2016 CONFERENCE WORKSHOP SUMMARIES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23
OPENING SESSION
10:00am-11:45am
Forging Solutions Out of Challenges – Angelo McClain, PhD, LICSW, CEO, NASW
Participants will understand the importance of forging solutions by confronting social injustice;
advocating for human dignity and worth of all people; and transforming programs, policies, and
practices that yield disproportionate outcomes for historically marginalized populations. Participants
will explore how evidenced-informed approaches can increase effectiveness and document the
profession’s contributions in the areas of policy, planning, administration, and education.
1 CE hour presentation followed by presentation of Awards.
Session 1 1:00pm-2:30pm
1.5 CE Credit
1A. Identifying and Assessing Clients at Risk of Dangerous Behaviors – Wayne Cullinan, LMSW,
Assessment & Referral Counselor, Memorial Hospital at Gulfport. 30 min. Ethics CE. Suicide is a
substantial public health problem, and one that has disastrous impact upon individuals, families,
and communities across geographic, cultural, and socio-economic boundaries.
The goal is to
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provide rudimentary tools, easily adaptable across a wide field of practice environments and
modalities, which workers can use to gauge clients' risks and to develop effective treatment plans.
1B. Law Enforcement Training Initiative: Strengthening Partnerships to Protect Adults – Kathy Van
Cleve, LMSW, LCMHT, Dir., & Melora Jackson, MS, LCMHT, Div. of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other
Dementias, MS DMH. 30 min. CD CE Credit. Content of a law enforcement training course is
summarized, highlighting key topical components including aging issues, elder abuse, dementia &
driving, Silver Alert, and resources. Social work roles in strengthening relationships with law
enforcement will be discussed.
1C. Forensic Interviewing 101 – Tamara E. Hurst, PHD, LCSW, USM School of Social Work. 15 min.
Ethics, 15 min. CD CE Credit. The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of forensic
interview best practices.
Descriptions of our state’s systems of child advocacy centers and
multidisciplinary teams will be provided.
1D. Combat Social Work in Vietnam: Lessons Learned for Iraq/Afghanistan/Civilian Trauma – Raymond
M. Scurfield, DSW, LCSW, ACSW. 20 min. Ethics, 20 min. CD CE Credit. The presenter’s experiences
and perspectives as a Social Work Officer on one of the Army’s two psychiatric teams in Vietnam and
understanding the role of social work in a war zone, primary ethical issues facing social workers when
treating psychiatric casualties, salient influences pre-war/during the war/post-war, the clinical lessons
learned in understanding and treating psychiatric casualties of war, the relevance to civilian trauma.
1E. What Do Guns Have to Do with It? An Examination and Discussion on the Epidemic of Gun Violence
in the U.S. What Will Be the Social Work Response? – Lucille “Missy” Rowley, PhD, LCSW, ACSW, & Alan
Bougere, PhD, LCSW, USM School of SW. 20 min. Ethics CE Credit. Social Work with clients, students &
communities is impacted by gun violence with increasingly tragic & lethal outcomes. Increasing are
mass shootings & domestic violence incidences. Research, trends & policy will be discussed with focus
on the effects on practice.
1F. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: The Incidence & Effects of Prenatal Drug Use – Elizabeth
Zimmerman, LMSW, Memorial Hospital at Gulfport. An overview of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
(NAS) and its effects on an infant while in utero. How addiction is treated in the NICU, what long term
effects are seen in infants addicted at birth and what medical consequences are realized by addicted
infants will be reviewed.
Session 2 3:00pm-4:30pm
1.5 CE Credit
2A. The Role of the NASW MS Chapter’s Ethics Committee: Consultation and Guidance – Susan
Allen, PhD, LCSW, 2A.NASW MS Ethics Chair, and Committee Members: Adele Crudden, PhD,
LCSW Lisa Moon, PhD, LCSW, and Tom Osowski, PhD, LCSW. 90 min. Ethics CE Credit. The panel
will update social workers on the new national professional ethics review processes and the
revised role of the chapter ethics committee in professional review, and provide opportunities to
apply ethical decision making to specific cases.
2B. Neuroplasticity and the Resilient Brain: Understanding How Childhood Neglect and Abuse Affect the
Developing Brain - Marian L. Swindell, PhD, MSU-Meridian SW Program.
