Events
10th Annual Mental Health Conference
Thursday, May 16, 2024
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Prairie State College Conference Center
202 S. Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL 60411
Registration opens March 1, 2024, and closes May 10, 2024
Overview
Join us for the 10th Annual Mental Health Conference: The Many Faces of Mental Health,
where we will explore the diverse aspects of mental health. This in-person event will
take place on Thursday, May 16, 2024, starting at 8 a.m.
Hosted in the Prairie State College Conference Center, this conference aims to bring
together professionals, researchers, and individuals interested in mental health.
Through engaging presentations, interactive workshops, and insightful discussions,
we will delve into the various dimensions of mental health.
Topics to be covered include understanding different mental health conditions, promoting
mental well-being, destigmatizing mental health, and exploring innovative approaches
to treatment and support. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from experts
in the field, share experiences, and network with like-minded individuals.
Whether you are a mental health professional, a student, or someone passionate about
mental health, this conference offers a valuable platform to gain knowledge, exchange
ideas, and contribute to the ongoing conversation surrounding mental health.
Mark your calendars and join us for the 10th Annual Mental Health Conference: The
Many Faces of Mental Health. Together, let's work towards a society that embraces
and supports mental well-being for all.
This conference is designed for individuals who seek to broaden their understanding
of mental health issues. Healthcare professionals, educators, counselors, social services
workers, and emergency services personnel are especially encouraged to attend, as
they will gain valuable tools to enhance their work in these fields.
- 6.0 CEUs available to Social Workers, Nursing Home Administrators, Registered Nurses, Advanced Practical Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Speech Pathologists through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- 6.0 PDs for Teachers through the Illinois State Board of Education
- 6.0 PDCs for Human Resources professionals through SHRM
Keynote Address - Jasmin Ford
Lifting the Veil: Exploring the Intersection of Identity and Socioeconomic Constraints in Mental Health Care
In our increasingly fast-paced and financially demanding society, individuals from diverse backgrounds are navigating intersecting identities and socioeconomic constraints that profoundly influence their mental well-being. This presentation delves into the complex interplay between intersectionality, socioeconomic strain, and environmental factors in shaping mental health outcomes. We will explore how the pressures of high living costs, economic instability, and societal expectations create additional layers of stress and adversity for individuals already facing challenges related to race, gender, and other marginalized identities. By examining the systemic barriers and environmental constraints that contribute to mental health disparities, we aim to challenge traditional psychiatric labels that often overlook the impact of external factors on individuals' mental health. Through interactive discussion and case studies, we will highlight the resilience and resourcefulness of individuals navigating these intersecting challenges, while also discussing strategies for promoting holistic well-being and advocating for systemic change. This presentation seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between social determinants of health and mental well-being, empowering attendees to advocate for more equitable and inclusive environments where all individuals can thrive.
About the Speaker:
A product of the close-knit local community at the former Rich East High School in Park Forest, Illinois, Jasmin embarked on a journey driven by a deep-rooted passion for human advocacy. This journey began with a focus on community health at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Jasmin then obtained a Master's in Nursing and later served in bedside mental health
nursing, then risk management and quality improvement for inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations.
Following this, she worked as the mental health nursing course professor and coordinator
at Northwestern College. Through mentorship and guidance, Jasmin empowered the next
generation of nurses to make a difference in the lives of others. Always seeking to
expand expertise and impact, Jasmin obtained additional certification as a Psychiatric
Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
With a heartfelt commitment to advocacy, Jasmin has focused much of her career in psychiatry in urban settings. Working with individuals of all ages, Jasmin provides compassionate care and support.
Currently, Jasmin works in inpatient psychiatry, offering acute care, psychiatric
stabilization, and crisis intervention to those in need. Jasmin's dedication to promoting
mental well-being and addressing social determinants of health shines through in every
aspect of her work, advocating for accessible, equitable mental health care for all.
Jasmin is a devoted mother, daughter, and aunt who finds joy in spending time with
her family, sharing in their experiences and creating cherished memories together.
