Continuing the Conversation...Mental Wellness Matters

A Second Chance for a Whole Life:  Trauma and Resilience
Nikissia Craig, LCSW, CCTP – Director of Whole Journey Services, PLLC

Trauma and resilience are interconnected within a trauma-informed treatment approach and a wellness-based lifestyle. With a deeper understanding of a trauma survivor’s core needs and ways to address these on personal and therapeutic levels; this training aims to promote recovery and improved interactions with those with trauma histories.

Managing Mental Wellness, “Caring for the Complete Self”
Andrea Long, MA, Ed.M., LPC – Chief Program Officer, The Up Center

A presentation on the challenges women have with navigating our different roles and responsibilities and the impact on our physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual self. We’ll discuss how the brain works in shaping our “reality”, and how understanding this is key to discovering ways to care for the complete self.

Autism: How Did We Get Here from There?
John Harrington, MD, FAAP – Professor of Pediatrics & Division Director of General Academic Pediatrics at Eastern Virginia Medical School and Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a chronic condition with significant impact on families and society. With the current prevalence between 1-2% of all children born today, it is likely you know or may even be related to someone with an ASD. Understanding the process of diagnosis, treatment and eventual outcomes is something we all would like to improve. I will provide a brief overview and clinical vignettes of these topics and hopefully be able to answer questions participants may have about ASD.

The Day in the Life of a Military Support Provider
Captain Brenda Kerr, PE, PMP – US Coast Guard, Base Portsmouth Commanding Officer 

You will be exposed to the variety of services provided to active duty, retired and transitioning service members and their families. An explanation of how these services are executed and the typical interactions with local community service providers, non-profits and the Veterans Administration will be given.

Killing Me Softly
Ernestine Duncan, Ph.D. – Chair of Psychology, Norfolk State University

This presentation will inform by identifying factors that are relative to health disparities. Currently African American women comprise 13% of the U.S. population yet constitute the majority of illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and cardiovascular disease. Identifying factors that contribute to poor health outcomes can improve health outcomes.

Teen Suicide Awareness & Prevention
Jim Thornton, LPC – Clinical Services Administrator of Child & Youth Behavioral Health Division, Virginia Beach Department of Human Services

This presentation will discuss the signs and symptoms of teenage depression that, if left unchecked, can lead to suicidal ideations and acts. Participants will learn early warning signs, factors specific to teenagers, and the role that trauma plays. Immediate intervention and ongoing treatment options will also be discussed.

Virginia’s Opioid Addiction Crisis: An Emergency in Our Community
Heidi Kulberg, MD, MPH – Director, Virginia Beach Department of Public Health 

More people die from drug overdose than from car accidents. In 2016 in Hampton Roads, ~5 people a week died from drug overdose. The impact of opioid addiction in our community, a five-point policy approach to addressing the opioid crisis, and addiction as a chronic disease will be highlighted.

Transitions & Seasons – You Are Not Alone
Leslie Cristea, CRS, MBA, LTI – Veteran & Founder, Making Marriage Matter

As a veteran and military spouse, I learned how to fight through stereotypes and effects of spouse’s mindsets and decisions throughout a military career. Determination to maintain an ambitious, supportive and professional stature resulted in neglecting my own need for self-care and support. Serving others doesn’t mean to disregard self.

Rocking the Cradle: Understanding the Impact of Maternal Depression and Anxiety
Shawn Ware-Avant, MS, LPC, RPT/S – Maternal/Early Childhood Mental Health Clinician

Women are told pregnancy and motherhood are times of joy and excitement—but what if they’re not? Depression can affect women of any race, age, or socioeconomic background and occur with any pregnancy or birth. Participants will understand symptoms of maternal depression and anxiety, while discussing media and community stigma.

“I Am So Tired of Being Sick,” Depression in Children & Adolescents with Chronic Disease & Physical Health Issues
Mitzi Glass, LCSW – Clinical Team Leader for Behavioral and Social Support Services, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters

Chronic illness and physical health issues can have a significant impact on a person’s overall life satisfaction resulting in depression, even in children and adolescents. Knowing about the disease and its symptoms and the risk of depression can help parents, teachers and the community take a proactive approach to address depressive symptoms, while supporting children and caregivers, so that they can have more productive, satisfying lives.

Resources for You!
Thea Lawton, LPC, NCC – Clinical Quality Manager, Beacon Health Options – Military OneSource

This presentation provides attendees an overview of the wide array of benefits, confidential counseling resources, products and information that Military OneSource offers to military members, and their families. Military OneSource helps prepare for deployment, reintegration, moves, parenthood and retirement along with taxes, family budget and job search.

Breaking the Cycle of the Bullying to Partner Violence Pipeline
Bobby Kipper, Founder & Executive Director of the National Center for the Prevention of Community Violence

The presentation will review the cause and impact of the bullying to intimate partner violence pipeline. Identifying the characteristics that are carried forward in aggression from childhood bullying to adulthood. Provide solutions to intervene in the early phase of bullying at schools and in the community to interrupt this pattern of violence.