To Heal the Heart: Responding to Family Violence in a Community of Faith
Workshop Descriptions
Presenter: Rev. David A. Washington
Course Title: Blood In Blood Out: Bringing Hope and Freedom to a Culture of Violence
Course Description: This workshop is designed to explore the cultural dynamics of gangs
focusing on the common threads of gang culture in America. It is designed to help us
understand the culture enabling us to minister within it. The workshop will survey ways to
recognize the signs of gang involvement among our children and community, how to present
alternatives to joining gangs, help people leave gangs and how to prepare and assist ministries
to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ to transform gang members into servants of God.
Objectives: Following this workshop attendees will be able to:
1. Articulate an understanding of gangs as a culture God desires to reach rather than a
problem to be rid of.
2. Identify faith communities as God’s answer to the problem of gang violence.
3. Describe strategic tools for ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ to gang members.
4. Develop a fundamental understanding of the redeemable values within gang culture
and offering approaches in discipleship for them to be utilized in the kingdom of God.
Presenter Biography: Rev. David A. Washington currently serves as associate pastor at Oakdale
Covenant Church in Chicago under the leadership of Dr. D. Darrell Griffin. He began his ministry
with many years of service at the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago. Here he assisted in street,
prison, youth, college and pastoral care ministry. He also served with the Sons of Thunder
Ministries, Inc. as the director of evangelistic outreach for five years while serving as youth
pastor at the Washington Street Church of God in Gary, IN. Reverend Washington earned a
Bachelors of Science in Biblical Studies at the Moody Bible Institute and M.Div. degree at the
North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago. Reverend Washington is currently enrolled at
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School working on his Th.M degree in New Testament studies. His
philosophy of ministry is serving from both sides of the cross. That is reaching the lost and
raising the believers to grow in their knowledge and relationship with God.
Presenter: Thay Danielson Guirguis, MS, LSW
Course Title: Child Protection Policy
Course Description: This will be an interactive workshop to explore the purpose and
procedures to implement policy in one’s church or community organization. A child protection
policy is a guideline that provide a framework that reduces risks of harm and promote safe
environments for children to learn and grow.
Objectives:
1. Understand what is a mandated reporter and what are the possible safety risks a child
can face in a church/community outreach.
2. Identify in what ways both the organization and children are protected due to child
protection policy.
3. Learn how to implement specific guidelines to direct interaction with children.
Presenter Biography: Thay Danielson Guirguis has a Masters of Social Work from Loyola
University and Masters of Science in Childhood Development at Erikson Institute. She has
worked in the Child Welfare and Domestic Violence arena for over fifteen years. Her work
entails direct practice with children, women, and groups, developing a faith-based outreach to
family violence, and consultation/training in program development for other organizations.
Presenters: Dr. Terri Christiansen and Douglas Fulmer, M.Div., LCSW
Course Title: Code Red! Triage for Our Most Vulnerable Population
Course Description: This workshop is designed to explore how domestic violence can cause
immeasurable damage to our most vulnerable population: our children. Mapping out the
effects domestic violence has on children from early childhood through adolescence, we will
begin to see that domestic violence is not simply physical, but also emotional, mental and
sexual. From there we will begin to understand how the exposure to violence increases the
risks of perpetuating violence throughout their coming adult lives. This workshop will challenge
people to learn ways to intervene in these young lives and help them to find sanctuary from all
the chaos.
Objectives: Following this workshop attendees will be able to:
1. Articulate an understanding of the definitions of domestic violence and the different
ways violence can be afflicted on those around us.
2. Understand that violence manifests itself in many ways, not just in physical violence.
3. Identify the cycle of violence in the lives of children and how this violence can victimize
children when they are young and then manifest itself in their adult lives.
4. Develop strategic goals for disrupting the cycles of violence in the lives of children.
5. Help our children find healing and wholeness away from the chaotic violence that
plagues them at home, in school or in their communities.
Presenter Biographies: Dr. Terri Christiansen, is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified
school psychologist who has over sixteen years of experience working with children,
adolescents, and their families in the private practice sector. In addition, Dr. Christiansen has
worked in the school and township agency settings as a testing director, psychologist, and
consultant for eight years and as a guest lecturer at Midwestern University. Her clinical
specialties include child, adolescent and family psychotherapy, psychological and psychoeducational assessment, and multicultural counseling. She obtained her Ed.S. and Ph.D. from
the University of Iowa.
