May 1 Keynote (8:15 - 9:30 am CT)
Transformative Community Care: A Blueprint for Healing and Connection
Mx. Yaffa
Description:
In this essential keynote, we will explore the transformative potential of community care in the context of suicidality, integrating principles from death and birthing work, peer support, transformative justice, trans mutual aid, and Palestinian indigenous healing practices. This session is designed to build a comprehensive understanding of how these diverse yet interconnected elements can inform and strengthen community care frameworks. Attendees will learn about the importance of embracing cultural and traditional healing practices alongside modern therapeutic approaches, fostering an inclusive, empathetic, and effective response to suicidality. By drawing on real-world applications and collaborative strategies, we aim to provide a holistic blueprint for communities to nurture environments where individuals facing crises feel profoundly understood, supported, and connected. Join us to discover how these principles can guide the development of a more compassionate, effective, and transformative approach to community care.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the transformative role of community care in addressing suicidality, integrating insights from diverse practices including death and birthing work, peer support, transformative justice, trans mutual aid, and indigenous Palestinian healing.
- Learn about the importance of fostering empathetic and supportive community environments that empower individuals facing crises to feel profoundly understood, supported, and connected.
- Explore real-world applications and collaborative strategies that illustrate the implementation of a holistic blueprint for nurturing community care environments.
- Discover the principles guiding the development of community care approaches, and how they can be applied to foster better support for individuals experiencing suicidality.
Presenter Bio:
Mx. Yaffa is an acclaimed disabled, autistic, trans, queer, Muslim, and indigenous Palestinian individual who has received multiple awards for their transformative work around displacement, decolonization, equity, and centering the lived experiences of individuals most impacted by injustice. Mx. Yaffa is the Executive Director of Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (MASGD), as well as the founder of several non-profits and community project.
Mx. Yaffa has spent over 14 years in the Mental Health field, specializing in childhood and war trauma and suicidality. They have supported individuals during the Syrian revolution, displaced Palestinians, and queer and trans populations worldwide. With 9 years of experience as a Peer Support Specialist, Yaffa has been instrumental in building peer-run systems globally and founding peer-run organizations in Jordan, the United States, and the UK. In 2016, Yaffa hosted the first Suicidality Summit in the South West Asia/North Africa region in Amman, Jordan. They have trained teachers, students, clinicians, care workers, and many others in suicidality and trauma healing, developed peer support training, and trained thousands of peer supporters. Yaffa has also supported various alternative community practice projects and is currently launching the first queer and trans Peer Support line.
May 2 Keynote (10:00 - 11:15 am CT)
Dare to Care: Exploring the Root Causes of Suicidality and Establishing New Radical Support Frameworks
N. Oumou Sylla, LMFT
Licensed Psychotherapist + Consultant
Pronouns: name/she/they
Description:
In this keynote, we will examine the profound impact of systemic oppression, legislation, and capitalism on individuals' experiences of suicidality. Through a critical lens, we will explore what contributes to peoples experience of heightened levels of distress, crisis and despair. Moreover, we will discuss the urgent need for systemic change and advocate for frameworks and policies that prioritize decolonial mental well-being and social justice. Join us as we confront these complex issues and strive towards a future where we ALL get to experience care.
Learning Objectives
- Participants will delve into the intricate dynamics between systemic oppression and suicidality, gaining insights into how racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of oppression contribute to heightened distress and despair, ultimately contributing to peoples experience of suicidal ideation and behavior.
- Attendees will explore the impact of legislative frameworks and capitalist structures on mental health outcomes. By seeing how policies and systems influence access to resources and support, participants will uncover the systemic barriers that hinder individuals from seeking and receiving adequate mental health care.
- Participants will embark on a journey to explore innovative and radical support frameworks that prioritize decolonial mental well-being and social justice. They will challenge conventional approaches to mental health care, envisioning and advocating for inclusive, consent-centered alternatives that address the diverse needs of multiply marginalized communities.
Presenter Bio:
oumou is a Senegalese-Guinean, multi-hyphenate polycreative - therapist, coach, disruptor, zinester, writer, speaker, consultant and facilitator of spaces for radical learning. oumou is a two-time graduate of Syracuse University and former adjunct professor of the same school. she is the creator of RMHFA, a workshop that is slowly but surely changing the care and mental health landscape.
oumou’s lived and professional experiences are gifts that allow her to support people and businesses in intuitive and radical ways. their work aims to disrupt systems of disconnection, the laziness lie, the productivity death escalator and “the transactional ways in which relationships exist under capitalism” (word 2 niki franco).
in her work, she incorporates different modes of learning, facilitation, processing and healing based on your needs, context, and background. they are mindful and aware that we are impacted by Anti-Blackness, Ableism, Gender Based Oppression, Capitalism, state sanctioned violence, and other forms of systemic injustice in every aspect of our lives including our businesses.
Lived Experience Panel
May 2, 11:45-1:00 CT
A panel discussion with individuals in Wisconsin who have experienced suicidal thoughts and/or suicide attempts. Their perspectives provide invaluable expertise to stakeholders engaged in this work across various sectors. By listening to and centering the voices of people who have been there, we seek to expand the conversation around suicide and suicide prevention in our state.
- Objective 1: Empathize with and identify similarities between themselves and those with lived experience of suicidal thoughts and actions.
- Objective 2: Identify how disclosure of lived experience benefits both the storyteller and the public.
- Objective 3: Discuss suicide as a complex phenomenon that occurs within and beyond the context of mental illness.
The panel discussion will be facilitated by keynote speaker Oumou Sylla.
Shayla Rubbani is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and has lived experience with suicide, self-harm, trauma, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. My first feelings of suicidal ideation was in elementary school and first hospitalization was at 20. A passion of Shayla's is being the person for others that they needed or wish they had. Currently Shayla works as the supervisor for the R&R House and Uplift Warmline.
