GAIN EXPOSURE WITH SPONSORSHIP!

• Digital Exhibitor Sponsorship
• Sponsorship

DIGITAL EXHIBITOR SPONSORSHIP

Promote your organization with a digital exhibitor sponsorship listing. Your listing will be fully integrated into the digital conference platform, allowing you to still engage with attendees and for them to engage with your materials during and after the event. Since it's all virtual, there's no set-up or teardown—just you!

Vendors Receive:
• Access to the digital conference platform to interact with attendees, have live chat conversations, and share info on your organization
• A listing in online virtual platform
• A mailing address contact list of attendees (.xls)
• A pre-conference e-mail sent to attendees with your basic contact info

NOTE: Exhibitors may attend virtual education but to receive CEUs, they must purchase conference registration as an attendee.

Fees: For Profit: $450.00 / Nonprofit: $350.00

Submit your sponsorship here.

SPONSORSHIP

Custom sponsorship packages are available ranging from $2,000 to $15,000. If you would like to elevate your presence at the conference and reach an even larger audience with the chapter, please reach out to NASW-North Dakota Chapter Executive Director Kristin Rubbelke. Email: krubbelke.naswnd@socialworkers.org

CONFERENCE WORKSHOP SESSIONS

DAY ONE | Session 1: Thursday, November 7, 2025
End-of-Life: How Social Workers Prepare Clients for the Inevitable
Social workers are equipped with skills to talk to any adult client about end-of-life planning.
Come learn why talking about death with clients can be an important therapeutic tool, the continuum of planning that clients may choose, and how to introduce the topic to clients.
Nancy H. Betker (She/Her), LCSW
Retired School Social Worker

Social Media: The Powerful, the Influential and the Negative Sides
Does social media make you feel good, connect with friends, and keep you atop current affairs? Do you find It difficult to stop scrolling, experience negative feelings after viewing social media, or receive unsolicited photos? Have you witnessed others' inability to stop checking their phones during important events or exhibit withdrawal from media usage? If you’re wondering how to reverse the negative impact of social media and strengthen its positive usage, this course is for you!
Charisma S. Pryor (She/Her), LCSW
Owner & Clinician, Inspirations of Courage, PLLC

LGBTQ+ Demographic and Cultural Considerations (Cult. Comp./DEI CEs)
This is an entry level presentation to increase confidence when treating LGBTQ+ clients. It does not focus on allyship but rather looks at historical data, cultural perceptions, and how to really understand the transgender experience.
Faye Seidler (She/Her)
LGBTQ+ Care Coordinator, Canopy Medical Clinic

DAY ONE | Session 2: Thursday, November 7, 2025
Addressing the Intersection of Intimate Partner Violence and Ageism: Strategies for Social Workers
Unlock the complexities of intimate partner violence (IPV) and ageism in social work in this immersive workshop. Explore the intersectional challenges facing older adult victims and survivors while gaining practical strategies to dismantle ageist biases. Interactive activities and discussions will be utilized t to identify, support, and advocate for those impacted by IPV with inclusivity and compassion. Join us to deepen your understanding and enhance your practice, teaching, and research—transforming your approach to better serve older adult survivors.
Renee Andersen Garbe (She/Her), PhD, LMSW
Assistant Professor, Governors State University

Anti-Racism as Workforce Wellness: What Does It Mean to Create a Culture of Belonging? (Cult. Comp./DEI CEs)
When we talk about workplace wellness, we often don’t talk about the importance of anti-racism. Racism in the workplace has been linked to poor physical and mental health outcomes for people of color (POC). To address racism in the workplace, we will be presenting strategies to create an organizational culture of anti-racism. These strategies move workplaces beyond standard Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices—often perceived as performative—and allow for meaningful change in the workplace by being integrated into the policies, procedures, and overall culture, thus contributing to actual workplace wellness for POC.
Jessica Newsome (She/Her), LCSW
Senior Director of Programs and Strategy, Alternatives Inc
Shaharazad Johnson (She/Her), MSW
Director of Behavioral Health, Alternatives Inc.