Douglas Fulmer, M.Div., LCSW, is a psychotherapist with private practices in Orland Park and
downtown in the Loop. He spent the first 25 years of his life as a youth pastor serving churches
in California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Chicago area. He received his Masters of
Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. Working in churches Doug also founded inner city
ministries working with gang members in Bakersfield, CA and an outreach program for
Developmentally Disabled students. The focus on his youth ministry was involving students in
community based service in missions throughout the U.S. and in Mexico. In 2007 after retiring
from youth ministry, Doug received his Masters of Social Work from the Jane Addams College
of Social Work at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Doug specializes in adolescents, young
adults and families.
Presenters: Dawn Stewart-Walker, MSW, LSW and Bob Weaver, M.Div., LCSW, CSAT
Course Title: Current and Emerging Issues in Sexuality
Course Description: In this presentation, we will discuss current trends in sexuality: behavior,
attitudes, perspectives, distortions, and myths. We are sexual beings; sexuality is a gift to us,
and can be enjoyed, or it can be distorted. In this discussion, we will address sexual addiction,
sexual offense, and distinguish sex addiction from offense, and distinguish both from sexual
orientation.
Objectives: Following this workshop attendees will be able to:
1. Identify three behavioral characteristics of sexual addiction .
2. Identify typical behavior demonstrated by a sex offender.
3. Identify differences between sex addiction, sex offense, and sexual orientation.
Presenter Biographies: Bob Weaver, M.Div., LCSW, CSAT has been providing psychotherapy
services for over 20 years, and has been in private practice in Oak Park for the past eight years.
Bob has successfully treated individuals, couples, and families from adolescents to elders, for a
wide variety of emotional and mental issues. Bob has provided therapy in inpatient settings, in
schools throughout Chicago, outpatient clinics, and in the juvenile detention center. Bob is
certified to treat sex addiction, and has been trained to treat sex offenders.
Dawn Stewart-Walker is a licensed social worker who attained her degrees from Wheaton
College and University of Illinois at Chicago. She recently worked in Malawi, Africa for four
years, working with orphans and vulnerable children in schools and in community outreach
programs. She is currently focusing on clients detained by Immigration, completing
psychosocial histories for their case against deportation. Her past clinical work includes treating
survivors of sexual assault with The Illinois Department of Children & Family Services; and adult
offenders with the NYS Department of Correctional Services. Raised in New York City amidst
numerous immigrant communities she developed a love of cross -cultural communication. She
specializes in “cultural-interpretation,” bridging the gap between systems and minority clients.
Presenter: Katie Schmidt, MSW
Course Title: Dynamics of Elder Abuse
Course Description: This workshop provides participants with information and skills to help
identify elder abuse and describe the impact of elder abuse on the victim, their families, and
the surrounding community. Strategies for referral and support of older adults and families
experiencing risk factors that contribute to elder abuse will also be discussed.
Objectives: Following this workshop attendees will be able to:
1. Define the dynamics of elder abuse.
2. Gain skills in identifying abusive situations.
3. Identify community supports and referral sources for victims and their families.
Presenter Biography: Katie Schmit, Elder Rights Specialist , joined AgeOptions in June of 2007.
She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Loyola University of Chicago. She
earned her Master’s of Social Work from Jane Addams College of Social Work where she
interned with the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, Senior Services Division,
and as and elder abuse investigator with Aging Care Connections. As the Elder Rights Specialist,
Katie is involved in the oversight of several programs including Elder Abuse and Neglect (ANE),
the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP), senior legal services and coordination of
the Suburban Elder Justice Coalition.
Presenter: Paula Silva
Course Title: Hope and Healing in Faith Community Setting
Course Description: The church should be more like a hospital for the hurting. As a domestic
violence victim enters the emergency room, she looks for a “physician” to stop the pain. She is
often unaware of the total complexity of her situation and does not know where to begin. It is
the church that can play a vital role in giving hope and healing as it provides a support group
setting where faith and relationship issues can be addressed. Three basic areas in forming a
support group will be presented.
Objectives: Following this workshop attendees will be able to:
1. Articulate avenue of support for hope and healing in Jesus Christ.
2. Describe roles that church leaders can play in assisting church members who are
struggling with pain.
3. Describe approaches to forming a support group.
Presenter Biography: Paula Silva, MA, received a masters of arts in counseling from
Northeastern IL University in Chicago. She is co-founder and president of FOCUS Ministries, Inc.
