October 2nd-4th, 2026

Antonio Castro, LCSW, serves as the Director of Behavioral and Mental Health Services for the Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD), where he leads a comprehensive system of school-based mental health, wellness, and student support services serving nearly 18,000 students across 28 schools. With over 20 years of experience in behavioral health, Antonio is dedicated to advancing equitable access to mental health services and fostering student well-being through innovative, data-driven practices. Antonio earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology/Ethnic Studies from California State University, San Bernardino, in 2003, followed by a Master of Social Work in 2005. He became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 2014 and has served in a variety of clinical and leadership roles, including Clinical Therapist, Behavioral Health Manager, Clinical Supervisor, and Director of Behavioral and Mental Health. Since joining CJUSD's leadership team in 2016, Antonio has developed and expanded a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for behavioral health and wellness, integrating prevention, early intervention, crisis response, mental health treatment, and case management services throughout the district. Under his leadership, CJUSD has established nine secondary school Wellness Centers, created a nationally recognized internship and workforce development program, and expanded access to mental health services for historically underserved students and families. Antonio is a passionate advocate for school-based mental health and social-emotional learning (SEL). He frequently provides consultation, training, and presentations to school districts, universities, and community organizations on topics including MTSS implementation, wellness center development, trauma-informed practices, crisis response, and comprehensive school mental health systems. His work has helped position CJUSD as a regional leader in student wellness and behavioral health innovation.

Aziza Hasan serves as the CEO of NewGround, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging divides, convening constructive conversations, and empowering communities to drive social change. With over two decades of expertise as an experienced mediator and conflict transformation practitioner, Aziza is a recognized leader in coalition building and multifaith bridging. Named an influential leader by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Aziza has dedicated her career to fostering authentic relationships and productive engagement between diverse communities. Her extensive leadership experience includes service on President Barack Obama’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (2015-2016) and as a commissioner for the Los Angeles Civil and Human Rights Commission. She currencly serves on the Human Relations Commission in the City of Los Angeles. Aziza’s work has been widely featured across national platforms, including National Public Radio, The New York Times, ABC, CBS, and the Los Angeles Times. A recipient of the “President’s Volunteer Service Award,” Aziza began her career in community organizing through AmeriCorps, and continues to champion the transformative power of empathy and dialogue to build a more inclusive and democratic society. Some of her writing includes “The Power of Relationships and Personal Story in Transforming Community” in the Journal of Inter Religious Studies of the Harvard Pluralsim Project (2015); co-author of "Interfaith Curriculum for Peacemaking" (August 2012); co-author of "Standing Together: Interfaith Dialogue Curriculum for Muslims and Christians" (2010); "Ineffective & Unjust: Fixing our Nation’s Broken Immigration System" (November 2010); co-author of "Abusing Women, Abusing Islam; Re-Examining Sharia Court Rulings in Contemporary Times" (2009); "More Alike Than Different", Inter-Faith Ministries Kansas (1999).

Beth supervises Emotional Support Services at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and brought the Community Resilience Model to CHLA healthcare staff through a $2.1 million HRSA grant.

Beverly J. Buckles, MSW, DSW, is Dean of the School of Behavioral Health at Loma Linda University, LLUH Vice President for Behavioral Health Education, and Chair of the Department of Social Work and Social Ecology. Recognized for more than four decades of leadership in education, innovation, and international service, thus advancing the formative legacy of professional of social work in the United States, she was inducted as a National Social Work Pioneer in 2026. In 2025, she was inducted into the California Social Work Hall of Distinction and previously received the 2010 Social Worker of the Year award from the California Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers for her leadership in providing international crises response services, advancing partnerships between academia and public mental health systems and for developing mental health curricula in California that infused recovery- and anti-stigma–focused content. In 2006, Dr. Buckles received the Loma Linda University Centennial Vanguard Award for her founding leadership of the University's International Behavioral Health Trauma Team (LLUIBHTT). Since 1995, the LLUIBHTT has provided a unique university-supported model of global service, integrating trauma- and resiliency-informed care with education and humanitarian response. The team has deployed to more than 100 active and post-crisis situations in over 70 countries, providing direct services and crisis-response training to more than 13,000 survivors, frontline responders, humanitarian workers, and government and United Nations personnel. Dr. Buckles remains actively engaged in advancing resiliency-based approaches worldwide to strengthen interventions and improve outcomes for individuals, families, communities, organizations, and governments.

