1:45pm – 3:00pm

Concurrent Sessions

 

1. Embodied Elevation: Strategic Guidance for Leaders

Leah Gooch, M.S. E.D., 500RYT, ORC, Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator, Department of Corrections and Community Supervision

 

For the last 8 years, Leah Gooch has been facilitating Elevated Action, a trauma-informed yoga, meditation and writing program that has transformed the lives of incarcerated youth and adults through a holistic approach. Research conducted at NYS DOCCS Greene Correctional Facility in 2023 demonstrated a substantial impact on participants’ psychological well-being. Participants showed a 20– 25% decrease in depressive symptoms, 25–30% improvement in resilience levels and a 30–40% improvement on emotional regulation (Frank et al., 2025). Now, for the first time, Gooch is sharing her most effective strategies for creating such monumental shifts in the people she serves. Her workshop, Embodied Elevation: Strategic Guidance for Leaders, will leave participants feeling inspired, empowered and equipped with practical tools for effective transformation.

 

2. Bridging the Gap- Families, Advocates, and Providers Working Together

Jenny Laney, FPA-C, Supervisor, Peer Support Services, Hillside
Amanda Marie, FPA-C, Supervisor, Peer Support Services, Hillside
Megan Henry, FPA-C, Program Manager, Peer Support Services, Hillside

 

This interactive presentation, led by a team of Family Peer Advocates from across multiple counties and funding streams, will explore how advocates and providers can collaborate effectively to support children, youth, and families. Drawing on diverse experiences working alongside providers in a wide range of programs and backgrounds, the team will highlight how advocacy strengthens engagement, builds trust, and improves outcomes. The family perspective will be at the center of the discussion, and participants will actively engage in conversation and exercises designed to build stronger partnerships between families, advocates, and providers.

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3. The Opportunity for Unlicensed Staff in HBCI Service Delivery

Michael Harris, LMHC-D, Director, HBCI Programs
Kajsia Green, LCSW, HBCI Lead Supervisor, Astor Services

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NY OMH has provided flexibility for HBCI programs to hire unlicensed staff to deliver brief clinical interventions for children and families in crisis. This flexibility has created unique workforce recruitment and development opportunities for HBCI programs, and new pathways for talented staff with diverse experience and skills. Members of the Astor Services HBCI team will share learning and best practices for hiring, training, and retaining unlicensed interventionists.

 

4. Beyond Harm Reduction: Advancing Equity and Well-Being Through Cross-System Collaboration in the Youth Justice System     

Faciliator: Keegan Burke, MPA, Supervisor of Cross System Supports, NYS Office of Children and Family Services

Lynn Tubbs, LCSW, Director of Cross System Supports, NYS Office of Children and Family Services
Danielle Brendese, Community Correction Representative 2, NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services
Hasan Stephens, CEO, Good Life Foundation
Katherine Hilliman, LMSW, Executive Director, Erie County Youth Bureau

Marie Sly, LMSW-MS, Coordinator, Erie County Children's Mental Health Services

 

Facilitated by OCFS, featuring Brightpath Strategies, DCJS, and leadership from Erie County, this panel highlights lessons learned from New York’s 2025 Regional Forums on how counties can build or reinvigorate collaboratives that engage youth, families, and non- traditional partners around youth justice. Participants will explore strategies to strengthen cross-system alignment, center equity, and move beyond harm reduction toward improving outcomes and well-being for all youth.

 

5. TF-CBT for Youth with IDD: Adapting Trauma-Informed Care for Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

Christopher Dehon, PhD, Lead Psychologist, Hillside

Holly Brown, DNP, RN, PMHNP-BC,PMHCS, Senior Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Hillside
 

Youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face a significantly heightened risk of experiencing trauma, yet their unique needs often go unrecognized. Formal academic training programs simply do not equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and competency to effectively diagnose and treat this population. This session will provide clinical staff with a deeper understanding of the intersection between trauma and IDD, highlighting how trauma symptoms may present differently in children and adolescents with cognitive and developmental challenges. Participants will explore practical adaptations to the assessment process and gain actionable strategies for modifying Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to better support youth with IDD, ensuring more inclusive, responsive, and effective care.

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6. EMPOWER: A Specialized Model of Care for Trafficked Youth

Madeline Hehir, MSW, Senior Director, NYS OCFS

Amy El Manakhly, Director of Youth Services, Child Welfare Programs. Children's Home of Poughkeepsie
Jennifer Madera, Division Director, Children’s Village

 

Participants will learn about the elements of an EMPOWER program, which is a specialized model of foster care for youth who have been trafficked or sexually exploited. Professionals operating these settings will share their experiences delivering specialized services, including lessons learned and suggestions for other providers.

