The 19th Annual Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery Training Conference reserves the right to deny sponsorship, booth content, and/or donations for any company, organization, or individual it deems unsuitable for the conference.

Sponsorships are non-refundable.

AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY ONLY

Listening Session for Service Providers, Including Peer Professionals

Leaders from the DHS Division of Care and Treatment Services will host three listening sessions. Each session will follow a question-and-answer format. Share your thoughts about current programs and service needs.

AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY ONLY

Listening Session for County and Tribal Health and Human Services Staff

Leaders from the DHS Division of Care and Treatment Services will host three listening sessions. Each session will follow a question-and-answer format. Share your thoughts about current programs and service needs.

AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY ONLY

Listening Session for People in Recovery, Including Peer Professionals

Leaders from the DHS Division of Care and Treatment Services will host three listening sessions. Each session will follow a question-and-answer format. Share your thoughts about current programs and service needs.

Bad River Youth Drum Circle

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenter: Bad River Youth

“In our culture the drum is the grandfather and is the way we start our gatherings in a good way. It is grounding for most people and brings an inner peace as the drum is like a heartbeat.” - Lynn Maday-Bigboy

Welcoming Comments from WI DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenter: Karen Timberlake, Secretary-designee Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Karen Timberlake returned to the Department of Health Services after 10 years away from government service. She most recently worked at Michael Best Strategies, supporting initiatives in health care and human services transformation. Before that, she directed the Population Health Institute at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, worked to ensure higher quality health care at a lower cost with the Wisconsin Health Information Organization, and was an Assistant Attorney General with the Wisconsin Department of Justice. She served as Secretary at DHS from 2008-2010, guiding Wisconsin through the H1N1 pandemic virus response.

Resilience: Humanity's Greatest Strength 

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenter: Alyssa Kaying Vang, PsyD, LP, BC-TMH; President & CEO of Vanguard Mental Health & Wellness Clinic, LLC, Woodbury, Minn.

The pandemic has taken a global toll on the world's mental health. Practicing good self-care, taking care of others, and nurturing one's resilience are more critical than ever in rebuilding communities during times of collective trauma. But what does building a resilient community require, especially when people may be impacted differently because of diversity in race, socioeconomic status, and other risk or protective factors? This keynote will acknowledge these complex challenges and identify key elements of resilience, both at the individual and collective levels. This keynote will also detail why resilience is crucial to surviving and thriving. The presenter will draw upon her own lived experiences as a refugee to illustrate the power of resilience during times of great adversity.

1) Under the Radar Alcohol and THC use in us all: When is it a problem? What to do?

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenter: Matthew Felgus, MD, DFASAM, Board Certified in Addiction Medicine, Board Certified in Psychiatry

In the nearly 2 years since the start of the pandemic, recreational use of alcohol and cannabis has increased substantially among all populations. Mental health and SUD treatment providers are not immune, nor are their loved ones. However, being in the treatment field does not grant us immunity from developing problematic use, especially given the social isolation and subsequent increased need for us as treaters to provide MH and SUD services in now- overburdened systems.  This is a workshop for anyone who drinks any alcohol or uses any cannabis. How do we know when our use (or those of our loved ones) has advanced to the point of concern when we're still going to work and meeting our obligations?  I developed my Continuum of Substance Use, a 5 zone model of categorizing one's use of alcohol, cannabis or any other substance, in the late '80s and have presented it hundreds of times, in anywhere from a 5 minute description to several-hour Grand Rounds. I describe the many steps from first use to physical dependence, with ways of identifying which 'zone' one falls in as well as best strategies to manage within that zone and head off further progression.  I will utilize case vignettes as well as encourage audience participation.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will identity the '5 Zone' progression from first use of a substance through physical dependence.
2. Participants will understand the treatment interventions (both self-help and professional) that are effective for each Zone.
3. Participants will utilize the '5 Zone' model in assessing self, loved ones, and clients' use, whether obviously problematic or not.
   

2) Culturally Responsive Therapy Through an Indigenous Lens

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenter: Felicia Behnke Shaw, MSW LCSW CSAC CS-IT, Clinical Therapist

In this workshop, attendees will learn about increasing culturally responsiveness in both Mental Health and Substance use therapy through an Indigenous lens. This includes working to expand knowledge on awareness and inclusivity, understanding the importance of listening to the individual, and utilizing culture to assist in healing.

Learning Objectives:

3) Advocacy and Meaningful Engagement: Survivor-Led Systems Change 

Presenter: Vic Welle, Certified Peer Specialist, Master of Theological Studies, Menomonie, Wis.

People with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges (also known as consumers/survivors) continue to play a crucial role in advocacy efforts to reimagine service systems in need of change. How can meaningful engagement take place with those directly impacted, and how can advocacy efforts seek to minimize possible re-traumatization and burnout for those who have experienced harm in systems? This workshop will draw on the work of consumer/survivor/lived experience activists and advocates, as well as provide examples of meaningful engagement that center the voice and vision of people with lived experience.   Intended audience: This workshop is for peer support workers wanting to deepen their advocacy skills beyond the certified peer specialist training, people with lived experience seeking to build their advocacy skills, and system administrators wanting to more effectively learn from and work with people with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges. 

Learning Objectives:

4) Improving the Crisis Continuum and Outcomes for Youth in Wisconsin.

 Presenters: Elizabeth Rudy, Youth Crisis Coordinator, Department of Health Services Wisconsin

                      Kim Propp, Crisis Services Manager

                      Bridget Plautz, MSW, Emergency Services Coordinator and Mobile Crisis Screener

This workshop will inform the audience of the challenges youth in Wisconsin face including data regarding youth mental health.  We will discuss efforts being made to improve the crisis continuum for youth in Wisconsin and how it relates to the crisis now model (someone to talk to, someone to respond, somewhere to go).  In collaboration with the regions selected for the Collaborative Crisis Intervention Services for Youth grant, we will inform the audience on what is available in each region for youth in crisis including the use of warm lines, access into the crisis system, and mobile and in home crisis intervention.  We will also present on the Youth Crisis stabilization facilities including an overview of DHS 50 and information regarding the YCSFs in Wausau, Milwaukee and Ashland.  We will discuss how these efforts have improved outcomes for youth in crisis in Wisconsin and what we hope to accomplish in the future.   

