NYAPRS Note: Our 41st Annual Conference is just two weeks away! We are happy to announce we will have a bus for a limited number of people coming from the New York City area. If you are interested in riding on the bus, please complete the interest form here. See below for the full conference schedule. Use the links below to sign up for the bus, register for the conference, and get your hotel accommodations before space fills up!
Registrations are coming in quickly: please don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity!
We believe that may well be the best of all of the 41 conferences we offered over the years.
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NYAPRS 41st Annual Conference
Promoting Rights Across the Nation, Recovery Across the Lifespan
September 26-28, 2023 sept 4 633
Villa Roma Resort Callicoon, NY
NYAPRS Conference 2023 Program Schedule
Tuesday September 26, 2023
10:00am Conference Registration and Multicultural Exhibition Open
10:00am NYAPRS Health, Healing & Arts Fair
11:30am Lunch
12:00pm Welcoming Remarks
Tuesday September 26, 202
Round 1 12:30 – 1:45 pm
1. Fighting Forced Treatment From Coast to Coast
Andrea Wagner, California Association of Mental Health Peer-Run Organizations, Chico, CA; Cherene Caraco, CEO, Promise Resource Network, Charlotte, NC; Ruthanne Becker, INSET, White Plains, NY; Harvey Rosenthal, NYAPRS, Albany, NY
Over the past two years, state Governors and Legislatures have approved increases in the use of coercion by their local and state mental health, police and court systems. These have included expansions of involuntary mental health outpatient and inpatient commitment initiatives in New York State and New York City, a legislative proposal to do the same in Massachusetts and the creation of a “Care Court” program in California. The presenters will discuss advocacy strategies to defeat and/or limit the use of these initiatives. They will also discuss innovative voluntary alternative approaches that are underway at Promise Resource Network in North Carolina and the MHA of Westchester’s INSET program.
2. Role Drift in the Peer Specialist Role
Elizabeth “Mya” Haley and Abaigel “Abbe” Duke, Center for Practice Innovation, New York City, New York
This interactive presentation will be facilitated by two Peer Specialists who have moved from direct care to training at the Center for Practice Innovations. They will lead a conversation about what Role Drift is, how it can impact Peer Specialists’ work and discuss strategies to avoid it. Both facilitators will also share materials from their respective programs that have been developed to support Peer Specialists on ACT and OnTrackNY teams.
3. Creating Cultures of Support & Recovery Across Diverse Chosen Families, Generations & Communities
Shantalee Martinez, Megan Spagnola, Deborah Faust, Michelle Gracia, Mental Health Association of NYS, Albany, NY
Join this workshop to learn about how a trauma-informed Relational Approach to mental health that supports the person with a diagnosis and also their chosen family and community members who are invited into the process – especially when they belong to diverse (e.g. immigrant, BIPOC, LGBTQ+) communities. Pioneered by the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS) Family Mental Health Programs, the Relational Approach combats the individualistic Euro-centric bias of the mental health field by instead taking a collectivistic approach that more closely aligns with the perspective & values of people of color. Furthermore, sharing simple but powerful messaging about wellness & mind-body health makes concepts of mental health recovery universal & easy-to-understand for family & community members regardless of age or literacy level.
4. Overshadowed: Stories of Stigma in the Healthcare System
Melissa Wettengel, Alex Frisina, Hands Across Long Island, Central Islip, NY; Clarence Jordan, Vice President, Wellness and Recovery, Carelon Behavioral Health
Among other disparities, people with psychiatric life challenges are dying, on average, 25 years earlier than the general population. Statistically we also experience a markedly increased prevalence of chronic physical conditions like diabetes, COPD, and respiratory illness. Research shows that among the complex causal factors, stigma plays a strong role. This presentation will include a viewing of the recent “Overshadowed” video project, produced in partnership between peer advocacy organization Hands Across Long Island (HALI) and the award-winning filmmaker Lucy Winer (Unlocked, Kings Park: Stories from an American Mental Institution). The project explores the presence and effect of stigma in the healthcare system through short filmed first-person interviews where people with psychiatric diagnoses describe their experiences with medical care – the good, the bad, and the life-changing.