FOCUS Ministries is a 501 c3 nonprofit Christian organization that provides a safe place for
teens, women, and families who experience domestic violence to find hope and healing in Jesus
Christ. For sixteen years, she has counseled hundreds of individuals in abusive relationships plus
has been a DV consultant and advocate to churches. She has developed faith-based DV support
groups for women and has written educational material. Paula has coauthored the book,
Violence Among Us: Ministry to Families in Crisis, a guide for pastors, church leaders and
counselors. She presents domestic violence training as it relates to faith issues for pastors,
leaders, and churches. Paula also trains support group leaders at the Train the Trainer seminars.
Currently she is overseeing the development of the TEEN FOCUS program using our TEEN
FOCUS curriculum that she coauthored.
Presenter: Thay Danielson Guirguis, MS, LSW
Course Title: How Trauma Affects Spiritual Development
Course Description: This workshop will initially explain the building blocks of developmental as
seen in physical, cognitive, emotional, moral, and spiritual development. In contrast, trauma
can result in barriers and disruption in human development, basically creating distortions in
how one perceives self and relates to others and God. Hence, addressing spiritual development
is an important pathway to individual healing and community restoration.
Objectives: Following this workshop attendees will be able to:
1. Describe important developmental milestones.
2. Identify specific ways trauma disrupts human development.
3. Examine approaches that promote spiritual development, healing, and restoration.
Presenter Biography: Thay Danielson Guirguis has a Masters of Social Work from Loyola
University and Masters of Science in Childhood Development at Erikson Institute. She has
worked in the Child Welfare and Domestic Violence arena for over fifteen years. Her work
entails direct practice with children, women, and groups, developing a faith-based outreach to
family violence, and consultation/training in program development for other organizations.
Presenter: Elyse Dalberg
Course Title: Human Trafficking in Illinois (STOP-IT)
Course Description: Elyse Dalberg, of The Salvation Army STOP-IT Program, will provide
information and insight into the prevalence of human trafficking in the Chicago area. In addition
to defining and describing human trafficking as it exists in Northern Illinois, the presenter will
share resources and advocacy tools for ways in which program participants can get involved.
Objectives: Following this workshop attendees will be able to:
1.
Increase knowledge of human trafficking in the Northern Illinois.
2.
Gain knowledge of challenges to survivors of commercial sexual exploitation.
3.
Identify referral sources for survivors of human trafficking.
Presenter Biography: Elyse Dalberg is an Outreach Worker for STOP-IT, The Salvation Army’s
initiative against human trafficking for Northern Illinois. She holds an undergraduate degree
from Elmhurst College and is currently attending the University of Illinois, for a Master’s Degree
in Social Work. Before beginning her current position, Elyse worked as a Long Term Recovery
Specialist for the Katrina Aid Today Program, which existed to help survivors of Hurricane
Katrina acclimate to life in Chicago, IL.
In her current position, Elyse serves in three main functions: raising community awareness on
the issue of human trafficking, including the “red flags” and what can be done; training
community service providers, law enforcement, and medical personnel regarding victims of
human trafficking; and providing direct outreach to potential victims of trafficking, planning to
assist in a safe exit from the trafficking situation when the victim is ready, as well as providing
ongoing support to the client in order to help him/her establish a self-sufficient life.
Presenter: Alice Harmon
Course Title: I Will Not be Silent - The Importance of Teaching our Children About Healthy
Relationships
Course Description: Education is critical for both boys and girls, in helping prevent today’s
youth from experiencing destructive relationships that will destroy their spirit. This workshop
will provide insight into the importance of education and demonstrate how we can show our
children God’s design for their relationships as well as their value according to Scripture.
Objectives: Following this workshop attendees will be able to:
1. Understand who is at risk.
2. Recognize the potential warning signs for dating violence or abuse.
3. Know the difference between a healthy and an unhealthy dating relationship.
4. Learn the importance of educating youth on God’s design for relationships as well as
their value according to Scripture.
Presenter Biography: Alice Harmon is the Teen Program Coordinator for FOCUS Ministries, an
organization that offers education and training for individuals, churches, and organizations who
want to help bring hope and healing to the victims of domestic abuse. A personal survivor of
domestic abuse, she has not only received training on the cycle and types of abuse and the
impacts it has on those involved, she has experienced the effects firsthand.
Alice received a MS in Applied Economics from Purdue University and a BS in both Applied
Economics and Mathematics from Kansas State University. She is the single mother of two
beautiful boys.
