
Actually Aspec: St. Louis Area Asexual, Aromantic, and Agender Community Group

Rebecca Mackelprang, LMSW obtained her master’s degree in social work (MSW) from Washington University in St. Louis in 2021, with a concentration in mental health and a specialization in research. Mackelprang works as an outpatient therapist for Compass Health Network and previously worked for SSM Health, where she completed behavioral health intake assessments in an emergency care setting. Mackelprang is also the co-founder of Actually Aspec, a community organization in St. Louis that has been providing support, community, and advocacy for asexual, aromantic, and agender-spectrum (aspec) individuals in the St. Louis Metro Area since 2022. Mackelprang anticipates completing the requirements for LCSW licensure in November of 2024, after which she plans to apply for doctoral programs.

About Rebecca Mackelprang, LMSW

Co-Founder, Peer Facilitator
Actually Aspec: St. Louis Area Asexual, Aromantic, and Agender Community Group

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Sessions on Oct 11, 2024

09:00 AM

Keynote Address - Exploring Global Perspectives in Social Work

09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    Marlys R Peck, Ph.D, MSW
    Social Work Program Director and Associate ProfessorUniversity of Central Missouri (UCM)
    Dr. Marlys R. Peck is the Social Work Program Director and Associate Professor at the University of Central Missouri (UCM), Warrensburg, MO. She has taught at UCM for 18 years. Before teaching, Dr. Peck worked as an oncology social worker at the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center in Columbia, MO. Her professional interests include end-of-life, student engagement, and social entrepreneurship for social workers. She has traveled to various places outside of the United States and has taught several times at Opole University, Opole, Poland.
    10:15 AM

    Suicide Prevention (Part 1 of 2) (Meets 1.0 clock hour of the 2.0 clock hour suicide prevention education requirement for licensure and renewal of licensure)

    10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
    11:30 AM

    Legislative Update Luncheon

    11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
      Jessica Petrie Thelemaque
      LobbyistWinton Policy Group
      12:30 PM

      Suicide Prevention (Part 2 of 2) (Meets 1.0 clock hour of the 2.0 clock hour suicide prevention education requirement for licensure and renewal of licensure)

      12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
      01:45 PM

      1A Building and Strengthening Rural Communities through Appreciative Inquiry (Part 1 of 2)

      01:45 PM - 03:15 PM
        H. Stephen Cooper, MSW, PhD, LCSW
        Professor of Social Work & BSW Program DirectorWilliam Woods University
        H. Stephen Cooper, MSW, PhD, LCSW is a Professor of Social Work and Director of the BSW Program at William Woods University (Fulton, MO). He holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and Master of Social Work from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in social work from The University of Texas at Austin. He primarily teaches research, statistics, policy, and macro practice. His work experience includes law enforcement; child and adolescent mental health; residential treatment; administration; rural network planning and development; community capacity building. Dr. Cooper has more than 25 years of practice experience in rural communities including leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of multiple successful efforts to build community and regional collaboratives to address challenges related to mental health care, substance abuse, healthcare, wellness, and well-being.
        Anna C. Donihoo, MFA, MSW, LCSW
        Social Worker, Community Outreach, and Volunteer CoordinatorThe Hospice of East Texas
        Anna C. Donihoo, MFA, MSW, LCSW is a Clinical Social Worker in Nacogdoches, Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Dallas, a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Maryland, and a Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Anna has twenty years of experience in the delivery of behavioral and mental health services in a variety of contexts, including residential treatment, schools, hospice, nursing facilities, counseling, and rural community development. For the last 15 years she has worked for The Hospice of East Texas in the roles of social worker, community outreach, and volunteer coordinator. In addition, she has served as chairperson for Better Together, a grant-funded initiative out of the School of Social Work at Stephen F. Austin University.

        1B Motivational Interviewing

        01:45 PM - 03:15 PM
          Hannah Prince, LCSW
          Director of Substance Use ProgrammingMissouri Hospital Association
          Hannah Prince, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri. Hannah graduated from the University of Missouri with her master’s in social work in 2019 and has worked in a variety of behavioral healthcare settings since. This has included residential substance use treatment, private practice therapy, and within the admissions department for a Behavioral Health Hospital. Hannah currently serves as the Director of Substance Use Programming for the Missouri Hospital Association with a focus on increasing Emergency Department surveillance of non-fatal drug overdoses. Hannah also provides individual therapy for clients in rural Missouri and specializes in Substance Use Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and has a strong passion for the LGBTQ+ community.