Learning Objectives: 

Presenter Biographies

5) Department of Health Services (DHS) Revised DHS 75 Implementation

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenters: The Revised DHS 75 Implementation Team, including the following DCTS Staff: Andrea Jacobson, Saima Chauhan, Lorie Goeser, Simran Arora, Katie Behl, Jessical Cwirla, and Cindy O'Connell

The new Wis. Admin. Code Ch. DHS 75 went into effect October 1, 2022. This administrative rule sets the minimum standards for substance use prevention, intervention, and treatment services delivered across a variety of settings and levels of care. The DHS 75 implementation team will discuss how the revised DHS 75 supports access to services throughout the state, eases requirements for providers in many areas, all while maintaining safety and quality of care standards.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to identify changes to the revised DHS 75 Administrative Rule.
   
2.  Participants will be able to identify how the revised DHS 75 Administrative Rule aligns with the ASAM levels of care and more clearly defines and expands available levels of care for substance use disorder treatment services.
   
3. Participants will be able to identify how the revised DHS 75 Administrative Rule incorporates standards of care for the treatment of opioid use disorders consistent with recommendations of the Governor’s Task Force on Opioid Abuse.
   
4. Participants will be able to identify how the revised DHS 75 Administrative Rule promotes the use of integrated care, provides flexibility to reduce barriers and reflects industry standards, reduces stigma, and incorporates best practices for modern behavioral health care.
   

6) Imposter Syndrome: Do I Belong Here?

Presenter: Andrew Schreier, ICS, CSAC, LPC, ICGC-I/Clinical Coordinator

A substance use professional with no experience using illicit substances.  A licensed professional counselor with their own history of mental health issues.  A peer support specialist working their own recovery program.  A marriage and family therapist who is currently dealing with their own separation from their spouse.  A nutritionist who continues to have their own challenges with food consumption.  An administrative staff member who started working at the front desk.   The core question many of these professionals will have when it comes to their role is, "Do I belong here?"  Despite the training, certifications, degrees, licenses, and overall experience many professionals deal with Imposter Syndrome and question whether they truly belong in this profession of helping others.  Imposter Syndrome has many effects and can have a direct impact on burnout.  It can lead to ongoing self-doubt and being overly critical of oneself that can ultimately foster a lack of personal accomplishment.  What we bring into our professional role is who we are; and for many of us those experiences are related to the helping profession and can often lead to questioning our place of belonging.  Learn about imposter syndrome, explore the connection to burnout, and identify ways to help provide self-care for knowing our place in this profession of helping others. Imposter Syndrome is a topic few talk about; however most in the helping profession can relate with.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn about what imposter syndrome is and its origins as it relates to the helping profession. 
2. Participants will become aware of signs and symptoms of experiencing imposter syndrome and the impact it can have. 
3. Participants will identify ways to confront imposter syndrome to help prevent burnout and foster growth and resilience in this profession. 
   

7) Hub and Spoke in Wisconsin: Integrating Recovery Support Services

Presenters: Vaughn Brandt, B.A. 

                     Sheila Weix, MSN, RN, CARN, Director of Substance Abuse Services, FHC Alcohol & Drug Recovery Center, Marshfield, Wis

This workshop will describe a promising new approach to coordinate services and address the needs of people with Substance Use Disorders and other co-occurring conditions. By providing culturally responsive whole-person services that address the Social Drivers of Health (DoH), this new Medicaid pilot program enhances engagement, access, and retention in services for people who are most at risk. The work implementing this new program in a rural area serving five counties and three tribes will be featured, with lessons learned advancing harm reduction strategies, improving access to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), and including recovery coaches and/or Certified Peer Specialists in treatment planning.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Inform how this new Medicaid benefit developed to integrate behavioral health services.
   
2. To inform participants about the SUD Health Home Core Services.
   
3. To describe how one site implemented a new service array to enhance outcomes for people with complex life circumstances. 
   

8) Healer or Dealer: How Do We Move Beyond Medication Prescribing into Facilitating Growth? 

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenter: Matthew Felgus, MD, DFASAM, Board Certified in Addiction Medicine, Board Certified in Psychiatry

My intent is to engage the audience in a topic we all know about: how we receive treatment from prescribers. I would like to reframe the current discussion in the how the medical profession looks at treatment, both of SUDs and mental health, and how we utilize medications to treat these conditions.  I will provide background on the history of medications being used to 'treat' various conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and opioid use disorder and how these medications can be used to help move individuals forward or keep them 'stuck.' Topics I will discuss include the use of cannabis, stimulants, psychedelics, benzodiazepines, and buprenorphine for therapeutic purposes and how these agents can be either 'healing' or 'dealing.' I will also incorporate the use of non-addictive medications such as anti-depressants in the discussion as such medications can be used in the same 'healing or dealing' manner. I will provide real patient vignettes (with identifying details changed) that illustrate an approach of healing as well as those that illustrate 'dealing' by prescribers.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify what it means to prescribe and be taking medications in a manner of 'healer' versus 'dealer.'
   
2. Understand the ways in which the same substance or medication can be used in 'healer' or 'dealer' ways.
   
3. Describe one way that an individual taking medication for a mental health issue or SUD can empower themselves even if their prescriber is utilizing a 'disempowering' approach.
   

9) How Diverse Is Your Team Really? Serving Diverse Communities Equitably = Investing and Supporting Professionals from Those Same Communities 

Presenters: Allison Weber, Prevention Coordinator 

                     Pahoua Thao

                     Dei Fleary Simmons

                     Grover Scanlan, Jr. MSW, CAPSW, SAC-IT, Assistant Director, Therapeutic Milieu, Dousman, Wis.

                     Amanda Maria Rodriguez, MS, CSAC, CS-IT, Community Programs and Integration Manager, Community Medical Services, Milwaukee, Wis.

