2015 Conference Broc_FINAL-2.indd

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Schedule of Events
Friday, October 23rd
7:00 a.m.
Registration Opens
7:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8:00 a.m.WELCOME
Lincoln East Ballrooom
John Dornheim, NAMI Texas Board President
Dr. Theresa Daniel, Dallas County Commissioner
Holly Doggett, NAMI Texas Executive Director
Elise Banks, 2015 Miss International and NAMI
Texas Ambassador
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: “Hopeless No More”
Pete Earley
recognized resources that, if harnessed, positively
affect patient health outcomes. Caregivers are
uniquely positioned and possess the desire, but
often lack the knowledge and understanding
for moving forward once a mental illness is
diagnosed. This presentation will define family
engagement and equip the family caregiver in
assisting their loved ones toward high functioning
outcomes. It will define and offer an outline on
the many caregivers’ strengths. Also, a myriad
of strategies and a toolkit will be presented
that include examples of the relationship of
communication, the role of spirituality, art,
massage, essential oils and music.
Author, 2007 Pulitzer Prize Finalist, mental health
advocate, and NAMI member Pete Earley talks
Jackson/Adams B
about successful recovery programs that he has
“Peers Supporting Peers on their Pathways
visited during his travels, including, Housing First,
to Wellness”
ACT teams, Crisis Intervention Training, Mental
Sarah Grant Reid
Health Courts and Peer-to-Peer support in this
National Trainer, Recovery International
follow-up to his amazing book, “CRAZY: A Father’s
Dallas, TX
Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness.”
CEUs Available
Earley speaks candidly about the good, the bad, and
the ugly of mental health care in the United States, The mission of Recovery International (RI) is to
use the cognitive-behavioral, peer-to-peer, selfsparing no one from the blame they deserve while
help training system developed by Abraham
he advocates for mental health reform. Pete’s six
Low, MD, to help individuals gain skills to lead
years as a reporter for The Washington Post as
more peaceful and productive lives. In the last
an investigative reporter gave him the insight to
76 years RI has equipped over 1 million people
dive into our mental health system --- and decide
with tools to control behavior and change
even he didn’t have the skills needed to sort out
attitudes. This presentation will give participants
a system that often is devoid of common sense,
an understanding of the meeting structure,
humanity and safety. Earley has visited 48 states
expectations, and a demonstration of what goes
and many countries to deliver speeches to rally
on at an RI meeting.
against the troubled mental health systems, and
for people with mental illness.
Madison
“Integration of Mental Health Clinicians in Law
10:15 a.m. 1st Breakout Session
Enforcement CIT Programs”
Washington/Adams A
Nicole Bowers, MSW, LCSW
“Family Engagement: Excellence in Caregiving
Mental Health Coordinator, Plano Police Dept.
Outcomes After Mental Illness Diagnosis”
and Sgt. A. D. Paul
Linda Denke, PhD, RN, CCRC
CIT Program Coordinator, Plano Police Dept.
Vising Professor of Nursing at
CEUs Available
Texas’s Women’s University
In hearing about the Plano Police Department’s
Denton, TX
addition of a licensed clinician to their Crisis
CEUs Available
Intervention Team (CIT) program, attendees
Family engagement is one of the most under
will learn how mid-size or smaller cities can
Texas
3
Schedule of Events continued
incorporate a mental health professional into their
CIT program. Presenters will discuss the role a
clinician can play in conducting follow-up with
individuals who present with a high utilization
of police services as well as complex cases and
will detail how a clinician acts as a resource for
families, providing education on resources to
utilize before a loved one enters into a state of
crisis. A clinician supports CIT as an officer safety
program in providing opportunities for earlier
intervention as a person’s symptoms increase,
thereby potentially reducing the need for physical
intervention by officers. Time will be allotted for
attendees to discuss how this process might look
in their own cities.
11:15 a.m.
