2026 Conference Agenda
Day 1 (Monday, August 10th, 2026)
8:00 am - 8:45 am Registration
8:45 am - 9:15 am Welcome - Emporia State University President Dr. Matt Baker
9:15 am - 11:15 am Keynote Presentation
* Sextortion and Online Exploitation
Speaker: Justin Broxterman - FBI VCAC Task Force, Topeka Police Department
* Detective Justin Broxterman is a 23 year veteran of the Topeka Police Department. Since 2015, Broxterman has been assigned as a Task Force Officer to the FBI's Violent Crime Against Children Task Force. As part of this task force, Broxterman investigates the sexual victimization of children, identifies and rescues child victims, and works to reduce the vulnerability of children to sexual exploitation and abuse. In addition to these duties, Broxterman has been certified and is currently assigned to the FBI's Child Abduction Rapid Response Team for the State of Kansas. Broxterman also investigates human trafficking related offenses pertaining to both juvenile and adult victims.
This training will provide an age-appropriate education and overview on current trends and criminal activity associated with the online victimization of children in our community. TFO Broxterman will discuss specific methods used by suspects who coerce, entice, and blackmail child victims. TFO Broxterman will also provide examples of this type of activity, as it is currently occurring in our community. TFO Broxterman will address trends and real-life examples associated with sextortion of minor victims. At the end of this presentation, attendees will have a better understanding of how and why children are being victimized online, how to recognize the signs of this activity as it is occurring, actions to take if you are a victim or potential victim, how to respond if you become aware of a child who is a victim, and how to work with children and other adults to recognize and prevent this activity before it occurs.
11:15 am - 12:45 pm Lunch; Visit Exhibitors
12:15 pm - 12:30 pm Lunch Speaker: Legislative Updates
*Laura Brake - Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services
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Laura Brake is the Director of Crisis Services for the Behavioral Health Services Commission at the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. She has over 30 years of experience in the fields of mental health and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Prior to her current position, Laura served as a crisis intervention team (CIT) co-responder in Topeka, KS, working with Topeka Police Department and Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office. Laura has experience in risk management, case management and teaching, as she is also an adjunct professor at Washburn University. Laura serves as the liaison for the Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council, Service Members, Veterans, Family (SMVF) sub-committee and is a board member of Kansas Crisis Intervention Team Association (KCITA). Laura holds a master’s degree from Washburn University in Health Care Education as well as a bachelor’s in psychology and criminal justice from New Mexico State University. Laura was born and raised in Dallas, TX and then moved to Las Cruces, NM, Los Angeles, CA, Austin, TX and has grown her roots in Topeka, KS. In her spare time, Laura is an avid yogi who believes that strength, flexibility and balance are developed on the mat, and are equally important off the mat.
12:30 pm - 12:45 pm
* Lunch Speaker: Therapy Dog Introduction
*Sherri Bryant - Canine Companions
* Sherri is a Volunteer Puppy Raiser, Therapy Dog Handler and the Chapter Lead for the Heartland Chapter of Canine Companions. As a puppy raiser, she receives an eight-week old puppy from the organization and spends the next 16 months teaching it 30 cues and socializing it in a wide variety of public environments. When the puppy is approximately 18 months old, she returns it to Canine Companions where it works with a professional trainer for another 6-9 months on its journey to become a service dog for an adult, child or veteran with a disability. These service dogs are provided at no cost to the recipients. Sherri is currently raising her 8th puppy, Groff. When a dog isn't qualified to become a service dog, they can become certified therapy dogs if they have the right temperament. One of Sherri's puppies, Kara, became certified as a therapy dog las year and visits a variety of places spreading joy and love to many! As the Chapter Lead, Sherri works with volunteers across Kansas and Missouri, Speaking at and attending events to spread the mission of Canine Companions and educate the public about service dogs. Sherri is also a full-time workers's compensation specialist for a construction company in Overland Park, KS.
