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Sponsors Schedule of Events

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Sponsors Schedule of EventsFriday, October 23rd 7:00 a.m. Registration Opens

7:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast

8:00 a.m. WELCOME

Lincoln East Ballrooom John Dornheim, NAMI Texas Board President Dr. Theresa Daniel, Dallas County Commissioner Holly Doggett, NAMI Texas Executive Director Elise Banks, 2015 Miss International and NAMI Texas Ambassador

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: “Hopeless No More” Pete Earley

Author, 2007 Pulitzer Prize Finalist, mental health advocate, and NAMI member Pete Earley talks about successful recovery programs that he has visited during his travels, including, Housing First, ACT teams, Crisis Intervention Training, Mental Health Courts and Peer-to-Peer support in this follow-up to his amazing book, “CRAZY: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness.”

Earley speaks candidly about the good, the bad, and the ugly of mental health care in the United States, sparing no one from the blame they deserve while he advocates for mental health reform. Pete’s six years as a reporter for The Washington Post as an investigative reporter gave him the insight to dive into our mental health system --- and decide even he didn’t have the skills needed to sort out a system that often is devoid of common sense, humanity and safety. Earley has visited 48 states and many countries to deliver speeches to rally against the troubled mental health systems, and for people with mental illness.

10:15 a.m. 1st Breakout Session

Washington/Adams A “Family Engagement: Excellence in Caregiving Outcomes After Mental Illness Diagnosis” Linda Denke, PhD, RN, CCRC Vising Professor of Nursing at Texas’s Women’s University Denton, TX CEUs Available

Family engagement is one of the most under

recognized resources that, if harnessed, positively affect patient health outcomes. Caregivers are uniquely positioned and possess the desire, but often lack the knowledge and understanding for moving forward once a mental illness is diagnosed. This presentation will define family engagement and equip the family caregiver in assisting their loved ones toward high functioning outcomes. It will define and offer an outline on the many caregivers’ strengths. Also, a myriad of strategies and a toolkit will be presented that include examples of the relationship of communication, the role of spirituality, art, massage, essential oils and music.

Jackson/Adams B “Peers Supporting Peers on their Pathways to Wellness” Sarah Grant Reid National Trainer, Recovery International Dallas, TX CEUs Available

The mission of Recovery International (RI) is to use the cognitive-behavioral, peer-to-peer, self-help training system developed by Abraham Low, MD, to help individuals gain skills to lead more peaceful and productive lives. In the last 76 years RI has equipped over 1 million people with tools to control behavior and change attitudes. This presentation will give participants an understanding of the meeting structure, expectations, and a demonstration of what goes on at an RI meeting.

Madison “Integration of Mental Health Clinicians in Law Enforcement CIT Programs” Nicole Bowers, MSW, LCSW Mental Health Coordinator, Plano Police Dept. and Sgt. A. D. Paul CIT Program Coordinator, Plano Police Dept. CEUs Available

In hearing about the Plano Police Department’s addition of a licensed clinician to their Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program, attendees will learn how mid-size or smaller cities can

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incorporate a mental health professional into their CIT program. Presenters will discuss the role a clinician can play in conducting follow-up with individuals who present with a high utilization of police services as well as complex cases and will detail how a clinician acts as a resource for families, providing education on resources to utilize before a loved one enters into a state of crisis. A clinician supports CIT as an officer safety program in providing opportunities for earlier intervention as a person’s symptoms increase, thereby potentially reducing the need for physical intervention by officers. Time will be allotted for attendees to discuss how this process might look in their own cities.

Hamilton “ASK To Save A Life” Phyllis Finley, B.A., QMHP-CS, QIDP Certified ASK Trainer and Mobile Crisis Outreach Team Community Liaison, Denton County MHMRA Denton, TX

ASK is a one-hour, non-proprietary suicide prevention gatekeeper training that was designed to help participants learn how to ask about suicide, seek more information, and know where and how to help those who are at risk for suicidal behavior. During this presentation participants will learn: 1) Statistics, risk factors, and warning signs of suicide in order to better identify a person at risk 2) How to respond to persons with suicidal thoughts, behavior, intent, or who may be experiencing some other type of crisis and in need of intervention. 3) How to effectively connect/refer a person at risk to professional assistance in the community.

