About the Symposium
For nearly five decades, this symposium has been a cornerstone of MHA-Greater Dallas's efforts to raise awareness and educate the community on child and adolescent mental health. Whether you are a mental health professional, counselor, teacher, parent, or advocate, this symposium is an excellent opportunity to learn from experts, talk with industry partners, and network with like-minded individuals.
Speakers
Each year, Mental Health America of Greater Dallas invites over 40 speakers from all over the U.S. to share their expertise and experiences with child and adolescent mental health. Here's a look at our 2024 speaker line-up along with workshop information:
Keynote Speakers
DREW ROBINSON | OPENING KEYNOTE
Wednesday, February 14th
Drew Robinson is a former Major League Baseball player for the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals, a suicide survivor, mental health advocate, and co-founder of the Better Universe Foundation.
DREW MYERS | CLOSING KEYNOTE
Thursday, February 15th
Drew Myers is an intentionality coach, author, and professional speaker. He generates hope, inspires action, and reminds people to make the important things important – starting with themselves.
Mental Health 101 Workshops
Twila Farrar, M.ED., LPC-S, RPT-S, CAS
Chief Executive Officer, University Park Counseling & Testing Center, PLLC
Why Do They Act that Way? Understanding the Adolescent Brain
Jenifer Balch, Ph.D., LPC-S, RPT-S, CAS
Chief Clinical Officer, University Park Counseling & Testing Center, PLLC
Why Do They Act that Way? Understanding the Adolescent Brain
Paulina Guzzardo, PhD, LMFT
Intervention Specialist, FWISD Wedgwood MS
Building Connections Between Adults and Youth That Maintain Equilibrium
This workshop will demonstrate how to build positive connections between adults and youth that foster relationship and growth.
Bridget Camacho, LCSW
Executive Director, Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
Barriers and Solutions to Youth Resiliency
Attuned challenge that encourages adolescents to connect with their creativity, capacity, and worth can cultivate and strengthen their resiliency.
Taylor Zebrosky, LPC
Therapist, Highland Village Counseling, PLLC
DBT Crisis Survival Skills
Lauren Debose, DSW, LCSW
Trauma Specialist, Birdville ISD
How to Get to the Heart of Student Behavior & Mental Well-being
Michelle Broadwater, LMSW
Assistant Director of Counseling Services & District Crisis Management, Birdville ISD
How to Get to the Heart of Student Behavior & Mental Well-being
Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, Eating Disorders, OCD, Self-Harm, Suicide
Leanne Foell LCSW
Adolescent Therapist, Bright Space Therapy
Trendy to Be Depressed: The Hidden Reasons Teens Aren't Getting Better and How to Help
This workshop reviews the hidden rewards or benefits a teen may get from being mentally unwell. Audiences will learn how social media perpetuates hidden rewards, making mental health issues like ADHD and depression trendy. Audiences will learn how to identify hidden rewards and how to help teens avoid them.
Jennifer Crutsinger LPC-S
Youth Suicide Grant Project Director, Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Screening Youth for Suicide: Understanding Suicide's Impact & How to Help
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Texas youth. The Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, an evidence-based tool, is a series of questions anyone can ask to identify individuals at risk of suicide. Understanding suicide's impact and knowing mental health resources is vital to ensuring a pathway to care.
Michael Maxwell, PhD, LPCS, CSC
Director of Clinical Training, The Chicago School, Dallas
Managing Adolescent Anxiety for Teens and Parents
This workshop will be an interactive experience to help mental health professionals understand, recognize, and remediate significant anxiety experienced by today's adolescents.
Jasmine Ghannadpour PhD, ABPP
Board Certified Clinical Child Psychologist Children's Health/Children's Medical Center
The Reality of Pediatric Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are when young girls choose to lose weight, right? We will debunk myths about eating disorders, and spoiler alert! It's about more than food and weight, and impacts all genders and ethnicities. Hear from experts in the field on the reality of the deadliest mental health disorder.
Urszula Kelley, MD
Psychiatrist, Children's Health/Children's Medical Center)
The Reality of Pediatric Eating Disorders
We will debunk myths about eating disorders, and spoiler alert! It's about more than food and weight, and impacts all genders and ethnicities. Hear from experts in the field on the reality of the deadliest mental health disorder.