          1C Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: Not Just Horsin' Around

          01:45 PM - 03:15 PM
            Linda Richards, LCSW
            OwnerHorses Healing Hearts, LLC
            Linda Richards, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated with a master’s in social work from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 1998. She has been working in the social work field for over 30 years and has experience working with populations including the elderly, developmentally disabled, youth, juvenile sex offenders, trauma victims, couples, groups, and active duty and retired military service members and their families. She has worked in such environments as residential treatment, Hospice, nursing home, and military hospital. Linda has experience working with such issues as eating disorders, body image, self-esteem, self-harm, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, anger and other behavioral issues. Linda is also a certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapy provider, a Level 2 trained Internal Family Systems therapy provider, trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, a former certified eating disorder specialist, and a member of the Equine Assisted Growth & Learning Association and National Association of Social Workers.
            Georgia "Lynn" Slawson, CRAADC, CGDC, CCJP
            TherapistHorses Healing Hearts, LLC
            Georgia "Lynn" Slawson, CRAADC, CGDC, CCJP has a master’s degree in Guidance & Counseling and graduated from Missouri State University in1993. She retired from a career of 34 years with the State of Missouri, which included vocational rehabilitation, social work, mental health, adolescent services, alcohol and drug treatment, and community housing for persons with developmental disabilities. Lynn is certified as an addiction counselor in the areas of alcohol/drug, criminal justice, and gambling addiction, as well as having an extensive history of working with horses. She is a member of and certified as an Equine Specialist/Mental Health professional in EAGALA model Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning (EAP/EAL).
            03:30 PM

            2A Building and Strengthening Rural Communities through Appreciative Inquiry (Part 2 of 2)

            03:30 PM - 05:00 PM
              H. Stephen Cooper, MSW, PhD, LCSW
              Professor of Social Work & BSW Program DirectorWilliam Woods University
              H. Stephen Cooper, MSW, PhD, LCSW is a Professor of Social Work and Director of the BSW Program at William Woods University (Fulton, MO). He holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and Master of Social Work from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in social work from The University of Texas at Austin. He primarily teaches research, statistics, policy, and macro practice. His work experience includes law enforcement; child and adolescent mental health; residential treatment; administration; rural network planning and development; community capacity building. Dr. Cooper has more than 25 years of practice experience in rural communities including leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of multiple successful efforts to build community and regional collaboratives to address challenges related to mental health care, substance abuse, healthcare, wellness, and well-being.
              Anna C. Donihoo, MFA, MSW, LCSW
              Social Worker, Community Outreach, and Volunteer CoordinatorThe Hospice of East Texas
              Anna C. Donihoo, MFA, MSW, LCSW is a Clinical Social Worker in Nacogdoches, Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Dallas, a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Maryland, and a Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Anna has twenty years of experience in the delivery of behavioral and mental health services in a variety of contexts, including residential treatment, schools, hospice, nursing facilities, counseling, and rural community development. For the last 15 years she has worked for The Hospice of East Texas in the roles of social worker, community outreach, and volunteer coordinator. In addition, she has served as chairperson for Better Together, a grant-funded initiative out of the School of Social Work at Stephen F. Austin University.

              2B Examining Disability and Intersectionality, Considerations for Service Delivery

