Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health

Heartstrings Online Silent Auction
2025-11-16 07:00 - 2025-12-01 19:00 (America/Detroit)
During the giving season, shop with MACMH! The Heartstrings Online Silent Auction fundraiser is a call to action to uplift Minnesota’s children and families by advancing the work of professionals, supporting caregivers, and centering the voices of youth in mental health advocacy.
Find gifts this season for everyone in your life—partners, friends, family, teachers, coworkers, you name it!
Make every dollar count when you bid at our Heartstrings Online Silent Auction.
Open November 16, 7 a.m. to December 1, 7 p.m.
Shop the Auction

Give to the Max
2025-11-01 00:00 - 2025-11-20 23:59 (America/Detroit)
Donate
It’s Give to the Max, a glorious time to give in Minnesota! MACMH is excited to be participating to help support our mental health programs and work with children, families and professionals.
In Minnesota, an estimated one in five children have a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition. Yet there is a significant shortage of mental health providers available to work with children and families.
We know that when children receive mental health care, they are more likely to succeed academically, socially, and physically.
MACMH is uniquely positioned to help support and build a mental health system of culturally responsive, supported professionals to pursue optimal mental health from infancy to young adulthood. Through accessible training, conference, reflective consultation, resources and certifications, MACMH is the professional home for those who work with infants, children, and young adults.
Unfortunately, like many wonderful, impactful, and important nonprofits, MACMH urgently needs your support to continue our work.
Will you donate $50 to help support our goal of raising $3,000 to help us keep our resources up to date and our trainings accessible?
Your support will help us in our pursuit of optimal mental health for all of Minnesota’s infants, children, and young adults.
Give to the Max Day 2024 raised a record-breaking $37 million for 6,556 nonprofits and schools. Join in the FUNdraising this year and support the children and families of Minnesota with a gift to MACMH.

Mental Health Collaboration Hub, Addressing the Youth Mental Health Boarding Crisis
2025-10-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit)
Register Here
October 2, 2025 | 12 – 1 PM CST | 1 CEHs | Free | Live Webinar
Our current mental health crisis continues to put strain on our health systems, families, and in particular the young people in our communities. Every day in Minnesota dozens of youth present to hospitals and emergency departments in a psychiatric or behavioral health crisis. The number of youths in emergency departments in crisis has doubled in the last decade, overwhelming hospital staff and infrastructure that is designed for medical emergencies. Stories of youth boarding (stuck) on medical units, hallways, and even parking garages have become more common as they have no place to go.
The situations are intense, and services are scarce. The time spent boarding is increasing as well, in some cases up to weeks or even months. This is a result of an underfunded and understaffed system of mental health care providers and human service systems. In response to this crisis, in August 2022 stakeholders across the state began to meet to talk about the problem. Led by the Metro Health Coalition and AspireMN, they represented the state’s largest hospitals, counties, mental health treatment centers, group homes, and advocacy groups.
Together these groups began identifying specific cases of youth who were boarding in inappropriate settings and trying to connect them to care. The cases were among the most difficult to place. Through grant funding provided by the state of Minnesota, the group was able to build a secure online platform for centralized communication and automation. Thus, the Mental Health Collaboration Hub was born.
For each case on the Hub, de-identified information is submitted which allows youth to be matched with mental health providers, safe living settings, and other additional supports. Once a match is made, the current care team is able to connect with the identified resources and often coordinate a safe placement. Since its conception in 2022, the Hub has served over 400 youth. There are currently 230 organizations registered and nearly 500 individual users. Not only has the Hub facilitated the placement of numerous youth, but it has helped identify the common risk factors that can lead to extended boarding times. For example, our data shows that one of the most common risk factors present for young people on the Hub is the presence of aggression. Better understanding these risk factors allows practitioners in emergency rooms, clinics, hospitals, and treatment centers to facilitate placement and thus provide better care to these children.
Additionally, understanding the clinical presentations and dispositions can inform our policies and funding, eventually impacting the systems that are causing the boarding crisis. Our hope is that this presentation will not only inform participants about the work that is being done to address the mental health boarding crisis, but help empower them to envision better ways forward that can better serve our youth and their families.
Objectives

Become familiar with the mental health boarding crisis impacting youth in Minnesota.
Learn how the Mental Health Collaboration Hub is helping to address this issue.
Identify factors resulting in longer boarding times.
Identify ways to help shorten or prevent boarding situations

Presenters: Maggie Plattes, MD, Hennepin Healthcare, Todd Archbold, LSW, MBA, CEO, PraireCare, and Yasmine Dakhama, MD, Hennepin Healthcare
About the Presenters
Todd Archbold is a social worker, and the chief executive officer of PrairieCare, a psychiatric health system based in Brooklyn Park, MN. He has led numerous efforts to expand mental health services by creating new programs, strengthening community partnerships, and focusing energy on community outreach and educational initiatives. These efforts have included the clinical and operational design and launch of numerous programs including clinics, hospitals, integrated care models, grant partnerships and more.
Todd is an avid writer, including his book Leading with the Head and Heart as well as numerous journal and new articles. Todd was recognized among the 100 Most Influential Health Care Leaders by Minnesota Physician Magazine, was named one of the Most Admired CEOs in the Twin Cities by the Mpls-St. Paul Business Journal, and received the Minnesota State University Dept of Social Work Alumnus of the Year Award.
Yasmine Dakhama is a third-year psychiatry resident in Minneapolis and St. Paul through the Hennepin-Regions psychiatry program. Her interests in psychiatry are broad and include psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and community psychiatry. She is also interested in child psychiatry and research related to increasing access to mental health care services across the state.
Maggie Plattes is a fourth-year psychiatry resident physician. She completed her medical training at the University of Minnesota Medical School and is currently training at the Hennepin Regions Psychiatry Residency Program. Maggie plans to specialize in child and adolescent psychiatry. Her other professional interests include global psychiatry, psychodynamic therapy, patient advocacy, and medical education.
Help Support Our Free-Trainings
Donate to MACMH here.

