Feed your soul, Lift your spirit, and Enjoy the moment | National Association of Case Management on Glue Up

Event Highlights

The National Association of Case Management's 28th Annual Conference is the leading networking event for Case Managers and Service Coordinators across the county.

The National Association of Case Management is the premier, not-for-profit national voice for Case Manager and Service Coordinators. Members are part of a network of practicing professionals who are advocates for community-based case management systems, who share ideas and work to minimize bureaucratic barriers, promote high ethical standards, support career growth, and promote the vitality and the professional image of case management and service coordination.

Make an Impact by participating at the National Association of Case Management's 28th Annual Case Management Conference!

Reach hundreds of Case Managers.
Create personal contact with attendees to advance your mission and brand identification.
Interact with new sectors outside your typical marketing reach.
Inform the field about your services/products.
Generate valuable contacts with social service professional throughout the country.
Recruit new talent to advance your workforce.
Be top of mind and stay ahead of your competition.
Conduct targeted market research.
Show your support to the Case Management Profession.

Who attends the National Association of Case Management Conference?

Direct Case Managers
Aging and Adult Services
Early Intervention
Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
Mental Health
Nursing
Other Case Management
Supervisors
Administrators

Here's what people are saying after attending in Atlantic City!

This opportunity allowed me to gain valuable knowledge as well as make connections that will further support professional development.
It was great to meet others and network and learn about new services I can use daily.
I will be able to use some of the skills in my daily work by being able to ask questions to the people served better and more openly.
Hearing other case managers share their experiences was very helpful. I took notes on how colleagues across the country deal with challenging situations.
Every day I experienced a workshop that greatly impacted me.

Please check back often to see exciting additions to the Agenda and Speakers

Crowne Plaza information

NACM has a limited number of rooms available at a discount. The discount expires on September 19, 2023. Click here to make a reservation at the discounted rate.

https://book.passkey.com/e/50414029

Alternatively, reservations can be made by calling 877-408-9661 and use group code CMZ.

Agenda

October 3, 2023
October 4, 2023
October 5, 2023

October 3, 2023

Main Schedule

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Yoga

Start your day with some relaxation. (Bring your own mat.)

Jelitza Motta

Join Jelitza every morning for Yoga

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Breakfast

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Conference Opening Remarks

9:15 AM - 10:15 AM

Keynote Speaker

Leading with Your WHY: Creating Conditions that Allow Mental and Physical Health for Children and Families

Dr. Brian Dinkins

Dr. Brian Dinkins is the author and creator of Emotionally - Inclusive Practices, motivational speaker and international education consultant for the Center for Empowering Education, where he leads as CEO. Brian also serves as an assistant professor at Butler University, where he serves as director of the Experiential Program for Preparing School Principals (EPPSP). He performed poorly in high school, graduating with a 1.9gpa but went on to earn a B.A. from Purdue University, where he played football for the Big Ten Champion Boilermakers. In addition, he completed two master’s degrees, Ed.S, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Ball State University. Dr. Dinkins has served as turnaround principal in four high-poverty schools, including traditional, charter, and private schools, and has committed his work to serve children, partners, and communities in need.

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM

Morning Break

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Breakout Sessions

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Lunch

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

Breakout Sessions

2:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Afternoon Break

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Breakout Sessions

Administration & Management 1

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Communicating with Emotional Intelligence

A significant barrier to effective communication is the human tendency to focus only on one’s own perspective. Conversations that are approached with humility and intentionality enables communicators to see topics more completely. Practicing empathic conversation skills and forming them into habits produces more desirable outcomes for all involved parties.

Dylan Black

Dylan Black, CCM, is an Onboarding, Outreach, and Quality Analyst for Mental Health Services with Service Access & Management, Inc. in Pennsylvania. He has been employed with SAM for 11 years. In his current role, Dylan has developed several in house tools to measure and report on line staff’s meeting quality and service delivery standards. His secondary focus has been on employee engagement and communication. Dylan has been deeply involved with integrating workflow and user experience design to promote quality service delivery and documentation. Dylan received his Master’s in Business Administration from Penn State University and his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Cedarville University. Dylan Black is also a Certified Case Manager through CCMC.

Steven Rumberger

Steve Rumberger, BA, is an Onboarding, Outreach, and Quality Supervisor for the Mental Health Service Line at Service Access & Management in Pennsylvania. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Administration of Justice from the Pennsylvania State University, with a minor in Sociology. He has been working for SAM since 2009, and began as a Children’s Resource Coordinator before transitioning to Crisis Intervention, and a leadership role as a BCM Supervisor. Steve’s current duties include recruiting and onboarding case management staff, while ensuring that they have proper training and preparation to effectively provide service to the community.

Administration & Management 2

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

The Seven Elements of an Effective Compliance Program

This presentation will be useful to anyone seeking to understand how to design, implement, and manage the day-to-day operations of an effective compliance program in order to ensure compliance efforts are effective and meaningful for their organization.

Chris Ambrose

Chris Ambrose has been the Compliance Officer at SAM since 2011 and has been an employee at SAM since 2002. Chris is dually certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) and Healthcare Privacy Compliance (CHPC) by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration with a minor in Social Welfare and a Master of Business Administration. Chris is also a member of the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA).

Marie Gehringer

Marie Gehringer has been in the Compliance Department at SAM since 2016 and has been an employee at SAM since 1993. Marie is certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) and working toward certification in the Healthcare Privacy Compliance (CHPC) by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB). She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Service. Marie is also a member of the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA).

Case Management Skills 1

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Mental Health and Criminal Justice Issues

The increasing number of individuals with mental health and substance use conditions in the criminal justice system has enormous fiscal, health, and human costs. Diverting individuals with mental health and substance use conditions away from jails and prisons and toward more appropriate and culturally competent community-based mental health care should be an essential component of national, state, and local strategies to provide people the supports they need and to eliminate unnecessary involvement in the juvenile and criminal justice systems.

Traynesha Allen

Traynesha Allen is a Social Worker with five years of experience working for Resources for Human Development, three as an intensive Case Manager. Traynesha received a BSW at Temple University and is currently studying at Widener University for her MSW. Traynesha specializes in the field of case management and is responsible for linking, monitoring, and providing an array of support to individuals with serve and persistent mental health conditions, while experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. Traynesha is a powerful force in the workplace and uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. She is devoted to making effective connections while encouraging growth to all that she encounters. Traynesha is inspired daily by her six year old daughter and the community that he aims to serve. In her free time, Traynesha enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends.

Ashley Yanni

Ashley Yanni has a Master's degree in Social Work from Temple University and is a Licensed Social Worker. Ashley is a Targeted Case Management supervisor at RHD FaSST/Connections and specializes in mental health with those experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. She partners with Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP) in their SOAR program to connect individuals with income, helps recruit and train new and emerging case managers, and facilitates a weekly women's recovery group. Ashley is passionate about advocacy, social justice, and navigating the legal system.

1:15 PM - 3:15 PM

Fieldworker Safety Training (Scenario Based Learnng)

This training provides guidance to staff in terms of enhancing awareness, assessment, and intervention skills necessary for work in the field. It is intended to enhance staff’s ability to identify potential dangers and minimize risk to the personal safety of both staff and their clients in a variety of settings. This training addresses verbal de-escalation strategies for use in preventing a potentially dangerous situation from escalating into physical confrontation/violence.

Ron Frederick

Ron Frederick is the Director of Safety and Security for Service Access and Management (SAM), Inc. He came to this position with over 20 years of experience in law enforcement, having spent seven years as a Detective/Sergeant, eight years as Chief of Police, and 15 years as a use of force instructor. He served for 13 years on the Dauphin County Crisis Response Team (SWAT), including five years as a Specialty Teams Leader. Additionally, he spent seven years as a member of the Dauphin County Joint Investigative Team, working closely with Children and Youth Services and the District Attorney’s Office to investigate reports of child abuse. Ron has been an adjunct instructor/trainer at the Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) Police Academy for 11 years and teaches courses on Patrol Vehicle Operations, Mechanics of Arrest, Tactical Firearms, Recognizing Special Needs, and Scenario Trainings. In his current position, he developed a scenario-based training program for human services caseworkers throughout Pennsylvania. Ron and his team developed an Act of Violence Response training, Drug and Alcohol Awareness program, and assisted in developing SAM’S De-escalation and Safety Training (DST) program.

