Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic or stressful experiences, such as abuse or neglect, that occur during childhood or adolescence. Armed with powerful new insights into how toxic stress changes the physiology of early brain development, we can begin to find sustainable solutions to childhood trauma by empowering resilient, self-healing communities. The training is designed to support widespread awareness, promote understanding, and empower communities to improve health and well-being throughout society. Learn about the key positive childhood experiences that help children grow into healthy, resilient adults and how our communities and our systems of care can provide access to them. The Four Building Blocks of HOPE will focus beyond ACEs to deepen our understanding and empathy, foster trust among families, and nurture anti-racist thinking to serve everyone without stigma. The participant will understand how the growing body of research demonstrate how positive childhood experiences drive healthy development and can mitigate the effects of adverse ones. 

About The Presenters

Chalarra A. Sessoms, LCSW-C, MSW is a Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience in the mental health field.  Board Approved Supervisor to support social workers and counselors in training. Mrs. Sessoms works as a Chief of Rural Health and School Based Programs with the Maryland Behavioral Health Administration within the Primary Behavioral Health & Early Intervention Division. She provides behavioral health trainings as a Resilience Master Presenter, ACE Interface Master Presenter, HOPE Champion, and Youth Mental Health First Aid Facilitator. Chalarra is an entrepreneur and proud to serve as a member of a consultative group of behavioral health practitioners, Imagine Living Well. Chalarra is a 2023 Honoree for Commitment to Child Maltreatment Prevention from The Family Tree.  Chalarra was an Honoree in 2019 as one of The Daily Record's Maryland Top 100 Women for being a leading woman in leadership, community service, and mentoring. Mrs. Sessoms extends her talents throughout the community as well.  Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront for her work.

D'Lisa Worthy, M.Ed is a Special Educator with 30 years of experience serving young children and their families.  D’Lisa Worthy is the Director of Early Childhood Services at the Behavioral Health Administration’s Primary Behavioral Health & Early Intervention Division. D’Lisa is a State Master Trainer in ACES Interface, The Pyramid Model, HOPE Champion, Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid and Resilience.  She is a National Trainer for FAN (Facilitating Attuned Interaction). She is a current Commissioner on the Commission on Trauma Informed Care.   Over the last 30 years D’Lisa has also taught at several Universities around the State of Maryland. She is featured on several videos and websites on children’s mental health and early childhood resilience and development.  She was the 2017 Award Winner of the Alma Troccoli Award for Excellence in Advocating for the Mental Health Needs of Young Children and Their Families. She develops systems of care, workforce development and policy and practice for young children and their families.

Did you know that Maryland has one of the lowest child placement rates in the country, with only 1.1 placements per thousand children? For a significant percentage of older youth, complex behavioral health needs are often the main reason for placement. Additionally, fewer than 5% of child welfare cases result in separation, meaning roughly 95% of families remain intact.

This workshop will provide an overview of the critical role data plays in child welfare, debunk common myths, and highlight key mandatory reports. It will also define data-driven management and offer tips for becoming a savvy data consumer. A demonstration of the DHS website for accessing current data will be included, along with recommendations for future progress.

About the Presenter

Judith Schagrin was bitten by the public agency child welfare “bug” in 1983 after taking a social work position with BCoDSS to develop the state’s first “interdependent” living preparation program. Throughout her career, she provided professional services across the child welfare spectrum, from child protective services through adoptions. She also served as a foster parent for Jewish Family Services. Over the last 20 years with BCoDSS, she served as the administrator for the foster care and adoptions program.

In 2001, in collaboration with colleague Susan Loysen, Judith founded and continues to co-direct Camp Connect, a week-long sleepaway camp reuniting siblings separated in foster care. Since retiring, Judith has been teaching child welfare at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, volunteering with the Red Cross to provide disaster mental health services, and facilitating resilience workshops for the military. Until recently, Judith worked part-time as a public policy analyst for Baltimore City DSS and now looks forward to dedicating more time to advocating for Maryland children and families served by child welfare.

