Tuesday, July 14

Level 1 & 2 and Workshop 1A – 7/14 • 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Resiliency In Action: How Schools, Families, and Communities Build “Bounce-Back Kids”

In this training participants thoroughly examine the research base of resiliency that is emerging from the fields of psychology, psychiatry, sociology, and education. The emphasis of the training is practical application of these research findings in strategies that can be used to move children and youth "from risk to resiliency." Examples of practices and programs that are building resiliency are shared. The training will include interactive activities to be used to assist youth to identify and celebrate their personal resiliency and understand how they can be more resilient in the future. All strategies can be applied in varied settings – schools, agencies, and communities. The Four Most Important Steps to Fostering Resiliency, Using the "Resiliency Chart", Identifying and increasing Personal Resiliency Builders, Creating a resiliency-building environment, Using the "Resiliency Wheel" as a tool for resiliency building will all be addressed. Video presentations, participant activities and group discussions make this a very dynamic day for all participants.

Presenter Nan Henderson, MSW, is an internationally recognized author, trainer, and consultant on fostering human resiliency in youth, adults, families, and organizations. Her publications on this subject are used in more than 25 countries and have been translated into Spanish and Russian. She is co-founder and President of Resiliency In Action, Inc., a training organization in Southern California.
Ms. Henderson has trained and consulted in 43 U.S. States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Organizations she has worked for include Big Brothers/Big Sisters; Upward Bound; the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission; the New Zealand Ministry of Education; Job Corps; and State Departments of Education in California, Vermont, Colorado, Maine, Texas, and New Hampshire. She has also been a trainer for hundreds of school districts, and social service and community agencies.

 Wednesday, July 15

Level 1 – 7/15 • 8:30 am to 3:45 pm
Children of Trauma

Learn the differences between grief and trauma and come to know trauma as an experience rather than a diagnostic category. Learn how to become a “witness” to a child’s traumatic experience to best appreciate the intensity of the experience and the needs of the child; to see what he now sees as he looks at himself and the world around him. Video-taped interviews will demonstrate how TLC’s evidence-based, structured sensory intervention process brings children relief from the terror of their traumatic experiences. This structured process is used in schools and agencies across the country and has been proven, via research, to reduce trauma-specific reactions across all three major sub-categories. Each participant will receive the TLC video, Children of Trauma.

Presenter, William Steele, MSW, PsyD is the Founder and Director of The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children, established in 1990. Dr. Steele has developed, published and produced numerous books, articles, trauma-specific intervention programs and resource materials. He has trained well over 40,000 professionals. After the Gulf War he was one of the first Americans selected by the Kuwait government to provide trauma intervention training for their newly formed mental health staff. Whether in the aftermath of the bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma, the tragedy of 9/11, the ravages of the tsunami, the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, or the critical incidents that occur in schools and communities, Dr. Steele’s programs and resources are helping thousands of children, families and professionals every day.

Level 2 – 7/15 • 8:30 am to 3:45 pm
Managing and Discharging Activation
This presentation will focus on the instinctual survival roll of activation/arousal and the mechanisms that perpetuate it once the traumatic incident or threat has passed. Procedures that will directly aid in managing and reducing and discharging activation that occurs during a traumatic incident will be demonstrated and discussed. Understanding how to reduce and allow for gradual discharge of Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) hyperarousal enhances the success of resolving the trauma and aids in restoration of homeostasis and balance, and a return to normal functioning.

Presenter, David Grill MFCC, CTS is currently the Clinical Director of the Treatment Center for Traumatic Life Experiences and Co-director of Trauma Prevention Services. He is a Certified Trauma Specialist and has been involved in the understanding and treatment of trauma since 1987. He has extensive training in cognitive, behavioral and somatic treatment approaches and is certified in the more innovative techniques of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Thought Field Therapy (TFT), Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR), and Somatic Experiencing (SE).

