9:30 AM -11:00 PM Keynote:

Why do some people thrive under pressure while others struggle? Are these skills learnable? The landscape of our work has shifted, and many of us are navigating increasingly complex systems while showing up for a community with diverse and evolving needs. But how do we continue to offer our best to others while staying centered ourselves?

New research offers promising insights into maintaining psychological health and sustaining our well-being over the long term. This presentation will explore practical ways to recalibrate when the work feels particularly heavy and how to build a professional life that is both impactful and sustainable.

11:15 AM -12:30 PM 2 Tracks

Direct Service Track with Katie Recktenwald, Ph.D

“Leading with Capacity”

Description: Balancing Accountability, Stress, and Energy in the Field of Human Services.

1. Examine How Stress and Fatigue Disrupt Capacity

• Participants will analyze how chronic stress impacts executive functioning and, in turn, affects consistency, decision-making, and the ability to uphold expectations

2. Apply Sustainable Energy Management and Coping Strategies

• Participants will explore actionable strategies to manage personal energy and prevent depletion for long-term sustainability

3. Leverage energy as a leadership resource

• participants will explore how to manage and protect their energy through intentional leadership practices to sustain effectiveness over time

Executive Leadership Track with Jesse Katen

“Leadership is Teachership”

• Strategies for asking coaching questions that prompt reflection and change
• The corresponding concept of “leadership is LEARNERSHIP,” whereby leaders can inspire their people to new levels of growth while developing their OWN talents
• Inspiration and empowerment to spark shifts in workplace culture to prioritize learning
• Ways to rethink performance evaluation from the perspective of talent development
• An introduction to the “Interest Over Investment” model
• Relevant resources to continue on a path of leadership development

1:30 PM -3:30 PM 2 Tracks

Direct Service Track with Katie Recktenwald, Ph.D & Jesse Katen

“Neurodiversity in the Workplace” with Jesse Katen

Description: Learn how we can increase our awareness of the needs of neurodivergent individuals in our workplaces and provide everyone with the opportunity to thrive. This session will focus on the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent employees, as well as the immense vale that neurodivergent perspective brings to the contemporary workforce.

“Mental Fitness in the Real World: Tools for Sustaining Yourself in Human Services” with Katie Recktenwald, Ph.D.

Description: 

1. Understand Mental Fitness as a Daily Practice

• Learn how small, consistent habits build focus, resilience, and emotional regulation

2. Apply Practice Stress-Management Tools

• Practice simple techniques to manage stress and stay grounded throughout the workday

3. Create a Personal Mental Fitness Plan

• Identify realistic strategies to sustain energy, reduce stress, and maintain effectiveness over time

Executive Leadership Track with Françoise Mathieu

“Creating a Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) Responsive Workplace”

Description: “No time, no money, not enough staff”: can my organization still become an STS-responsive workplace? A roadmap for supervisors and leaders.