Lunch and Networking on your own
11:30 a.m. NAMI Texas Consumer Council Lunch
and Business Meeting
12:30 p.m. 2nd Break-out Session
Washington/Adams A
“From the Couch to the Bus to the Mall to Work:
The Milestones of Adjustment Post-Psychosis
(MAPP) Recovery”
Mary Moller, PhD(h), DNP, APRN, PMHCNS-BC,
CPRP, FAAN
Associate Professor of Nursing, Pacific
Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA
CEUs Available
The onset of psychosis is an overwhelming and
Hamilton
frightening experience for the patient and family
“ASK To Save A Life”
members alike. The potential for relapse is
Phyllis Finley, B.A., QMHP-CS, QIDP
unpredictable and can create uncertainty regarding
Certified ASK Trainer and Mobile Crisis Outreach
how to proceed with life. This uncertainty and the
Team Community Liaison, Denton County MHMRA
absence of an identified psychological recovery
Denton, TX
trajectory create frustration for the person, family,
ASK is a one-hour, non-proprietary suicide
and providers. This 1-hour workshop will present
prevention gatekeeper training that was designed
the Milestones of Adjustment Post-Psychosis
to help participants learn how to ask about suicide,
(MAPP) Recovery Model, a dynamic four-phase
seek more information, and know where and how
process occurring over 3-5 years post-psychotic
to help those who are at risk for suicidal behavior.
episode to complete. These phases include 50
During this presentation participants will learn: 1)
identifiable recovery milestones comprised
Statistics, risk factors, and warning signs of suicide
of emotional, interpersonal, cognitive, and
in order to better identify a person at risk 2) How
physiological characteristics that can be used as
to respond to persons with suicidal thoughts,
markers of treatment progress.
behavior, intent, or who may be experiencing some
Jackson/Adams B
other type of crisis and in need of intervention. 3)
“Ten Great Apps for Mental Health”
How to effectively connect/refer a person at risk to
Jaime Hartpence, MS Learning Technologies
professional assistance in the community.
Carrolton, TX
Jefferson
CEUs Available
“Exploring Art, Expression & Creativity”
Even if you don’t have a smartphone, chances are
Veronique Hahn
you still know what an app is – even if you don’t
artist, author & illustrator, and art teacher
know how to use them or how they can make
San Marcos, TX
your life a little easier. There are many ways that
Learn how I use the creative process and explore
technology can help an individual with a mental
themes through art. Distinct from art therapy, I
health condition and caregivers manage important
will share my personal experience in creating and
information, seek help, find resources, and track
exploring expression through different media
activities, appointments, and even medication.
such as painting, children’s books, sculpture, and
Join us for an overview of 10 useful apps that can
jewelry making.
help you organize those mountains of post-it notes
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and find the information you need when you need
it the most.
Madison
“Assisting Responders During a Crisis”
Ted Isensee, CIT advocate
Houston, TX
and Steve Hobart, CIT advocate
Stafford, TX
CEUs Available
When a psychiatric crisis occurs, caregivers may call
for the assistance of a Crisis Intervention Team
(CIT) or an equivalent response. This is a time of
stress not only for the consumer and caregiver,
but also for the CIT responders who have little
specific knowledge of the tense situation they are
stepping into. As the crisis evolves, caregivers can
take actions that will facilitate an effective crisis
response or hinder it. To improve the odds of a
safe, appropriate resolution to the CIT response,
caregivers need the proper preparation and
attitude. This presentation provides do’s and don’ts
for caregivers for the six stages of a crisis: 1) before
calling for assistance, 2) while talking with the calltaker/dispatcher, 3) before the responders arrive,
4) when the responders initially arrive, 5) while the
responder is engaged with the consumer, and 6)
when the response reaches a resolution.
Hamilton
“Mental Health First Aid’s Benefits to Affiliates”
Jody Schulz , BA Criminal Justice, NAMI Brazos
Valley Executive Director
and Kimberly Mallet
Brenham. TX
examples of the interaction, reactions, reception,
and final evaluations of those attending as
provided to the instructors.
SPECIAL EVENT
1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Jefferson
“Artful Expressions” – an exhibition
Leah Thedford, members of Achievement Through
the Arts, and friends
Dallas, TX
A display of original works created by artists living
with mental illness.
1:45 p.m.