Workshop 1B – 7/15 • 8:30 am to 11:45 am

Faith Based Trauma Intervention

When tragedy hits the lives of a faith community, the very roots of whom the people are and what they believe about God emerges. When distortions are present, trauma becomes even more complex for the individuals affected. This presentation takes a look at a faith-based approach when helping children and youth of faith communities work through their trauma experience. We will discuss how and why a child’s beliefs about God’s role in his trauma can be a strength and comfort or can compound the child’s trauma responses and hinder the healing process.  We will discuss and demonstrate how to incorporate faith based questions and activities into the SITCAP model (Trauma Intervention Program) so that the trauma specialist can not only understand the fuller “experience” of the child of faith, but also help the child process the God-concept that is very much part of the child’s experience of the trauma.

Co presenters Annette Miner, CYW, CTC, CYC, is a certified Child and Youth Counselor with the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Counselors. She is also certified as a Trauma and Loss Clinical / School Specialist as well as a Consultant with the National Institute of Trauma and Loss in Children. She has a Pastoral Counseling Certification with Emerge Ministries, Akron, Ohio, and is also the Families Ministries Director for Lakeshore Community Church.   Annette was awarded the “Trauma and Loss Clinical Specialist of the Year 2007 Award” by the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children. Annette was also an intensive Foster Care Support Parent for eight years and is a Master Level Instructor in Crisis Prevention.

Tina Hunter, SSW, CTS, is the coordinator for the Kids’ Circle which offers supportive care to children and teens from ages 4-18 who are facing a life-threatening illness themselves, the life-threatening illness of a loved one or have experienced the death of a loved one through illness, accident or suicide. She also works as a volunteer support worker for her church with individuals, programs and curriculum development.

Workshop 2B – 7/15 • 8:30 am to 11:45 am

Group Interventions with At-risk Teens: A School-based Program

At-risk teens are “acting out” at home, at school and in their community. In a school setting, these behaviors disrupt learning for themselves and others and can be destructive and harmful to all involved. The most effective groups for at risk teens are ones that guide learning in ways that are multimodal, incorporating a variety of learning styles and include small group breakouts for discussion and role-playing.  This learning session will explain the ways to develop or enhance an educational support group for at risk teens. Participants will be able to experience a hands on multimodal group, how to facilitate written work, mini lectures, small group break outs and movement activities with the goal of teaching life skills to at risk teens.

Presenter, Kendra Payette-Linn, LMSW, ACSW, SSW, is a school social worker with the Allen Park Schools in Michigan. For the past six years she has been working solely with at risk teens in the community high school. The previous six years she worked as a family therapist focusing specifically on high-risk families involved with Child Protective Services living in domestic violent situations but also involving families dealing with Autism, Aspbergers Disorder and other mental health impairments. She conducts an average of four multimodal groups per week throughout the year.

Workshop 3B – 7/15 • 8:30 am to 11:45 am

Healing the Inside Child – Part 1

This workshop will focus on helping the angry and defiant youth by addressing trauma and stress. The impact of trauma/stress on the body/mind system will be discussed, plus what parents, teachers, human service professionals must know before trying on techniques and strategies for “behavioral” change in the new millennium. The workshop will include real-life videos and case study discussion. Applying new and powerful strategies such as time-in (vs. time-out), containment titration/pendulation, 10-20-10, bids and windows, micro connecting, reflect-relate-regulate, sensory re-integration, transitioning, affect identification, expression and modulation and more. John will discuss “The Relationship Factor” as charismatic care giving vs. fear-based parenting. This workshop is not concerned with traditional models of parenting or behavior modification techniques. Instead, be open to explore a powerful new approach with sure-fire user-friendly strategies for reaching troubled youth.

Presenter, John Micsak, MA, LLPC, CTC, is the Regional Clinical Supervisor for Holy Cross Children’s Services in Michigan and has over 30 years experience working with vulnerable youth with traumatic and delinquent histories. He is a Certified Trauma Consultant with the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children and is also a Certified Trainer in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. John is a national trainer with RAP (Response Ability Pathways) a cutting-edge program developed in South Africa to assist at-risk youth populations. He is a registered clinician with Robertson Research, which provides clients with a program to help balance brain chemistry with holistic approaches. John also serves as a liaison and consultant to schools, families, mental health and legal professionals helping them work with vulnerable populations of at-risk children and youth. He is passionate and interactive with his trainings and will provide non-stop strategies, examples and energy.

