10:00 - 10:30 PM - REGISTRATION

Welcome to the conference! We’re glad you’re here. Please check in at the registration table to receive your conference materials and schedule. Our team is available to answer any questions you may have and help guide you through the day. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a returning participant, we’re honored to have you with us and look forward to a meaningful and engaging experience together.

WiFi

This is the venue wifi login. Please note that your speeds may vary depending on how many people are online. You may want to consider using your own connection.

Network: lhm_conf
password: lhmiller

WELCOME (*)

Room: Auditorium (Room 109)

Michael Gerald, PhD

Moderators: Nisha Harman, Pamela Smith, Mel Poe

Hear from our president for an insightful overview of the challenges, progress, and emerging opportunities facing the counseling profession in our state. This address will highlight legislative updates, workforce trends, advocacy efforts, and the collective strides we’re making to elevate mental health care in Utah. It’s a moment to reflect on where we’ve been, where we’re headed, and how we can continue to grow stronger together as a professional community.

To get CEs:Fill out Survey

DOPL Panel (*)

Room: Main Hall (150)

Moderators: Pamela Smith, DeAnn Knighton

Jana Johanson, Anna Lieber, MayreAnn Franz, & Karson Kinikini

Join representatives from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) for a valuable panel discussion and Q&A session focused on licensure, compliance, supervision, and professional standards. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from DOPL officials about current regulations, common pitfalls, and recent updates affecting mental health professionals. Bring your questions and gain clarity on the processes and expectations that shape your professional practice. Whether you're a student, associate, or seasoned clinician, this session is essential for staying informed and compliant.

To get CEs:Fill out Survey

Stay in your lane so you don't go insane: Navigating Supervision Roles

Room: 220

Moderator: Brooke Harper

Kristal James, PhD, LCMHC
Aléjandra Chávez Stuart, EdD, LPC

New to supervision and unsure of your role? Or a seasoned supervisor feeling the strain of gatekeeping? This session is for you! Through engaging discussions and hands-on activities, we’ll revisit key supervision models, explore the importance of “staying in your lane” to prevent burnout, and apply insights to real-world ethical cases. Join Kristal and Alejandra (Core Faculty Members at Walden University) to refresh your purpose and enhance your well-being in supervision!

To get CEs:Fill out Survey

Creating more fulfilling and connected relationships by clarifying your personal values

Room: 209

Moderator: Trent Landon

Tyler Andrus, LCSW

All types of relationships start with hopes of fulfillment and connection, but many get mired or end in frustration. Behind those frustrations lie unfulfilled personal values. By reflecting on the past and looking forward with hope, we can each clarify a set of key personal values to tip the scales toward fulfillment.

To get CEs:Fill out Survey

3:25 - 3:35pm - BREAK

Take a moment to step away, stretch your legs, and refresh yourself during the break. It’s a perfect chance to grab a drink, chat informally with other participants, or simply relax before the next session begins. We encourage you to use this time to recharge and make the most of your conference experience.

Sponsor Tables

Where would we be without our sponsors? These great people helped to make this event a success. Please visit their tables and see what they are about!

3:35 - 5:00 PM

Tolerating risk in high-acuity treatment (*)

Room: Main Hall (109)

Moderators: DeAnn Knighton, Jennifer Hunsaker

Anna Lieber, LCMHC

Working with individuals who are in acute distress, have serious and persistent mental health challenges, constantly wish to die, or engage in high-risk behaviors can be taxing to clinicians. This workshop discusses the skills clinicians need to tolerate the risk, effectively use countertransference, and shield against trauma/burnout while providing effective treatment. 

To get CEs:Fill out Survey

Student Track

Room: 220

Moderator: Tage Gould

Graduate and Emerging Professionals Committee

Join the Graduate and Emerging Professionals Committee for an engaging panel discussion and Q&A session designed to support students, new professionals, and those transitioning into the mental health field. This panel brings together a diverse group of early-career clinicians and graduate students who will share their experiences, insights, and advice on navigating licensure, building a professional identity, and finding meaningful opportunities in the mental health profession. Come with your questions and leave with practical guidance, encouragement, and a sense of community.