3rd Break-out Session
Washington/Adams A
“Recognizing Stress & How to Cope with It”
Elise Banks, MS, LPC-intern
2015 Miss International and NAMI
Texas Ambassador
Houston, TX
CEUs Available
Are you stressed out? Most people will answer that
question with a resounding - YES! But quite often
we do not take the time to evaluate the stress
that accumulates in our lives. In this presentation,
participants will learn how to differentiate between
different types of stress, recognize the symptoms
of stress, eliminate stressors in their lives, and
prioritize what needs to be done. Participants will
also be given practical tools that they can use as
positive coping skills to handle individual stressors.
Finally, the presentation will touch on knowing
when to seek professional treatment.
Mental Health First Aid teaches participants how
Jackson/Adams B
offer help to a person who is developing a mental
“Cultivating Mindfulness”
health problem or experiencing a mental health
Lisa November, MA Special Education
crisis. This help is given until the appropriate
Adjunct Professor, College of Education,
treatment and support are received or until the
University of Colorado at Denver
crisis resolves. It is not a substitute for counseling,
Ft. Worth, TX
medical care, peer support, or treatment.
This presentation contains some basic steps of
Additionally, presenters will share their experiences
mindfulness based on Mindfulness Based Stress
as instructors of both the Adult and the
Reduction (MBSR), which is a program created
Youth versions of this evidenced based curriculum
by the University of Massachusetts Medical
with teachers and law enforcement officers
School and the pioneering work of Jon Kabatattending the classes. The presentation includes
Texas
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Schedule of Events continued
Zinn. It will also incorporate other strategies for
mindfulness based on the work of Thich Nhat
Hanh. Becoming more mindful has been shown to
reduce levels of stress for people with mental and
physical illnesses as well as for caregivers, making
it a natural fit for all aspects of self-care. The
participants in this session may expect discussion
as well as some introductory practice of a body
scan and basic meditation.
Madison
“How to Stay Safe When Asking for Help
from Police”
Sherry Cusumano, MS, RN, LCDC
Public Information Officer, Green Oaks Hospital
Dallas, TX
and Sr. Corporal Herb Cotner, BA Criminal Justice,
Master Peace Officer
Crisis Intervention Mental Health Liaison & TCOLE
certified Instructor, Dallas Police Dept.
Dallas, TX
CEUs Available
When the police are called, family assistance is
one of the most important factors in helping
to determine a safe outcome. During this
presentation participants will learn about the 911
checklist, how to interact with officers, the legal
definitions of a weapon and agitated behavior,
what to tell the police, and what you should do
as a family member after the police have arrived.
Participants will also learn about other resources
in the community which are available to prevent
a crisis, including mobile crisis, the crisis file, and
outpatient care. Finally, we will address how to
help monitor your family member’s behavior and
address it before it becomes a crisis requiring the
police and the use of mental illness warrants.
students in an honest discussion about mental
health. Students learn symptoms and indicators of
mental illness through an informative Power Point
and short videos and hear ideas about how to
help themselves, friends, or family members who
may be in need of support. Additionally, one of the
most powerful components of the presentation is
personal testimony from a young adult living with
a mental illness about his/her journey to recovery.
SPECIAL EVENT during Break
2:45 – 3:05 p.m.
Madison
“Introduction to Laughter Yoga”
Dana Mildebrath, certified Laughter Yoga Leader
and free-lance writer
Dallas, TX
Laughter Yoga is a unique practice based on the
idea of “laughing for no reason.” It does not
rely on jokes or humor -- it combines fun and
easy laughter exercises, simple yogic breathing
techniques, and gentle stretching and movement.
No special equipment is needed, and no
yoga experience is required. All you need is a
willingness to laugh.
The scientifically proven benefits of Laughter Yoga
include relief of stress, anxiety, pain and depression;
improved respiration, circulation, digestion and
elimination, enhanced immune function, reduced
stress hormones and increased “feel-good
hormones,” and a sense of peace and happiness.