Bo Dean serves as Senior HR Analyst for New Hanover County, driving organizational resilience, workplace wellness, and public service leadership programs.

Bob Doppelt founded and coordinates the International Transformational Resilience Coalition (ITRC), a network of mental health, social service, youth, disaster management, climate, and community resilience organizations and professionals (website: http://itrcoalitionorg). Trained in both counseling psychology and environmental science, he has combined the two fields throughout his career. He is also a Graduate of the International Program on the Management of Sustainability, in Ziest, The Netherlands, a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Instructor, a meditation instructor at Spirit Rock in California, and a former Fellow at the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center.

Early in his career Bob worked as a counseling psychologist with troubled youth and their families. Decades later he directed the Climate Leadership Initiative at the University of Oregon, a climate change research and technical assistance program that was one of the first in the U.S. to assist private and public entities to develop climate mitigation and adaptation plans. For many years he also taught systems thinking and climate change policy at the university. Through this work Bob realized that the mental health and psycho-social-spiritual impacts of the climate crisis were a significant but largely unaddressed problem. This led him in 2013 to organize the ITRC.

In 2024, the ITRC’s work helping communities worldwide organize Transformational Resilience Coordinating Networks (TRCNs) to prevent and heal climate-generated traumas led it to become the 35th partner of the UN High Level Climate Champion Race to Resilience Campaign.

Due to his many years of work, in 2015 Bob was named one the world’s “50 Most Talented Social Innovators” by the World CRS Congress.

For over a decade Bob wrote a monthly column on climate change and psychosocial issues for the Register Guard, his hometown paper. Bob has also written for Psychology Today and currently writes a monthly column on Substack.

He is the author of a number of books on the interface between individual and community mental health, social change, and ecological regeneration.

His most recent book is Preventing and Healing Climate Traumas: A Guide for Building Resilience and Hope in Communities (Taylor and Francis/Routledge Publishing, 2023). It describes the outcomes of an intensive two+ year research project that determined that a public health approach to mental health is necessary to prevent and heal the accelerating individual, community, and societal traumas generated by the global climate mega-emergency. This involves returning the responsibility for sustaining mental wellness and resilience to where it existed for most of human history and has the greatest chances of success: to the neighborhood and community levels.

His other books include: Transformational Resilience: How Building a Culture of Human Resilience Can Safeguard Society and Increase Wellbeing (Greenleaf Publishing 2016). From Me to We: The Five Transformative Commitments Required to Rescue the Planet, Your Organization, and Your Life (Greenleaf Publishing, 2012). The Power of Sustainable Thinking: How to Create a Positive Future for the Climate, The Planet and Your Life (Earthscan Publishing, 2008). Leading Change Toward Sustainability: A Change Management Guide for Business, Government, and Civil Society (Greenleaf Publishing, 2003).

Brendan Ozawa-de Silva is an Associate Teaching Professor at the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics at Emory University. He specializes in compassion-centered education, trauma-informed practices, and contemplative science.

Brooke Conway, LSW, MPH, is an Assistant Professor and Wellness Counselor at Kapiʻolani Community College, integrating CRM across campus mental health initiatives.

Cammie Wolf Rice is the Founder and CEO of CWC Alliance, advocating for holistic mental wellness, addiction recovery pathways, and community resilience programs.

Dr. Fowler serves as Executive Director for Nursing Well-Being at Johns Hopkins Health System, leading system-wide resilience, workplace wellness, and healthcare workforce mental health initiatives.

Christa Tinari is a Senior Project Consultant with the Trauma Resource Institute, specializing in youth resilience, peace education, and school-based CRM implementation.

Chaplain Dale Simmons began his public safety career in 1987 as a Chaplain in a volunteer department. He became a full-time firefighter in 1989, an EMT in 1992, and in 2009, he became a Nationally Registered Paramedic. He has 20 plus years in Fire/EMS.

He organized his nonprofit, Chaplain’s 10-33, in 2021, teaching mental health, helping first responders deal with trauma, and responding to traumatic events.

He is a Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Certified Chaplain, a NAEMT Mental Health Resilience Officer, a Georgia Paramedic Instructor/Coordinator and a Community Resilience Model Instructor. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Shorter College.