LaShundra Thomas Ph.D.
Educational Specialist, Children's Health Plano
Management of Eating Disorders in Children & Adolescents Under the MTSS Framework: School Transition Collaboration
An eating disorder is a mental illness that could have long term effects without proper management. Through collaborative treatment and support, children and adolescents can receive the tools needed to be able to manage the disorder when they transition back to school through the Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports Framework.
Katie Purvis MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BasePoint Academy
Building Resilience through a Strengths-Based model of Treatment for ADHD
Susan Sugerman, MD, MPH
Physician, Co-Founder Girls to Women and Young Men's Health and Wellness, Dallas
Medical Complications of Eating Disorders: When should I worry? What should I do?
Adolescent medicine physicians explain medical complications of eating disorders and how to recognize them in your practice or educational setting. Participants will learn how to intervene to support clients’ safety and, when necessary, gently educate less experienced consulting medical health care providers through this process.
Shanna Garza, MD
Physician and Co-Founder, Girls to Women and Young Men's Health and Wellness, McKinney)
Medical Complications of Eating Disorders: When should I worry? What should I do?
Adolescent medicine physicians explain medical complications of eating disorders and how to recognize them in your practice or educational setting. Participants will learn how to intervene to support client's safety and, when necessary, gently educate less experienced consulting medical health care providers through this process.
Paige Helms, LPC
Owner and Lead Therapist, Novel Changes Therapy
I am Not Broken, Don't Try to Fix Me - Working with Neurodivergent Teens
Come learn how to move away from the idea that Autism and ADHD are not missing puzzle pieces but are instead whole puzzles built outside of the confines of neurotypical development.
Brittany Williams, LPC
Manager of School-Based Mental Health for KIPP TX and Co-Owner of Rain Therapy DFW
Empowering Excellence: Strategies for Easing Anxiety in High-Achieving Teens
Discover how to empower high-achieving teens to navigate anxiety while excelling. Gain practical strategies for balance, effective communication, and nurturing resilience and the tools to share with parents to create supportive environments that promote both achievement and well-being.
Courtney Riggs, LPC
Owner of Courtney Riggs Counseling, Courtney Riggs Counseling
Empowering Excellence: Strategies for Easing Anxiety in High-Achieving Teens
Discover how to empower high-achieving teens to navigate anxiety while excelling. Gain practical strategies for balance, effective communication, and nurturing resilience and the tools to share with parents to create supportive environments that promote both achievement and well-being.
Perry Leynor, LPC
Counselor, Specialists in OCD & Anxiety Recovery (SOAR)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: An overview of Exposure therapy and Treatment of Adolescents
This workshop will focus on a lecture regarding obsessive compulsive disorder, exposure and response prevention (ERP), and special considerations when treating adolescents. This includes overview of diagnostic features, examples of ERP and creation of a hierarchy, as well as clinical factors to consider when working with adolescents.
Findley Harris, LPC
Counselor, Specialists in OCD & Anxiety Recovery (SOAR)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: An overview of Exposure therapy and Treatment of Adolescents
This workshop will focus on a lecture regarding obsessive compulsive disorder, exposure and response prevention (ERP), and special considerations when treating adolescents. This includes overview of diagnostic features, examples of ERP and creation of a hierarchy, as well as clinical factors to consider when working with adolescents.
Addiction - Gambling, Pornography, Substance Use
Saul Malek
Board of Directors of Texas Coalition on Problem Gambling Professional speaker
Parlays, Bookies, and Debt. Oh My!
Saul Malek uses his experience and research to educate school faculty on youth gambling- a largely undiscussed topic in schools.
In this presentation, Saul provides educators with tools they may implement to not only detect youth gambling, but also prevent it from becoming a problem on campus.
Olivia Mason MS, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT
Clinical Director, The Carpenter Shed
Pornography and Sex Education
This workshop will be for educators, clinicians, clergy, and any that work with adolescent boys and girls. The focus will be to share the huge impact pornography and a sexual culture is having on today's teens and their relationship with others and themselves.