Changing the Narrative on Mental Health and Suicide
2025-09-23 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit)
Register Here
September 23, 2025 | 1-3 pm CST | 2 CEHs | $30 | Live Webinar | with Deborah Cavitt, MS, CFPS – Manager of Education and Advocacy, MACMH.
Talking about mental health and suicide can be an uncomfortable and uncertain topic that brings up different feelings, beliefs, and attitudes. This session empowers individuals to begin conversations and change perceptions toward hope, resilience, and a more supportive narrative around mental health.
Throughout the session, participants will engage in dialog about being intentional in the words we are using. Certain ways of talking about mental health and suicide can alienate members of any community, sensationalize the issue, contribute to a decrease in help-seeking behavior, or even present suicide as a glamorous, preferred way of dealing with problems.
Having healthy conversations about mental health and suicide avoids harmful messages that might increase suicide risk in individuals or undermine suicide prevention goals. By doing this safely, it reduces stigma, mitigates risks, promotes help-seeking, and respects all individuals.
Objectives

Promote language that respects the dignity of individuals and emphasizes compassion, including using terms that reduce stigma and foster open, supportive conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
Recognize the signs for people at risk and how to respond when you identify someone who is in distress or suicidal.
Empower individuals to begin conversations and change perceptions toward hope, resilience, and a more supportive narrative around mental health.

Level: Basic | Audience: Everyone | Ages Addressed: Anyone at risk from children to adults
About the Presenter
Deborah Cavitt, MS, CFPS, is the Manager of Education and Advocacy in MACMH’s Youth and Family team. Her passion is to educate, coach, and empower youth and families to give them hope, knowledge, and resources to promote resilience, recovery, and mental wellness.
As a parent with lived experience navigating the systems of mental health care for her children, Deb understands the importance of family peer support during tough times. At MACMH, she has trained many parents and caregivers to be Certified Family Peer Specialists to support families of children with diagnosed mental health disorders.
Before coming to MACMH, Deb was a classroom teacher for twenty years and a prevention specialist for a substance abuse agency. Her bachelor’s degree is in education and psychology and my master’s degree is in human service with specializations in mental health and substance abuse counseling.
At MACMH Deb presents to educators, mental health professionals, community groups, and parents on Early Warning Signs of Children’s Mental Health Disorders, Suicide Prevention, Youth Mental Health First Aid, Bullying Prevention and many other topics related to child and adolescent mental health. Through federal, state and local grants she helps bring model programming to schools including Sources of Strength and Teen Mental Health First Aid to high school students.

Connecting with Hard to Engage Teenagers
2025-09-12
Register HERE
September 12, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm CST | 3 CEHs | $45 | Live Webinar
Description: Let’s be honest, teenagers can be intimidating! Whether you are new to working with adolescents or looking to refine your skills, this workshop aims to provide tools to break barriers and build meaningful, therapeutic relationships with hard-to-reach teens using creativity, patience, and authenticity. Let’s explore how brain development and social influences contribute to disengagement and distrust in adolescents and how to create an environment where teenagers feel valued and motivated. Whether you are someone who works with a teenager in a professional capacity or are a parent or caregiver trying to navigate adolescent years, this training will benefit you!
This webinar is expected to be approved for 1 hour of clinical content and .5 hours of cultural competency content
Learning Objectives:

Explore how brain development and cultural/social influences contribute to disengagement and distrust in adolescents.
Discover different ways to create an environment where teenagers feel valued and motivated.
Discover tools to break barriers and build meaningful, therapeutic relationships with hard-to-reach teens using creativity, patience, and authenticity.

Presenter: Brianna Coleman, MSW, LICSW – Clinical Program Therapist, LynLake Center for Wellbeing & MN Department of Corrections
About the Presenter
Brianna received her MSW from the University of Minnesota in 2018 and holds a LICSW. Brianna works as a clinical program therapist with the MN Department of Corrections at Oak Park Heights prison’s Mental Health Unit and as a therapist with LynLake Centers for Wellbeing. She has worked in the mental health field for 10+ years and has grown passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults who hold marginalized identities. Brianna enjoys presenting educational trainings to a variety of different agencies and organizations on topics including attachment and development, severe and persistent mental illness, LGBTQ+ topics and trauma-informed care

Everybody Plays: Play as Imperative to Wellbeing
2025-08-13
Register Here
August 13, 2025 | 12:30 – 2:30pm CST | 2 CEHs | $30 | Live Webinar
Description: How do we understand play and how does play relate to well-being? While play is most typically linked to young children, research demonstrates that humans across the lifespan benefit from play. This presentation will explore how we define play, the role that play has in human development, and the practical applications and necessity of play for children, adolescents, and adults.
Learning Objectives:

Define play with a developmental lens & explore how play can be demonstrated across different stages of human development
Discover how play can meet multiple areas of development across the lifespan & its benefits for children, adolescents & adults.
Explore the practical applications of play for all ages

Presenter: Marissa Stitt, MS, LPCC – Mental Health Therapist, Northern Perspectives Psychological Services
About the Presenter
Marissa Stitt, MS, LPCC is a mental health therapist in northern Minnesota, who works with children, adolescents, adults, and families using client-centered, collaborative, and creative approaches to meet a variety of treatment needs. Her areas of expertise include child and adolescent mental health, trauma-focused interventions, and engagement strategies for children and their families. She is trained in DC:0-5 assessment and Child-Parent Psychotherapy.