Jefferson “Exploring Art, Expression & Creativity” Veronique Hahn artist, author & illustrator, and art teacher San Marcos, TX

Learn how I use the creative process and explore themes through art. Distinct from art therapy, I will share my personal experience in creating and exploring expression through different media such as painting, children’s books, sculpture, and jewelry making.

11:15 a.m. Lunch and Networking on your own

11:30 a.m. NAMI Texas Consumer Council Lunch and Business Meeting

12:30 p.m. 2nd Break-out Session

Washington/Adams A “From the Couch to the Bus to the Mall to Work: The Milestones of Adjustment Post-Psychosis (MAPP) Recovery” Mary Moller, PhD(h), DNP, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, CPRP, FAAN Associate Professor of Nursing, Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma, WA CEUs Available

The onset of psychosis is an overwhelming and frightening experience for the patient and family members alike. The potential for relapse is unpredictable and can create uncertainty regarding how to proceed with life. This uncertainty and the absence of an identified psychological recovery trajectory create frustration for the person, family, and providers. This 1-hour workshop will present the Milestones of Adjustment Post-Psychosis (MAPP) Recovery Model, a dynamic four-phase process occurring over 3-5 years post-psychotic episode to complete. These phases include 50 identifiable recovery milestones comprised of emotional, interpersonal, cognitive, and physiological characteristics that can be used as markers of treatment progress.

Jackson/Adams B “Ten Great Apps for Mental Health” Jaime Hartpence, MS Learning Technologies Carrolton, TX CEUs Available

Even if you don’t have a smartphone, chances are you still know what an app is – even if you don’t know how to use them or how they can make your life a little easier. There are many ways that technology can help an individual with a mental health condition and caregivers manage important information, seek help, find resources, and track activities, appointments, and even medication. Join us for an overview of 10 useful apps that can help you organize those mountains of post-it notes

Schedule of Events continued

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and find the information you need when you need it the most.

Madison “Assisting Responders During a Crisis” Ted Isensee, CIT advocate Houston, TX and Steve Hobart, CIT advocate Stafford, TX CEUs Available

When a psychiatric crisis occurs, caregivers may call for the assistance of a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) or an equivalent response. This is a time of stress not only for the consumer and caregiver, but also for the CIT responders who have little specific knowledge of the tense situation they are stepping into. As the crisis evolves, caregivers can take actions that will facilitate an effective crisis response or hinder it. To improve the odds of a safe, appropriate resolution to the CIT response, caregivers need the proper preparation and attitude. This presentation provides do’s and don’ts for caregivers for the six stages of a crisis: 1) before calling for assistance, 2) while talking with the call-taker/dispatcher, 3) before the responders arrive, 4) when the responders initially arrive, 5) while the responder is engaged with the consumer, and 6) when the response reaches a resolution.

Hamilton “Mental Health First Aid’s Benefits to Affiliates” Jody Schulz , BA Criminal Justice, NAMI Brazos Valley Executive Director and Kimberly Mallet Brenham. TX

Mental Health First Aid teaches participants how offer help to a person who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. This help is given until the appropriate treatment and support are received or until the crisis resolves. It is not a substitute for counseling, medical care, peer support, or treatment.

Additionally, presenters will share their experiences as instructors of both the Adult and the Youth versions of this evidenced based curriculum with teachers and law enforcement officers attending the classes. The presentation includes

examples of the interaction, reactions, reception, and final evaluations of those attending as provided to the instructors.

SPECIAL EVENT

1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Jefferson “Artful Expressions” – an exhibition Leah Thedford, members of Achievement Through the Arts, and friends Dallas, TX

A display of original works created by artists living with mental illness.

1:45 p.m. 3rd Break-out Session

Washington/Adams A “Recognizing Stress & How to Cope with It” Elise Banks, MS, LPC-intern 2015 Miss International and NAMI Texas Ambassador Houston, TX CEUs Available

Are you stressed out? Most people will answer that question with a resounding - YES! But quite often we do not take the time to evaluate the stress that accumulates in our lives. In this presentation, participants will learn how to differentiate between different types of stress, recognize the symptoms of stress, eliminate stressors in their lives, and prioritize what needs to be done. Participants will also be given practical tools that they can use as positive coping skills to handle individual stressors. Finally, the presentation will touch on knowing when to seek professional treatment.