Sammie Sackmann (she/her) has been a mental health warrior since 15 years old. Diagnosed with Bipolar 1 Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Complex PTSD, she has lived experience with suicidality with both herself and others. Sammie works as a Certified Peer Specialist at ROCC Point and volunteers with NAMI and Aspirus.
Mikey (pronounced my-key) Murry, also known as Mikey Cody Apollo, is a Black queer writer, filmmaker, and educator from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A cat mama, a PMDD warrior, and a sex-positive feminist, Mikey hopes to use their love of storytelling to foster human connection and disrupt systemic oppression. Her second publication, titled Opposite of a Suicide Note, released on Saturday, March 16th, 2024.
Sidney Williams is a Navy veteran who courageously served his country, but his battle with severe PTSD, depression, anxiety, and self-sabotaging disorder took a toll on his mental health. Struggling with his inner demons, Sidney found himself making poor choices that hurt innocent people, including his beloved son. This downward spiral led to a disgraced and hopeless place, ultimately resulting in his time behind bars. Despite the darkness that surrounded him, Sidney found a new perspective by confronting his demons head-on. Embracing the mantra, "most people spend their entire life running from their demons, I made friends with mine, and that was a game-changer," Sidney's journey towards redemption and self-discovery serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those facing similar battles.
"Chat and Chew" Drop-in Sessions
May 1, 12:45 - 1:30pm CT
Grab your lunch and join the Chat and Chew during this 45-minute informal session to connect, ask questions, and share ideas and resources. These are not formal presentations, but a space for connection, so come prepared to engage!
PSW School-Based Suicide Prevention Chat & Chew
The School-Based Suicide Prevention Chat and Chew session will be facilitated by Andréa Donegan, Dept. of Public Instruction (DPI) consultant. Bring your questions, ideas, suggestions, problems of practice…and your lunch!
Supporting Someone Who is Suicidal Chat & Chew
This informal drop-in session will open up space to talk about how best to support people who have attempted suicide and/or who currently experience thoughts of suicide. Where do you get stuck supporting people in your life? What feels difficult? Where do you get your support from? Let’s talk about it!
Patty will share parts of her story with suicide and encourage participants to ask questions and share their ideas for supporting people in their lives.
Facilitator Bio: Patty Slatter, Lived Experienced Speaker, involved in NAMI Rock County, Involved with Mental Health America Wisconsin, Faculty Member for Zero Suicide Initiative of Wisconsin and a member of the Rock County Behavioral Health Redesign Steering Committee My involvement with mental health and suicide awareness is driven by my lived experience of over 20 years. After a long road of recovery, it has been my pleasure to share my lived experience in order to give others hope and assist others in identifying treatment gaps. In all my roles, I am powered by my passion to raise awareness, support my peers, and increase knowledge and understanding to all community members in the hopes to break the silence around mental health challenges and suicide. I love collaborating with local organizations on mental health and suicide Awareness!
Supporting Survivors of Suicide Loss Chat & Chew
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82109196089
Meeting ID: 821 0919 6089
Passcode: 986682
Are you looking for ways to support survivors of suicide loss? This interactive drop-in session is for those who have existing programs or are interested in starting a group/program in their community. Come ready to share experiences, ideas, and ask questions. Some of the topics that will be discussed are:
- How to start a support group
- Content to include for support groups sessions
- Ways to market your program
- Helpful things to say or do for survivors
- Resources
- Lessons Learned
I look forward to learning with you.
This session will be facilitated by Debbie Rueber. She is a loss survivor and co-facilitator of the Kenosha Survivors of Suicide Loss Support group. This support group was started in 2014 and has helped over 200 survivors of suicide loss on their grief journey to know they are not alone.
Four-Legged Support: Service Dogs, Emotional Support Animals--Tell Me More! Chat & Chew
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84350236218
Meeting ID: 843 5023 6218
If you want to know more about the difference between emotional support, therapy and service dogs, and the role they can play in a person's life, this is the place for you. Join Lydia Holen of emBARK, dog training in Eau Claire, WI. She is a certified pet dog trainer and has trained service dogs. Lydia is joined by Dr. Anne Papalia, Associate Professor of Special Education at Shippensburg University, author of Service Animals in Schools and a dog trainer at Dog TAGS, which trains service dogs for veterans. Your dog is warmly invited to this session.
Breakout Session 1
May 1, 9:45 am - 11:00 am CT
You do not need to register for specific sessions. You may attend whichever session you wish on the day of the conference.
1a. Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program: Partnerships, Interventions, and Data Surveillance and Dissemination
1b. Welcoming Schools-Intersectionality: School Practices with an Intersectional Lens (6th-12th grade)
1c. Building Queer Resiliency through the Creative Arts
1d. Beyond Crisis Management: Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy to Effectively Address Suicide Risk
1a. Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program: Partnerships, Interventions, and Data Surveillance and Dissemination
In 2022, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) received CDC funds to implement a Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program (CSP). The goal of this program is to reduce suicide and self-harm by 10% among two selected populations by 2027. DHS is entrusted with building a statewide partnership, implementing interventions, conducting surveillance, and disseminating information to inform the public and guide prevention activities. DHS is partnering with national and local agencies to implement interventions including a Gun Shop Project, Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), Sources of Strength, and Strengthening Families Program. Additional interventions include a safe firearm storage multimedia campaign and a digital literacy and computer access program designed to encourage tele-mental health care in rural communities. DHS will implement these interventions with two populations: rural men aged 25+ and adolescents aged 10-19. Rural men have the highest rate of suicide in the state; 40.4/100,000 in 2022, representing a 16% increase over the past decade. Firearms were used in approximately two-thirds of these deaths. Adolescents ages 10 to 19 were also selected as this age group has the highest self-harm rate in Wisconsin; over three times the statewide rate of emergency department patients and over twice the statewide rate of hospital patients. DHS’s dissemination and communication efforts include sharing data and best practices through press releases, factsheets, and webpages, and making data publicly accessible to query. We will review the DHS self-harm data dashboard and describe a few other options for accessing data to help attendees inform their work.