He is the author of a weekly blog, “Ten Minute ETA”, a podcaster and author of the book “We are the Best Together”, the story of his wife’s 16-year journey with a cancerous brain tumor and the effects on their family.

Dr. Douglas K. Jackson specializes in child, youth, and family systems, incorporating resilience models across community initiatives and juvenile support programs.

Dr. Ingrid Hopkins Duva is an Assistant Professor at Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, conducting research on CRM outcomes and healthcare wellness.

Dr. Keith Menhinick is Lecturer and Director of Graduate Studies in Religion and Affiliate Faculty in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Georgia State University. Keith’s research focuses on world religions, spiritual care, and trauma resiliency in marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ communities. He is also a certified teacher of the Community Resiliency Model (CRM)® through the Trauma Resource Institute. Before joining GSU, Keith taught Pastoral Care at Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He has also worked as a Managing Editor of Practical Matters journal, a pediatric healthcare chaplain, children’s home chaplain, and high school English teacher. Outside of work, Keith enjoys poetry, cartoons, dancing, gardening, and an active, outdoors life.

Dr. Lesley Carroll serves as Assistant Commissioner for Investigations at the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery in Northern Ireland.

Dr. Lindy Grabbe is a nurse practitioner and researcher at Emory University School of Nursing, leading pivotal empirical studies on the effectiveness of CRM.

Dr. Michael Sapp serves as the Executive Director of the Trauma Resource Institute. He leads organizational growth, research initiatives, and international partnerships to bring wellness and resilience models to communities globally.

Dr. Philip Allen is a theologian and ethicist whose research and writings integrate the intersections of social structure, race, culture, and theology and ethics. Justice is a central theme in his work. He has authored two books: Open Wounds: A Story of Racial Tragedy, Trauma, and Redemption and The Prophetic Lens: The Camera and Black Moral Agency From MLK to Darnella Frazier. He is an Affiliate Assistant Professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, where he completed his PhD in Theology. He is also a poet and documentary filmmaker. Dr. Allen is also founder of the nonprofit Racial Solidarity Project based in Pasadena, CA. As a former Division 1 college basketball player at North Carolina A&T State University, he has enjoyed opportunities as a guest chaplain for college and pro sports teams.

Dr. Samuel Habimana is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the School of Behavioral Health at Loma Linda University, researching international trauma interventions.

Dr. Montgomery is a social and behavioral epidemiologist dedicated to advancing health equity among hard-to-access, underserved populations. She earned her doctoral and master’s degrees in health behavior, specializing in social epidemiology, from the University of Michigan. Additionally, she holds a degree in Nutritional Science from Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Germany. Dr. Montgomery has extensive experience in conducting community-based translational participatory research (CBPR) and evaluation. Her advocacy focuses on translating research findings into practical applications for traditionally underserved populations facing health disparities.

After faculty appointments at the University of Illinois and the University of Southern, where she contributed to public health research and teaching, Dr. Montgomery transitioned to her current role as Associate Dean for Research at LLU School of Behavioral Health. In this position, she mentors interdisciplinary faculty on externally funded research projects and has served as dissertation chair for more than 65 students. As a core member of the LLU Behavioral Health Trauma Team, Dr. Montgomery leads translational research initiatives for LLU. She serves as Director of the Community Outreach and Partnership Core at the Center for Health Disparities Research and Molecular Medicine. As Director, Dr. Montgomery led a successful initiative that increased cancer screening rates among underserved populations by 30%. She has authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles addressing translational health issues such as cancer prevention, teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and substance use. She regularly provides peer review and consultation for external grants and strategic research planning for organizations including the NIH, CDC, and private foundations. Since 1990, she has served as principal or co-investigator on NIH-, CDC-, and foundation-funded research projects. Internationally, Dr. Montgomery has worked extensively to research and build capacity around topics such as the Community Resilience Model in Sierra Leone, Kenya, Angola, and Rwanda. Her work continues to drive measurable outcomes and foster sustainable improvements in public health for underserved communities worldwide.