Jackson/Adams B “Cultivating Mindfulness” Lisa November, MA Special Education Adjunct Professor, College of Education, University of Colorado at Denver Ft. Worth, TX

This presentation contains some basic steps of mindfulness based on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), which is a program created by the University of Massachusetts Medical School and the pioneering work of Jon Kabat-


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Zinn. It will also incorporate other strategies for mindfulness based on the work of Thich Nhat Hanh. Becoming more mindful has been shown to reduce levels of stress for people with mental and physical illnesses as well as for caregivers, making it a natural fit for all aspects of self-care. The participants in this session may expect discussion as well as some introductory practice of a body scan and basic meditation.

Madison “How to Stay Safe When Asking for Help from Police” Sherry Cusumano, MS, RN, LCDC Public Information Officer, Green Oaks Hospital Dallas, TX and Sr. Corporal Herb Cotner, BA Criminal Justice, Master Peace Officer Crisis Intervention Mental Health Liaison & TCOLE certified Instructor, Dallas Police Dept. Dallas, TX CEUs Available

When the police are called, family assistance is one of the most important factors in helping to determine a safe outcome. During this presentation participants will learn about the 911 checklist, how to interact with officers, the legal definitions of a weapon and agitated behavior, what to tell the police, and what you should do as a family member after the police have arrived. Participants will also learn about other resources in the community which are available to prevent a crisis, including mobile crisis, the crisis file, and outpatient care. Finally, we will address how to help monitor your family member’s behavior and address it before it becomes a crisis requiring the police and the use of mental illness warrants.

Hamilton “Ending the Silence Part1, the Program” Jim Wintle Director, NAMI Dallas ETS Program Dallas, TX

NAMI Ending the Silence (ETS) instills a message of hope and recovery, encouraging teens to reduce stigma and end the silence surrounding mental illness. ETS is a 50 minute presentation engaging

students in an honest discussion about mental health. Students learn symptoms and indicators of mental illness through an informative Power Point and short videos and hear ideas about how to help themselves, friends, or family members who may be in need of support. Additionally, one of the most powerful components of the presentation is personal testimony from a young adult living with a mental illness about his/her journey to recovery.

SPECIAL EVENT during Break

2:45 – 3:05 p.m.

Madison “Introduction to Laughter Yoga” Dana Mildebrath, certified Laughter Yoga Leader and free-lance writer Dallas, TX

Laughter Yoga is a unique practice based on the idea of “laughing for no reason.” It does not rely on jokes or humor -- it combines fun and easy laughter exercises, simple yogic breathing techniques, and gentle stretching and movement. No special equipment is needed, and no yoga experience is required. All you need is a willingness to laugh.

The scientifically proven benefits of Laughter Yoga include relief of stress, anxiety, pain and depression; improved respiration, circulation, digestion and elimination, enhanced immune function, reduced stress hormones and increased “feel-good hormones,” and a sense of peace and happiness.

3:15 p.m. 4th Break-out Session

Washington/Adams A “Mindful Communications – Using Mindfulness to Enhance Communication & Relationships” Julie Overstreet, BA Sociology Director of Outreach & Development, NAMI Brazos Valley\College Station, TX and Marcus Overstreet Veteran Support Liaison, Mental Health First Aid Instructor College, Station, TX CEUs Available

We would like to share our personal story of recovery to advocacy within a dual diagnosis


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marriage by presenting interpersonal effectiveness skills that improve communication within relationships of all kinds and under all circumstances. These skills include distress tolerance, emotional regulation, mindfulness, validation techniques and interpersonal effectiveness. Participants will be asked to do an activity and role play to demonstrate mastery of these skills.

Jackson/Adams B “Learning From My Inner Voice: Personal Writing for Self-Care, Healing, and Insight” Rose McCorkle, M.Ed. Retired Educator, NAMI Austin Volunteer Austin, TX

For over two decades researchers have recognized the potential positive impact that short, personal writing activities can have on reducing stress, healing trauma, and an increased general sense of well-being (Pennybaker, 1997; Grossman et al., 2006). This workshop is for people who are curious to learn what their own psyches have to contribute to their healing process. We will explore different writing formats (journaling, the use of writing prompts, other forms of writing). Come and learn what your inner voice has to say in this fun, engaging, and safe introductory writing experience.