Workshop 4B – 7/15 • 8:30 am to 11:45 am

Managing Conflict as a Strength Based Opportunity to Develop Resilience

Six items believed to be the most problematic and six believed to be the least problematic. “How do we determine if a behavior is a problem?” Three cycles of conflict…Understanding Counter Aggression…The Passive Aggressive Student…Breaking the Conflict Cycle…

These are the categories this presentation will address through the use of video taped segments, participant activities and group discussion. The recommendations provided for using conflict as a resource for developing more resilient students are the result of 100 years experience working with at risk children and teens in community as well as residential settings. The presentation is one component of the No Disposable Kids (NDK) program developed by Starr Commonwealth and documented to help troubled kids find their way in the world.

Presenter, Martha Dobbins, MA, LPC, is the Director of Training Initiatives at Starr Commonwealth of Michigan. She earned her Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University in Counseling Psychology and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Martha is a member of the National Association of Peer Group Counselors, Michigan Association of Children’s Alliances, and several other children care organizations. She is a Certified Senior Trainer for Life Space Crisis Intervention, Response Ability Pathways and Building Safe and Reclaiming Environments and has a SPADA (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Assessment) Certification. Previously Martha was a Residential Director at Starr Commonwealth where she had daily contact with 200 students and the staff who worked with them.

Workshop 1C – 7/15 • 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm

From Trauma Victim to Resilient Thriver: A Pathway for Traumatized Children and Youth

This is a first person account of a childhood victim who is now a thriver. This presenter details co-morbidities of the emotional and physical abuses he suffered: the loss of and separation from his original, genealogical family; the shame of mental illness in his family; his fear of becoming mentally ill or having mentally ill children; and the lack of bereavement opportunities presented in his distressed foster family. Foremost the presenter identifies the resilience factors that allowed him to travel a path from traumatized child to thriving teacher and counselor for the past 26 years.

Presenter, Dave Hinchliffe, MEd, is an experienced counselor of 26 years. He is currently working at Schreiber High School in Port Washington, New York. His story as a survivor of multiple childhood traumas is one we have heard all too many times from children living in foster care homes. What is unique, inspiring and professionally helpful about Mr. Hinchliffe’s story is that he teaches us about those resilience factors and experiences that allowed him to not only survive but also thrive.

Workshop 2C – 7/15 • 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm

Traumatic Event Crisis Intervention Plan (TECIP) A Proactive School Response to Trauma

This presentation will identify the cascading effects of intervention following a traumatic incident involving schools. The focus will be specific to Traumatic Event Briefing, Classroom Discussion and Small Group Discussion. These are elements that support a proactive building response to trauma within the framework of TECIP developed and used by the South-Western City Schools in Ohio since 2002 and thereafter adopted by other school districts throughout Ohio

Mike Markowitz, MA, has been a school psychologist for 12-years. He is the co-developer of the framework, “Traumatic Event Crisis Intervention Plan” (TECIP) and has been the coordinator of the South-Western City Schools District Flight Team (crisis response) since 2002. Mike co-facilitates numerous TECIP training opportunities as 2-day course offerings and is an adjunct faculty presenter for Ashland University.  He received the School Psychologist “Best Practices” Award from SPCO in 2005 and was a finalist for the School Psychologist of the Year Award from OSPA in 2006.

Presenter, Jennifer Haddow, MA, has worked with special education students, school-wide discipline programs, social skill curriculums and building crisis intervention teams during her twenty-five years in education. As an educator, her focus has been on working with emotionally and behaviorally challenged students.  She has also worked with building staff on ways to improve the overall school climate. Jennifer is a guest presenter twice each quarter at Ohio State University’s School of Education, discussing best practices for improving student compliance.   Jennifer received her Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton and is a Certified Trauma Specialist (CTS) from TLC. 