This workshop will showcase an innovative approach to engaging new professionals from diverse communities in Wisconsin who work in the behavioral health field. The Emerging Leaders program aims to build diversity and capacity in the behavioral health workforce and give respectable representation among diverse populations. Furthermore, the program encourages Emerging Leaders (participants) to illustrate areas of concerns within their underrepresented communities, and present methods of how to address those concerns in a final project. Established leaders from these respective communities develop the curriculum of this program which focuses on cultural and community traditions, strengths, resources, and challenges. A panel discussion with a trainer, leaders from the 2021 and 2022 cohorts and a mentor will discuss how they experienced the Emerging Leaders program from varying viewpoints. This facilitated conversation will highlight how future leaders were connected in leadership, cultural, and historical training topics to better understand their potential as leaders in behavioral health in the state of Wisconsin.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Showcase a diversity, equity, and inclusion program that focus on four diverse populations to increase and strengthen the amount of behavioral health professionals from diverse communities in the workforce.
2. Understand the scope, eligibility and application process, and expectations of the program.
3. Learn the intricate balance between leadership, cultural, and historical topics that is essential for diverse emerging leaders to learn and how the training was developed.
4. Understand the role that mentoring plays in supporting the emerging leader and the program. 
   

10) The Impact of Major Global Events on Everyday Life and Mental Health: Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidal Ideation 

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenters: Sheri Guenther, MSW, CAPSW, Behavioral Health Supervisor, My Choice Wisconsin

  Zach Sullivan, MSW, CAPSW, Behavioral Health Specialist, My Choice Wisconsin

  Jessica Tuchalski, MSW, CAPSW, Behavioral Health Specialist, My Choice Wisconsin

Major global events exacerbate mental health challenges, which can impact overall well-being, quality of life, and increase vulnerability of suicidality. Hear from three behavioral health specialists who work for My Choice Wisconsin, a managed care organization serving vulnerable populations. These specialists provide behavioral health consultation & education surrounding a variety of topics, most notably related to emotional dysregulation associated with mental health diagnoses, and suicidality. Learn about best practices associated with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation from their experiences and education, adapting consultation to a global event. Increase knowledge of behavioral health, care management, and the collaboration this entails with community resources and stakeholders. Enhance knowledge of mental health diagnoses, treatment and care management modalities, and risk mitigation.  

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will gain an enhanced understanding of improved coping as it relates to anxiety within the context of global events.
2. Participants will enhance their understanding of characteristics associated with the presentation of depression, particularly as it relates to the impact of global events.
3. Participants will enhance knowledge to identify risk and protective factors associated with suicidal ideation.
   

11) CPS in the Wisconsin Department of Corrections

Presenters: Tracy Johnson, Psy.D., Co-Director for the Certified Peer Specialist Program in the Wisconsin Department of Corrections

                     Allyson Eparvier, Ph.D., Co-Director for the Certified Peer Specialist Program in the Wisconsin Department of Corrections

In this workshop, we would provide an overview of the CPS program in the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.  We would include information regarding the history of CPS in the Wisconsin DOC, dating back to our first CPS training in 2017.  Program implementation and expansion across the prisons and custody levels would be discussed. An overview of partnerships with ATI and DHS would be provided.  Barriers, challenges, and strengths of the program would be touched on as well.  Positive contributions and impact on peers, the CPSs, the prison environment and culture would be discussed.  Video interviews with incarcerated peers and CPSs can be provided. Future course and direction of CPS in the DOC would be discussed. The presentation would be very interactive, with much time for questions.  

Learning Objectives: 

1. General understanding of how CPS in the Wisconsin DOC began and has evolved
2. Challenges, strengths and benefits of CPS in the Wisconsin DOC
3. Future direction and expansion of CPS in the Wisconsin DOC
   

12) Recovery Empowered Language

Presenter: Jesse Heffernan, CCAR, HCE

Participants will learn how the language that is commonly used in treatment and recovery has negatively shaped public perception and alternative terminology that the field could employ. This workshop offers strategies that can be used within their programs and in the community to encourage a more person-centered mindset about addiction and recovery.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Explain how the language that is commonly used in treatment and recovery has negatively shaped public perception.

2. Identify the terminology that has contributed most to worsening stigma, and alternative terminology that the field could employ.

3. Cite specific strategies that can be used within their programs and in the community to encourage a more person-centered mindset about addiction and recovery. 

Presenter Biography

13) Effectively Communicating with Individuals Experiencing Psychosis 

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenters: Luann Simpson, MSW, CAPSW, CPS                                                                                                                                     

                     Lynelle Saunders, CPS 

This workshop will introduce and provide a brief overview of the concept of the evidence-based practice of "informed care" by educating those who support individuals experiencing psychosis. Topics covered will include what is psychosis, what is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), what is cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis (CBTp) and how these skills can be useful for effective communication with individuals experiencing psychosis. This is NOT a workshop to train therapists or supporters to be CBTp therapists and is not intended to be a replacement for therapy or other treatments. This workshop will teach the concepts and skills of CBTp that when utilized may lead to a reduction in distress for the individual as well as the supporter. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will know the definition of psychosis and identify myths regarding psychosis
2. Participants will understand the concept of "informed care" as it relates to supporting individuals experiencing psychosis
3. Participants will have the ability to utilize basic CBT  skills to effectively communicate with individuals experiencing psychosis
   

14) Community Partnerships in Youth Justice Diversion

Presenters: Jenny Lee, LCSW, Behavioral Health Therapist & Grant Coordinator, UW Health Behavioral Health Youth and Family, Madison, Wis.

                     Ben Janssen, CSW, BSW, Youth Justice Social Worker Portage County, Stevens Point, Wis.

                     Dannel Skalecki, Supervisor Youth Justice Services Unit, Brown County Human Services, Green Bay, Wis.

                     Heather Ross, MSSA, LCSW Rawhide Clinic and Community Resource Manager, New London, Wis.

                     Emily Boyea, MSW, School Social Worker, Washington Middle School, Green Bay, Wis.