Sandi Bellis

Sandi Bellis, B.A., is a Personal Safety Trainer for Service Access & Management, Inc. Sandi’s role is to provide De-escalation and Safety training and C&Y worker safety training. Sandi holds a BA in Criminal Justice and had worked for Tioga County (PA) Human Services for 27 years. She held the position of Director of Residential Services, in that position she was responsible for the residential treatment and secure detention programs as well as foster care, Independent Living, and several other C&Y programs. Sandi has been certified as a Casework Supervisor through the CWRC (Child Welfare Resource Center), Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Trainer (TCI), Safe Crisis Management Trainer (SCM) and she is a federally accredited PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) Auditor for juvenile facilities.

Hyung Kim

Hyung Kim is the Personal Safety Trainer at Service Access and Management, Inc. Hyung is responsible for the De-Escalation & Safety program. He has over 40 years in Martial Arts skills and holds 7th Degree Senior Master Instructor credentials in two disciplines. He has been an instructor of Personal Safety/Defensive Tactics for past 20 years in corporate and private setting prior to joining SAM Inc. He serves as Adjunct Instructor/Trainer in Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics and Mechanics of Arrest at the Harrisburg Police Academy. Hyung is currently a full time Police Officer in the Harrisburg Area.

Caroline Weber

Carrie Weber is a Personal Safety Trainer for Service Access and Management (SAM), Inc. She is responsible for De-escalation and Safety Training, Scenario Training, First Aid and CPR, Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training, Interview Training, and is part of the Case Closure Mitigation Team for Older Adult Protective Services. She retired as a Sergeant from a police department in Cumberland County. During her career as a police officer, she oversaw all criminal investigations in her department and was the lead investigator of all major crimes, to include homicide, domestic violence, rape, and crimes against children. Additionally, Carrie was the primary crime scene processor. She was a member of the Cumberland County Drug Task Force, and also assisted the Attorney General’s Office as a Tactical Flight Officer. She participated in the Cumberland County update of the MDIT protocol. For the past ten (10) years, she has served as Adjunct Instructor/Trainer at the Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) Police Academy in Defensive Tactics, Physical Fitness, Admissions & Confessions, First Aid and CPR, and Scenarios.

Case Management Skills 2

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

High-Risk Behaviors and Suicidality in Adolescents

This presentation will explore the connection between high-risk behaviors and suicidality in adolescents. We will look at factors that may influence adolescents to engage in risky behaviors. We will review tools, resources, and interventions case managers can utilize to assess and address high risk behaviors and suicidality.

Darnethia Cunningham

Darnethia Cunningham received her master’s degree in social work at Salisbury University and undergraduate degree in Social Work at Shepherd University. She has been working in the mental health field for over eight years, helping and empowering many individuals in their day-to-day lives. Darnethia began working as a case manager three years ago at SAM. She works diligently to continue advocating for community change and to leave clients better off.

Tiffany Jarvis

Tiffany Jarvis received her master’s degree in social work at Salisbury University and undergraduate degree in social work at Shepherd University. She has been working in the mental health field for over eight years, helping and empowering many individuals and their families in their day-to-day lives, while also working for change within the community. Tiffany began working in the case management realm almost three years ago at SAM. She recently accepted a position within SAM working with justice involved individuals and works diligently to continue advocating for community change and working to leave clients better off.

Case Management Skills 3

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Environmental Justice and Global Climate Change: Implications for Case Management

This workshop will explore how the environment impacts physical and mental health and quality of life. The principle of environmental justice and the effects of global climate change on social determinants of health will be discussed in the context of case management practice and roles.

Catherine Breneman

Catherine Breneman is an Assistant Professor of Social Work and Director of Field Education at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland and social work consultant at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She earned her M.S.W. at West Virginia University and Ph.D. in social work at the University of Pittsburgh.

Case Management Skills 4

No Scheduled items for this day

Case Management Skills 5

No Scheduled items for this day

Clinical Skills

No Scheduled items for this day

Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Using Technology to Advance Person-Centered Planning

Imagine a person-centered plan that is fully integrated into a person’s life and can be used every day by the person and their supports. Learn how you can put person-centered planning back in the hands of the person with a “living” document that is always available and always updatable.

Melissa Richards

Dr. Melissa Richards has over 30 years of experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, severe behavior disorders, and psychiatric disorders. After serving as the Director of Behavior Services for The Columbus Organization for 15 years, she is currently the Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations for The Columbus Organization. She oversees all quality and compliance programs in an effort to ensure meaningful outcomes for people. She also leads the effort to develop new models of care to support people with the most complex needs.

Juana King

Juana’ King was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN. In 2013, she obtained her BS in Sociology, Martin University-IN. She is enrolled at IUPUI working towards her MSW, LCSW, Spring 2025. Her passion is advocating for others. She has 17 years’ experience working with individuals diagnosed with IDD. After being a Program Director for Supervised Group Living and Adult Day Program, she began working with The Columbus Organization as a Medicaid Wavier Case Manager for Indiana & NJ. In 2019, she was promoted to Quality Enhancement Coordinator and in 2022 to Director of Quality Assurance for Indiana.

Engagement Skills

No Scheduled items for this day

Hot Topics/Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

Everyone Enhances Our World: Building Inclusive Workplaces

This presentation will provide an overview and importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Attendees will hear how a small group of employees embarked on a journey of creating an inclusive workplace. Specifically, presenters will share how to initiate and communicate an organizational commitment to practices that support ALL employees.

Rachel Bernini, DSW, LSW

Rachel Bernini, DSW, LSW serves as the Director of People Operations at Service Access & Management (SAM). Rachel has served in various roles at SAM since 2012 with previous experience in county government social services. Rachel’s educational background is in social work, and she has almost 20 years’ experience in case management supporting various populations. Rachel has used her educational background, experience, and commitment to service to expand into the field of human resources and is currently a member of the Society for Human Resource Management. Rachel serves on SAM’s DEI Team and is committed to creating inclusive workplaces.

Rebekah Super

Rebekah Super, BS serves as the AE Support Manager at Service Access & Management (SAM). Rebekah has almost ten (10) years’ experience working within the human services field. Rebekah has primarily served within the field of developmental and intellectual disabilities with a background in direct service, case management, and leadership. In addition to her current role, Rebekah has served on SAM’s DEI Team since its inception and is committed to creating and supporting inclusive environments.

Hot Topics 1

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

Leveraging Technology to Increase Accessibility to Services

The landscape of Human Services has changed drastically in the last three (3) years. More individuals and families are seeking services and the field is experiencing an unprecedented staffing crisis. Many employers are struggling to fill vacancies resulting in long delays in service delivery. Providers are challenged to find new methods of providing services to larger numbers of individuals with fewer resources. By leveraging technology, providers can begin to connect with more people, provide services to those who do not typically engage in services, and revolutionize how case management services are provided.

Jill Beveridge, M.Ed.

Jill Beveridge is the Director of Mental Health Services at Service Access & Management, Inc. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences from Penn State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from Temple University. She has over 19 years of experience in the Mental Health field, including experience overseeing programs such as; Adult Partial Hospitalization, Outpatient Services, Peer Support Services, Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Crisis Residential, and Blended Case Management.

Hot Topics 2

No Scheduled items for this day

Hot Topics/Health & Wellness 1

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Solutions Suite for Health and Recovery through Tools, Training, and Technical Assistance

This session presents the Solutions Suite for Health and Recovery, containing 19 free tools, curricula, and implementation manuals for programs that improve health, wellness, and recovery. Each free tool is downloadable and accompanied by an introductory podcast, training webinar, and access to free technical assistance regarding its adoption.