Presenter, Glenn Carlton, PhD, is a licensed school counselor in the state of Ohio and a Certified Trauma Consultant. He is also certified with the International Critical Incident Stress Management Foundation and the Ohio Department of Education as an Administrative Specialist in the area of Special Education. Glenn received his PhD from Ohio State University. His professional expertise is in the areas of crisis response, total quality leadership, child study, solution-focused interventions and stress management.

Workshop 3C – 7/15 • 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm

Healing the Inside Child – Part 1

This workshop will focus on helping the angry and defiant youth by addressing trauma and stress. The impact of trauma/stress on the body/mind system will be discussed, plus what parents, teachers, human service professionals must know before trying on techniques and strategies for “behavioral” change in the new millennium. The workshop will include real-life videos and case study discussion. Applying new and powerful strategies such as time-in (vs. time-out), containment titration/pendulation, 10-20-10, bids and windows, micro connecting, reflect-relate-regulate, sensory re-integration, transitioning, affect identification, expression and modulation and more. John will discuss “The Relationship Factor” as charismatic care giving vs. fear-based parenting. This workshop is not concerned with traditional models of parenting or behavior modification techniques. Instead, be open to explore a powerful new approach with sure-fire user-friendly strategies for reaching troubled youth.

Presenter, John Micsak, MA, LLPC, CTC, is the Regional Clinical Supervisor for Holy Cross Children’s Services in Michigan and has over 30 years experience working with vulnerable youth with traumatic and delinquent histories. He is a Certified Trauma Consultant with the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children and is also a Certified Trainer in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. John is a national trainer with RAP (Response Ability Pathways) a cutting-edge program developed in South Africa to assist at-risk youth populations. He is a registered clinician with Robertson Research, which provides clients with a program to help balance brain chemistry with holistic approaches. John also serves as a liaison and consultant to schools, families, mental health and legal professionals helping them work with vulnerable populations of at-risk children and youth. He is passionate and interactive with his trainings and will provide non-stop strategies, examples and energy.

 Thursday, July 16

Level 1 – 7/16 • 8:30 am to 3:45 pm
Structured Sensory Interventions
Learn trauma-specific intervention tasks and techniques as well as see them demonstrated. This is a practice day. The presenter engages attendees in an encapsulated demonstration of the major sensory structured processes. Attendees will also participate in additional activities and by days end will feel comfortable using any of the TLC intervention programs. A brief presentation of the TLC evidence-based research and outcome will support the value of TLC’s structured sensory programs in schools and agencies. The TLC book, Structured Sensory Interventions for Traumatized Children, Adolescents and Parents (SITCAP), will be given to all attendees. (The complete intervention programs are available to conference attendees at a reduced price. The Trauma Intervention Program is a comprehensive individual program for children 6-12 years old and adolescents 13-18 years old. I Feel Better Now! Intervention Program is a group program for 6-12 years olds. What Color is Your Hurt? is an individual program for preschoolers 3-6 years old. If you would like to order any of these intervention programs for pick-up at the conference, please check the appropriate boxes on the registration form.)

Presenter, William Steele, MSW, PsyD is the Founder and Director of The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children, established in 1990. Dr. Steele has developed, published and produced numerous books, articles, trauma-specific intervention programs and resource materials. He has trained well over 40,000 professionals. After the Gulf War he was one of the first Americans selected by the Kuwait government to provide trauma intervention training for their newly formed mental health staff. Whether in the aftermath of the bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma, the tragedy of 9/11, the ravages of the tsunami, the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, or the critical incidents that occur in schools and communities every year, Dr. Steele’s programs and resources are helping thousands of children, families and professionals every day.

Level 2 – 7/16 • 8:30 am to 3:45 pm
Using Children’s Drawings in Art and Play Therapy
Learn advanced skills in using drawings and art activities with children and families who have experienced trauma or loss. Through case material, discussion, and short experientials, participants will learn intervention strategies for PTSD reactions and specific trauma populations including abuse, medical illness, loss, and violence. Emphasis is on advanced understanding of drawing and art activities as sensory tools and how these interventions support integration and resolution of the trauma experience.