To get CEs:Fill out Survey

Processing Group: BIPOC

Room: 209

Moderator: JEDI Committee

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee

Take off your counseling hat and join the Justice, Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Committee for a reflective and courageous processing group. This space invites attendees to step into authenticity, vulnerability, and honest dialogue around issues of identity, power, privilege, and systemic barriers—both in the profession and in our lived experiences. Moderated by members of the JEDI Committee, this session is not about fixing or analyzing, but about listening, sharing, and holding space for one another.

To get CEs:Fill out Survey

5:30 - 6:30 PM - Self Care Social

Join us for the Self-Care Social—a relaxed and welcoming space to unwind and nurture your well-being. Connect with fellow attendees through light activities designed to refresh your mind and spirit. Whether you want to share experiences, try simple self-care practices, or just enjoy some calm company, this gathering is all about taking care of you. Come as you are and leave feeling recharged! (This event does not support CEs).

Moderators: Mai Blanchard, Adriana Zarate

Join us in the common area

2025 Legislative updates: What happened and what happens next? (*)

Room: Main Hall (109)

Moderators: Kristal James, Melissa Hirschi

Jessica Black, CMHC

To know where we are going, we need to know where we've come from.  We will discuss some LGBTQIA+ history, current stressors of our queer clients -and ours, as members of singled-out, politicized groups, and process together what we can do to support our client's futures.

To get CEs:Fill out Survey

Empowering bi-cultural voices: Narrative therapy for clients navigating Latine and USA cultures

Room: 220

Moderator: Aléjandra Chávez Stuart

Adriana Zarate, LCMHC

This session introduces narrative therapy interventions tailored to Latine bicultural clients, focusing on their unique cultural experiences and challenges. Participants will explore evidence-based strategies, using case vignettes to demonstrate how to integrate clients' cultural narratives into treatment for more effective and empathetic counseling.

To get CEs:Fill out Survey

LGBTQ Affirmative care: Past, present and Future

Room: 209

Moderator: Carlie Hileman

The LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapist Guild of Utah

To know where we are going, we need to know where we've come from... In the current political state of divisiveness and aggression, our LGBTQIA+ clients are under identity driven denial of rights and other life altering stressors. Let's put the current climate that our clients are navigating into historical perspective. We will discuss some LGBTQIA+ history, current stressors of our queer clients -and ours- as members of singled-out, politicized groups, and process together what we can do to support our queer clients' futures. Please come prepared to contribute to a process group, with concerns, hopes and stressors of yours and your LGBTQIA+ clients.

To get CEs:Fill out Survey

10:30-10:45 - BREAK

Use this time to pause, refresh, and stretch before the next session begins. Feel free to enjoy a drink, engage in casual conversations with other attendees, or simply take a quiet moment for yourself. This break is your chance to recharge and prepare for the rest of the day.

Sponsor Tables

Where would we be without our sponsors? These great people helped to make this event a success. Please visit their tables and see what they are about!

10:45am - 12:15pm

Working with complex and developmental trauma using the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) (*)

Room: Main Hall (109) 

Moderators: Pamela Smith, Mel Poe

Alex White, CMHC

As awareness of the long-term impacts of adverse childhood experiences grows, there is an increasing demand for clinical modalities that address complex developmental and relational trauma. This presentation will explore the nuances of C-PTSD, offering insights into its conceptualization and clinical interventions through the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM).

To get CEs:Fill out Survey

Six vital truths of clinical supervision

Room: 220

Moderator: Brooke Harper

Michael Gerald, PhD

You’ve just been asked to supervise your first intern. What now? This podcast-style presentation will impart 6 vital truths of supervision from a supervisor, associate license counselor, and clinical intern, perspective. Learn about the gaps in counselor supervision training and how to close those gaps before your intern’s first day.

To get CEs:Fill out Survey

Processing Group: LGBTQ

Room: 209

Moderator: JEDI Committee

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee

Take off your counseling hat and join an open and affirming processing group. This space offers a chance to step into authenticity, vulnerability, and shared reflection around the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in and beyond the mental health profession. Moderated by members of the LGBTQ+ Committee, this session is not about fixing or analyzing, but about listening, connecting, and holding space for one another.

To get CEs:Fill out Survey

Where to send your client when they need a higher level of care (*)

Room: Main Hall (109) 

Moderators: Mel Poe, Abi Nash

Jason Wager, CMHC

When your client needs a higher level of care, do you know what level they need? How familiar are you with the different levels of care? It is our responsibility to get our client to the appropriate referral once it is clear they need more help than what we can offer. 