3:15 p.m. 4th Break-out Session
Washington/Adams A
“Mindful Communications – Using Mindfulness to
Enhance Communication & Relationships”
Julie Overstreet, BA Sociology
Hamilton
Director of Outreach & Development, NAMI Brazos
“Ending the Silence Part1, the Program”
Valley\College Station, TX
Jim Wintle
and Marcus Overstreet
Director, NAMI Dallas ETS Program
Veteran Support Liaison, Mental Health First
Dallas, TX
Aid Instructor
College, Station, TX
NAMI Ending the Silence (ETS) instills a message of
CEUs
Available
hope and recovery, encouraging teens to reduce
stigma and end the silence surrounding mental
We would like to share our personal story of
illness. ETS is a 50 minute presentation engaging
recovery to advocacy within a dual diagnosis
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marriage by presenting interpersonal
effectiveness skills that improve communication
within relationships of all kinds and under all
circumstances. These skills include distress
tolerance, emotional regulation, mindfulness,
validation techniques and interpersonal
effectiveness. Participants will be asked to do an
activity and role play to demonstrate mastery of
these skills.
Jackson/Adams B
“Learning From My Inner Voice: Personal Writing
for Self-Care, Healing, and Insight”
Rose McCorkle, M.Ed.
Retired Educator, NAMI Austin Volunteer
Austin, TX
population and to provide evidence-based policy
recommendations that the state can use in moving
forward to improve housing outcomes. This
presentation will delve deeply into the project’s
identified challenges that individuals experiencing
mental illness face when trying to secure housing,
and how they can be addressed. Participants
will learn about current housing programs, best
practice models for supportive housing across the
country, and relevant housing issues that arose
during the 84th legislative session.
Hamilton
“Ending the Silence Part 2, How Your
NAMI Affiliate Can Make the Biggest Difference in
the Future”
Jim Wintle
Director, NAMI Dallas ETS Program
Dallas, TX
For over two decades researchers have recognized
the potential positive impact that short, personal
writing activities can have on reducing stress,
This presentation will build on NAMI National’s
healing trauma, and an increased general sense
guidelines for establishing an Ending the Silence
of well-being (Pennybaker, 1997; Grossman et
program. Based on experiences in the Dallas area,
al., 2006). This workshop is for people who are
Jim will share helpful strategies for building a
curious to learn what their own psyches have to
successful ETS program in communities of varying
contribute to their healing process. We will explore
sizes, ranging from small rural settings to large,
different writing formats (journaling, the use of
urban areas with multiple school districts and
writing prompts, other forms of writing). Come and
private schools.
learn what your inner voice has to say in this fun,
engaging, and safe introductory writing experience. A panel of NAMI Texas Affiliate representatives from
NAMI Austin, NAMI Denton County, and NAMI
Madison
Dallas which currently have ETS up and running
“Mental Health & Housing: Where Are We & Where
will share their experiences. Included in the
Are We Going?”
presentation will be current statistics and sample
Tanya Lavelle, MPAff (Public Affairs),
materials generated by the Dallas program, as well
Senior Manager of Advocacy at Easter Seals
as a synopsis of the strategic plan for the Dallas
Central Texas
program.
Austin, TX
CEUs Available
SPECIAL EVENT
One of the biggest barriers to recovery for
4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
individuals experiencing mental illness is housing.
Madison
Without supportive and affordable housing,
“More Laughter Yoga”
independence and wellness are out of reach.
Dana Mildebrath, certified Laughter Yoga Leader
In 2014, Easter Seals Central Texas conducted
and free-lance writer
the INTEGRATE Housing! Project, an in-depth
Dallas, TX
housing survey to understand the needs of people
2015 marks the 20th anniversary of Laughter
experiencing mental illness. Done in partnership
Yoga. Laughter Yoga is a unique practice based
with the Texas Center for Disability Studies, the
on the idea of “laughing for no reason.” It
project aimed to identify the housing needs of this
Texas
7
Schedule of Events continued
does not rely on jokes or humor -- it combines
fun and easy laughter exercises, simple yogic
breathing techniques, and gentle stretching and
movement. No special equipment is needed, and
no yoga experience is required. All you need is a
willingness to laugh.
The scientifically proven benefits of Laughter
Yoga include relief of stress, anxiety, pain and
depression; improved respiration, circulation,
digestion and elimination, enhanced immune
function, reduced stress hormones and increased
“feel-good hormones,” and a sense of peace and
happiness.
