2008 ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE
– Download Assembly Brochure –



Tuesday, July 15 | Wednesday, July 16 | Thursday, July 17 | Friday, July 18

Tuesday, July 15

Level 1 & 2 and Workshop 1A – 7/15 • 8:30 am to 3:45 pm
Creative Interventions for Sexually Abused and Traumatized Children

This is designed to familiarize participants with an innovative model for working with sexually abused and traumatized children. The presenter will provide participants with creative, structured assessment and treatment interventions. This will include interventions that can be used in individual or group therapy sessions with preschool, latency and adolescent victims of sexual abuse. A brief overview of trauma research will be provided.

Liana Lowenstein, MSW, RSW, CPT-S is a an author, international workshop presenter, and clinician specializing in treating children with a variety of emotional difficulties. She currently sees children of all ages in private practice and provides clinical supervision and consultation to mental health practitioners. She has a reputation as a dynamic workshop leader and is on the teaching faculty of the Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy. She is author of numerous publications. Her newest books are Creative Interventions for Children of Divorce (2006), and Creative Interventions for Bereaved Children (2006).

 Wednesday, July 16

Level 1 – 7/16 • 8:30 am to 3:45 pm
Children of Trauma

Learn the differences between grief and trauma and come to know trauma as an experience rather than a diagnostic category. Learn how to become a “witness” to a child’s traumatic experience to best appreciate the intensity of the experience and the needs of the child; to see what he now sees as he looks at himself and the world around him. Video-taped interviews will demonstrate how TLC’s evidence-based, structured sensory intervention process brings children relief from the terror of their traumatic experiences. This structured process is used in schools and agencies across the country and has been proven, via research, to reduce trauma-specific reactions across all three major sub-categories. Each participant will receive the TLC video, Children of Trauma.

Presenter, William Steele, MSW, PsyD is the Founder and Director of The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children, established in 1990. Dr. Steele has developed, published and produced numerous books, articles, trauma-specific intervention programs and resource materials. He has trained well over 40,000 professionals. After the Gulf War he was one of the first Americans selected by the Kuwait government to provide trauma intervention training for their newly formed mental health staff. Whether in the aftermath of the bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma, the tragedy of 9/11, the ravages of the tsunami, the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, or the critical incidents that occur in schools and communities, Dr. Steele’s programs and resources are helping thousands of children, families and professionals every day.

Level 2 – 7/16 • 8:30 am to 3:45 pm
Managing and Discharging Activation

This presentation will focus on the instinctual survival role of activation/arousal and the mechanisms that perpetuate it once the traumatic incident or threat has passed. Procedures that will directly aid in managing and reducing and discharging activation that occurs during a traumatic incident will be demonstrated and discussed. Understanding how to reduce and allow for gradual discharge of Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) hyperarousal enhances the success of resolving the trauma and aids in restoration of homeostasis and balance, and a return to normal functioning.

Presenter, David Grill MFCC, CTS is currently the Clinical Director of the Treatment Center for Traumatic Life Experiences and Co-director of Trauma Prevention Services. He is a Certified Trauma Specialist and has been involved in the understanding and treatment of trauma since 1987. He has extensive training in cognitive, behavioral and somatic treatment approaches and is certified in the more innovative techniques of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Thought Field Therapy (TFT), Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR), and Somatic Experiencing (SE).

Workshop 1B – 7/16 • 8:30 am to 11:45 am
Going On After Loss: A Family Intervention Model

Started in 2002 in response to the needs of families who lost a member on 9/11 The Goals Center for Families provides psycho educational support services to families dealing with all types of death. Using a multifamily group format, the Center’s interventions are grounded in theory, rooted in the developmental needs of each family member, and infused with both metaphor and creativity. This presentation will review the theoretical underpinnings upon which GOALs is based as well as provide specific examples of the ways in which these constructs are translated into engaging family activities. The use of metaphor to address some of the assumptive perceptions shattered by a death in the family will be highlighted and demonstrated. Specific curriculum for family activities like “The Amazing Race”, an annual scavenger hunt challenge based on the popular television show will also be reviewed.

Presenter, Maureen Underwood, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and certified group psychotherapist with over 35 years of practice experience. She began her work in loss and grief when she developed a series of support groups for cancer patients and their families in the early 1980’s. She has extensive experience and publications in the area of crisis intervention with children related to suicide, death and trauma. She has published structured curricula in several areas related to loss in childhood, including “Families Going On After Loss: A Structured Curriculum for Support Groups”. She has worked with over 50 families impacted by 9/11 as well as with first responders and mental health practitioners providing services to this population. She currently serves as the clinical director for the GOALs Center for Families, a service and training institute that provides systemic interventions for complicated grief.