To get CEs:Fill out Survey

Ethics in the real world: Staying off the DOPL newsletter

Room: 220

Moderator: Pamela Smith

Kevin Knudson, CMHC

Every month DOPL publishes a public newsletter identifying mental health counselors who have crossed professional ethical guidelines. Learn some of the most common pitfalls that land counselors on this letter and engage in conversation on how to avoid it. 

To get CEs:Fill out Survey

Integrating nature and risk management considerations

Room: 209

Moderator: Alejandra

Patrick McMillon, CMHC

In this presentation, participants will learn how to appropriately integrate nature and adventure within their practice. Areas covered will include professionalism and ethics, organizational/ administrative standards and policies, special documentation considerations, and risk management and liability considerations. Participants leave understanding next steps for their practice and continued areas for growth.

To get CEs:Fill out Survey

Improving Adolescent Mental Health by Utilizing All Levels of Care (*)

Room: Main Hall (109) 

Moderators: Gray Otis, Stacy Gibbons

Jessica Black, CMHC

Child welfare workers have likely heard the public debate about the Troubled Teen Industry (a term for the vast network of residential treatment facilities). As leaders in social change, mental health professionals must start to question the status quo regarding long-term residential treatment being necessary or effective as there is little data supporting this standard practice.  Ethical issues such as self determination of the client and informed consent and assent will be addressed.  Community based options for teens that are struggling will be highlighted as effective and evidenced-based options.  Adolescents need advocates to support their rights to develop within their communities.

To get CEs:Fill out Survey

Trauma focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (TFACT) for trauma recovery: Building resilience though psychological flexibility

Room: 220

Moderator: Brooke Harper

Joseph Gleed, LCSW

This presentation explores Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (TFACT) as an evidence-based approach to helping trauma survivors build resilience through psychological flexibility. Participants will learn how trauma impacts cognition, emotional regulation, and behavior, often leading to avoidance and distress. The session will introduce key ACT principles—including acceptance, cognitive defusion, and values-based living—to help clients navigate trauma-related thoughts and emotions. Through case studies, experiential exercises, and interactive discussions, attendees will gain practical strategies to integrate TFACT into their clinical practice, empowering clients to move forward despite trauma history.

To get CEs:Fill out Survey

Processing Group: Disability

Room: 209

Moderator: JEDI Committee

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee

Take off your counseling hat and join the Diversity Committee for an open and thoughtful processing group. This space invites participants to explore personal and professional experiences related to culture, identity, and difference in a supportive and inclusive environment. Moderated by members of the Diversity Committee, this session is not about fixing or analyzing, but about listening, reflecting, and holding space for one another.

To get CEs:Fill out Survey

BIOs

Get to know the inspiring experts and professionals who bring this conference to life. Find their brief biographies that highlight their backgrounds, expertise, and unique contributions. Learning more about our speakers can enrich your experience and spark deeper connections throughout the event.

Michael Gerald

Michael Esteban Gerald is currently employed as an Assistant Professor in Rehabilitation Counseling at Utah State University (USU) in Logan, UT. Michael currently directs the Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling service line, which provides clinical mental health counseling services for persons with Chronic Illness, Disability, and Developmental Disability. Michael earned a PhD in Rehabilitation Counselor Education from the University of Iowa. Michael's primary area of academic study is Counseling Ethics, and his research has largely centered around ethics and ethical practices in non-traditional settings. In addition to academic training, Michael has been working in the field for the past decade as a human services provider. Michael is currently a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC-Iowa), Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC-Utah), and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). Michael has provided clinical mental health services as a Crisis Counselor, Substance Abuse Counselor, Correctional Mental Health Provider, and Private Practice Mental Health.

Christy Cane

Dr. Christy Kane, a licensed clinical mental health counselor with over 20 years of experience, specializes in trauma recovery, high-conflict family therapy, and innovative care models. A published author and dynamic speaker, she integrates evidence-based strategies to help families heal, collaborating across disciplines to drive impactful mental health outcomes.