Navigating Digital Futures: Contemporary Social Work and Generative Artificial Intelligence
Join Jonathan B. Singer, PhD, LCSW, renowned founder of the Social Work Podcast and co-lead of the "Harness Technology for Social Good" initiative, for a transformative webinar exploring the implications of generative articificial intelligence (AI) in social work practice. This session will dive deep into practical applications, ethical considerations, and strategies to combat implicit bias within AI tools. Learn how these technologies can enhance client assessments, streamline administrative tasks, and support ethical decision-making. Whether you're a practicing social worker or a supervisor, this training will equip you with the insights to use AI effectively and responsibly in your work.
Jonathan B. Singer (He/Him), PhD, LCSW
Professor, Loyola University Chicago

DAY ONE | Session 3: Thursday, November 7, 2025
The Muslim Identity: Understanding the Misunderstood (Cult. Comp./DEI CEs)
Culture and religion have long been variables identified by researchers as protective factors contributing to resilience across the lifespan. However, when individuals experience micro and macro systemic discrimination, it becomes more difficult for them to draw strength, courage, and pride from their cultural identity and history.  Internalized oppression can be seen across cultures and is particularly apparent in individuals who identify as Muslims. In this session, clinicians will become familiar with the basics of Islamic cultural and religious influences, examine areas of discomfort in addressing various cultural issues and practices, and learn the harmful consequences of implicit bias.
Farah Hussain Baig (She/Her), LCSW
Clinical Director, InnerVoice Psychotherapy & Consultation

Using Your Voice to Make Change
Learn to use your skills as a social worker to engage in advocacy that can remove barriers to your success as a practitioner, increase your authority as a professional, and benefit your profession and its impact on the community. See examples of how input and action from social workers have changed the systems in which they work to make their work more efficient, more satisfying, and more impactful for the people they are serving. Examine strategies to build collective power to make their voices and their needs heard, recognized, and acted on.
Michael Mallory (He/Him), MSW, LCSW
Chief Government Relations Officer, Connections for the Homeless
Sue Loellbach (She/Her)
Director of Advocacy, Connections for the Homeless

The Aging Undocumented Community: Implications for Social Work Practice and Policy (Cult. Comp./DEI CEs)
Undocumented older adults face pervasive and structural barriers due to their immigration status that block them from the services older adults depend on to manage their health and successfully age in place. According to multiple studies, the population of undocumented older adults in the US will increase drastically over the next decade, creating an ethical stymie in health care and long-term care unless immediate policy action is taken. This session will summarize the implications of an aging undocumented population as well as best practices and policy advocacy recommendations.
Padraic Stanley (He/Him), MSW, LCSW
Program Manager of Community Integration, RUSH University Medical Center

DAY ONE | Session 4: Thursday, November 7, 2025
Trauma-Informed Supervision with a Diverse Workforce (Cult. Comp./DEI or Clin. Supervision CEs*)
Designed for prospective, new, and experienced supervisors, this session will provide a critical overview of the conceptual and empirical literature on clinical supervision, including models, approaches, techniques, relationships, and process issues when working with a diverse workforce. This session will cover what all clinical supervisors need to know to engage most effectively, legally, and ethically with their supervisees. Using a trauma-informed and trauma-responsive lens, workplace diversity and the skills necessary to manage a diverse group of employees/supervisees will be discussed, including implicit bias, the use of "brave spaces," and the importance of social work supervisor as lifelong learner.
Jacqueline R. Anderson-Carter (She/Her), LCSW, PhD
Associate Professor, Northeastern Illinois University; Clinical Director, Inclusive Insight Psychotherapy and Consulting (IIPC)
*Participants in this course may apply the course for either cultural competency/DEI CEUs or clinical supervision CEUs but not for both when applying for licensure renewal.

