2018 NAMI Georgia Annual Conference and Meeting
Join NAMI members and friends at Mercer University, Atlanta Campus, for two days of education, special events, and networking with people like you who are interested in mental health recovery and advocacy.
Pre-registration has ended. After April 18, please plan to register and pay at the conference. You may purchase optional Saturday lunch or awards dinner tickets at the door. We will accept cash, check, and credit cards.
NAMI Member | Non-member | Saturday Lunch | Saturday Awards Dinner |
$60 | $95 | $5 | $7 |
April 20-21, 2018
Mercer University-Atlanta Campus
AACC building (Atlanta Administration and Conference Center)
2930 Flowers Road South
Atlanta, GA 30341
Directions:
From 285 East (towards Augusta):
1. Exit on to LaVista Road (Exit 37)
2. Turn left at top of the ramp on to LaVista Road. Stay in right lane as road splits twice and you will want
to take the right split each time on to Henderson Mill Road. You will go past Northlake Mall on right
and then Henderson Mill Middle School on your left.
3. Get in the left lane and at the light turn left on to Mercer University Drive.
4. At first light on Mercer University Drive, turn left on to Flowers Road.
5. Take the third Mercer University entrance on the right. You will see a sign for the Administration and
Conference Center.
6. Proceed straight ahead and take the first left into visitor parking.
From 85 North:
1. Take 85 North from Atlanta.
2. Exit on Chamblee Tucker Road (Exit 94).
3. At top of the ramp turn right on to Chamblee Tucker Road. Continue in far right lane.
4. Turn right on to Flowers Road and move to left lane immediately.
5. Take the first Mercer University entrance on the left. You will see a sign for the Administration and
Conference Center.
6. Proceed straight ahead and take the first left into visitor parking.
Download the 2018 NAMI Georgia Annual Conference Program
NAMI Georgia is thrilled about our upcoming 2018 Annual Conference & Meeting on April 20-21, located at Mercer University in Atlanta. In line with NAMI's National Convention in 2017, our theme will be "educate, empower, engage."
NAMI Georgia Annual Conference
April 20-21, 2018
Mercer University-Atlanta Campus, AACC Building
(Atlanta Administration And Conference Center)
2930 Flowers Road South
Atlanta, GA 30341
Parking: there are two lots adjacent to the building: one in front, after passing the pull-through and one in the back. You may park in either free of charge. Upon arrival at the AACC Building, proceed to Conference Registration, on the first floor, starting at 8:00AM. There you will be given a packet with the conference schedule, meal tickets (if necessary), and name tag.
Friday, April 20
Program Tracks
- Public Safety/CIT
- Emerging Trends
- Recovery
- Advocacy
- Affiliate Development
- Children's Interactive Track
Special highlights
- Children's Interactive Track*
- NAMI Georgia Recovery Council Symposium, led by Bill Carruthers
- Gubernatorial Candidates Forum
- Mental Health Clubhouses Forum, hosted by Georgia Clubhouse Coalition
- Awards Dinner
*Children's Interactive Track
Saturday, April 21 is Children’s Day at the NAMI Georgia Annual Conference! Along with regular tracks, we will feature a track designed for AND by children. Join your child in interactive workshops focused on coping strategies and effective exercises to help them manage their health conditions. We welcome children of all ages and needs, accompanied by their parent(s). Children under 16 admitted free with a registered adult. ***Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times, including during workshops.
CONFERENCE HOTELS
Make reservations early. Subject to availability after April 11, 2018. ***Be sure when booking to ask for the NAMI rate! Rates are per night.
Quality Inn Northlake
NAMI Rate: $68.00 + tax = $83.20
770-491-7444
2155 Ranchwood Drive NE
Atlanta 30345
Courtyard Marriott Northlake
NAMI Rate:
Rooms: $79.00 + tax = $95.85
Suites: $109+tax=$130.35
(1 king or 2 queens and a pull out sleeper sofa)
770-938-1200
4083 LaVista Rd
Tucker, GA 30084
Questions? Contact Bonnie Hannah at affiliate@namiga.org.