Tyler Andrus

Tyler Andrus, is a therapist and owner of Inner Purpose Counseling in Lehi, UT. He specializes in helping young adults navigate relationships, particularly after breakups/divorce. Tyler holds a BS in Psychology and an MSW. Outside of work, he enjoys snowboarding, drumming, and family activities with his wife and five kids.

Jason Wagner

Jason graduated from the University of Phoenix in 2014 and opened his private practice called Moving Forward Counseling in 2017. He currently manages his business that now has 26 employees. 13, of which, are licensed therapists. 

Kevin Knutson

Kevin Knutson has been providing counseling services for the past 30 years and teaching in higher education for 20. He is currently the Assistant Program Director at Rocky Mountain University. He specializes in ethics, parenting, trauma work, and abuse issues.

Kristal H James

Dr. Kristal James, (Core Faculty at Walden University) has been teaching in higher education since 2009. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of Utah, a Nationally Certified Counselor, an Approved Clinical Supervisor, and a Board Certified Telemental Health Provider. She currently teaches full time at Walden University in their master’s and doctoral programs. 

Adriana C. Zarate

Adriana C. Zarate is a Colombian-American mental health counselor, advocate, and Ph.D. student in Counselor Education. She leads a Latine bicultural counseling group, focusing on culturally responsive mental health services and mentorship for those serving Latine communities.

Patrick McMillion

Patrick McMillion is an Assistant Professor in Counseling and Counselor Education and the Adventure Therapy Certificate Program Coordinator at Westminster University. He has a strong passion for teaching, supervising, and training counselors in integrating nature and adventure into counseling.

Anna Lieber

Anna Lieber has over 25 years of experience in behavioral health. She is the current Clinical Director of Westminster University’s MSCMHC program. Prior to starting at Westminster Anna was the Chief Clinical Officer of a large psychiatric hospital and oversaw all inpatient and outpatient clinical services. 

Joseph Gleed

Joseph Gleed is a therapist specializing in trauma, chronic pain, and men's mental health. He teaches at Utah Valley University and is the founder of Renova, integrating intensive trauma treatment, ACT-based interventions, and somatic therapy. Joseph develops innovative programs, including The Victor Course and trauma-informed mental health optimization programs.

Jessica Black

Jessica completed her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at Weber State University in Psychology and Criminal Justice.  She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults at in-patient hospital settings, residential treatment centers, group homes, and out-patient practices. Jessica has an interest in working with all ages of clients that are experiencing depression, anxiety and life changes. She has also worked with couples and families. Jessica was born and raised in Utah and has also lived in Washington state. Jessica enjoys writing, reading, and spending time with her kids. She believes that each client is different and should be treated as such, according to their own personal beliefs and values. 

Robin Tracy

Robin Tracy is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor. She specializes in helping clients, people with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, and difficulty identifying emotions/connecting head and heart. She has been a Mental Health Counselor since 2007 and has worked in social services since 1993. Robin is a founding member of the LGBTQ Affirmative Therapists Guild of Utah and has served as The Guild’s Coordinator since 2018. 

Aléjandra Chávez Stuart

Dr. Alejandra Chavez Stuart is a Core Faculty member at Walden University in the School of Counseling. She graduated with an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Michigan State University, and received a Master’s in Community Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University, Dallas. She completed her Doctoral degree at Argosy University in Counselor Education and Supervision. Her dissertation was on the transitional relationship from companions to co-therapists: examining the human-dog bond. Her research interests include Animal Assisted Therapy, Multiculturalism, Inclusive Teaching, School Counseling and Ethics. Clinical experience has centered around early childhood and childhood counseling. She has worked in schools, private practice, and clinical centers before moving into a school counselor position. At the university level, she has taught Research and Program Evaluation, Multicultural Counseling, Diagnosis and Assessment, Ethics and Laws, Trauma and Disaster Mental Health, Residency, Dissertation, and Skills.

Multicultural studies are a major part of her personal and professional experiences. She has given lectures and presentations on multiculturalism and diversity in counseling, and in the classroom at regional and national conferences. Her passion is working with counseling students to expand cultural awareness (personally and professionally), along with their skills, and knowledge.

As an educator, she is learner-centered, valuing the student’s strengths and ambitions. She believes in gaining real-world practice through experiential learning to develop the skills, knowledge, and awareness necessary to become an effective counselor and/or school counselor.