This presentation focuses on prenatal, newborn, and early childhood development of the brain, looking
at the importance of family and community to enhance healthy brain functioning.
2C. Declining Capacity: Navigating Dangerous Waters – Richard A. Courtney, CELA, Frascogna Courtney,
PLLC. 30 min. Ethics CE Credit. This session will examine the meaning of “capacity” for health care and
legal actions, and will describe measures that can be taken to protect clients with diminished capacity
and their personal autonomy. The ethical implications for the professional will be addressed.
2D. Bridging the Gap: Advocating Communication between Two Systems of Care – Lindsey Risher
Vining, LMSW, Team Leader, USM MS Integrated Health and Disaster program (MIHDP), Lauren Zakaras,
LMSW, DBH, Coordinator of Clinical programs & Training, MIHDP, Michelle Brazeal, LCSW, Program Dir.,
MIHDP, Tim Rehner, PhD, Dir., USM School of SW. The new program addresses the need for increased
collaboration between multiple service providers. Community mental health employees need a
framework to help bridge services provided by multiple healthcare agencies. This presentation will
provide a model that can be used to build interagency communication.
2E. Campus Violence: Prevention and Response – Leigh Jenson, MSW, PhD, Dir., MSU Student
Counseling Services, Deena Crawford, LCSW, Dir., USM Counseling Center. Overview of campus violence
and how the increase in campus violence demands prevention, crisis intervention, and response. The
role of the social worker in prevention and crisis management will be discussed as well as the response
to the campus and the community after a violent event. The impact of violence on campuses and the
challenges faced by counseling centers and others will be reviewed.
2F. How “my town” and “their town” Became “our town”: Accounts of Different Childhood Experiences in
a MS Town During the Jim Crow Era, the Civil Rights Movement , and an Enduring 45+ Year Friendship–
Janet S. Watson, LCSW, Dir., Social Services, Jewish Family Services, Debra J. Moore, PhD, LCSW, UM SW
Program. 90 min. CD CE Credit. This presentation will focus on the different experiences and situations
faced by two individuals while growing up in the same small southern town. Hear the impact that those
experiences had on the individuals and how they shaped each person’s choices. Hear how taking the time
to talk and listen about those experiences impacted and deepened the relationship of these individuals.
Identify the meaningful conversations that you have had or need to have to build bridges, mend fences
(macro and micro), and facilitate healing both for yourself and in your community.
THURSDAY, MARCH 24
7:30am-5:00pm
Registration Open
Select ONLY ONE Workshop in Session #3 OR TWO Workshops in Session #4
Session 3
8:30apm – 12:00pm 3 CE Credit
3A. Gender Dysphoria: An Overview of Behavioral health Assessment and Treatment – Shelia
Robinett, PsyD, Elizabeth Polinsky, LMSW, Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System. 180 min. CD CE
Credit. This presentation will identify key terms and cultural considerations related to human
sexuality, sexual orientation minorities, and transgender populations. DSM 5 criteria for Gender
Dysphoria will be examined and strategies for making a differential diagnosis will be reviewed. Best
practices for the behavioral health assessment and treatment of Gender Dysphoria will be
highlighted.
3B. Trauma Informed Practice for Social Workers: An Overview of Traumatic Stress and Innovative
Approaches to Its Treatment – Matthew Vasquez, PhD, LMSW, USM SW School, Emily Goff, MSW
Student, USM, Mary Takewell, MSW Student, USM. The goal of this workshop is to provide a
comprehensive overview on the neurobiological, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning of
those exposed to traumatic incidents (e.g., abuse, disaster, war). Multiple incidents of traumatic
exposure will be discussed. Evidenced-based and new interventions will be reviewed.
3C. Ethical Dilemmas and Your License: What You Need to Know – Jennifer Fulcher, LSW, Anna Lyn
Whitt, DHA, LMSW, Gloria Green, JD, MS BOESWMFT. 120 min. Ethics CE Credit.
Learn recent
changes, identify legal & ethical issues occurring at all licensure levels, & discuss potential consequences
of failure to meet regulation standards.