Workshop 2B – 7/16 • 8:30 am to 11:45 am
Zero to Three: Trauma Interventions

This workshop highlights the current research related to trauma's impact on the developing brain. Practical, sensory-based intervention strategies to help reduce arousal and improve attachment with infants and toddlers will be identified to use with infants, toddlers, parents and caregivers who have experienced a trauma or loss.

Presenter, Caelan Kuban, LMSW, CTC is the Assistant Director at TLC Institute. She provides consultation and short-term trauma intervention and assessment to children and adolescents. Caelan conducts trainings and serves as the research coordinator for all TLC evidence-based research projects. She is the author of A Handbook of Trauma Interventions: Zero to Three and many other TLC articles.

Workshop 3B – 7/16 • 8:30 am to 11:45 am
What Really Gets Worked Out in the Sandtray?

Sand, images and the sandtray help create a “safe and protected space” for the builder. As a witness to the builder’s journey we are commissioned to hold the experience. When the builder is ready he will transfer his experience into his life journey of play, growth, change and resiliency. This psychodynamic process can be part of a nondirective or directive experience. Theresa has utilized sandplay /worldplay in her role as a Play Therapy Associate, Group Facilitator, Staff trainer and Catholic Youth Minister. She is an Intern of Dr. Gisela Schubach De Domenico. Participants will see video clips including a “Sandtray Storytelling” clip shared by School therapist Janet Escobedo of NM and a clip of how sand tray was utilized in schools with children whose parents worked in the Twin Towers as shown on the New York cable show, Frontiers in Psychotherapy produced by therapist Therese Bimka.
Participants will leave with handouts, personal experience utilizing Sandplay and a desire to learn more about this expressive intervention that provides trauma survivors a safe place in which to view and process their trauma so that healing can begin. Workshop participants are asked to bring a miniature that represents their area of work.

Presenter, Theresa Fraser, is currently the Manager of Clinical Services for Branching Out, a Canadian Agency that provides Play Therapy, Therapeutic Groups, Behavioral Assessments, Staff Training, Trauma Assessments and Trauma Debriefing. She has worked in Children’s Mental Health since 1983 and has taught in the Child and Youth Worker program at Humber College in Toronto since 2000. Theresa has worked with Dr. Gisela Schubach De Domenico as a Sandplay Worldplay Intern and uses this expressive modality in her work with children, teens, families and also in staff training.

Workshop 4B – 7/16 • 8:30 am to 11:45 am
Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault

This training will provide valuable information on how to address the needs of youth who witness domestic violence or who have experienced sexual assault. Through case examples, discussion and experiential exercises participants will learn about the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault, effects of witnessing domestic violence on children and teens, how parenting is effected, best practices in responding to youth who witness, and play techniques that are useful with this population. Anyone working in the community will leave this presentation better equipped to address the needs of families who have experience the trauma of domestic and sexual violence.

Co-presenter, Kelly Warner, MSW has worked for Turning Point, Inc. for the past seven years as a child advocate, prevention educator and more recently as a child and youth therapist. She facilitates domestic violence groups and provides individual counseling sessions for child and teen survivors of domestic and sexual violence. She was instrumental in the inception of the Macomb County Domestic Violence Council’s Children and Youth Taskforce. Kelly has provided training on the topics of child witnesses of domestic and sexual violence, dating violence, sexual assault and gender socialization.

Co-presenter, Adrienne Gasperoni is the Youth and Family Program Director at Turning Point, Inc. She has worked with children impacted by trauma for the last ten years, specifically focusing on families experiencing domestic and sexual violence since 1999. She has provided national and local trainings on children and domestic violence. She has taught domestic and sexual violence at Oakland University. In 2006, Ms. Gasperoni was the recipient of the Seedling Award sponsored by the Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence for her work as a child advocate.

Workshop 1C – 7/16 • 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm
Helping Children Deal with Loss

Everyday we encounter children whose parent, grandparent, or a beloved pet has died. Perhaps the child is experiencing the aftermath of his/her parent’s divorce; perhaps they have just moved. Regardless of the child’s age, these losses DO affect their behavior and ability to concentrate on school work and other activities. All too often, however, these changes are attributed to ADD, ADHD, depression, or are considered a disciplinary problem. Concerned parents, teachers, and other significant adults often realize, intuitively, that these labels do not address the problem, but have no tools or means to help these children. This workshop will correct the misinformation we have been taught to help children deal with loss, while providing the learner with a different understanding of how to guide children in completing their relationship to the pain, isolation and loneliness caused by a significant emotional loss of any kind. Additionally, strategies will be shared that support the grief recovery process, while addressing the behavior problems often seen in grieving children. These strategies are designed to teach adults how to set boundaries and empower children in a manner that builds healthy relationships, while providing the safety children need as they experience their grief.

