Thursday, May 30th 2024

*Denotes CE's have been applied for

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Friday, May 31st 2024

*Denotes CE's have been applied for

Keynote Speakers

Thursday, May 30th 2024

Sherdene Brown-Simpson, Ph.D., LPCC-S (OH), MFT (OH), LMHC (FL), CHT

2023-2024 President, Ohio Counseling Association

President/CEO, Relationship Enrichment, LLC

Biography: Dr. Sherdene Simpson’s career ladder reflects experience in the academic milieu as an administrator and educator, systemic clinical counselor and  supervision, consultation, trainer, and mentor. She is dually licensed and integrates systemic modalities. Dr. Simpson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (FL.), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, with supervisory designation (OH), Marriage and Family Therapist (OH), and a certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Grief Recovery Methods facilitator, and PREPARE Enrich seminar trainer.

Dr. Simpson is committed to professional service and serves as a servant leader in local, state, and national associations. She is the current president of the Ohio Counseling Association (OCA). She also served as OCA’s inaugural chair for the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Cultural Dignity Committee (D.E.I.C.D.C.)

Dr. Simpson is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, (ACES), American Association of Marriage & Family Therapist (AAMFT), Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honor Society, and the Florida Counseling Association. Dr. Simpson is committed to community outreach and is on advisory boards for the Quality Life Center, Sound Minds Counseling Center, and the Gulf Coast Mental Health Counselors, as an advocate for mental health and wellness,

Dr. Simpson's research interest includes multicultural informed supervision, supervision competency, systemic interventions, and  treatments. She has worked as an  adjunct faculty member, a Visiting Assistant Professor of Practice, and is currently a core faculty member and program director for the Clinical Mental Health program at Florida Gulf Coast University.

In seeking work life balance, Dr. Simpson shares her life accomplishments, dreams, and purpose with her husband Nathaniel Simpson.

Let's Talk about Wellness! Oh No...

Presentation Description: Did you say wellness? Oh no! Do you mean pouring chocolate syrup over my morning oatmeal, working seven days a week, and not planning self-care activities can affect my overall wellness and interrupt my quality of life?

Thought to ponder, how do you balance your personal and professional life? As helping professionals do our wellness theories align with our daily practices. Is wellness and wellbeing the same? Are we continuously riding a roller coaster and not really balancing your worlds? Is wellness a part of our professional identity or is it only client talk? Most importantly, where are you on the self-care wheel? This session will encourage conversations about wellness and self- care in our personal and professional lives. We will explore the self-as- professional and discuss the application of theory to REAL life practice. Finally, we will hang up our superhero capes and embrace our humanness.

Friday, May 31st 2024

Alicia Monroe, Ed.D.

Assistant Director, Strategic Initiatives, Rowan University

CEO/Founder, Solutions for Sustained Success, LLC

Biography: Alicia S. Monroe, EdD, is a PK–20 experienced educator, international education consultant, and career coach. She has served as a teacher, supervisor, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and adjunct professor. Her notable success in creating a culture of belonging and achievement in schools along with her expertise in developing equity and access models that frame educational opportunities for all students are the core of the ongoing professional learning and support she provides to school districts.

Monroe has taught undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral courses in Africana Studies and diversity and inclusion. She is currently responsible for three research studies focused on first-year initiative, neurodiversity, and effective student engagement with career services. The class that she designed and teaches, Black Lives Matter: An Ethnographic Perspective of the Movement is the first of its kind at Rowan University. She is the co-author of Don’t Dismiss My Story: The Tapestry of Colonized Voices in White Space and has authored a number of scholarly articles and blogs. At Rowan University, she serves as Assistant Director, Strategic Initiatives in the Office of Career Advancement. Her partnership with the Office of Accessibility Services and Center for Neurodiversity has provided for collaborative planning, mentoring, career coaching, and internship and job placement for diversability students and alumni.

Monroe is also the CEO and founder of Solutions for Sustained Success, LLC. Through her private practice, she serves as national faculty for the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). The whole child/whole student/whole educator framework that she was instrumental in designing is a trademark of ASCD. Monroe received her EdD from Rowan University, her master’s from Pratt Institute, and her bachelor’s from the College of the Holy Cross.

