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Presentation Abstract

Walking into our wounds can be painful, confusing, messy. It can also build strength. Taking a moment to look at how we speak with ourselves, the words we use, our internal dialogue, may offer some ways to move through our wounds and trauma. Using creativity, in its many forms, can be helpful to start the journey of healing. Diana believes when someone has experienced trauma and adversities, the tools needed to get through are already within us. It gets foggy sometimes, hard to see, especially when things happen that spin us around in our emotions. Finding her way through that fog and into a bit of clarity has not always been easy and having creative outlets has helped a lot. So many times, she hears someone say “I’m not creative.” Yet, she watches as they navigate life challenges in ways that are. Diana has learned it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress, each small step counts for the big moves. Being able to identify creative tools we use, especially unknowingly, can help us move not only into our wounds but also through them and into healing on the other side.

Presentation Abstract

The concept of “bad people” is thrown around quite often in informal discourse and even, sometimes, in professional spaces; however, aren’t we all more than the sum of our past mistakes? Here, we will break down the false dichotomy of the human experience. We will explore the ways in which we can move towards accepting a person’s actions without allowing it to cloud our evaluation of the human in front of us. People are people, neither good nor bad.

Presentation Abstract

Join Sierra Grandy in an insightful and vulnerable session on mental health recovery. Sierra will share her mental health recovery journey, from growing up in and out of mental health hospitals, receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) while still in high school, losing a year of memory due to the ECT side effects, developing additional medical conditions, dropping out of college twice, and ultimately getting the support and skills necessary to start her mental health recovery journey. She shares about the ups and downs of the journey of recovery as well as what it takes to find your voice and use it to support others on their journeys. This presentation will explore the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) working definition of recovery, emphasizing the key dimensions of Health, Home, Purpose, and Community. Sierra will explore the vital roles of both formal and informal support systems, illustrating how they can be integrated to create effective, creative, and individualized recovery plans.

Presentation Abstract

In this thought-provoking keynote, Laura Sutherland will explore the transformative power of collaboration in adult mental health systems. Drawing from her experience in the field, Laura will highlight the critical importance of centering the voices of those with lived experience alongside county mental health staff, service providers, and nonprofit partners. She reflects on he challenges and lessons learned in shifting from a system dominated by a traditional “expert” lens to one rooted in mutual respect, shared learning, and co-creation. Attendees will gain insight into the cultural and systemic barriers that can hinder meaningful collaboration—and how to overcome them.

Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, Laura will offer a roadmap for cultivating environments where all voices are heard and valued. Whether you are a community member, practitioner, policy maker, peer advocate, or organizational leader, this keynote will equip you with tools to foster inclusive partnerships that drive meaningful, sustainable change in the mental health field.

Presentation Abstract

In today’s fast-paced, always-on world, boundaries are no longer optional—they’re essential. Yet many professionals struggle to set and maintain them, often sacrificing their well-being, time, and clarity for the sake of others’ expectations. This session offers a fresh, empowering perspective on boundaries—not as rigid walls, but as vital tools for creating balance, preserving energy, and staying aligned with your values. You’ll learn how to identify your own “boundary blueprint,” recognize patterns that lead to burnout, and build the confidence to say no without guilt. Through practical tools, real-life examples, and interactive reflection, you’ll gain strategies to:

1. Communicate boundaries clearly and compassionately

2. Respond to pushback with confidence

3. Create healthier dynamics in work and personal relationships

4. Build a culture that respects limits—without sacrificing connection

Whether you’re a leader, caregiver, team member, or entrepreneur, this session will help you reclaim your time, protect your energy, and lead with clarity. It’s not about being difficult—it’s about being deliberate. Join us to learn how boundaries can become your greatest asset in achieving sustainable success—personally and professionally.

Presentation Abstract

Max hopes that his listeners will take and feel the calming energy and vibes he puts into his music. After this session, listeners will be feeling relaxed, centered, or at complete peace or feeling more happy as well. Miigwetch.

Presentation Abstract

The U.S. mental health system was built in parallel with the carceral system, and as a result, mental healthcare today still reflects structures of control—through systemic bias, misdiagnosis, and the continued marginalization of communities of color. The education system has also failed to cultivate a representative provider workforce, leaving many without access to culturally responsive care. Under dominant medical model, even well-meaning therapists are often required to diagnose clients within a single 50-minute session just to be reimbursed. These diagnoses can follow individuals indefinitely, sometimes doing more harm than good.

In response to this oppressive model, Creative Kuponya Co-Founder Sara Stamschror-Lott, MA, LMFT, who has experienced misdiagnosis firsthand, offers a liberatory approach to therapy—centering justice, community, and healing outside of clinical constraints. To date, Creative Kuponya has delivered over 6,000 no-cost therapy sessions, providing care rooted in dignity, access, and equity.