Michelle Schwolert LPC, EMDR, LCDC-I
CEO, Owner Roots Adolescent Renewal Ranch
Repairing Future Generations: Preventing Addiction in Adolescents
There are many reasons adolescents turn to substances, self-harm and other risk taking behaviors. It is important that we acknowledge and cleanse the primary problem, typically unaddressed childhood trauma and/or family systems issues, instead of focusing solely on the behaviors, or the secondary issues. Knowledge is power.
John-Mark Meulman LPC, LCDC
Program Administrator, Collin County Substance Abuse Program
Fentanyl epidemic and adolescents
Fentanyl has become the number one killer among drugs. Street drugs are being "cut" with fentanyl and young people are dying by not knowing what they are taking. This workshop will equip you to identify the dangers of fentanyl, risks associated nd resources for help.
Josh Munkeby, MA Counseling
SUD Educator/Trainer North Texas Behavioral Health Authority
Getting Candid: Framing the Conversation Around Youth Substance Use Prevention
Early identification and intervention of youth substance use decreases the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder in the future and experiencing consequences related to the use of alcohol and other drugs. Knowing what information young people want and need can open doors to productive conversations.
Dean Porterfield LPC/MHSP, NCC, Approved LPC Supervisor
Executive Director, ARCH Academy
Meaningful Engagement with the Substance Abusing Adolescent Male
How to best engage adolescent males and young men who suffer from primary substance abuse diagnosis and co-occurring issues. Research driven approaches and techniques. The modalities taught will be multisensory focused, explaining
approaches: Impact Therapy, kinetic engagement and experiential exercises
lead to an enhanced comprehension of traditional therapeutic skills and techniques.
Rick Rayl RPh
Director of Pharmacy, University Behavioral Health of Denton
Fentanyl a Roll of the Dice
In 2016 there were 42,000 deaths attributed to opioid overdose. The opioid epidemic has taken a dangerous turn with fentanyl being used indiscriminately as an adulterant. How did we get here? What safeguards are in place and are they working? This presentation will answer these questions and much more.
Michael Roeske PsyD
Senior Director, Center for Research and Innovation Newport Healthcare
Adolescent substance use: Trends, the link to insecure attachment, and implications for treatment
Adolescent substance use is a concern for parents, educators, police, and communities, alike. This presentation will examine teen alcohol and drug use trends, factors leading from experimentation to a substance use disorder (SUD), discuss attachment theory and the correlation of SUDs to insecure attachment, and provide implications for treatment.
Tashea Walker M. Ed., LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor and CEO, A Glo of Hope
The Cultural Aspects of Increased Substance use for Black & Brown Teens
In this session, current research on substance use trends and mental health stigma will be discussed as it relates to our Black and Brown communities. Participants will gain insight into current adolescent trends, create an engaging treatment process, and help minimize stigma in these marginalized communities.
Adeli Cortez, M. Ed., LPC, RPT, CSC, CCTP
Mental Health Intervention Counselor, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
The Cultural Aspects of Increased Substance use for Black & Brown Teens
In this session, current research on substance use trends and mental health stigma will be discussed as it relates to our Black and Brown communities. Participants will gain insight into current adolescent trends, create an engaging treatment process, and help minimize stigma in these marginalized communities.
Technology in Youth
Russell Baxter LPC-Supervisor
Founder, Foundations Counseling PLLC
Technology and Mental Health
Technology is a nonnegotiable in today's ever-changing world, but too much of a good thing can become very unhealthy. We will walk through the many aspects of technology and how it is impacting our mental health as a society, especially for teens and young adults.
Jeremy Edge LPC, IGDC
Founder and Owner, Escapingthe.com
The Balancing Game: Navigating Healthy Gaming, Social Media, and General Screen Use
In 2024, teens live online. They work, play, and socialize through online platforms and activities. With so much time spent online, teens can struggle with finding a healthy balance. We will explore the challenges and solutions for teens experiencing a healthy, balanced life with screens.