Centering Joy as Essential for a Purpose-Driven Practice

Presentation Description: Striving to thrive for others is personal and starts from within. To keep our passion ignited and the beauty of our rich identities engaged, we will rediscover the power of joy as a dynamic element that fuels self-love, self-care, and purpose. As we bring ourselves into the spaces that we occupy, we need to be inspired to pour into others because we are conscientiously tapping into our emotions and are filling our well. The keynote address centers joy as a powerful force for renewal and restoration in a profession that presents countless demands in the ever-changing landscape of career development.

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Friday Opening Session

Graham Wood

Director, Office of Graduate Success, Ohio Department of Education & Workforce

Biography: Graham Wood leads the Office of Graduate Success at the Department of Education and Workforce. Graham has lived and worked in Ohio his entire life. He started his career as a Teach For America corps member in Dayton, Ohio and transitioned to the Department in 2017. His team helps to make connections between high school and students’ chosen post-high school path.

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Presentation: Generating Career Adaptability and Care: Navigating the Intersection of Generative AI and Identity-Conscious Career Advising

Presenter: Evan Faidley, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, University of Central Arkansas

Biography: Dr. Evan Faidley (he/him) excitedly serves as Assistant Professor of the master’s program in College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA), Community Leadership Concentration Leader in the Change Leadership for Equity and Inclusion (CLEI) doctoral program, and Summer Instructor of French at the University of Central Arkansas. He is a former OCDA President and currently serves as a NASPA Co-Chair of the Orientation, Transition and Retention Knowledge Community. Dr. Faidley trains emerging and seasoned career practitioners on the intersection of identity development, career development, and teaching learning. His current research explores life-career student success and developing one's self-concept through socialization and innovative technologies.

Presentation Description: The ways in which individuals must navigate today’s World of Work can be taxing, developing anxiety and stress when determining how to approach robotic and human help. All in all, generative artificial intelligence (AI) should and will be a tool that exists in the career domain; however, we must embrace and implement it with an ethic of care that caters to the individual’s career adaptability (concern, control, curiosity, and confidence). During this session, you will explore the possibilities of infusing generative AI into their practice tailored to the identities and situations of their clients/advisees. Activities will require a laptop or tablet.

Presentation: Five key things to consider about pay equity

Presenters and Biographies: 

Emily Douglas-McNab, MBA, MLHR, SPHR, pHCLE, LSSBB, CAC, Co-founder and Chief, Experience Management Institute

Emily Douglas-McNab is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in organization strategy and development, human resources management, and process improvement. Emily is the Co-founder and Chief of Experience Management Institute, a certified women-owned business dedicated to empowering organizations in the design of exceptional employee experiences. Emily is a national expert in various topics such as total rewards design, compensation system design, pay equity, and pay transparency. She enjoys teaching individuals how to 'hack HR' when it comes to their job search and ensuring they are equitably compensated. Her passion for sharing knowledge extends beyond her work. Emily is a seasoned writer, speaker and social media influencer on various HR topics. Emily has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Labor and Human Resources (MLHR) from The Ohio State University. She is currently completing a Master of Education in Instructional Design (MEdID). Emily holds numerous certifications, such as a Senior Professional HR (SPHR) certification, her Professional Human Capital Leader in Education (pHCLE), a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB), and Compensation Analyst Credential (CAC). Currently, Emily sits on the Advisory Board for the OSU Fisher College of Business, Masters in HR program.

Taylor Tamang, MHRM, CAC, Strategic HR Partner, Experience Management Institute

Taylor joined the Experience Management Institute with the goal of fulfilling her dream of making a difference while using her human resources expertise. In her current role as a Strategic HR Partner, Taylor works directly with clients on projects related to recruiting, compensation, pay equity, onboarding, DEI, strategic planning, and more. Taylor is a highly motivated and accomplished Human Resources professional with a Master's in Human Resource Management (MHRM) and a bachelor's in psychology with a minor in organizational communication from The Ohio State University. Additionally, Taylor holds a Compensation Analyst Credential from the Economic Research Institute and a Lean Six Sigma green belt. Taylor is a strong advocate for continuous learning and professional development of others. Her passion for sharing knowledge is evident in her published works on topics such as addressing workforce shortages, pay equity, and leveraging social media for recruiting. Taylor's dedication to excellence and her commitment to creating inclusive workplaces make her an indispensable asset to any team.