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm
Breakout Session #1 (Day 1) - All Things DCF
* Margaret Wolfe - Department for Children and Families
This session will provide an overview of programs offered through DCF, guidance on navigating available resources, and a clear understanding of the application process. (Resource folders to be provided for all in attendance for this session.)
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm
Breakout Session #1 (Day 1) - Suicide Prevention Tool Kit
* Trish Backman, MA - Kansas State Department of Education
* Trish Backman is a veteran special educator with 29 years of experience who joined KSDE in 2023 as the School Mental Health Coordinator. Her background spans inclusive, therapeutic, and correctional education, specializing in emotional disabilities, behavior disorders, and severe mental health needs. At KSDE she supports school social workers and psychologists statewide and leads work in areas such as discipline, safety, suicide and addiction supports, accreditation, and interagency collaboration. She is driven by a deep belief in every child's ability to grow and a commitment to creating strong, collaborative systems for Kansas students.
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm
Breakout Session #1 (Day 1) - NAMI on Campus
*Megan Brown, MBA, LCSW - Faculty Member, Coffeyville Community College
This interactive session will explore how NAMI on Campus can strengthen suicide prevention through student QPR training, peer support, and stigma-reducing campus activities. Participants will learn how to prepare students to recognize warning signs, connect peers to help, and serve as supportive gatekeepers rather than counselors. The session will also highlight open discussions, awareness events, and other campus activities that normalize help-seeking and make mental health conversations more visible and approachable.
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm
Breakout Session #1 (Day 1) -Social Connection as Youth Led Prevention
* Belinda Flores, LMSW - Kansas Department of Health and Environment
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Belinda Flores works for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as the RPE Director for Kansas. In this position she supports community coalitions throughout Kansas working towards primary prevention of sexual violence. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker and prior to this role worked directly with survivors of domestic violence in both shelter and community settings.
* Maddie Ramone, BSW - Metropolitan Organization Countering Sexual Assault
*Maddie has a Bachelor of Social Work and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Missouri with a clinical focus. They have been with MOCSA for nearly 4 years. They have a deep passion for anti-violence work. Maddie works closely with community leaders, youth serving organizations, and neighborhoods to empower youth to take ownership of and support their communities. They lead a Social Norms subcommittee and take the lead on youth positive norms change initiatives in Wyandotte county.
Youth have powerful insight in prevention work. This session will begin with information on the Sexual Violence Prevention and Education program at KDHE and highlight the shared risk and protective factors of sexual violence and suicide. As a subrecipient of the KDHE SVPE program, the Metropolitan Organization Countering Sexual Assault (MOCSA) will go in-depth to share the process, development, and outcome of their work with Wyandotte county youth to develop positive norms change campaign designed by youth, for youth.
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm
Breakout Session #1 (Day 1) - Fight Club: Real Talk, Real Support, Real Impact
* Ryan Bevins - Fight Club
* Ryan Bevins is the Founder and President of Fight Club, an organization dedicated to creating confidential peer support spaces where teenagers can connect, grow, and navigate life's challenges together. Built on the belief that meaningful, face-to-face connection is essential for today's youth, Fight Club encourages teens to step away from their screens and engage with one another through honesty, vulnerability, and mutual support. Guided by its core message, "No One Fights Alone," Ryan has witnessed firsthand the powerful transformation that occurs when young people feel seen, heard, and supported by their peers. In addition to this with Fight Club, Ryan brings over 15 years of executive leadership experience as a Chief Financial Officer. A non-practicing CPA, he has built a career grounded in financial strategy, operational leadership, and organizational growth. Ryan lives in Stilwell, Kansas, with his wife, Kortney, and their three children: Ford (19), Saylor (15), and Aspen (13).