In her free time, she indulges in her love for reading and traveling, enriching her
life with new perspectives and adventures.
2024 Breakout Speakers:
Presented by: Kristine Argue-Mason, MPA
Executive Director
Partnership for Resilience
Presented by: Maria Dorner-Kroener, MA, LPC, NCC, CRADC
Beyond Healing: Licensed Professional Counselor
Symetria Recovery: Counselor II
Presented by: Lisa Guardiola, MHP, RSS
Community Outreach and Education Trainer: Sertoma Star Services
President: NAMI Alliance of Peer Professionals
Vice President: NAMI South Suburbs of Chicago
Presented by: Kirsten Enoch, MSW, LCSW
Clinic Programming Specialist and Staff Therapist
The Theraplay Institute
Presented by: Jessie Monreal, CADC
Treatment Advocate
Recovery Centers of America
Presented by: Leanne M. Mull, MHA
Co-Director
Blue Tower Solutions, Inc.
Presented by: Tina Musselman, MA, LPC, RD, CLT
Owner, Functional and Integrative Dietician and Counselor
The Pointe, Inc.
Presented by: Carolyn Wahlskog, LCSW
Director of Operations and Programming
Youth Outlook
Presented by: Krista Woods, MSW, LCSW
President and Clinical Director
Integrity Clinical Consulting and Training, LLC
Registration Information
Registration Opens: March 1, 2024 | Registration Closes: May 10, 2024
- Early Bird Registration (March 1-31) - $49 ($69 including CEU/PD)
- Standard Registration (April 1-30) - $59 ($79 including CEU/PD)
- Late Registration (May 1-10) - $79 ($99 including CEU/PD)
Register Now
About the Prairie State College Conference Center
The Prairie State College Conference Center is a modern meeting venue offering flexible room arrangements, audio-visual equipment, catering, and customized event planning by a team of professionals who will assist with creating a memorable experience for you and your attendees.
Directions
PSC is less than 30 miles from Chicago's downtown Loop and is accessible by interstate
highways and major roads. For those without automobile transportation, the College
is located on a bus route operated by PACE, the Chicago suburbs' main bus company.
Drive south on I-94 to I-80 west exit. Follow I-80 west about two miles to Halsted Street south exit (Route 1). Take Halsted Street south about three miles to the Vollmer Road. Make a right onto Vollmer Road. Drive slightly less than one block, make a left into PSC, then park in parking lot D.
Proceed to the sidewalk on the west side of parking lot D. Turn left onto the sidewalk and proceed up the hilly walkway to the double doors (on your right) with a small green sign, “M36.” Upon entry, make an immediate right turn into the Conference Center.
Take the Tri-State Tollway (294) south to I-80/94 east. Follow I-80/94 east about one mile to Halsted Street south exit (Route 1). Take Halsted Street south about three miles to the Vollmer Road. Make a right onto Vollmer Road. Drive slightly less than one block, and make a left into PSC parking lot D. Proceed to the sidewalk on the west side of parking lot D. Turn left onto the sidewalk and proceed up the hilly walkway to the double doors (on your right) with a small green sign, “M36.” Upon entry, make an immediate right turn into the Conference Center.
Drive north on I-57 to the Vollmer Road exit. Follow Vollmer Road east about five miles to the PSC campus on your right. Enter the campus via parking lot D. Proceed to the sidewalk on the west side of parking lot D. Turn left onto the sidewalk and proceed up the hilly walkway to the double doors (on your right) with a small green sign, “M36.” Upon entry, make an immediate right turn into the Conference Center.
Follow I-80 west to Halsted Street south exit (Route 1). Take Halsted Street south about three miles to Vollmer Road. Make a right onto Vollmer Road. Drive slightly less than one block, and make a left into PSC parking lot D. Proceed to the sidewalk on the west side of parking lot D. Turn left onto the sidewalk and proceed up the hilly walkway to the double doors (on your right) with a small green sign, “M36.” Upon entry, make an immediate right turn into the Conference Center.
For additional information, please email wdceprofessions@prairiestate.edu or call (708) 709-2957.
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