Madison “Mental Health & Housing: Where Are We & Where Are We Going?” Tanya Lavelle, MPAff (Public Affairs), Senior Manager of Advocacy at Easter Seals Central Texas Austin, TX CEUs Available

One of the biggest barriers to recovery for individuals experiencing mental illness is housing. Without supportive and affordable housing, independence and wellness are out of reach. In 2014, Easter Seals Central Texas conducted the INTEGRATE Housing! Project, an in-depth housing survey to understand the needs of people experiencing mental illness. Done in partnership with the Texas Center for Disability Studies, the project aimed to identify the housing needs of this

population and to provide evidence-based policy recommendations that the state can use in moving forward to improve housing outcomes. This presentation will delve deeply into the project’s identified challenges that individuals experiencing mental illness face when trying to secure housing, and how they can be addressed. Participants will learn about current housing programs, best practice models for supportive housing across the country, and relevant housing issues that arose during the 84th legislative session.

Hamilton “Ending the Silence Part 2, How Your NAMI Affiliate Can Make the Biggest Difference in the Future” Jim Wintle Director, NAMI Dallas ETS Program Dallas, TX

This presentation will build on NAMI National’s guidelines for establishing an Ending the Silence program. Based on experiences in the Dallas area, Jim will share helpful strategies for building a successful ETS program in communities of varying sizes, ranging from small rural settings to large, urban areas with multiple school districts and private schools.

A panel of NAMI Texas Affiliate representatives from NAMI Austin, NAMI Denton County, and NAMI Dallas which currently have ETS up and running will share their experiences. Included in the presentation will be current statistics and sample materials generated by the Dallas program, as well as a synopsis of the strategic plan for the Dallas program.

SPECIAL EVENT

4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Madison “More Laughter Yoga” Dana Mildebrath, certified Laughter Yoga Leader and free-lance writer Dallas, TX

2015 marks the 20th anniversary of Laughter Yoga. Laughter Yoga is a unique practice based on the idea of “laughing for no reason.” It


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does not rely on jokes or humor -- it combines fun and easy laughter exercises, simple yogic breathing techniques, and gentle stretching and movement. No special equipment is needed, and no yoga experience is required. All you need is a willingness to laugh.


6:30 pm DINNER

Lincoln East Ballrooom John Dornheim, NAMI Texas Board President

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: “Brian’s Story: The Recovery and Renaissance of Brian Cuban” Brian Cuban, JD Dallas, TX

Brian is an attorney, activist, person in recovery, author of the best-selling autobiographical book, “Shattered Image: My Triumph Over Body Dysmorphic Disorder,” and a keynote speaker who is working to get others into recovery. Brian is also a younger brother of Dallas Maverick’s Owner Brian Cuban, and is the president of the Brian Cuban Foundation.

Brian’s story is one that needs to be told – how perseverance can eventually lead to recovery and a better life. He leads us down the path from body dysmorphia as a child to eating disorders, steroid use, plus alcohol and drug use in later life. Along the way, Brian also dealt with major depressive disorder, which led to suicidal ideation, three failed marriages, and not a lot of hope. But his family was still there for him – and is still there for him today. Brian brings hope to people all over the country with his frank talks to university students, mental health professionals and anyone who will listen to his story of great despair…and the joys and gifts that come with recovery.

8:00 a.m. Lincoln East Ballrooom NAMI Texas ANNUAL MEETING: Breakfast and Program John Dornheim, NAMI Texas Board President

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: “Building NAMI: Bigger, Stronger, Better” Bob Litschi, senior business leaders and consultant Austin, TX and Adrienne Kennedy, M.Ed., current NAMI Director and NAMI Austin past president Austin, TX

Our task is huge and our passion is even bigger. Grassroots always. Building robust healthy affiliates is the vehicle for NAMI to further NAMI’s impact into every sector of our communities, locally and across the state. Adrienne and Bob will speak about the accelerators that can be implemented by each affiliate that will shorten the time to become bigger, stronger, and better.

SPECIAL EVENT

9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Lincoln West Ballroom Mental Health Channel.TV, a live demonstration of a new mental health resource for your community

9:30 a.m. 5th Break-out Session

Washington/Adams A “If I Had Another Chance…” Helen Coffey, advocate, author Oklahoma City, OK and Jackie Mashore, BS Science Education Oklahoma City, OK CEUs Available

My daughter courageously battled undiagnosed and untreated borderline personality disorder (BPD) until she died by suicide at the age of 38. Her story represents the trials that face many people in the general public. My daughter was valuable to her family, her community, and America, and her


Saturday, October 24th

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untimely death drives me to discuss topics that might prevent other such tragedies. Hind sight is a valuable learning tool, and I hope that mine may make a difference for others who wish to support their loved ones. If only I had another chance to recognize early onset of mental illness, know the criteria for various mental illnesses, find effective physicians and treatments, be a better advocate, and obtain support. These urgent matters need be addressed before we lose another valuable and precious person.