* Kechia Lake - Fight Club
*Kechia Lake is the Executive Director of Fight Club, a peer support program focused on the mental wellness of teens. With 25 years of experience in education—primarily at the secondary level in Olathe Public Schools—she has built her career on developing meaningful relationships with teenagers and understanding the evolving challenges they face. Since stepping into her role as Executive Director, Kechia has helped expand Fight Club’s reach across the Kansas City metro area and beyond, serving over 1,000 teens and doubling the number of active peer support groups. Her work is rooted in the belief that young people are more likely to open up to peers who understand their experiences, creating powerful opportunities for connection, honesty, and support. Fight Club’s model is built on peer support, where teens create safe spaces for one another while being guided by trained leaders and supported through partnerships with mental health professionals. This approach ensures that when deeper needs arise, students are connected to the appropriate resources. Driven by compassion and a deep belief in the strength of young people, Kechia is committed to ensuring every teen feels seen, supported, and valued—and has a place to grow stronger together. She holds a bachelor’s degree in deaf education from the University of Tulsa and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Emporia State University.
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Breakout Session #2 (Day 1) - Creating Learning Environments That Support Behavior Change
* Trish Backman, MA - Kansas State Department of Education
*Trish Backman is a veteran special educator with 2 years of experience who joined KSDE in 2023 as the School Mental Health Coordinator. Her background spans inclusive, therapeutic, and correctional education, specializing in emotional disabilities, behavior disorders, and severe mental health needs. At KSDE, she supports school social workers and psychologists statewide and leads work in areas such as discipline, safety, suicide and addiction supports, accreditation, and interagency collaboration. She is driven by a deep belief in every child’s ability to grow and a commitment to creating strong, collaborative systems for Kansas students.
Many educators feel overwhelmed with student behaviors and how to support students who have big feels due to lived experiences with trauma. Using neuroscience to explore how trauma and emotional and behavioral disorders impact learning helps us to create systems where both the teacher and students feel ready to get to work each day. This session explores the stories behind student behavior, how to set up a successful learning environment with felt-safety, and how to restore learning, even if there has been an off day.
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Breakout Session #2 (Day 1) - From Data to Action: Kansas Child Death Review Board Findings on Youth Suicide
*Sara Hortenstine, MS - Office of the Kansas Attorney General
* Sara Hortenstine has been an advocate of children for more than 15 years. As the Division Chief for Youth Services at the Office of the Kansas Attorney General, Sara leads initiatives aimed at protecting and enhancing the lives of children across the state. Since 2015, she has served as the Executive Director of the Kansas Child Death Review Board, where she has played a crucial role in reviewing and improving child safety measures. Sara's commitment to ensuring that children are safe, protected, and have the opportunity to lead healthy lives drives her work and leadership in these vital roles.
*Jennifer Slagle is a dedicated advocate for youth suicide prevention, serving as the Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator with the Office of the Kansas Attorney General. She holds a BSCJ from Washburn University and a MPA from KU. Her passion for protecting and supporting young lives was ignited in 2023 when she was appointed to the Kansas State Child Death Review Board. In her role, Jennifer collaborates with agencies, mental health professionals, and community organizations across the state to raise awareness, implement prevention strategies, and expand access to mental health resources for children and youth. Driven by the belief that every young person deserves hope and a future, she is committed to ensuring that all young people feel valued, heard, and supported.
For more than 30 years, the Kansas State Child Death Review Board has conducted comprehensive, multidisciplinary reviews of child fatalities to better understand the circumstances surrounding these tragic losses. Through analysis of trends, risk factors, and system gaps, the Board has developed data-informed recommendations to support prevention efforts.
While there is no single answer as to why a young person dies by suicide, this session will walk participants through Kansas youth suicide data, findings from recent case reviews, and contributing factors identified through the review process. Participants will explore how data can inform prevention strategies and examine how the collective efforts of youth-serving professionals contribute to meaningful change. Through discussion and activities, attendees will explore the difference between attribution and contribution and identify ways their work strengthens suicide prevention efforts across Kansas.
This presentation will provide participants with the most current data on youth suicide in Kansas, highlighting key findings from recent case reviews and emerging trends. Attendees will gain insight into key contributing factors and learn how to use this data to guide practical prevention strategies in their work with youth across the state to help prevent suicide.
