The information below reflects the agenda for the 2023 event.

22nd Annual Fall Social Work Conference Agenda

Date/Time Session
Tuesday,
October 3, 2023
7:30 – 8:30 am Breakfast Buffet
8:30 – 8:45 am Conference Welcome
Kristy Holt, MSW, The University of Alabama
Schnavia Hatcher, Ph.D., Dean, School of Social Work, The University of Alabama
8:45 – 10:15 am Opening Session

Rediscovering the Beauty Within
Sasha Joseph Neulinger
10:15 – 10:30 am Refreshment Break
10:30 – 11:30 am Concurrent Sessions:

  1. The Ethics of Self-Care: Its more than Margaritas and Manicures
    Susan Cashwell, Auburn University at Montgomery
  2. The Effects of Social Media Use on Adolescent Well-being and Strategies to Encourage Positive Mental Health
    Whitney Johnson and Nicole Hall, VitAL, The University of Alabama
  3. Connecting the Dots: The Prevalence of Trauma Experienced by Foster Children and its Impact on the Fostering Experience
    Ruth Drake, Drake Counseling and Consulting
    Roshonna Edwards, VA Medical Center
  4. Introduction to Cultural Humility: Understanding, Awareness, and Action
    Marya Wright, Wright Community Services, LLC
  5. Student Workshop- Resiliency: I Want More!
    Robyn V. Snider
11:30 am – 1:00 pm Lunch on your own
1:00 – 2:30 pm Investigating the Sexual Predator and Psychopath
Scott Johnson, MA, LP
2:30 – 3:00 pm Refreshment Break
3:00 – 4:00 pm Concurrent Sessions:

  1. Adopting and Adapting a Leadership Competency Model to Drive Individual and Team Development and Performance
    Alison R. Garretson and Matthew J. Painter,  UAB Medicine
  2. Prevention Initiative to Protect Alabama’s Youth
    Sallye Longshore and Amanda Lightsey, The Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention
    Jeff Davis, Fowler Davis 4 Change
  3. Foster Care: The Path to Higher Education
    Shannon Hubbard and Lesha Smith, Alabama REACH
  4. Triage for Social Workers
    Crystal L. Flowers, Hospice of Alabama
4:00 – 4:15 pm Break
4:15 – 5:15 pm Concurrent Sessions:

  1. Ethical Decision Making in a Digital Age
    Stacy C. Lee and Doug Brown, University of North Alabama
  2. Wired: The Relationship Between Screen Media and Mental Health
    Elizabeth Robinson, LICSW, Troy University
  3. The Role of Trauma-Informed Yoga for Justice Involved Youth: A Neurophysiological Perspective
    Rachel E. Swope
  4. Fostering Community
    Erin Woods, Big Oak Ranch
5:15 – 7:00 pm Meet & Mingle
Wednesday,
October 4, 2023
7:00 – 8:00 am Breakfast Buffet
8:00 – 9:00 am (Re)Ignite Your Spark!
Edna Davis-Brown, MPH, Center for Adoption Support and Education
9:00 – 9:15 am Break
9:15 – 10:15 am Concurrent Sessions:

  1. Supervision and Leadership: Using a Four Frame Model
    Stacy Lee, University of North Alabama
  2. The Suicide Crisis; Update and Call to Action
    Dr. Dale Wisely, Prince of Peace Catholic Church
  3. Alleviating Poverty Through Connection and Social Capital
    Gina Allen, Auburn University at Montgomery
  4. Supportive Schools, Supported Students: Prioritizing Mental Health in Education
    Emily Herring, LICSW, Fairfield City Schools
    Ev Gunn, Tarrant City Schools
  5. Student Workshop: Building Your Brand: Professional Development Workshop
    Shayla Smith, VitAL, The University of Alabama
10:15 – 10:30 am Refreshment Break
10:30 am – 12:00 pm Icing on the Cake-A Delicious Way to Treat Yourself to Self-Care Bliss
Rashad Hayes, LMSW
12:00 – 12:15 pm Closing Remarks
Kristy Holt, MSW, The University of Alabama