Brian is an attorney, activist, person in recovery,
author of the best-selling autobiographical
book, “Shattered Image: My Triumph Over Body
Dysmorphic Disorder,” and a keynote speaker who
is working to get others into recovery. Brian is
also a younger brother of Dallas Maverick’s Owner
Brian Cuban, and is the president of the Brian
Cuban Foundation.
Brian’s story is one that needs to be told – how
perseverance can eventually lead to recovery and
a better life. He leads us down the path from body
dysmorphia as a child to eating disorders, steroid
use, plus alcohol and drug use in later life. Along
the way, Brian also dealt with major depressive
6:30 pm
DINNER
disorder, which led to suicidal ideation, three failed
Lincoln East Ballrooom
marriages, and not a lot of hope. But his family
John Dornheim, NAMI Texas Board President
was still there for him – and is still there for him
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: “Brian’s Story: The Recovery today. Brian brings hope to people all over the
and Renaissance of Brian Cuban”
country with his frank talks to university students,
Brian Cuban, JD
mental health professionals and anyone who will
Dallas, TX
listen to his story of great despair…and the joys
and gifts that come with recovery.
Saturday, October 24th
8:00 a.m. Lincoln East Ballrooom
NAMI Texas ANNUAL MEETING:
Breakfast and Program
John Dornheim, NAMI Texas Board President
SPECIAL EVENT
9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lincoln West Ballroom
Mental Health Channel.TV, a live demonstration of
a new mental health resource for your community
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: “Building NAMI: Bigger,
Stronger, Better”
9:30 a.m. 5th Break-out Session
Bob Litschi, senior business leaders and consultant
Washington/Adams A
Austin, TX
“If I Had Another Chance…”
and Adrienne Kennedy, M.Ed., current NAMI
Helen Coffey, advocate, author
Director and NAMI Austin past president
Oklahoma City, OK
Austin, TX
and Jackie Mashore, BS Science Education
Our task is huge and our passion is even bigger.
Oklahoma City, OK
Grassroots always. Building robust healthy
CEUs Available
affiliates is the vehicle for NAMI to further NAMI’s
My daughter courageously battled undiagnosed and
impact into every sector of our communities,
untreated borderline personality disorder (BPD)
locally and across the state. Adrienne and Bob
until she died by suicide at the age of 38. Her
will speak about the accelerators that can be
story represents the trials that face many people
implemented by each affiliate that will shorten the
in the general public. My daughter was valuable to
time to become bigger, stronger, and better.
her family, her community, and America, and her
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and expand these best practices. In an effort to
untimely death drives me to discuss topics that
diversify funding streams and increase capacity
might prevent other such tragedies. Hind sight is
for these programs, these two entities worked
a valuable learning tool, and I hope that mine may
with One Voice Texas, a non-profit collaborative of
make a difference for others who wish to support
organizations working to ensure that the health and
their loved ones. If only I had another chance to
human services needs of all Texans are addressed,
recognize early onset of mental illness, know the
to develop a public-private partnership with several
criteria for various mental illnesses, find effective
local private philanthropic organizations.
physicians and treatments, be a better advocate,
and obtain support. These urgent matters need
Hamilton
be addressed before we lose another valuable and
“Implementing NAMI’s Newer
precious person.
Non-signature Programs”
Lauren Greenstein, Communications
Jackson/Adams B
Coordinator, NAMI
“Ask the Doc”
Arlington, VA
Brandy Gallien, MD
Dallas, TX
Learn about the many current non-signature
CEUs Available
programs available for NAMI affiliates to use and
Madison
“Taking It to the Next Level: The Potential Benefits
of Public-Private Partnerships”
Lillian Aguirre Ortiz, MSW
One Voice Texas
Houston, TX
and Ann MacLeod, MA Clinical Psychology,
LPC-S, NCC
Program Director, CIRT, the Harris County Center
for Mental Health and IDD
Houston, TX
and Sgt. Steve Wick, Master Peace Officer
Homeless Outreach Team, Houston Police Dept
Houston, TX
CEUs Available
share in their communities. If you are interested
in learning what these innovative programs
have to offer, please join us for this interactive
demonstration. Embrace the opportunity to be
one of the first groups to learn about the brand
new stigma free campaign and what it will entail.