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Breakout Session #2 (Day 1) - Strengthening Pediatric Suicide Prevention Through Mental Health Consultation: The KSKidsMAP Program
*Nicole Klaus, PhD - KU School of Medicine - Wichita
*Nicole Klaus, PhD, ABPP is a board certified Child and Adolescent Psychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita. She has more than 15 years of clinical experience and is committed to training mental health professionals and increasing access to mental health care for youth in underserved communities. Dr. Klaus has specific interests in youth suicide prevention and the treatment of childhood mood disorders.
This session will highlight how the KSKidsMAP Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program supports Kansas clinicians with identification, assessment, and intervention for youth at risk for suicide. Participants will learn about local resources, explore clinical case examples, and engage in interactive discussion focused on applying best practices in pediatric settings. The session will also demonstrate how KSKidsMAP leverages psychiatric consultation, care coordination, and quality improvement strategies to strengthen clinician confidence, expand access to timely mental health expertise, and improve outcomes for children and adolescents experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Breakout Session #2 (Day 1) - Exploring the Connection Between Teen Dating Violence and Suicide
*Kaiti Blackburn, Masters of Professional Studies with a Concentration in Organizational Leadership - Jana's Campaign, Inc.
*As the Executive Director of Jana's Campaign, Kaiti Blackburn, MPS, oversees all internal and external operations and provides programming and training to thousands of students and community members. Her work focuses on preventing all forms of relationship-based violence, especially in rural communities, by educating on healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviors, with the ultimate goal of preventing violence before it starts. Blackburn has been deeply involved in the relationship-based violence prevention community since 2015, and holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Fort Hays State University.
This session explores the link between teen dating violence and suicide, drawing on comprehensive data from an interactive activity conducted through Jana’s Campaign programming. Participants will develop an understanding of how teen dating violence can contribute to suicidal ideation and behaviors, with a focus on overlapping risk factors and protective factors. The discussion highlights data-driven insights and emphasizes the importance of integrated prevention efforts, avoiding isolated approaches. Attendees will leave prepared to promote healthy relationships, engage bystanders, and implement targeted prevention strategies to make a meaningful impact in their own communities.
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Breakout Session #2 (Day 1) - 988 & the Kansas Continuum of Care
*Laura Brake, Director fo Crisis Services, Kansas Department of Aging and Disability
This presentation will provide a high-level overview of the current state of 988 in Kansas and its role within the broader behavioral health crisis continuum. We will highlight how 988 connects individuals to appropriate crisis services, review current data on 988 access and Mobile Crisis Response (MCR) utilization, and discuss ongoing efforts to strengthen the crisis system. The presentation will conclude with a look at future goals and priorities for expanding access, improving coordination across the continuum of care, and enhancing crisis response services for Kansans.
3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
Lived Experience Panel - Moderated by Ana Vallecillos, LCPC, NCC, A.R.T. - Healthy Thoughts for Growth Counseling
* Melissa Owen, MBA
* Amber Jewell
* Carl Springer
* Rachel Springer, M. Ed
*My name is Rachel Springer. I am a wife and a mother of 7 children. My husband and I have a blended family. 3 his, 1 mine, 1 ours, and 2 adopted. We live on a farm in Eudora with many animals. We love to ride motorcycles and camp when we can. The mountains are usually calling us. I hold an Associates Degree in Sign Language Interpreting, a Bachelors Degree in Applied Behavioral Science for Children with Autism, and finally a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Special Education Birth to 8 years old. I currently work as a Sign Language Interpreter and have done so for the last 22 years. I have worked in a wide variety of settings including but not limited to mental health, medical, legal, post secondary education, and so on. I'm here today to talk about my oldest daughter Hayleigh, the life she led, the struggles she faced, and the impact caused on our lives with the ripple effect she left on us all!
Panelists will share stories of loss, hope, resilience, recovery, and the importance of connection, offering honest insight from those who have experienced suicidal thoughts, supported loved ones, or work daily in the mental health field. This meaningful conversation is designed to inspire understanding, reduce stigma, and remind participants that every story has the power to create hope and save lives.