Learning Objectives
Objective 1: Learn about the Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), including outcome goals, development of a multi-sectoral partnership, and implementation of prevention activities.
Objective 2: Learn more about the populations selected for focused interventions including risk factors related to suicide and self-harm.
Objective 3: Learn about data resources available online and soon to be added to the DHS suite of resources including a self-harm injury and suicide data dashboard.
Presenters
Pamela Imm has been serving as the Injury and Violence Prevention Epidemiologist for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for the past six years. Pam received her Master of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has over 20 years of experience in Public Health managing research studies, developing surveys, sample designs, and study protocols, conducting statistical analysis, and developing data products and manuscripts for scientific journals. Prior to becoming the state’s Injury Epidemiologist, Pam served as the Research Program Manager of the Wisconsin Surveillance of Autism and other Developmental Disabilities System at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has also spent approximately a decade working on environmental health studies as a research manager. These studies focused on Great Lakes fish contaminants and human health and also childhood lead poisoning and educational outcomes. Her work in the field of injury has included the development of surveillance methodology for self-harm injuries (published in Injury Prevention Journal); data linkage and analysis of motor vehicle hospitalizations and crash data; and data linkage and analysis of health care visits and Child Protective Services records for children identified by either system as experiencing maltreatment (published in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice). Pam currently serves as Co-chair for the Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) Injury Surveillance Workgroup and the CDC Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Data-to-Action Workgroup.
Rebecca Gonnering is the Injury and Violence Prevention Coordinator at the Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Public Health, where she coordinates and leads the injury and violence prevention program with a focus of systems-building, community collaboration and coalition building. Before DHS, she was the lead survivor support advocate, responsible for designing and implementing Southern Illinois University’s first survivor support and advocacy service for students experiencing gender-based violence and sexual harassment. While there, she also oversaw violence prevention programming and sexual health and disease prevention programming for the student body. Rebecca holds a Master of Science in Gender and Women’s Studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and a Master of Public Health from Southern Illinois University.
1b. Welcoming Schools-Intersectionality: School Practices with an Intersectional Lens (6th-12th grade)
HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools is the most comprehensive, bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ and gender inclusive professional development training, lesson plans, booklists and resources specifically designed for Pre K - 12 educators and youth-serving professionals. Our program uses an intersectional, anti-racist lens dedicated to actionable policies and practices. We uplift school communities with critical tools to embrace family diversity, create LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive schools, prevent bias-based bullying, and support transgender and non-binary students. We will be delivering the "Intersectionality: School Practices with an Intersectional Lens" module (6th-12th grade).
Learning Objectives
Objective 1: Explore the concept of intersectionality and how to use it as a framework to create school climates that are affirming and welcoming for students’ whole selves, including intersectional identities such as race, ethnicity, gender, ability, faith, LGBTQ+ identity, family structure, etc.
Objective 2: Understand the experiences and impact of school policies and practices on students’ intersectional identities
Presenters
Ronnie Rivera was born in Chicago and was raised in the city as well as the suburb of Elk Grove Village. Ronnie moved to Wisconsin, where he received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in social work with a minor in LGBTQ+ studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. After graduating, Ronnie moved to Milwaukee, where he continued his career as a social worker. Over the next seven years, Ronnie worked in the social work realm providing services that are culturally sustaining, equity focused, and trauma informed to people who have historically been excluded and forgotten. Ronnie worked as a school social worker for more than five years before entering his current role as coordinator for the MPS Department of Gender & Identity Inclusion. Outside of MPS, Ronnie also works at Courage House MKE, the first and only group home in the state of Wisconsin that specifically houses LGBTQ+ residents in the system. Ronnie also volunteers as an HIV counselor for Brady East STD Clinic on Milwaukee’s east side. Ronnie brings a vast array of LGBTQ+ expertise and draws on professional and personal experiences as someone who identifies as queer, Taíno, and Puerto Rican. Outside of work, Ronnie is a proud husband, son, and older sibling. He enjoys listening to Bad Bunny’s newest song or reading the latest novels.
Ebony Lewis’ mission in life is to inspire youth and youth advocates so they can aspire to achieve their dreams with passion, mental wellness, and love. She has always had a heart to serve others and has dedicated the last 15 years of her life to doing just that. After graduating from Columbia College in Chicago and working many years in marketing and public relations, Ebony sought a career where she could make a difference every single day tapping into her passion for young people. She is director of the Department of Gender & Identity Inclusion at Milwaukee Public Schools, which focuses on providing support, access, and opportunities for girls of color and LGBTQ+ youth. A proud alumna of MPS Rufus King International Baccalaureate High School, Ebony is excited to work in the district in a capacity that allows her to enhance the overall experiences of students, staff, and families. Ebony is a proud wife and the mother of two boys. She is a graduate of Cardinal Stritch University’s African American Leadership Program, a member of TEMPO Milwaukee’s Emerging Women Leaders group, and was named one of Milwaukee’s 40 Under 40 by the Milwaukee Business Journal in 2019. She is the author of Dear Black Boy: It’s OK to Cry, a book about mental wellness in black and brown boys, a topic she is extremely passionate about.