Edwin Weaver has been the Executive Director for Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley since the Spring of 2014. Under his leadership, FBSMV has grown from a staff of six to 50 full-time employees, and from a budget of $450,000 to over 6 million dollars. All staff are CRM Trained guides and over half are certified CRM teachers. Fighting Back has become the agency Santa Maria comes to in order to address some of the community's more challenging opportunities, whether it is Justice Involved Youth, homeless youth and families, Foster Youth & Children, youth involved in gangs or violent behavior, FBSMV is there to help. Edwin learned CRM in 2015 for his own well-being and has been teaching it ever since. Edwin has a Master's in Social Work from UCLA and a Master's in Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine Law School. Edwin is married to Julie, an educator; they have four children who are amazing. FBSMV has been selected as the Non-Profit of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2023, State Senator Limon in 2023, and State Assembly Member Jordan Cunningham in 2017. Edwin was also Selected by CommUnify, a local non-profit, as a Community Champion.

Elaine Miller-Karas, LCSW, is the co-founder of the Trauma Resource Institute and creator of the Community Resiliency Model (CRM)® and Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM)®. She is an author, international speaker, and leader in biologically based trauma intervention models.

Erica Berry Coates is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who was awarded the 2024 Ambassador of the Year by the Trauma Resource Institute for her work implementing the Community Resiliency Model in innovative ways at her institution of higher ed. Since 2022, she has overseen CRM’s programming to reach over 16,000 student and employee participants through embedding the model in existing infrastructure, spanning student and academic affairs. Additionally, she is a Faculty Fellow with the Human Values Center. Erica has worked with a diverse group of students at our College Counseling Center for nine years as a clinician and in several roles of leadership, including the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team and Campus Partnerships. Erica has presented at other national conferences on CRM. Prior to her work in higher ed, she developed multi-sector collaboratives and delivered clinical services in four states, working with underserved populations and clients impacted by trauma.

Erin Bowman, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCS is the Chief Executive Officer of Julian F. Keith Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center (JFK ADATC), a state-operated behavioral health hospital in North Carolina, where she has served in leadership since 2018. With more than 20 years of experience in behavioral health, Erin is passionate about creating resilient organizations, advancing trauma-informed systems of care, and improving access to high-quality substance use treatment. In addition to her leadership role, Erin is the owner of Bowman Collaborative Consulting, where she partners with organizations and communities to strengthen recovery ecosystems, expand behavioral health services, and develop strategic initiatives that improve outcomes across systems of care. She also serves as an adjunct instructor in Western Carolina University's Master of Social Work program. As a certified Community Resiliency Model (CRM) teacher, Erin has trained healthcare professionals, community organizations, and behavioral health teams in practical skills that support nervous system regulation, resilience, and wellness. She believes resilience is not only an individual skill but an organizational responsibility, and she is passionate about helping leaders create cultures where both staff and those they serve can thrive. Erin's work bridges executive leadership, clinical practice, education, and community collaboration, with a focus on building resilient people, resilient organizations, and resilient communities.

Gary Cunningham works as a Team Leader within the Investigations Directorate of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery, a legacy body set up in the United Kingdom to investigate death and serious injury that occurred during the period know as ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland. Gary is a career detective having served for over 30 years in London’s Metropolitan Police, primarily working on homicide and other serious crime offences. Gary specialised in the field of witness and suspect interviewing, being an Advanced Interviewer as well as an Interview advisor with responsibility of developing witness interview strategies in major crime cases. Gary is also a trained Family Liaison Officer with over 25 years’ experience working with, and supporting, bereaved families in murder investigations. Since 2016 Gary has worked in the field of legacy investigation in Northern Ireland.

Halima Ramazani is a Community and Family Settlement Worker supporting immigrant and refugee families, adapting CRM across cultural intersections and settlement services.

Heather Lilly leads international humanitarian response and global crisis mobilization at the Trauma Resource Institute, deploying trauma relief programs worldwide.

Inez Tiger, MA, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist specializing in child therapy, play therapy, and community-based resilience interventions.