Discover NAMI’s story sharing platforms, ‘Ok2Talk’
and ‘You are Not Alone’ and the differences
between the two. Learn how to use the new NAMI
AIR app. Identify how to access all of the helpful
information NAMI’s extranet has to offer. Check
out the brand new NAMI FaithNet webpage and
the resources available for faith communities.
Engage and be more involved with youth and
young adults through Ending the Silence, Say it
Out Loud, and NAMI on Campus.
The Houston Police Department’s (HPD) Mental
Jefferson
Health Division and the Mental Health Mental
Retardation Authority (MHMRA) of Harris
“My Black Box – Flights of Bipolar”
County, both public agencies, have developed a
Michelle Murphy, Owner, Murphy & Nicole, LLC
successful collaboration between law enforcement Houston, TX
and behavioral health professionals that pools
Since 2002, Michelle has received treatment for
resources to minimize silos while streamlining the
bipolar disorder. Not one of her psychiatrists or
delivery of services and improving outcomes to
counselors ever asked her what goes on during
more adequately address individuals in behavioral
her psychotic episodes. Until now, there has been
health crises.
no written record of what she went through. Then,
As has occurred around the nation, local budgetary
she discovered that if she locked her psychotic
constraints paired with reduced federal funding
thoughts away in a secret place inside her – in
have forced HPD and MHMRA of Harris County
her “black box” - and left them there, that she
to explore private funding options to maintain
could cope with everyday life. There is a black box
Texas
9
Schedule of Events continued
by an individual’s symptoms can result in a finding
that sits in the cockpit of every plane, waiting to
that improvement has occurred when it has not.
tell the story of what happened when the plane
The absence of this documentation is the rule, not
spiraled out of control. Michelle is telling that story.
the exception. This presentation will detail what
Michelle’s counselor had this to say, “A few years
documentation is required to prove continuing
ago, someone dear and precious to me took her
disability and how to work with your provider to
life. For most of her life, she struggled with bipolar,
achieve it.
schizophrenia and alcoholism. I wish [the book] My
Black Box by Michelle Murphy had been available.” Jackson/Adams B
“Cognitive Enhance Therapy”
SPECIAL EVENT during Break
Sarah Aberg, LCSW, certified CET Trainer
10:30 a.m.- 10:20 a.m
Dallas, TX
Madison
CEUs Available
“Introduction to Laughter Yoga”
My job as a Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET)
Kelly Hollis, MS, MBA, biomedical engineer and
trainer is to educate CET Coaches about the
certified Laughter Yoga Leader
biological and developmental components of
Dallas, TX
Serious Mental Illness and how to identify and
Laughter Yoga is a unique practice based on the
target core aspects of cognitive functioning
idea of “laughing for no reason.” It does not
such as attention, memory and problem solving.
rely on jokes or humor – it combines fun and
Over the course of about 14 months, CET
easy laughter exercises, simple yogic breathing
coaches learn how to 1) identify appropriate
techniques, and gentle stretching and movement.
CET group members, 2) conduct an initial
No special equipment is needed, and no
interview, 3) develop individualized treatment
yoga experience is required. All you need is a
and coaching plans, 4) participate in and coach
willingness to laugh.
weekly computer trainings, and 5) conduct social
11:00 a.m. 6th Break-out Session
cognition groups designed to foster recovery
in cognitive processing and social cognition for
Washington/Adams A
individuals with serious mental illnesses.
“Maintaining Eligibility for SSDI”
Robert Hager, JD
Houston, TX
CEUs Available
Acting Commissioner of SSA Carolyn Colvin
informed the Senate that the agency would
increase the number of full medical CDRs to
790,000, a 50 percent increase from FY 2014. A
Continuing Disability Review (CDR) determines
whether an individual continues to meet the
SSA disability requirements. SSA reviews the
individual’s prior favorable decision to identify
signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings related
to the individual’s impairments and compares
them to the current findings. If SSA concludes
that medical improvement sufficient to allow
work has occurred, benefits can be terminated.