Judith Cook

Dr. Judith Cook, PhD, director of the Center for Mental Health Services Research and Policy, is a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Illinois Chicago. She is an internationally recognized authority on mental health services research, specifically the study of clinical and rehabilitation outcomes of children and adults receiving community-based care. She designs and implements innovative programs to enhance the health and behavioral health of vulnerable populations. She consults with federal, state, and local authorities on behavioral health service system redesign and alternative financing. In her role as Center Director, Dr. Cook oversees all of its educational and training activities including curricular design, webinars, podcasts, and conference presentations.

Sam Shore, MSW, LMSW

Sam Shore, MSW, LMSW, has been active in community mental health and psychiatric rehabilitation for more than 40 years, promoting self-determination, independence, and recovery for people living with serious mental illness. For 3 decades, he worked within the Texas state mental health authority, directing the state’s Community Mental Health Services Division, the Center for Policy and Innovation, and Mental Health Systems Transformation. As a Principal at TriWest Consulting Group, he works with State and County governments and local system leaders to assess their systems of care and enhance their ability to create and finance innovative services. He serves as the Director of the UIC Academy for Policymakers in the Center for Mental Health Services Research and Policy,

Hot Topics/Health & Wellness 2

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Question, Persuade, Refer: QPR Gatekeeper Training

Far too many people have been personally impacted by suicide. In this training, we will offer information on the warning signs and clues which may help to offer early intervention for those who may be thinking about suicide. Just as we would use CPR for medical emergencies, QPR can be used for mental health emergencies to offer hope and resources to individuals in crisis.

Andrea Rosa

Andrea Rosa is the County Programs Service Line Director for the Eastern Region with SAM, Inc. She has been with SAM, Inc. for almost 16 years. She has been personally impacted by suicide and a member of a few Suicide Prevention Task Forces. She is a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology. She is also a graduate of St. Joseph’s University with a Masters in Criminal Justice and a concentration in Behavior Analysis. She is responsible for providing oversight for a variety of county-contracted services such as the Base Service Units, Forensic Programming, Provider Relations, and Housing Services in counties across the state. In 2021, she was certified as a QPR Gatekeeper Instructor to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

Jessica Michalchik

Jessica Michalchik is a Mental Health Correctional Counselor at Mifflin County Correctional Facility through SAM Inc. She is a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology. Prior to becoming the Mental Health Correctional Counselor, she was a MH Blended Case Manager since the start of her employment with SAM, Inc. in 2015. She will be certified as a QPR Gatekeeper Instructor in 2023.

Hot Topics/Health & Wellness 3

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

The Power of Emotionally-Inclusive Practices in Education and Youthwork

In this session we will explore Emotionally-Inclusive Practices, a framework used to integrate emotion into every part of the educational experience. Emotions lay the foundation for behavior that ground us in how we see the world and respond in our everyday interactions. Developing the emotional intelligence of adults and children across our implicit bias, culture consciousness, and understanding student and our own trauma give us the awareness and skills to create restorative communities that prioritize all relationships.

Dr. Brian Dinkins

Older Adult Services

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

The Rise in Homelessness in Older Adults

Amber Seawright and Elizabeth Donaghue from RHD CHOC, an emergency shelter program in Montgomery County, Pa discuss the increased rated in homelessness in older adults, evidenced by an increase in older adults in their own program and in national trends. Amber and Elizabeth will discuss the complex social, health and housing challenges faced when supporting older individuals experiencing homelessness, including health outcomes, lack of diverse housing options, and resistance toward long-term care options. Potential solutions for both housing and supporting unhoused older adults will also be presented.

Elizabeth Donaghue

Elizabeth Donaghue is the Residential Manager at RHD’s Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center in Montgomery County, Pa. Elizabeth received her Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Joseph’s University and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Millersville University. She began working in social services as a Resource Coordinator with RHD FaSST/Connections, providing behavioral health case management to individuals experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. Prior to entering the residential Manager position at RHD CHOC, Elizabeth worked as an Addiction Specialist at CHOC and served individuals staying in Montgomery County’s emergency shelter who were in recovery or active substance use.

Amber Seawright

Amber Seawright is the Case Management Supervisor of RHD’s Critical Time Intervention and Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center Programs in Montgomery PA. Amber first received her Associates Degree from the Community College of Philadelphia in Behavioral Health Human Services. Amber then received her Bachelor’s Degree from Drexel University in Behavioral Health Counseling. Amber started her career working with school aged children providing therapeutic support in their school setting and also autistic children providing ABA support. In 2017 Amber decided to make a career change and grew interest in supporting the homeless population. There Amber started working for CTI as a mobile CTI Specialist supporting clients that are homeless with a mental health diagnoses in Montgomery County. In 2018, CTI started to provide case management at the CHOC shelter where Amber became the Lead CTI Specialist at the CHOC. Amber was then promoted to Resource Coordinator at the CHOC. In February of 2021 Amber started her role as the Case Management Supervisor.

Peer Services

1:15 PM - 3:15 PM

Law Enforcement to Librarians, Urban to Rural: Peers Create Recovery Communities

Peers have created relationships with law enforcement, state corrections, jails, probation, parole, the airport authority, mental health/substance use providers, employers, landlords, librarians, bus drivers, hospitals, and neighborhood associations to form neighborhoods which support reentry, recovery, and prevention. Information will be presented within the framework of the Sequential Intercept Model.

Kasey Parker

Kasey Parker was hired in 2006 as the Associate Director of the Mental Health Association of Nebraska (MHA). In July 2016, she was promoted to Executive Director. Kasey has assisted in developing and implementing Nebraska’s first peer-directed and nationally accredited (CARF) programs. MHA is one of the largest peer-run organizations in the Midwest, employing approximately 60 Peer Specialists. MHA programs include: H.O.P.E. Supported Employment, the peer respite Keya House, and the law enforcement referral program. Kasey has worked with the Nebraska Department of Corrections, the Nebraska Parole Administration, and Nebraska State Probation to develop and implement peer operated re-entry services.

Ben Kopsa

Ben Kopsa is a Captain with the Lincoln Police Department where he leads the Behavioral Health Unit. Ben has also managed the Lincoln Emergency Communications Center and held numerous other assignments in his 15-year law enforcement career. Prior to his service in Lincoln, Ben served in the US Army as an enlisted Cavalry Scout, including a combat deployment. At LPD, Ben served on and later chaired the department’s peer support committee. Ben is married and has four children from 7 to 13 years of age. Ben enjoys gravel biking and is obsessive about riding new gravel routes throughout rural Nebraska.

Travis Parker

Travis Parker, M.S., L.I.M.H.P., C.P.C. is a Program Area Director with Policy Research Associates, providing training and technical assistance services that draw on his extensive experience as a provider of behavioral health services in correctional facilities, and on his administrative expertise in behavioral health and managed care organizations. He previously served as the Vice President of System Transformation and Director of Clinical Services for Magellan Behavioral Health of Nebraska. Prior to Magellan, he was the Deputy Director of the Community Mental Health Center of Lancaster County (CMHCLC), Nebraska and served as a Program Director at CMHCLC prior to this.

People Operations

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Creating Quizzes and Tests for Training Evaluation

Training needs to work! In order to communicate training results, learning and development (L&D) teams rely on strong assessment and evaluation techniques to determine training effectiveness. These include pre-training quizzes, in-course knowledge checks, and/or post-training tests to measure learning.
This workshop highlights fifteen (15) common item-writing errors during the development of quizzes, tests, and in-course knowledge checks that contribute to inaccurately measuring learning transfer.

Marc Maddy

Marc Maddy, MSW, LSW is the Director of Organizational Quality, Effectiveness, & Development at Service Access & Management, Inc. Marc is a career social worker with almost twenty (20) years of experience working in various human service organizations and over ten (10) years of learning and development experience. He is a member of the Association for Talent Development as well as the Learning Guild. Additionally, he is a participating member in the Learning Guild’s: Learning Leaders’ Alliance.