              03:30 PM - 05:00 PM
                Kenneth Bedell, PhD, LMSW
                Assistant ProfessorMissouri State University
                Kenneth Bedell, PhD, LMSW is a licensed master social worker and an assistant professor at Missouri State University. Kenneth Bedell has a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a BSW and MSW from Missouri State University. Dr. Bedell has over ten years of experience working with individuals with co-occurring and autism diagnoses. Dr. Bedell's research focuses include mental health, higher education outcomes, multiracial identity, and intersectionality.
                Tiffany Havlin, Ph.D., LCSW
                Assistant ProfessorMissouri State University
                Tiffany Havlin, Ph.D., LCSW has her Ph.D. from Capella University. She received her BSW and MSW from Missouri State University. She has her LCSW. Dr. Havlin has worked as a medical social worker in a hospice for many years. She also worked as an EAP Specialist. Dr. Havlin is currently an assistant professor at Missouri State University.
                Michele Brown, Ph. D., LMSW
                Assistant ProfessorMissouri State University
                Michele Brown, Ph. D., LMSW has her Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her MSW is from Missouri State University and her BA is from the University of Arkansas. She is currently an assistant professor in the Social Work Program at Missouri State University.
                Amanda Keys PhD, LCSW
                Associate ProfessorMissouri State University
                Amanda Keys PhD, LCSW is an associate professor in the School of Social Work at Missouri State University, where she has been a faculty member since 2014. She served as the BSW program coordinator from 2014-2019 and transitioned into the role of MSW coordinator in 2019. Prior to starting in academia, she spent over a decade in various child welfare positions. She has over ten years of experience as a presenter and academic researcher. She has also co-authored a book titled, “Social Work and Family Violence.” Keys presently serves on the Springfield Area Social Workers Committee, the Restorative Justice Board, and supervises Head Start family advocates to obtain their certification.

                2C Living on The BORDER...Supporting, Understanding and Loving those with Borderline Personality Disorder

                03:30 PM - 05:00 PM
                  Hannah Peterson BSW, MSW, LCSW, LSCSW
                  Contract LCSW/LSCSWHourglass Counseling and Wellness Services
                  Hannah Peterson, BSW, MSW, LCSW, LSCSW graduated with her BSW in 2012 from University of Central Missouri and her MSW in 2014 from University of Missouri Kansas City. She is a therapist with a social work heart. Helping others learn to love and understand themselves is her favorite part of the job. She diagnoses and treats through different types of therapy such as psychotherapy, trauma informed care, DBT, CBT, Grief and Loss, Couples Therapy, and numerous strengths perspective approaches. Hannah works with adult patients who struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, personality disorders, bipolar disorders, and trauma-based disorders. She has a special interest in working with those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Hannah values empathy, kindness, self-expression, humor, and integrity.

                  2D Did They Get the Message? Effective Business Communication Thru Email, Presentations and Speeches

                  03:30 PM - 05:00 PM
                    Marty Martin-Forman MSW ACSW LCSW
                    CEO/OwnerMartin-Forman Consulting LLC
                    Marty Martin-Forman, MSW, ACSW, LCSW has over 40 years of experience in the field of behavioral health in the clinical and administrative areas. As the chief operating officer of a high security behavioral health hospital she gained her first experience in the programming, design and construction of a behavioral health facility while a customer of architectural design firms. Since her retirement as a COO, she has consulted exclusively with an architectural firm that shares her values for the design of health care facilities that promote recovery and inclusion as well as consideration for the human factors affecting patient and staff safety and dignity. She is known to be one of the only social workers in the nation that participates as team member with any architectural firm. This experience has included the design and redesign of inpatient, all levels of outpatient, crisis evaluation and diversion. and medical intensive treatment facilities for children and adolescents. adults and senior adults.
                    07:00 PM

                    Friday Evening Movie

                    07:00 PM - 09:00 PM
                      Cassie E. Brown, MSW, LCSW
                      Executive DirectorNASW-MO
                      Cassie E. Brown, MSW, LCSW is a native of rural Missouri where she grew up on a small farm. She is the first of her family to graduate college. Her undergraduate degree from is Kenyon College, Ohio (2003). She worked with individuals with disabilities in Missouri and in education in California before entering the social work field. Her MSW (2010) is from the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. Cassie provided in-home therapy with children and families and worked at a public psychiatric hospital with adults with mental illness and substance use. Her career has included direct social work services, in- and outpatient therapy, adjunct teaching, and program development and evaluation. She has helped produce both research and continuing education conferences and has provided continuing education on topics such as self-care, compassion fatigue, clinical supervision, LGBTQ+ best practices, multiple clinical interventions, substance use disorders, and the stigma of mental illness.