5. PeerTAC Peer Specialist Listening Forum
Rita Cronise, Rutgers University, Academy of Peer Services; Yvette Kelly NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty, Policy and Research, Co-Directors PeerTAC
This forum introduces the Peer Support Services Technical Assistance Center (PeerTAC), which is dedicated to increasing the quality of Peer Support Services in behavioral health settings. Highlights of current PeerTAC initiatives will be followed by an interactive small group discussion on how to grow the peer support workforce while staying true to peer support values. Groups will discuss interdisciplinary teamwork in behavioral health settings that can make peer support more widely available to those who are receiving services and their families.
6. Racial (In)justice and Employment
Paul Margolies, Karen Broadway-Wilson, Raymond Gregory, Thomas Jewel, Gary Scannevin, Norman Kim; Center for Practice Innovation, New York City, NY
It is well documented that employment in the United States is strongly influenced by racial injustice. Unemployment, access to jobs, compensation and wages, job stability and a very real wealth gap are all symptoms of the impact of systemic racism on minoritized and marginalized individuals. The intersection of racism with mental health issues is very real. This workshop is designed to explore ways in which we all can work towards equity and inclusion in employment. Focused discussion will examine the impact of injustice on employment and the experiences of the workshop leaders and participants. Specially designed scenarios and related discussion will bring these issues to life. We will spend time examining the path forward and ways in which each of us can play a role in improving the employment landscape for minoritized and marginalized individuals served by our mental health system.
7. Healing through Spiritual Practices with a Trauma Informed Lens
Patty Blum, Crestwood Behavioral Health, Sacramento, CA; Lori Ashcraft, Resilience, Inc, Nevada City, CA
This highly interactive workshop will explore the importance of providing spirituality in recovery service programming. Participants will identify linkages as to how spirituality supports and aligns trauma informed care. A discussion will be facilitated on how to bring spirituality into recovery practice and programs.
Break 1:45-2:00 pm
KEYNOTE: Tiara Springer-Love, Director, Youth Power, Albany, NY
2:00-2:45 pm
NYAPRS ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY #1
2:45-3:30 pm
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TUESDAY September 26
ROUND 2 3:45-5:00 pm
8. Learning from Each Other: Bringing Movement Elders and Young Leaders Together
Chacku Mathai, Project Director, Center for Practice Innovation; Tiara Springer-Love, Director of Youth Power; Jessi Davis, President of the National Association of Peer Supporters, TBA
Come join this absorbing conversation with some of our most prominent recovery, rights and peer support leaders in an exploration of insights and lessons that can be shared across the generations.
9. Hospital Discharge Plans that Work
David Ruiz, Borough Director of Advocacy Programs and Director of Quality Assurance, Baltic Street AEH, Brooklyn, NY; Nicholas J. Coulter, Executive Vice President and Chief of Development and Community Engagement, Person Centered Housing Options (PCHO), Rochester, New York; Adam Selon, Peer Service Coordinator, Restoration Society Inc., Buffalo, NY; TBA, Fountain House
New York is poised to add over 1,000 new inpatient beds across the state. But there’s no evidence that hospital stays promote recovery and successful community outcomes. In fact, between 10-24% of the time, New Yorkers are readmitted annually with no apparent improvements in their lives. The presenters will also recommend the use of discharge plans that can improve health outcomes and reduce inpatient readmission, including Peer Bridger, Housing First and Clubhouse and Recovery Center Programs.
10. Effective Individual and Group Peer Support Supervision Practices
Dwayne Mayes, Dillon Browne and panel, MHA of Westchester, White Plains, NY
There has been considerable discussion concerning Peer Supervision from an academic perspective. This workshop allows working Peers to describe their own experiences with receiving supervision, including what has worked to aid in their personal growth and career development, and approaches that could be improved. The presentation will also describe the effectiveness of a Peer Academy model of group supervision.
