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5th Annual Wisconsin Peer Recovery Conference Breakout Sessions

August 13-14, 2020 
Virtual Conference via Zoom

To view breakout sessions, please click on the drop downs below. 

Thursday, August 13, 2020

9:30-10:30 a.m. - Keynote Speaker: Tonier Cain

Tonier Cain

Tonier works tirelessly to raise the awareness about trauma informed care around the world. She has trained providers in all fifty states. Tonier is an advocate and educator, speaking all over the world on trauma, addiction, incarceration, homelessness, substance abuse and mental health. Her work has been used as a model in other countries for the establishment of their trauma informed care protocols.

Tonier was the former team leader for the National Center for Trauma Informed Care, with the National Association of State Mental Health Program Director. Currently she works to create international leaders in the field of Trauma Informed Care. She hosts an annual national conference to update and enlighten providers on current best practices. Tonier’s methods have proven to be effective, resulting in numerous awards for her work. She has been honored by two governors, a mayor and a state attorney with proclamations naming days after her, because of her help to transform their city and state.

Tonier is the C.E.O. and Founder of Tonier Cain International, Founder and President of Neen Cares, Inc. A 501 C 3, Founder and Co-C.E.O. of M.E.T.-R Integrated Health, Global, as well as the Founder and C.E.O. of Purposeful Entertainment Production Company.

She is an award-winning Film Producer that is the Creator and Producer of the Upcoming TV Show “Restoration”, Executive Producer of the Film “Walking Thru Bullets”, subject and Co-Producer of the Award-Winning Film “Healing Neen”, along with being featured in the Documentary “Behind Closed Doors: Trauma Survivors in the Psychiatric System” and advising on the film “Like Any Other Kid”.

Tonier is an author and serves as a Citygate Network Board Member. Her commitment to advocating for those who are often forgotten hasn’t gone without recognition. She has been featured in many articles including December’s 2014 Ebony Magazine and appeared on over seventeen talks shows. Tonier Cain uses her life experiences to make a difference for trauma survivors.

11 a.m.-Noon - Breakout Session "A"
 A1
Art Therapy in a Peer Setting

Due to unforseen circumstances, Session A1: Art Therapy in a Peer Setting with Caitlin Clifford has been cancelled.

We apologize for the inconvenience.
A2
Certified Peer Specialist Ethics: An Overview of Ethical Principles and Expectations for Certified 
Peer Specialists in Wisconsin

Presenters: Tim Saubers, Peer Specialist Program Manager, Access to Independence, Inc., Wisconsin Peer Specialist Employment Initiative and Brittyn Calyx, Peer Specialist Program Communications Assistant, Access to Independence, Inc., Wisconsin Peer Specialist Employment Initiative

The continued development and implementation of Certified Peer Specialist services and roles in Wisconsin requires a guiding ethical framework to ensure the supports these peer professionals offer align with peer support principles. In this workshop, we will explore the origins of these principles, discuss how various states and entities have sought to provide ethical guidelines for Certified Peer Specialists as well as others working in peer roles, and seek a greater understanding of the purpose and application of the Wisconsin Certified Peer Specialist Code of Ethics. 

Learning Objectives:
  1. At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to identify how peer support principles, such as 
    self-determination, mutuality, person-centered approaches, and so on intersect with the Wisconsin Certified Peer Specialist Code of Ethics.
  2. At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to discuss how the Code of Ethics clarifies the role and Scope of Practice of Certified Peer Specialists in Wisconsin 
  3. At the end of this workshop, participants will be better equipped to engage in effective advocacy and discussions with their employers and the systems in which they work around the uniqueness of the peer role, peer relationships, and associated ethical principles.
 A3
Building Bridges and Boundaries - The Reality of Working With and Helping Survivors

Presenters: Ashlee Kendall, Director of Domestic Violence Victim Services, The Bridge to Hope and Angie Mcliquham, Director of Sexual Assault Victim Services, The Bridge to Hope

Let's take a closer look at the struggles Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault survivors may face when healing from their trauma and moving forward. We will be discussing Trauma Informed Care at it's core and the different barriers survivors face such as feeling safe, finding housing, employment and transportation. We will talk about the trauma informed approach we take as professionals that has worked in forming relationships and establishing trust. Hear from a survivor about how they have utilized our services and not only survived but thrived! Joanie Jones will tell her story and talk about how she has come to be able to help others that have experienced some of the same things.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Trauma informed care and it's basics. How our agency approaches survivors in order to build trust and help them move forward.  
  2. The art of self disclosure. When is it relevant and what are your experiences with sharing your own story with survivors?  
  3. Hear from a survivor, Joanie Jones (Peer specialist), about her tragic story and how she brought beauty from the things she has been through and is now giving back in a big way. 
A4
Life with Autism: Creating a Joyful and Meaningful Life Amid Adversity

