CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

A Trauma-Informed Approach... It Starts With YOU!
Laura Clary MSN, RN, FNE-A/P, SANE-A, SANE-P | Program Director - SAFE, Domestic Violence & Child Protection 
Scott Kilpatrick | Detective - Crimes Against Children/Human Trafficking Unit
A Forensic Nurse & Detective will discuss the importance of the neurobiology of trauma and its relationship to investigative strategies, as well as the multidisciplinary response to child abuse provided in a victim-centered, trauma-informed manner. By grasping the science behind trauma, attendees will be better equipped to respond with empathy and sensitivity.

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Keeping Our Kids Safe: Human Trafficking, Sextortion, and Online Safety
Laura Cusack, MSW | Director of Programs/Senior Victim Advocate - Human Trafficking Coalition of the Palm Beaches/CILO

Twiler Smith, MSW
Florida ranks third in the nation for human trafficking reports, with a growing number of minors being exploited online. This presentation covers human trafficking and sextortion, focusing on prevention strategies, local cases, and available resources to protect youth from exploitation.

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Identification & Treatment of Domestic Violence in Clinical Practice
Kelly Dambra, LMHC – Therapist, Palm Beach County Victim Services
Christel Brydegaard, LMHC | Therapist, Palm Beach County Victim Services
The presentation reviews the basics of domestic violence, including definitions, various forms of abuse, and risk factors that make victims more vulnerable. Attendees will gain an understanding of how to identify victims of domestic violence by reviewing warning signs, as well as appropriate questions to ask potential victims and treatment planning.

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Immigration Policy Impacts on Victims and Survivors

Gina Fraga, Esq. | Immigration Attorney, Acosta & Fraga Law, PLLC

A new government administration means new policies that affect children and adults who are foreign national victims or survivors of abuse or crimes. Providers of victim-related services could also be affected. In this session, learn about immigration options for victims and survivors, new policy changes, and how to help foreign nationals who are victims of crime and abuse during these times.

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Early Intervention Has Lifelong Impacts

Aruna Gilbert, MSW | Chief Program and Policy Officer - Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County

Chelsea Reinhart | Vice President of Quality Supports - Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County

Catch developmental delays before they catch you off guard! Join us to discover how simple screening tools can transform a child's future, connect families to life-changing resources, and empower you to become your child's best advocate. Every milestone matters- don't miss this session, which could change everything! 

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Eliminating the Stigma of Sexual Abuse
Karen Hansen | Founder - The Collective Projects
Gain an in-depth understanding of what sexual abuse is, how to look for signs of abuse, strategies for prevention, therapeutic methods for trauma, and how to be supportive of victims.

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​The Healing Journey of Sexual Trauma and the Impact through Adulthood
Randee Kogan, LMHC, CSA, CDV, CFT | Therapist, Owner – Kogan Counseling Services
Taking a look at three cases of women who survived sexual trauma as children and the impact they endure through adulthood. This will be an interactive session where the audience will be able to ask questions and make comments throughout the session.

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Is Triumph a Skill That Can Be Taught?
Beatriz Martinez LMHC | President & Founder - Triumph Steps
Schools offer curriculum for math, science, and language arts; however, there is not one complete curriculum for emotional literacy. It is our responsibility to give children tools to reduce any limiting thoughts, so they can grow up inspired to create the extraordinary life they deserve. Emotional literacy is the foundation for any learning!

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Where is the Compassion When the Caregiver is Fatigued?

Nefretiri McGriff, LMHC | Sound Healing Practitioner - Transcendent Living

This workshop aims to provide participants with practical tools to manage compassion fatigue in both their professional and personal lives and to equip them to support their clients effectively. Participants can enhance their resilience, improve their overall well-being, and continue to provide high-quality care and support to others.

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Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Adolescent Behavior
Ashley Philips, LSCSW, LCSW | Chief Clinical Officer - The Guidance Center
This training session aims to provide educators, counselors, social workers, and other professionals working with adolescents, a deeper understanding of how trauma impacts behavior. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma, participants will be better equipped to support and guide adolescents through their healing journey.

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Normal Expressions of Sexuality in Children
Lawrence Siegel, PhD, CSE/S, AASECT | Director of Education and Training (Founder, Past President) – Sage Institute for Family Development
This session will present an overview of sexuality and sexual conditioning, as well as a developmental perspective on healthy sexual expression. The session will focus on typical developmental childhood sexual expression and present ways to differentiate between normative and potentially problematic sexual behavior in children.

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Out of This World Parenting: Strategies for Getting Children to Behave

Amber Snedden, PsyD | Postdoctoral Fellow - Highridge Family Center, Palm Beach County Youth Services Department

Sarah N. Barr, PsyD | Postdoctoral Fellow - Highridge Family Center, Palm Beach County Youth Services Department

This presentation focuses on the description and application of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and how it fosters positive attachments between parents and their children.

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21st Century Child Predation: Understanding Our Violent World
Steve Webb, PhD | Founder - Safe School Systems
Join the award-winning author of “Education in a Violent World: A Practical Guide to Keeping Kids Safe” and board-certified Social Media Intelligence Specialist, Dr. Steve Webb as he highlights lessons learned from child predation events and provides insight on how a "Learner Mindset" saves lives in a rapidly changing world.