Day 2 (Tuesday, August 11th, 2026)
8:45 am - 9:00 am Welcome Back
9:00 am - 10:00 am Keynote Presentation
* The Ripple Effect
Speaker: Damon Parker, MA - The Jones Project
*Coach Damon Parker’s diverse career encompasses 23 years of teaching, coaching, serving as the Executive Director of a non-profit organization, and speaking professionally to audiences nationwide. Coach Parker’s unique leadership style has led his wrestling teams to 5 state championships in the past 6 years. He has 6 times been named the Kansas Coach of the Year, and was twice selected as the Coach of the Year for the Midwest region of the United States. In the classroom, Coach Parker has been honored with Teacher of the Year accolades from five different organizations since 2011. In 2022, Coach Parker left the field of Education to become the Executive Director of The Jones Project, a non-profit organization focused on teen mental health and suicide prevention. Since 2022 he has spoken to over 111,000 students in 265 schools nationwide. Coach Parker lives with his beautiful wife and teammate Lindsay in Auburn, KS with their wonderful 14-year-old twins (Doak and Corinne), foster son (Ar’Treal), and Australian Shepherd (Dr. Bob).
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Breakout Session #1 (Day 2) - Neurodivergent Youth
* Anja Ford, MS, LMLP - Stormont Vail
*My name Anja and I’m a Licensed Masters Level Psychologist (LMLP) and outpatient treatment clinician at Stormont Vail Health. I have worked in mental health since 2001 and have been a therapist since 2009 working with a variety of populations and in a variety of settings including community mental health, child welfare, and higher education. I have a passion for working with people on the neurodiversity spectrum as well as the people who support and love them. It has been my honor to support so many individuals navigating life’s challenges.
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Breakout Session #1 (Day 2) - Preteens and Emotional Regulation; Trauma Informed Suicide Risk Conversations; Safety Planning That Actually Works
* Ana Vallecillos, LCPC, NCC, A.R.T. - Healthy Thoughts for Growth Counseling
* Lindsay Bays, LCPC, LCAC - Bays Clinical Counseling Services, LLC
* Lindley Piper, LPC, NCC, A.R.T. - Healthy Thoughts for Growth Counseling
*Ana Vallecillos is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and the owner of Healthy Thoughts for Growth Counseling LLC. She holds a master's degree in clinical counseling from Emporia State University and brings over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families across a wide range of settings — from foster care and family preservation services to crisis intervention and community mental health. Ana has served as a crisis clinician conducting state hospitalization screenings for teens and adults, worked as an emergency case manager, and pioneered a program to expand therapy access in underserved communities by outsourcing services to centers facing therapist shortages. A trauma-informed practitioner, she has extensive training and experience in treating individuals navigating suicidal ideation and self-harm. At this conference, Ana will be presenting on preteens and emotional regulation, trauma-informed suicide risk conversations, and safety planning that actually works — topics she approaches with both clinical depth and a genuine warmth for the young people and families she serves.
*My name is Lindsay. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor (LCAC). I've been practicing as a therapist since 2005, and have past experience working in the child welfare system, Vocational Rehabilitation, Higher Education Mental Health, and now I am in Private Practice full-time. I am trained in EMDR and consider myself clinical focus to be specialized in trauma support. I am also a Kansas Board Approved Clinical Supervisor and provide advanced clinical supervision to other therapists in Kansas. Over the years I've had the privilege of supporting people through many different seasons of life. I truly consider it an honor to support my clients as they face challenges, gain personal discovery and self-compassion, and move towards growth and healing.
Preteens are struggling — and the adults in their lives need real tools. Drawing on over 20 years of experience working with youth and adolescents, Ana Vallecillos explores how trauma shapes emotional regulation in preteens, how to have honest and compassionate conversations about suicide risk, and how to build safety plans that young people will actually use. This session offers a trauma-informed framework for navigating these critical conversations with confidence — going beyond the checklist to create meaningful, lasting change.