Primary Care Case Management

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

The GRAY area! Introduction of Behavioral Health Care Manager

Why is there a gray area of treatment between the physical healthcare team and the Behavioral healthcare team when we are treating one person? Let’s turn that gray area into one universal treatment plan created by a Behavioral Health Care Manager and utilized by the entire team to improve outcomes together and make the GRAY go AWAY! Behavioral Health Care Managers can provide the “bridge” of connection of services between Primary Care Physician (PCP) and psychiatrist by consultation and improvement of care distribution. Learn about a program that may reduce the wait for psychiatrists by utilizing PCP's to prescribe and manage Psychotropic medication management.

Carlique Copeland

Carlique Copeland is a Wellness Nurse for York/Adams county. She started with SAM in 2021. She has been a psychiatric nurse for 10 years. She started working in drug & alcohol detox/rehabs, mental health inpatient facilities and dual diagnosis programs. Working in this field has opened her eyes to looking at people from a different perspective. Mental health has been her passion. She is currently working towards many goals, specifically to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Outside of working as a nurse, she is a wife and mother to three amazing little ones. She loves cooking and hosting events with family and friends. What interested her the most about SAM was the vision. The vision phrase “Everyone we meet we leave better off”. Such a powerful statement and resonated with her so much. Since she started with SAM she has been welcomed, respected, & supported by many of the members of the SAM team.

Colleen Hauck

Colleen Hauck is a wellness nurse for Service Access & Management in Clarion County, Pennsylvania. She is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She has practiced nursing for over 20 years. Her background in nursing is mainly Psychiatric Nursing working with inpatient behavioral health patients from nurse to manager to director of new hospital units. Colleen was fortunate to travel to many different states and help to organize and restructure behavioral health units with the hopes to improve mental health care in communities. Her focus in life is to play a role in breaking the mental health stigma! She chose this position to continue working with behavioral health patients focusing on mental and physical wellness by implementing and promoting the Behavioral Health Home program through the insurance company Community Care Behavioral Health. Colleen just completed her first year at SAM and looks forward to many new learning opportunities. Her hobbies are buying and selling vintage clothing, antiquing, metal detecting and most recently spending time with her first grandchild.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

How practical healthcare strategies are improving patient outcomes

Join us for an engaging presentation on how Practical Healthcare strategies improve patient outcomes. Learn how to address social determinants of health through value-based motivational interviewing for a human-centered approach to care. Benefit from highly effective outcomes and practical tools to reduce healthcare costs.

Dr. Ryan Nazar, MD, CIME, EMHA, CLSSBB

"Dr. Nazar is a medical entrepreneur, performance improvement leader, and independent medical examiner. He graduated with High Honors Distinction in medicine from the University of Kentucky and did his neurosurgery residency at the University of Louisville. He is board certified in disability medicine. Dr. Nazar also has his Executive MHA and is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. He has served as the Chief Medical Officer of Surgical Labs, LLC, and as an executive director at Norton Healthcare, helping to establish the COVID Command Center. Dr. Nazar is now the owner and founder of Practical Health Care (PHC), focusing on connecting to his patient’s humanity above the connection to their patient-ness.

Productivity Management

No Scheduled items for this day

Trauma Informed Care 1

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Supporting the Grieving Process

The presentation is to address the role of case manager when planning for death. Topics discussed in this presentation will be to explore the benefits of preplanning; identifying and integrate services; and providing closure and supports after the person has passed away. Identify self-care practices for case managers.

Jackline Andrews

Jackline Andrews, has been a part of the SAM Inc team in the Supports Coordination department since 2014. During her career at SAM Inc., she has become certified as a Master Case Manager, completed the ODP Certified Investigator Program, and is currently a part of the Supports Coordinator Supervisory team. Jackie grew up in Abilene Texas and since her early teens has lead a life of servant leadership, always aspiring to help others be as independent as possible. Jackie graduated from McMurry University with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Art. She furthered her education by obtaining a Masters Degree in Family Psychology from Hardin Simmons University, later obtaining her LPC. While navigating through her educational career, Jackie provided support for individuals who were dealing with housing insecurities and homelessness at Abilene Hope Haven. After graduation, Jackie was involved with the foster care system, developing foster homes for children working through the foster system. Jackie had always had a calling for working with people with intellectual disabilities and those diagnosed with Autism. Through her career, she has provided support and assistance to many different populations of people who, in some capacity experienced death and dying.

1:15 PM - 3:15 PM

The Brain and Addiction: Opioids and Beyond

Opioid use has increased dramatically in the United States and across the globe. It is an issue for entire communities, not just professionals working in addiction medicine. This workshop will look at how opioids affect the human nervous system and human body. Specific pharmacologic interventions, especially methadone and buprenorphine, will be discussed in opioid addiction. Finally, the use of psychopharmacology to treat opioid withdrawal will be discussed.

Craig Strickland

Dr. Strickland graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1993 with a Doctorate in Psychology and a focus on experimental research and neuroscience. Past positions include a faculty position at the Medical College of Pennsylvania and affiliate faculty positions at Widener University and Springfield College. He currently has guest lecturer privileges at the Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, the Rutgers School of Social Work and an affiliate professor position at Thomas Jefferson University, East Fall Campus. Dr. Strickland is the owner of Biobehavioral Education and Consultation, LLC. And he loves teaching!

Trauma Informed Care 2

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Navigating Trauma, Grief, and Crisis with Adult Populations

When working with adult populations, trauma, crisis, and grief are re-occurring themes. In order for a practitioner to assist their population, they need to understand barriers and how those barriers interact with someone's wellness. Once understood, practitioners can start the process of helping someone heal themselves through traditional and modern practices.

Michael Gold

Michael Gold is the Clinical Manager for Resources for Human Development (RHD) “FaSST/Connections” Program. FaSST/Connections provides mental health case management within Philadelphia’s emergency shelters. Michael has worked in the field for fifteen years, starting as a case manager in the emergency shelter system, and then as one of the first intensive case managers specifically assigned to Philadelphia’s mental health residential transformation. His current role has him overseeing admissions, discharges and providing training to the unit. Aside from case management Michael also is trained to facilitate Male Trauma Recovery Empowerment Model Groups, which he does for various programs in Philadelphia.

Monay Graham

Monay Graham is a Resource Coordinator for Resources for Human Development (RHD) “FaSST/Connections” Program. FaSST/Connections provides mental health case management within Philadelphia’s emergency shelters. Monay locates and links participants to services specific to their individual needs; mostly surrounding their mental health and housing goals. Monay is also a trained Sexual Assault Counselor through Women Organized Against Rape (WOAR).

Trauma Informed Care 3

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Trauma-Informed Care for Organizations

This workshop will define what a traumatized organization is. It will look at how trauma affects the clients, workers, supervisors and administrators in organizations. It will look at how to implement trauma-informed care in an organization with a detailed look at Sandra Bloom’s Sanctuary Model. Lastly, it will look at key factors for staff training and the sustainability of this practice in organizations.

Lydia DeBiase, PhD, LCSW

Lydia DeBiase, Assistant Professor at Kutztown University’s Social Work Department. Her expertise includes trauma-informed care, child welfare, criminal justice, case management, and clinical supervision.

Youth Services

No Scheduled items for this day

Keynote Speakers and Presenters

Dr. Brian Dinkins

Katie Thomas

Nationwide Children's Hospital

Dr. Jenna Mehnert Baker, DPA, MSW, SHRM-CP

Judge Calvin Johnson

Retired Chief Judge at Orleans Parish Criminal District Court

Traynesha Allen

Intensive Case Manager at Resources for Human Development

Chris Ambrose

Compliance Officer at Service Access and Management, Inc.

Jackline Andrews

SC Supervisor at Service Access & Management

Kerry Arnold, MSW, LSW

Assistant Professor at Community College of Philadelelphia

Nicole Balulis

AE Support Manager at Service Access & Management Inc

Sandi Bellis

Personal Safety Trainer at Sam Inc

Rachel Bernini, DSW, LSW

Director of People Operations at Service Access & Management

Jill Beveridge, M.Ed.