Session 4A
8:30am – 10:00am 1.5 CE Credit
4A1. Tall Tales and White Lies: Understanding Reasons Children Change Their Stories After Sexual Abuse
– Marion L. Swindell, PhD, MSU-Meridian SW Program. Discuss and understand the manner in which
emotionally healthy and well-adjusted survivors of child sexual abuse will often modify and/or recant
the disclosure narrative. This recantation is frustrating to social workers, law enforcement, and the
courts.
4A2. The Burden of Kidney Disease: A Patient, Caregiver, & Community Educator’s Perspective – Patrice
R. Jenkins, PhD, LMSW, JSU SW School, Katina Lang-Lindsey, LMSW, JSU PhD Student. 60 min. CD CE
Credit. Explore and address issues related to the overall physical, social, and emotional impact of kidney
disease on patients, their families, and the community. Will provide insight regarding the burden of
kidney disease from a former dialysis patient, a caregiver, and a community educator’s perspective.
4A3. Changing the Way We Define Outcomes for Victims in Domestic Violence Shelters – Christy
Ainsworth, LCSW, Deputy Dir., Office Against Interpersonal Violence, MS Dept. Health. This
presentation will help advocates improve quality of services and will explore the term meaningful
services for victims and define ways to measure the outcomes.
Session 4B
10:30am-12:00pm
1.5 CE Credit
4B1. Myths and Misperceptions of Sex-Related Education in MS Schools: Implications for Social
Work – Jerome Kolbo, PhD, USM SW School, Nichole Werle, LMSW, USM SW School, Olivia Ismail,
MSW Student. Understand the current and actual implementation of sex-related education in
Mississippi's public schools, recognize the varied opinions and suggestions from sex-related
education instructors for future improvements in sex-related education, and understand the
important role of social workers in relation to future legislation and implementation of sex-related
education.
4B2. Enhancing the SW Profession through Enforcing Ethical Guidelines – Marquita Thurman, LMSW,
Fresenius Medical Care, Hiawatha (Frenchie) Sanford, LCSW, Fresenius Medical Care. 90 min. Ethics CE
Credit. Am I my Social Worker's keeper? I'm responsible for my actions as a professional but
am I really responsible for the actions of my Social Work colleagues? This presentation
answers those questions by relying on the NASW Code of Ethics for guidance.
4B3. Recognizing, Responding, and Relating to Seniors Losing Vision – Adele Crudden, PhD., MSUStarkville SW Program, Shellie Zeigler, Director of Talking Books, MS Library Commission, Nancy Beal, BS,
MS Dept. of Rehabilitation Services. Functional limitations associated with vision loss frequently lead to
social isolation and depression. It is important that social workers recognize the symptoms of vision loss
and are aware of the services that can be offered to seniors to assist them in retaining their
independence, mental health, and living full and active lives.
Session 5
1:15pm – 2:45pm 1.5 CE Credit
5A. Social Dance for Social Work: A Tool for Practice and Self-Care – Michael Forster, PhD, LCSW, Dean,
College of Health, USM. Explore the value of social dance in social work practice: 1) as a tool of clinical
work, and especially group work; and 2) as a means of advancing worker self-knowledge and self-care.
Time will be devoted to essential conceptual content for effective practice – including theoretical
grounding, potential benefits and risks, utilization contra-indications, and resource finding. Participants
will have a direct experience of social dance, via instruction in basic steps associated with at least three
major dance styles (e.g. waltz, rumba, swing).
5B. The MS Legislative Process in Action: A Close Up View of How Some Bills Make it and Others Don’t –
Charles Araujo, LCSW, ACSW, NASW MS Chapter Legislative Liaison. An overview of the legislative
process in Mississippi with a focus on what social workers would generally consider legislative bills
specific to social welfare policy which if passed, leads to social welfare programs.
5C. Forbidden Grief: The Ethical and Emotional Costs of Grieving the Loss of Clients and Colleagues –
Jana Donahoe, LCSW, PhD, DSU SW Program. 60 min. Ethics CE Credit. This workshop will address the
difficulty of grieving for clients and colleagues as social work professionals. Normal/healthy and
unhealthy/abnormal grieving will be discussed along with the dangers of hidden or suppressed grief.
Tips for healthy grieving will be provided as well as ways to manage the dangerous complications of
forbidden grief.