Alex Frascino M.S., LMFT-S
Clinical Director, Oak Bluffs Therapy Group
The Social Experiment: Adolescents and Social Media
This presentation is designed for mental health professionals, teachers and parents to expand our knowledge about various social media platforms adolescents most engage with.
Dealing with Trauma
Mike Giresi CAC, ICADC, CTP
Chief Clinical Officer, Family First Adolescent Services
Complex Trauma & Adolescence
This presentation offers a comprehensive overview of adolescent mental health from the lens of complex trauma, including evidence-based interventions for assessment, clinical conceptualization, and treatment. Attendees will participate in exercises to practice trauma-informed skills for assessing and treating underlying patterns of complex trauma in adolescent clients.
Liz Dobrowolski, MSW
Senior Therapist, Family First Adolescent Services
Complex Trauma & Adolescence
This presentation offers a comprehensive overview of adolescent mental health from the lens of complex trauma, including evidence-based interventions for assessment, clinical conceptualization, and treatment. Attendees will participate in exercises to practice trauma-informed skills for assessing and treating underlying patterns of complex trauma in adolescent clients.
Katelyn Lara, MA, LPC, NCC, CCPT
Licensed Professional Counselor, Mineral Wells ISD
When Trauma Walks Into the Room
When trauma walks into the room, you may or may not know it. Together, we will explore what trauma behaviors look like and practical ways of helping hurt adolescents in your world.
Kimberly Montgomery, LPC Supervisor
Assistant Director of Clinical Services, Dallas Children's Advocacy Center
Trauma-Informed Treatments for Teens
This workshop will discuss trauma and the impact trauma has on the adolescent brain. We will discussed evidenced-based treatments that are trauma informed and proven to decrease trauma symptoms. We will learn fun and engaging interventions that help teenagers learn how to cope in healthy and effective ways.
Jeff Noles LAC, LPC, CTT, CCS
Clinical Director, Stonewater Adolescent Recovery
Resurrecting the Child Within
The general understanding of trauma is that it must be a catastrophic event. If we approach trauma treatment from that perspective, we are missing out on the share of the trauma that impacts our clients. We will discuss inner child work and healing trauma that is often never acknowledged.
Koren Hudson, LPC
Clinical Director, The Meadows Adolescent Program/ Meadows Behaviorial Healthcare
Trauma-Informed Care Healing for the Patient and the Family
Come learn how creating a trauma-informed, nonjudgmental, and felt-safe environment can help avoid re-traumatization and promote a person's healing process.
Working with LGBTQ+ Youth
Brian Kennedy, LPC
Mental Health Counselor, Room for Change
Whose Closet Is It: Understanding Coming Out and the Impact of Heteronormativity on LGBTQ Youth
In this session, we will explore the concept of covert cultural sexual abuse as the foundation for many problems that LGBTQ individuals face. We will also explore the 6 Stages of Coming Out to assist our adolescent clients with confronting their own emotional conflicts throughout the process.
Helena Roberson LPC-S, NCC, MA
Clinical Director, Better You Counseling
Gender Affirming Care 101
This presentation will provide a detailed overview of the best practices and strategies when providing gender-affirming care to transgender or gender expansive clients. Attendees will be taught multiple specific strategies to use when working with this population of youth.
Rachel Allen, LPC-Associate, NCC, MS
Therapist, Better You Counseling
Gender Affirming Care 101
This presentation will provide a detailed overview of the best practices and strategies when providing gender-affirming care to transgender or gender expansive clients. Attendees will be taught multiple specific strategies to use when working with this population of youth.
Peter Thomas PhD
Psychologist, Thomas Psychology Services LLC
Navigating the World of Trans Adolescents
Education and experiential activities to help explore our care for gender dysphoria with adolescents. This workshop explores the standards of care we need to know in working with this population and explore how current politics and cultural issues impact their care.
The Latino Community
Nelida Medina, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clinician, Purple Crayon Counseling
Latino Education: A Texas Size Problem
The growth of Latinos has brought about a shortage of Latino professionals to serve this community in a culturally competent manner. The American school system is failing Latino students as evidenced by their high dropout rate compared to their white peers. Action is needed to create a more equitable tomorrow!
