"Like Legos, We’re Better Together"

Presenter: Scott Walters, PhD

This keynote explores how empathy, curiosity, and strengths-based communication create healthier partnerships inside organizations and across communities. Learn how shared purpose and collaboration function as stabilizers during change or limited-resource seasons.

Participants Will Learn How To: • Apply Motivational Interviewing principles to collaboration • Identify and strengthen strategic alliances • Use shared purpose to navigate shifting priorities • Recognize how partnerships improve outcomes for individuals and neighborhoods.

Sustaining Capacity and Modeling Resilience

Presenter: Keith Ackerman, LMSW

Frontline work is demanding. This workshop provides practical tools for staying grounded, building resilience, and modeling self-sufficiency in ways clients can observe and adopt.

You Will Walk Away With:

• Strategies to protect emotional capacity
• Tools to help clients build resilience
• Practical practices that support stability and empowerment

Strengthening Cross-Agency Collaboration and Resource Navigation

Presenter: Amy Callaway, CRS

Amy brings expertise in navigating community resources and developing long-term cross-agency relationships. This session equips staff with step-by-step tools to get connected, stay connected, and help clients access support effectively.

You Will Walk Away With:

• Guidance on navigating community systems
• Stronger referral practices (warm handoffs, follow-ups, tracking)
• A ready-to-use community resource toolkit
• Techniques for sustaining agency relationships

Non-Clinical Tools for Engagement, Motivation, and Emotional Safety

Presenters: Eddie Rodriguez, BSN, RN, DNP, and Melinda Pitts, MSN, PMHNP-BC Under supervision of Kimberly Posey

This workshop provides non-clinical staff with safe, role-appropriate tools for grounding, emotional regulation, engagement, and motivation during high-stress or transitional moments.

You Will Learn:

• Grounding and regulation techniques
• Reflective prompts and communication strategies
• Motivation-building methods
• Engagement supports that bridge the gaps between referral and service access

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