From a young age, J’vaneté dreamed of two seemingly disparate careers: a lawyer and a cheerleader. This unique combination reflects her lifelong passion for advocacy, support, and empowerment. Today, as the Director of the New Hanover County Resiliency Task Force, she embodies these aspirations by fostering a more compassionate and resilient community. In her role, J’vaneté is dedicated to nurturing strong partnerships with community leaders and organizations. She provides thought leadership and professional development in trauma-informed and resilience-focused practices, aiming to create a culture of support and understanding throughout the community. Her favorite aspect of her work is the opportunity to bring resilience skills to the community, forging connections across various sectors—from educators and first responders to local businesses. J’vaneté holds a Master degree in Education with a specialization in Neuroscience and Trauma, along with Professional Certificates in Trauma and Resilience. She is a certified Community Resiliency Model trainer and a Reconnect for Resilience Educator. Her academic and professional work has emphasized the importance of addressing racial trauma and implementing trauma-informed approaches that prioritize racial equity. In addition to her current role, J’vaneté has a background in advocacy as a Voter Engagement Specialist and has worked in special education as a paraeducator. Her diverse experiences have equipped her with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by individuals and communities, further fueling her commitment to resilience and advocacy. Through her work, J’vaneté continues to inspire others, proving that with the right support and resources, communities can thrive and overcome adversity.

Jan Click is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in somatic trauma healing and the application of TRM concepts across specialized clinical populations.

Jen Wallace is the co-founder and director of Cantoneras Consulting, LLC where she applies over 3 ½ decades of working with and in law enforcement nationally, globally, statewide, and locally to consultations for training delivery and action assessments through case reviews. Jen was a Special Agent and Supervisory Special Agent with the U.S. Department of Defense for her law enforcement career. She worked for the Seattle Police Department (SPD) as a Program Advisor on a Human Trafficking grant, while simultaneously serving in a volunteer role with the SPD’s Victim Support Team. Jen became the inaugural Program Manager of Sexual Assault Investigations at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC). While with WSCJTC, Jen developed and led a training for police that integrated the Trauma Resource Institute’s (TRI’s) Community Resiliency Model into interviews of sexual assault victims. In 2020, TRI honored Jen’s innovation with a Co-Ambassador of the Year award. Jen authored the chapter on CRM and law enforcement in Elaine Miller-Karas’ book, “Building Resilience to Trauma: The Trauma and Community Resiliency Models.” Jen also partnered with TRI to deliver a CRM-infused victim interviewing course for the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information in Belfast, Northern Ireland. With Cantoneras, Jen has included CRM in training provided to the Oregon Sexual Assault Task Force and is currently under contract with the Seattle Police Department to provide a multi-year, phased training with components of strengths-based engagement and CRM. Jen holds a Master’s degree in Policy Management from Georgetown University, a Bachelor’s Degree (and D1 Soccer National Championship) from George Mason University, is a UCLA-certified Mindfulness Facilitator, and is an Oregon Health Authority-certified Peer Support Specialist. She has also been certified as a CRM teacher.

Jenilee Sneed, PhD, is a licensed psychologist who has practiced in a variety of settings, including an Eating Disorders Partial Hospital and IOP program, many college counseling centers, and, most recently, private practice. She became certified in the Trauma Resiliency Model in 2023 and is also a Community Resiliency Model Trainer. Jenilee specializes in trauma, complex trauma, anxiety, and psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). Jenilee completed a year-long training in PAT through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, became certified in 2024, and is also licensed as a Natural Medicine Provider in Colorado. Prior to working with TRM, she had training in somatics through her work with yoga and is a certified yoga therapist and a certified Holosomatic Breathwork facilitator.

Jennifer Andersen, MSW, LCSW is a behavioral health leader, licensed clinical social worker, and wellness advocate with more than two decades of experience across child welfare, adoption services, substance abuse treatment, eating disorder treatment, parent education, and social service administration. Currently serving as Wellness Assurance Impact Director at Aspiranet, Jennifer leads initiatives that strengthen workforce well-being, organizational resilience, quality assurance, and trauma-informed practice. Her unique combination of clinical expertise, leadership experience, and training in data analysis allows her to bridge human-centered care with measurable organizational outcomes. Jennifer has been a certified Community Resiliency Model (CRM) Trainer since 2018. Jennifer is passionate about helping individuals, teams, and organizations create cultures where people can thrive, heal, and perform at their best.

Jenny Cooper, MPH, PMP, is Principal Product Developer in Behavioral Health at Blue Cross NC, embedding CRM into health plan design and employee wellbeing.

Jessica Waterson, LMFT, is the Director of Faculty Development at the Trauma Resource Institute, guiding clinical faculty and senior TRM training programs.