An estimated 4.2% of Wisconsin youth aged 12-17 have had a substance use disorder in the past year and  13.7% have had a major depressive episode in the past year (National Survey on Drug Use and Health,  SAMHSA, 2016-2017). According to the Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2017), 16% of students  used marijuana and 16.4% of students drank five or more drinks of alcohol in a row in the past thirty days.  16% of students have seriously considered suicide in the last year (Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior  Survey, 2017). In Wisconsin, nearly 40,000 youth under the age of 18 were taken into custody in 2017. (Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau 2019). National studies have found that 50% to 70% of adolescents  involved in the juvenile justice system have a mental health condition; a rate two to three times higher  than the general adolescent population and more than 60% of those have a co-occurring substance use disorder (Strategies to Divert Adolescents with Behavioral Health Needs from the Juvenile Justice System  January 2020).   DCDHS's intent is to provide trauma-informed and culturally responsive substance use and mental health services to Dane County youth whose unidentified and/or unmet needs in these areas place them at risk for future youth justice involvement. The population of focus includes high school adolescents who are involved in systems including the DCDHS Court Diversion Unit (CDU), DCDHS Child Protection Services (CPS), Madison Metropolitan School District's (MMSD) Truancy Court, Dane County Municipal Courts, and, students with substance use infractions or behavioral referrals or, who are otherwise identified as "at risk" within Dane County Schools. By targeting these sources, the intent is to divert youth from the justice system through implementation of more timely substance use and mental health interventions. Given Dane County's problematic racial disparities we also seek to positively impact Dane County's efforts to reduce disproportionate minority contacts.  The following statistics were reported in the Cap Times on March 4th, 2020 – In Dane County black kids are arrested at seven times the rate of white kids; the population at the juvenile detention center is 86% black, up from 73% in 2011; and, in the first semester of 2019, black students, who make up 18% of Madison school's students, received 57% of all out-of-school suspensions (Elbow, 2020).  The Seeking Safety modality, used with teens referred to the Community Partnerships for the Diversion from Youth Justice Initiative, is a present-focused therapy that helps youth attain safety from trauma (including PTSD) and substance misuse by emphasizing coping skills, grounding techniques, and education. It is a dual diagnosis treatment service. Studies conducted by organizations such as the American Psychological Association have shown Seeking Safety to be highly effective among those experiencing trauma and substance misuse.       

Learning Objectives:  

1. Learn collaboration measurement tools and strategies  among schools/school districts, mental and substance use health specialists, law enforcement, and youth justice officials at the local level.
2. Develop a shared evidence-based process for screening, assessment, intervention, and treatment before delinquency; and avoid referring students with mental health and substance use disorders to law enforcement
   
3. Learn about sustainability tools in Wisconsin counties and future funding opportunities 
   

15) I Don’t See Color: Real Tools For Becoming a More Culturally Responsive SUD Clinician

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenter: Venesha Harden, CSAC, ICS 

Recognizing and appreciating the differences among the individuals you treat is only the first step in a long journey to becoming a more culturally responsive clinician. For far too long, the topic of race in treatment settings has been swept under the rug, ignored and forgotten. While a substantial majority of SUD service providers identify as White, the communities they serve, particularly within the criminal justice system, typically represent a far more diverse segment of the population. Social justice movements in response to highly publicized events over the past several years have brought topics such as systemic racism, mass incarceration, intergenerational racial trauma and social injustices to the forefront of our consciousness once again. The types of discussions playing out on traditional and social media and in our homes and workplaces are also occurring in our individual and group treatment settings. Given that social, health and economic disparities contribute an added level of stress and vulnerability to addiction and mental illness among communities of color, it is imperative that SUD counselors have sufficient awareness, knowledge, and skills to respond to these concerns when they come up in treatment. This workshop will not only provide an overview of the history of racism and discrimination in health care, but it will leave you with real action steps and tools you can use to become a more culturally responsive SUD Clinician.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understanding the barriers to recovery when your BIPOC clients are forced to recover in a system that was not designed for them. 
2. How to move beyond cultural competence to cultural humility and responsiveness. 
3. How to move past the fear of saying the wrong thing. 4. What to do when you don’t know it all.
   

16) "I'm Depressed." Now What Should a Clinician Do?

The State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (SCAODA) has been providing leadership and coordination regarding alcohol and other drug use issues confronting Wisconsin for more than 50 years. SCAODA's work includes advising state agencies on substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery activities; reviewing pending legislation, including state budget proposals; and developing plans to guide administration of the federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant. Members are appointed by the Governor and represent state agencies, the legislature, treatment providers, consumers, and citizens. This session will briefly cover the history of the Council and explore its current role in addressing substance use issues across Wisconsin. The majority of the session will feature the Council’s annual listening session, which is a public forum and opportunity for conference participants and members of the public to provide input to the Council on statewide substance use disorder issues, utilization of the Substance Abuse Block Grant funds, and programmatic and service needs. Representatives of the State Council will be present to take input and participate in the discussion.

This meeting is for anyone in recovery and will be chaired by a person in recovery to offer and provide the opportunity for support. This meeting is an informal gathering of all forms of recovery and not specific to any single support or fellowship group. Out of respect to everyone’s anonymity this meeting is not open for observation from individuals not in recovery.

22) Caminando Juntes: Wellbeing Partnerships with the Latine Community 

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenter: Marco Torrez-Miranda, MSSW, LCSW, SUDS, Faculty Director of Equity & Inclusion

                   Armando Hernández, PhD, Chief Diversity Officer

This workshop will support behavioral health practitioners' ability to support Latine people's well-being effectively. It will address three core questions: (1) How do we begin to understand the cultural identity of Latine people? (2) What are the key qualities of Latine culture? and (3) What are the best practices for effectively working with the Latine community? The workshop will begin by considering the complex dynamics surrounding Latine/Latinx cultural identity. While this workshop is introductory, it will assist any practitioner in their efforts towards intentional, skillful, and effective partnership with Latine people. While special attention will be provided to behavioral health practice, much of the content will be relevant to any practitioner, including educators and administrators. The workshop will include time for discussion and open dialogue. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Improve your understanding of the cultural identity of Latine. 

2. Describe essential qualities of Latine culture. 
   

3. Consider best practices for effectively working with the Latine community.
   

23) Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS): A Reflective Workshop

Presenter: Alyssa Kaying Vang, PsyD, LP, BC-TMH; President & CEO of Vanguard Mental Health & Wellness Clinic, LLC, Woodbury, Minn.

Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services, also known as "CLAS," is about response and responsiveness. Respect the whole individual and respond to the individual's needs and preferences. This workshop will use several exercises to elicit a deeper understanding of cultural competence, cultural humility, and culturally-informed care. This will be an interactive session encouraging attendees to think beyond their own cultural lens in service of health equity when working with BIPOC communities. Strategies on asking questions differently and asking different questions will be provided. This workshop will also discuss the benefits of conceptualizing the individual's holistic needs through the framework of their culture, particularly in providing culturally-responsive and effective mental health services.

Learning Objectives:  

1. Understand the differences between cultural competence, cultural humility, and culturally informed care.
2. Learn how to ask questions differently and how to ask different questions when working with communities of color.
3. Identify ways to conceptualize the individual self through a holistic framework.

Presenter Biography

24) 988 in Wisconsin 

Presenters: Brianne Zarborowske, LCSW, Lead Crisis Coordinator, Division of Care and Treatment Services

988 is the new, easy to remember number to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which has been providing free and confidential emotional support to people in emotional distress since 2005. After July 2022, anyone can call or text 988 and use chat capabilities on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website to reach a qualified counselor, trained in handling emotional distress and mental health crises. Wisconsin has been planning for the implementation of 988 since January 2021 and exploring how easy access to mental health support will shift the behavioral health landscape in our state.

Learning Objectives:  

1. Learn how 988 came to be. 
2. Review the services that 988 offers. 
3. Understand the implications of 988 in Wisconsin.

25) The Missing Piece: Emotions & Wellness 

Presenter: Lynn McLaughlin, CPS, Owner/Members of Ebb & Flow Connections Cooperative

                   Karen Iverson Riggers, CPS, Owner/Members of Ebb & Flow Connections Cooperative

Our world is not comfortable with the expression of emotion. It is engrained in our social conditioning, and it results in the creation of a low tolerance for anything outside of "happy." In this workshop, participants will learn how emotional expression and emotional wellness are the key components missing in suicide prevention, mental health and wellness programs. They will deepen their understanding on why all emotions are important to our human experience, and the many ways that we avoid being with our emotions. Participants will be introduced to The Change Triangle—a tool that helps move past our defenses and connect with the emotional body inside each of us.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand what emotional wellness is.
   
2. Understand why all emotions—even the most painful—have value.
3. Understand the defenses we use against feeling emotions and utilizing the change triangle tool

26) Relationship Detox: Helping Clients Develop Healthy Relationships in Recovery

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenter: Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC, Program Manager, Illinois for Great Lakes ATTC

Toxic and addictive relationships are a leading cause of relapse and psychiatric decompensation. In this presentation you will learn strategies to help clients develop healthy relationships in recovery. Topics include: the differences between addictive and healthy relationships; the iceberg model as a tool to help clients understand their relationship patterns; how to help clients develop healthy relationships in recovery; growth during relationship detox; the therapeutic use of self to help clients develop healthy relationships in recovery. You will be introduced to exercises which you can use to help clients develop healthy relationships in recovery.  

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to help clients understand the differences between addictive and healthy relationships.

2. Participants will be able to use tools to help clients develop healthy relationships in recovery.

3. Participants will be able to utilize the therapeutic relationship to help clients develop healthy relationships in recovery.

Presenter Biography

27) Harm Reduction Panel: What Happens When a Clinic Manager, Counselor, and Peer Support Specialist Sit Down to Talk About Harm Reduction?  

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenters: Andrew Schreier, ICS, CSAC, LPC, ICGC-I/Clinical Coordinator

                     Patrick Reilly, BA/Clinic Manager

                     Amy Molinski, CSAC/Certified Peer Support Specialist

                     Ryan Gorman, SAC, Client Rights Specialist, Naloxone Trainer/Counselor

According to SAMHSA, "Harm reduction is critical to keeping people who use drugs alive and as healthy as possible and is a key pillar in the multi-faceted Health and Human Services' Overdose Prevention Strategy."  In the face of it being recognized as an evidence-based approach and support from several organizations within the substance use and mental health profession, harm reduction continues to receive pushback and stigmas as an approach to helping those impacted by alcohol and drug use.  To address these issues and how it impacts helping to keep people alive we must be willing to have more uncomfortable dialogue to become more familiar with its practice and overall benefit to helping others. The Harm Reduction Panel will feature a clinic manager, counselor, and peer support specialist hosted by a clinical supervisor who work in this profession and live by the support of ongoing harm reduction.  Stigmas surrounding harm reduction are often filled with prejudice, lack of knowledge, and discrimination that impacts its access to people who desperately need help with their lives often being in the middle of so-called controversial practices.  The roundtable will feature questions focusing on harm reduction 101 (increased awareness, education, and knowledge), tough crowd (addressing concerns and critics), how to apply (use of harm reduction), and among the professionals (harm reduction within our own circles).  Learn about harm reduction's place in prevention, treatment, and recovery for patients and professionals and how it saves lives.          

Learning Objectives: 

1. Learn about what harm reduction is and its place in prevention, treatment, and recovery.
2. Explore some of the stigmas, concerns, and critiques of harm reduction and the impact it has on helping others.
3. Review ways in which to apply harm reduction strategies and how it can and does help save lives. 
   

28) Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Developing and Implementing a Mindfulness Curriculum in a Substance Abuse Outpatient Treatment Setting 

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenters: Patrick Pellet, B.S., M.A. Behavioral Health, AODA Counselor for Clark County

                     Michelle Remillard, AAS in Addiction Studies, BA in Music Therapy, Reiki Master Teacher Seichim Tradition. Substance Use Disorder Professional New Horizons Care Center Outpatient Spokane, WA.