The Correlation Between the Pygmalion Effect and Black Youth Suicide
2025-07-09
Register Here
July 9, 2025 | 12:30-2:30pm CST | 2 CEHs | $30 | Live Webinar | Cultural Competency
This workshop is expected to be approved for 2 hours of Cultural Competency content
Description: This presentation explores the Pygmalion Effect and its correlation with the mental health of Black youth, particularly focusing on suicide rates. By examining how expectations from educators and society shape self-perception, we will discuss the implications of high expectations versus low expectations. Through data and personal stories, we aim to highlight the urgent need for positive reinforcement and support in vulnerable communities.
By fostering positive expectations, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders can significantly impact mental health. Understanding this correlation encourages proactive support and intervention, promoting resilience and well-being in young individuals, thereby creating a more nurturing environment for diverse populations.
Objectives:

Define the Pygmalion Effect & highlight how this effect influences self-esteem and outcomes in Black youth, applicable across all professions and caregiving roles.

Examine how expectations from educators & society shape self-perception for Black youth, as demonstrated by both data & personal stories

Explore ways that all professionals & caregivers involved in the lives of Black youth can foster positive expectations to promote resilience and prevent Black youth suicide

Level: Basic | For: Everyone | Ages Addressed: School-age to young adulthood
Presenter: Triasia Yun-Robinson, MAPL, MHP clinical trainee – Director of Home & Community Based Services, Healing & Restoration Consulting LLC
About the Presenter
Triasia Yun-Robinson, MAPL, MHP is a mental health practitioner & the co-owner/Director of Home & Community Based Services at Healing & Restoration Consulting LLC. Triasia has been appointed by Gov. Tim Waltz as a parent advocate on the Minnesota Mental Health Advisory Council. Triasia is also the founder of The Lovely Lady Network, an organization that helps build the self-esteem of black women and children.
Triasia feels her purpose in life is to eliminate black youth suicide; As a youth mental health first aider, certified family peer specialist, and parent educator, Triasia holds vigils & groups to create awareness around black youth suicide.

Breaking Barriers: Addressing Mental Health Stigma in Communities of Color
2025-05-30
Register Here
May 30, 2025 | 12:30pm – 2:30pm CST | 2 CEHs | $30 | Live Webinar | Cultural Competency
This workshop is expected to be approved for 2 hours of Cultural Competency content
Description: Mental health is a universal issue, yet for many people in communities of color, accessing mental health care remains an uphill battle. Cultural stigma, rooted in deeply held beliefs, historical trauma, and the intersections of systemic racism, shape how mental health is perceived and addressed. In this dynamic session, we will delve into the unique challenges faced by people of color when it comes to mental health, and explore how cultural narratives, combined with societal discrimination, create a complex landscape of silence and hesitation around mental health care.
Learning Objectives:

Understand how cultural factors in communities of color contribute to mental health stigma and impact help-seeking behavior.
Identify strategies for creating inclusive, culturally competent mental health services by addressing cultural stigma, systemic racism, and societal distrust.

Level: Basic | For: Everyone | Ages Addressed: All
Presenter: Rosilynn Morris, MSW, LICSW, Founder/Therapist at Find Your Piece, PLLC
About the Presenter
Rosilynn Morris, MSW, LICSW is a private practice therapist and owner of Find Your Piece, PLLC located in Minnesota. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Rosilynn wholeheartedly believes in the transformative power of therapy. Rosilynn specializes in providing culturally responsive, social-justice oriented trauma therapy to individuals of all ages.
Rosilynn received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of St. Thomas and is a MN Board Approved Supervisor. She is certified in DC:05 and trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) from an Indigenous lens, which integrates mind, body, and spirit. Rosilynn is also a vetted therapist by Foster Adopt Minnesota

Fatphobia: The Socially Acceptable Bias
2025-05-28
Register Here
May 28, 2025 | 9:00 – 11:00 am CST | 2 CEHs | $30 | Live Webinar
This workshop is expected to be approved for .5 hours of Cultural Competency content
Description: Fatphobia, or weight-based discrimination, is a pervasive issue that affects many aspects of life, from healthcare and media representation to relationships and finances. This presentation aims to explore the complexities of fatphobia, its origins, and the profound effects it has on individuals from youth into adulthood and society as a whole.
We will begin by defining fatphobia and distinguishing it from related concepts like body positivity and other biases. Fatphobia encompasses negative attitudes and discriminatory practices that marginalize people based on their body size. These can range from overt acts like derogatory comments to subtler forms, such as biased medical treatment or harmful media portrayals.
The presentation will explore how fatphobia has become normalized and perpetuated in society through factors like capitalism, media influence, and historical contexts. We’ll also discuss its impacts on mental and physical health, including higher rates of anxiety, depression, and poor healthcare outcomes. Finally, we will share actionable steps to challenge biases and promote inclusivity, with tools like the Health at Every Size framework to help foster empathy and support equity in our communities.
Learning Objectives:

Raise awareness of the pervasiveness and normalization of fatphobia.

Explore how stigma and bias perpetuate fatphobia and related disorders.

Understand the link between fatphobia and mental health.

Provide strategies to challenge fatphobia in personal and professional settings.

Introduce Health at Every Size as a framework for supporting all body types.

Level: Basic | For: Everyone | Ages Addressed: All
Presenter: Nathalie Mahood, MA, LGSW – Psychotherapist at M Health Fairview, LynLake Centers for Wellbeing
About the Presenter
Nathalie, a dedicated psychotherapist with M Health Fairview and LynLake Centers for Wellbeing, brings compassion and expertise to her practice. With a background in trauma work, crisis intervention, EMDR, and therapy, she finds purpose in helping others heal and find peace. As a passionate public speaker, she advocates against fatphobia, weight bias and leverages her platform to promote inclusivity, acceptance, and mental well-being. Nathalie has an educational background that includes a bachelor’s degree in business and human resources, and two master’s degrees, one in human resources and most recently in social work.