Jon Dance is a Graduate Assistant at the Center for Rural Education at Virginia Tech, advancing CRM in recovery support systems and rural community health.

Jordan R. Murphy, PhD, APRN is a nurse scientist and pediatric nurse practitioner specializing in behavioral health and trauma-informed care. She received her undergraduate and graduate education from Spelman College and Emory University, respectively. Dr. Murphy is the Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Interrelational Science and Pediatrics, LLC and Executive Director of its non-profit arm, Girassol Wellness, Inc. Through her work, Dr. Murphy supports individuals and families to expand resilience through the use of wellness and clinical interventions and collaborates with organizations nationally to provide workforce development, training, and consultation. Her passion centers on translating science into meaningful clinical practice, working in community settings, and supporting the next generation of health care providers. Dr. Murphy is a Community Resiliency Model Senior Trainer for the Trauma Resource Institute, has published research, and partners with educational institutions in the area of curriculum development.

Judy Pang is a certified Community Resiliency Model (CRM) Teacher with the Trauma Resource Institute and leads CRM programming for Christian Aid, supporting partners across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. With more than 25 years of experience in humanitarian response and international development, she is passionate about strengthening resilience, wellbeing, and community-led responses among people affected by conflict, displacement, natural disasters, and other crises. Through her work with Christian Aid and its partners, Judy facilitates CRM training and supports the integration of trauma-informed and resilience-focused approaches across diverse contexts. Her recent work in Myanmar and Ukraine has focused on frontline worker wellbeing, mental health, and duty of care, while also supporting the development of local CRM capacity and leadership. She has also co-facilitated CRM Teacher Trainings, helping to expand access to resilience-focused approaches across humanitarian settings. Judy has worked in safeguarding and mental health and psychosocial support, alongside people affected by HIV, conflict, forced displacement, and humanitarian emergencies. She is particularly interested in the role of CRM in advancing locally led approaches and strengthening local ownership, leadership, and capacity within humanitarian and peacebuilding efforts.

K Thomas serves as Director of Education & Training at the Trauma Resource Institute, leading curriculum development and educational strategy across CRM and TRM programs.

Kelly has a Master of Arts in Teaching with over a decade of experience as an educator in a variety of school settings in Oregon, Washington, North Carolina, and South Korea. Kelly has been a certified Community Resiliency Model (CRM)® teacher since 2019 teaching local, national, and international workshops and has since provided training for over 5,000 people in multiple sectors including educators, youth service organizations, first responders, county government. She has been a lead on two North Carolina CRM initiatives focused on supporting youth including a six county initiative focused on youth in the foster care system working with educators and social workers to learn and implement the skills, and a Substance Use Prevention initiative through Coastal Horizons in Wilmington, North Carolina teaching the Community Resiliency Model (CRM)® wellness to middle and high school youth to prevent early use of substances. She now serves as a Senior Trainer for the Trauma Resource Institute. Kelly has a Trauma and Resilience Professional Certification Levels 1 and 2 and an NC Certificate in Trauma and Resilience with Added Focus on Racial Trauma. She believes so deeply in the power of CRM to change the way we interact, the way we see and experience ourselves, and each other through deep compassion and presence.

Kevin McLeod serves as Director of Community & Business Development for TRI, driving community outreach, youth initiatives, and corporate partnerships.

Kimberly C. Wong is a Diplomate in Clinical Social Work integrating Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) concepts into clinical mental health practice.

Kimberly Morales Johnson is Tribal Secretary and Delegate for the Gabrieleno San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, leading the conference Land Acknowledgement.

Dr. Kimberly Freeman is a Licensed Psychologist and Professor at Loma Linda University with extensive experience in child development, trauma, and behavioral health. Her clinical expertise includes developmental and neurodevelopmental assessment, promoting healthy parent-child attachment, identifying developmental concerns, and supporting early intervention for high-risk infants and children. She also has extensive experience working with children and adolescents presenting with complex behavioral and emotional concerns, trauma, self-harm, and other high-risk behaviors.

At Loma Linda University, Dr. Freeman teaches and supervises graduate students and provides leadership in doctoral social work education. Her professional and scholarly interests focus on child and adolescent behavioral health, trauma-informed practice, resilience, and the development of effective, culturally responsive interventions for children and families.