                      Sessions on Oct 12, 2024

                      09:00 AM

                      3A Asexuality: An Introduction to the "A" in LGBTQIA and Why It Should Matter in Social Work Research and Practice (Meets the diversity, equity, and inclusion requirement for licensure)

                      09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
                        Rebecca Mackelprang, LMSW
                        Co-Founder, Peer FacilitatorActually Aspec: St. Louis Area Asexual, Aromantic, and Agender Community Group
                        Rebecca Mackelprang, LMSW obtained her master’s degree in social work (MSW) from Washington University in St. Louis in 2021, with a concentration in mental health and a specialization in research. Mackelprang works as an outpatient therapist for Compass Health Network and previously worked for SSM Health, where she completed behavioral health intake assessments in an emergency care setting. Mackelprang is also the co-founder of Actually Aspec, a community organization in St. Louis that has been providing support, community, and advocacy for asexual, aromantic, and agender-spectrum (aspec) individuals in the St. Louis Metro Area since 2022. Mackelprang anticipates completing the requirements for LCSW licensure in November of 2024, after which she plans to apply for doctoral programs.

                        3B Oh...My Bad: Ethics in Culturally Specific Suicide Prevention and Response (Part 1 of 2) (Meets the Ethics requirement for licensure)

                        09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
                          Dana Branson, PhD, LCSW
                          Associate ProfessorSoutheast Missouri State University
                          Dana C. Branson, PhD, LCSW, CRAADC is an associate professor of social work in the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology. Branson has been a licensed practitioner (LCSW) and a member of NASW since 1997. Dr. Branson has over 25 years of clinical experience with substance use disorders, mental health, co-occurring disorders, and trauma-informed care. Branson’s practice is focused primarily with women and adolescents and incorporates the many diverse dynamics of rural social work. Branson regularly serves as a conference presenter discussing vicarious and secondary traumas, Adverse Childhood Events (ACE), substance use disorder topics, the importance of school social workers, and a variety of other topics. Branson has participated in international social work opportunities in Ireland, Brazil, and Belarus.
                          Shay Cecil, MSW, LCSW, PhD Student
                          Director of Field EducationSoutheast Missouri State University
                          Shay Cecil, MSW, LCSW, PhD Student is the Director of Field Education for the Social Work Program at Southeast Missouri State University. Prior to joining the department, Cecil was a practicing clinical social worker involving school, medical, substance use disorder, mental health, and trauma-informed settings. Cecil also has experience with individual, couple, and family therapy in independent practice. Cecil is involved with a number of macro-level social work initiatives in the Cape Girardeau area focused on increasing financial sustainability to communities and households in high poverty areas. Cecil is currently pursuing her PhD in social psychology from Liberty University.
                          Arika Wiggins, PhD, MSW
                          Assistant ProfessorSoutheast Missouri State University
                          Arika Wiggins, PhD, MSW is an assistant professor at Southeast Missouri State University. She teaches in the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology. Prior to joining the CJSWS department at Southeast, Dr. Wiggins practiced social work for 11 years, starting as a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), and with most of her practice experience as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Dr. Wiggins worked with children, youth, and families in the child protective services domain, older adults and adults with disabilities in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and hospice care. Dr. Wiggins’ research interests are qualitative methods focusing on the social determinants of mental health disparities and mental health service provision for underserved populations.
                          10:45 AM

                          4A Keep the Lamp Lifted: A Social Worker Toolkit for Accompanying Immigrant Communities (Meets the diversity, equity, and inclusion requirement for licensure)

                          10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
                            Megan Hope, LMSW, MA
                            National Qualified Representative Program Social WorkerMariposa Legal
                            Megan Hope, LMSW, MA is the National Qualified Representative Program Social Worker at Mariposa Legal, a non-profit provider of immigration legal services. From her home in southwest Missouri, she supports adult clients throughout the United States who are in, or recently released from, immigration detention and have been determined mentally incompetent to represent themselves, most often due to serious mental health conditions. Before returning to Missouri in 2021, Megan was the Social Service Project Director at the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN), where she worked for 12 years. There she oversaw the development of the organization’s innovative integration of social work and legal services for immigrant adults and children. She was also a Department of Justice fully accredited legal representative and conducted legal orientation presentations and intakes at a large immigration detention center in Denver. For several years, she coordinated RMIAN’s Anti-Human Trafficking Project and co-led the Colorado Network to End Human Trafficking. Prior to her time in Colorado, Megan lived in Kansas City and worked as a migrant advocate, immigration paralegal, and grant writer with Legal Aid of Western Missouri and the Migrant Farmworker Project, working with migrant farmworkers in northwest and southeast Missouri. She served as board president and clinic coordinator of the Kansas City Worker Justice Center and was an activist with other immigrant and economic justice organizations, including the Cross Border Network and Missouri Jobs with Justice. For several years she did occasional program evaluations in Latin America and Asia for two Kansas City-based child sponsorship organizations. Megan’s work with immigrant communities began in 1995 as a full-time, live-in volunteer at Annunciation House’s houses of hospitality for immigrants in El Paso, Texas; she now serves on the board of directors. Megan is a frequent trainer and presenter on immigrant legal and social services needs, secondary trauma, and other topics. She has written about her work in the journal "Social Work" and a new social work textbook. She has a MA in Latin American Studies from the University of Kansas, and MSW and Certificate in Latinx Social Work from the University of Denver.

