West Liberty University College of Education and Human Performance continued its effort to support community mental health by partnering with NAMI Wheeling once again for its October conference, “Shedding Light on Mental Illness.”
Associate Professor of Health and Physical Education Kathleen Wack
“The annual conference was a big success. We are grateful to the presenters and the participants for joining us to share helpful information on mental health,” said Professor Kathleen Wack, who has led the effort at WLU since 2018.
Special Assistant to the President for DEI and Strategic Initiatives Dr. Monique L. Akassi
Wack is on the conference planning committee which is responsible for bringing nationally-recognized speakers and experts in the field of mental health, prevention, and education to the region.
New to the conference this year was WLU’s Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Strategic Initiatives Dr. Monique L. Akassi.
Akassi brought the subject of DEI to the table as she presented a talk entitled: “A (Re) Examination of the Critical Role of Mental Health for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive in Higher Education and Beyond.
“Dr. Akassi joined a respected group of presenters and brought a unique perspective; that of Higher Ed, the workplace, DEI, and mental health, that was timely and meaningful for our community,” said Wack.
More than 100 individuals signed on to participate in the conference which was presented on Zoom on Oct. 6 during Mental Illness Awareness Week, a national initiative.
Other topics and presenters include:
- “A Framework for School-Based Behavioral Health Integration,” presented by Casey Jo Cottrill, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist
- “Supporting Trans and Gender Diverse Youth,” presented by Chantel Weisenmuller, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, WVU School of Medicine Charleston.
- “Creating Safe Spaces for Individuals Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” presented by Marc Ellison, Ed.D, LPC, ALPS.
“Our vision is that this conference can both cultivate partnerships and collaborations among all participants so that we can have a true impact on the community,” explained Wack.
Graduate credit and continuing education units were offered to a diverse group of professionals, health care providers, and educators at a low cost. Participants attained CEUs in social work, counseling, nursing, marriage and family therapy, psychology, or law enforcement. WLU graduate credit was offered to educators and other members of the community.
Synchronous sessions offered chances to interact with the speaker and other professionals live. Recordings of sessions are now posted to Topper Station to allow for maximum flexibility to learn at a time that is convenient.
In addition to Wack, other members of the planning committee include:
- Julie Gomez, Executive Director of NAMI Wheeling (National Alliance of Mental Illness)
- Melody Osborne, Adolescent Health Initiative Coordinator, Marshall County Family Resource Network
- Lauren Brown, Program Manager NAMI Wheeling
Original source can be found here.
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