Judith has been honored with recognition as the National Social Worker of the Year by her peers. She has also received the Betsey Rosenbaum award from the National Association of Public Child Welfare Administrators and has been featured in an article about social workers in the Atlantic, "From Social Worker to Foster Parent and Back."

Join Maryland CASA and Comfort Cases for a CASA Packing Party on Saturday, October 5th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM! We’ll be gathering at 9300 Gaither Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 to pack backpacks filled with comfort and personal care items for youth entering the foster care system.

These backpacks, known as Comfort Cases, offer dignity and hope to children who would otherwise be given a trash bag to carry their belongings when removed from their homes. By joining this event, you will be making a meaningful difference in these children’s lives by providing essentials for their first days in foster care.

Only 15 slots are available, so don't wait to sign up. We can't wait to see you there and make an impact together!

Click here to Register

Please Join us for Cocktails with CASA @ the Conference— an evening of networking, connections, and community!

Date & Time:
Thursday, September 19th
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Location:
Brew River

502 W Main St
Salisbury, Maryland

Enjoy light refreshments as you mingle with fellow professionals and supporters of Maryland CASA. A cash bar will be available, and Maryland CASA will cover your first drink—whether it's beer, wine, a fountain drink, or tea.

We look forward to seeing you there!

RSVP: Monday September 9th by 2:00pm.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIAB) have become well-known throughout our social climate as a framework for building multiculturally inclusive organizations. Although we’re familiar with these terms, it can be challenging to figure out ways to implement these principles into our work. Join Janelle for an engaging workshop on practical ways to view things from a DEIAB-centered lens and apply these principles within your organization.

About The Presenter

Janelle Battle (She/ Her) is the DEIAB Program Assistant at Maryland CASA. Janelle is a social justice advocate who has a diverse background working within human resources, higher education, non-profits, and corporate.

Janelle graduated with her master's in communications in 2022 with a focus in human resources and attended the University of South Florida’s online DEI certificate program, DEI in the workplace. Janelle utilizes her background in HR and DEI to help organizations strengthen their development and foster spaces that uplift, celebrate, and equitably serve every unique individual.

Janelle’s approach to this work is to build unity and harmony within communities by listening with an empathetic heart, respecting and understanding each individual’s unique background and experiences, and graciously holding people accountable to their newly gained knowledge and awareness.

Human Trafficking 101 will teach the basics about human trafficking, indicators, how to identify, reporting, and resources available through Harriett’s House.

About The Presenter

Julie Crain is the Founder and Executive Director of Harriett’s House, an anti-human trafficking organization in Cambridge, MD. Currently operating as a Drop-In Center for women in the community and a residential program for survivors of Human Trafficking. Julie began her work in Human Trafficking traveling internationally doing short-term missions work in after-care programs for women who had escaped sex trafficking. Realizing the need for services in The United States compelled her to start Harriett’s House with the goal of raising awareness and educating communities about human trafficking, operating a drop-in center and providing long-term residential care.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic or stressful experiences, such as abuse or neglect, that occur during childhood or adolescence. Armed with powerful new insights into how toxic stress changes the physiology of early brain development, we can begin to find sustainable solutions to childhood trauma by empowering resilient, self-healing communities. The training is designed to support widespread awareness, promote understanding, and empower communities to improve health and well-being throughout society. Learn about the key positive childhood experiences that help children grow into healthy, resilient adults and how our communities and our systems of care can provide access to them. The Four Building Blocks of HOPE will focus beyond ACEs to deepen our understanding and empathy, foster trust among families, and nurture anti-racist thinking to serve everyone without stigma. The participant will understand how the growing body of research demonstrate how positive childhood experiences drive healthy development and can mitigate the effects of adverse ones. 