                            4B Oh...My Bad: Ethics in Culturally Specific Suicide Prevention and Response (Part 2 of 2) (Meets the Ethics requirement for licensure)

                            10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
                              Dana Branson, PhD, LCSW
                              Associate ProfessorSoutheast Missouri State University
                              Dana C. Branson, PhD, LCSW, CRAADC is an associate professor of social work in the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology. Branson has been a licensed practitioner (LCSW) and a member of NASW since 1997. Dr. Branson has over 25 years of clinical experience with substance use disorders, mental health, co-occurring disorders, and trauma-informed care. Branson’s practice is focused primarily with women and adolescents and incorporates the many diverse dynamics of rural social work. Branson regularly serves as a conference presenter discussing vicarious and secondary traumas, Adverse Childhood Events (ACE), substance use disorder topics, the importance of school social workers, and a variety of other topics. Branson has participated in international social work opportunities in Ireland, Brazil, and Belarus.
                              Shay Cecil, MSW, LCSW, PhD Student
                              Director of Field EducationSoutheast Missouri State University
                              Shay Cecil, MSW, LCSW, PhD Student is the Director of Field Education for the Social Work Program at Southeast Missouri State University. Prior to joining the department, Cecil was a practicing clinical social worker involving school, medical, substance use disorder, mental health, and trauma-informed settings. Cecil also has experience with individual, couple, and family therapy in independent practice. Cecil is involved with a number of macro-level social work initiatives in the Cape Girardeau area focused on increasing financial sustainability to communities and households in high poverty areas. Cecil is currently pursuing her PhD in social psychology from Liberty University.
                              Arika Wiggins, PhD, MSW
                              Assistant ProfessorSoutheast Missouri State University
                              Arika Wiggins, PhD, MSW is an assistant professor at Southeast Missouri State University. She teaches in the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology. Prior to joining the CJSWS department at Southeast, Dr. Wiggins practiced social work for 11 years, starting as a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), and with most of her practice experience as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Dr. Wiggins worked with children, youth, and families in the child protective services domain, older adults and adults with disabilities in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and hospice care. Dr. Wiggins’ research interests are qualitative methods focusing on the social determinants of mental health disparities and mental health service provision for underserved populations.
                              12:30 PM

                              Saturday Networking Lunch

                              12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
                              01:45 PM

                              5A Soul Full Social Work: Nurturing Your Inner Light (Part 1 of 2)

                              01:45 PM - 03:15 PM
                                Stephanie Barbee, MSW, LCSW
                                TherapistSpectrum of Healing, LLC
                                Stephanie Barbee, MSW, LCSW is a multi-talented healer. After earning a master’s in social work at Saint Louis University, Stephanie gained experience in child welfare/adoption, early childhood, schools, and Black LGBTQ+ mental health treatment and support. Stephanie expanded her experience beyond the classroom and started learning into decolonized approaches to therapy, which lead her on a path to holistic wellness. In addition to creating an internship library for a non-profit, Stephanie has also served as a field supervisor for emerging social workers, is certified in brainspotting, and recently became a clinical supervisor.