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3:00pm – 3:30pm

Break

 

3:30pm – 5:00pm

Concurrent Sessions

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1. Self-Care for the Direct Caregiver: Supporting Parents & Caregivers of Neurodivergent Youth

Rebecca Cohen-Lillard, MS, Program Director, OMH Residential, Children's Home of Poughkeepsie

Stephanie Richers, LCSW-R, Clinic Director, Children's Home of Poughkeepsie

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This workshop is designed to highlight the unique challenges faced by parents of neurodivergent youth and provide practical, compassionate strategies for supporting them. Participants will gain an understanding of the stressors these caregivers often experience—including burnout, guilt, social isolation, and financial strain—while exploring effective ways to offer emotional and practical support, such as active listening, advocacy, and respite opportunities. Together, we will emphasize why self-care is not selfish but essential, both for parents and for those who walk alongside them. The session will be interactive, engaging participants in reflection and discussion, and concluding with a guided self-care activity. Attendees will leave with concrete tools to bring into their professional and personal settings, as well as a renewed perspective on the importance of caregiver well-being.

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2. From Trauma Informed to Trauma Responsive Systems: Welcome to STARS

James Rodriguez, LCSW, PhD, Senior Director of Clinical Initiatives, McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research
Jackie Garlock, LCSW, Assistant Director of Training Development McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research

 

STARS (Strengthening Trauma Awareness and Resilience Skills) was designed to help providers move from trauma-informed to trauma-responsive care. Developed for any client facing providers, STARS builds skills in discussing trauma, sharing information, using regulation strategies, making referrals, and self-care. Evaluation data show trainees feel more confident in supporting care recipients impacted by trauma.

 

3. Mindful Media: Cultivating a Positive Digital Footprint and Posting with Purpose

Camerin Rivera, YPA-P, Youth Power Program Manager, Families Together in NYS - Youth Power 

Precious Lugo, YPA-C, Youth Engagement Specialist, Families Together in NYS - Youth Power

 

This training equips both youth and providers with the tools to use social media safely, responsibly, and purposefully. Participants will learn how to protect their privacy, recognize and address cyberbullying, and develop healthier digital habits that support mental health and well-being. This training expands to include guidance on supporting youth and families in safe online engagement, setting professional boundaries, and managing organizational digital presence. Providers will also practice strategies for responding to online challenges, fostering critical media literacy, and using social media effectively for outreach and this session will offer providers and organizations needed tools to guide youth in safe and responsible social media use.

 

4. “Are They Getting Better?”: A Practical Framework for Measuring Clinical Progress

Daniel Korovikov, PsyD, Director of Analytics & Outcomes, Astor Services

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Many organizations collect clinical assessment data but struggle to answer a key question: are clients improving? This session presents a customizable framework for measuring clinical progress over time. Participants will explore real-world decision points using an interactive handout and leave with a personalized blueprint aligned with their organization’s clinical priorities and implementable using familiar tools.

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5. NYC Health Department’s Youth Committee on Mental Health: Partnering with Youth to Make Change

Marnie Davidoff, Assistant Commissioner, Bureau of Children, Youth, Families, and Developmental Disabilities, NYC Health Department

Katie Savage, Project Director,  Bureau of Children, Youth, Families, and Developmental Disabilities, NYC Health Department

Tara Daniels, Program Director, Working the Gap Initiative, Coordinator and Facilitator, NYC Youth Committee on Mental Health

Ashley, Youth Committee on Mental Health Member

Aaron, Youth Committee on Mental Health Member

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Hear from the NYC Health Department and members of the Youth Committee on Mental Health! In 2024, the NYC Health Department launched the committee as a commitment to create ongoing opportunities for NYC youth to influence decision making around mental health services, programs, and policies at the city government level. The committee consists of 25 members ages 15-24, from all 5 NYC boroughs with diverse experiences with mental health services and advocacy. Together, Youth Committee members and NYC Health Department staff will share lessons learned, successful strategies for youth/government partnership, and accomplishments to date.

 

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

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8:00am - 9:00am

Breakfast

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9:00am – 10:00am

Opening Plenary: Jeremy Butler​

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10:15am – 11:30am

Concurrent Sessions

 

1. Meeting Families Where They Are: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Healing and Engagement

Stephanie Rogers, LMSW, PhD, LMFT, Bronx Regional Director of MHOTRS & TRC, Astor Services
Lara Frenz, LMSW. TRC Assistant Supervisor & Clinician, Astor Services
Mercy Kollek, PMHNP-BC, TRC Nurse Practitioner, Astor Services
Lonnesha Sessoms, MHC-LP, Trauma Recovery Center Clinician, Astor Services

 

This session will explore the innovative model of Astor Services’ Trauma Recovery Center (TRC), designed to meet children and families exactly where they are—emotionally, culturally, and systemically. Grounded in trauma-informed care and community-based engagement, TRC offers a flexible, wraparound approach that integrates clinical services, care management, and coordinated support. Participants will learn how TRC navigates barriers such as housing instability, school challenges, and system involvement, while fostering trust, safety, and empowerment. Through real-world examples and interactive group activities, attendees will gain practical strategies for applying trauma-informed principles in diverse settings. Whether you're a clinician, administrator, or advocate, this session will inspire new ways to connect with families and promote healing in meaningful, accessible ways.

