This presentation is to inspire civic action as a key ethical component of social work practice. The presentation will cover the historical context of advocacy and will cover ways to engage with outside community action organizations. Discussion will center on voices most impacted by local, state, and federal policy. The conversation will focus specifically on ethical standard 6.04 for social workers in clinical settings. The presentation will also provide tools for social workers to develop boundaries for this aspect of the work. The goals of developing appropriate boundaries for their advocacy work. Both sets of boundaries will be discussed and guiding questions to assist each social worker on their journey of creating personal emotional boundaries and legal boundaries regarding the intricacies of having a platform and working within outside institutions.

Amanda Huber Lopera, MSW, LCSW

This presentation aims to equip social workers with the knowledge and skills to navigate various levels of care for adolescents effectively. It will address the ethical responsibilities associated with assessing and referring teens to higher levels of care, ensuring that social workers can make informed, ethical decisions in their practice. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical examples, and case studies, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how-to best support teens in need of higher levels of care.

Alyssa Hooker, LCSWA

Shantel Sullivan, Ed.D., LCSW

Understanding Dual Identities: Cultural Implications in Working with Immigrants and First-Generation Americans" is a 1.5-hour workshop designed for social workers and mental health therapists. This session will explore the unique cultural dynamics and challenges faced by immigrants and first-generation Americans. Participants will gain insights into the dual identity experiences of these populations and learn practical strategies for providing culturally sensitive and effective support. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and evidence-based practices, attendees will enhance their ability to navigate cultural complexities and improve therapeutic outcomes for their clients.

Zumrad Masar, LCSW-S, LCAS, CCS

Participants will be introduced to the theory and practice of an integrative psychodynamic approach to body-focused repetitive behaviors. Upon completing this session you will be able to describe the course, consequences and functions of body-focused repetitive behaviors, name common precipitating factors and triggers of hair-pulling and skin-picking disorders, and apply the concept of translating body-language into words in working with clients with any presenting issue. Highlights include an exploration of the mind/skin/body/psyche connection and what we can learn from the parallel between over-grooming disorders in animals and in humans. We will also review a case study that will provide an example of successful treatment.

Stacy Nakell, LCSW

Humans manage healthcare systems, and all systems influence the experience and recognition of systematic errors. Fortunately, in the United States Healthcare System, human error can be the catalyst for creativity and change. The mental healthcare system and its workforce urgently need an effective burnout remediation program. Burnout not only affects an individual's quality of life but also impacts organizational treatment outcomes. Unfortunately, this issue is often minimized or regarded as an acceptable professional experience in the mental health field. Current prevention and remediation efforts rely heavily on self-care practices, neglecting the organization's role in causing burnout. This systemic flaw in addressing burnout through individual accountability has significantly failed. This presentation synthesizes decades of research on burnout, emotional intelligence, and organizational leadership practices to support the development of effective burnout remediation programs across the mental health profession. Additionally, it educates leaders and equips professionals to analyze and revise their organizational procedures by emphasizing the profound human cost of inaction, which undermines the core values and ethical principles of the social work profession.

Elyssia Lewis, DSW, LCSW, BCD

This presentation will focus on elaborating on the fundamentals that every new or veteran social worker must adopt as a part of their practice. Whether they are working on the macro, mezzo or micro level, these fundamentals will support you in accomplishing positive outcomes in your practice. Positive outcomes should be the focus in every profession, including social work. We don't only want to do "the work", but we want to be effective and impactful at all times. When I think about fundamentals, I think about the foundation of something, the frame on which something is built. A popular point of reference is when one builds a house from the ground up. Usually, that process starts with a strong foundation. This foundation must be strong and properly designed to possess the ability to hold up the house for years to come. This is the same approach we must all take in building our career in social work. Please see the 14 Pillars of Building a Strong Social Work Practice below: 

1. Passion 2. Compassion 3. Professionalism 4. Flexibility 5. Relationship Building 6. Mentorship 7. Accountability 8. Accessibility 9. Boundaries 10. Self Care 11. Content 12. Plan/Monitoring 13. Commitment 14. Collaboration

Latasha Riddick, MSW, LCSWA

Transgender populations have high rates of eating disorders, while insufficient providers have competency in working with transgender people with eating disorders. By training eating disorder therapists in treating transgender individuals, and training clinicians experienced in treating trans clients in screening for and basic provision of eating disorder care, more transgender clients will be able to receive treatment for their eating disorders. In this presentation, participants will learn basics of treating transgender populations, including language, gender basics, experiences of oppression, and barriers to care. We will discuss the prevalence of eating disorders within trans populations, the similarities and differences of eating disorder presentation between trans and cis populations, and recommendations of how to treat trans populations with eating disorders. We will discuss the importance of gender-affirming care, options for transition, and how to navigate transition steps with clients. We will also discuss some of the nuances in working with body dysmorphia/body image distress and gender dysphoria at the same time as well as how to navigate family dynamics.

Emmy Johnson, MSW, LCSW

This training is designed to equipment current and aspiring leaders with the knowledge, skills and insights needed to lead effectively in today's climate by utilizing an immersive and interactive training that combines theoretical frameworks that will develop well rounded leaders for today's environment.

Crystal McLeod, DSW, LCSW, BCD,

This interactive presentation offers social workers theory and tools for understanding and transforming the pervasive individual and collective issue of shame, aiming to equip participants with skills and insights to support clients in overcoming shame-related challenges and to work to transform systems that cause and perpetuate shame. We will explore the underlying causes and manifestations of shame, differentiate it from guilt, cultural and societal influences on shame, understand its profound individual and collective impact, the role shame plays in perpetuating oppression and ways to support healing transformation for the clients and communities we work with.

Shira Sameroff, LCSW,

The You Belong Here campaign aims to address the issue of LGBTQ+ youth suicide risk by increasing LGBTQ+ resource access, representation, and allyship within Eastern, NC. Through the use of film, this campaign shares the stories of 27 individuals, from rural NC communities, who identify as either a member or ally of the LGBTQ+ community. Along with these stories, the campaign also offers thorough education related to allyship, suicide prevention, and mental wellness. You Belong Here was developed by a team of professionals who grew up and live in the rural South, many of whom also identify as LGBTQ+. The success of You Belong Here was dependent upon the in-depth analysis of the values, culture, and needs of our community. These findings informed our program development and implementation methods, allowing us to create a campaign that was well-received and impactful despite shedding light on an issue, and population, that is typically considered to be controversial. Through sharing the development of You Belong Here and leading participants through interactive discussions around community analysis and strategic intervention, we aim to empower participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to create impactful and inclusive suicide prevention programs within their own communities.

Breanna Culler, MSW,

D’Nise Williams-Braswell, MSW, M.Ed, LCSWA,