                                5B Social Workers in Private Mental Health Practice: Why Our Perspective is Critical (Part 1 of 2)

                                01:45 PM - 03:15 PM
                                  Beth Orns, MSW, LCSW
                                  Owner/TherapistBetter Together Mental Health LLC
                                  Beth Orns, MSW, LCSW is an LCSW in Missouri and Illinois as well as a licensure supervisor in Missouri. She completed her BSW & MSW (Clinical Social Work Emphasis) from the University of Missouri. Beth has been practicing social work for over 20 years and has practiced in a wide range of clinical settings (from inpatient to forensic to community mental health to crisis to private practice) and provided direct care as well as management/program development. After three years practicing in someone else's private practice Beth decided to open her own group practice with a goal of providing quality clinical care from a social work perspective while also supporting her team to ensure they are adequately paid and able to take care of their emotional needs. Beth lives in Columbia with her husband and sons. She enjoys diamond art, embroidery, reading, and binging TV shows like Ted Lasso when she is away from work. Beth feels her family, friends, and community support are the key to her being able to remain in social work for the long term.
                                  Oliver Stone, MSW
                                  TherapistBetter Together Mental Health LLC
                                  Oliver Stone, MSW is a recent graduate of the University of Missouri's MSW program. While at MU he served as the clinic director for the Integrated Behavioral Health Clinic. Oliver completed their practicum at Better Together Mental Health and stayed on as a full time licensed social worker. Oliver's role includes providing therapy as well as administrative support.

                                  5C Taking the Reins: Becoming A Strong Leader

                                  01:45 PM - 03:15 PM
                                    Tamitha R. Ague, ACSW, CSWM, LBSW-IP, BSBA
                                    CEO/OwnerRight Directions, LLC
                                    Tamitha R. Ague, ACSW, CSWM, LBSW-IP, BSBA is currently the CEO/Owner of Right Directions, LLC aka Double Hearts Ranch (DHR) in Mark Twain Lake, Monroe City, MO. Establishing DHR in 2022, Tamitha intertwined her 30+ years of non-profit management skills and administrative social work practice experience with her passion for horses and serving others. By combining these strengths with equine-assisted leadership development principles, she is eager to show how these amazing animals’ lessons and gifts can strengthen your individual leadership roles. She holds bachelor’s degrees in social work and business administration from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau and a master’s in social work from Saint Louis University School of Social Service in St. Louis.
                                    03:30 PM

                                    6A Soul Full Social Work: Nurturing Your Inner Light (Part 2 of 2)

                                    03:30 PM - 05:00 PM
                                      Stephanie Barbee, MSW, LCSW
                                      TherapistSpectrum of Healing, LLC
                                      Stephanie Barbee, MSW, LCSW is a multi-talented healer. After earning a master’s in social work at Saint Louis University, Stephanie gained experience in child welfare/adoption, early childhood, schools, and Black LGBTQ+ mental health treatment and support. Stephanie expanded her experience beyond the classroom and started learning into decolonized approaches to therapy, which lead her on a path to holistic wellness. In addition to creating an internship library for a non-profit, Stephanie has also served as a field supervisor for emerging social workers, is certified in brainspotting, and recently became a clinical supervisor.

                                      6B Social Workers in Private Mental Health Practice: Why Our Perspective is Critical (Part 2 of 2)

                                      03:30 PM - 05:00 PM
                                        Beth Orns, MSW, LCSW
                                        Owner/TherapistBetter Together Mental Health LLC
                                        Beth Orns, MSW, LCSW is an LCSW in Missouri and Illinois as well as a licensure supervisor in Missouri. She completed her BSW & MSW (Clinical Social Work Emphasis) from the University of Missouri. Beth has been practicing social work for over 20 years and has practiced in a wide range of clinical settings (from inpatient to forensic to community mental health to crisis to private practice) and provided direct care as well as management/program development. After three years practicing in someone else's private practice Beth decided to open her own group practice with a goal of providing quality clinical care from a social work perspective while also supporting her team to ensure they are adequately paid and able to take care of their emotional needs. Beth lives in Columbia with her husband and sons. She enjoys diamond art, embroidery, reading, and binging TV shows like Ted Lasso when she is away from work. Beth feels her family, friends, and community support are the key to her being able to remain in social work for the long term.
                                        Oliver Stone, MSW
                                        TherapistBetter Together Mental Health LLC
                                        Oliver Stone, MSW is a recent graduate of the University of Missouri's MSW program. While at MU he served as the clinic director for the Integrated Behavioral Health Clinic. Oliver completed their practicum at Better Together Mental Health and stayed on as a full time licensed social worker. Oliver's role includes providing therapy as well as administrative support.