Director of Mental Health Services at SAM

Dylan Black

Onboarding, Outreach and Quality Analyst at Service Access & Management

Ed Borsheim

ACE Supervisor at SAM, Inc

Catherine Breneman

Towson University

Bree Burkett

Blended Case Manager at SAM Inc.

Jenise Chisholm

Director of PMHCC Case Management

Phillip Clay, Ed.D.

Associate Professor at Kentucky State University

Judith Cook

Professor & Director of Center on Mental Health Services Research & Policy at University of Illinois at Chicago

Lauren Cooke

Corporate Director Care Coordination of Atlanticare

Carlique Copeland

Wellness Nurse at Service Access & Management

Darnethia Cunningham

Case worker at Service Access & Management

Lydia DeBiase, PhD, LCSW

Assistant Professor at Kutztown University

Elizabeth Donaghue

Residential Manager at RHD

Alice Fischer, MSS, LCSW

Doctoral Candidate at Kutztown University

Dennis Fisher

Retired Director of The Behavioral Health Training and Education Network

Ron Frederick

Director of Safety and Security at Service Access and Management

Janice Gasker

Professor/BSW Program Director of Kutztown University

Marie Gehringer

Compliance Director of Service Access & Management, Inc.

Michael Gold

TCM Supervisor at Resources for Human Development

Maria Gonzalez

Associate Clinical Social Worker at Special Service for Groups, Inc.

Jillian Gosselin

Regional Director of MH at Service Access & Management

Monay Graham

Resource Coordinator at Resources for Human Defelopment

Nicholas Grinnell

ACE Coordinator at Service Access & Management

Colleen Hauck

Wellness Nurse at SAM

Dr. Terrilyn Hickman-Allen

Assistant Professor at Community College of Philadelphia

Tiffany Jarvis

Social Worker/Blended Case Manager at Service Access & Management

Craig Johnston

Service Access and Management, Inc. Retired CEO of Service Access & Management

Ethan Jury

Intensive Case Manager at Resource for Human Development, Inc.

Hyung Kim

Safety trainer at SAM

Juana King

Director of Quality Assurance at Columbus Medical Services, LLC dba The Columbus Organization

Kate Knebels

Team Leader/Senior Case Management at PMHCC Case Management

Anthony Koam

Team Lead--Case manager at PMHCC Case Management

Ben Kopsa

Captain at Lincoln Police Department

Mary Ann Kowalonek

Chief Executive Officer at Service Access & Management, INc

Carol Kuprevich

Faculty Member at Wilmington University

Emily Laurent

OLTL Service Coordination Supervisor at Service Access & Management, Inc.

Whitney Lawrence

Assistant Professor/Targeted Case Manager at Indvidual

Nicole Lorenzetti

Onboarding, Outreach and Quality at SAM, Inc.

Alexandra Mac Innes

Blended Case Manager at Service Access & Management, Inc.

Marc Maddy

Director of Org. Quality, Effectiveness, & Development at Service Access & Management, Inc.

Jeffrey Marks

Clinical Officer, Retired at Service Access & Management, Inc.

Rebekka Matthews

Onboarding, Outreach and Quality Supervisor at Service Access & Management, Inc.

Maggie McCauliff

Blended Case Manager at Service Access and Management Inc.

Patrick McNeil, M.A.Ed.

Senior Paralegal at Homeless Advocacy Project

Myra McNeill

Learning Experience Manager at Service Access & Management

Jessica Michalchik

Blended Case Manager at Service Access & Management

Jelitza Motta

HR Strategic Partner at Service Access & Management, Inc.

Ervin Munro

Educator/Trainer/Consultant at Munro Consulting

Dr. Ryan Nazar, MD, CIME, EMHA, CLSSBB

CEO of Practical Health Care

Hailey Neal

Case Worker at Service Access & Management

Kasey Parker

Director of MHA - Nebraska

Travis Parker

Program Area Director of Policy Research Associates

James Peightel

Psychiatrist at RHD FaSST Connections

Veronica Pilon

Deputy Director of MH Services at Service Access & Management

Francess Register-Joyner

Retired at DBHIDS

Melissa Richards

Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations at The Columbus Organization

Andrea Rosa

County Programs Service Line Director - Eastern Region of Service, Access, & Management, Inc.

Steven Rumberger

Onboarding, Outreach and Quality Supervisor at Service Access & Management

Terri Salata

Director of Administrative Entity Support Services at Service Access and Management, Inc.

Joseph Salem

AE Support Manager at Service Access and Management, Inc.

Amber Seawright

Case Management Supervisor at RHD

Melissa Shingle

MH Northeast Regional Director of SAM Inc.

Sam Shore, MSW, LMSW

Principal at TriWest Consulting Group

Curtis Stanley

ACE Coordinator at SAM, Inc

Craig Strickland

Owner at Biobehavioral Education and Consultation

Rebekah Super

Supervisor/IDD at Service Access and Management Inc

Daniel Tice

OOQ at Service Access and Management Inc

Dr. John Vafeas

Chair of the Department of Social Work at Kutztown Univeristy

Lucia Vega

Lead Mental Health Case Manager at Hope Horizon

Melissa Wagaman

Blended Case Manager at Service Access and Management, Inc.

Caroline Weber

Service Access & Management

Mary Rita Weller

Dr./Assistant Professor at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

David Wilkinson

Case Management Director of Central Behavioral Health

Ashley Yanni

Resource Coordinator at Resources for Human Development

A career involving words was always in the cards for Katie Thomas, APR.

At age 2, she picked up a pen and wrote on the walls of the dining room. No piece of paper was safe from her scribbles.

Now, she uses the power of words in her job as senior manager of content initiatives and education partnerships at The On Our Sleeves Movement For Children’s Mental Health. On Our Sleeves, developed by Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, is on a mission to give free, evidence-based resources to communities across the United States. On Our Sleeves has reached more than 7 million people with free educational content since its inception in 2018.

Katie is dedicated to student and professional development. She mentors young professionals and high school and college students while also volunteering for various organizations, including serving as past president of Central Ohio Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), a member of the Franklin County Suicide Prevention Coalition and president of Cat Welfare Association. She has been recognized for her professional and community commitment by being named to Columbus Business First’s 40 Under 40 and getting inducted into the Public Relations Student Society of America Hall of Fame.

Katie received her bachelor’s degree from Otterbein University and her master’s degree from The Ohio State University. She also has her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). Katie is also a lecturer at The Ohio State University in the School of Communication.

Professor Jennifer Mehnert Baker started her career working in domestic violence, rape crisis, child welfare and juvenile probation. Building upon a generalist social work foundation, Professor Baker worked for the Mayor's Office of the Criminal Justice Coordinator in New York City where she oversaw the distribution of over 45 million dollars of federal grant dollars to community providers. In Washington DC, she worked for Mayor Williams before joining the National Children's Alliance to advance the children's advocacy model across the country. Returning home to Pennsylvania, Professor Baker held an appointed policy role within the Rendell Administration before becoming the Executive Director of the PA Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. While serving as the executive director of NASW-PA, Professor Baker worked diligently to secure title protection for social workers in the Commonwealth. NASW National recognized her contributions to the social work profession by recognizing her as the Outstanding Chapter Executive Director in 2011. Upon leaving the Commonwealth, Professor Baker led the New England Institute of Addiction Studies before becoming the Chief Executive Officer of a National Alliance on Mental Illness chapter. In this role, Professor Baker became a content expert in diversion approaches for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. She was appointed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police to serve on their blue-ribbon committee on mental illness and law enforcement that created the OneMind Campaign. Professor Baker had the honor of representing the entire national NAMI community. Additionally, she co-led a team to the 2016 National Stepping Up Summit which focused on how to reform the criminal justice system to prevent the incarceration of individuals for symptomatic behaviors. Professor Baker directly managed the statewide implementation of the CIT model with adherence to the national standards. The CIT program she oversaw was the first CIT program in the nation to earn platinum program certification. Professor Baker has drafted legislative language, testified, and secured passage of over a dozen pieces of state legislation throughout her career.