About The Presenters

Chalarra A. Sessoms, LCSW-C, MSW is a Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience in the mental health field.  Board Approved Supervisor to support social workers and counselors in training. Mrs. Sessoms works as a Chief of Rural Health and School Based Programs with the Maryland Behavioral Health Administration within the Primary Behavioral Health & Early Intervention Division. She provides behavioral health trainings as a Resilience Master Presenter, ACE Interface Master Presenter, HOPE Champion, and Youth Mental Health First Aid Facilitator. Chalarra is an entrepreneur and proud to serve as a member of a consultative group of behavioral health practitioners, Imagine Living Well. Chalarra is a 2023 Honoree for Commitment to Child Maltreatment Prevention from The Family Tree.  Chalarra was an Honoree in 2019 as one of The Daily Record's Maryland Top 100 Women for being a leading woman in leadership, community service, and mentoring. Mrs. Sessoms extends her talents throughout the community as well.  Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront for her work.

D'Lisa Worthy, M.Ed is a Special Educator with 30 years of experience serving young children and their families.  D’Lisa Worthy is the Director of Early Childhood Services at the Behavioral Health Administration’s Primary Behavioral Health & Early Intervention Division. D’Lisa is a State Master Trainer in ACES Interface, The Pyramid Model, HOPE Champion, Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid and Resilience.  She is a National Trainer for FAN (Facilitating Attuned Interaction). She is a current Commissioner on the Commission on Trauma Informed Care.   Over the last 30 years D’Lisa has also taught at several Universities around the State of Maryland. She is featured on several videos and websites on children’s mental health and early childhood resilience and development.  She was the 2017 Award Winner of the Alma Troccoli Award for Excellence in Advocating for the Mental Health Needs of Young Children and Their Families. She develops systems of care, workforce development and policy and practice for young children and their families.

The latest estimates suggest that 1 in 36 children (about 3% of the population) are identified as being on the autism spectrum. These youth have many strengths and capacities, while struggling with the demands of life in a non-autism friendly world. The transition from youth to adulthood is especially difficult as those with autism typically lose services and supports at this age, and are faced with educational and relationship decisions that often overwhelm them and their families.

This 90-minute presentation has the following objectives:

a)       Gain greater understanding and insight into the diagnosis of autism

b)      Discuss real-life strengths, demands, and challenges faced by youth with autism

c)       Explore the transition from youth to adulthood on the spectrum, and gain ideas about how to help

About The Presenter

Daniel Hoover, Ph.D., ABPP is a board certified clinical child and adolescent psychologist at Kennedy Krieger Institute and Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He has 30 years of experience as a service provider, trainer, and clinical supervisor. He directs psychology internship and postdoctoral training at the Center for Child and Family Traumatic Stress. Dr. Hoover founded and directs the Horizons Clinic, treating children with developmental disabilities who are exposed to trauma; one of the few such treatment clinics nationwide. Dr. Hoover consults on a SAMSHA National Child Traumatic Stress Network grant entitled: Supporting Trauma Recovery for Youth with Developmental Disabilities. He has published numerous papers and chapters on the assessment and treatment of children with autism and intellectual disabilities exposed to abuse and trauma. He is the original developer of the Interactive Trauma Scale, a web-based graphic touchscreen measure of traumatic exposures and symptoms in children.

In a world driven by connections, relationships, and collaboration, the ability to establish genuine rapport stands as a cornerstone for success. Join us in this enlightening presentation, where we explore the importance of rapport and the strategies that build it. Discover the transformative potential of authentic connections as we explore the art of building bridges that change lives.

Key Topics:
1. The Foundation of Trust:
• Understand how rapport serves as the bedrock of trust in relationships.
• Explore the psychological aspects that contribute to the establishment of trust and
mutual understanding.
2. Communication Beyond Words:
• Uncover the nuances of non-verbal communication in building rapport.
• Learn how body language, tone, and empathy contribute to creating a harmonious
and open dialogue.
3. Navigating Professional Success:
• Explore how rapport impacts professional environments and fosters
collaboration.
• Learn practical strategies for enhancing relationships, leading to increased
connection and care.
4. Cultivating Authentic Connections:
• Discover the art of genuine connection and how it goes beyond surface-level
interactions.
• Gain insights into fostering meaningful relationships.
5. Overcoming Challenges:
• Address common challenges in establishing rapport and learn effective strategies
to overcome them.
• Explore case studies illustrating successful rapport-building in various contexts.
Takeaways:
• Enhanced Communication Skills: Acquire practical communication skills that deepen connections and facilitate understanding.
• Professional Growth: Recognize how the cultivation of rapport contributes to happiness and care.