Presentation Description: From company commitment to comparing salaries with colleagues, we’ll review five key things to consider about pay equity. By understanding these five keys, you can become more informed, empowered, and proactive in advocating for fair and equitable compensation.

Presentation: Creating Career Pathways that Empower Learners

Presenter: Amy Harker, M.Ed, Ohio's Personalized Learning Specialist, ESC of Northeast Ohio

Biography:  Amy S. Harker is one of Ohio’s Personalized Learning Specialists working to scale personalized learning throughout Ohio. Her work as a teacher, administrator and innovation specialist has led her to support schools with learner-centered approaches and develop learning pathways that are connected to students' passions, interests, abilities and career aspirations. She serves as a community connector of k-12, higher education and community organizations and business partnerships. She has presented and facilitated professional development locally, regionally and nationally on a variety of topics. “My passion is to have every student feel success and belonging as they go on their educational journey on a personalized path where they find their purpose. I am excited about my work in education and what it means as we transform the way students learn.”

Presentation Description: Authentic Learning is a key component of Personalized Learning in Ohio. Putting Learners in the driver's seat is critical to helping students be advocates for their own learning. Allowing students to have voice, choice and to create goals for their future vision, will keep students engaged and motivated reach their personal vision. This session will introduce what personalized learning is, why it is important and take a deep dive into examples that will help students be empowered to be critical & creative thinkers, respectful collaborators and visionary leaders. This session will provide ideas for business & community partners to support students and promote career pathway development.

Presentation: Mental Health in the Workplace: Fostering a Culture of Wellness and Success

Presenter: Andriel Ugbomeh, MSSA, LSW, CEU, Healing Without Limits Counseling and Consulting

Biography: Andriel Ugbomeh is an award-winning trailblazer and Subject Matter Expert in mental health, workplace wellness, and systemic change, celebrated for her innovative contributions at every level of the mental health field. As a licensed social worker, she boasts comprehensive expertise in mental health treatment across a variety of settings, including hospital inpatient care, intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment, and outpatient therapy for adults. Serving as a state employee for the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Andriel was instrumental in managing Ohio’s response to the opioid crisis. She was responsible for overseeing a $96 million federal grant, managing funding for nearly 20 local Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health (ADAMH) boards, and coordinating efforts with hundreds of mental health and substance abuse organizations (government, for-profit, and non-profit). This role underscored her strategic oversight and profound impact on state-level mental health service delivery. Nationally, Andriel secured a federal contract with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for her company, Healing Without Limits Counseling and Consulting, aimed at enhancing the federal behavioral health system and reducing overdose deaths across the country. Her collaboration with senior leaders from the FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the White House, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) highlighted her capacity to spearhead significant interagency efforts and advance the federal behavioral health system. As the Founder and CEO of Healing Without Limits Counseling and Consulting, LLC, Andriel has skillfully linked mental wellness with organizational success. Her Mental Health Workplace Wellness program underlines the vital connection between employee mental well-being and business health, establishing a new benchmark for integrating mental health into the corporate sector. By forging strategic partnerships with companies and leaders, she developed a framework for embedding mental wellness into the fabric of organizations, marking her as a visionary leader in her field.

Presentation Description: This presentation underscores the vital role of mental wellness in the workplace, focusing on strategies for cultivating a supportive culture. By fostering this environment, we empower individuals to thrive in their careers, enhancing professional fulfillment and contributing to organizational success. The session explores the significant impact of mental health on career development and organizational effectiveness. Attendees will learn actionable steps to champion mental wellness, creating an inclusive and thriving workplace. This approach is essential for personal growth and organizational resilience in today’s dynamic work landscape.

Breakout Session 2

Friday, May 31st from 9:45am-10:30am

Presentation: AI, Trust, and the Workforce

Presenters/Biographies: 

Mary Steiner Iiames, Ph.D., LSC, Assistant Professor/Interim Chief Academic Officer, Winebrenner Theological Seminary

Dr. Mary Steiner Iiames is an Assistant Professor and the Program Director of the Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling program at Winebrenner Theological Seminary. At Winebrenner, she teaches Career Counseling which sparked her interest in AI and its effects upon workers and workplaces. She was a school counselor for 31 years and witnessed incredible changes in schools and society throughout the years.