Professor Baker holds the Society of Human Resources Management's SHRM-CP credential as well as the Certified Association Executive credential issued by the American Society of Association Executives.

The Honorable Calvin Johnson, retired Chief Judge of the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, established the first Mental Health Treatment Court in the State of Louisiana in 2002. By 2005, this Special Court was selected as one of four demonstration courts in the Country. Prior to establishing the first Mental Health Treatment Court, Judge Johnson served as Drug Court Judge from 1994 until 2002. As Chief Judge at the time Hurricane Katrina struck, Judge Johnson directed proceedings and maintained Court functions simultaneously across eight statewide locations.
Following his retirement from the bench in 2008, Judge Johnson was enlisted by the Governor to serve as the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Human Service District (MHSD). Judge Johnson directed the agency’s turnaround, leveraged new opportunities created by managed care and the Affordable Care Act, and established an effective leadership team. In six years, he moved the agency out of its dilapidated trailers, defined and enhanced its services, and strategically positioned it as a model for health care reform and behavioral health transformation. The MHSD is now a $30 million organization operating an array of evidence-based programs across three Parishes.
Judge Johnson retired from MHSD in April of 2014. Since his retirement he’s done consulting work for Magellan Health Louisiana, Futures Education and The Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse(CADA). Judge Johnson has worked with the Federal Monitors appointed by Judge Lance Africk of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana around the issue of proper care for defendants with mental health issues in the Parish prison.
Judge Johnson served as Criminal Justice Commissioner for the City Of New Orleans from 2016 to May of 2018.
Judge Johnson received his undergraduate degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge in 1969, served four years in the United States Air Force, and then received his JurisDoctorate from Loyola Law School in 1978. He was Clinic Professor at Loyola Law School for nine years and Judge of the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court for seventeen years.
He has received many awards in recognition of his commitment to working with individuals involved in the criminal justice system through every aspect of their recovery, including job readiness, housing stability, and community service projects. He is the recipient of the La. Supreme Court Justice Albert Tate Award for Judicial Excellence, the Louis A. Martinet Award for Judicial Excellence, the ACLU Ben Smith Award for Community Service, the Loyola Law School Alumni of the year award, the Children’s Bureau of New Orlean Hero award, the Juvenile Justice for Youth Award, the Crime Stoppers Award, Louisiana Bar Association President's Award, and the Young Leadership Council Hero Award. Judge Johnson remains on the faculty of the Loyola Law School.
Publications include New Orleans Data Center Index at ten…Criminal Justice: Changing Course on Incarceration

Kerry Arnold is a Full Time Assistant Professor in the Behavioral Health/Human Services program and the Director of the Office of Collegiate Recovery at the Community College of Philadelphia. Kerry is a Licensed Social Worker and received their M.S.W. from Temple University. For 35 years, they have been a behavior specialist, educator, and consultant to a myriad of agencies in the Tri-State area serving individuals with intellectual disabilities and co-occurring disorders, which include substance abuse. Kerry has presented at city, state and national conferences in the area of recovery-centered, behavioral support planning for individuals receiving behavioral health services.
Kerry is active within their college and neighborhood communities with people who have a lived experience with some aspect of behavioral health/stigma, oppression, LGBTQ stigma/bullying, addiction and supports their path toward recovery and healing.
Kerry is a board member of the non-profit café, The Monkey and the Elephant, in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia. The café’s mission is to build work and social skills and connection to resources for young adults aging out of the foster care system.

Nicole Balulis is an Administrative Entity Support Manager at Service Access & Management. She has been a part of the team at Service Access & Management for 15 years and truly enjoys helping people. Nicole has worked in various roles in multiple counties and strives to leave each County, Provider, Supports Coordination Organization, Family and Individual that she works with better off. Nicole previously achieved the Master Case Manager Credential, is an active Certified Investigator, Certified in Quality & Risk Management and was a Designated Trainer for the ISP Ratio Training on behalf of the Office of Developmental Programs. Nicole has two children who have assisted her with lowering her standards in certain areas of day to day life to maintain her sanity but to also truly put yourself in someone else’s position so that you can understand a situation from their viewpoint.

Bree has an Associates of Science in Human Development and Family Services and a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. Bree is also currently working on her Masters of Science in Psychology. She has been working with Service Access and Management, Inc. as a Blended Case Manager since July 2019, a Master Case Manager since August of 2021, and a Mentor since November 2021. Bree believes that self-care is an essential component in avoiding work burnout and leading a fulfilling life. She also believes that having a strong work community creates a healthier, happier work environment and more potential for employee longevity.

On off hours, Bree enjoys hiking, playing tabletop games, and attending concerts with her children, ranging from 16- 28. Bree is also an avid cook and baker.

Jenise began her career in the social service field as a case manager for Intellectual Disabilities for which she pursued for 5 years at the Northeast Community Center. However, after seeing first- hand how substance abuse affected her family, her desire shifted to case managing individuals who had challenges maintaining a sober life-style with other co-occurring issues. She began her tenure with the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHIDS) in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1994 through PMHCC Case Management (formerly Behavioral Health Special Initiative) where she learned how to utilize evidence-based practices to ameliorate and participate in the efforts of transforming lives, one life at a time. After 29 years, her life’s journey continues at PMHCC Case Management as Program Director.

Her education continues to be enhanced through schooling after recently obtaining her second Master’s Degree, now with an MBA and MSW. She cares about and enjoys helping people grow on and off the job. She is an avid participant of the faith community. She is also an entrepreneur, giving back to the community through dance and outreach.

Lauren Cooke MSN, RN, CCM is the Corporate Director of Care Coordination for AtlantiCare, located in Southern NJ. She has been with the organization since 2008. Lauren has responsibility for Care Management across the enterprise (ED/Inpatient & Ambulatory), Transitions of Care, Remote Patient Monitoring, Post-Acute Services, & the Advanced Illness Management Service Line (Inpatient/Outpatient Palliative Care & Primary Care House Call Program).
Lauren attended Temple University (Philadelphia, PA) and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in nursing degree in 2005. In 2013, she earned a Master’s of Science in Nursing Management and Organizational Leadership (MSN) through American Sentinel University. In 2014, she received board certification in case management. Lauren has previous experience with Medical/Surgical & Cardiac Nursing, Quality & Professional Practice for the AtlantiCare Physician Group.
Lauren resides in Atlantic County, New Jersey - just outside of Atlantic City & neighboring shore towns. Favorite past times include traveling, relaxing beach days, and being the best dog-mom to a basset hound/lab mix rescue named Dublin.

Dennis worked in Philadelphia’s Behavioral Health System for over 40 years. Starting as a Music Therapist, he later served as Team Leader of the Community Treatment Teams (CTT). Most recently he served as a Training Specialist and then Program Director at the Behavioral Health Training and Education Network. Dennis authored the Philadelphia Behavioral Health Case Management Orientation curriculum. Local, state, and national conference topics have included the CTT “Philadelphia Experience,” Time & Stress Management, Training Case Managers, Crisis Management, and Enriching Recovery through Cultural Competence. Dennis earned a B.S. in Education as well as a Master of Music Therapy Degree. Prior to retirement, he was certified through the Crisis Prevention Institute and Mental Health First Aid. He holds an Advanced Certificate of Culturally Competent Human Services from Temple University. Dennis served for many years as a NACM board member.

Maria E. Gonzalez, MSW, ASW serves as a Bilingual Mental Health Practitioner and In-Home Supportive Services provider at Saint John’s. Mrs. Gonzalez has a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California, a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology (Law and Society; Pan African American Studies) from California State University, Los Angeles, and an Associate degree in Psychology and Child Development from Los Angeles Valley College. Mrs. Gonzalez is a registered Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) in California and has over 20 years of social service experience. She has provided services in several multicultural settings
for persons affected by HIV/AIDS, substance users/abusers, persons with mental illness diagnosis, chronic health conditions, physical and intellectual disabilities, post-incarcerated, veterans, as well as homeless and low income individuals including children, youth families, and older adults.