Dr. Freeman also serves on the Loma Linda University International Behavioral Health Trauma Team and has provided numerous presentations and trainings addressing trauma, child development, and interventions for high-risk children from a global perspective. She is committed to promoting resilience and well-being by strengthening the environments and relationships that help children and families thrive.

Laura Burgis is the CEO of The Human Values Center, advancing human-centered leadership, values-based culture, and CRM integration in higher education.

Magdalena Serrano, LCSW, is Director of Behavioral Health at Community Health Centers of the Central Coast, bringing CRM to Latino and agricultural worker health systems.

Malia Gallegos, LMFT, specializes in applying the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) across specialized clinical populations, student athletes, and somatic recovery.

Martha Parra works with San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health and is a TRI Individual Ambassador of the Year recipient for community CRM outreach.

Megan Toothman currently serves as the Community Engagement and Health Equity Program Coordinator within the College of Health and Human Services. In her role, she manages the Health Equity Bonner Fellowship (HEBF), cultivates partner relationships for HEBF and other CHHS projects, collaborates with faculty, staff, and students on projects that aim to improve health outcomes and enhance community engagement, and supports programmatic initiatives and core services for the Center for Healthy Communities and Community Engagement and Health Equity office. Megan is a CRM teacher and facilitator for the Trauma Resource Institute and incorporates CRM into her work with community and campus partners and students. She currently serves as an executive board member for Feast Down East, a food advocacy non-profit, and Yoga Village, who provides trauma informed mindfulness and movement programs to support the resilience, personal strength, and wellness of our community.

Natalia Rudzynska is International Partnership Director at EdCamp Ukraine and a TRI Ambassador of the Year, leading trauma resilience programs for Ukrainian educators.

Nikki Tobeck is the Regional Program Manager at Resilient Georgia, where she works to strengthen community resilience and increase access to mental health support across the state. With nearly a decade of experience in counseling and behavioral health, she facilitates Community Resiliency Model (CRM) and other resilience-focused trainings, develops trauma-informed learning resources, and collaborates with cross-sector partners to build community capacity and promote well-being. Her passion lies in translating evidence-informed approaches into practical tools that help individuals, organizations, and communities thrive. Prior to joining Resilient Georgia, Nikki served as an academic counselor at Georgia Southern University and worked with the Georgia APEX Project, providing school-based mental health services to K–12 students across Southeast Georgia.

Peter Abdulrahman Turay serves as Program Coordinator for FASCET in Sierra Leone, adapting CRM for international trauma response and community healing.

Regina Jennings serves as Vice President of Program at Covenant House International, embedding CRM into youth shelters across North and Central America.

Reggie McNeil is the Founder and Executive Director of Transforming Youth Movement (TYM), a North Carolina nonprofit dedicated to expanding opportunity, connection, and pathways to success for at-opportunity youth. For the past decade, Reggie has led TYM in creating meaningful opportunities for young people to build positive relationships, discover their strengths, develop workforce skills, and envision new possibilities for their futures. Under his leadership, TYM has grown from a grassroots vision into a multi-county organization that has served more than 3,500 young people across North Carolina’s Piedmont region. Reggie has championed trauma-informed and resiliency-focused practices throughout TYM, grounded in his belief that relationships, connection, and supportive communities play a powerful role in helping young people thrive. He has also contributed to broader systems-level work through System of Care North Carolina, serving in leadership roles across multiple counties and helping advance initiatives focused on youth wellness and workforce development. In 2020, TYM was named the Wells Fargo People’s Choice Grand Prize Winner through Social Venture Partners Charlotte’s SEED20 program, recognizing the organization’s innovative approach to strengthening social capital and expanding opportunities for young people. At the heart of Reggie’s work is a belief in the potential of every young person and the power of meaningful relationships, new experiences, and community to help that potential take root and grow.

Rose Vick, PhD, PMHNP-BC, is Interim Program Director and Assistant Professor in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. A board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with nearly two decades of clinical, educational, and leadership experience, Dr. Vick has dedicated her career to preparing the next generation of mental health providers and expanding access to behavioral health care for underserved communities. Her work spans academic leadership, workforce development, integrated behavioral health, and psycho-oncology. She previously led a federally funded Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) program that prepared more than 120 PMHNP students to serve rural and underserved populations. Her clinical, teaching, and scholarly interests include trauma- and resiliency-informed education, innovative approaches to preparing practice-ready clinicians, and promoting sustainable practices that support healthcare professionals and the communities they serve. Dr. Vick is passionate about fostering cultures of connection and well-being within healthcare and education. She believes that connection, resilience, and relationships are essential to sustaining the healthcare workforce and strengthening the communities it serves.