FREE Intro Training: Family Navigation to Prevention & Early Intervention Services
2025-05-16
Promoting Children’s Mental Health Via Family Navigation to Prevention & Early Intervention Services
Register Here
May 16, 2025 | 12:30 – 1:30pm CST | 1 CEHs | FREE | Live Webinar | Introductory Course with Up-to-Date Research
Description: Family navigation is an emerging practice approach to promote children’s mental health and prevent adverse childhood experiences. There are a range of navigation approaches available to support child and family service access, with some practices demonstrating greater effectiveness than others. This presentation will provide a practitioner-friendly overview of family navigation; what it is, how it works, and the current evidence for effective navigation practices.​
Learning Objectives:
1. Discover the process of family navigation & its impact on mental health outcomes for children & families
2. Explore the differences between family navigation & case management, as well as a variety of approaches to family navigation & their effectiveness
3. Discuss ways in which professionals can support family engagement with mental health services, with special attention to current and emerging family navigation practices in Minnesota
Level: Basic | For: Educators & School System Professionals, Mental Health & Social Service Professionals, Early Childhood Professionals | Ages Addressed: All
About the Presenter
Dr. Jeff Waid, PhD, LISW is an intervention and services researcher whose scholarship focuses on the role of health equity and mental health promotion in the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Across projects, his work aims to improve the health and well-being of children and families, and to illuminate the mechanisms underlying how interventions work, for whom, and under what conditions. Dr. Waid currently works as an Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Minnesota.

Building Workforce Resilience: Reflective Practice Supervision to Enhance Organizational Health
2025-04-09
Register Here
April 9, 2025 | 9:00 – 11:00 am CST | 2 CEHs | $30 | Live Webinar | Reflective Supervision
This workshop is expected to be approved for 2 hours of Supervision content
Description: Reflective Practice Supervision, delivered in individual and group formats, has been shown to offer a critical buffer for staff of many different roles and professional backgrounds to secondary traumatic stress and other workplace stressors, while increasing staff retention and engagement. Participants will gain concrete tools for Reflective Practice implementation and will help participants offer this powerful support within their organizations.
Reflective Practice has been found to be an effective model of supervision across many fields in health care, law, and mental health and behavioral health. Anyone providing supervision can benefit from this training, and those who have advanced training in clinical supervision will benefit as well.
Level: Intermediate | For: Anyone Providing Staff Supervision | Ages Addressed: All
About the Presenter
Sarah Lockhart, MSW, LICSW – Director of Mental Health, Northeast Youth and Family Services (NYFS)
Angela Lewis-Dmello, MSW, LICSW – President & CEO of Northeast Youth and Family Services (NYFS)

Developmental Repair and the Intersection of Culture, Race, Trauma, and Systems
2025-03-07
Register Here
March 7, 2025 | 12:30-3:30pm CST | 3 CEHs | $45 | Live Webinar | Infant & Early Childhood Focus | Cultural Competency
This workshop is expected to be approved for 1 hour of clinical content, 3 hours of cultural competency content & 3 hours of DEVELOP Credit
Description:
In order to help a young person heal from toxic stress we must hold in mind the core components of Developmental Repair (stress biology, attachment, family culture) while honoring the family and community’s experience of culture, race, and interactions with systems. In 2017, Washburn Center and Northside Achievement Zone began formally training NAZ partners in the model bringing Dr. Anne Gearity’s concepts of joining and making sense to early childhood spaces. Each provider who uses these tools to increase emotional and behavioral regulation brings their own lived experiences to the relationship with young children and their families. When providers and caregivers are grounded in the principals of Developmental Repair and trust each other’s intentions, we can work within and across cultures to serve the various needs of our scholars/clients.
Learning Objectives:

Understand how unlearning assumptions about family culture can lead to better connections.
Identify ways adult/provider’s lived experience impacts how they take a child’s perspective.
Learn how the intersection of racialized trauma, development, family, and system impact scholar/client well-being.

Level: Intermediate | For: Early Childhood Professional or Educator | Ages Addressed: Prenatal through 6 years
About the Presenter
Chantell Johnson, MSW Candidate – Community Wellness Program Manager & Family Academy Facilitator, Northside Achievement Zone
Lauren W. Nietz, MSW, LICSW – Director of the Training Institute and Clinical Development, Washburn Center for Children

RECORDING: Introduction to Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persistent Drive for Autonomy
2024-12-02
Register Here
Expires December 2, 2024| 2 CEHs | $30 | Live Webinar | Clinical Content
This workshop is approved for 2 hours of clinical content
Description:
This course is presented from a neurodiversity affirming lens, from a presenter with lived experience as a PDA person. The objective of this course is to increase understanding of Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persistent Drive for Autonomy, as it relates to Autism. This will help clinicians better support families with PDA and/or Autistic members. Participants will have a better understanding of PDA, how to differentiate it from other conditions, and how to support PDAers in an effective way.
Learning Objectives:

Understand the impact of perceived demands on the nervous system.
List at least 2 potential differential diagnoses for autism with a PDA profile.
Identify at least one way to effectively support a PDAer.

Jessica Mertins, LICSW – Neurodiversity Specialist, Fernbrook Family Center
Level: Advanced | For: Everyone | Ages Addressed: Youth through Adulthood

About the Presenter
Jessica Mertins, LICSW has a masters of social work from the University of St. Thomas/Saint Catherine University and is currently an outpatient therapist, licensure supervisor, and Neurodiversity Specialist at Fernbrook Family Center. She trains from a perspective that blends her lived experience as a neurodivergent person, her professional experience, and her research and learning from other lived experience educators.

Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Conference
2024-11-17 - 2024-11-19
Click here for details on the event.