1c. Building Queer Resiliency through the Creative Arts
Creative arts based therapies have a long history in mental health care settings. This presentation will offer a practical introduction to incorporating the creative arts into suicide prevention, recovery, and advocacy work to support the development of internal and community resiliency for LGBTQIA+ youth. Participants will learn about the evidence supporting therapeutic use of creative arts modalities and the unique support needs of LGBTQIA+ youth before participating in creative-arts based experiences designed to foster resiliency in individuals and communities. No artistic or musical abilities required; open to people of any professional or personal interest.
Learning Objectives
Objective 1: Participants will understand the evidence supporting the inclusion of creative arts-based interventions in suicide prevention, recovery, and advocacy.
Objective 2: Participants will understand the role of the creative arts in building resiliency for LGBTQIA+ youth.
Objective 3: Participants will learn how to effectively incorporate music, art, and poetry into their suicide prevention, treatment, and advocacy offerings.
Presenter
Emme Hooks (they/them) is a white, Queer, Disabled, and Neurodivergent person with lived experiences of major depression and chronic suicidal ideation. They hold a Bachelor’s in Music Therapy from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina and is currently pursuing a Masters in Social Work with a focus on Youth Trauma and Substance Abuse Counseling at the UW-Milwaukee. Emme currently practices as a board-certified music therapist and is the owner of Chromatic Creative Arts Therapy, LLC. Their work extends beyond the therapy space, as they are an active advocate for the liberation of all oppressed people and cross-movement solidarity. They split their time between Madison and Milwaukee, where they enjoy going to book club, doing crossword puzzles, and playing the piano.
1d. Beyond Crisis Management: Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy to Effectively Address Suicide Risk
As we all work together to reduce suicide risk in Wisconsin, understandable emphasis has been placed on building up our network of crisis-related services. This includes interventions such as 988 as well as increasing access to crisis treatment services. This presentation will talk about a different type of intervention, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an evidence-based outpatient treatment shown to effectively reduce suicidal and self-harm behaviors. Rather than being a crisis-oriented treatment, DBT is designed to help individuals acquire skills in emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional distress tolerance. This presentation will describe the essential components of comprehensive DBT, outline the strong evidence base for this intervention, and address considerations related to those with marginalized identities who may experience disproportionate suicide risk. Accessible, community-based outpatient care is critical as we work across Wisconsin to reduce suicide risk. It is our hope that helping more people learn about DBT will increase access to this effective, evidence-based treatment throughout our state.
Learning Objectives
Objective 1: Participants will be able to identify the components of comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Objective 2: Participants will learn the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy in reducing suicidal and self-harm behaviors
Objective 3: Participants will be able to describe how community-based outpatient treatment can work alongside crisis interventions
Presenter
Neal Moglowsky (he/him) received his Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. He has been working as a psychotherapist since 1995 and is a co-owner of the Center for Behavioral Medicine (CBM) in Brookfield, Wisconsin. CBM, is the only Linehan Board of Certification, certified DBT program in Wisconsin. Neal has been conducting skills training groups in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) since 1997. He completed his intensive training in DBT in 2003 and became a Linehan Board Certified DBT clinician in 2015. He has received advanced training in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including prolonged exposure for PTSD, OCD, and Panic Disorder. He also integrates mindfulness practices into his clinical work to help increase self-awareness and teach clients how to increase their self-awareness and better control their focus and attention. Currently, Neal works with adults and couples, co-facilitates a stage 1 DBT skills group, as well as CBMs friends and family group. In addition to his work at CBM, Neal has been a consultant and trainer for State of Wisconsin DHS, the Great Lakes Regional Mental Health Technology Transfer Center, and a multitude of counties throughout the state. Neal has an infectious sense of commitment and motivation to the health of the clients he works with. His goal is to empower his clients to let their values and ethics drive their life choices rather than their emotions and impulses.
Dr. Kim Skerven, ABPP (she/her) earned her BA from Ripon College, her MSW from the University of New Hampshire, and her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Marquette University. Kim is a strong advocate for Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She is a Licensed Psychologist and a Certified Clinician through the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification. Kim currently conducts individual therapy and Stage 1 DBT skills training groups. In addition, she works with members of the LGBTQ+ community, conducts evaluations for adults seeking gender affirming care, and facilitates a dedicated DBT group for LGBTQ+ adults. Kim takes special care to understand each of her clients as an individual who is shaped by their unique environmental context. At the clinic, Kim participates in the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Council, conducts clinical research, and trains students. Outside of the clinic, she provides consultation and training in DBT. Kim is active in professional organizations including the Wisconsin Psychological Association where she is the Advocacy Cabinet Director, the American Psychological Association where she Co-Chairs the Public Policy Committee for Division 44 (Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity), and Co-Chairs the Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification.
Breakout Session 2
May 1, 11:15 am - 12:30 pm CT
You do not need to register for specific sessions. You may attend whichever session you wish on the day of the conference.
2a. Sources of Strength: Our Journey of Regional Implementation
2b. Addressing Suicidal Ideation in Marginalized Communities: A Minority Stress Perspective
2c. Uplifting Our Community by Upholding Choice: The Story of Uplift WI, Wisconsin’s First Statewide Peer Run Warmline
2a. Sources of Strength: Our Journey of Regional Implementation
In this session, participants will hear the story of our regional implementation journey. Beginning in 2017, the CESA 6 Social Emotional Learning Center Team began partnering with N.E.W Mental Health Connection: Healthy Teen Minds. Our primary focus during this presentation will be on the role that CESA 6 has played to support regional sustainability, as the Healthy Teen Minds grant is coming to a close. We’ve grown a lot since starting this work and are excited to share what we’ve learned along the way. Participants can expect to hear what strategies were utilized and our areas for continued growth. There will also be opportunities for questions along the way.