11. Contracting Peer Delivered Services with CCBHCs and Managed Care Organizations
Anthony Fox, Tennessee Mental Health Consumers Association, Nashville, TN; Buffalo, NY; Anna Gray, Prosumers International, San Antonio, Texas; Shannon Higbee, Recovery Options, Buffalo, NY.
A great deal of attention has been paid to the integration of peer services within more traditional programs or settings. Yet many believe that the best way to ensure improved outcomes are achieved is through direct contracts with peer run agencies that offer appropriate roles and supervision for peer supporters. Come hear how peer agencies in Texas, Tennessee and New York are successfully working with clinical agencies to ensure fidelity to the principles and practices of peer support.
12. Employment – Expanding Outcomes, Building Success
Regina Kaiser and Ruth Gonzales, Dreamcatchers Empowerment Network, Fairfield, CA
Work is an essential step on the pathway to recovery. Evidence-based Supported Employment Practices promote the belief that everyone with mental or physical health challenges are capable of working competitively in the community. We will describe approaches to employment that can be used in a variety of settings to help individuals reach their dreams of employment.
13. New York’s Proposed Medicaid Changes: What They Could Mean for You
Lauren Tobias, Senior Advisor, Brown & Weinraub, Harvey Rosenthal, NYAPRS, Albany, NY
Lauren will discuss the latest updates on the progress for the NYS 1115 Health Equity Medicaid Demonstration Waiver and other expected changes to the NYS Medicaid plan. This will include a conversation on the role of Social Care Networks (SCNs) and how they can improve access to mental health services and supports, including the support of peers. She will discuss the timing for waivers and other changes as well as offer updates on avenues for community providers to get funding for services through the state Medicaid Plan and other funding streams.
14. Trauma Informed Peer Support for Sexual and Gender Diverse Communities
Elise Diamond, Recovery Specialist & Trainer, Center for Practice Innovations; Em Wasserman, Mental Health Empowerment Project, Albany, NY
In this training, participants will learn about challenges faced by sexual and gender diverse communities, and how Trauma-Informed Peer Support can contribute to healing and genuine community inclusion. Presenters will begin with an overview of trauma-informed peer support and offer insight into traumas faced by the LGBTQIA+ community through anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, everyday gender enforcement, widespread bias, and the relationships of gender enforcement to racism and psychiatric oppression. We will then discuss opportunities for the larger peer support community to join the work of liberation from gendered oppression.
15. Rhythms for Resilience & Connection
Chrys Ballerano, E Bjorkman, NYS Coalition Against Sexual Assault
This workshop is an interactive experience where we’ll all share an opportunity to connect with our innate sense of play and the healing and gentle power of rhythm. Participants are invited to bring their own drum or percussive instrument if they have one, although many drums and percussion instruments will be provided by the presenter. This is not a workshop about “beating” drums but about connecting with our own heartbeats, exploring our abilities to play in community, and responding to the rhythms of the natural world. If the weather permits, this workshop can be held outside as long as benches or chairs are provided.
Tuesday September 26 Evening Program
5:00 pm Diversity Bash/Fashion Show
6:00 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Keynote: Healing Through Hip Hop: 50 Years…and counting
Join us to hear the passion, personal stories, insight, and thought-provoking ideas about hip hop, its history, and how it relates to recovery, lived experience, and social justice. Workshop participants will learn from, and engage with, presenters whose lives are directly influenced by Hip Hop culture. Additionally, the presentation will discuss how Hip Hop has already been used to support healing and raise consciousness about the impact of discrimination, stigma, and inequality in our communities.