The absence of documentation by the treating
psychiatrist of the functional limitations caused
10
Madison
“84th Session: Legislative Advocacy Lessons”
Greg Hansch, MSW, NMI Texas Public
Policy Director
Austin, TX
An overview will be provided of the gains and losses
for mental health advocates in the 84th Texas
Legislative Session. Participants will be provided
an in-depth look at NAMI Texas’ initiatives,
including the tactics and strategies that NAMI
Texas pursued. The audience will be encouraged
to provide feedback on the last legislative session,
as well as suggestions for issues to address for
the interim and 85th session. The presenter will
share his perspective on potential future policy
initiatives. Basic advocacy skills will be taught to
empower the audience to increase involvement
and efficacy. The audience will leave with greater
knowledge of recent policymaking, advocacy
skills, and action steps for the interim and next
legislative session.
Hamilton
“Building Collaborations”
Cynthia Cunningham, NAMI Waco
Executive Director
Waco, TX
and Jody Schulz, BA Criminal Justice, NAMI
Brazos Valley Executive Director
Brenham, TX
The presenters will demonstrate how to reduce
emotional suffering, create balance in your life by
learning the importance of self-care, relationship
effectiveness tools, and how to keep yourself
from going into crisis with your loved-one. The
presenters will share their experiences and their
long journey from despair to hope.
12 noon
Exhibits close
Please return your completed Evaluation Forms to
the Registration Desk area
SPECIAL EVENTS
Practices, ideas and suggestions for building
12 noon
Washington/Adams A
collaborations with community organizations
Q&A on Getting Initial Disability Benefits
and institutions will be shared. Examples include
Robert Hager, JD
university and community colleges, school districts,
12:15 p.m. – 1 p.m.
truancy judges and probation officers. With these
Madison
connections, affiliates can develop relationships
“How to Start a Laughter Yoga Club / Practice”
that will not only allow them to connect with
Kelly Hollis, MS, MBA, biomedical engineer and
the public, but also build funding for signature
certified Laughter Yoga Leader
programs. By establishing these relationships,
Dallas, TX
networking for volunteers for NAMI is opened up.
Jefferson
“Borderline Personality Disorder: Awareness,
Support, Skills & Hope”
Shannon Lenahan, Life Coach trained in DBT,
NEA-BPD Family Connections Leader
Houston, TX
and Elizabeth Rose, advocate, NEA-BPD Family
Connections Leader
Katy, TX
CEUs Available
In this hour, two family members who teach the
National Education Alliance for Borderline
Personality Disorder (NEA-BPD) Family
Connections course will explain how BPD
affects both those with the disorder and their
families. They will demystify BPD and explain
that BPD involves severe difficulties in regulating
emotions, and with effective treatment people
do recover. NEA.BPD developed this 12-week
“Family Connections” course for family members
to provide support and education with a heavy
emphasis on skills training. Skills from Dialectical
Behavior Therapy are taught in the class to
improve the coping of family members and
enhance their relationships with their loved one.
Laughter Yoga is a unique practice based on the
idea of “laughing for no reason.” It does not
rely on jokes or humor -- it combines fun and
easy laughter exercises, simple yogic breathing
techniques, and gentle stretching and movement.
No special equipment is needed, and no
yoga experience is required. All you need is a
willingness to laugh.
The scientifically proven benefits of Laughter Yoga
include relief of stress, anxiety, pain and depression;
improved respiration, circulation, digestion and
elimination, enhanced immune function, reduced
stress hormones and increased “feel-good
hormones,” and a sense of peace and happiness.
2015 marks the 20th anniversary of Laughter Yoga.
Started by Madan Kataria, MD and his yoga
teacher wife, Madhuri, at Mumbai Park in India,
today there are thousands of Laughter Clubs in
more than 72 countries. For more information, visit
www.laughteryoga.org.
NAMI Texas Board Meeting
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Eisenhower I
Texas
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Exhibitors
12
Award Winners 2015
Charley Shannon Advocate for Justice Award
Sr. Corporal Herbert Cotner
Betty Fulenwider Media Award
Mike Barajas
Mental Health Professional of the Year
Dr. Octavio N. Martinez, Jr.