Presenter, Cathy Malchiodi, LPCC, CPAT has published numerous books, chapters, and articles in the field of art therapy including, Breaking the Silence: Working With Traumatized Children, Handbook of Art Therapy, and Understanding Children's Drawings, which are standards in the field. She has trained counselors, therapists, and teachers throughout the United States, Canada, Asia, and Europe. She has been presented with a number of awards for her clinical contributions to children, adults, and families, including a Presidential Award. Her “hands-on” workshops teach practical and valuable interventions to use with children of all ages. She is currently the Editor of the TLC Journal, Trauma and Loss: Research and Interventions, and serves on the Board of Directors of American Art Therapy Association.

Workshop 1D – 7/16 • 8:30 am to 11:45 am

Teen Age Grief: A Program Making a Difference

Following significant losses teens often lack the tools to understand themselves or to cope with disturbing feelings.  Many teens turn to drugs, alcohol, or reckless behavior to help numb themselves to their upsetting emotions. The Teen Age Grief (TAG) program detailed in this presentation gives teens an opportunity to understand their feelings in a non-threatening, supportive environment. Through weekly meetings, which include the use of music and art as catalysts for discussion, TAG participants realize they are not alone and develop understanding to regain control of their lives.  Examples of the weekly meetings and unique methods of this intervention will be presented.

Presenter, Ilene Blok, MS, has been a high school guidance counselor in Saugus, California for 24 years.  A graduate of University of La Verne (MS, in School Counseling), Ilene was an English teacher prior to becoming a counselor. She was trained in the Teen Age Grief program, by its founder, Linda Cunningham, and began her now twenty-four year career of providing grief support for teens in her high school.  Through the years, Ilene has trained other counselors and interested individuals in school districts, university programs, hospices and probation departments.  Ilene currently acts as coordinator of grief support services for the William S. Hart Union High School District in Santa Clarita, California. 

Workshop 2D – 7/16 • 8:30 am to 11:45 am

Strength Based Paths to Developing Resilient Children

Since 1990 the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children has said, “To truly appreciate what a traumatized child needs we must first become witnesses to what that child sees when he looks at himself and the world around him after being victimized by trauma inducing incidents.”

Most certainly we must view all traumatized and troubled children as “resources” if we are to be effective in our efforts to help them thrive despite their circumstances. This presentation will identify a series of strength based “views”, values and practices that allow us to see the view the child has of him/herself and the world and also help that child discover the resources they possess even though at times hidden from their own view. Once discovered, we then must “reactivate” these resources to support a newer, more resilient response to life’s challenges. Documented strength based practices, which have helped troubled and traumatized children find their way, will be presented.

Presenter, Thomas F. Tate, M.S., Vice President for Research, Evaluation and Training at Starr Commonwealth oversees all No Disposable Kids (NDK) training, product development and evaluation. Tom is the co-author of “Partners in Empowerment,” a nationally recognized training manual for practitioners seeking to develop powerful and productive environments where children can thrive and flourish. He has also written numerous articles on the attributes of adults serving troubled children, strength based assessment and intervention, and servant leadership.

Workshop 3D – 7/16 • 8:30 am to 11:45 am

The Power of Positive Behavioral Support (PBS)

PBS is a process for identifying the problem behaviors of a child, developing an understanding of their purpose or function, and developing supports that are implemented by everyone significant in the child’s life. Research indicates that children with challenging behaviors are more likely to be rejected by their peers, receive less positive feedback, do worse in school and are less likely to be successful in their daily lives, so Positive Behavioral Support (PBS) was born!  This workshop approach is based on humanistic values and research.  It allows teachers and staff to develop an understanding of WHY a child has challenging behavior and determine the purpose or the FUNCTION of that specific behavior. PBS also focuses on teaching new “replacement” skills that ultimately change the child’s behavior. Come and meet “Tucker”, one terrific turtle and our “Super Friends” who teach us how to problem solve and resolve conflicts. Many examples of social stories and visual supports will be shared and participants will leave the workshop with evidenced-based effective strategies that they can implement and put to immediate use. Participants will discuss the correlation between trauma/grief and challenging behaviors and will be able to describe the importance of relationship building, supportive environments, social-emotional development, and emotional literacy. They will also learn individualized intensive interventions for trauma, behavioral difficulties and challenges.