5D. Military Culture in MS – Richard Patton, State Community Support Coordinator, Army One Source,
Jessica Cole, LPC, Psychological Health Coordinator, MS National Guard. 90 min. CD CE Credit. This
presentation will cover military competencies that will help clinicians better able to understand
military members and their families. It will also give an overview of state specia1 statistics regarding
service members and mental health related issues.
5E. What to Do When You leave Your Job…or Your Job Leaves You: Applying SW Skills When Facing
Change – Brenda Sumrall Smith, PhD, LCSW, LMFT. Explore a personal plan of alternatives for
employment and retirement, and address some of the psychosocial and emotional challenges that
accompany these changes.
5F. “Walking the Middle Path”: The Eightfold Path of Buddhism and the NASW Code of Ethics – T. Dean
Handy, LCSW, Jackson VA Medical Center. 90 min. Ethics CE Credit. Compare the Buddhist Eightfold
Path with particular focus on the three ethical principles: right speech, right action, and right livelihood
and how they relate to the NASW Code of Ethics. Review examples of social work practices and
principles in action and discuss how ethical behavior influences their actions and decisions
Session 6
3:15pm-4:45pm
1.5 CE Credit
6A. Medical and Psychosocial Implications of Child and Adolescent Obesity – Catherine M. SingletonWalker, PhD, Chair, MVSU SW Dept. The medical and psychosocial implications of obesity among
children and adolescents and the implication for social work practice, policy, education and research will
be discussed.
6B. Bearing Bad Tidings: Delivering a Difficult Message – Dennis Potter, LMSW, Dir., Training &
Consultant Relations, Crisis Care Network. The challenge for many in mental health positions is to
notify the next of kin, extended family or others of a traumatic event that has led to serious injury, a life
threatening state, or the death of a loved one. This workshop explores the key ingredients for fulfilling
this important responsibility in an appropriate, psychologically helpful and compassionate manner that
provides the necessary supportive components.
6C. Cultural Considerations in Recognizing and Responding to Domestic Violence – Marion L. Swindell,
PhD, MSU-Meridian SW Program. 90 min. CD CE Credits.
Explore the world of domestic
violence/intimate partner violence/family violence through the lens of cultural diversity. Males, Asians,
Latinos, Jews, Islamic, LBGT, underprivileged or affluent, military and police, elderly, immigrants,
substance abusing, religious, and persons of color as survivors of DV will be discussed.
6D. Self-Care: Responsibility to Self, Colleagues, and Clients – Deena Crawford, LCSW, Director, USM
Student Counseling Services. 90 min. Ethics CE Credit. Identify barriers at home and in the workplace
that interrupt positive self-care behaviors, as well as an opportunity to create a self-care plan. Learn
that self-care is not a luxury but is an important part of ethical social work practice.
6E. Improving Children’s Academic Behaviors & Cognitive Functioning through Physical
Activity – Sherry Gilkey, MSW, PhD Student in Research, Evaluation, Statistics, &
Assessment in Ed, USM, Jerome Kolbo, PhD, USM School of SW, Daniel Bond, PhD., Systems
Analyst, USM.
Obtain information re: the impact of physical activity on academic
behaviors in regard to academic achievement, draw connections of the effects of different
types of physical activity programs & executive functioning in the brain, and identify the
effects classroom-based physical activity programs has on at-risk children with learning
disabilities and behavioral challenges.
6F. Child Welfare: Ethics, Courts, and Family Centered Practice– Anna Lyn Witt, DHA, MPH, LMSW, Field
Operations Dir., DFCS, DHS. 30 min. Ethics CE Credit. Learn recent changes to the MDHS DFCS
organization, identify legal & ethical issues occurring in the field with casework, and discuss potential
consequences of ethical decision making in the child welfare practice model.
FRIDAY March 25
Closing Session
8:30am-12:15pm
Productivity® Meets Social Work Professional Growth – Becky S. Corbett, MSW, ACSW, BSCorbett
Consulting, LLC
Participants will develop personal and professional techniques to help enhance service delivery and
increase program effectiveness in diverse settings while applying professional ethics.
3 hour CE Presentation to include 45 min. Ethics CE, 45 min. CD CE