Presenter, Mary Hayek, MEd, LMSW is a parent, social worker and educator supporting children and families for over 30 years. Since 1998, she has provided parenting education for parents, including those with children who have been adjudicated. The experience of losing many family members, including her spouse, in a very short period of time, led her to understand the need to not only incorporate effective parenting strategies that provide a sense of safety and control for children experiencing loss, but also to seek out effective ways in which to assist herself and others to move past the pain and uncertainty created by losses of any kind. Training provided both by the Grief Recovery Institute in Sherman Oaks, CA and the TLC Institute have combined with Mary’s expertise in parent education to provide supports to families that address a variety of problems emanating from trauma and loss experiences.

Workshop 2C – 7/16 • 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm
Attachment Issues are Traumatic Events: Interventions that Work

Attachment and bonding issues are traumatic experiences for young children: the consequences can be seen through all three developmentally stages and are often life long. Though adults and parents often receive counseling and therapy, young children often do not because of their age. Secondary wounding is common. Examples from the newspaper, television, community agencies and Lija’s practice, will be provided and participants will be encouraged to discuss their own experiences. (John Bowlby’s work, TLC materials, Erick Erickson’s model, Vera Falberg’s work, Murray Bowen’s work, and brain research, provide the foundation for relationship building.) Using Filial Therapy and TLC material, a brief treatment model has been successful: outcomes of the resumption of normal development and new, positive coping strategies have been achieved. Since trauma enters a person’s life through sensory experiences, young children are most likely to respond best to mirroring, echoing, attunement and sensory integration activities rather than behavioral therapies. Many sensory integration activities will be described and practiced. Video clips and DVD will be used and strategies will be demonstrated.

Presenter, Lija Ditmar MSW, DWS has worked with children and families in psychiatric settings, community and mental health for nearly 40 years. She has been a mental health consultant for Head Start in seven counties. She has lectured abroad, provided radio broadcasts for Radio Free Europe and was invited by the Latvian Government to present at the International Conference in Education Reform focusing on the impact of PTSD on learning and social behaviors.

Workshop 3C – 7/16 • 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm
Reaching and Teaching Stressed an Anxious Students

Many K-12 teachers are aware of increased student acting-out along with disappointing academic achievements. However, children haven’t changed, childhood has and America’s children are making adaptation, albeit maladaptions, in order to survive in a world where adults no longer can guarantee safety. Consequently, many children come to school with underdeveloped capacities for self-regulation, stress management, and empathy. This session will share teacher communication strategies that can help students who have down-shifted get back up to the neo-cortex in order to become active learners, problem solvers and successful test takers. We will offer personal experiences and resources that can be used in classrooms to assist students in externalizing and transforming perceptions of helplessness.

Presenter, Barbara Oehlberg, BS, an actively retired educator from Cleveland Public Schools, is author of several books, the most recent, “Reaching and Teaching Stressed and Anxious Learners” (2006). Ms. Oehlberg was consultant from 2000-03 to the Harvard School of Public Health Violence Prevention Project and continues to consult with the Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management, a state-wide school initiative. Even though she is retired she is a continuing education instructor for teachers at Kent State University and continues to present to organizations across the country.

Workshop 4C – 7/16 • 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm CANCELLED
Providing Trauma Treatment for Refugee and Immigrant Children

This presentation will utilize active learning methods and include: cross cultural aspects of working with immigrant and refugee children, the stages and impact of cultural transition and, therapeutic interventions for effective treatment. The presenter will begin by developing a framework of cross cultural dynamics and aspects of cultural transition that effect a clinicians ability to develop a therapeutic relationship with immigrant and refugee children. The foundation will include parameters for understanding and working within the cultural worldview of immigrant and refugee children and continue with an exploration of the stages of acculturation and the process of adaptation that effects each child’s ability to engage in the therapeutic relationship. Based upon this framework the presenter will explore with attendees a variety of techniques that have shown to be effective with immigrant and refugee children in the healing process. Attendees will leave the presentation with a greater understanding of issues faced by refugee and immigrant children as well as a bag of tools that will enable them to respond more effectively to their needs.

Presenter, Susan Rhema, MSW, LCSW, currently serves as the Mental Health Consultant for the Kentucky Office of Refugees. In her Private Practice, Susan specialties in trauma recovery, cross cultural psychological assessment and cross cultural competency training. Susan has studied a variety of therapeutic modalities focusing primarily on those that provide the resolution of trauma through mind body integration. Susan has lived in East Africa, South America, Central America and Mexico. In addition, her work with international agencies, evaluating programs and personnel, has taken her to Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and East Asia.