Presenters: Avery Strangstalien, Author, Speaker, Advocate

"The autism spectrum" may be perceived differently by people in society, but often, women with autism go undiagnosed even when they show the textbook symptoms. In this workshop, Avery Strangstalien shares her own story of late diagnosis and its painful effects, while teaching effective techniques for not just living with autism, but thriving. Equal parts educational and inspiring, learn about the true struggles of life on the spectrum while discovering the importance of gratitude, hope, and resilience in thriving with autism. The workshop will end with a Q&A session.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Identify the symptoms of high-functioning autism and how they differ between men and women.  
  2. Learn effective techniques to help clients on the spectrum create not only a life worth living, but a life worth LOVING. 
  3. Discover the importance of gratitude, hope, and resilience in thriving with autism. 
 A5
Wisconsin Peer Run Respites and Warmlines

Presenters: Cory Flynn, Peer Run Respite & Peer Services Coordinator, Sae Kim, Executive Director at Wisconsin Milkweed Alliance, Inc., Victor Kilpatrick, Project Coodinator for R&R House,  Anita Hoffman Makuluni, Peer Suppot Specialist, Solstice House, Joann Stephens, Consumer Affairs Coordinator, and Paula Verrett, MSW, CPS, Iris Place Program Director

In this session, you will learn about the history of peer run respites and how they came to be in Wisconsin.  Participants will learn about the four state funded respites, location of respites, and how you can stay if in a pre-crisis or post-crisis.  Also, presenters will touch on Warmlines within the respite and information about the changes being made.

Learning Objectives:
  1. History of the Peer Run Respite.  
  2. Information about Wisconsin Peer Run Respites. 
  3. Information about Warmlines in Wisconsin and updates being made.

1-2 p.m. - Breakout Session "B"
B1
Finding Freedom on our Yoga Mat and Other Holistic Therapies

Presenters: Cheryl Killilea, Certified Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor, Changing Lanes Fitness & Nutrition, LLC

Combining yoga, breath techniques and other holistic therapies to help loosen the emotional and physical tightness in the body caused by mental health disorders, addiction, and trauma. To allow participants to surrender in order to let go of pain and reconnect to hope and healing. Modalities explored will include: meditation, tapping, affirmations, mudras, gentle postures and breath work. 

Learning Objectives:
  1. Discuss therapeutic approaches using Yoga philosophies to provide support to those struggling with suicidal thoughts, mental heath disorders, addiction, trauma, and chronic pain.  
  2. Demonstrate and practice yoga postures, breath work, meditation, and other holistic therapies to showcase the benefits to all. 
  3. Create a plan to integrate holistic skills into daily life that aid in the freedom needed from what is weighing them down.
B2
Integrating AODA Recovery into Peer Support

Presenters: Michael Sersch, Psychotherapist, Gundersen Health

This workshop will include an overview of substance use and Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT)as well as draw the parallels (and differences) between mental health and substance use recovery.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Identify key recovery principles for people with mental health and substance use challenges.  
  2. Be able to describe similarities and differences with substance use and mental health recovery.  
  3. Be able to identify barriers to recovery and how they may differ and be similar in recovery for mental health and substance use.
B3
Building a Community of Practice with Emotional CPR (eCPR)

Presenters: Lynn McLaughlin, DandAlliance, LLC

eCPR (Emotional CPR) is a public health education program that teaches people how to assist someone experiencing an emotional health crisis. As with any educational program, the greatest value is felt when participants have the opportunity to practice what they have learned after leaving the training. Through building a Community of Practice, eCPR practitioners are given the opportunity to practice the skill set of connection, empowerment and revitalization; experience personal support through others in the Community of Practice; and broaden their social-connectedness in their community. Presenters will share the Community of Practice model and how a Fox Valley non-profit organization has successfully implemented it.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Participants will gain knowledge on the process of Emotional CPR ( eCPR).   
  2. Participants will experience the value of Emotional CPR through interactive practice time.  
  3. Participants will gain knowledge on why a Community of Practice is fundamental to successful learning and why Emotional CPR provides a framework to help eliminate burnout and compassion fatigue for peer specialists. 
B4
Benefits Programs and Access to Services

Presenters: Tricia Lewis, Work Incentives Benefits Specialist, Society's Assets
 
Access to health care, secure and stable housing, heating, food, and transportation is crucial to foster recovery. Many people get that access through benefits programs, such as SSI or Medicaid. There is a lot of misinformation out there about applying for and managing those benefits, and we can help peers by learning the basics and knowing which community partners can assist with benefits questions. 