Devin Vail, Lead Software Developer, Pfizer

Devin Vail graduated from New York University with a BA in English Literature. He studied linguistics and translation at the Sorbonne University in Paris. He holds a master's degree in Instructional Design and is currently completing course work at Winebrenner Theological Seminary to become an LPCC in the state of Virginia. Currently Devin works as a lead software developer at Pfizer and interested in all things tech.

Presentation Description: "Hooray for AI!" or "AI is an evil force bent on taking over the world!" Chances are people are landing somewhere on the "Love and Hate AI Spectrum." During this presentation, the attitudes, benefits, and changes surrounding AI, the workplace, and the workforce will be discussed. Concepts of "Reskilling" and the "Person Environment Fit Theory" will be applied to individuals that career counselors and coaches assist as they enter into an "AI Workplace and Workforce."

Presentation: To Mask or Unmask?: Considerations for Working with Autistic Individuals in Career Counseling

Presenter: Stephanie (Steffi) Homan, M.A., LPCC, Career Counselor, Career Therapy with Steffi

Biography: Steffi Homan is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Arts in Counselor Education from The Ohio State University. She has over 3 years of experience as a career counselor at San Francisco State University and OSU, 5 years of experience with mental health counseling, and recently began facilitating Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY). She currently owns a practice, Career Therapy With Steffi, and is passionate about joining neurodivergent folks, particularly later diagnosed individuals with Autism and/or ADHD, on their journey towards greater understanding, self-compassion, and self-advocacy. In her free time, Steffi enjoys reading, gardening, indoor bouldering, and spending time with her two dogs.

Presentation Description: Masking involves the efforts of an Autistic person to change their external behavior to blend into social situations. Autistic individuals report experiencing pressure to mask at work given the limited understanding of neurodiversity in workplaces and for the purpose of career advancement. However, there are substantial mental health/wellness implications associated with higher masking, including generalized anxiety, depression, and burnout. This leaves autistic individuals in a tough predicament - to mask or unmask at work?

Presentation: Navigating the Personal and Professional: Workplace Mental Health

Presenter: Chante Meadows, Ph.D., LISW-S, CEO/Founder/Therapist, Meadows Counseling Group

Biography: Dr. Chante Meadows (she/her) is the Founder and CEO of Meadows Counseling Group. Dr. Meadows holds a doctorate degree in Leadership and Change and is a licensed clinical social worker with an emphasis in mental health. Meadows Counseling Group is a private practice of about 10 mental health clinicians specializing in culture, diversity, trauma, depression, anxiety and many other specializations. She is a Lecturer in the College of Social Work at The Ohio State University. Dr. Meadows currently serves as the Board of Directors President of the National Association of Social Work, Ohio Chapter. She is a speaker, educator, and has a TEDx regarding mental health stigma. Her passion is spreading the word about mental health and defeating stigma.

Presentation Description: It is estimated that one in four individuals will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives, making it imperative for workplaces to address this issue and create a supportive environment for employees. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of what mental health stigma is, its impact on individuals, and the barriers it creates in seeking help. The workshop will focus on workplace wellness's importance and its role in promoting mental health. Participants will understand the connection between employee well-being and organizational success while learning techniques to balance the professional and personal.

Presentation: Critical Trauma-Informed Supervisory Strategies

Presenters/Biographies:

Tierra Heath, M.A., Mental Health Clinician & Family Ambassador

Tierra Heath (she/her) has over a decade of experience in K-12 administration and advocating for underserved and underrepresented populations. She has a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and currently works at an acute psychiatric hospital. Tierra is excited to continue advocating for targeted groups through her doctoral studies, focusing on reducing recidivism in the prisoner and second-chance populations through Higher Education programming.

Chelsea Pratt, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Researcher, Association of American Medical Colleges

 Chelsea Pratt (she/her) is a qualitative and quantitative researcher, trauma scholar, and educator. She has over a decade of higher education administration and consulting experience working with K-12 schools, hospital systems, not-for-profits, and corporations. Her work focuses on the intersection of trauma and identity in educational contexts.