 Thursday, July 17

Level 1 – 7/17 • 8:30 am to 3:45 pm
Structured Sensory Interventions

Learn trauma-specific intervention tasks and techniques as well as see them demonstrated. This is a practice day. The presenter engages attendees in an encapsulated demonstration of the major sensory structured processes. Attendees will also participate in additional activities and by days end will feel comfortable using any of the TLC intervention programs. A brief presentation of the TLC evidence-based research and outcome will support the value of TLC’s structured sensory programs in schools and agencies. The TLC book, Structured Sensory Interventions for Traumatized Children, Adolescents and Parents (SITCAP), will be given to all attendees. (The complete intervention programs are available to conference attendees at a reduced price. The Trauma Intervention Program is a comprehensive individual program for children 6-12 years old and adolescents 13-18 years old. I Feel Better Now! Intervention Program is a group program for 6-12 years olds. What Color is Your Hurt? is an individual program for preschoolers 3-6 years old. If you would like to order any of these intervention programs for pick-up at the conference, please check the appropriate boxes on the registration form.)

Presenter, William Steele, MSW, PsyD is the Founder and Director of The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children, established in 1990. Dr. Steele has developed, published and produced numerous books, articles, trauma-specific intervention programs and resource materials. He has trained well over 40,000 professionals. After the Gulf War he was one of the first Americans selected by the Kuwait government to provide trauma intervention training for their newly formed mental health staff. Whether in the aftermath of the bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma, the tragedy of 9/11, the ravages of the tsunami, the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, or the critical incidents that occur in schools and communities every year, Dr. Steele’s programs and resources are helping thousands of children, families and professionals every day.

Level 2 – 7/17 • 8:30 am to 3:45 pm
Using Children’s Drawings in Art and Play Therapy

Learn advanced skills in using drawings and art activities with children and families who have experienced trauma or loss. Through case material, discussion, and short experientials, participants will learn intervention strategies for PTSD reactions and specific trauma populations including abuse, medical illness, loss, and violence. Emphasis is on advanced understanding of drawing and art activities as sensory tools and how these interventions support integration and resolution of the trauma experience.

Presenter, Cathy Malchiodi, LPCC, CPAT has published numerous books, chapters, and articles in the field of art therapy including, Breaking the Silence: Working With Traumatized Children, Handbook of Art Therapy, and Understanding Children's Drawings, which are standards in the field. She has trained counselors, therapists, and teachers throughout the United States, Canada, Asia, and Europe. She has been presented with a number of awards for her clinical contributions to children, adults, and families, including a Presidential Award. Her “hands-on” workshops teach practical and valuable interventions to use with children of all ages. She is currently the Editor of the TLC Journal, Trauma and Loss: Research and Interventions, and serves on the Board of Directors of American Art Therapy Association.

Workshop 1D – 7/17 • 8:30 am to 11:45 am CANCELLED
Developing Cultural Competence for Trauma and Loss Work with Native Americans

Harmony and balance are at the heart of Native American culture. It is the true key to wellness. Through a series of hardships placed upon them through governmental policies, generational trauma or the “Native American Holocaust” prevailed for many, if not all Native American persons living today. Trauma and loss is the same for many people, but to effectively work with Native American children and families one must understand the role history has played in their response to trauma and the impact this has had in their communities. Learn an overview of history and practical tips for working with Native Americans.

Presenter, Mary Lou Bonacci, LMSW currently teaches at Ferris State University Social Work Program and has an extensive background in substance abuse and mental health services programs. She has developed and implemented programs in a variety of settings including Indian Tribal Programs. Mary Lou's personal passion is the enhancement and well-being of children and families. She currently serves on the Michigan State Supreme Court's Foster Care Review Board and as the Traverse City site coordinator for our Social Work Program. She also has a private practice and provides behavioral health services for individuals, children, and families as well as providing training sessions and seminars on topics of, but not limited to: Stress debriefing, Trauma and loss work, Workplace Violence, cultural competence, and team building.

Workshop 2D – 7/17 • 8:30 am to 11:45 am
Part 1 - Emotional Regulatory Therapy: The Intersections: Mind/ Brain/ Body/ Soul

Early experiences shape and influence the early wiring of the brain and body system which influences all aspects of emotional, social, cognitive, and physiologic functioning. The experience of traumatic stress can create impairment within a child’s body/mind system with the capacity for influence throughout the lifespan. Such experiences often get diagnosed in children as reactive attachment disorder. Treating or parenting children with severe behaviors often leaves one feeling hopeless and helpless. This one-day workshop will examine the latest neuroscientific findings regarding the brain, creating a clear understanding of how trauma experienced by one family member can create a potentially traumatic experience for all of the family, as well as offer specific strategies for increasing affect regulation and peace.

Presenter, Juli Alverado, MA, LPC, NCC is a nationally recognized trainer and expert in the area of relationship, attachment, trauma, program development and treatment of high risk, behaviorally disordered children and families. She has spent the past 20 years working with traumatized families suffering from challenges in the home and family setting. She is the president and owner of Coaching for Life, LLC, a professional development coaching business, and currently Ms. Alvarado provides expert consultation for the state of Colorado, agencies, corporations and families around the United States. She is a highly sought after consultant, trainer and coach. Her Keynote talks are known to move the audience to tears and laughter time after time. Her use of real-life examples as a treatment foster parent, mother of five, and owner and president of a successful coaching and therapy practice has proved empowering to audiences and families as they gain specific strategies for bringing increased peace into their work settings and homes.