                                        6C How Chronic Pain Can Impact Mental Health

                                        03:30 PM - 05:00 PM
                                          Kenneth Bedell, PhD, LMSW
                                          Assistant ProfessorMissouri State University
                                          Kenneth Bedell, PhD, LMSW is a licensed master social worker and an assistant professor at Missouri State University. Kenneth Bedell has a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a BSW and MSW from Missouri State University. Dr. Bedell has over ten years of experience working with individuals with co-occurring and autism diagnoses. Dr. Bedell's research focuses include mental health, higher education outcomes, multiracial identity, and intersectionality.
                                          Tiffany Havlin, Ph.D., LCSW
                                          Assistant ProfessorMissouri State University
                                          Tiffany Havlin, Ph.D., LCSW has her Ph.D. from Capella University. She received her BSW and MSW from Missouri State University. She has her LCSW. Dr. Havlin has worked as a medical social worker in a hospice for many years. She also worked as an EAP Specialist. Dr. Havlin is currently an assistant professor at Missouri State University.
                                          Michele Brown, Ph. D., LMSW
                                          Assistant ProfessorMissouri State University
                                          Michele Brown, Ph. D., LMSW has her Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her MSW is from Missouri State University and her BA is from the University of Arkansas. She is currently an assistant professor in the Social Work Program at Missouri State University.
                                          Amanda Keys PhD, LCSW
                                          Associate ProfessorMissouri State University
                                          Amanda Keys PhD, LCSW is an associate professor in the School of Social Work at Missouri State University, where she has been a faculty member since 2014. She served as the BSW program coordinator from 2014-2019 and transitioned into the role of MSW coordinator in 2019. Prior to starting in academia, she spent over a decade in various child welfare positions. She has over ten years of experience as a presenter and academic researcher. She has also co-authored a book titled, “Social Work and Family Violence.” Keys presently serves on the Springfield Area Social Workers Committee, the Restorative Justice Board, and supervises Head Start family advocates to obtain their certification.

                                          6D An Introspective Approach to Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Looking Inward to Serve Outward

                                          03:30 PM - 05:00 PM
                                            Kayla Love, MSW Student
                                            Reentry Case ManagerThe SoulFisher Ministries
                                            Kayla Love, MSW Student is a Reentry Case Manager at The SoulFisher Ministries. Prior to gaining employment with TSM, she was an active volunteer with TSM for over a year. Kayla obtained her bachelor’s in psychology through the University of Missouri- Saint Louis and is currently working on her master’s in social work. Ms. Love is a proud board member of the Kiwanis-Normandy 24:1 chapter. Kayla is passionate and confident in her ability to empower others who have encountered adversities, to succeed in their life endeavors by any means necessary.
                                            Katia Dunn, BSW
                                            Reentry Case ManagerThe Soulfisher Ministries
                                            Katia Dunn, BSW is from Saint Louis, Missouri. She is a Reentry Case Manager at The Soulfisher Ministries. Her passion for helping others and making a difference allowed her to pursue her bachelor’s in social work at Lincoln University. Katia has had the opportunity to work directly in her field immediately after graduating college. and is excited about her future and the opportunities around her.
                                            LaDaisha Miller, BSW
                                            The Soulfisher MinistriesThe Soulfisher Ministries
                                            LaDaisha Miller, BSW is the Educational Case Manager at The SoulFisher Ministries. Her keen interest in child services led her to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work from Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri. Post graduation, LaDaisha struggled to find her niche in the social work field. She’s held an array of titles, none of which challenged her enough to reach her full potential and excel beyond comfortability. That was until she was almost immediately hired at TSM and within a month’s time, promoted to her current position. LaDaisha’s newfound passion for reentry compelled her to take advantage of every opportunity aimed at advocating for justice-impacted individuals. LaDaisha continuously forces herself out of her comfort zone and jumps at every opportunity to advance in her career.
                                            07:30 PM