Presentation Description: An overview of doctoral research and a national conference presentation focusing on supervision, traumatization, and women of color student affairs staff. This session will accentuate the importance of trauma-informed supervision for the psychological well-being, career development, and success of minoritized supervisees. This overview places emphasis on the supervisor's role in escalating or reducing workplace trauma and provides effective practices, action steps, and relevant resources to take back to their institutions.

Breakout Session 3

Friday, May 31st from 2pm-2:45pm

Presentation: Enhancing Career Support for Formerly Incarcerated Persons (FIP) through AI Analysis

Presenter: Oscar McKnight, Ph.D. LPCC-S LSW NCC BC-TMH, Director, Psychological Counseling & Health Services, Ashland University

Biography:  Dr. McKnight is the current Director of Psychological Counseling and Health Services, as well as the Associate Dean for Student Affairs at Ashland University. As a seasoned mental health professional, he has over 30 years of experience in counseling and administration, working with students in a university setting. Dr. McKnight places great value on career counseling, recognizing its significance for individuals seeking direction and balance in their lives.

Presentation Description: Ashland University (AU) offers Transitional Adjustment Services to Formerly Incarcerated Persons (FIP) nationwide, focusing on career services, a top request. FIP students express mixed feelings about their futures, balancing fears of past impacts with hopes for employment and growth. To enhance rapport, AU introduced an AI-customized session analyzing FIP students' concerns before counseling or career consultation. AI facilitates understanding FIP needs and accelerating tailored career services discussions. This innovative approach has broader applications for university populations like athletes, honors students, and commuters.

Presentation: Best Practices for Career Consultation and Facilitation with Clients Who Are Experiencing Languishing

Presenter: Marie Nicks, GCDF, CCSP, Career Coach Navigator/Instructor, Navigator Career Solutions, LLC

Biography: Marie Nicks is a business owner, consultant, career coach, and instructor with over 17 years of comprehensive experience in the career development field. She specializes in helping youth and young adults with career exploration, job search, and personal growth. Marie is skilled at helping people with resume building, interviewing, and personal branding. Marie Nicks also trains and mentors career development professionals. She enjoys guiding professionals from all walks of life in starting and transitioning in their career.

Presentation Description: Are you experiencing an influx of clients with no mental health diagnosis who need career guidance, yet are not making real progress due to post-pandemic languishing? Attendees will learn about Corey Key’s Dual Continuum Model and how the pandemic has caused an increase in poor mental health among individuals with no mental health diagnosis. Leave with tools and techniques to propel languishing clients to tremendous success with your career facilitation/coaching services. This session is ideal for new career service providers and practitioners.

Presentation: Hope & Healing Through Appreciative Inquiry

Presenter: Glenna Heckler-Todt, Ed.D., CCSP, Certified Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator, Director of Advising & Academic Resources, Shawnee State University

Biography: Dr. Glenna Heckler-Todt has been the Director of Advising & Academic Resources at Shawnee State University for 8 years, providing leadership to the Student Success Center and Career Services, and is a Certified Career Services Provider. Dr. Hecker-Todt became interested in Appreciative Inquiry through Appreciative Advising and is a Certified Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator. She has used Appreciative Inquiry with teams and individuals to help them explore and rediscover the life-giving forces of their work and lives.

Presentation Description: Both in the work world and our private lives we are called on to be problem solvers. We focus on things we don't want and look for solutions to them. Since what we focus on creates our reality, we often view the world through a deficit point of view--what are we lacking? Appreciative Inquiry is a lens through which we can focus on what we want more of and reframe the problem/solution approach to obtain positive outcomes.

Presentation: Redefining Professionalism: Inclusive and Authentic Workspaces

Presenter: Jodie Leister, LPCC, CEAP, Director of the Employee Assistance Program and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center

Biography: Jodie Leister LPCC-S, CEAP currently serves as the Director of the Employee Assistance Program at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Her responsibilities include strategic program development and oversight, evaluating network provider issues, and addressing employee needs, and monitoring data and demographic trends to enhance the value of EAP offerings. With a history of exceptional service in program development, and quality improvement, Jodie’s skills in team-collaboration, workflow delegation, and relationship building underscore her as an asset for any organization aiming for sustained growth and excellence. Demonstrating a love for developing others, Jodie is a sought-after resource for mentorship, consultation, crisis response, and workshops/lectures concerning organizational and staff development. Beyond her role at the OSU her contributions and impact to the field of Mental Health can be found in her partnership with The National Council of Behavioral Health and Mental Health America of Ohio as a Trainer in Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA). She resides in central Ohio with her husband and three boys and is an active member of her community.