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Breakout Session #1 (Day 2) - Are they grieving? Supporting grieving children and youth before they reach crisis.
*Shannon Sanders, LMSW - Kidzcope
Shannon Sanders, LMSW, is a licensed master social worker dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and families navigating grief and loss. She manages a youth grief support program that provides developmentally appropriate grief education, peer support, and resources for children and caregivers. Her work focuses on helping young people build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and find connection through life’s most difficult experiences.
Grief in children and adolescents is often misunderstood and can present as anger, withdrawal, anxiety, risk-taking, or behavioral challenges rather than sadness. This session explores how early recognition and developmentally appropriate grief support can strengthen protective factors, reduce isolation, and promote emotional well-being before youth reach a point of crisis. Participants will gain practical strategies for recognizing grief responses, fostering resilience, and creating supportive environments that help grieving youth feel seen, understood, and connected to caring adults.
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Breakout Session #1 (Day 2) - Substance Use Trends Among Youth
*Benjamin Meier, BS - Mirror, Inc.
Benjamin Meier has worked in substance use prevention at Mirror for the last eight years, starting as the Coalition Coordinator for the local drug free communities coalition, taking over Mirror's nationally-recognized STAND youth development model, and eventually leading the prevention department and overseeing all of those things. With a Bachelor's in Family Studies and Human Services from K-State, Benjamin is actually, surprisingly, using his degree in helping his hometown and communities all over the region invest in youth, changing environments and cultures that may lead to substance use. For that reason, and much to his chagrin, he has been called "the drug guy" but kids in public because it. Overall, he has a passion for helping people to understand the importance of healthy youth in their community and to realize their full potential, whether physically, mentally, or most importantly, spiritually.
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Breakout Session #1 (Day 2) - Someone to Respond: Coordinating Mobile Crisis Response in Kansas
*Jared Auten, LMSW - HealthSource Integrated Solutions
Jared Auten serves as Director of Crisis Communications at HealthSource Integrated Solutions based in Topeka, KS. He holds a Master’s of Social Welfare from the University of Kansas and has a background in suicide & crisis intervention, community mental health, and grief & loss support. He is passionate about access to high-quality and affordable crisis care for all. In his role at HealthSource Integrated Solutions, he strives to collaborate and innovate with partners to support a crisis continuum of care capable of responding promptly to the dynamic needs of individuals, families, and communities across Kansas.
*Karla Stewart, LPC (OK), LCPC (KS), is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 20 years of experience in behavioral health and crisis intervention. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Langston University in Oklahoma. Karla currently serves as a Crisis Communication Program Manager at HealthSource Integrated Solutions, where she leads crisis response services and supports programs focused on delivering timely, compassionate care to individuals in need. She is passionate about advancing behavioral health through leadership, culturally responsive practices, and evidence-based approaches that strengthen individuals, families, and communities. Karla is dedicated to improving access to quality crisis services while empowering others through education, collaboration, and advocacy. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior, furthering her commitment to advancing behavioral health leadership, research, and crisis services.
This session will provide participants with a broad understanding of one of the three primary pillars of Kansas’s comprehensive crisis system, 24/7/365 Mobile Crisis Response (MCR) and Mobile Response Stabilization Services (MRSS). We’ll dive into understanding these frameworks and how to access mobile crisis services to support youth experiencing a behavioral health or suicide crisis. Participants will gain perspectives from service providers and walk away with a clear understanding of when and how to access mobile crisis services. They’ll also gain an understanding of the State’s vision and effort to coordinate a system of care capable of responding in the moments Kansans need care most.