Workshop 3D – 7/17 • 8:30 am to 11:45 am
Part 1 - Healing the Inside Child: Cutting Edge Approaches with Stressed and Traumatized Youth

This workshop will focus on helping the angry and defiant youth by addressing trauma and stress. Cutting edge brain research and neurophysiology (body/ mind) considerations will be presented including the concepts of dysregulation/regulation and hyper/hypo arousal. The impact of trauma/stress on the body/mind will be discussed. What parents, teachers, human service professionals must know before trying on techniques and strategies for “behavioral” change is included as well as powerful videos and case study discussion. Applying new and powerful strategies such as time in (vs. time out), containment titration/pendulation, 10-20-10, bids and windows, micro-connecting, reflect-relate-regulate, sensory re-integration, transitioning, affect modulation and more. This workshop is not concerned with traditional models of parenting or behavior modification techniques. Instead be open to explore a powerful new approach with sure fire user- friendly strategies in reaching troubled youth.

Presenter, John Micsak, MA, LLPC, CTC is the Regional Clinical Supervisor for Holy Cross Children’s Services in Michigan and has over thirty years experience working with vulnerable youth with traumatic and delinquent histories. He is a TLC Certified Trauma Consultant and is a Certified Trainer in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. John is also a National Trainer with RAP (Response Ability Pathways) a cutting edge program developed in South Africa to assist at-risk youth populations. He is a Registered clinician with Robertson Research which provides clients with a program to help balance brain chemistry with holistic approaches and a liaison and consultant to schools, families, mental health and legal professionals in helping them work with vulnerable populations of at-risk children and youth. He is passionate and interactive with his trainings and will provide non-stop strategies, examples and energy.

Workshop 4D – 7/17 • 8:30 am to 11:45 am
Child Witness to Violence Project at Children's Hospital of Michigan

The Child Witness to Violence Project services children who have been exposed to family and community violence. Trauma-specific therapy is provided to children and their families experiencing posttraumatic stress reactions as a result of family violence/ Case examples will include children who have survived domestic homicide-suicide incidents. Methods of intervention and assessment will be presented.

Presenter, Tina Bryant, MSW, LMSW is a Clinical Social Worker at Children's Hospital of Michigan responsible for developing and facilitating the Child Witness to Violence Project. She received her certificate in “Working with At-Risk/Disabled Infants and Toddlers” from The University of Michigan; and a “Trauma Consultant Supervisor” from the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children (TLC). In 2005, Ms. Bryant received the “Spirit Award” from the Wayne County Council Against Family Violence for years of service to children and their families exposed to domestic violence.

Workshop 1E – 7/17 • 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm CANCELLED
Helping American Indian Children Cope with Truth of the Story Told

Participants will be involved in discussion and experiential activities that will increase their abilities to engage American Indian children in the treatment process and provide them a culturally relevant context to heal from their traumas. Key cultural and Tribal community factors which influence the way many American Indian children view, experience, relate to, and therefore manage traumatic events will be identified. American Indian / Anishnabek based stories and activities will be provided that can be used to enhance the TLC Trauma Intervention process for Tribal children. Please note that throughout history and in present time much has been taken from the American Indian / Anishnabek people. Spiritual and cultural practices often have been used without understanding or respect for the fullness of American Indian beliefs and ways. Therefore the stories that will be presented are commonly known “surface teachings” that can be applied to a general population. We give thanks to the Creator, thanks to all our relations who came before us and will follow us, and we give thanks to those elders who continue to tell stories, to teach the language, and who continue to give us teachings and formative experiences.

Henry ("Tiq") Bush BA, is Eagle Clan and a citizen of the Nottawasepi Band of Potawatomi's. He has lived his lifetime in Tribal communities throughout Michigan, Indiana, and Alaska. He is a U.S. Marine veteran, and was honored to provide healing ceremonies for veteran's returning from the Vietnam War. As a Pipe Carrier, Eagle Staff Carrier, and Traditional Storyteller he is honored to be able to conduct "ceremonies," and provide teachings and cultural trainings. 

Lou Anne Bush BA, is a Citizen of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She completed training through the Community Healing Project and is a certified trainer. She facilitates Positive Indian Parenting, youth groups, programs (Drug Elimination), and camps ("Future Leaders, "Protectors of the Earth") and is active in providing cultural experiences for youth through drumming, dancing and singing groups, as well as Anishnabek women's activities.