Presentation Description: This session addresses the evolving landscape of professionalism amidst changing work environments and generational shifts in notions of the role of work in everyday life. Participants will be guided to explore their own concepts of professionalism and how that may impact them in their current professional roles. Through understanding the cultural evolution of professionalism and increasing self-awareness surrounding personal constructs of professionalism, participants gain insights into navigating contemporary workplace dynamics while fostering authenticity and inclusivity.

Breakout Session 4

Friday, May 31st from 3pm-3:45pm

Presentation: Unlocking Opportunities: Elevating Employer Relationships in Career Services

Presenters/Biographies: 

Bethani Burkhart, M.H., Director, Career Services, Tiffin University

Bethani Burkhart currently serves as the Director of Career Services at her alma mater, Tiffin University. Bethani has previously served as the Director of Employer Outreach at Cuyahoga Community College, and as the Director of Career and Academic Development at Hiram College. Overall, she has worked in career services for over 9 years. Bethani graduated from Tiffin University with her MH in Communication in 2016. She is a first-generation college student and has two dogs, Dobby and Peter.

Leigh Mascolino, M.S/Ed.S., Director of Career Connection, Ohio Wesleyan University

Leigh Mascolino is the Director of Career Connection at Ohio Wesleyan University, and has served in this role for 5 years. She oversees the Career Connection office, supervises staff, and provides strategic leadership. She conducts individualized career coaching with students and establishes rapport with staff, faculty, employers, and Alumni to expand job prospects and graduate/professional opportunities. Leigh also worked at The Ohio State University as the Manager of Career Services in the College of Pharmacy. Leigh has an M.S./Ed.S. in Career Counseling, is a Certified Strengths Coach, a Professional Career Coach, and an MBTI Certified Practitioner. From 2013-2019, Leigh served as President, President-Elect, Past-President, and additional leadership roles within the Ohio Career Development Association.

Presentation Description: Explore strategies to prioritize and strengthen employer connections on campus for enhanced student outcomes and success. Join us in this interactive session where you will gain insights from representatives at two different career centers who will specifically address Employer Partnership programs, hosting exceptional employer events, offering an employer menu of services, Alumni centric approaches, and creative ways for connecting students with employers. This session will leverage peer-to-peer insights for maximum impact. Join us and come away with actionable resources and initiatives aimed at cultivating robust employer partnerships!

Presentation: Supply and Demand: Addiction in Our Workforce

Presenter: Ruth Bowdish, MSPsy, LICDC, CEAP, SAP, Managing Director, On Demand Healthcare

Biography: As the Managing Director for On Demand Occupational Medicine, Ruth Bowdish brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to all she does. A published author, licensed counselor, and successful life coach, she is a sought-after expert by media outlets and leaders alike. Her two decades of leadership experience and dedication to occupational health and safety make her an invaluable asset to any team. Ruth is a passionate advocate for mental health and addiction recovery, combining her graduate degree in psychology with multiple certifications in employee assistance and substance abuse counseling. As a respected member of the Advisory Board for Ashland University's Women in Leadership Program and a former Athena Award nominee, Ruth is dedicated to breaking down barriers and empowering others to reach their full potential. Renowned for her expertise in workplace safety and corporate success, Ruth has captivated audiences across the country with her dynamic speaking engagements. With a commitment to fostering healthy, productive work environments, she continues to make a meaningful impact through her thought-provoking keynotes and conference appearances.

Presentation Description: According to the Us Department of Labor, 75% of Americans with SUDs are currently in our workforce. This presentation provides strong data and a deep understanding of what addiction looks like and how community resources such as counselors, EAPs and SAPs can best support and educate employers to provide intervention where it matters most.