Learning Objectives:
  1. Identify the most common benefits programs and the basics on how they work.  
  2. Recognize common misinformation and pitfalls in applying for and managing those benefits.  
  3. Identify community partners who can answer questions and advocate with peers on benefits issues.
B5
From Homelessness to Peer Support

Presenters: La Kisha Hudson, Homeless Outreach Specialist, Independent Living Resources, Julie McDermid, Coulee Collaborative to End Homelessness Project Manager and Fue Yang, Homeless Outreach Specialist, Independent Living Resources
 
More and more peer support is being recognized as a valuable and essential component of any recovery oriented service provided in communities, and housing services are no different. The experience of homelessness is TRAUMA. The delivery of Street Outreach, Homelessness Prevention, Shelter and Supportive Housing programs must come from a trauma-informed framework and their outcomes would be greatly enhanced by the inclusion of Peer Support services.

Learning Objectives:
  1. The history and development of the inclusion of Peer Support in Street Outreach to people experiencing homelessness.  
  2. Homeless vs Experiencing Homelessness - Why is this distinction so important?  
  3. Navigating the system through Peer Support - How it is more effective in securing sustainable housing for the people we support.

2:30-3:30 p.m. - Breakout Session "C"
C1
Self Care for Mental Health Professionals

Presenters: Jai Lynn McPheron, E-RYL, LMT, Integrated Mindfulness Institute
 
Learn some new self-care skills for yourself! Jai Lynn will lead you through yoga and mindfulness skills to add into your daily self-care practice. When we take care of ourselves we are better able to help others!

Learning Objectives: 
  1. Understand why self-care is imperative when working in the mental health field.
  2. Add to your self-care toolbox with some simple meditation, yoga and mindfulness techniques.  
  3. Feel more able to handle stressful situations in your own personal and professional life.
C2
Singing Together for Comfort, Healing, Courage, and Celebration

Presenters: Liz Rog, Community Song Leader, Center for Belonging
 
Song leader Liz Rog uses the power singing together as a simple and powerful tool for restoring our sense of belonging and connection in community. She sings with all ages, teaching songs that can be woven into everyday life, into the seasons of the year, and into the changes and challenges of our lives.  She leads a 'Comfort Choir' which sings for individuals who are at thresholds of change or difficulty.  Liz delights in helping folks rediscover their ancestral birthright of group singing to nurture collective courage, healing, and joy. She is part of a vibrant and growing international movement to re-seed communities with songs for connection, care, and renewal.

Learning Objectives: 
  1. In a safe and nurturing environment, participants will access the healing that comes when many voices come together to sing.  Power  of expanding the use of their voices for singing, speaking out, grieving, and tending to the soul.   
  2. Participants will be gently and skillfully invited to use their voices to make a community sound that leads toward healing. They will learn songs to take home and use in everyday life and service.   
  3. Participants will learn of resources that connect them to an existing singing circle in their area or to start one themselves. 
C3
Re-entry Peer Support: We Are More than the Worst Thing We've Ever Done

Presenters: Carmella Glenn, Just Bakery Program Coordinator and James Morgan, Peer Support Specialist, Madison-Area Urban Ministry

This workshop focuses on meaningful inclusion of justice involved individuals. While there are many models that demonstrate how formerly incarcerated individuals and others in communities most affected by the justice system can lead and shape justice policy, come learn how Madison-area Urban Ministry (MUM) has been intentionally doing it and how you can as well. MUM has been helping transform individual lives and social systems to create a just and equitable community in Dane County for 47 years!

Learning Objectives: 
  1. Describe the history of MUM’s reentry work involving those directly impacted to help reentry be more successful and sustainable.  
  2. Understanding the criminal justice system in Wisconsin and how justice involved individuals should and can lead reentry reform.  
  3. Recognizing and investing in the expertise of those with lived experience through fellowships that employ justice involved individuals as employees, advisers, and decision-makers.
C4
Addressing Cultural Appropriation through Advocacy

Presenters: Shelby Rios, Information and Referral Specialist, Certified Peer Specialist, Independent Living Resources and Fue Yang, Homeless Outreach Specialist, Independent Living Resources

Learning to identify and recognize cultural appropriation. As well as best practices for teaching and promoting advocacy through peer support. 