Presenter, Cindy Ciocco, MPA, CTC, is a TLC Certified Trauma Consultant-Supervisor and has over 17 years of experience working with preschool aged children in the public and private sector. She holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership along with Principal Certification/Licensure. She has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Preschool through Grade Eight Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology. Her experience includes positions such as Director of Early Childhood for a major University, Master Teacher and Director of Schools. In addition she is an Adjunct professor at a local Community College and has additional experience as an Early Childhood Specialist and in Special Education. Currently Cindy works as a Behavior/Trauma Specialist in a public school setting and owns a private Child Care Center for young children.

Presenter, Marie Cancilleri, MS, currently works in a public preschool program in Millville, New Jersey as an Intervention team Member. She has over 15 years experience working with preschool-aged children and holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.  She has additional background in Staff Development, as an Early Childhood Coordinator, and as an Editor for The Education Center, Inc. which publishes magazines such as The Mailbox, Teacher’s Helper and Bookbag.

Workshop 1E – 7/16 • 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm

Adolescent Suicide: Answering the Cry for Help

The presentation will review the SLAP Assessment and Robertson Risk Factor Assessment processes as well as move through a series of school-based intervention strategies for potentially suicidal students. Guidelines for working with survivors – students, family, and the community following a suicide will also be presented. Dave is also TLC Certified and a frequent presenter for TLC across the country.

Presenter, Dave Opalewski, MA, is president of Grief Recovery Inc in Saginaw, Michigan, a consultant and co-author of “Confronting Death in the School Family”, Teen Suicide Prevention for Schools and Communities and author of Guiding Grieving Children. He has been a professional educator since 1972, working at the elementary, middle, high school and college levels.

Workshop 2E – 7/16 • 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm

Ready…Set…R.E.L.A.X.

Stress affects children, as well as adults. This workshop examines the physiological and psychological effects of stress on children, and details a program designed to reduce anxiety and improve self-concept in children. The program includes self-guided stories, discussion questions and activities, and emphasizes imagery and relaxation. Workshop participants learn specific interventions to use with individual children or groups of children in schools, health care facilities, clinical settings and the home. Lecture, demonstrations (live and video), discussions and time for practicing the techniques are all included in the day’s activities. Creativity, peer pressure, appreciation of nature, motivation, and overcoming text anxiety are all explored within the central themes of the program. The Ready...Set...R.E.L.A.X. program helps parents, teachers, counselors and health professionals equip young children with techniques to manage the stress in their lives.

Presenter, Roger Klein, PsyD, has worked as a teacher, therapist, clinical psychologist and school psychologist for over 30 years. He has taught graduate courses for Aurora University, trained as a Trauma and Loss Specialist, and is the co-founder of Inner Coaching, a company that specializes in products and programs for professionals, educators and parents to help children deal with and conquer stress in their lives. He was a school psychologist for the Watertown, Wisconsin School District and is an Associate Director of Family Resources Associates, Inc., a private practice clinic specializing in work with children and families. Dr. Klein is a frequent presenter at local, state and national conferences including the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children, the American Association for the Study of Mental Imagery and the National Association of School Psychologists. He is the co-author of the book; Ready…Set...R.E.L.A.X. and a consultant to the Healing Images for Children Program.

Workshop 3E – 7/16 • 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm

Adventure Healing – Level Two

The past two years, Level One Adventure healing was presented. This year the presenters are conducting an advanced workshop based on the most current understanding of the effects of trauma on body, mind and spirit. The key components of this presentation focus on activities for self-regulation, lessening of hyper-arousal and re-kindling a sense of joy. Participants will take part in all new activities, covering all ages, which are supported by the works of Peter Levine and Bessel van der Kolk, the proponents of Logo therapy and Adventure Education.