Presenter: Douglas Fulmer, M.Div., LCSW
Course Title: Men and Domestic Violence - A Path for Healing
Course Description: This workshop is designed to explore the issues that confront men when
associated with Domestic Violence. We will look at men both as victims of domestic violence
and perpetrators of violence. This course is designed to see how the cycle of early exposure to
violence, (physical, emotional and sexual), can lead to the continuation of violence in the lives
of men. The workshop will then begin to explore the ways to break this cycle and begin the
journey of soul healing. We will begin to understand the transforming power of Jesus Christ as a
way to enact true change in our lives, hearts and actions.
Objectives: Following this workshop attendees will be able to:
1. Articulate an understanding of the definitions of domestic violence and the different
ways violence can be afflicted on those around us.
2. Begin to understand that violence manifests itself in many ways, not just in physical
violence.
3. Identify the cycle of violence in the lives of men and how this violence can victimize men
when they are young and then manifest itself in their adult lives.
Presenter Biography: Douglas Fulmer, M.Div., LCSW, is a psychotherapist with private practices
in Orland Park and downtown in the Loop. He spent the first 25 years of his life as a youth
pastor serving churches in California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Chicago area. He
received his Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. Working in churches
Doug also founded inner city ministries working with gang members in Bakersfield, CA and an
outreach program for Developmentally Disabled students. The focus on his youth ministry was
involving students in community based service in missions throughout the U.S. and in Mexico.
In 2007 after retiring from youth ministry, Doug received his Masters of Social Work from the
Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Doug specializes in
adolescents, young adults and families.
Presenter: Deresha Gibson, MSW, LSW; Jill Roberts
Course Title: Orders of Protection Basics and How to Deal with Domestic Violence
Course Description: This workshop will discuss what an Order of Protection is, where and how
to obtain one, what is needed to get one, what relief can be included in one, and how to
enforce the Order once it is obtained. Attendees will also discuss types of counseling and
support services available to individuals affected by domestic violence.
Objectives: Following this workshop attendees will be able to:
1. Describe methods to use to obtain an order of protection.
2. Describe strategies for utilizing an order of protection.
3. Articulate strategies for working with individuals and families impacted by domestic
violence.
Presenter Biographies: Deresha Gibson, MSW, LSW is the staff social worker at Cabrini Green
Legal Aid and manages the Client Support Services Program. She graduated from Loyola
University Chicago School of Social Work in 2008. Jill Roberts is currently a staff attorney at
Cabrini Green Legal Aid practicing in the Family Law program. She graduated from ChicagoKent College of Law in 2008 and has devoted her career to the public interest arena.
Presenter: Ted Hsieh
Course Title: Outreach to East Asian Families
Course Description: This session will focus on the types of family violence in Chinese American
homes with brief comments on the Japanese and Korean families. We will learn about the
prevalence of various types of violence, the unique cultural characteristics, and methods of
prevention and intervention.
Objectives: Following this workshop attendees will be able to:
1. Articulate the prevalence of various types of violence in East Asian families.
2. Describe the unique cultural characteristics of East Asian families.
3. Develop strategies for prevention and intervention for violence with East Asian families.
Presenter Biography: Ted Hsieh grew up in Hong Kong. He attended Trinity International
University (BA in Social Science), Northern Illinois University (MA in Psychology), and Trinity
Evangelical Divinity School (MA in Intercultural Studies). Since 1969, he has been teaching
psychology at Judson University in Elgin in areas of Abnormal Psychology, Motivation,
Personality, and Psychological Testing and Measurement.
Presenter: Rachel Guimond, AM, LCSW
Course Title: Sticks and Stones - The Impact of Emotional Abuse on Older Adults
Course Description: This workshop provides an educational opportunity for participants to
enhance their knowledge and skills about emotional and psychological abuse of older adults.
The impact of this type of abuse on older adults will be shared along with strategies to support
victims, families and surrounding communities through stressful situations that contribute to
emotional/psychological abuse of older adults.