Empowering Refugee Youth: Harnessing Interpersonal Neurobiology to Navigate Trauma
2024-09-25
Register Here
September 25, 2024 | 9:00am – 12:00pm CST | 3 CEHs | $45 | Live Webinar | Clinical Content | Cultural Competency Content
This workshop is expected to be approved for 3 hours of clinical content & 3 hours of cultural competency content
Description:
Interpersonal Neurobiology will be introduced as a framework to which clinicians and educators can understand how to work best with refugee youth with trauma backgrounds. The biology of trauma and relationships within the context of refugee experiences will be addressed in depth.
Learning Objectives:

Participants will learn how interpersonal neurobiology conceptualizes the human experience within the context of trauma and development
Participants will be able to apply key principles of interpersonal neurobiology when working with refugee youth
Participants will be able to articulate and identify interventions that promote healthy functioning in refugee youth with trauma backgrounds.

Zamzam Dini, LAMFT – Trauma Therapist, Minnesota Trauma Recovery Institute (MNTRI)
Level: Basic | For: Juvenile/Restorative Justice Professionals, School System Professionals, Mental Health Professionals, Social Services Professionals | Ages Addressed: School-age Children & Adolescents

About the Presenter
Zamzam Dini, LAMFT is a trauma therapist and licensed associate marriage and family therapist. She is also a PhD candidate in Family Social Science, specializing in Couple and Family Therapy at the University of Minnesota. Zamzam’s research focuses on refugee trauma and the intergenerational transmission of trauma in refugee family systems. Zamzam is also a second-generation Somali refugee.

Secondary Trauma & Compassion Fatigue
2024-09-10
Register Here
September 10, 2024 | 12:30 – 2:30pm CST | 2 CEHs | $30 | Live Webinar | Clinical Content

This workshop is expected to be approved for 2 hours of clinical content
Description:
This training will focus on Secondary Trauma/Compassion Fatigue, Mental Illness, PTSD, & Pathology of Secondary Trauma and will cover plausible interventions that can assist with lessening the distress associated with Secondary Trauma and Helper Resources.
Learning Objectives:

Defining Secondary Trauma
Detecting Secondary Trauma
Assessing the severity of Secondary Trauma
Treatment of Secondary Trauma

Irwin Thompson, LICSW – Mental Health Professional, A Better Way LLC
Level: Basic | For: Everyone | Ages Addressed: Adults working with children

About the Presenter
My name is Irwin Thompson, LICSW. I am an African American Mental Health Therapist; The client population/s I serve are predominately African American Individuals and Groups. I work with Children, Adolescents, and Adults; and I provide culturally specific services to African American Individuals and Groups. Some of the topics I address when working with African American Individuals and Groups are: Loss of Language, Re-connecting to an Intellectual Heritage, Black Pain, and De-Stigmatizing Mental Illness.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Evaluation and Treatment in Children and Adolescents
2024-08-30
Register Here
August 30, 2024 | 12:00 – 2:00pm CST | 2 CEHs | $30 | Live Webinar | Clinical Content

This workshop is expected to be approved for 2 hours of clinical content
Description:
ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is a devastating eating disorder associated with food sensitivities, low interest in food, and fear of eating. We will discuss the symptoms ARFID including how to identify this eating disorder and how to approach patients and families in discussing care. We will also discuss current treatment approaches to treating ARFID and how to seek treatment.
Learning Objectives:

Learn how to identify Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Explore how to approach patients & families in discussing care for ARFID
Discuss current treatment approaches for ARFID and learn how to seek treatment

Dr. Marcus Westerman, MD, PhD – Psychiatrist, Park Nicollet Melrose Center
Level: Basic | For: Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, Clinical Social Workers, Counselors | Ages Addressed: All Ages

About the Presenter
Marcus Westerman, MD, PhD is an adult and child and adolescent psychiatrist at Melrose Center specializing in eating disorders. Dr. Westerman has participated in developing and researching treatment for Avoidant/Rescrtictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) in concert with providers at Harvard/Mass General hospital. Dr. Westerman also holds a PhD in Neuroscience.

Trying Different: Executive Functioning Strategies for Neurodiverse Humans
2024-08-16
Register Here
August 16, 2024 | 9:00 – 11:00am CST | 2 CEHs | $30 | Live Webinar | Clinical Content | Cultural Competency

This workshop is approved for 2 hours of clinical content & 1 hour of cultural competency content

Description:
Executive functioning encompasses the myriad brain processes and behavioral functions we use every day, but it often goes unrecognized and, most importantly, unidentified in the exploration of challenges and barriers both for clients and for professionals. These skills are necessary across the lifespan and can continue to be challenging for neurodiverse individuals of all ages, regardless of education or profession.
In this session, we will explore the impact of neurodiversity and executive functioning skills on daily challenges across the lifespan. We will begin with a brief overview of executive functioning and it’s relationship with neurodiversity. We will then spend the majority of our time exploring specific strategy templates for each executive functioning category which can be modified and adapted to individual situations both for children and for adults.
Learning Objectives:

Explore the impact of neurodiversity and executive functioning skills on daily challenges across the lifespan
Understand executive functioning and its relationship with neurodiversity
Explore specific strategy templates for each executive functioning category, which can be modified and adapted to individual situations both for children and for adults.

Jamie-Sue Peterson, MSW, LICSW – School Social Worker, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools
Level: Intermediate | For: Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, Clinical Social Workers, Counselors | Ages Addressed: All Ages

About the Presenter
Jamie-Sue Peterson, MSW, LICSW is a school social worker in the Buffalo Hanover Montrose schools, working primarily with children ages 5-14 and using trauma-informed, holistic, collaborative, and creative approaches to support children and families experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and adjustment challenges. Her areas of expertise include ADHD, ASD, and twice-exceptional children, and she is particularly interested in using a blend of skill-based executive functioning coaching, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and creativity (play, art, music, and metaphor) to support neurodiverse children, parents, and families. She is a Certified Yoga Calm Instructor, and has completed clinical supervision training.