"Jillian Gosselin, MSW, LSW, CPSS, is a Regional Director of Mental Health Services at Service Access & Management, Inc., in Western Pennsylvania. Previously, Ms. Gosselin was a Diversion Specialist and Forensic Blended Case Management Supervisor. She has worked to further develop the Forensic Mental Health Diversion Program as well as develop and expand case management services specifically for the forensic mental health population. Ms. Gosselin graduated from Albright College with a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and from Marywood University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Over the past 19 years, Ms. Gosselin has presented at National and International Conferences on various topics including mental health, drug and alcohol, sex workers, prevention of high risk behaviors among youth, and HIV prevention. Ms. Gosselin also published an article in the Positive Approaches Journal in May 2020 entitled “Collaboration to Continuity: A Case Study on Berks County’s Mental Health Forensic Diversion Program.” In addition to her work in the behavioral health field, she continues to work as an independent consultant, writing grant proposals, analyzing data, and working as a lead evaluator on federally-funded substance abuse grant programs focusing on at-risk populations. Ms. Gosselin also works as a Peer Reviewer for SAMHSA grant applications. In previous years, she has worked as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Colleen Hauck is a wellness nurse for Service Access & Management in Clarion County, Pennsylvania. She is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She has practiced nursing for over 20 years. Her background in nursing is mainly Psychiatric Nursing working with inpatient behavioral health patients from nurse to manager to director of new hospital units. Colleen was fortunate to travel to many different states and help to organize and restructure behavioral health units with the hopes to improve mental health care in communities. Her focus in life is to play a role in breaking the mental health stigma! She chose this position to continue working with behavioral health patients focusing on mental and physical wellness by implementing and promoting the Behavioral Health Home program through the insurance company Community Care Behavioral Health. Colleen just completed her first year at SAM and looks forward to many new learning opportunities.

Her hobbies are buying and selling vintage clothing, antiquing, metal detecting and most recently spending time with her first grandchild.

Dr. Hickman- Allen holds a BSW from the University of Toledo, an MSW from Widener University, an EdD from Wilmington University and clinical licensure in Delaware and Pennsylvania and is a board-certified telemental health provider.
For nearly 30 years, she has practiced social work with diverse populations in Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. For over 20 years, Dr. Hickman-Allen has been an Assistant Professor at the Community College of Philadelphia, where she is also the Program Coordinator for Behavioral Health/Human Services. Dr. Hickman-Allen is also an Adjunct Professor at several institutions.
Dr. Hickman-Allen provides educational consulting and training services to human service agencies. She is a national and international presenter and a published author. As an educator, appreciate the honor and opportunity to inspire others to become human service providers and to become all they imagined and pushing them to do more.

Craig previously served as President and CEO of Service Access and Management, Inc. (SAM), a human services organization serving individuals and families throughout the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Craig initially studied History at Salem College in West Virginia with the intent to become a teacher and later got his Master’s degree in psychology at Kutztown University. He has worked as a Resident Advisor, Rehabilitation Counselor, Client Services Manager, Crisis Intervention Worker, Mental Health Therapist, and Crisis Intervention Supervisor at various mental health agencies. In 1997, Craig helped design and create Service Access and Management, Inc., which was created to provide intake, case management, and crisis intervention and to manage the contracts of the various human service providers as a private organization under contract to the Berks County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Program. SAM, Inc. provides services in 60 counties serving over 25000 individuals with over 850 employees. Craig has served on the NACM board since 2012.

"Kate Knebels is a Senior Case Manager and Team Leader for the Families in Transition (FIT) team for Philadelphia Mental Health Care Corporation (PMHCC) Case Management. Kate is on track to graduate from Drexel University with a Master in Public Health (MPH) in June 2024. Kate graduated Cum Laude from Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with a minor in Cognitive Neuroscience. Kate shares her passion for trauma-informed, harm reductionist, person-centered, culturally responsive and housing-first services regularly through her work as a frontline worker supporting Philadelphia community members and as a team leader on the unit. These principles align with the mission and vision of PMHCC Case Management services, focusing on empowerment, promoting autonomy and self-advocacy. Kate supports participants in all stages of recovery by taking time to build a connection and rapport, understand each individual’s needs, assess strengths and barriers, and support each participant with creating a plan to help them access support and community resources to achieve their self-defined and self-directed goals.

Mary Ann is CEO-Elect and Chief Financial Officer at Service Access & Management, Inc., a NACM Charter Member organization. SAM, Inc. is a human service organization serving over 25,000 individuals in 65 counties in the state of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She is a Pennsylvania State University graduate, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, and she is currently a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant. Additionally, she earned her Masters of Science Degree in Leadership. Mary Ann has over 35 years of progressive management experience in not-for-profit, financial services, administration, and public accounting sectors. Her areas of expertise include organizational leadership strategies, strategic planning, financial analysis, and financial reporting. Mary Ann joined the NACM board in 2012 and currently serves as the Association’s Chairperson.

Dr. Carol Kuprevich is a faculty member in the Doctor of Social Science in Prevention, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Wilmington University in Delaware and Chief Executive Officer at THEKS Holdings, LLC. Over the last 40 years she has worked in numerous state, private, and national systems as a case manager, administrator, director, educator, crisis response leader, researcher, and in quality improvement.
Dr. Kuprevich retired in 2018 from The State of Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health and continues to provide consultation services through her sole proprietor consulting practice. She serves on the academic advisory councils for numerous academic institutions.
Dr. Kuprevich has been an active Board Member for NACM since 2002 serving as Treasurer for several terms, Chair of Nominating for several years and is currently active on Special Projects, Nominating, Conference, and Membership Committees.
She embodies the constructs of life-long adult learning theories as well as both pedagogy and andragogy and remains a practitioner of strength-based approaches in interpersonal interactions and service provision.

Emily Laurent is an Onboarding, Outreach, and Quality Manager for the Community Wellness Program with Service Access & Management, Inc. Emily has been employed by SAM for the past 10 years. In her current role, Emily is responsible for the Onboarding of all Community Wellness program staff on Day one. Emily then is responsible for the onboarding of all new AmeriHealth CHC Waiver community staff, Community Health Assistants for Geisinger, and the Older Adult Protective Services first responders and investigators in Philadelphia. Emily oversees program/SAM outreach, and quality service management for these programs. Emily has received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business with a concentration in Health Care Management.

Rebekka is the Onboarding, Outreach and Quality supervisor for the South Central Region for Service Access and Management, Inc Mental health Service line in Pennsylvania. She has been employed with Service Access and Management (SAM) since 2019. Rebekka graduated with her Bachelors of Social Work from Limestone University in 2010 where she was awarded the Social Work Student of the Year. Rcbekka is currently in her Master of Social work program at Walden University. Her passions include Mental health, fighting for human rights and social change while making communities stronger, families healthier and increasing compassion in all areas of life. Rebekka is currently in the process of pursuing her passion of public speaking and writing a personal Anthology of surviving a traumatic childhood. Rebekka's future plans are to become a practicing Trauma Certified Clinician.

Maggie has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, A Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a concentration in Philosophy, a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies with a focus on Science and Mathematics, and an Associates degree in Criminal Justice. Maggie has been working with Service Access and Management, Inc. as a Blended Case Manager since September of 2019. Maggie is a firm believer that self-care, though it may look different for everyone, is critical for everyone. Self-care in the work place is critical to developing and fostering and having a healthy work place culture; especially when you care for others. By having a healthy workplace culture, you are able to have a happier, healthier work place culture that will improve employee retention and longevity. These same skills can also be utilized to help aid in mental health recovery.
While not working, Maggie enjoys spending time outside, cooking, reading, with friends, family and pets.

Ervin Munro has an M.S. in School Psychology and a B.S. in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He’s worked as a licensed School Psychologist, Educator, Case Manager, Director of Social Services, and Operations Manager in a medical clinic. Currently, he works as a private Educator, Trainer, and Consultant.
Mr. Munro has provided services in several multicultural settings for unhoused and low-income persons, persons with mental illnesses, chronic health conditions, physical and intellectual disabilities, post-incarcerated, veterans, substance users/abusers, older adults, persons affected by HIV/AIDS, homeless and runaway youth, hospice and homecare patients, and immigrants/ refugees.
He served 8 years on the NACM Board of Directors and was Chair of the Membership Committee.