Learning Objectives
Objective 1: Participants will identify supports needed for regional implementation.
Objective 2: Participants will identify what strengths they current have to support implementation.
Objective 3: Participants will name one strategy they want to try that supports implementation.
Presenter
Becky McMorrow works for CESA 6 as an educational consultant with the Social Emotional Learning Center. She is a certified coach and brings with her over fifteen years of teaching experience in the field of special education. She is passionate about ensuring we are bringing the dignity of others to the forefront of our work. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, practicing qi gong, reading, and taking long walks with her dog, Walter.
2b. Addressing Suicidal Ideation in Marginalized Communities: A Minority Stress Perspective
This presentation delves into the nuanced landscape of minority stress theory, offering a lens through which to understand the mental health struggles encountered by marginalized groups. By examining the intricacies of responding to suicidal ideation stemming from minority stressors, we navigate the intersectionality of identity, discrimination, and psychological distress. Through case examples and empirical evidence, we identify common triggers of suicidal ideation within marginalized communities and cultural adaptations for evidence-based interventions. Emphasizing the importance of culturally competent support systems, we present actionable strategies aimed at empowering both professionals and community members to effectively respond to suicidal ideation and cultivate resilience in the face of systemic adversity.
Learning Objectives
Objective 1: Understand the key principles of minority stress theory and its relevance in understanding the mental health challenges and suicidal ideation of marginalized populations.
Objective 2: Learn effective strategies for supporting individuals experiencing suicidal ideation due to minority stressors that are not immediately changeable.
Objective 3: Explore practical interventions to mitigate the impact of minority stress and promote resilience among affected populations.
Presenters
Edwin Bacalso has worked in behavioral health since 2013, providing direct patient care and psychoeducation in psychiatric inpatient settings. In 2019, he earned his Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He has worked in academic, clinical, and research settings, providing training and education on trauma-informed care. Edwin is dedicated to helping fellow social workers and other clinicians develop their therapeutic skills. He works as a lecturer at UW-Milwaukee, teaching coursework on trauma theory and intervention, and is the Chair of the ABCT’s special interest group for masters-level training and education.
Deidre Marsh is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapies for trauma-related disorders. Deidre earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 2019. Soon after, she founded the PTSD Recovery Program at Ascension Columbia St. Mary's, where she has provided Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) to a diverse clientele. She has received extensive training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and is listed on the official CPT roster, denoting her success in providing this treatment. She has also worked as a therapist and a consultant for clinical research trials with CPT. Prior to this, she worked as a supervisor on a suicide hotline. As a lecturer at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, she teaches graduate-level coursework on trauma counseling and domestic violence. Deidre provides training and consultation to clinicians and other professionals, as well as public talks and presentations on mental health and trauma.
2c. Uplifting Our Community by Upholding Choice: The Story of Uplift WI, Wisconsin’s First Statewide Peer Run Warmline
Uplift WI is a peer support program offered through Mental Health America of Wisconsin and is the first Statewide Peer Run Warmline for residents throughout the state. This free and confidential service was created to provide connection and emotional sanctuary, delivered by peer specialists, who offer a space for callers to share thoughts, feelings, and experiences without risk of non-consensual intervention. Those who call into Uplift WI will reach a phone operator that is a certified peer support specialist, with their own lived experience with mental health and/or substance use. This presentation will elaborate on how Uplift WI was brought to fruition, and how its philosophy surrounding informed consent-based peer support can inspire other programs.
Objective 1: Participants will understand the need for an anonymous, confidential peer support service.
Objective 2: Participants will learn about the nuances between peer support in non-consensual and consensual settings.
Objective 3: Participants will learn tips on how to provide informed consent-based support.
Presenters
Jensen Bosio has been with MHA of Wisconsin for nearly two years and has helped bring Uplift WI to fruition with their experience from the Northern California chapter of MHA's peer-run warmline. They are now currently the Uplift WI Program Supervisor. Jensen also identifies as part of the LGBTQ community and someone with Lived Experience.
Maddison Wagner is a certified peer support specialist, dedicated to helping others be true to themselves. As a Transgender woman, Maddison is passionate about helping others within the LGBT community develop self-worth, achieve positive outcomes and build better lives for themselves. Currently Maddison works at Mental Health America of Wisconsin as the Program Coordinator for the PRISM program, providing peer support for the LGBTQ community, while also working as one of the shift supervisors for the newly launched Uplift WI Peer Support Warmline.
Breakout Session 3
May 1, 1:30 pm - 2:45 pm CT
You do not need to register for a specific session. You may attend whichever session you wish on the day of the conference.
3a. Intersectionality and Mental Health: Unraveling Complex Identities to Prevent Suicide
3b. Disparities in Housing Mobility and Adolescent Suicidality
3c. Crisis and Neurodiversity 101
3d. Cultivating a Culture of Least Invasive Intervention
3a. Intersectionality and Mental Health: Unraveling Complex Identities to Prevent Suicide
In the quest to prevent suicide, understanding the nuanced experiences of those at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities is crucial. "Intersectionality and Mental Health: Unraveling Complex Identities to Prevent Suicide" proposes a deep dive into how intersecting identities—such as race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status—affect mental health outcomes and suicide risk, particularly among Black/African American communities. This presentation seeks to illuminate the complex realities faced by individuals at these crossroads, emphasizing the necessity of a multidimensional approach to mental health care that goes beyond one-dimensional treatment models. Through an exploration of evidence-based practices, attendees will learn how to integrate intersectionality into therapeutic contexts, enhancing the efficacy of mental health interventions and suicide prevention strategies. The session aims to equip practitioners with the tools needed to offer culturally competent, sensitive, and inclusive care, acknowledging the layered experiences of their clients. By focusing on the intersection of various identities and their impact on mental health, this presentation will contribute to the development of more effective, equity-focused approaches to suicide prevention, fostering a mental health care system that truly addresses the needs of all individuals.