Presentation: The Power of Using Our Strengths

Presenter: Megan Hysell, B.A., Senior Learning & Development Consultant, Nationwide Children's Hospital

Biography: Megan Hysell has over 20 years of experience in healthcare as a human resources professional and behavioral health executive. While she loved leading people, Megan sorely missed the creativity and connection of her education roots. She made a mid-career shift and now facilitates trainings & team discussions with leading healthcare professionals at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, one of Forbes 2024 best large employers.

Megan’s education as a sociological graduate student, unique blend of strategic knowledge and creativity coupled with her innate ability to connect with others has poised her to develop programming that meets the heartbeat of need for individual contributors throughout the healthcare system. She co-founded and leads the Career Circles program at Nationwide Children’s, inspiring others to own their career journey.

Presentation Description: Fostering resiliency in the workforce happens when we begin to take ownership of our own development which begins by knowing ourselves and what we naturally do well. In this session, we'll define what a strength really is, discuss why we can stop giving our weaknesses so much attention and demonstrate how we can enjoy a more fulfilling career the more we work within our strengths.

Presentation: Striving for Success: How Generosity-Based Networking Enhances Career and Wellness

Presenter: Sarah JanTausch, M.S., Founder/Coach, SRJ Coaching & Consulting

Biography: Sarah JanTausch is the Founder of SRJ Coaching and Consulting and creator of the Values-Based-Career method. She is an Executive & Career Coach, Speaker, and Trainer who works with individuals to create values-based careers and unlock the hidden job market. She coaches individuals on career pivots, generosity-based networking, and aligning total vocational impact with personal values. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in Politics and Government and a Master of Science degree in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University. Sarah is the Chair of Government Relations for the Ohio Career Development Association and sits on the National Career Development Association's Government Relations Committee as a State Coordinator. She is also a member of the Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce and the Central Ohio Chapter of Talent Development.

Presentation Description: "Striving for Success: How Generosity-Based Networking Enhances Career and Wellness" illuminates the transformative power of generosity in networking, shaping both professional trajectories and personal well-being. Explore the symbiotic relationship between authenticity, generosity, and relationship-building while uncovering strategies to cultivate genuine connections. Participants will learn the Generosity-Based Networking framework and mindset principles while delving into practical techniques for integrating this into their personal career development and in support of their clients. Join us to discover how embracing generosity can propel you toward holistic success.

Presentation: "Healthy Hire to Healthy Retire" - An Innovative Approach to 1st Responder Wellness

Presenters/Biographies: 

Meredith Montgomery, Ed.D., LPCC-S, Assistant Professor, University of Dayton

Dr. Meredith Montgomery is a Supervising Professional Clinical Counselor, Counselor Educator, and Researcher at the University of Dayton. Meredith is also the Program Director for UD’s Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program (BHWET) and the PI of the Behavioral Health Workforce Expansion Program (BHWEP). Meredith owns and operates Atrium Counseling Services, a private practice serving individuals, families, and groups in the Dayton, OH region. She is an avid advocate for the counseling profession. Her advocacy is apparent in her research – which focuses on Interprofessional Education and Practice (IPEP) and counselor professional identity development. Meredith also serves as the Professional Development Chair for the Ohio Association of Counselors in Private Practice (OACPP), a division of the Ohio Counseling Association (OCA).

Kineta Sanford, M.Ed., BHWET Program Coordinator, University of Dayton

Kineta Sanford is the Program Coordinator for the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program (BHWET) at the University of Dayton. BHWET is a federally-funded grant program addressing mental health workforce shortages in Southwest and Central Ohio. Kineta’s professional experience spans education, nonprofit management, and government. She began her career in secondary education as a high school English teacher and student advisor. Kineta’s non-profit experience was focused on affordable housing within a community land trust. She was instrumental in the development of the Inclusive and Resilient Yellow Springs Coalition. Kineta believes our communities are strongest when marginalized populations have equal access and opportunities for personal and professional development.

Presentation Description: Career Development Professionals working with First Responders need tools and resources that address the unique needs of this population - at work, at home, and in the community. The University of Dayton's Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program has developed a unique tool, in partnership with the UD Police Department, to address personal and professional wellness across the career lifespan for police officers. In this session, you will learn about the “Healthy Hire to Healthy Retire” program and how you can use this tool with your 1st responder clients.