Presenter, Florence Ernzen, LMSW, ACSW, is a clinical social worker and Trauma and Loss Consultant Supervisor. She is a Diplomat in Logotherapy certified by the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy. She is a retired school social worker from Wyandotte Public Schools. In the past thirteen years she has helped plan and participate with response teams to numerous situations including murders, suicides, car crashes, chemical explosions, student and staff deaths. In 2000 she was chosen as the School Specialist of the Year by the National Center for Trauma and Loss. Currently she assists schools and businesses in developing protocols to respond to all kinds of incidents ranging from the death of a student or staff member, to accidents, exposure to hazardous materials etc. She also assists organizations after an incident to help restore a sense of safety and control and provides training to organizations to prepare staff to follow their response protocol and provide care after a traumatic incident.

Presenter, Ruby Lewis, MA is proprietor of Ruby Lewis & Associates, works as a consultant with the Taylor School District, coordinating homeless services for the district. As a Trauma Specialist, she has combined her skills in group facilitation, adventure education, and knowledge of the needs of at-risk youth to enhance the relationships with the youth and their families. Ms. Lewis has provided national, state and local trainings on many subjects related to at-risk youth and the need to collaborate.

Workshop 4E – 7/16 • 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm

Research, Data, & Dog-Gone Great Results with School Therapy Dogs and the TLC "I Feel Better Now!" Program

Children bring to school many traumatic issues that have a negative impact on their learning and their social/emotional health.  Recent research has been conducted documenting the positive emotional, social, and academic benefits enjoyed by students interacting with therapy dogs.  More specifically, presenters will discuss the utilization of full-time school-based therapy dogs and how these animals are impacting children who have experienced trauma, grief, and loss.  Recently, one of the school therapy dogs was utilized in a research study to determine her effectiveness in conjunction with "I Feel Better Now!" (IFBN), the TLC trauma intervention program.  Three groups, an IFBN only, an IFBN plus therapy dog, and a control group, participated in eight sessions of the IFBN program. Findings from this research will be presented.  Learn how school therapy dogs, such as Allie and Magic, have been instrumental in transforming the lives of children, not only in the "I Feel Better Now!" groups, but also in the everyday life of children in two Ohio elementary schools.  Receive information regarding how to get "dog-gone" great results yourself by having a program such as this!

Presenter, Shelley Wanner, LPC, NCC, NCSC, retired in June of 2007 as a School Counselor at Bryan Middle School where she enjoyed working with middle school students since 1990.  Previously, she was an English teacher and counselor at Archbold High School for 19 years.  She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor, a National Certified Counselor, and a National Certified School Counselor.  She received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Bowling Green State University. She also is a volunteer with Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. in Swanton, OH.

Presenter, Jackie Boyd, BS, MEd, has been teaching elementary school for 17 years and now works as a school counselor, with special responsibilities for students in Emotionally Disturbed classes. The newest and most exciting part of Jackie’s job is working with Allie, a therapy dog placed at school with the counseling department.

Presenter, Suzanne Reinhart, MEd, a school counselor and in 2006 received placement of a certified, school-based therapy dog named Magic. Her goal with Magic is to provide excellent services for the social and emotional development of students.

Presenter, Amber Lange PhD, is a licensed professional counselor who currently teaches ethics and professional issues courses at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan. She is a Doctoral Candidate at University of Toledo.

Presenter, Jenny Barlos, BAis the Client Services Director at Assistance Dogs of America where she provides educational presentations for schools, professionals and community groups using school therapy and other assistance dogs.

Allie and Magic are Golden Retrievers donated by Assistance Dogs of America, Inc for use in the schools.

 FRIDAy, July 17

Level 1 – 7/17 • 8:30 am to 3:45 pm
Trauma Debriefing in Schools and Agencies
The TLC Debriefing Model fits with the uniqueness of school and agency settings. The models address the developmental issues, time and resource constraints, needs of staff as well as students/clients, administrative issues and trauma response issues. Five models are demonstrated: Debriefing for adolescents and adults, Defusing for K-5th grade, Operational Debriefing for all staff, Debriefing the Debriefers, Crisis Team members or first respondents and Classroom Presentation which is different than debriefing and usually initiated before the start of debriefing. The TLC Debriefing Model is the outcome of work with over 1,500 professionals who have participated in debriefing training. The purchase of the Debriefing Handbook, although recommended, is optional. It answers over 100 questions frequently asked about debriefing in schools and agencies and presents each model into a 5" x 8" format for duplication in a card format to be used during debriefing sessions. It is available at the conference for a reduced price of $20.