Learning Objectives
Objective 1: Participant will be able to understand how overlapping identities, such as race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status, impact mental health and contribute to the risk of suicide among Black/African American men.
Objective 2: Participants will learn strategies to incorporate an intersectional lens in their practice, ensuring therapeutic approaches are responsive to the unique experiences of individuals from high-risk communities.
Objective 3: Participants will learn to develop and implement mental health practices that acknowledge and address the specific needs of individuals with complex, intersecting identities, thereby reducing barriers to care and the risk of suicide.
Presenter
Walter Williams, MS, LPC, is a devoted advocate for positive change, deeply committed to the philosophy of servant leadership. A proud Chicago native, Walter has earned both his B.S. and M.S. in Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His journey in the field of mental health began as juvenile court worker in Dane County and he has since advanced to practicing as a psychotherapist and life coach. Walter has led various organizations with a shared commitment to bolstering the Black community through economic initiatives, empowerment, and fostering empathy. He is dedicated to inspiring local organizations to collaborate in tackling systemic barriers to equity and unity. As the Owner of Think and Grow, LLC., Walter champions a holistic approach to well-being, focusing on mental fortitude, physical development, and spiritual upliftment. His company is not just a business; it's a mission-driven endeavor aimed at transforming lives. Walter's relentless support for individuals and his broader community underscores his life's purpose—service beyond self.
3b. Disparities in Housing Mobility and Adolescent Suicidality
Housing stability is an important social determinant of health, and housing instability can affect mental health, as well as suicidal behavior. The aim of the presentation is to assess the relationship between lifetime housing mobility among adolescents and suicidal behavior (both ideation and attempt). This study examines disparities in housing mobility and suicidal behavior to determine whether certain population subgroups are disproportionately impacted. We find that housing mobility, as measured in the lifetime number of residences, was associated with increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. We also demonstrate disparities by race, disability status, and sexual orientation.
Learning Objectives
Objective 1: Describe how housing mobility is associated with mental health and suicidal thoughts and behavior
Objective 2: Examine racial disparities in housing mobility and mental health-related outcomes.
Objective 3: Explore potential policy solutions to alleviate the negative mental health impacts of housing mobility
Presenter
Sara Kohlbeck is the Director of the Division of Suicide Research and Healing in the Comprehensive Injury Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine. Sara received her PhD in Public and Community Health from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2022, her Master of Public Health from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2015, and her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 2000. Sara’s research interests focus on understanding suicide from a public health perspective. Specifically, she is conducting research that focuses on better understanding suicide among disproportionately affected populations, including farmers, veterans, and youth of color, to facilitate the development of appropriate prevention strategies. She is also engaged in community-based research with communities across Wisconsin who are implementing suicide prevention activities.
3c. Crisis and Neurodiversity 101
This workshop will examine the intersection of crisis intervention and neurodiversity by exploring unique considerations for neurodivergent clients in crisis, with a special focus on autism and related disorders. This workshop aims to improve crisis intervention services for neurodivergent people by increasing professional knowledge of neurodiversity, sharing resources, and providing education on best practices while centering the voices of people with lived experience.
Learning Objectives
Objective 1: Describe the framework of neurodiversity
Objective 2: Identify potential differences in neurodivergent clients experiencing a mental health crisis
Objective 3: Use awareness of potential differences to better assess, support, and assist during crisis situations
Presenter
Cheyenne Ver Voort's professional experience has always been in the fields of mental and behavioral health, and she has spent her entire adult career working with and learning from neurodivergent people. Cheyenne is deeply passionate about quality mental health services for neurodivergent people, and Cheyenne makes it a priority to uplift and amplify the voices of people with lived experience in her efforts to improve the quality of crisis response for autistic clients experiencing a mental health crisis.
3d. Cultivating a Culture of Least Invasive Intervention
At 988 Wisconsin Lifeline, our culture of least invasive intervention means helping people in crisis by finding options and working to reduce law enforcement response. In this session, we will explore the philosophies and approaches of 988 Wisconsin Lifeline that have helped to shape our response and keep outside interventions lower in our center. We will talk about our journey and how we have reduced outside interventions. We will share some of our tools, practices and philosophies such as welfare check reviews, advanced trainings and case studies that help us create and manage our least invasive culture.
Learning Objectives
Objective 1: Participants will gain an understanding of 988 Wisconsin Lifeline’s approach to least invasive interventions
Objective 2: Participants will learn about trainings provided to support a least-invasive intervention approach
Objective 3: Participants will understand the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline internal review process and how it aligns with a culture of least invasive interventions
Presenters
Shelly Missall is a Program Manager for 988 Wisconsin Lifeline at Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin. She has worked in the human services field for nearly 20 years focusing primarily on long-term care for people with IDD and Mental Health diagnoses and most recently working in crisis response and suicide prevention. Shelly specializes in change leadership and has been with 988 Wisconsin Lifeline from its inception in 2020, helping guide the implementation of the new, statewide call center as well as the introduction of and transition to a three-digit dialing system.
Erin Neilan Miller has been a social worker for over 20 years. She received her MSW from Michigan State University in 2011. Erin's has worked in the child welfare system, as a case manager, an advocate for victims of sexual and domestic violence, and spent time working in an inpatient mental health facility. Erin started working for 988 in July of 2020 as a clinical supervisor. She was then promoted to the Program Manager overseeing clinical best practices and quality assurance.
Breakout Session 4
May 2, 8:15 am - 9:30 am CT
You do not need to register for a specific session. You may attend whichever session you wish on the day of the conference.