Learning Objectives: 
  1. What cultural appropriation is and how to identify it.   
  2. Becoming more self aware and having that different perspective. Building that relationship with peers and avoiding triggers.   
  3. Teaching peers to advocate for themselves as well as supporting that advocacy with this new knowledge. 
C5
I Never Thought About That: Ethics and Boundaries for Peer Specialists

Presenters: Michelle Uetz, Certified Peer Specialist, Trainer and Owner of Rocky Hill Consulting

This presentation will engage participants in considering ethical and boundary situations that they have encountered unexpectedly or that they may not have considered. Participants will be invited to share experiences for group discussion. Situations will be discussed regarding ethics and law. Participants will be encouraged to establish professional boundaries and will walk through an exercise to guide the process.   

Learning Objectives: 
  1. Participants will identify the difference between ethics, law, and protocol
  2. Participants will identify the need for professional boundaries
  3. Participants will identify resources and support to utilize when ethical and boundary situations occur.

​Friday, August 14, 2020

9:30-10:30 a.m. - Breakout Session "D"
D1
Providing Case Management for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness 

Presenters: Alisha Gaunitz, ILS, CPS, CHW, Independent Living Resources and Jessica Kimber, ILS, CPS, CHW, Independent Living Resources

Discussion of case management skills.  By attending this lecture you will learn techniques for working in a holistic manner.  This presentation will specifically focus on people experiencing homelessness, but the skills can be applied toward any population.

Learning Objectives: 
  1. Learn case management skills. 
  2. Providing services from a holistic perspective. 
  3. Discussing the effectiveness of a peer specialist in a case manager profession.
D2
Feeding the Brain and Body: Eating Well for Mental Health

Presenters: Laura Poe Mathes, Registered Dietitian, Viroqua Nutrition Counseling

Nutrition plays an essential role in mental and physical well being, and in this workshop, attendees will learn the dietary changes that can improve mental health symptoms. Topics covered will include the gut-brain connection, Laura's top ten foods for mental health, laboratory tests and lifestyle modifications that can be beneficial in working with mental health diagnoses. This presentation is intended for health care providers, peer specialists, or anyone who is looking to feel better by eating to heal their brain and body.

Learning Objectives: 
  1. How to screen for nutritional status, including common nutrition deficiencies and labs health care providers should look for, as well as how food insecurity and community engagement affect nutritional status.  
  2. The role of the microbiome and the connection between gut and brain health, along with dietary changes, supplements and lifestyle modifications that improve both mental and physical health.  
  3. Ten foods to include regularly in the diet and 5 foods to avoid to promote mental health.
D3
Healing Through Healing: Peer Support for Domestic Violence Survivors 

Presenters: Kelsey Dockry, Independent Living Specialist, Independent Living Resources

What it's like to be providing support in a domestic violence agency while simultaneously living through domestic violence and the power of giving consumers the advice you need to hear. How showing yourself compassion and strength by fostering strength in others can heal trauma in a community.

Learning Objectives: 
  1. You can learn to give yourself the compassion and patience you deserve in trauma recovery by servicing others living with similar trauma. You often learn to help yourself through helping others.  
  2. There is power in reclaiming your story after surviving violence. When you find that power, it is easier to lead people to their own.  
  3. Sharing your DV story with people experiencing DV allows for a sense of community and trust between you and your consumers that is invaluable to their recovery. 
D4
Utilizing 211 in Peer Recovery Work 

Presenters: Charlene Mouille, Executive Director, United Way of Wisconsin, 211 Wisconsin

211 Wisconsin provides the largest database of health and human service resources in the state of Wisconsin, including peer support services. In this session, attendees will learn the many ways to utilize 211 and how to incorporate 211 into your peer recovery work. 

Learning Objectives: 
  1. Session attendees will leave with an understanding of how the 211 Wisconsin System operates.  
  2. Session attendees will learn about the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline, which is powered by 211.  
  3. Session attendees will leave with new ideas on how to incorporate 211 into their peer recovery work.
D5
Peer Supporting Behind Bars

Presenters: Tamra Oman, National Speaker, Consultant, and Group Facilitator, HopeRoad LLC

This session will be an interactive conversation with the 3 Certified Peer Specialist that have been hired to work in a prison (who are not incarcerated) and whom are a part of the foundational team that has worked with DOC and the individuals living in prisons to develop a program to provide peer services, identify, train, support, and provide reflective supervision to incarcerated individuals who want to be, and are Certified Peer Specialists. 