This workshop is geared towards substance use professionals who have been curious about implementing and developing mindfulness practices into their programs. This workshop will also inform those who have had little exposure to basic mindfulness precepts and core concepts. Our programs were built based on the work of others who are giants in the field and who brought mindfulness practices to the west, Kornfield, Salsberg, Kabat-Zinn and others. Kristen Neff, Tara Brach, Judson Brewer, Professor Davidson and others who have developed programs and techniques within the last thirty years and were important components of our curriculum. Key components of mindfulness that we incorporated into our programs are: non-judgmental awareness/self-awareness, acceptance, being vs. doing, changing our relationship to our thoughts, meditation and breath work, and self-compassion. We will also discuss some common exercises used in mindfulness such as the dishwashing exercise, urge surfing, mindful eating and walking exercises, and others. Some additional items we will discuss are some of the challenges and objectives for our programs: such as continuity among the group when new members are cycled in, using short breathing exercises initially, brief homework assignments to be done daily, interactive self-compassion exercises, setting loving-kindness intentions/meditation for oneself, auto-pilot and relapse, emotional auto-pilot and relapse, how to decouple cravings from use, learning to create a pause between the stimulus and response, meditation practice basics (guided, grounding techniques, body scans, etc.), the difference between self-esteem and self-compassion. In our outpatient curriculum we spent eight weeks on Kristen Neff's work/workbook on self-compassion. Over the years one the major barriers many of our clients have struggled with is negative self-talk and little if any self-compassion. We spent over half of our program addressing this challenge with great success. We will display the outlines for both of the programs we developed for a non-profit outpatient substance use treatment center in Spokane Washington. Also discussed will be the influence of the science and research of mindfulness on our programs. We were tasked with developing an evidence based mindfulness outpatient and mindfulness relapse prevention groups. The evidence is overwhelming that these practices have the potential to positively influence long-term outcomes. We are excited to share what we have learned in developing these programs and more importantly to share the successes that we have had with our clients using these approaches. 

Learning Objectives:  

1. Participants will learn and have an understanding of core concepts of mindfulness and the science behind these practices.
2. Increase knowledge and skills implementing mindfulness techniques in substance use disorder clients to help with barriers to remaining abstinent.
3. Participants will learn about the challenges of mindfulness learning in a substance abuse outpatient setting and how to overcome barriers such as conducting group in a telehealth setting and integrating new group members weekly into an existing group.
   
4. An understanding of how construct and prioritize mindfulness topics into a curriculum for an audience that has no exposure to these concepts and may be resistant. 
   

29) Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - Theory, Current State and Future Implications

Presenter: Tyler Rickers, D.O.

The material presented would include the development of transcranial magnetic stimulation as well as its current indications and use. We would discuss specific patient populations who seem to benefit most from this as well as those who would be excluded from such treatment. The final section of the lecture would likely include some case reviews as well as future considerations. 

Learning Objectives: The lecture hopes to answer the following questions 

1. What is rTMS and how does it work? Is it safe?

2. Who can benefit from rTMS? Who is not eligible for rTMS?

3. What is the future of rTMS?

Presenter Biography

30) Connection & Belonging: Voices of People in Recovery

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenters: Stephanie Gyldenvand, MPA

                    Karli Schmitz, SAC-IT, Sober Living Program Coordinator, Solutions Recovery, Inc.

                    Todd Vander Galien, Executive Director, Unity Recovery Services

                    Trevor Fenrich, Executive Director, Solutions Recovery

                    Megan Edwards, MSW, APSW, SAC-IT, Program Director

"I found, through many years of recovery, that the more I stay connected to people, stay social, and the less isolated I am, the better the chances of me staying sober. It is very significant in my personal recovery."- Listening Session Participant. There is much that we can learn from the recovery community as we face our community's substance use challenges and our broader goals of building stronger communities. Presenters will share findings from the Connection & Belonging: Voices from People in Recovery report that summarizes what was learned during listening sessions held with people in recovery across the Fox Valley region. We will highlight the strength and importance of social connection within the recovery community, the harms caused by stigma and bias held by professionals and community members, and how our broader community can become more recovery friendly. The presentation will be followed by a panel of people in recovery who will share personal experiences along with suggestions on how to improve social connection and sense of belonging for people in recovery, ways the broader community can address barriers experienced by people in recovery, and how we can all support people in recovery and recovery communities near us.  

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the critical role that connection and belonging has on the ability for people in recovery and recovery communities to thrive. 
2. Learn how stigma and lack of recovery awareness impacts people in recovery and what professionals and community members can do to address stigma and bias.
3. Discover initiatives and recommendations that support recovery and foster a recovery-friendly community. 

Presenter Biographies

31) Cancelled

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this session has been cancelled. 

32) Finding Voices in Recovery Oriented Systems of Care

Presenter: Jesse Heffernan, CCAR, HCE

This workshop will introduce how A Recovery Oriented System of Care or ROSC coordinates ongoing supports for people in or seeking recovery from substance use disorder or mental health challenges. We will discuss the broader range of support needed for people seeking multiple pathways to recovery that may otherwise not be available. It also puts the focus on empowering individuals to have input on what will help them get better.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe the components of a Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) 

2. Understand the role of community and ROSC Explore the role of peer support workers in a ROSC model 

3. Learn the essential elements of a recovery-oriented system 

Presenter Biography

33)  Honoring Diversity: Strategies for Culturally Adapting Evidence-Based Interventions

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenter: Chardé Hollins, Founder & Executive Director; LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker; CCTP-II, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional II

While the use of evidence-based treatments and interventions is critical to effectively address mental health and substance use challenges, racial and ethnic groups continue to be vastly underrepresented in this data. Professionals and organizations often have to rely on treatments that have no cultural considerations, further exacerbating health disparities. In this session, attendees will explore the need for cultural adaptation and obtain meaningful, real-world applications for implementing culturally specific strategies within evidence-based practices.  

Learning Objectives:  

1. Define cultural adaptation and its significance within behavioral health.
   
2. Explore the Ecological Validity Model (EVM) and its dimensions of intervention.
   
3. Learn 3 strategies for culturally adapting Evidence-Based Interventions (EBI).
   

Presenter Biography

34) Clinical Supervision for Addiction: Supervising within the generational gap

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenter: Dan Bizjak, MSW, LCSW, ICS, CSAC

The relationship between a counselor/therapist and Clinical Supervisor is a driving factor in retention, progression, and success of our staff/supervisees. This workshop goes beyond the basics of how to become a clinical supervisor and discusses topics that are not discussed in school. With humor filled and interactive discussion, the generational gap, is presented and outlined to identify methods of how to support "New School" and "Old School" staff currently working within our workforce, specifically within the addiction and mental health area. Other topics discussed within session are: use of individualized development plans for students/new staff, supporting staff in remotely, humor, and teacher-student roles. This workshop is aimed to engage, equip and empower clinical supervisors to feel comfortable in addressing a new way of coaching, mentoring, teaching, and role modeling skills of being a successful counselor/therapist.