Pediatric Chronic Illness: A Compassionate Mental Health Approach
2024-06-27
Register Here
June 27, 2024 | 12:30 – 2:30pm CST | 2 CEHs | $30 | Live Webinar | Clinical Content

This workshop is approved for 2 hours of clinical content

Description:
Did you know that more than 1 in 4 children experience a chronic illness? They experience mental health concerns at a higher rate than the average American youth. Join us to learn ways to support these clients and increase their resiliency, whether you are a therapist, educator, parent, or other caring adult! We’ll provide clinical tools to enhance your awareness, medical literacy, practice, and care for this population.
Learning Objectives:

Increase knowledge and medical literacy about the needs of pediatric clients with chronic illness.
More than 1 in 4 clients under the age of 18 experience chronic illness, and have higher rates of mental illness than the average American youth. We will provide information to make attendees effective in assisting these clients!

Erika Vaughn, MSW, LICSW – Clinical Social Worker, M Health Fairview & University of Minnesota
Emily Vogl, MSW, LICSW – Pediatric Nephrology & Kidney Transplant Social Worker, M Health Fairview & University of Minnesota
Level: Basic | For: School System Professionals, Psychologists, Marriage & Family Therapists, Clinical Social Workers, Counselors | Ages Addressed: All Ages

About the Presenters
Erika Vaughn, MSW, LICSW has provided mental health care for children, adolescents, and parents with both a person-centered and family-centered lens for more than two decades, working in day treatment, school, therapy, and pediatric healthcare. In addition, Erika has been a professor, team lead, licensure supervisor, support group facilitator, program developer, and has planned numerous family education days. Erika is passionate about the intersection of pediatric healthcare and supportive mental health care.
Emily Vogl, MSW, LICSW has over a decade of medical social work experience in various specialties including the emergency department, oncology, maternal child health, and pediatrics. The foundation of her social work career was in supportive housing services for families, and this informs her approach of utilizing a family-centered and systems-based lens to support children, adolescents, and parents in the healthcare system. Emily is passionate about being an advocate to patients and families and walking alongside them in their healthcare journey

“What A Shame!” Using Ancient Wisdom to Increase Resiliency and Reduce Shame
2024-06-19
Register Here
June 19, 2024 | 12:30 – 2:30pm CST | 2 CEHs | $30 | Live Webinar | Cultural Competency
This workshop is expected to be approved for 2 hours of cultural competency content

Description:
This workshop offers a comprehensive exploration of shame, resilience, and neurochemical responses, providing practical tools and strategies for professionals in diverse fields. Participants will gain insights into the cultural and developmental dimensions of shame, as well as evidence-based techniques for promoting resilience and reducing shame in various settings. Attendees will earn continuing education credits, including cultural competency, by actively engaging in discussions, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, and acquiring actionable skills to enhance their practice.
Central to the workshop is an exploration of the neurochemical responses associated with shame and resilience. Participants will discover how activities targeting dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins, and cortisol can influence emotional regulation and promote resilience. By understanding these neurochemical pathways, attendees will be empowered to design personalized sensory diets and interventions tailored to their own needs or the needs of those they support.
In addition to theoretical insights, this workshop offers practical tools and resources for immediate application. Participants will leave equipped with quick-reference strategies for de-escalation, calming, and resilience-building, as well as a deeper appreciation for the role of compassion, connection, and self-regulation in fostering shame-free environments.
Learning Objectives:

Knowledge Acquisition: Participants will be able to articulate the relationship between trauma, culture, and shame, as demonstrated through examples provided during the presentation.
Neurochemical Understanding: Participants will be able to identify specific activities related to dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins, and cortisol, showcasing an understanding of how these neurochemicals impact emotional regulation and resilience.
Practical Application: Participants will design their own sensory diet based on a quick screening metric provided during the session, demonstrating the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical interventions aimed at promoting resilience and reducing shame.
Cultural Competency and Adaptation: Participants will develop culturally and developmentally appropriate strategies for addressing shame in various environments (e.g., school, home, workplace), reflecting an understanding of the diverse needs and experiences of individuals from different backgrounds and demographics.

Tascha Just, MS, Ed.S. – School Psychologist, Roseville Area Schools
Level: Intermediate | For: School system professionals including social workers & counselors, parents & caregivers | Ages Addressed: All Ages

About the Presenter
Tascha Just, MS, Ed.S merges 20 years of psychology expertise to foster resilience across generations. With Black, Indigenous, and Scandinavian heritage, she transforms learning into multicultural opportunities of growth and understanding. A visionary at the helm of SEL Academy, Tascha stands out as a trailblazer in the field of social-emotional learning. Through innovative training and coaching, Tascha has shaped the minds
of both educators and mental health professionals. Her extensive experience as a School Psychologist and Behavior Analyst further underscores her expertise in developing comprehensive programs that cater to diverse cognitive and behavioral needs. A holder of advanced degrees in School Psychology and a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, Tascha’s academic prowess is matched only by her commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments. Her leadership in SEL Academy is not just a role but a testament to her dedication to transforming educational and therapeutic practices for holistic development.

Community Podcast Series Recording
2024-06-12 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Detroit)
Siembra Montessori Centro Tyrone Guzman
Join us in conversations about the relationship between the Montessori Method and Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health.

In this episode, hear from Diana Álvarez Forero of Siembra Montessori Centro Tyrone Guzman, and Nora Springer of the Montessori Center of Minnesota, as they chat with MACMH’s Twanna Anderson.
These MACMH Community Podcast Series episodes will be recorded and streamed live on MACMH’s YouTube. Subscribe to MACMH on YouTube to be the first to be notified when new episodes air!
Listen on MACMH’s YouTube channel

Community Podcast Series Recording
2024-06-11 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Detroit)
Montessori Center of Minnesota
Join us in conversations about the relationship between the Montessori Methodand Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health.