 

2. Building New York's Workforce Capacity in Perinatal and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health

Evelyn Blanck, LCSW, Executive Director, New York Center for Child Development
Andrew Cleek, PsyD, Deputy Executive Director, NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research

 

The DOHMH funded TTAC, a partnership of NYCCD and NYU McSilver strengthens the capacity to serve families with children ages 0–5, and the perinatal period. Training topics span EBP’s, perinatal MH, ECMH, development and SUDs. With OMH funding, the partnership will provide 30 ECMH webinars, and training on the DC:0–5™ Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood. These efforts build capacity to serve NY’s youngest children and their families.

 

3. Expanding Access to Top-tier Trauma Therapy in NYC Foster Care

Morgan Kolb, MPH, Director of Health Policy and Planning, NYC Administration for Children's Services
Angelica Foronda, MPH, Assistant Director of Health Policy and Planning, NYC Administration for Children's Services    
Madeline Anscombe, MPH, Program Manager, NYC Administration for Children's Services

Dr. Bianca Lopez, DrPH, Chief Operating Officer, Office of Child and Family Health; Chief of Staff to the Medical Director, NYC Administration for Children's Services

 

This presentation will cover implementation of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) treatment program in NYC foster care (FC). Youth in FC are up to twice as likely to experience Post-traumatic Stress Disorder than non-FC youth. EMDR is the gold-standard treatment for trauma in adults, and in the pilot of this project, ACS expanded access to EMDR by providing training to 90 clinicians and treatment for 164 youth in foster care. Renewed project funding will focus on expanding access to youth-centered EMDR and ensuring the sustainability of EMDR treatment in FC settings.

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4. Removing Barriers to Care: School Based-Satellite Clinics in Orange County

Kristen Moses-Westphal, LCSW-R, Clinic Director, Orange County Department of Mental Health
Maria Lopez, LMSW, Community Mental Health Specialist, Orange County Department of Mental Health
Dayana Flores, LMHC, Community Mental Health Specialist, Orange County Department of Mental Health

 

In order to increase access to mental health treatment, in 2014 Orange County began operating satellite clinics in various locations throughout the county, predominantly in school districts. This presentation will share successes and lessons learned via a panel discussion with the clinic director, current school-based clinicians, and a school district representative.

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11:45am – 1:00pm

Concurrent Sessions       

 

1. Reflecting Together: Supporting Learning and Professional Development Through Reflective Supervision

Samantha Colson, MSW, MS, IMH-E®, Executive Director, New York State Association for Infant Mental Health

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Reflective supervision is a key component in building a relationship-based organization that promotes learning and supports professional growth. It involves considering one's own thoughts and feelings, as well experiences. Being reflective in a relationship also means being curious about the feelings and intentions that motivate others. This session will provide an overview of reflective supervision, keys to engaging in reflective practice, benefits to professionals, and examples of reflective supervision tools.

 

2. Harmonizing Support: Using Music to Inspire Family Peer Support Providers

Michael Johnan, BS, FPA, Barbara Callahan, FPA, Founding Partners, Power of Family, NY

 

Join us for an engaging and transformative workshop designed specifically for family peer support providers. This session will explore the powerful role of music in fostering connection, resilience, and inspiration among families navigating challenges. Participants will engage in hands-on activities that incorporate music into family support training practices. From creating music PowerPoint shows that resonate with different emotions to engaging in music-based icebreakers, participants will experience firsthand how music can be a tool for connection.  Personal stories about the impact of music in presenters’ own lives and the lives of the families they support will be shared and will foster a supportive environment where participants can learn from one another. Participants will leave with actionable strategies for integrating music into your support approaches, whether it’s using music for relaxation, motivation, inspiration or fostering a sense of belonging.

 

3. Integrating Multi Systemic Therapy into Residential Services to Provide Continuity of Care

Bailey Jeremie, LMFT, Program Director and Sarah Trugerman, LMSW, MST Supervisor, Jewish Board

 

NYC’s largest social service agency, in partnership with New York State Office of Mental Health, has successfully integrated the evidence-based, strengths-focused Multi-Systemic Family Therapy (MST) into their Youth Community Residence (CR) programming. This presentation will offer current MST impact data on youth and family stability. The presenters will describe key components of MST and present data on how its application is supporting youth and families in staying together in their communities. Also offered are critical “lessons learned”, and suggestions for jurisdictions interested in enhancing their services for at-risk youth in residential settings.

 

4. Leveraging DBT to Maximize HBCI Treatment Effectiveness

Michael Harris, LMHC-D, Director, HBCI Programs
Kajsia Green, LCSW, HBCI Lead Supervisor, Astor Services

 

HBCI programs deliver services utilizing the Homebuilders model, which supports the integration of evidence-based therapies. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is recognized as an effective treatment for emotional dysregulation and life-threatening behaviors, including suicidal and self-injury behaviors. While not a “one-size-fits-all” solution, DBT’s behavioral and skills-based approach can provide a common clinical language and framework for HBCI teams to provide effective treatment for clients with complex needs.  Members of the Astor Services HBCI team will share learning and best practices for integrating DBT into HBCI treatment.   

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1:00pm

Adjournment