Kathleen Witkowski MSW, CSW, ACSW is a Crane Clan and a citizen of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She has worked for over twenty years providing individual, play, family, and group treatment services for children and adult survivors of child abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and foster care/adoption and is a TLC Certified Trauma and Loss Consultant/Supervisor. She is currently employed by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community as a Clinical Social Worker.

Workshop 2E – 7/17 • 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm
Part 2 - Emotional Regulatory Therapy: The Intersection: Mind/ Brain/ Body/ Soul

Early experiences shape and influence the early wiring of the brain and body system which influences all aspects of emotional, social, cognitive, and physiologic functioning. The experience of traumatic stress can create impairment within a child’s body/mind system with the capacity for influence throughout the lifespan. Such experiences often get diagnosed in children as reactive attachment disorder. Treating or parenting children with severe behaviors often leaves one feeling hopeless and helpless. This one-day workshop will examine the latest neuroscientific findings regarding the brain, creating a clear understanding of how trauma experienced by one family member can create a potentially traumatic experience for all of the family, as well as offer specific strategies for increasing affect regulation and peace.

Presenter, Juli Alverado, MA, LPC, NCC is a nationally recognized trainer and expert in the area of relationship, attachment, trauma, program development and treatment of high risk, behaviorally disordered children and families. She has spent the past 20 years working with traumatized families suffering from challenges in the home and family setting. She is the president and owner of Coaching for Life, LLC, a professional development coaching business, and currently Ms. Alvarado provides expert consultation for the state of Colorado, agencies, corporations and families around the United States. She is a highly sought after consultant, trainer and coach. Her Keynote talks are known to move the audience to tears and laughter time after time. Her use of real-life examples as a treatment foster parent, mother of five, and owner and president of a successful coaching and therapy practice has proved empowering to audiences and families as they gain specific strategies for bringing increased peace into their work settings and homes.

Workshop 3E – 7/17 • 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm
Part 2 - Healing the Inside Child: Cutting Edge Approaches with Stressed and Traumatized Youth

This workshop will focus on helping the angry and defiant youth by addressing trauma and stress. Cutting edge brain research and neurophysiology (body/ mind) considerations will be presented including the concepts of dysregulation/regulation and hyper/hypo arousal. The impact of trauma/stress on the body/mind will be discussed. What parents, teachers, human service professionals must know before trying on techniques and strategies for “behavioral” change is included as well as powerful videos and case study discussion. Applying new and powerful strategies such as time in (vs. time out), containment titration/pendulation, 10-20-10, bids and windows, micro-connecting, reflect-relate-regulate, sensory re-integration, transitioning, affect modulation and more. This workshop is not concerned with traditional models of parenting or behavior modification techniques. Instead be open to explore a powerful new approach with sure fire user- friendly strategies in reaching troubled youth.

Presenter, John Micsak, MA, LLPC, CTC is the Regional Clinical Supervisor for Holy Cross Children’s Services in Michigan and has over thirty years experience working with vulnerable youth with traumatic and delinquent histories. He is a TLC Certified Trauma Consultant and is a Certified Trainer in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. John is also a National Trainer with RAP (Response Ability Pathways) a cutting edge program developed in South Africa to assist at-risk youth populations. He is a Registered clinician with Robertson Research which provides clients with a program to help balance brain chemistry with holistic approaches and a liaison and consultant to schools, families, mental health and legal professionals in helping them work with vulnerable populations of at-risk children and youth. He is passionate and interactive with his trainings and will provide non-stop strategies, examples and energy.

Workshop 4E – 7/17 • 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm
Integrating Sensory Supports Within a School Setting

This workshop will provide participants with “in class” sensory activities for young children as part of the intervention process. These activities can support children with sensory processing issues as well as those children experiencing trauma/grief. Participants will receive ideas for developing visual supports and many effective strategies that will allow children to communicate emotions they may not be able to verbalize. These supports easily coincide with TLC’s “What Color is Your Hurt” Intervention Program for young children and can be adapted to meet their needs.

Co-presenter Cindy Ciocco is a TLC certified Trauma Consultant and has over 16 years of experience working with preschool aged children in the public and private sector. She holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership along with Principal Certification. She has additional backgrounds as an early childhood specialist and in special education. Cindy currently works as a Behavior/Trauma Specialist in a public school setting and owns a private Child Care Center for young children.

Co-presenter Cindy Tarpine is a Special Education Teacher certified to teach preschool-12th grade. She is in the final phase of completing her Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities and a Certification as a Learning Disabilities Teacher/Consultant. She currently works as a Special Education/Behavior Consultant and has over 13 years experience working with preschool aged children.