Learning Objectives:
  1. Participants will increase their understanding of the work of Peer Specialists being done behind prison bars in Wisconsin. 
  2. Participants will learn some of the unique challenges particular to this environment regarding scope of practice and code of ethics. 
  3. Participants will hear from (via video) individuals doing the work in one institution- what it means to them to do this work from their perspective of the work.

11 a.m.-Noon - Breakout Session "E"
E1
The Nourishing Qualities of Nature for Yourself and For Your Peers

Presenters: Ulrike Maja Gruenberg, Peer Specialist, Life and Recovery Coach

In this workshop you will learn a simple and specific way to access and experience nature.  We will be exploring the nourishing aspects of nature and how these can help us regulate ourselves.  We will also look at why this technique can be especially beneficial in early trauma recovery.  You will be able to use this technique for yourself and with your peers.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Understand the neurophysiological benefits of nature.  
  2. Learn how Nature helps us to regulate and nourish ourselves.  
  3. Access a new deep connection to Nature.
E2
Ethical Leadership for Certified Peer Specialists: How to Critically Apply and Explore Ethical Questions in Peer Support

Presenters: Brittyn Calyx, Peer Specialist Program Communications Assistant, Access to Independence, Inc., Wisconsin Peer Specialist Employment Initiative and Tim Saubers, Peer Specialist Program Manager, Access to Independence, Inc., Wisconsin Peer Specialist Employment Initiative

Certified Peer Specialists are often described as "change agents," and for good reason. The principles that guide Certified Peer Specialists, as well as the perspectives offered by those with lived experience supporting their peers, initiate fundamental shifts in our service systems. This workshop asks participants to navigate ethical considerations that occur frequently within peer services and explore emerging ethical questions facing the Certified Peer Specialist workforce today. We recommend that participants attend "Certified Peer Specialist Ethics: An overview of ethical principles and expectations for Certified Peer Specialists in Wisconsin" before this "advanced" workshop focusing on application and organizational leadership.

Learning Objectives:
  1. At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to troubleshoot many scenarios common and emerging in peer support work through the lens of both the Wisconsin Certified Peer Specialist Code of Ethics as well as their organization's policies and procedures. 
  2. At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to discuss various challenges facing Certified Peer Specialists in this new decade and identify possible pathways to resilient solutions.
  3. At the end of this workshop, participants will be better equipped to model peer support principles when making ethics and boundaries-related decisions, emerging as leaders in the Wisconsin peer workforce.
E3
Integrating Culture in Peer Support

Presenters: Lynn Bigboy, Director of Youth Services, Bad River Tribal Nation

Understanding your audience and cultural differences can enrich everyone's experience. Build relationship in a good way by acknowledging the culture.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Understanding cultural differences and experiences.  
  2. Creating a safe space while acknowledging cultural environment.  
  3. Being open to learn new ways while facilitating culturally appropriate materials.
E4
Harm Reduction: Administering Narcan or Naloxone

Presenters: Aubrie Peterson,  Prevention Specialist, Vivent Health, LaCrosse, WI

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use.  Attend this session to learn about some of the harm reduction efforts being used in Wisconsin to address the opioid epidemic. This presentation will also provide a training on how to administer nasal Narcan (the medication which reverses an opioid overdose).
 
Learning Objectives:

     1.  Gain a basic understanding of harm reduction principles.
     2.  Learn the risk factors for an opioid overdose and how to recognize an overdose.
     3.  Learn how to provide help in the case of an overdose including how to administer nasal Narcan.

E5
Trauma Focused WRAP for Veterans

Presenters: Sierra Phillips, Local Recovery Coordinator, LCSW, Tomah VA Medical Center, Tomah, WI and Chad Johnson, Certified Peer Specialist, Tomah VA Medical Center, Tomah, WI 

Wellness Recovery Action Planning, or WRAP, is an evidence based best practice for wellness and recovery planning which utilizes a Peer to Peer model. It can be tailored to meet specific needs, such as those of Veterans who have experienced combat or other service-related trauma, addiction, incarceration, homelessness and general mental health concerns. 

Learning Objectives:
  1. Understand the 5 key concepts of recovery and implications for practice.  
  2. Understand the major components of a WRAP including the Wellness toolbox and becoming self-aware of tools and strengths needed to complete a WRAP.  
  3. Understanding unconditional high regard, personal accountability and utilizing support in decision making.
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