In this first episode, hear from Molly O’Shaughnessy and Nora Springer of the Montessori Center of Minnesota as they chat with MACMH’s Twanna Anderson.
These MACMH Community Podcast Series episodes will be recorded and streamed live on MACMH’s YouTube. Subscribe to MACMH on YouTube to be the first to be notified when new episodes air!
Listen on MACMH’s YouTube channel

Chronically Online: Understanding and Supporting Youth in Today's Digital Age
2024-06-07
Register Here
June 7, 2024 | 9:00 am – 11:00 am CST | 2 CEHs | $30 | Live Webinar
Content Warning: Discussions of youth accessing pornography & other adult content

Description:
When young people don’t see the need to access the internet carefully, they may experience harm or exploitation with lasting negative impacts. Presenters will discuss what youth are currently using to connect online, the impact of youth accessing pornography, and share tangible tips on supporting youth by engaging in open conversations about safe social media use and equip them with critical thinking skills to safely navigate the digital landscape.
Many adults, whether parents, caregivers or youth service professionals, struggle to understand how youth are currently accessing the internet and what that can all encompass. Every adult can benefit from learning more about what youth are doing online and how we can support them in making safer and healthier decisions in their online interactions.
Learning Objectives:

Understand what youth are currently using to connect online & the impact of youth accessing pornography
Gain tangible tips on supporting youth by engaging in open conversations about safe social media use and equip them with critical thinking skills to safely navigate the digital landscape

Carly Hiti – Safe Harbor Youth Advocate, Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA)

Level: Basic | For: School system professionals, parents & caregivers | Ages Addressed: early teens – young adults

About the Presenter
Carly Hiti is the Safe Harbor Youth Advocate at a sexual assault program in Duluth, MN. Carly provides supportive services to youth who have experience sexual violence including childhood sexual abuse, sex trafficking, and sexual exploitation. She has experience working with homeless and runaway youth involved in child protection matters in a shelter setting. Carly has been a certified Sexual Assault Advocate since 2016, is certified in providing Youth Mental Health First Aid, and frequently collaborates with prosecution, child protection, law enforcement, and juvenile corrections to connect and support youth in a variety of settings.

Children's Story Walk
2024-05-19 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Como Lakeside Pavilion, 1360 Lexington Pkwy N, St. Paul, 55103, United States
Join us this spring at MACMH’s Annual Story Walk!
Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month with MACMH’s Annual Story Walk! Practice mindfulness, spend time together and get moving outside!
Featuring the children’s book Watch Me Grow by local author Josalyn Thomas, take a stroll around the lake and follow a story of growth, patience, and plant life. Stop and read each page that will be stationed along the path.
Let us know you’re coming HERE!
Also at the Story Walk:

Meet the author of Watch Me Grow, Josalyn Thomas.
Contribute to a collective Story Walk craft project.
Partake in a children’s book exchange. Bring a pre-loved book you’re ready to part with (or many!) and take home a new story or two.
Cuddle up in the reading corner if you need a space to relax.
and enjoy Como Lake Park!

We look forward to seeing you!

Follow MACMH on Facebook and Instagram for weather-dependent updates as the event draws near.
Check out what you missed here.

Sound Mind Project Spring Concert
2024-05-05 14:00 (America/Detroit) | St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 1660 County B Road W, Roseville, MN, United States
A choir dedicated to supporting the mental health of youth in our community, join the Sound Mind Project for its spring concert.
The suggested donation of $25 will support MACMH! A portion of the proceeds collected will benefit the work the MN Association for Children’s Mental Health does with families, children, caregivers, and professionals.
About Sound Mind Project
The Sound Mind Project, founded in 2022, is a community choir that seeks to raise awareness and funds to support causes that directly work with youth in need of mental health support.
​Through our music and the donations the Sound Mind Project receives at concerts, it seeks to raise awareness and support for the mental health needs of youth in our communities.
With proceeds from its concerts in 2022 the Sound Mind Project donated a guitar and festival drums to the music therapy program supporting the new inpatient mental health unit at Children’s Minnesota. It also donated $2,000 to Mental Health Connect, a local organization helping to connect people with the resources they need.
In 2023 the Sound Mind Project donated $1,000 to Twin Cities Music Therapy Services as well as tubanos and a guitar to Children’s Minnesota.

Child & Adolescent Conference
2024-04-28 - 2024-04-30

FREE Pop-Up Training: Mind-Body Tools You Can Use
2024-03-15
Register Here
March 15, 2024 | 9:00 am – 11:00 am CST | 2 CEHs | FREE | Live Webinar
Description:
Participants will learn about evidenced-based skills in mindfulness, breathwork, and self-regulation that can help them reduce stress, burnout, and provide a healthy presence in their classroom or work environment.
Learning Objectives:

Understand the vagus nerve and its role in supporting optimal wellbeing for helping professionals
Develop a foundational understanding of polyvagal theory and felt-safety
Practice evidence-based breathwork techniques to support nervous system balance

Dr. Niki Elliot – Founder/CEO, Mindful Leaders Project
Level: Basic | For: Everyone | Ages Addressed: All

About the Presenter
For more than 25 years, Dr. Niki’s professional life has been dedicated to improving conditions for students who struggle to live and learn in traditional settings. She sees the innate spark of genius in them and moves mountains to help educators, parents, health professionals, and social service providers transform personal and systemic practices that perpetuate trauma and underperformance.
Dr. Niki has taught students from elementary through post-graduate education. She considers herself to be a holistic educator who acknowledges that we bring minds, bodies, and spirits to the teaching and learning process. She believes in incorporating evidence-based mindfulness practices and other evidence-based mind-body wellness techniques in learning spaces. Dr. Niki coaches educators and parents to balance themselves and the energy they bring to children in order to establish the kinds of trusting and healing relationships that are foundational to effective teaching and learning.
Currently, she serves as director of the Center for Neurodiversity, Learning, and Wellness in the LaFetra College of Education at the University of La Verne. There, she teaches pre-service and in-service teachers how to incorporate educational neurobiology, mindfulness, breathwork, mind-body techniques, and healing-centered engagement in their own lives. As a result of the programming she spearheads, educators are equipped to provide compassionate advocacy and support for students who struggle with learning differences or the damaging impact of trauma.