Female Leadership: Finding Your Voice and Defining Your Purpose
Women belong in leadership! This session is focused on the unique challenges women face as they enter and navigate a career in leadership. Participants will work on creating an individualized action plan for goals to help you find the power in your voice and re-define what leadership looks like to you! This will be a safe space for self-exploration and building your own path of success.
Kristen Hernandez (She/Her),
Owner, Olive Branch Mental Health

Seeking Adaptive Resilience Strategies for Non-Binary Young Adult Online Social Activists (Cult. Comp./DEI CEs)
Systemic cisgenderism has metastasized into aggressive transphobia within the current sociopolitical climate, putting the vulnerable non-binary community even more at risk. Unfortunately, there is a significant lack of existing research in this area, and the unique needs of non-binary individuals are often misunderstood by mental health clinicians. Kai Lehocky (they/them) will present their exploratory study meant to examine the experiences of gender identity-based minority stress and resilience strategies of young adults who both act as online social activists and who identify as non-binary. Kai will discuss which adaptive resilience strategies best insulated participants from the harmful effects of minority stress.
Kai Lehocky (They/Them), MSW, LSW, CCM
Therapist & Care Coordinator

DAY TWO | Session 5: Friday, November 8, 2025

Unlocking Potential: The Transformative Power of Mentorship in Social Work
Unlock the transformative power of mentorship in social work! This session will delve into the dynamics of mentor-mentee relationships, explore the benefits for both parties, and gain practical strategies for fostering effective mentorship. Using real-world examples and interactive discussions, discover how mentorship enhances professional development, promotes diversity and inclusion, and cultivates a supportive community within the social work profession. Whether you're an experienced social worker or aspiring professional, this presentation offers invaluable insights and tools to elevate your practice and unlock your full potential. Join us and embark on a journey of growth, learning, and empowerment.
Stephanie Little (She/Her), PhD/MPH Candidate, MSW, LMSW, BSW
Professor, Minot State University
Elizabeth Muralt (She/Her)
BSW Student

There's Been An Active Shooter Event—Now What?
What do you do when the unexpected happens? On October 25, 2023, the city of Lewiston, Maine, was vastly unprepared for the devastation that occurred. 18 people tragically lost their lives to gun violence in Maine's first and only mass shooting. This session will address how to prepare local agencies for a community’s worst nightmare in a presentation by a survivor who lived and worked in the community, sharing their lived experince and how the community came together.
Lynne Schmidt (She/They), LMSW-CC
Clinician, Community Clinical Services

Mental Health Professionals & Implicit Bias (Implicit Bias/DEI CEs)
In a world buzzing with tensions surrounding identities, politics, and religion, it's crucial for us as mental health professionals to engage in vital conversations about our own humanity and roles as therapists. Join us for a thought-provoking session that explores microaggressions and implicit biases, equipping you with essential skills to navigate these complexities and provide the best service possible, even in moments of tension. By acknowledging biases, connecting with peers and clients, and understanding your own story's impact, you'll deepen your practice and grow in how you authentically show up for your served populations.
Sithara Stohr (They/Them), LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Artesian Collaborative
Benjamin Durchslag (He/Him), LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Artesian Collaborative

DAY TWO | Session 6: Friday, November 8, 2025
Building Resilience: Coping with Professional Grief in Social Work Practice
One cost of advocating and working with clients is that social workers will be impacted by professional grief. Social workers strive to ensure safety, healing, advocacy, and dignity for every individual, and often face emotional barriers and struggles while doing this work. Social work is rewarding but also has many moments of grief and loss. This session helps individuals understand the nuances of professional grief. Participants will receive practical tools and strategies to help process grief and secondary trauma effectively, improving their resilience, balance, and productivity in their practice.
Julie F. Fanning (She/Her), DSW, LCSW
Clinician, Holding Hope Services

Breaking the Cycle: Implementing Psychotherapy in Acute Hospitalizations to Reduce Recidivism Rates after Suicide Attempts (Suicide Prev. CEs)
This session will discuss the use of psychotherapy as an intervention method at an acute medical center for patients who are admitted to the hospital due to suicidal ideations or an actual suicide attempt and assess the impact of the implementation of short-term crisis intervention psychotherapy methods on the reoccurrence of suicidal ideations or suicide attempts.
Mavis B. Major (She/Her), PhD, LCSW
Behavioral Health Therapist, Renown Regional Medical Center