Download the 2018 NAMI Georgia Annual Conference Program
NAMI GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE: FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2018 | ||||
TIME | SPEAKER | TITLE | TRACK | ROOM # |
8:30AM-10:00AM | Kim Jones & Jack Enter | Welcome & Keynote: The Role of Public Safety in Responding to Mental Health Issues in Georgia | Public Safety/ Keynote | 243 |
10:00AM-11:30AM | Various | Recovery Council Symposium Part I | Recovery | Day Hall |
10:00AM-10:45AM | Kelly Morrow-Baez, PhD, LPC | HALT in Action: Supporting Clients in Making Lifestyle Changes for Relapse Prevention | Professional | 245 |
10:00AM-10:45AM | Pat Strode | CIT Program Update | Public Safety | 181 |
10:00AM-10:45AM | Reinette Arnold, MSW, LCSW & Megan Gleason, LCSW | Comparing Apples to Oranges: Implementing Mobile Crisis Response Programs in Rural and Urban Communities | Public Safety / Advocacy | 243 |
10:45AM-11:00AM | BREAK | |||
11:00AM-11:45AM | Kayl May | Bringing Awareness to a Mental Illness: Schizoaffective Month and Advocacy | Advocacy | 245 |
11:00AM-11:45AM | Robert Brown | Adapting Styles: Managing Volunteers with Situational Leadership Theory | Affiliate Development | 181 |
11:00AM-11:45AM | Reinette Arnold, MSW, LCSW Stephanie Dixson, LPC & Megan Gleason, LCSW | How Do You Speak During a Crisis? Our Language Can Make All of the Difference | Public Safety / Advocacy | 243 |
11:30AM-12:30PM | LUNCH - 2nd Floor Lobby (Recovery Symposium Lunch - Day Hall Breezeway) | |||
12:20PM-2:00PM | Various | Recovery Council Symposium Part II | Recovery | Day Hall |
12:30PM-1:30PM | Dr. Ajani Harmon & Lt. E. Duron Thompson | Youth in Crisis Overview | Public Safety | 243 |
12:30PM-1:30PM | Nathalie Ellis, LPC | The Impact of Traumatic Events on Mind & Body | Professional | 245 |
1:30PM-1:45PM | BREAK | |||
1:45PM-2:45PM | Mark Dannenfelser, LPC | Using Mindfulness to Reduce Anxiety | Recovery/ Emerging Trends | 181 |
1:45PM-2:45PM | Pat King, RN & Heather Strickland | At-Risk Adult Exploitation and Trafficking: Hiding in Plain Sight | Public Safety | 245 |
1:45PM-2:45PM | Donna Parrish, MSW | A Child's Diagnosis: Is It Poverty or Mental Health? | Professional | 243 |
2:00PM-2:30PM | Various | CPS, CARES CPRP - Living the Dream Panel | Recovery/Day Hall | Day Hall |
2:30PM- 3:00PM | Various | Creating Recovery Communities | Recovery/Day Hall | Day Hall |
2:45PM-3:00PM | BREAK | |||
3:00PM-4:00PM | Recovery Council | Double Trouble Meeting - 12 Steps | Recovery/Day Hall | Day Hall |
3:00PM-4:00PM | Samantha Edu, LPC | Leverage and Partnerships with Law Enforcement Improve Outcomes in Vulnerable Populations | Public Safety | 245 |
3:00PM-4:00PM | Pamela Worrell-Carlisle, RN | On a Mission: Taking on Stigma and Mental Illness | Professional | 243 |
3:00PM-4:00PM | Michael Thompson | Leadership for the Next Stage | Affiliate Development | 181 |
NAMI GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE: SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018 | ||||
TIME | SPEAKER | TITLE | TRACK | Room # |
9:00AM-9:15AM | Kim Jones | Welcome | Education | 280 - Auditorium |
9:00AM-9:30AM | Daniel Epstein, LPC, LMHC | Welcome and Introductions | Children's Day | 181 |
9:15AM-11:00AM | Various | Gubernatorial Forum | Education | 280 - Auditorium |
9:00AM-10:00AM | Teresa Wright-Johnson, & Monique Jackson | Early Support Beyond Educational Walls: Professionals & Parents Collaborating for Youth | Advocacy/ Professional | 245 |
9:15AM-9:30AM | BREAK | |||
9:30AM-10:00AM | Shanta Hayes, MSW | Building Your Coping Skills Toolbox, Recognizing the Supports Around You | Children's Day | 181 |
10:00AM-10:15AM | BREAK | |||
10:15AM-10:45AM | Carol Coussons de-Reyes, CPS | Be a Survivor! | Children's Day | 181 |
10:15AM-11:15AM | Shannon Gordon, LCSW | Understanding the Risk Map and Georgia Public Fee-for-Service and Cost-Based Financing of Behavioral Health | Advocacy | 245 |
11:00AM-11:45AM | Jeff Fink | The Role Animals Play in Mental Health Treatment and Recovery: A Family Systems Perspective | Children's Day | 181 |
11:15AM-11:30AM | BREAK | |||
11:15AM-12:45PM | Jack Yatsko and representatives from three successful Clubhouses | Clubhouse Forum | Recovery | 280 - Auditorium |
11:30AM-12:30PM | Eric Strunz | Advocating for a Hopeful & Helpful Mental Healthcare Policy in Georgia | Advocacy | 175 |
11:30-12:30PM | Dr. Joseph McEvoy | New Treatments for Tardive Dyskinesia | Professional/ Emerging Trends | 243 |
11:30-12:30PM | Dick Dressler | Surviving Family Crisis | Recovery/ Advocacy | 245 |
12:00PM-12:30PM | Marnie Grodzin | The Brain is Attached to the Body: Use of Yoga Movement with Youth | Children's Day | 181 |