Presenters: Christopher “Mic Handz”, Jerald “Dj Kareem” Jenkins, Luis “Dj LOL” Lopez, Chacku Mathai, Elizabeth Brier, Amanda Saake
8:30 pm Peer Support Meetings
8:30 pm 8:30 pm Zumba: A Foundational Wellness Tool in Behavioral Health 2.0
Greg Parnell, Crestwood Behavioral Health
Participants will see how Crestwood has added Zumba as one of our Foundational Wellness Tools & how adding Zumba to your Program or personal Wellness Toolbox – that we Celebrate Culture & Diversity, Foster Physical, Spiritual & Emotional Wellness as well as create Community, Connection & Inclusion. There will be discussion & presentation as well as application through a mini seated Zumba Fitness Class and a regular class with the option to sit or stand. And Hear the global effect that we’ve accomplished this year. Everyone can experience all the benefits 1st hand. It will be Fun, Empowering and Inspiring. And remember…no dance experience or coordination needed”
9:15 pm Open Mic with Michael Skinner; Board Games
9:30 pm Dancing with DJ Jenkins
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Wednesday September 27, 2023
7:30 am Breakfast
Zumba! With Greg Parnell
Wednesday September 27
Round 3 8:30-9:45 am
16. Moving Through Times of Personal Crisis
Cherene Caraco, Promise Resource Network, Charlotte, NC; Lori Ashcraft, Resilience, Inc, Nevada City, CA; Jeff McQueen, Hempstead, NY
3 national experts in supporting people through mental health, addiction and/or trauma-related crises will from their own personal experience as to what has helped them to do the same.
17. What Can Your ILC Do For You?
Lindsay Miller, NY Association on Independent Living, Albany, NY; Stephanie Orlando, WNY Independent Living Center, Buffalo, NY; Aileen Martin, Northern Regional Center for Independence, Watertown, NY and Doug Hovey, Independent Living, Newburgh, NY
Independent Living Centers (ILCs) are operated for and by people with disabilities and offer a variety of community-based services, all of which are focused on addressing the social determinants of health. This workshop will review the Independent Living Philosophy and how it dovetails with the mental health justice movement. We will explore the power of our cross-disability movement and build a sense of community around the word disability. We will also review the Independent Living networks’ state and federal advocacy priorities and how they would impact people with mental health disabilities. Attendees will learn what their local ILC can do for them and how to get involved in the cross-disability rights movement.
18. Passing and Protecting Criminal Justice Reform Legislation
Chacku Mathai, Daniel’s Law Coalition; Victor Pate, HALT Solitary Confinement; Evelyn Graham-Nyaasi, Correct Crisis Intervention Today-NYC and Ismael Diaz Jr., Treatment Not Jail Campaign
People with mental health and substance use challenges are overrepresented in our criminal legal system. While decarcerating efforts have reduced the overall population in these settings, the percentage of the population with mental health and substance use challenges has increased in New York and the nation. This panel will cover three current and proposed bills in New York aimed at reducing arrests, diverting people from carceral settings, and preventing further trauma for people in prisons and jails. Attendees will hear from members of the various criminal justice coalitions and learn about the status of the individual reforms as well as strategize about how to pass or protect these needed changes.
19. Intersected: Community Dialogue on Psychiatric Systems, Lived Experience and Intersections with Other Contexts of Lived Experience
Ro Speight, Danielle Lopez, Tracy Puglisi, NYS Office of Mental Health, Albany, NY
This workshop will focus on intersecting psychiatric systems involvement with other forms of sociocultural system which impact lived experience perspectives, such as being racialized, gendered, gender identities and expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, socioeconomic status, faith and/or spiritual beliefs, and other sociocultural based identities.
Exploration of how these intersected aspects of identity factors into privilege and oppression will be a community discussion anchored by three questions, one from each of the facilitators.