 FRIDAy, July 18

Level 1 – 7/18 • 8:30 am to 3:45 pm
Trauma Debriefing in Schools and Agencies

The TLC Debriefing Model fits with the uniqueness of school and agency settings. The models address the developmental issues, time and resource constraints, needs of staff as well as students/clients, administrative issues and trauma response issues. Five models are demonstrated: Debriefing for adolescents and adults, Defusing for K-5th grade, Operational Debriefing for all staff, Debriefing the Debriefers, Crisis Team members or first respondents and Classroom Presentation which is different than debriefing and usually initiated before the start of debriefing. The TLC Debriefing Model is the outcome of work with over 1,500 professionals who have participated in debriefing training. The purchase of the Debriefing Handbook, although recommended, is optional. It answers over 100 questions frequently asked about debriefing in schools and agencies and presents each model into a 5" x 8" format for duplication in a card format to be used during debriefing sessions. It is available at the conference for a reduced price of $20.

Presenter, Mary McHenry MSW, has been a professor in the Child & Youth Worker Program at Lambton College in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada for the past 10 years. Her experience as a social worker began in child protection where she conducted child abuse investigations and became increasingly concerned about the traumas so many children experienced in their own homes. Her career then took her to the Family Counseling Centre in Sarnia where, she was a clinical social worker, specializing in the areas of family violence and sexual assault. Mary was also a member of her community's Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team where she saw, first hand, the benefits of debriefing for people exposed to traumatic events. Mary has 20 years experience as a social worker and instructor.

Level 2 and Workshop 1F – 7/18 • 8:30 am to 11:45 am
Practitioners Assembly Forum and Expert Panel

This Forum will consist of a panel of experts in the field of trauma who will be available to answer questions and provide advice. Assembly attendees will be invited to present case questions to the panel. Experts representing unique settings and populations working via various modalities of trauma intervention will provide feedback and advice to participants. The panel will provide participants with invaluable insight into what may help with even the most challenging of cases. This Assembly Forum typically has 50 participants, therefore much individual attention to questions can be provided in this 3-hour period. Dialogue will be recorded for inclusion in the “Best Practices for the Childhood Practitioner" that each participant will have access to online when completed

Expert Panel includes: William Steele, Cathy Malchiodi, David Grill, Deanne Ginns-Gruenberg, Juli Alvarado, Sandra Carmela-Miller, Maureen Underwood, Tiq Bush, Kathy Witkowski and Susan Rhema

Level 2 & Workshop 1G – 7/18 • 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm
Grief in the Classroom

This workshop will review the effects of grief and trauma and how those effects impact the classroom. The remainder of the session will be a hands on activity based workshop. Participants will explore different activities that can be used in a school setting. Emphasis will be at the elementary/middle school level. Participants will go home with 8-10 completed projects ready to use and the directions for each. Participant will be able to distinguish between normal grief, traumatic grief and complicated grief and will be able to identify the effects in a classroom. Attendees will leave the workshop with at least 10 completed activities.

Co-presenter, Virginia Ulch has been an elementary counselor for ten years. Previously, she taught junior high special education students with learning disabilities. Virginia worked with a Hospice counselor to design a grief program for elementary students which was implemented in several schools. She has been a foster and adoptive parent for 20 years.

Co-presenter, Carlotta Clink MEd, has been an elementary counselor for twelve years. Previously, she taught elementary special education students with behavior problems and learning disabilities. She obtained her TLC School Trauma Specialist, in 1997. She continued on to get her TLC Trauma Consultant Supervisor in 2001 and has been active in the Ohio School Counselor Association and the Ohio Counselor Association. She has presented at the All Ohio School Conference, for TLC, for the NW OH Education Symposium and for the staff at her elementary school.

Level 2 & Workshop 2G – 7/18 • 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm
Adventure Healing: Trauma, Resiliency and the Search for Meaning

Adventure Healing is a new group intervention model that incorporates an understanding of complex trauma using the principles of Logotherapy and Adventure education. The activities in this program are designed to decrease the arousal associated with trauma and alleviate other symptoms. These activities involve physical tasks, group support, confidence, fun, problem solving and participation. Participants will be introduced to the model and experience some of the activities. Since presenting in July, 2007 we have expanded the program to incorporate even more new activities based on the work of Levine and van der Kolk.

Co-presenter, Florence Ernzen, LMSW, ACSW, is a clinical social worker and Trauma and Loss Consultant Supervisor. She is a Diplomat in Logotherapy certified by the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy. She is a retired school social worker from Wyandotte Public Schools. In the past thirteen years she has helped plan and participate with response teams to numerous situations including murders, suicides, car crashes, chemical explosions, student and staff deaths. In 2000 she was chosen as the School Specialist of the Year by the National Center for Trauma and Loss. Currently she assists schools and businesses in developing protocols to respond to all kinds of incidents ranging from the death of a student or staff member, to accidents, exposure to hazardous materials etc. She also assists organizations after an incident to help restore a sense of safety and control. In addition she provides training to organizations interested in preparing staff to follow their response protocol and learn how to provide care after an incident.