Learning Objectives:  

1. Attendees will gain new knowledge and skills that will enhance their relationships with new professionals and/or internships
   
2. Attendees will learn how the principles of clinical supervisor influence relationships and provide a method of implementation of skills.
3. Attendees will learn how knowledge of developmental processes can be used to identify further strengths and increase more favorable outcomes with staff.
   

35) Building Resilience: The Impact of Race-Based Traumatic Stress in the Community 

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenters: Ricardo Anderson, CRSS, WRAP, WHAM 

                     Marisa Brown, WRAP Educator  

This topic continues to be at the forefront in our community. Racial trauma or race-based stress comes from dealing with racial harassment, racial violence, or institutional racism which has physical and psychological effects. The notion that racism is a stressor that can harm or injure its targets is not recognized in psychological or psychiatric assessment or diagnostic systems (DSM-5). Participants in this workshop will understand the research and historical background of Race-Based Traumatic Stress, tools for clinicians to understand how to help people of color to address race-based traumatic stress and will have interactive dialogue with polling questions. The presenters' will reflect on their first-hand experiences with race-based traumatic events as people in the community and professionals. Participants will be provided with resources and take aways to use in the community.  

Learning Objectives: After this workshop, participants will understand the following    

1. The background/research of race-based traumatic stress 
2. Examples of race-based traumatic experiences in our community 
3. Tools on how to engage in conversations/suggestions about how respond to race-based traumatic stress 
   

36) Elevating Services through Lived Experience and Peer Support: A Panel

Presenters: Chelsey Myhre Foster, Certified Peer Specialist and Certified Parent Peer Specialist, Contract Administrator with the State of Wisconsin Bureau of Prevention, Treatment and Recovery

                     Carmella Glenn, Degree in Criminal Justice, Certified Peer Specialist(CPS), CPS trainer, Peer Run Respites/ Peer Services Coordinator for Department of Health Services

                      Lakisha (Kish) Hudson, Homeless Outreach Specialist, Certified Peer Specialist 

Demand for the topic- Hearing from non-profit and government entity leadership about uncertainty on how Peer Support could be incorporated into their service models we believe there is a need for a panel and information like this. We also believe CSP, CPPS, and consumers would be interested in hearing about employment opportunities and experiences.  Presenter(s) experience and qualifications- Carmella and Chelsey both oversee programs employing CPS, CPPS, and these programs represent variety of levels of experience (from newly incorporating, to founded upon the element of Peer Support) Panel Participants will also be selected upon their unique experiences across the state in a wide variety of settings.  Demonstration of diverse perspective or application- Intersectionality is being considered as Peers are selected for this panel. Not only will this panel feature lived experience, but peers will speak about their other pieces of their identity that have shaped their experiences working in the field.  Relevancy (new or advanced level information) and best practices- SAMSHA continues to provide support and encouragement for incorporating Peer Support into their funded activities, as does Department of Health Services. This panel will not focus on "What is Peer Support" on basic level, but focus more on "How do we successfully use a Peer Support model in our program"  Alignment with conference objectives- yes to all especially Increase knowledge of peer supports, peer-run programs, and topics related to Certified Peer Specialist in Wisconsin. Achieving balanced recovery-oriented content related to mental health and/or substance use prevention, treatment, and wellness- This panel will stress the importance of valuing lived experience and "nothing about us- without us" It will provide information on how to have peer and lived experience throughout systems- going beyond the focus only on direct service. History of the topic at the conference, including frequency of similar offerings- A panel featuring youth was facilitated at the Wisconsin Peer Recovery Conference ( Andrea Turtenwald, Family Relations Coordinator with Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health) in 2021 that was well received.  Previous conference evaluation feedback- Carmella and Chelsey have each been involved with the Wisconsin Peer Recovery Conference in 2021 that received positive evaluation feedback, in addition to other positive presentation feedback. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will understand how the Peer Support Model can be used to deliver a wide variety of services and identify areas of opportunity within their own organizations to elevate the voices of peers with lived experience.
   
2. Participants will consider systemic barriers that may be inhibiting their success with incorporating peer support, consumer feedback, and further involvement from people with lived experience.
   
3. Participants will connect with state leaders and identify technical assistance available to elevate their services.
   

37) Telehealth: Bridging the Gap from Incarceration and Treatment to Recovery

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Presenters: Cindy Burzinski, MS, CSAC 

                     Alison Miller, D.O.

Risk of opioid overdose fatality is higher for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) leaving incarceration or treatment settings. The risk is especially high for the recently incarcerated where there are often, infrequently completed referrals to treatment and medication services for OUD post-incarceration. Telehealth may be one method of bridging the gap from incarceration to treatment, and residential treatment to a less restrictive level of care. In this workshop we will discuss a pilot program where telehealth devices are being utilized in jail, treatment centers and recovery community organizations, to connect the incarcerated to a healthcare provider and medication for opioid use disorder and other local recovery support. Challenges and benefits to bridging the gap are discussed within the context of the model of this pilot program, as well as best practices identified from program implementation.   

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe current challenges with accessing treatment or continued recovery support after release from incarceration or treatment
2. Describe the benefits of telehealth as a modality for connecting people to treatment services and recovery resources
3. Learn best practices for program implementation 
   

38) Leadership & Collective Liberation: Organizational Management Approaches to Peer Recovery Programming

Presenters: Nze Okoronta, CPS, Peer Services Manager, SOAR Case Management, Inc., Madison, Wis.

                    Laleña Lampe, B.S. 