12:30PM-2:00PM | BOXED LUNCH - 2nd Floor Lobby | |||
1:30PM-2:15PM | Quyionah Wingfield | Family Dance Fitness and Expression | Children's Day | 181 |
2:00PM-3:00PM | Tommie Thompson | In Jail: What Next? | Advocacy | 243 |
2:00PM-3:00PM | Erin Harlow-Parker, APRN, PMHCNS-BC & Ashley Izydore, CMP | CHOA: Behavioral Health Initiative | Advocacy / Professional | 175 |
3:00PM-3:15PM | BREAK & VENDOR BREAKDOWN | |||
2:30PM-3:00PM | Stephanie Wanza | Don't Be Afraid to Reach for the Stars | Children's Day | 181 |
3:15PM-3:45PM | Mental Health America | Kids on the Block Puppetry Troupe | Children's Day | 181 |
3:15PM-4:15PM | Nakita Robinson, LMFT & Reinette Arnold, MSW, LCSW | Affiliate Development: Integrating Cultural Competency Practices & Ethical Implications | Affiliate Development | 243 |
3:15PM-4:15PM | Jaketra Bryant, LPC | Tough It Out, Not Talk It Out: Cultural Issues with Men Seeking Mental Health | Advocacy | 245 |
3:15PM-4:15PM | Marquita Johnson, LPC | Millennial Mindset: Engaging Millennials in Therapy with Technology | Professional/ Emerging Trends | 175 |
3:30PM-4:30PM | NAMI Georgia Annual Meeting | 280 - Auditorium | ||
4:15PM-4:30PM | BREAK | |||
4:30PM-5:30PM | Reinette Arnold, MSW, LCSW | Aftercare Matters: The Family's Role in Suicide Prevention After Hospitalization | Advocacy | 175 |
4:30PM-5:30PM | Taylor Wesley | The Power of WE | Advocacy/ Recovery | 243 |
4:30PM-5:30PM | Sam Rapier | Art, Self-Esteem, and Recovery | Recovery | Outdoors |
4:30PM-5:30PM | NAMI Georgia Board Meeting | 280 - Auditorium | ||
5:30PM-7:30PM | NAMI Georgia Awards Dinner | Lower Lobby |
Find out about the benefits of the clubhouse model for individuals and communities. The Clubhouse Forum at the NAMI Georgia Conference will feature Jack Yatsko, COO of Clubhouse International, and representatives from three successful Clubhouses.
View the Clubhouse Forum Event Flyer
All conference attendees are welcome to attend. In addition, there will be a 'Clubhouse Forum Only' registration for those who wish to attend the Clubhouse Forum without registering for the NAMI Georgia Conference.
For 'Clubhouse Forum only' registration, email Georgiaclubhouse@gmail.com with the following information: Name, Organization, Email address and Phone.
Jack Yatsko, Chief Operating Officer, has been with Clubhouse International for 16 years. His career in mental health spans 30 years. Jack works closely with international certified Training Bases and Faculty for Clubhouse development; helps develop new Clubhouses; and provides technical assistance to existing Clubhouses and groups or individuals seeking to learn more about the Clubhouse Model. He began his Clubhouse career in Hawaii in 1989 at Friendship House, the first Clubhouse program in Hawaii. Jack continues to reside in Hawaii although his travels take him across the globe. Jack has a Master’s degree in Social Work.
Casey Cagle, Invited
Stacey Evans, Confirmed
Eddie Hayes, Invited
Hunter Hill, Invited
Brian Kemp, Invited
Ted Metz, Confirmed
Clay Tippins, Invited
Marc Urbach, Confirmed
Michael Williams, Invited
NAMI Georgia seeks to recognize the individuals, affiliates, volunteers, partners, legislators, and organizations who have worked tirelessly to support NAMI Georgia’s mission of promoting recovery and optimizing the quality of life for Georgians with mental illness and their families through support, education, and advocacy, and research.
The recipients of these awards will be recognized and honored at the NAMI Georgia Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 21, 2018. Individuals will also be recognized on the NAMI Georgia website and social media.
The sharing of stories and successes has more long-term importance than the actual awards given in any particular year.
If you did not pay to reserve a banquet seat during pre-registration, you may pay at the door with cash, check, or credit card.
Nominations for NAMI Georgia Awards are now closed.
View the Guide to 2018 NAMI Georgia Annual Conference Sponsorship-Exhibitor-Ad Opportunities
For more information, please contact Rachel Barber at namiwalks@namiga.org
Watch your mailbox for a ballot arriving the first week of April! You may vote by mail, or in person at the NAMI Georgia Annual Conference and Meeting location. You do not have to register for the conference to attend the Annual Member's Meeting. However, you must register for the conference if you wish to take advantage of the presentations and activities of the conference.
NAMI Georgia gives a great big thank you to our generous sponsors, for making a difference in the lives of people in recovery, their families, and Georgia communities!