Jackson/Adams B “Ask the Doc” Brandy Gallien, MD Dallas, TX CEUs Available

Madison “Taking It to the Next Level: The Potential Benefits of Public-Private Partnerships” Lillian Aguirre Ortiz, MSW One Voice Texas Houston, TX and Ann MacLeod, MA Clinical Psychology, LPC-S, NCC Program Director, CIRT, the Harris County Center for Mental Health and IDD Houston, TX and Sgt. Steve Wick, Master Peace Officer Homeless Outreach Team, Houston Police Dept Houston, TX CEUs Available

The Houston Police Department’s (HPD) Mental Health Division and the Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority (MHMRA) of Harris County, both public agencies, have developed a successful collaboration between law enforcement and behavioral health professionals that pools resources to minimize silos while streamlining the delivery of services and improving outcomes to more adequately address individuals in behavioral health crises.

As has occurred around the nation, local budgetary constraints paired with reduced federal funding have forced HPD and MHMRA of Harris County to explore private funding options to maintain

and expand these best practices. In an effort to diversify funding streams and increase capacity for these programs, these two entities worked with One Voice Texas, a non-profit collaborative of organizations working to ensure that the health and human services needs of all Texans are addressed, to develop a public-private partnership with several local private philanthropic organizations.

Hamilton “Implementing NAMI’s Newer Non-signature Programs” Lauren Greenstein, Communications Coordinator, NAMI Arlington, VA

Learn about the many current non-signature programs available for NAMI affiliates to use and share in their communities. If you are interested in learning what these innovative programs have to offer, please join us for this interactive demonstration. Embrace the opportunity to be one of the first groups to learn about the brand new stigma free campaign and what it will entail. Discover NAMI’s story sharing platforms, ‘Ok2Talk’ and ‘You are Not Alone’ and the differences between the two. Learn how to use the new NAMI AIR app. Identify how to access all of the helpful information NAMI’s extranet has to offer. Check out the brand new NAMI FaithNet webpage and the resources available for faith communities. Engage and be more involved with youth and young adults through Ending the Silence, Say it Out Loud, and NAMI on Campus.

Jefferson

“My Black Box – Flights of Bipolar” Michelle Murphy, Owner, Murphy & Nicole, LLC Houston, TX

Since 2002, Michelle has received treatment for bipolar disorder. Not one of her psychiatrists or counselors ever asked her what goes on during her psychotic episodes. Until now, there has been no written record of what she went through. Then, she discovered that if she locked her psychotic thoughts away in a secret place inside her – in her “black box” - and left them there, that she could cope with everyday life. There is a black box


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that sits in the cockpit of every plane, waiting to tell the story of what happened when the plane spiraled out of control. Michelle is telling that story. Michelle’s counselor had this to say, “A few years ago, someone dear and precious to me took her life. For most of her life, she struggled with bipolar, schizophrenia and alcoholism. I wish [the book] My Black Box by Michelle Murphy had been available.”

SPECIAL EVENT during Break

10:30 a.m.- 10:20 a.m

Madison “Introduction to Laughter Yoga” Kelly Hollis, MS, MBA, biomedical engineer and certified Laughter Yoga Leader Dallas, TX

Laughter Yoga is a unique practice based on the idea of “laughing for no reason.” It does not rely on jokes or humor – it combines fun and easy laughter exercises, simple yogic breathing techniques, and gentle stretching and movement. No special equipment is needed, and no yoga experience is required. All you need is a willingness to laugh.