11:15 am - 12:00pm Lunch; Visit Exhibitors
11:30 am - 12:00 pm - Lunch Speaker
I see YOU: The Role of an SRO as a Community Resource
* Brandon Depew, BS - Dickinson County Sheriff's Office
*Deputy Brandon Depew is a School Resource Officer with Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, bringing nine years of law enforcement experience. In his role, he focusses on building positive relationships with community resources, students, supporting staff, and helping create a safe, connected school environment. Known for his approachable and consistent presence, Deputy Depew is passionate about early intervention and student well-being. His work is grounded in a simple belief: every student deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. This presentation highlights how School Resource Officers build safer schools through connection, presence, and trust. Centered on the simple message “I see you,” it emphasizes the impact of noticing and supporting students before challenges become crises. Through personal insight and practical examples, the speaker illustrates how SROs serve as approachable, consistent resources for students, staff, and families—while also connecting individuals to vital school and community support systems. The session leaves audiences with a clear takeaway: small moments of awareness and intentionality can make a lasting difference in a student’s life.
This presentation highlights how School Resource Officers build safer schools through connection, presence, and trust. Centered on the simple message “I see you,” it emphasizes the impact of noticing and supporting students before challenges become crises. Through personal insight and practical examples, the speaker illustrates how SROs serve as approachable, consistent resources for students, staff, and families—while also connecting individuals to vital school and community support systems. The session leaves audiences with a clear takeaway: small moments of awareness and intentionality can make a lasting difference in a student’s life.
12:15 pm - 1:00 pm
Breakout Session #2 (Day 2) - When Youth Don't Trust Systems
* Carolee Conway, MS, ATR-BC - Bloom House Youth Services
*Carolee is the Executive Director at Bloom House Youth Services, Inc and occasional adjunct art therapy instructor at Emporia State University. She works with youth and families to address root causes of youth’s runaway or homeless status, or contributing risk factors for youth facing homelessness or considering running away. Her areas of expertise within the intersection of RHY services and art therapy is dialectical behavior therapy and addressing the family system using strength-based strategies for support.
* Abby Stephens, LPC, ATR-P - Bloom House Youth Services
*I am the Director of Services and Mental Health at Bloom House Youth Services. I assist teens and their families who are at risk of becoming homeless or running away. I help clients get connected to services such as therapy, case management, life skills building, and educational programs. I have a passion for community resources and child advocacy.
We will be defining the different systems that youth encounter, explaining how these systems interact and influence each other, the reasons these relationships typically break down, and how the loss of these systems affect youth in need. We will then learn about strategies to build trust, including participation in an art experiential.
12:15 pm - 1:00 pm
Breakout Session #2 (Day 2) - Raising the Volume: Youth Voice as a Catalyst for Transformative and Sustainable Progress
* Andres Mata, Youth Engagement Specialist, Kansas Department of Aging and Disability
*Andres Mata is a 2017 graduate of Salina South High School and a 2021 graduate of Bethany College. With a lifelong commitment to public service, he has been actively involved in politics and community engagement since the age of nine. At eleven, Andres led a successful fundraising campaign for Haiti, raising over $3,400 in just two weeks. By age thirteen, he was appointed to the Salina Human Relations Commission by Mayor Norm Jennings, and later appointed by Mayor Jon Blanchard to serve on the Salina City Planning Commission from 2015 to 2017, amplifying his voice in local government and community development. While at Bethany College, Andres was recognized for his leadership and community impact. He received the 2019-2020 Student Leader Community Award for his research on food insecurity, which inspired community conversations and contributed to the creation of the Dala Pantry in Lindsborg. From 2017 to 2021, Andres gained valuable experience lobbying on behalf of everyday Americans in Washington, D.C., further developing his expertise in policy and advocacy. Outside of civic work, Andres enjoys traveling, following professional sports, and spending time with loved ones.
In this presentation, we will be examining the flagship program for youth that is sponsored by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services: Youth Leaders in Kansas also known by its acronym as YLINK. We will also be examining the program's accomplishments and cutting-edge approaches to youth mental health related issues. Youth Leaders in Kansas is one of the state's leading platforms for youth voices. By presenting examples, the program will address how youth voices can act as a catalyst for long-lasting beneficial change. We'll draw special close attention to the relationship that connects cooperation with implementation when young people get together to develop workable solutions that meet community needs. Additionally, we will analyze the way support networks can develop youth leaders and give them a collective voice. Attendees will leave the workshop with greater knowledge to establish and preserve environments that will support youth leadership.