20. Listening to the Peer Workforce: Top Ten Recommendations
Jeremy Reuling, People USA, Jessica Wolf, Decisions Solutions Consulting, CT; Rita Cronise, Rutgers University, Freehold, NJ
This interactive workshop will focus on a set of 10 recommendations to advance career development and improve working conditions for the peer specialist workforce. The recommendations were developed based in part on feedback gathered at last year’s working peer specialist conference. Participants will be divided into three workgroups to discuss the recommendations and identify specific ideas for their implementation, as well as strategies for advocacy
21. Part 1: Wellness and Recovery (Resilience) Story Circle
Dr. Deborah Wilcox, Confluency Consultants and Associates; Theresa Hall, NYAPRS Board of Directors
Wellness and Resilience Story Circles opens a space for peers, clinical providers and related community constituents with the opportunity to build community and engage in collaborative partnerships. Story Circles grant opportunities for peers who are recipients of services the freedom to share their living and lived experiences in a safe, supportive and welcoming environment.
Come see how the Story Circle will open a space for participants to become actively engaged and involved in sharing their life experiences through the art of storytelling. Participants will share recovery challenges, healing wisdom, wellness journeys and the multiple ways personal goals and challenges can be worked through to heal human hurt, unlearn stigma, foster behavior change and to build sustained multicultural communities of wellness.
22. Trauma and the Workplace
Clarencetine (Teena) Brooks, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, LaVerne Miller, Transitional Services for NY, Patrice Peterson, Vibrant Emotional Health, Maryam Husamudeen, NYAPRS, Albany, NY; Cathy Cave, Inspired Vision, LLC; Helen “Skip” Skipper, The NYC Justice Peer Initiative. Bronx, New York
In this workshop we will define trauma, sources of trauma, trauma responses, the impact trauma has on those in the workplace and ways in which workplace practices can lead to trauma responses. We explore key concepts such as individual, interpersonal, community, climate, and cultural trauma and the cumulative effects of these experiences. We discuss how working in human services requires us to be especially sensitive to the impact of trauma on service participants and their families. People who work in human services need to be sensitive to power dynamics, use of force and subtle forms of coercion, and the impacts these traumatizing practices can have on staff, and service participants and their families.
Break 9:45-10:00 am
KEYNOTE: Daryl McGraw Founder, Formerly Inc.
10:00 to 10:45 am
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Break 10:45 to 11:00 am
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Wednesday September 27
ROUND 4 11:00 am -12:15 pm
23. Keeping the Movement Moving
Laura Prescott, Sister Witness International, Cornville, Arizona; Gayle Bluebird, Independent Consultant, Gainesville, FL; Laura Van Tosh, Global Mental Health Peer Network, Washington; Harvey Rosenthal, Albany, NY
This presentation will offer a rare opportunity to hear a conversation between 3 of our movement’s most historic pioneers. Don’t miss it!
24. Mental Health in the Schools
Kelly Davis, Vice President of Peer and Youth Advocacy at Mental Health America, Washington, DC; Dawn L. Yuster, Esq., Civil Rights Lawyer, NYC; Luke Sikinyi, NYAPRS, Albany, NY
BLURB Coming
25. Did They Say That? Yes They Did!- Dealing with Microaggressions in Supervision
Jonathan Edwards, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, NYC, New York; Jessica Wolf, Decisions Solutions Consulting, CT
Supervision can be a gnarly process. In addition to inherent power differentials, intersecting cultural and socioeconomic factors impact relationships. Despite the best of intentions, we may make hurtful and marginalizing comments. Unrecognized or unacknowledged microaggressions often create barriers in supervision and consequently affect how we do our jobs. This workshop will offer a lively demonstration of various communication styles and provide interactive opportunities for participants to model authenticity and respect in supervisory relationships.
26. The Development of a Peer Crisis Continuum
Jeremy Reuling, Maria Kavouras, People USA, Poughkeepsie, NY; Shannon Higbee, Recovery Options, Buffalo, NY, Susan Musante, former Director, Soteria-Alaska
This expert panel includes leaders in our field with several decades of experience in crafting one of the nation’s most innovative and effective crisis mental health systems. Come hear about a continuum consisting of crisis drop-in centers, mobile response teams, stabilization centers. 8 and 28-day respite houses, historic non-medication centered Soter