11:00 a.m. 6th Break-out Session

Washington/Adams A “Maintaining Eligibility for SSDI” Robert Hager, JD Houston, TX CEUs Available

Acting Commissioner of SSA Carolyn Colvin informed the Senate that the agency would increase the number of full medical CDRs to 790,000, a 50 percent increase from FY 2014. A Continuing Disability Review (CDR) determines whether an individual continues to meet the SSA disability requirements. SSA reviews the individual’s prior favorable decision to identify signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings related to the individual’s impairments and compares them to the current findings. If SSA concludes that medical improvement sufficient to allow work has occurred, benefits can be terminated. The absence of documentation by the treating psychiatrist of the functional limitations caused

by an individual’s symptoms can result in a finding that improvement has occurred when it has not. The absence of this documentation is the rule, not the exception. This presentation will detail what documentation is required to prove continuing disability and how to work with your provider to achieve it.

Jackson/Adams B “Cognitive Enhance Therapy” Sarah Aberg, LCSW, certified CET Trainer Dallas, TX CEUs Available

My job as a Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET) trainer is to educate CET Coaches about the biological and developmental components of Serious Mental Illness and how to identify and target core aspects of cognitive functioning such as attention, memory and problem solving. Over the course of about 14 months, CET coaches learn how to 1) identify appropriate CET group members, 2) conduct an initial interview, 3) develop individualized treatment and coaching plans, 4) participate in and coach weekly computer trainings, and 5) conduct social cognition groups designed to foster recovery in cognitive processing and social cognition for individuals with serious mental illnesses.

Madison “84th Session: Legislative Advocacy Lessons” Greg Hansch, MSW, NMI Texas Public Policy Director Austin, TX

An overview will be provided of the gains and losses for mental health advocates in the 84th Texas Legislative Session. Participants will be provided an in-depth look at NAMI Texas’ initiatives, including the tactics and strategies that NAMI Texas pursued. The audience will be encouraged to provide feedback on the last legislative session, as well as suggestions for issues to address for the interim and 85th session. The presenter will share his perspective on potential future policy initiatives. Basic advocacy skills will be taught to empower the audience to increase involvement and efficacy. The audience will leave with greater


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knowledge of recent policymaking, advocacy skills, and action steps for the interim and next legislative session.

Hamilton “Building Collaborations” Cynthia Cunningham, NAMI Waco Executive Director Waco, TX and Jody Schulz, BA Criminal Justice, NAMI Brazos Valley Executive Director Brenham, TX

Practices, ideas and suggestions for building collaborations with community organizations and institutions will be shared. Examples include university and community colleges, school districts, truancy judges and probation officers. With these connections, affiliates can develop relationships that will not only allow them to connect with the public, but also build funding for signature programs. By establishing these relationships, networking for volunteers for NAMI is opened up.

Jefferson “Borderline Personality Disorder: Awareness, Support, Skills & Hope” Shannon Lenahan, Life Coach trained in DBT, NEA-BPD Family Connections Leader Houston, TX and Elizabeth Rose, advocate, NEA-BPD Family Connections Leader Katy, TX CEUs Available

In this hour, two family members who teach the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEA-BPD) Family Connections course will explain how BPD affects both those with the disorder and their families. They will demystify BPD and explain that BPD involves severe difficulties in regulating emotions, and with effective treatment people do recover. NEA.BPD developed this 12-week “Family Connections” course for family members to provide support and education with a heavy emphasis on skills training. Skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy are taught in the class to improve the coping of family members and enhance their relationships with their loved one.

The presenters will demonstrate how to reduce emotional suffering, create balance in your life by learning the importance of self-care, relationship effectiveness tools, and how to keep yourself from going into crisis with your loved-one. The presenters will share their experiences and their long journey from despair to hope.

12 noon Exhibits close Please return your completed Evaluation Forms to the Registration Desk area

SPECIAL EVENTS

12 noon Washington/Adams A Q&A on Getting Initial Disability Benefits Robert Hager, JD

12:15 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Madison “How to Start a Laughter Yoga Club / Practice” Kelly Hollis, MS, MBA, biomedical engineer and certified Laughter Yoga Leader Dallas, TX

Laughter Yoga is a unique practice based on the idea of “laughing for no reason.” It does not rely on jokes or humor -- it combines fun and easy laughter exercises, simple yogic breathing techniques, and gentle stretching and movement. No special equipment is needed, and no yoga experience is required. All you need is a willingness to laugh.


2015 marks the 20th anniversary of Laughter Yoga. Started by Madan Kataria, MD and his yoga teacher wife, Madhuri, at Mumbai Park in India, today there are thousands of Laughter Clubs in more than 72 countries. For more information, visit www.laughteryoga.org.