12:15 pm - 1:00 pm
Breakout Session #2 (Day 2) - Beyond the Behavior: Understanding Self-Harm
* Holli Shipley - Florence Crittenton
12:15 pm - 1:00 pm
Breakout Session #2 (Day 2) - Intro to Art Therapy
* Janae Gulley - KVC
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Janae Gulley is a mental health professional and emerging art therapist with a passion for helping individuals express, process, and heal through creative approaches. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Visual Arts and is currently completing her Master of Science in Art Therapy, with an anticipated graduation date of December 2026. Janae combines her knowledge of psychology and the creative arts to support emotional well-being, foster resilience, and promote meaningful personal growth. During the conference, she will lead engaging mindfulness activities designed to help attendees reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and experience the benefits of creative wellness practices.
Art has the power to express what words often cannot. Join us for an engaging introduction to the field of art therapy as we explore its foundations, dispel common misconceptions, distinguish it from therapeutic art, and examine how creativity can foster healing, resilience, and meaningful self-expression.
12:15 pm - 1:00 pm
Breakout #2 (Day 2) - Creating a Community of Suicide Postvention Response: Defining the Response, and Strategies to Mitigate Risk
* Josh Boydston, LSCSW, LCSW - Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition "Member", Six Feet Over
* A native Kansan, Josh Boydston is a proud Jayhawk with his Bachelor's in Social Welfare from the University of Kansas and his Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Josh served in child welfare and community mental health over the last 25 years in Kansas and Missouri. Josh's service in the field began in 2001, in adoption case management, recruitment and licensure of foster and adoptive families, foster care case management and educational advocacy. With this foundation, Josh served as a therapist, then clinical director in a residential psychiatric center. He concurrently joined a private practice in Merriam, Kansas, in 2010. As a person with multiple suicide loss lived experiences, his focus shifted to suicide postvention and community support. He joined Six Feet Over as the Kansas Lemon Aid Client Advocate in October of 2023. Josh and his wife Ashley reside in Roeland Park, Kansas, with their two children Nola and Crosby. They are an active family in supporting and serving their community in education, faith, local political engagement and involvement in the arts. In his free time... he appreciates rest, the company of friends, eclectic music, being active with his family and a good laugh.
Attendees will gain an understanding of suicide postvention, the growing need for common language that ensures continuity of care and reduced stigma, and explore the varying needs across the State for upstream efforts for communities faced with suicide loss.
1:15 pm - 2:30 pm
Instilling Hope and Building Resilience - Arkansas City Hope Squad Youth Panel
*Eric Burr - USD 470 Arkansas City Public Schools Hope Squad
* Eric Burr is a retired Police Chief with nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience. He spent most of his career working in schools as a D.A.R.E. Officer, S.A.D.D. sponsor, and Hope Squad Advisor. In 2022, he was instrumental in introducing the Hope Squad program to Arkansas City Public Schools. Today, he is the Safety and Security Coordinator for USD 470 Arkansas City Public Schools and continues his work with youth mental health as the lead Hope Squad Advisor for both middle school and high school programs in Arkansas City. He worked closely with IXL Elementary staff to develop a program called YELL (Youth Empowered by Life Lessons) that focuses on developing soft skills and exploring community connections with fifth grade students. Eric is a Big for Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters serving 2 matches, he is a board member for the Northwest Community Center in Arkansas City, a board member for Cowley County Crimestoppers, on the selection committee for the Joe B. Avery Community Spirit Award, and is a board member for the newly constructed Cowley County Opioid Support Advisory Group.
What does hope look like when life feels overwhelming? This interactive panel discussion highlights the teen perspective with Hope Squad members to talk openly about building hope and resilience. This session provides attendees with the opportunity to hear teens share their experiences with mental health, social pressures, and personal challenges. The panel will focus on the power of connection, the importance of "using your voice," and practical ways to support yourself and your friends.
2:30 pm - 2:45 pm Closing Remarks
Exciting Perks
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