Presenter, Mary McHenry MSW, has been a professor in the Child & Youth Worker Program at Lambton College in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada for the past 10 years. Her experience as a social worker began in child protection where she conducted child abuse investigations and became increasingly concerned about the traumas so many children experienced in their own homes. Her career then took her to the Family Counselling Centre in Sarnia where, she was a clinical social worker, specializing in the areas of family violence and sexual assault. Mary was also a member of her community's Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team where she saw, first hand, the benefits of debriefing for people exposed to traumatic events. Mary has 20 years experience as a social worker and instructor.

Level 2 and Workshop 1F – 7/17 •
Part 1 8:30 am to 11:45 am and
Part 2 12:30 pm to 2 pm
Practitioners Assembly - Resilience

Practitioners Assembly – Part 1
This Friday morning Assembly over the past three years has been a wonderful vehicle for sharing all our expertise, networking with other colleagues, finding a common ground in a complex field. It also gives TLC the information needed to plan its next Assembly as well as develop new resources to meet the needs of today’s practitioner. At this 2009 morning assembly we present the question, “What allows some children to do better than others exposed to the same or similar traumatic incidents?” In short, the answer is resilience.

This assembly will briefly present research outcomes of a 2007-2008 TLC evidence based quantitative and qualitative study defining the critical resilience factors found in traumatized children who saw and sustained the greatest gains following TLC intervention. Our published research refers to the CCDO model as an efficient way to categorize resilient characteristics and practice, which fosters resilience. The model will be used in break out sessions to facilitate reports to the larger group when it reconvenes.

All strategies and resources identified by assembly members will be transcribed into a position paper, titled Resilience and Trauma. All participants will be able to access this paper following the conference. In keeping with the theme of resilience we hope you can attend the afternoon assembly, which ends at 2pm to accommodate traveling.

Presenter, William Steele, MSW, PsyD is the Founder and Director of The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children, established in 1990. Dr. Steele has developed, published and produced numerous books, articles, trauma-specific intervention programs and resource materials. He has trained well over 40,000 professionals. After the Gulf War he was one of the first Americans selected by the Kuwait government to provide trauma intervention training for their newly formed mental health staff. Whether in the aftermath of the bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma, the tragedy of 9/11, the ravages of the tsunami, the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, or the critical incidents that occur in schools and communities every year, Dr. Steele’s programs and resources are helping thousands of children, families and professionals every day.

Practitioners Assembly: Resilience and You – Part 2
The afternoon will focus on resilience and the caregiver. In the spirit of remaining resilient amidst the day-to-day trauma children and families look to you to help them resolve, this closing presentation offers you the chance to experience the pleasure of relaxation and the healing of laughter. This is not a lecture but an offering of practical strategies and interactive activities to “de-stress” and self-regulate your reactions and responses to the trauma-focused assembly workshops you attended the past four days. “This one’s for you!”

If you have specific readings, resources you have used to take care of yourself, email us at steele@tlcinst.org. We will prepare a reference list for all participants that will be distributed the morning of the Assembly.

Presenter, Roger Klein, PsyD, has worked as a teacher, therapist, clinical psychologist and school psychologist for over 30 years. He has taught graduate courses for Aurora University, trained as a Trauma and Loss Specialist, and is the co-founder of Inner Coaching, a company that specializes in products and programs for professionals, educators and parents to help children deal with and conquer stress in their lives. He was a school psychologist for the Watertown, Wisconsin School District and is an Associate Director of Family Resources Associates, Inc., a private practice clinic specializing in work with children and families. Dr. Klein is a frequent presenter at local, state and national conferences including the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children, the American Association for the Study of Mental Imagery and the National Association of School Psychologists. He is the co-author of the book; Ready…Set...R.E.L.A.X. and a consultant to the Healing Images for Children Program.

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