NAMI Texas Board Meeting

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Eisenhower I


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Exhibitors

Award Winners 2015

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Charley Shannon Advocate for Justice Award

Sr. Corporal Herbert Cotner

Betty Fulenwider Media Award

Mike Barajas

Mental Health Professional of the Year

Dr. Octavio N. Martinez, Jr.

Volunteer of the Year

Finis Hay

Mark Korenek Consumer Quality of Life Award

Teena Adler-Roberts

Jackie Shannon Enduring Volunteer Award

To be announced at the Awards Program

Exhibitors

Award Winners 2015

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Hotel

A Special Thanks to

A Special Thanks to Amerigroup and Optum as our Gold Sponsors

Correct Care for giving $500 for the Consumer Council Business Lunch.

Value Options for sponsoring the pre-conference Movie Night.

Lonnie & Andrea Hazlitt for the scholarships for individuals living with mental illness.

Green Oaks Hospital for printing the 2015 Conference program and the 2014 Annual Report.

KeLaine Kvale of Achievement Through the Arts for donating her original painting for the raffl e.

Will Nash for graphic design of the program and signs.

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Hotel

A Special Thanks to

A Special Thanks to Amerigroup and Optum as our Gold Sponsors

Schedule at a GlanceFriday, October 23rd

7 a.m. Registration Opens

7:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast

8 a.m. Exhibits Open

8:30 a.m. Welcome

9 a.m. KEYNOTE ADDRESS

10:15 a.m. 1st Breakout Session (1 hour)

Family Engagement: Excellence in Caregiving and High Functioning Outcomes After Mental Illness Diagnosis

Peers Helping Peers

Integration of Mental Health Clinicians in Law Enforcement CIT Programs

ASK To Save A Life

Exploring Art Expression & Creativity

11:15 a.m. LUNCH (on your own)

11:30 a.m. NAMI Texas Consumer Council Business meeting

12:30 p.m. 2nd Breakout Session (1 hour)

From the Couch to the Bus Depot to the Mall to Work: The Milestones of Adjustment Post-Psychosis (MAPP) Recovery Model

Ten Great Apps for Mental Health

Assisting Responders During a Crisis

Mental Health First Aid Benefits NAMI Affiliates

1:30 - 6:30 p.m. Artful Expressions – an exhibition

1:30 p.m. BREAK

1:45 p.m. 3rd Breakout Session (1 hour)

Recognizing Stress and How To Cope With It

Cultivating Mindfulness

How Can I Help Ensure A Safe Outcome When Calling The Police?

Ending the Silence Part1- the Program

2:45 p.m. BREAK

3:15 p.m. 4th Breakout Session (1 hour)

Mindful Communication – Using Mindfulness To Enhance Communication and Relationships

Learning From My Inner Voice: Personal Writing for Self-Care, Healing, and Insight

Mental Health and Housing: Where We Are and Where We’re Going

Ending the Silence Part 2 – How Your NAMI Affiliate Can Make the Biggest Difference in the Future

4:15 p.m. Introduction to Laughter Yoga (30 to 45 min)

6:30 p.m. Dinner Served

Saturday, October 24th

8 a.m. NAMI Texas Annual Meeting Breakfast & Program (1.5 hr)

9:30 a.m. 5th Breakout Session (1 hour)

If I Had Another Chance

Ask the Doc

Taking It To The Next Level: The Potential Benefits of Public-Private Partnerships

Implementing NAMI’s newer Non-signature Programs

My Black Box: Flights of Bipolar Psychosis

9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Mental Health Channel.TV

10:30 a.m. BREAK

11:00 a.m. 6th Breakout Session (1 hour)

How To Avoid An Undeserved Termination of SSA Benefits

Cognitive Enhancement Therapy

84th Session: Legislative Advocacy Lessons

Building Collaborations

NEA-BPD Family Connections For Awareness, Support, Skills and Hope

Noon Return Evaluation forms

Exhibits Close

Q&A on Getting Initial Disability Benefits

12:15 p.m. How to Start a Laughter Yoga Club, Laughter Yoga Practice (30 to 45 min)

1 - 3 p.m. NAMI Texas Board Meeting

Pre-conference Movie Night double feature: “Home” and “Dark Side of the Full Moon” both shown at 7:30 and 9 pm.

Book Nook – purchase conference speakers’ books and get author’s signature at NAMI Texas exhibit table