                                            Bitter Brew Crew: Coffee, Creativity, a Very Burned Out… Coffee Pot

                                            07:30 PM - 08:30 PM
                                              Cassie E. Brown, MSW, LCSW
                                              Executive DirectorNASW-MO
                                              Cassie E. Brown, MSW, LCSW is a native of rural Missouri where she grew up on a small farm. She is the first of her family to graduate college. Her undergraduate degree from is Kenyon College, Ohio (2003). She worked with individuals with disabilities in Missouri and in education in California before entering the social work field. Her MSW (2010) is from the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. Cassie provided in-home therapy with children and families and worked at a public psychiatric hospital with adults with mental illness and substance use. Her career has included direct social work services, in- and outpatient therapy, adjunct teaching, and program development and evaluation. She has helped produce both research and continuing education conferences and has provided continuing education on topics such as self-care, compassion fatigue, clinical supervision, LGBTQ+ best practices, multiple clinical interventions, substance use disorders, and the stigma of mental illness.

                                              Sessions on Oct 13, 2024

                                              09:00 AM

                                              7A Communicating Compassion, Not Contempt— Let’s talk about stigma

                                              09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
                                                Hannah Prince, LCSW
                                                Director of Substance Use ProgrammingMissouri Hospital Association
                                                Hannah Prince, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri. Hannah graduated from the University of Missouri with her master’s in social work in 2019 and has worked in a variety of behavioral healthcare settings since. This has included residential substance use treatment, private practice therapy, and within the admissions department for a Behavioral Health Hospital. Hannah currently serves as the Director of Substance Use Programming for the Missouri Hospital Association with a focus on increasing Emergency Department surveillance of non-fatal drug overdoses. Hannah also provides individual therapy for clients in rural Missouri and specializes in Substance Use Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and has a strong passion for the LGBTQ+ community.

                                                7B Lemming or Leader? Your Role in the Social Work Profession

                                                09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
                                                  Nancy Twillman, LMSW
                                                  Assistant Teaching ProfessorDepartment of Social Work, University of Missouri-Kansas City
                                                  Nancy Twillman, LMSW is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). She received her MSW at UMKC and an MST-E (teaching) and BA (psychology) from the University of Chicago. Nancy’s practice experience is as an evaluator working with non-profits and educational entities to plan for and measure outcomes as well as audit processes and implementation. Her teaching interests include a focus on teaching advanced generalist practice classes, supporting students as they work within a framework of selecting, implementing, and evaluating practice interventions. Specific focus is given to inclusive teaching environments which honor individual and community sources of knowledge.

                                                  7C Faces of Influence: Unveiling the Diverse Identities of Social Work Faculty

                                                  09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
                                                    Amy R. Simmons, MSW, LCSW, ABD
                                                    MSW Program Director and Associate Teaching ProfessorUniversity of Missouri - Kansas City
                                                    Amy R. Simmons, MSW, LCSW, ABD earned a BSW from UCM, an MSW from UMKC, and is currently an EdD candidate with a focus in Higher Education Administration. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri. Currently, Amy serves as the MSW Program Director and Associate Teaching Professor in the Social Work Department at UMKC. Her practice experience includes prevention and intervention in behavioral health, school social work, and community organizing. Amy has served in the role of administration and compliance; in 2006 she was a member of the Kansas State Board which developed the Kansas Psychiatric Residential Treatment (PRTF) Standards.
                                                    10:45 AM

                                                    Closing Session

                                                    10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
                                                      Cassie E. Brown, MSW, LCSW
                                                      Executive DirectorNASW-MO
                                                      Cassie E. Brown, MSW, LCSW is a native of rural Missouri where she grew up on a small farm. She is the first of her family to graduate college. Her undergraduate degree from is Kenyon College, Ohio (2003). She worked with individuals with disabilities in Missouri and in education in California before entering the social work field. Her MSW (2010) is from the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. Cassie provided in-home therapy with children and families and worked at a public psychiatric hospital with adults with mental illness and substance use. Her career has included direct social work services, in- and outpatient therapy, adjunct teaching, and program development and evaluation. She has helped produce both research and continuing education conferences and has provided continuing education on topics such as self-care, compassion fatigue, clinical supervision, LGBTQ+ best practices, multiple clinical interventions, substance use disorders, and the stigma of mental illness.