Our presentation concept was developed based on Laleña and I's shared experience as organizational and community leaders.  Our commitment to cultivating a meaningful relationship between clinical and peer support staff at our agency is at the forefront of the workforce in Madison, WI.  The need for clinical staff and peer support staff to identify the value of lived experience and how this can support clinical expertise has become apparent as we continue to build capacity and provide direct, holistic, person-centered services.  Considering the evolving understanding of individuals with a dual diagnosis, and the range of services offered in the peer and clinical realm, we feel it is necessary for peers and clinical staff to work in full collaboration.  In this presentation we will discuss our personal and organizational philosophies, provide guidance and support related to successful team building, and give space for participants to process and debrief about their own experiences working within an organization that houses both clinical and peer support programs.  We will also facilitate a conversation surrounding the value of lived experience of both clinical and peer staff, regardless of roles and peer support certification.  And promote consideration of what it means to connect intentionally within a workplace setting while respecting intersectional identities, unique lived experience and multiple pathways of recovery of people who identify as peers but may or may not work in a peer support capacity.  Our presentation will utilize an interactive, discussion-based PowerPoint presentation and breakout rooms to encourage sharing and discovery of this topic.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify the key elements for a positive, creative, cohesive working relationship and workplace culture between organizational leadership, clinical program staff, and peer support staff. 
2. Understand and further explore the strengths of an integrated clinical team and peer support workplace and how this benefits the workforce and our community as a whole. 
   
3. Exploring ethical considerations and harm reduction practices that support an alignment of values across an organization that houses both peer and clinical workers.  
   

39) Becoming Desensitized to Overdoses

Presenter: Andrew Schreier, ICS, CSAC, LPC, ICGC-I/Clinical Coordinator

The opioid epidemic has devastated the nation on dealing with overdoses.  It is now more common for people to know someone, personally or professionally, who has experienced a fatal overdose.  Clients, family members, loved ones, helping professionals, law enforcement, medical staff, organizations, and communities have been impacted by fatal overdoses; and yet the topic of grief and loss due to those overdoses goes unaddressed.  What are we doing to help those who have been impacted by fatal overdoses?  How are we as professionals dealing with the losses when we find out another person has experienced a fatal overdose?  How do we go through the process of loss and grief when experiencing so many?  What happens if we start to become desensitized to overdoses?  Learn about the landscape of overdoses, the desensitization that can occur with dealing with so many within this profession and coping strategies for dealing with grief and loss related to overdose.

Learning Objectives:   

1. Review the ways in which we are informed and exposed to overdoses in the helping profession.
2. Describe the impact of overdose deaths, identify the concerns with becoming desensitized, and explore how it impacts professionals in this field  
3. List ways to help support grief and loss for helping professionals dealing with fatal overdoses among their clients and communities. 

Presenter Biography

Self-care: It’s a You and You Deal

AVAILABLE IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Keynote: Lonnetta Albright, CPEC, President and CVO, Forward Movement, Inc., Executive Director, John Maxwell Team, Principal Investigator, Great Lakes ATTC (Retired)

Do you have an intention or hoping to take better care of yourself? Do you find it difficult to get started or continue? There are some reasons why you may find it difficult. And guess what, it’s not procrastination. First, those two words “intention” and “hope” are beautiful words. However, without action, intention says that you mean to do it whether you pull it off or not. And then there’s the beautiful word “hope.”  But here’s the deal, while hope is a desire, wish or aim -- Hope is not a strategy. To be successful with any goal, dream, or intention we need some foundational anchors.

Learning Objectives:  

1. Participants will explore 3 anchors (Purpose, Self-awareness, Emotional Intelligence) that can help move them from where they are now, to where they want to be with regards to Self-care.
2. Participants will observe and answer “What’s Your Why?”
3. Participants will receive a Self-care tool to put into practice immediately.
   

A block of rooms is available at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center. Reservations should be made online to avoid excessive wait times and resort fees. Rooms are only available at the reduced rate for Wednesday, October 18, 2023 and Thursday, October 19, 2023. Please reserve your room as soon as possible as rooms are expected to sell out. The group rate will only be available until Monday, September 18, 2023 or until the resort is sold out.

​

UWSP Continuing Education, the Conference Planning Team, and WI DHS do not have control over Kalahari policies or room rates once the room block expires or fills to capacity. 

Important Information from the Kalahari
Per their policy, the Kalahari does not accept completed Credit Card Letter of Authorization forms, Tax Exemption forms, nor Purchase Orders at hotel check-in. They have a dedicated team that pre-approves these forms to ensure validity prior to check-in. These forms should be submitted no later than 7 days prior to check-in via email or fax 608-254-6116.

The Kalahari highly suggests attendees submit these forms at least two weeks in advance of check-in so their team can process them in a timely manner. Failure to follow this procedure may result in full room and tax charges to your personal card, since their Front Desk will not accept these forms at check-in. The Kalahari General Policy Page explains their policies in full detail.  

Additional charges for waterpark passes may apply.  

Kalahari FAQ
Additional Information about Staying at the Kalahari

Learn more about the importance of Person-First Language.

Learn more about why Pronouns Matter.

Learn more about appropriate language with respect to suicide at Prevent Suicide® Wisconsin.  

The 2023 Mental Health & Substance Use Recovery Consumer Scholarship Application will be available in Spring 2023. 

UWSP Continuing Education works hard to communicate all special meal requests and allergies to the conference venue. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we cannot guarantee all special dietary needs can be met. If you have dietary needs (i.e., kosher, low salt, low carb, keto, etc.), you may wish to make alternative meal arrangements. 

Conference fees cannot be adjusted due to special dietary needs. 

KALAHARI COVID POLICY

At this point, to attend the conference, there is not an official mandate on masking or attendee vaccination status/proof of negative test. The situation remains very fluid and, as such, if protocols should change, we will be certain to inform all conference registrants.

Please direct questions or concerns to uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu.

Participants are responsible for ensuring they have the minimum computer standards for participating in the virtual conference via Zoom.  Zoom works best with Chrome or Firefox. UWSP is not responsible for participant technological issues, including, but not limited to, inadequate bandwidth and/or registrant equipment malfunction. 

Need help with using Zoom? Click here for our Zoom Tutorial Help page!  Click here to download Zoom Client for Meetings.