Ingrid Pedre LPC-S
Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Ingrid Pedre Counseling
Issues that influence the conflicts between Latin American immigrant parents and their first generation adolescents
Intergenerational conflict is a common theme studied in our field. Research shows that these conflicts have the potential to increase when parents were born in a different country. This workshop will explore risk factors and interventions useful to assist adolescents and their families to manage conflicts.
Ana Marcela Rodriguez MS, LMFT
Founder / CEO Therapy Works Counseling
Transgenerational and Intergenerational Trauma in the Hispanic Community
By understanding the mechanisms of trauma transmission, the impact of trauma on individuals, families, and communities, and therapeutic interventions that can help clients overcome the effects of this trauma, we can work towards healing and building resilience in the Hispanic community.
Workshops for Parents
Catherine Baggett LCSW-S
Owner/Clinician Unity Mental Health Services
Good-Mood Food: Using Nutritional Psychiatry to Promote Well-Being and Family Connectedness
Good food soothes the soul, but did you know it soothes the mind, too? In this interactive workshop, participants will learn about nutrients found in many common ingredients that boost brain functioning. We'll also discuss the benefits of family meals as a creative (and tasty!) intervention for holistic well-being.
Jennifer Shotwell LPC, LCDC, CS, MBA, MS, NCC, EMDR Consultant
Therapist & Consultant, Prime Counseling
Why Your Kids Don't Have To Do Anything
With technology, there is always a way for kids to fool their parents. Instead of fighting and arguing, learn how to use consequences to empower your child and help them learn from their experiences. Utilizing natural consequences allows you to be a parent instead of a probation officer.
Therapy & Counseling
Amanda Esquivel LPC-S
Owner & Lead Counselor, Room for Change
Prepairing for Rupture & Repair in Therapeutic Relationships
Rupture and repair in counseling relationships with teen clients is a complex phenomenon that must be anticipated, proactively addressed and reactively tended to. In this session we will spend time discussing the unique nuances of rupture in our relationships with teen clients as well as ways to repair those wounds.
Benjamin Brockman LPC-S, NCC, DBT-LBC
Clinical Director, Behavioral Health Therapist New Perspective Counseling Services
Adolescents and DBT: Creating Stability in Teens and Their Family Systems
Presentation of Dialectical Behavior Therapy treatment and the specific treatment modifications for the adolescent population including the Multi-Family skills training format. A summary of the research to date supporting the effectiveness of DBT treatment with adolescent populations, how to identify competent DBT therapists, and treatment programs will be discussed.
Meredith Dellorco LCSW
National Director of ABFT Training Program, Newport Healthcare
Rediscovering the Adolescent-Caregiver Bond through Attachment-Based Family Therapy
This presentation will review attachment theory and highlight the impact of attachment ruptures on adolescent mental health. It will then provide an overview of how to utilize Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) to rebuild or establish a secure base between an adolescent and caregivers.
Jose Lopez PhD, LPC Supervisor (TX), CSC (TX)
Professor, The Chicago School of Psychology
Why Is It challenging for adolescent men to be in therapy?
The workshop is design to provide professionals with a understanding of the specific challenges that male adolescents face in therapy. The workshop will provide an explanation of what some of the challenges male adolescents face in therapy such a differences in emotional expressions, and differences in communicating.
Hallie Sheade, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S
Executive Director, STEPS With Horses
Equine Assisted Counseling for Adolescents: The Power of the Human-Equine Bond
In this presentation, explore the transformative impact of the human-equine bond on adolescents with mental health concerns.
Amara Yachimski, BA
Graduate-Level Counseling Intern, STEPS With Horses
Equine Assisted Counseling for Adolescents: The Power of the Human-Equine Bond
In this presentation, explore the transformative impact of the human-equine bond on adolescents with mental health concerns.
Jasmine Ghannadpour PhD, ABPP
Board Certified Clinical Child Psychologist, Children's Medical Center
Cultural Diversity in Family Based Treatment
Working in a family-based treatment program, we serve a diverse population. As Texas becomes more diverse each year, it benefits us to become more educated on how to help the families we see. We will review components of family-based treatment, acculturation, attitudes toward treatment, and culturally competent care models.