• Personal Fullment: Understand how authentic connections lead to a more fulfilling and enriching personal life.

• Tools for Building Lasting Relationships: Receive actionable tools and techniques to strengthen rapport. 

About The Presenter

Frank Love, a loving husband, father of five, trainer, speaker, and relationship coach, is the insightful author of two impactful books. Hailing from Washington, D.C., Frank holds a master's degree in organizational management from The George Washington University. With one divorce, a resilient long-spanning marriage, and years of delving into the intricacies of relationships, Frank has garnered profound insights into the challenges couples encounter regarding loyalty, trust, and partnerships. These reflections prompted a deep self-inquiry into his own motives and methods. After extensive research, writing, and contemplation, Frank has formulated a transformative model aimed at fostering a loving culture in relationships. Empowered by this model, he dedicates himself to educating our community, guiding individuals in identifying unloving behaviors and replacing them with those grounded in love.

The Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) framework is a movement to change the way individuals who interface with children and families deliver care. HOPE operates under the assumption that the positive exists, is real, and is worth growing.

Yet, many systems focus on the negative and create a presumption of deficit. HOPE shifts the narrative so that people are defined by their strengths as well as the challenges they face.

In this series, CASA workers will participate in three, 90-minute sessions where they will learn the four building blocks of hope, identify ways to increase access to the building blocks in their communities, and engage in strengths-based work with the families they serve.

*Please note that in order to receive 1.5 hours of CEU credits, you must attend all three training sessions.

About The Presenter:

Amie Myrick, LCPC specializes in working with traumatized populations. She currently works as a Lead Analyst at the nonprofit organization National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), overseeing multiple national projects funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aimed at reducing and preventing substance use, overdose, and the impact and occurrence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and increasing capacities for local health departments and first responders.

Amie is an ACE Master Presenter in the state of Maryland and a national HOPE facilitator and technical assistance provider. She worked at a Maryland non-profit providing direct care for 10 years, where she served as the Director of Education and Training. During her time there, she collaborated closely with the Harford County Child Advocacy Center as a therapist, supervisor, clinical coordinator, and member of the multidisciplinary team.

Amie has presented at local, national, and international conferences for over 15 years on topics related to trauma and advocacy. In addition to her clinical and training work, Amie is a research and training consultant for groups interested in infusing trauma-informed approaches into their work, building parenting and therapist-based skills, and learning more about comprehensive treatment for populations affected by trauma. She is the co-author, author, and co-editor of theoretical and empirical peer-reviewed journal articles and several books on working with traumatized and populations in need.

Lights, camera, action! Get ready to put your movie knowledge to the test and support a great cause! We're thrilled to invite you to our Movie Edition Trivia Night in support of Maryland CASA Association.

This training will explore the challenges of serving as advocates in "Broken Baby" and Medical Neglect cases and the importance of strong advocacy.

About The Presenters

Erica Lemon is the Advocacy Director for Children’s Rights for Maryland Legal Aid.

The Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) course, designed and built on the Avoid, Deny Defend (ADD) strategy developed by ALERRT in 2004, provides strategies, guidance and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event.

Topics include the history and prevalence of active shooter events, civilian response options, medical issues, and considerations for conducting drills.

About The Presenter:

First Sergeant Michael Taluskie has been with the Maryland State Police for sixteen years. He is currently one of the assistant commanders at the Rockville Barrack responsible for the day-to-day operation of the barrack. Prior to his assignment to Rockville, First Sergeant Taluskie was a member of the Maryland State Police Crash Team. This is a specialized team responsible for investigating complex fatal collisions in the state of Maryland. Before being assigned to the Crash Team, First Sergeant Taluskie was responsible for road patrol duties in Frederick and Montgomery Counties. First Sergeant Taluskie holds a number of certifications for training.