Objectives: Following this workshop attendees will be able to:
1. Explain and define the dynamics of emotional/psychological abuse of older adults.
2. Gain skills in identifying abusive situations.
3. Identify community supports and referral sources for victims and their families.
Presenter Biography: Rachel Guimond, MSW, LCSW, received a Master of Arts degree in Social
Work from the University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration (SSA) in 2004. At
SSA, she was involved in the Older Adults Program, which specialized in the study of issues
pertinent to vulnerable senior citizens in the community. Rachel then worked with PLOWS
Council on Aging for seven years, as the Caregiver Specialist and Comprehensive Care
Coordination Supervisor where she managed the respite program to provide in-home and
institutional relief for caregivers of older adults, ran informational and support groups for
caregivers, educated community groups on the prevalence and needs of caregivers, directed
practice with care recipients and their families, and provided case management through the
Elder Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation program. She currently serves the Olivet Nazarene
University's Social Work Department as an Associate Professor. She has additional work
experience as a case manager in a geriatric in-patient psychiatric unit and as a substance abuse
technician for in-patient adolescent males. Rachel earned her LSW in 2004 and her LCSW in
2006.
Presenter: Andy Pflederer, Ph.D.
Course Title: Suffering Children and God
Course Description: This will be an interactive workshop to explore the apparent contradiction
of God being the “defender of the fatherless” and yet allowing abuse to occur. The purpose is
to give voice to the tension in our hearts and, though not to find complete resolution, to be led
to a place of peace.
Objectives: Following this workshop attendees will be able to:
1. Describe the tension that though God is called the “defender of the fatherless” (Psalm
68:5), He allows many to be abused.
2. Explore passages of Scripture which illustrate the dimensions of this tension.
3. Identify a place of peace by looking at Jesus and children.
Presenter Biography: Andy Pflederer has a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary and is
completing Ph.D. research on male youth and violence in the informal settlements of Nairobi,
Kenya. Having lived and taught for 10 years at the Albanian Bible Institute in Durres, Albania, he
is now teaching Intercultural Studies at Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School in
Chicago.
Presenter: Rose Malinowski, DrPH, LCSW, Becky Starkenburg, MA
Course Title: The Heart Hurt of Date Rape
Course Description: This workshop will provide participants practical steps to promote healing
after the emotional trauma of acquaintance rape. Attendees will also gain awareness and skills
in building safe and healthy relationships as single Christian women.
Objectives: Following this workshop attendees will be able to:
1. Increase knowledge of acquaintance rape.
2. Gain awareness of the importance of faith as an essential component in the healing
process from the emotional trauma of acquaintance rape.
3. Identify at least two strategies for the building of healthy relationships as single
Christian women.
Presenter Biography: Rose Malinowski, DrPH, LCSW, graduated from Loyola University in
Chicago with a master’s of social work and from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a
doctoral degree in public health. Areas of clinical expertise include family violence, medical
social work, and child welfare. Dr. Malinowski has also worked in various capacities as an
administrator and educator. Currently Dr. Malinowski teaches and coordinates the field
education program in the social work department at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights,
Illinois.
Becky Starkenburg, MA has mentored, educated and served college students for over 15 years.
She received a Master of Arts in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University.
While working as a Residence Hall Director at Calvin College, she was appointed to the college's
Sexual Assault Response Team, supporting survivors of sexual assault and promoting and
planning programs educating students on issues of relationship violence. At the University of
Virginia her role included, among other things, serving as an advocate for survivors of sexual
assault participating in the university's judicial procedures. Currently, Becky serves as the
Director of the First Year Experience at Trinity Christian College, where she develops programs
to help new students thrive in college. She also volunteers time to coordinate "safe church"
efforts at the church she attends with her husband and three young children.
Presenter: Ava Perry, MS, MA Min
Course Title: The Woman in the Pew
Course Description: This workshop will address the intense inner struggle of women in the
church who are suffering from an abusive marital relationship behind closed doors. She is
invisible to an unsuspecting community of Christ followers in the surrounding pews. Her
journey is deluged with paralyzing fears, despairing mental accusations, and her silent voice.
Her prayers and questions fail to reconcile the seeming disparity between the intimate faithful
love of God and the rejection of her abuser. Pastoral care sprinkled with mercy and truth will
guide her into wise next steps.
Objectives: Following this workshop attendees will be able to:
1. Describe strategies to uncover and speak to the reality of abuse in Christian families.
2. Examine the silent pain and pressures associated with women who are Christ followers
in the midst of hidden abuse.
3. Explore intentional pastoral approaches that empower women experiencing abuse.
Presenter Biography: Ava has been on the Women’s Ministry staff of Moraine Valley Church in
Palos Heights, Illinois for over 10 years. Ava and Mark have been married for 29 years and have
three adult children; Mark Jr., Michelle, and Naomi. Ava has a Master’s degree in Counseling
and a Master’s degree in Ministry from Moody Bible Institute.