LaShundra Thomas Ph.D.
Educational Specialist, Children's Health Plano
Management of Eating Disorders in Children & Adolescents Under the MTSS Framework: School Transition Collaboration
An eating disorder is a mental illness that could have long term effects without proper management. Through collaborative treatment and support, children and adolescents can receive the tools needed to be able to manage the disorder when they transition back to school through the Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports Framework.
Lindsey Hernandez MS, NCC, LPC, CSC
Mental Health Clinician, Dallas Independent School District
What's FAMILY got to do with it?
This presentation will focus on the impact of family therapy. Attendees will learn different interventions to use with families and help clinicians feel more comfortable with family work. We will also explore how generational trauma impacts family systems and how to create inviting, safe spaces leading to greater family connectedness.
Janie Stubblefield, LPC-S
Owner, Mobile Counseling, PLLC
Ethics: Tell Me No Lies & Keep Your Hands to Yourself
This interactive workshop on Counseling Ethics will engage in dialog over today’s top ethics questions. This workshop is designed to help mental health professionals enhance their professional standards and meet foundational ethics criteria.
Tanya Stuart LCSW-BACS,LAC
Co-owner, The Maples Residential
Working with Adolescents and Their Families Using a Holistic Approach
Participants will learn how to set clear boundaries with the family unit
Identify different types of parenting styles
Participants will learn how to identify the family roles. Identifying levels of care for the adolescent. Helping families identify individual and family strengths.
Brooke Soard, M.Ed., BCSE
Educational Specialist/Educational Diagnostician, Children’s Health Plano
Cultural Diversity in Family Based Treatment
Working in a family-based treatment program, we serve a diverse population. As Texas becomes more diverse each year, it benefits us to become more educated on how to help the families we see. We will review components of family-based treatment, acculturation, attitudes toward treatment, and culturally competent care models.
Miscellaneous Topics
Aaron Robb Ph.D., LPC-S
Program Director, Forensic Counseling Services
Families in court, professionals on trial: Surviving and thriving with litigating families
Anytime children are being raised between two homes professionals encounter a number of unique issues. When families litigate issues can become hazards. Awareness of best practices with this population is critical to prevent inadvertently harming children and parents, and to achieve maximum effectiveness when providing services.
Christy Bradshaw Schmidt, LPC
Expert Consultant and Child Custody Evaluator, Christy Bradshaw Schmidt, MA, LPC
Families in court, professionals on trial: Surviving and thriving with litigating families
Anytime children are being raised between two homes professionals encounter a number of unique issues. When families litigate issues can become hazards. Awareness of best practices with this population is critical to prevent inadvertently harming children and parents, and to achieve maximum effectiveness when providing services.
Kristin Wolfe PhD, LPC
Clinical Practice Manager, Psychologist Children's Health
Building Resilience and Decreasing Psychological Distress for Mental Health Professionals
This workshop will help participants better understand the risk and protective factors associated with working in mental healthcare, as well as apply practice skills to reduce psychological distress.
Anetria Hardeman LPC
Owner, Psychotherapist Sacred Spaces and Connections
Understanding the Impact of Grief and Loss in the African-American Adolescent Community
In the African-American adolescent community, grief and loss can carry unique challenges. This interactive workshop aims to shed light on the intricate dynamics within this community. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of these issues, equipping them with the knowledge and empathy to support African-American adolescents facing loss.
Brittany McGowan MSW
Training & Community Outreach Specialist, Dallas Children's Advocacy Center
REPORT: Best Practice for Professionals Responding to Child Abuse
This training offers practical guidance for professionals on how to best work with investigative parties in a way that protects the investigation, the organization, and most importantly, the child.
The schedule
The schedule for Tuesday, February 14 + Thursday, February 15 is being finalized and will be released soon. To be the first to get it, be sure to sign up for our email list here.
The location
We're back at the Plano Event Center which offers convenient access to DFW’s major airports and highways, over 900 free parking spaces, and ample space to accommodate 20+ workshops daily.
Our sponsors & partners