In addition to being a Trooper with the Maryland State Police, First Sergeant Taluskie is also a member of the Virginia Army National Guard. First Sergeant Taluskie has been in the Army for over twenty-two years. He has been deployed to Iraq, Egypt, and the headquarters of Army Central Command.

The Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) framework is a movement to change the way individuals who interface with children and families deliver care. HOPE operates under the assumption that the positive exists, is real, and is worth growing.

Yet, many systems focus on the negative and create a presumption of deficit. HOPE shifts the narrative so that people are defined by their strengths as well as the challenges they face.

In this series, CASA workers will participate in three, 90-minute sessions where they will learn the four building blocks of hope, identify ways to increase access to the building blocks in their communities, and engage in strengths-based work with the families they serve.

*Please note that in order to receive 1.5 hours of CEU credits, you must attend all three training sessions.

About The Presenter:

Amie Myrick, LCPC specializes in working with traumatized populations. She currently works as a Lead Analyst at the nonprofit organization National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), overseeing multiple national projects funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aimed at reducing and preventing substance use, overdose, and the impact and occurrence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and increasing capacities for local health departments and first responders.

Amie is an ACE Master Presenter in the state of Maryland and a national HOPE facilitator and technical assistance provider. She worked at a Maryland non-profit providing direct care for 10 years, where she served as the Director of Education and Training. During her time there, she collaborated closely with the Harford County Child Advocacy Center as a therapist, supervisor, clinical coordinator, and member of the multidisciplinary team.

Amie has presented at local, national, and international conferences for over 15 years on topics related to trauma and advocacy. In addition to her clinical and training work, Amie is a research and training consultant for groups interested in infusing trauma-informed approaches into their work, building parenting and therapist-based skills, and learning more about comprehensive treatment for populations affected by trauma. She is the co-author, author, and co-editor of theoretical and empirical peer-reviewed journal articles and several books on working with traumatized and populations in need.

The Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) framework is a movement to change the way individuals who interface with children and families deliver care. HOPE operates under the assumption that the positive exists, is real, and is worth growing.

Yet, many systems focus on the negative and create a presumption of deficit. HOPE shifts the narrative so that people are defined by their strengths as well as the challenges they face.

In this series, CASA workers will participate in three, 90-minute sessions where they will learn the four building blocks of hope, identify ways to increase access to the building blocks in their communities, and engage in strengths-based work with the families they serve.

*Please note that in order to receive 1.5 hours of CEU credits, you must attend all three training sessions.

About The Presenter:

Amie Myrick, LCPC specializes in working with traumatized populations. She currently works as a Lead Analyst at the nonprofit organization National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), overseeing multiple national projects funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aimed at reducing and preventing substance use, overdose, and the impact and occurrence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and increasing capacities for local health departments and first responders.

Amie is an ACE Master Presenter in the state of Maryland and a national HOPE facilitator and technical assistance provider. She worked at a Maryland non-profit providing direct care for 10 years, where she served as the Director of Education and Training. During her time there, she collaborated closely with the Harford County Child Advocacy Center as a therapist, supervisor, clinical coordinator, and member of the multidisciplinary team.

Amie has presented at local, national, and international conferences for over 15 years on topics related to trauma and advocacy. In addition to her clinical and training work, Amie is a research and training consultant for groups interested in infusing trauma-informed approaches into their work, building parenting and therapist-based skills, and learning more about comprehensive treatment for populations affected by trauma. She is the co-author, author, and co-editor of theoretical and empirical peer-reviewed journal articles and several books on working with traumatized and populations in need.

This presentation is presented by Natalie Miller and John McGinnis.

This presentation will provide information about the challenges students in the foster care system face. Federal and State policies will be discussed that impact these students, along with how these students can be supported to ensure enrollment and engagement in school.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. If you require accommodations to fully participate in our virtual trainings, please email our team here. You will be contacted by someone from our staff to discuss your specific needs.

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Do you have questions about our training classes and continuing education?  Please email contact@marylandcasa.org.