4a. Best Practices and Resources for Implementation of DPI’s New Suicide Prevention Curriculum
4b. NAMI Family Support Group
4c. Lessons Learned: The Role of Post-vention in Suicide Prevention
4d. Embracing Hope for Older Adults: Compassionate Conversations About Suicide
4a. Best Practices and Resources for Implementation of DPI’s New Suicide Prevention Curriculum
Join us for a high level overview of the new K-12 Suicide Prevention Curriculum developed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. In this session you will have an introduction to the curriculum and explore implementation within your schools. Learn and interact with the newly developed DPI Suicide Prevention Curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school, along with best practices for implementation, Gain an overview of the full curriculum with break out groups to take a deep dive into the elementary or middle/high school content. Discover how this curriculum and companion resources can be utilized in both classroom and alternate settings such as small groups and individual sessions to increase mental health supports and suicide prevention. Take away resources and opportunities to support suicide prevention and learn with and from other professionals engaged in this crucial work.
Learning Objectives
Objective 1: Participants will have the opportunity to explore the new K-12 Suicide Prevention Curriculum developed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Objective 2: Participants will have the opportunity to take a deep dive into the curriculum that most fits their school level. (Elementary, Middle/High School)
Objective 3: Participants will explore applications of this curriculum in the school environment. (ex. classroom, small group, advisory)
Presenters
Jenny Holle (She/her/hers) is a part of the Wisconsin Safe and Healthy Schools Center and serves as the Regional Coordinator for CESAs 2, 3 and 6 as well as the project coordinator for Suicide Prevention and Youth Mental Health First Aid. She worked in schools for over 25 years as a School Counselor and Special Education Teacher.
Julie Incitti is the school social work consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Her areas of focus include best practices in school social work practice, professional ethics and boundaries, mandated reporting, supporting students involved with the child welfare system, attendance/truancy, pupil records, comprehensive school mental health systems, suicide prevention, and trauma-sensitive schools. Julie’s primary work responsibilities involve provision of training, resource development, and technical assistance. In addition, she serves on the Wisconsin Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Board and networks with a variety of state level organizations with the goal of better provision of services to children, youth and families. Julie received her MSW from the University of Wisconsin – Madison before working as a school social worker in the public schools. Julie has served on the board of the Wisconsin School Social Workers Association (WSSWA), as president of WSSWA, on the Midwest Council of School Social Workers including a term as president, and various work groups with the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA).
4b. NAMI Family Support Group
NAMI Family Support Group is a best practice program created by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. These free and confidential groups are places where family members feel safe to share their own experience and gain support from others supporting their loved ones living with mental illness. This presentation will provide an overview of the importance of the NAMI Family Support Group program and the model used for providing support. Attendees will also learn about how to get connected to the local NAMI affiliate in their area, how to join a NAMI Family Support Group in-person or virtually, and how to access additional NAMI resources for family members.
Learning Objectives
Objective 1: Learn about the NAMI Family Support Group Program and why support for family members is important.
Objective 2: Learn how to connect with your local NAMI affiliate and find a family support group in your area.
Objective 3: Learn about additional NAMI resources for families.
Presenters
Dominique Kornley is the Program Manager at NAMI Wisconsin and is involved in coordinating and supporting NAMI Wisconsin Affiliates in Peer and Family Support Groups and assists with the Crisis Intervention Teams and Crisis Intervention Partners Trainings in Wisconsin. Prior to being the Program Coordinator, she earned her B.S. in Psychology with minors in Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation from the University of Wisconsin Platteville. Further, she went on to earn her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa. She has also had the opportunity to engage in various mental health related jobs including providing mental health trainings on campus at the University of Northern Iowa, conducting psychological assessments and diagnoses at the University of Northern Iowa Psychological Assessment Clinic, and working with children in a trauma-informed day treatment program in Madison, Wisconsin. Her areas of interest include mental health research, mental health focused trainings, and providing opportunities for individuals to learn about and better understand mental health and mental illness.
Sue Pekovsek was born in Wisconsin and grew up on a dairy farm. Currently, she lives in Madison, Wisconsin and is married with three children and two grandchildren. In her career, Sue worked a wide variety of positions, ranging from clerical, computer programming, management, and IT systems analyst. After 25 years employment with the WEA Trust Member Benefits, Sue retired in 2013. Sue began volunteering for NAMI Dane County in 1999 and continues today. At NAMI Dane County, she served six years on the board of directors, including president of the board. In the year 2000, she received training to be a Family Support Group facilitator, Family Support Group facilitator trainer, and teacher of the Family to Family Education course. Over the last 24 years, she has facilitated the Family Support Group for NAMI Dane County and trained Family Support Group facilitators for NAMI Wisconsin. Sue has also be part of the memorable work with NAMI Dane County board of directors and staff, along with Mike Koval, Chief of Police, Madison Police Department (MPD) to integrate Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training as an educational requirement for MPD.
4c. Lessons Learned: The Role of Post-vention in Suicide Prevention
People in the helping professions can become inured to the risk of suicide among their colleagues due to working conditions, ongoing exposure to trauma, and habituated responses to stress that can lead to poor health. If a suicide death occurs in the workplace, it has a devastating impact on the surviving coworkers. Yet, using effective post-vention during that tumultuous time can be a powerful prevention strategy to minimize the risk of another death. This session will incorporate the presenter’s growth as a loss survivor that was facilitated in part by good post-vention in the workplace. Also melded into the presentation are post-vention lessons gleaned from the presenter’s suicide prevention training experience in public safety departments. Despite the emphasis on public safety personnel, the concepts apply to any profession where caretaking and altruism are paramount.
Learning Objectives
Objective 1: At the completion of this session, participants will be able to identify effective post-vention practices and policies that incorporate proven efficacy in suicide prevention.
