2025 Symposium Schedule
Session 1
11:15am - 12:15pm
Breakout 1
Estate Planning for Members of the LGBTQIA+ Community (Encore)
Presenter: Brenda Colbert
Estate Planning incorporates several related concerns such as planning for incapacity and death, as well as preparing for a potential long-term illness. Members of the LGBTQIA+ Community also face a number of unique planning considerations that must be addressed in order to establish an effective estate plan.
Breakout 2
The Four Stages of Psychological Safety: Building Inclusive & Affirming Spaces for LGBTQIA+ Individuals
Presenter: Jacob Kelley
This workshop explores the Four Stages of Psychological Safety—Inclusion, Learner, Contributor, and Challenger Safety—focusing on fostering affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Through interactive activities, participants will develop practical skills to create inclusive environments that promote equity, collaboration, and resilience across workplaces, schools, and communities.
Breakout 3
Cultivating a Resilient Brain
Presenters: Amy Bernstiel, Parker Shannon, Emily Blaine
Neurofeedback and biofeedback are powerful, non-invasive techniques that help individuals optimize brain function, improve mental health, and enhance overall well-being. Both approaches rely on monitoring physiological signals and using this information to train the brain and body for better self-regulation.
Session 2
1:15pm - 2:15pm
Breakout 1
Cultivating and Enhancing Resiliency and Protective Factors in At-Risk Youth, Especially LGBTQIA+ Youth.
Presenter: Kevin M. Whelley, MS, C.A.G.S.
LGBTQIA+ youth across the country face unique challenges. Yet many show incredible resilience. This presentation explores resilience as a teachable, protective skill, offering evidence-based strategies to support emotional strength and community connection.
Breakout 2
Resilience and Resistance: Being an LGBTQ+ Advocate in 2025
Presenters: Emily Paparazzo, Carly Dietz, Amanda Wrazien
A historical context for resilience within the LGBTQ+ community to instill hope for the future and demonstrate the importance of advocacy at all levels. Presenters will empower participants to become advocates by providing resources and informing them of legislation that has impacted the LGBTQ+ community.
Breakout 3
SOGI- Exploring the Parallels of Sexual/Affirming Orientation and Gender Identity
Presenter: Kenneth Tong
Historically speaking, research first started on sexuality by the work of Alfred Kinsey. Throughout history, the complexities of sexuality evolved to include the parallels of gender. In this training, we will look at works that highlight the development of sexuality and gender, while also discussing implications to practices today.
Session 3
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Breakout 1
Nature is Queer: Integrating Nature-Informed Therapy Practices into LGBTQIA+ Client Care
Presenters: Gretchen Ebner, MSG, CNIT, Christian Olivera
The background of nature-informed therapy (NIT), how NIT has been integrated into existing substance use treatment models, and on NIT’s applications within LGBTQIA+ focused programming. Participants will discuss the human connection to the natural world and participate (weather permitting) in a nature-informed therapy intervention.
Breakout 2
Intersecting Histories: Applying Minority Stress Theory and Intergenerational Trauma in LGBTQIA+ Trauma-Informed Care
Presenters: Shannon Fischer, Bethany Franklin, Dr. Cayla Bailey
Explore trauma-informed care for LGBTQIA+ individuals through minority stress theory and intergenerational trauma. This workshop guides clinicians in understanding systemic oppression’s impact on mental health, integrating interactive case studies and role-play to build culturally responsive skills. Participants will enhance proven, practical strategies to provide effective, compassionate support to LGBTQIA+ clients.