Presenter: Dr. Shanta Premawardhana
Course Title: Towards Healing Broken Families: A Theological Imperative
Course Description: The Bible understands families very differently from the way that we
understand families today. When Jesus speaks of family, he speaks of an extended community
of those who do the will of God (Mark 3:34-35). However, the Biblical witness is that even
through the dysfunctional families, God mediated grace. Effective healing ministry requires
ministers and healthcare workers to acknowledge and own their own brokenness. Henri
Nouwen states, “A Christian community is therefore a healing community not because wounds
are cured and pains are alleviated, but because wounds and pains become openings or
occasions for a new vision.” This workshop will explore strategies for healing broken families
with a theological imperative.
Objectives: Following this workshop attendees will be able to:
1. Describe scriptural and theological insights on the Family of God.
2. Understand that brokenness is a gift.
3. Create safe spaces to allow God to mediate healing.
Presenter Biography: Rev. Dr. Shanta Premawardhana was recently appointed President of the
Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education in Chicago. A Baptist pastor from Sri Lanka, he was
most recently the director for the Program Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation at the World Council
of Churches (WCC), a worldwide fellowship of 349 Protestant and Orthodox churches based in Geneva,
Switzerland. His work there included helping global church bodies articulate a comprehensive
theological basis for interreligious dialogue and cooperation relevant for contemporary contexts.
Following seminary education in Sri Lanka and India, Premawardhana arrived in the United States in
1981 for graduate study at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where he earned his M.A. and
Ph.D, in Religion. Continuing to live in the Chicago area, he founded the Chicago Ashram of Jesus Christ,
a Christian community with an outreach to South Asian immigrants from many cultural backgrounds and
religious traditions. He served for fourteen years as senior pastor of Ellis Avenue Church located in the
south side of Chicago where members were encouraged to take seriously their own calling to be
ministers, and pastors to take seriously their calling to “equip the saints for the work of ministry”
(Ephesians 4:11). He has published numerous articles on religion, interreligious dialogue and Christian
mission.
Presenter: Martha Tyler
Course Title: Victory over Abuse
Course Description: In this workshop participants will gain knowledge about healing from
spousal abuse through the testimony of a survivor. The unique characteristics of abuse in a
Christian home will be shared with a focus on emotional and psychological aspects of spousal
abuse.
Objectives: Following this workshop attendees will be able to:
1. Explain and define the dynamics of psychological and emotional spousal abuse.
2. Gain awareness of how to recognize the signs of abuse within a Christian marriage.
3. Describe the process of healing for the spouse and children surviving abuse.
Presenter Biography: Martha Tyler is a certified domestic violence counselor and co-founded of
Abigail’s Refuge, a biblically based domestic violence ministry. Martha is currently pursuing her
degree in psychology from Prairie State College. She has been the featured speaker at many
different settings including women’s retreats and conferences and seminars for at-risk teenage
girls. She attends Christ Bible Church in Chicago and works as a Sunday School teacher and is in
the process of developing a domestic violence ministry. Martha served in the Marine Corps
from 1973-1980, with a ranking of Sergeant. She is the proud mother of three and
grandmother to one.
Presenter: Stephanie Holifield, MSW
Course Title: When the Fog Lifts
Course Description: This workshop will examine the dynamics of domestic violence and how
our beliefs about relationships and violence impact our response to this intimate partner
violence. While some victims may seek help, many suffer this violence in complete isolation
and silence. Learn strategies to identify victims of domestic violence and engage them in a
manner that maintains their safety and dignity.
Objectives: Following this workshop attendees will be able to:
1.
Examine early beliefs about violence and relationships.
2.
Increase understanding of dynamics of domestic violence and its impact on the
family and the surrounding community.
3.
Develop strategies for engaging families experiencing domestic violence.
Presenter Biography: Stephanie Holifield is the Clinical Domestic Violence Specialist for the
Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (IDCFS). Stephanie received a BA degree in
Psychology from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois in 2000 and MS and MSW degrees from
the Erikson Institute and Loyola University, Chicago, Ill, in Child Development and Social Work in
2006 and 2008, respectively. Her current work with IDCFS focuses on both families who come
to the attention of the department due to the impact of intimate partner violence and wards
within child welfare system who experience violence in their relationships.