Objective 2: At the completion of this session, participants will understand the importance of discernment when receiving and sharing information about suicide death and a first responder line-of-duty death.
Objective 3: At the completion of this session, participants will be able to identify the impact of effective post-vention on survivors of suicide loss.
Presenter
An independent consultant, speaker, and trainer, Mary VanHaute formerly worked with St. Petersburg College’s Center for Public Safety Innovation and developed the College’s firefighter suicide prevention training. She is also a master trainer for the QPR Institute in Spokane, WA, and co-chaired the State of Florida’s First Responders Suicide Deterrence Task Force. She is the author of Suicide in Public Safety: The human dimension, published in 2015. She and her husband, a retired police officer, live in Clearwater, FL, but celebrate their Wisconsin roots. They enjoy bragging about their grandchildren, golfing, and appreciating the fact that they are finally on the same schedule.
4d. Embracing Hope for Older Adults: Compassionate Conversations About Suicide
Many workers in the human services field struggle to relate to older adults and respond to the unique challenges for individuals in this age group. Sometimes, despite workers' best efforts to connect, older adults struggle with communicating their needs. This presentation focuses on practical steps for compassionate conversations that identify risks, foster hope, and help older adults rise above suicidal thoughts and thrive. The goal of this presentation is to help workers who serve older adults to identify strengths and focus on the real-life actions that an aging adult can use to acknowledge and build on their past successes when the present experience of older adults is commonly centered on the losses they are experiencing. The content of this presentation will provide relevant statistics of suicide risk amongst older adults, which is at a higher rate than other age groups and is not given the emphasis it deserves in the community. The practical strategies discussed will utilize the evidence-based practice of peer support with a goal of helping main-age workers relate to the older adults they support in a way that is person-centered and honoring of the individual’s strengths and experience rather than focusing on what is lost or missing in their lives. The speaker is a Certified Peer Specialist that has been in professional and personal working relationships with aging adults and will reveal some of the successes and obstacles overcome while supporting success for their situations.
Learning Objectives
Objective 1: Analyze the intersectionality of age, mental health, and social dynamics that increase suicide risk
Objective 2: Identify a model for compassionate conversations and responding to suicidal ideation in older adults
Objective 3: Reinforce connections to personal purpose and social strengths that aid in community inclusion
Presenter
Raymond Young III, CPSS, BA, has 15 years of serving diverse groups of adults and youth prior to joining the Training Institute at People Incorporated Mental Health Services. He has also facilitated training sessions for mental health practitioners and various human services providers including: library staff, police officers, first responders, transportation professionals, business partners, and community members. Ray joined People Incorporated as a Certified Peer Support Specialist and is inspired by working directly with individuals with various behavioral health concerns, but also enjoys sharing best practices and experiences with other workers in the field in his job as a Trainer. Ray has a passion for speaking about leadership development as well as destigmatizing mental health care and promoting Trauma-informed practices across communities. In his spare time: Ray enjoys comedy shows, concerts, rollercoasters, and traveling, to balance his ambition with relaxation.
Holding Space for Conversations About Suicide
May 2, 1:15-2:45 pm
What does it mean to hold space for someone experiencing thoughts of suicide? Many of us know risk factors and warning signs but don't know what to say or how to listen when having these hard conversations. Traditional models in the suicide prevention field may not have taught us how to sit with another person's pain and explore what's underneath.
Holding Space for Conversations about Suicide presents paradigm shifts in "suicide prevention," offers phrases to use when talking with someone who is thinking about suicide, and provides resources for continued support.
The content and language presented comes from the Wildflower Alliance's Alternatives to Suicide (Alt2Su) model which was originally developed for Alt2Su support groups. The presentation slides were designed and illustrated by Alyse Ruriani. There will be time at the end for questions and discussion. We're excited to share this new training with you, and we hope you'll share your feedback with us!
Learning Objectives
- Begin to understand shifts in traditional paradigms when talking about suicide,
- Develop skills through practicing phrases to support people thinking about suicide using the VCVC (Validation, Curiosity, Vulnerability, Community) dialogic model,
- Learn about practical resources to use during a difficult time and to share with others.
This training is based on learnings from the Alternatives to Suicide model developed by the Wildflower Alliance. The Alt2Su Charter includes the following principles and values:
- Responsibility To—and not For or Over
- Consent and Choice
- Responses to Injustice
- Healing in Communities
Presenters
Leah Rolando (she/her), MSW, works as a Program Manager for Safe Communities Madison - Dane County where she convenes the Ending Deaths from Despair Task Force which aims to prevent injuries and deaths by drug and alcohol harm and suicide. Leah provides training and technical assistance on suicide prevention programming and harm reduction education in schools, health care systems, and community-based settings. In her previous role with Mental Health America of WI, she supported the development of statewide suicide prevention infrastructure, co-authored the state plan (Suicide in Wisconsin: Impact and Response, 2020), coordinated the WI Zero Suicide Training and Prevent Suicide Wisconsin Conference, and consulted on suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention practices and policies.
Erica Steib is the State Suicide Prevention Program Manager at Mental Health America of Wisconsin. She earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from UW Milwaukee, where she studied psychology and public health. In her work at MHA, Erica brings education and resources to build capacity for suicide prevention in a variety of settings. She serves on the Prevent Suicide Wisconsin Steering Committee, a public-private partnership to reduce the rate of suicide attempts and deaths. Her lived experience and drive to work towards health equity inspired her to develop The Prism Program, a new mental wellness resource for LGBTQ+ youth and adults. Erica is inspired by the peer-led movement in mental health, which centers lived experience and autonomy. She hopes to use principles of peer-support to establish more community-based resources to avoid carceral interventions for those in crisis.