Co-presenter, Ruby Lewis, M.A., proprietor of Ruby Lewis & Associates, works as a consultant with the Taylor School District, coordinating homeless services for the district. As a Trauma Specialist, she has combined her skills in group facilitation, adventure education, and knowledge of the needs of at-risk youth to enhance the relationships with the youth and their families. Ms. Lewis has provided national, state and local trainings on many subjects related to at-risk youth and the need to collaborate.

Level 2 & Workshop 3G – 7/18 • 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm
Research, Data, and Dog-Gone Great Results with School Therapy Dogs

Children bring to school many traumatic issues which have a negative impact on their learning and their social/emotional health. Research has recently been conducted documenting the positive emotional, social, and academic benefits enjoyed by students interacting with a full-time school therapy dog. Therapy dogs, such as Allie and Magic, have been instrumental in transforming the lives of children in their schools in many ways. Receive information about how these dogs have enhanced the lives of students and staff alike and learn how to get “dog-gone” great results yourself by having a program such as this in your own setting.

Co-presenter Shelley Wanner retired in June of 2007 as a School Counselor at Bryan Middle School where she enjoyed working with middle school students since 1990. Previously, she was an English teacher and counselor at Archbold High School for 19 years. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor, a National Certified Counselor, and a National Certified School Counselor. A quote from Henry Brooks Adams, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops,” has always been at the heart of her professional life. Shelley is also a volunteer with Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. in Swanton, OH.

Co-presenter Jackie Boyd has been in education for 17 years in the Bryan City Schools teaching elementary school. Jackie is now working as a school counselor, with special responsibilities for students in Emotionally Disturbed classes. The newest and most exciting part of Jackie’s job is working with Allie, a therapy dog placed at Bryan Middle School with the counseling department. Allie lives with Jackie and her husband, Dave, and is a wonderful addition to their family, as well as to their school staff.

Co-presenter Jenny Barlos, Client Services Director from Assistance Dogs of America, Inc.

Allie, a Golden Retriever born on August 10, 1999, was donated to Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. where she was trained as a highly skilled therapy dog. At the age of 2, she was partnered with Bill, a man who had suffered a serious stroke, and helped him to begin to smile again. Because of how much she improved Bill’s outlook, she was recognized as the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association Therapy Dog of the Year 2002. After Bill died, his wife donated Allie back to ADAI because she felt Allie had more work to do. Chris Diefenthaler of ADAI had been working with Bryan Middle School students on a special classroom project and offered to give Allie to the school due to the caring students and staff. On January 10, 2005, Allie was officially presented to Bryan Middle School where she works daily with the counselors in various settings. Allie lives with Jackie Boyd and her family.

Level 2 & Workshop 4G – 7/18 • 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm
Resiliency in Homicide, Suicide, Sexual Assault and Other Criminal Assaults

Children and adolescent witnesses/indirect victims of homicide, suicide, and sudden traumatic death display resilient patterns of recovery in counseling from the posttraumatic stress and its concomitant resultant behaviors. The County Coroner and Prosecutor collaboratively developed a successful counseling program to assist the victims, witnesses, and survivors of these crimes. Over 8 years (about 10,000 sessions), this program presented immeasurable community gains serving well to strengthen coping mechanisms and partition the residue these crimes leave on the direct/indirect child victims. Trauma and Loss Counseling presents a timely opportunity to potentially bolster an environment allowing these victims to recrudesce and resume an acceptable quality of life and improved psychological well-being. A plethora of child and adolescent survivors will have the unique and especially important opportunity to move toward the service of justice wherein the investigative and adjudicative processes are often unfamiliar and can sometimes serve to “retraumatize” these survivors/victims. Paradoxically, those who make this journey are the fortunate and more resilient survivors/victims. There are also survivors or victims who will not proceed through the investigative and adjudicative processes toward an efficacious and just end as there is not a suspect found, or when there is a lack of evidence to withstand prosecution.

Presenter, Sandra Caramela-Miller PhD, academically serves as Adjunct Professor at Case Western Reserve University teaching Bereavement and at Cleveland State University teaching Critical Incident Stress Management. She serves as a public practitioner in the Criminal Justice field through provision of Grief Counseling to survivors of homicide, suicide, accidental fatalities, and other sudden, unexplained fatalities at the Cuyahoga County Coroner’s Office and the provision of Trauma and Loss Counseling to victims and loved ones in sexual, felonious, and aggravated assaults as well as domestic violence cases that are being processed for trial through the Major Trial Unit at the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office. These programs are unique in the provision of psychotherapy at law enforcement offices. These programs have provided about 10,000 counseling sessions. Lastly, Dr. Caramela-Miller has developed, authored, oversees, and evaluates the functioning of various forensic grants from local, state, and federal government as well as corporate and community foundations.

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