The conference overall was very informative and engaging. I really enjoyed all the presenters as they all brought a unique perspective to the table. I am looking forward to attending next year’s conference.
This was my first year attending the Conference and I thought it was amazing. The Conference was very informative, offered skills/techniques as an administrator to place in the workplace and role model for staff, and allowed for relational situations and insight on how different individuals different obstacles.
Opening Keynote
Opening Keynote
About the Presentation:
Handle with CARE
The number one way to mitigate/reduce the long-term impacts of trauma and adversity is through the presence of an empathetic witness. But practically, what does that look like? Through Gaelin’s 10+ years in the foster care system, he experienced complex trauma on severe levels. Nonetheless, Gaelin also experienced the transformative power of adults who were empathetic witnesses at some of his lowest moments. In this presentation, Gaelin’s goal is to equip you with inspiration and application. Utilizing his story, perspective, and the CARE acronym, Gaelin will share with you what empathetic witnessing practically looked like in his life while also sharing what you can do to live a life of empathetic witnessing for those you serve.
About Gaelin:
Gaelin Elmore is a professional speaker and facilitator whose passion is creating cultures rooted in belonging for those who experience trauma and adversity. Gaelin spent over 10 years of his life in the foster care system, where he experienced physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, homelessness, and other traumas. Despite it all, Gaelin found his life shaped by the brief experiences of belonging in some of his darkest moments. After finishing his college football career and enjoying a brief stint in the NFL, Gaelin immediately started working with youth, and spent the next 4 years of his career in the non-profit/ministry space. Gaelin has been featured on the NFL Network, ESPN, Fostering Families Today, and a myriad of podcasts. Gaelin really enjoys being a husband, #GirlDad, and just about anything competitive.
Lunch Keynote
Lunch Keynote
About the Presentation:
Superhero Therapy: Combining Evidence-Based Therapy with Pop Culture Narratives to Help Clients Heal from PTSD
Scientists are calling loneliness the new epidemic. Worldwide loneliness rates have skyrocketed prior to the COVID pandemic and continue to do so. In addition to the global spikes in suicide rates, loneliness has been found to negatively impact the human immune and cardiovascular system in a similar way as smoking a pack of cigarettes per day or daily alcohol abuse. Some dub loneliness as “The New Smoking.” Many young people struggle with feelings of loneliness and disconnection and, as a result, struggle to confide in other people. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, suicide rates among teens and young adults have gone up by 57 percent between 2007-2018. These rates are much higher now. However, many young people find an emotional connection in fictional characters, such as Batman, Wonder Woman, Harry Potter, and Avengers. For some, these fictional characters might become surrogate friends or support groups. This talk will focus on how we can help clients learn to manage their feelings of loneliness and cultivate meaningful interpersonal connections, using fiction and narrative writing exercises as vehicles for fostering connection and posttraumatic growth. No prior experience with superheroes necessary. Capes are optional.
About Dr. Scarlet:
Dr. Janina Scarlet is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, author, TEDx speaker, and a full-time geek. A Ukrainian-born refugee, she survived Chernobyl radiation and persecution. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 12 with her family and later, inspired by the X-Men, developed Superhero Therapy to help patients with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Dr. Scarlet is the recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award by the United Nations Association for her work on Superhero Therapy. Her work has been featured on Yahoo, BBC, NPR, Sunday Times, CNN, CW, ABC, The New York Times, Forbes, and many other outlets. She regularly consults on books and television shows, including HBO’s The Young Justice. She was also portrayed as a comic book character in Gail Simone’s Seven Days graphic novel. Dr. Scarlet currently works at the Center for Stress and Anxiety Management in San Diego. She authored ten books and has written chapters for fourteen others. Her books include Superhero Therapy, Harry Potter Therapy, Therapy Quest, Dark Agents, Super-Women, and It Shouldn’t Be This Way.