DSM-5-TR Updates for Child and Adolescent Assessment: Application and Future Directions
2024-03-13
Register Here
March 13, 2024 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm CST | 3 CEHs | $45 | Live Webinar | Clinical Content
This webinar is approved for 2 hours of clinical content.

Description:
This presentation will highlight DSM-5-TR changes to diagnostic criteria relevant for youth. It will consider the impact of these changes on clinical practice. It will also explore advantages and disadvantages of our existing diagnostic system and discuss the future of dimensional diagnostic approaches – including proposed evaluation methods and cultural considerations.
Learning Objectives:

Understand changes to DSM-5-TR relevant for youth.
Identify advantages and disadvantages of the DSM-5-TR diagnostic system.
Locate and use various evaluation methods.

Dr. Adrienne VanZomeren, Ph.D., L.P. – Owner & Clinical Psychologist, AVZ Psychology
Level: Basic | For: Education/Mental Health/Healthcare Professionals, Students | Ages Addressed: 6+

About the Presenter
Dr. Adrienne VanZomeren, Ph.D., LP, is a clinical psychologist and owner of AVZ Psychology LLC – a private practice focused on diagnostically complex assessment, and evidence-based psychotherapy for teens and young adults with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, chronic pain, and other conditions. She also currently serves part-time as a member of the diagnostics team at Groves Learning Organization. Additionally, she creates and delivers didactic workshops for pre-doctoral psychology interns. Formerly, she taught undergraduate courses at the University of St. Thomas, Century College, and the University of Minnesota and contributed to developmental psychopathology research. She has also served as the content creator and facilitator for a local nonprofit. A former college athlete and biologist, Dr. VanZomeren has also taught yoga and served in various roles outside of clinical psychology throughout her life. Dr. VanZomeren earned her Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota Institute of Child Development and completed her clinical internship at Harvard Medical School/Boston Children’s Hospital. She is deeply committed to collaborative, integrative, and personalized clinical care as well as evidence-based assessment, treatment, and instruction. She views her work as an opportunity to translate information into digestible formats that can have broader impacts on collective mental health. As a first-generation college student born in Detroit, MI, Dr. VanZomeren is a proponent of diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and mental health care.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-vanzomeren-phd-03b74579/
X: https://twitter.com/adriennevanz
Website: https://www.avzpsychology.com/

POSTPONED Revive: A Black History Month Community Event
2024-02-19 12:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Capri Theatre, 2027 W. Broadway, Minneapolis, MN, 55411, United States
This event has been postponed until further notice.
A free Black History Month community event focused on reviving emotional and spiritual wellness in the Village.
Honor the shoulders of our ancestors that we stand on. Celebrate those who continue their legacies. Equip future generations to carry on those legacies.
When: Monday, February 19, noon to 7 p.m.
Where: Capri Theater, 2027 W Broadway, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Give HERE
Engage with various local non-profits serving our community’s youth and families. Learn about their services. Get to know local small business owners. Experience captivating performances by local talent. Enjoy a live performance of “The Meeting,” a power play paying homage to Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. View “Laurel Avenue,” a groundbreaking film released in 1993 depicting a family in the Rondo neighborhood. Engage with community panelists during a Q&A. Indulge in food and refreshments provided by local food vendors.
“The Meeting”
In 2023, the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health sponsored the play performance at eight local area schools in front of approximately 1,500 students and faculty. Following the 20-minute performance is a 40-minute Q&A session. During this session, performers engage with the audience on the things Martin and Malcolm fought for and how some of those things still affect our society today. This creates a safe dialogue with young people and those who work with young people to discuss mental health. At the Revive event, the Q&A will be hosted by a panel of community members, bringing awareness to how the day-to-day stresses of life affect our youth and children’s mental health and their caregivers. We remind the community that it takes a Village, and together, we are stronger.
This event is brought to you by Armor Bearers of Christ Church and sponsored by the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health and Westbone Productions.

Black History Month Social Media Giveaway
2024-02-09 07:00 - 2024-02-19 23:59 (America/Detroit)
You help us make MACMH mighty!
In honor of all your support and in celebration of Black History Month, two lucky winners will be sent books written and/or illustrated by Black creatives honoring the experiences of Black children. These stories are perfect to share with the children in your life, no matter the month!
You could win:

How to enter on Facebook

Find, like & comment on our giveaway post.
Be sure to follow Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health on Facebook if you don’t already!
Subscribe to our newsletter here.

How to enter on Instagram

Like our giveaway post.
Tag 3 friends in the comments.
Follow @macmh_org on Instagram.

Contest Rules

The promoter of this giveaway is the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health, whose registered office is at 23 Empire Drive, Suite 1000, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55103.
The competition is open to residents of the United States aged 18 years or over.
There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this giveaway.
By entering this competition, an entrant indicates their agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
The contest will be held on Facebook and Instagram, where additional entry details for the competition can be found.
Only one entry per person per social media platform will be accepted. Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified.
The open date for contest entry is Friday, February 9, at 7 a.m. The closing date for entry will be midnight on Monday, February 19. After this date, no further entries will be permitted.
No responsibility can be accepted for entries received after the closing date.
This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Meta.
The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and terms and conditions without notice for any reason. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.
The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition.
The prize is as stated and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. Prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and the promoter reserves the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.
Winners will be chosen at random by software from all entries received and verified by the promoter and or its agents.
The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by United States law and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the United States.
The winner agrees to the use of their name and image in any publicity material, as well as their entry. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current U.S. data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.