Working with Clients in Non-Traditional Romantic Relationships (Cult. Comp./DEI CEs)
Come ready to engage and interact as you explore cultural considerations and best practices for serving clients in non-traditional relationships. This session will provide an overview of non-traditional relationship styles (including those with LGBTQ+, polyamorous/non-monogamous, and BDSM relationship orientations) to not only improve provider cultural humility, but also challenge providers to confront their internally held biases. Opportunities for personal reflection and access to tools/best practices, along with supportive didactic learning, will allow participants to roll up their sleeves and tackle two challenging real-life case studies.
Jennifer J. Schwartz (She/They), LMSW
Behavioral Health Program Manager & Therapist, Lansing Area AIDS Network
Amy K. Jacobs (She/Her), LMSW
Clinical Social Worker, Michigan Medicine HIV/AIDS Treatment Program

DAY TWO | Session 7: Friday, November 8, 2025
Cultivating Care within Your School Culture
Is your school experiencing an increase in behavioral challenges, social-emotional deficits, and mental health needs since COVID-19? Do you feel overwhelmed by the number of referrals you receive for students who need additional support? Does your school struggle to provide all students with the global social-emotional support and felt sense of safety they deserve? Learn how to cultivate care schoolwide without increasing your own workload. Walk away from this session with a concrete action plan that improves school culture by maximizing the capacity of other staff and allowing you to focus your attention on clinical interventions.
Joyce Harduvel (She/Her)
Owner & Therapist, Balanced Mind Therapy

Caring for Diverse Family Caregivers of Older Adults within Age-Friendly Health Systems
There are 53 million diverse caregivers throughout the United States! Data demonstrating effectiveness and individualized interventions tailor-made for each participant are not mutually exclusive. Come learn about an intervention with caregivers in health systems that has demonstrated effectiveness and will have an opportunity to develop interventions that work for their culturally unique populations and health systems.
Diane Mariani (She/Her), LCSW, CADC
Program Manager, RUSH University Medical Center

CHW and Social Work Collaboration in Community Care Management and Health Promotion
Social workers in the field often have the opportunity to collaborate with community health workers in various settings. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the roles of community health workers, as well as their roles in social care and their collaboration with social work care management, has greatly expanded. This session will provide practice-informed and evaluated best practices for enhancing collaboration between social workers and community health workers for care management, the addressing of social needs, and to effectively disseminate community-integrated programming and group interventions for mental, emotional, and physical health.
Padraic Stanley (He/Him), MSW, LCSW
Program Manager of Community Integration, RUSH University Medical Center
Yessenia Cervantes-Vazquez (She/Her), CHW
Lead Community Health Worker, RUSH University Medical Center

DAY TWO | Session 8: Friday, November 8, 2025
Nonprofit Advocacy
Have you been unsure about how to incorporate advocacy work into your actions as a nonprofit? This session will provide you with the skills and knowledge to be able to address this and become advocates for social change in the communities you serve.
Bessie Alcantara (She/Her), MSW
Executive Director, Alternatives Inc.

Anxiety Unpacked: A Comprehensive Model for Understanding and Treating the Root Causes of Anxiety
Unlock the keys to understanding and effectively treating anxiety. As the most prevalent mental health concern in the US, anxiety affects countless individuals seeking therapy. Drawing from extensive experience and research, this integrative and comprehensive model delves into the core of anxiety, offering tailored strategies for every client. Explore the three fundamental causes of anxiety, learning to identify unique manifestations and objections associated with each, as well as targeted treatment strategies aimed at addressing anxiety at its root. Enhance your practice and empower your clients on their journey to overcoming anxiety.
Noelle McWard Aquino (She/Her), LCSW
Owner, Counseling Solutions

Addressing Implicit Biases in Adoption: Insights and Strategies in Social Work (Implicit Bias/DEI CEs)
Explore the impact of implicit bias on those involved in the adoption process. Join this session to delve into implicit biases in adoption, uncovering challenges and discovering strategies for support. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and empower your practice in this critical area of social work.
Alexandra Andress (She/Her), LMSW
Director of Adoption Services, Loving Hearts Adoption Services

Concluded - 2023 NASW-ND Conference 

after the conclusion of the first day of conference sessions, social workers from around the state met at the blarney stone in bismarck for a networking event. concluding the second night social workers met at the blue moose bar and grill in grand forks for a networking event. these intimate events consisted of self-care bingo and prizes; we look forward to holding more networking events in the future!