Volunteer of the Year
Finis Hay
Mark Korenek Consumer Quality of Life Award
Teena Adler-Roberts
Jackie Shannon Enduring Volunteer Award
To be announced at the Awards Program
Texas
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Hotel
A Special Thanks to
Correct Care for giving $500 for the Consumer Council Business Lunch.
Value Options for sponsoring the pre-conference Movie Night.
Lonnie & Andrea Hazlitt for the scholarships for individuals living with mental illness.
Green Oaks Hospital for printing the 2015 Conference program and the 2014 Annual Report.
KeLaine Kvale of Achievement Through the Arts for donating her original painting for the raffle.
Will Nash for graphic design of the program and signs.
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A Special Thanks to Amerigroup and Optum
as our Gold Sponsors
Texas
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Schedule at a Glance
Friday, October 23rd
7 a.m.
Registration Opens
7:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
8 a.m.
Exhibits Open
8:30 a.m. Welcome
9 a.m.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
10:15 a.m. 1st Breakout Session (1 hour)
Saturday, October 24th
8 a.m.
NAMI Texas Annual Meeting
Breakfast & Program (1.5 hr)
9:30 a.m. 5th Breakout Session (1 hour)
If I Had Another Chance
Ask the Doc
Taking It To The Next Level: The Potential
Benefits of Public-Private Partnerships
Implementing NAMI’s newer
Non-signature Programs
My Black Box: Flights of Bipolar Psychosis
Family Engagement: Excellence in
Caregiving and High Functioning
Outcomes After Mental Illness Diagnosis
Peers Helping Peers
Integration of Mental Health Clinicians in
Law Enforcement CIT Programs
9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
ASK To Save A Life
10:30 a.m.BREAK
Exploring Art Expression & Creativity
11:00 a.m.6th Breakout Session (1 hour)
11:15 a.m. LUNCH (on your own)
11:30 a.m.NAMI Texas Consumer Council
Business meeting
12:30 p.m.2nd Breakout Session (1 hour)
Mental Health Channel.TV
How To Avoid An Undeserved Termination
of SSA Benefits
Cognitive Enhancement Therapy
84th Session: Legislative
Advocacy Lessons
Building Collaborations
From the Couch to the Bus Depot to the
Mall to Work: The Milestones of Adjustment
Post-Psychosis (MAPP) Recovery Model
Ten Great Apps for Mental Health
NEA-BPD Family Connections For
Awareness, Support, Skills and Hope
Assisting Responders During a Crisis
Noon
Return Evaluation forms
Mental Health First Aid Benefits
NAMI Affiliates
Exhibits Close
Q&A on Getting Initial Disability Benefits
1:30 - 6:30 p.m. Artful Expressions – an exhibition
1:30 p.m. BREAK
12:15 p.m. How to Start a Laughter Yoga Club,
Laughter Yoga Practice (30 to 45 min)
1:45 p.m. 3rd Breakout Session (1 hour)
1 - 3 p.m. NAMI Texas Board Meeting
Recognizing Stress and How To
Cope With It
Cultivating Mindfulness
How Can I Help Ensure A Safe Outcome
When Calling The Police?
Ending the Silence Part1- the Program
2:45 p.m. BREAK
3:15 p.m. 4th Breakout Session (1 hour)
Mindful Communication – Using
Mindfulness To Enhance Communication
and Relationships
Learning From My Inner Voice: Personal
Writing for Self-Care, Healing, and Insight
Mental Health and Housing: Where We Are
and Where We’re Going
Ending the Silence Part 2 – How Your NAMI
Affiliate Can Make the Biggest Difference
in the Future
4:15 p.m. Introduction to Laughter Yoga (30 to 45 min)
6:30 p.m.Dinner Served
Pre-conference Movie Night double feature:
“Home” and “Dark Side of the Full Moon” both
shown at 7:30 and 9 pm.
Book Nook – purchase conference speakers’
books and get author’s signature at NAMI Texas
exhibit table