Sara Cook is a Northern Ireland-based social worker and conflict response specialist who has extensive experience working with people affected by conflict in Northern Ireland and internationally. Her peace building work includes mediation, dialogue and storytelling encounters between conflict-affected populations, including victims and survivors of violence, security forces and paramilitaries. Much of her work addresses the psychosocial impact of conflict, including the impact of mediation and peacebuilding on practitioners. For over 20 years, Sara has designed and implemented methodologies to address conflict-related impact and provides training and facilitation in mediation, dialogue, and narrative processes. The Women, Peace and Security Agenda is a key priority in Sara’s peacebuilding work, and she has recently published research on reducing barriers to participation through addressing the psychosocial needs of women mediators and peacebuilders. She is a UK representative to Women Mediators Across the Commonwealth, and was a lecturer and field director for the Conflict Transformation Certificate Program at St. Mary’s University in Texas. Sara loves teaching the Community Resiliency Model (CRM)© in communities impacted by conflict and humanitarian crises and has taught workshops to people from over 50 countries, including Ukraine, Syria, Myanmar and Afghanistan. She is a member of Trauma Resource Institute's senior faculty and has been a senior trainer for CRM teacher trainings in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Angola and Thailand. Sara lives in Belfast with her husband and two kids. . . who all use CRM together at home!

Sarah Wood, MPH, is the Senior Director of Learning and Performance at Crestwood Behavioral Health, where she leads organizational learning initiatives that support workforce development, trauma-informed care, and recovery-oriented services across the continuum of behavioral health care. With more than 11 years of experience in behavioral health and a Master of Public Health, Sarah is passionate about translating evidence-based practices into meaningful, sustainable change for both staff and the people they serve. She has been a Community Resiliency Model (CRM)® Teacher since 2017 and has helped lead Crestwood's organization-wide integration of CRM, embedding resilience-informed practices into employee onboarding, leadership development, clinical training, and everyday interactions. Beyond supporting staff well-being, Sarah has partnered with clinical and operational leaders to incorporate CRM into treatment planning and direct person-served care, creating a shared language of resilience that strengthens relationships, promotes self-regulation, and supports recovery throughout the organization. Sarah believes that resilience is most impactful when it becomes part of an organization's culture—not only shaping how staff care for themselves and one another, but also how they partner with persons served on their recovery journey. At the Trauma Resource Institute Conference, she is excited to share Crestwood's experience implementing CRM as both a workforce development strategy and a person-centered clinical approach, including lessons learned and practical strategies for building a resilient organization from the inside out.

Shannon Biteng is Program Manager for Trauma Aware, advancing public policy, community trauma initiatives, and systemic resilience models.

Soula Saad is a Director and Producer at Nota Bene Production, utilizing media, documentarian storytelling, and film to support global trauma resilience models.

Steve Olweean is Director of the Common Bond Institute and President of the International Humanistic Psychology Association, facilitating global trauma relief.

Susan Reedy, LMFT is a school counselor, play therapist, and trauma-informed educator with over a decade of experience teaching health and wellness in K–8 schools. Trained under Elaine Miller Karas, co-founder of the Trauma Resource Institute, Susan specializes in the Community Resiliency Model (CRM), a set of body-based regulation practices that help students and educators return to balance in moments of stress. She serves as a senior trainer for the Trauma Resource Institute and is a co-author of Elaine Miller-Karas’s book “Building Resilience to Trauma.” She has dedicated her career to integrating the CRM tools into classrooms and therapy offices, equipping learners of all ages with simple, practical skills to strengthen resilience, improve emotional regulation, and revive a readiness to learn. Through her Regulate to Educate work, Susan empowers schools to embed nervous system awareness into daily instruction, transforming behavior management into opportunities for connection and growth.

Townley Saye serves as Executive Director of First 5 Mendocino, embedding early childhood trauma resilience and CRM training across family systems.