Jim Peightel is a general and addiction Psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience serving Philadelphia in a wide range of treatment settings. His work has focused on team-based treatment approaches, novel program development, and systems-oriented integration of service for the chronic mentally ill, medically ill, homeless, and disenfranchised. Dr. Peightel supports various RHD programs including FaSST/Connections a shelter-based mental health case management unit, and is a consultant psychiatrist at Project HOME. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Leadership Committee (PPLC), a fellow in the APA, and was the 2014 recipient of the Philadelphia Psychiatric Society’s Robert Jones Awards, honoring a psychiatrist for lifelong commitment and service to the chronically mentally ill.

Terri Salata is the Director of Administrative Entity Support Services and has been with Service Access and Management since July of 2004. Throughout her 36+ year career, she has worked in various capacities but always within or on behalf of County Government. As Director of AE Support Services, Terri supports her team to operate and provide quality administrative oversight of local Intellectual Disability, Autism and Early Intervention Systems. She is resourceful, collaborative and always interesting in serving others. Terri attended the 2006 Schuylkill County Leadership Program, she is a 2021 graduate of the PA Capacity Building Institute, is an ODP Certified Quality Manager and has participated in numerous state and local workgroups. In addition, she is the mother of two amazing young woman, enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Amber Seawright is the Case Management Supervisor of RHD’s Critical Time Intervention and Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center Programs in Montgomery PA. Amber first received her Associates Degree from the Community College of Philadelphia in Behavioral Health Human Services. Amber then received her Bachelor’s Degree from Drexel University in Behavioral Health Counseling. Amber started her career working with school aged children providing therapeutic support in their school setting and also autistic children providing ABA support.
In 2017 Amber decided to make a career change and grew interest in supporting the homeless population. There Amber started working for CTI as a mobile CTI Specialist supporting clients that are homeless with a mental health diagnoses in Montgomery County. In 2018, CTI started to provide case management at the CHOC shelter where Amber became the Lead CTI Specialist at the CHOC. Amber was then promoted to Resource Coordinator at the CHOC. In February of 2021 Amber started her role as the Case Management Supervisor.

Melissa Shingle, MPS, NADD-DDS, is a Regional Director of Mental Health Services at Service Access & Management, Inc., Berks and Schuylkill Counties, Pennsylvania. Ms. Shingle has had a pivotal role in multiple programs during her 14 years of service at SAM, Inc. Previously, Ms. Shingle provided oversight to the Forensic Diversion Program, Forensic Blended Case Management, and Forensic Peer Services in Berks County. Ms. Shingle continues to participate in various Justice-Involved Initiatives, including Nationally recognized Stepping-Up. She oversaw the work that further developed the Forensic Mental Health Diversion Program as well as case management services. Ms. Shingle is a graduate of Ms. Shingle graduated from Alvernia College with a Bachelor Degree in Forensic Science and Criminal Justice and Pennsylvania State University with a Masters of Professional Studies in the Psychology of Leadership.
Ms. Shingle has also presented at the National Association of Forensic Counselors in 2018, as well as National Association of Case Management Conference in 2021.

John Vafeas is the Chair of the Department of Social Work at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. He completed undergraduate degrees in both Greece and the United States and received his MSW and DSW from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Vafeas’ clinical and research work centered in the field of vocational rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities and for the past 25 years he has taught at Kutztown University. He has held previous faculty appointments at the University of Pennsylvania and Ryder University. Dr. Vafeas’ research includes services delivery systems, policy and program evaluation, accreditation, and graduate and undergraduate social work curriculum design. John joined the NACM board in 2014.

With more than 20 years working in human services, Melissa's experience began as a volunteer in her daughters’ Head Start classroom. Her journey would next take her as a part-time paid employee as a bus driver/classroom aide. She would eventually move into a teacher assistance role where she decided to further her education and earn a degree that would allow her to be a Head Start teacher.
Her passion to help children and their families stems from having an emotionally unhealthy childhood. She wanted to help children and their families develop skills and practices to generate happy, healthy parent-child relationships. After 10 years as an early childhood educator, Melissa found working with misunderstood children who struggled to manage their behaviors in a classroom setting due to their mental health was becoming more of her role than an educator. She decided to change her career path and started working as a Therapeutic Staff Support.
Missing her drive to teach, she found herself back in an education setting working with students struggling in school as a Paraprofessional. This opportunity was a foot in the door that would take her working with students in an online setting as part of the admin team who structured an online platform for students in grades K through 12. The recent pandemic would play a role with her latest career change. The school district where she worked decided to terminate the online academic program. During this time, she decided to further my education a finish the last of her credits and earn a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies.

Dave has over 43 years of experience in the behavioral health field. He began his case management work with Central Behavioral Health in 1980. Central Behavioral Health Case Management supports over 800 people a year. The department employs case management staff providing support to children, transitional age youth, adults and older adults. Central Behavioral Health has its main office in Norristown, PA and a satellite office in Willow Grove, PA. Also, Dave is the board president of a local human service collaborative named the lnteragency Council of Norristown, a board member of the National Association of Case Management, and a member of the College of Education & Human Services Advisory Board at Shippensburg University.

Sponsors and Partners

Connect with 314 people attending this event

2023 - Full Conference - Non-Member

This ticket if for current non-members. Anyone purchasing this ticket will be granted individual membership status.

Public Price$499

2023 - Full Conference - Member

This price is available to all members

Member Price$459

2023 - Full Conference - Charter Member

This ticket is available to Charter Members. Charter members are members associated with:

Advocacy Links
Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services (Philadelphia)
Geisinger Health Plan
Indiana Professional Management Group
Nebraska Association of Regional Administrators
Region 4 Behavioral Health
Region V Systems
Resources for Human Development
Service Access & Management, Inc.
The Columbus Organization

Member Price$374.25

2023 - Full Conference - Student Price

Proof of Enrollment is needed.

Public Price$399

2023 Conference - One day

Public Price$235

National Association of Case Management

Contact us

Event Highlights

Crowne Plaza information

Agenda

October 3, 2023

October 4, 2023

October 5, 2023

October 3, 2023

Main Schedule

Administration & Management 1

Administration & Management 2

Case Management Skills 1

Case Management Skills 2

Case Management Skills 3

Case Management Skills 4

Case Management Skills 5

Clinical Skills

Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities

Engagement Skills

Hot Topics/Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Hot Topics 1

Hot Topics 2

Hot Topics/Health & Wellness 1

Hot Topics/Health & Wellness 2

Hot Topics/Health & Wellness 3

Older Adult Services

Peer Services

People Operations

Primary Care Case Management

Productivity Management

Trauma Informed Care 1

Trauma Informed Care 2

Trauma Informed Care 3

Youth Services

October 4, 2023

Main Schedule

Administration & Management 1

Administration & Management 2

Case Management Skills 1

Case Management Skills 2

Case Management Skills 3

Case Management Skills 4

Case Management Skills 5

Clinical Skills

Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities

Engagement Skills

Hot Topics/Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Hot Topics 1

Hot Topics 2

Hot Topics/Health & Wellness 1

Hot Topics/Health & Wellness 2

Hot Topics/Health & Wellness 3

Older Adult Services

Peer Services

People Operations

Primary Care Case Management

Productivity Management

Trauma Informed Care 1

Trauma Informed Care 2

Trauma Informed Care 3

Youth Services

October 5, 2023

Main Schedule

Administration & Management 1

Administration & Management 2

Case Management Skills 1

Case Management Skills 2

Case Management Skills 3

Case Management Skills 4

Case Management Skills 5

Clinical Skills

Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities

Engagement Skills

Hot Topics/Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Hot Topics 1

Hot Topics 2

Hot Topics/Health & Wellness 1

Hot Topics/Health & Wellness 2

Hot Topics/Health & Wellness 3