Join us for the 2024 National Family Conference.

Strengths over Stigma: Cultivating Positive Minds and Strengthened Relationships

A David and Lillian Thalenfeld Family Life Series

Friday, November 8, 2024 at Mohegan PA, 1280 PA-315, Plains Township, PA 18702.

Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. Presentations begin at 8:45 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m.

$45 total per person (includes light breakfast and lunch).

CEUs for LSW/LCSW/LMFT included at no additional cost.

CLEs available at no additional cost.

Topics include: Mental health peer support, mental health and healthcare, law enforcement/mental health, vocational empowerment, mental health and DEI, compulsive gambling, crisis, and more.

Dr. Matthew Spott is a business professional having spent his entire 16-year career working in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition to his career in pharmaceuticals, Matthew taught Management, Marketing, and Economics at Lackawanna College for nine years until 2022. In 2021 he began a second career as a real estate investor primarily focused in apartments. Today, while still working in pharmaceuticals, he and his wife own and manage 55 apartments, a hotel/ restaurant, and they are part of the team dedicated to rejuvenating the City of Carbondale. Matthew received his bachelor's degree from Penn State University, his MBA from Wilkes University, and his Doctorate from the University of Souther California. He recently released his first book, Game Changer - The 7 Mindsets for Solution Based Selling in September. Matthew is a devoted husband and father, with his greatest joy coming from spending time with his beautiful wife, DeAnna, and his three children, Matthew VI (5 years old), Gianni (3), and Sicilia (1). When Matthew is not spending time with his family or working, he volunteers for The Crisis Line as a suicide prevention counselor.

Lori is a creative soul and free spirit who found her passion behind the lens. It all started when she met her husband, Michael, and discovered the magic of photography. Together, they co-own ShadowCatcher Photography, LLC, and is celebrating Nineteen incredible years in the biz! But her love for photographing weddings sparked something more. She wanted to add her own touch to ceremonies, blending her passion for photography and writing. And that's how Ceremonies by Lori was born! But wait, there's more! Lori wears many hats - She is a Certified Professional Wedding Officiant, a paralegal at Lehman Law, PC, and the driving force behind the non-profit I Picture Hope. Oh, and did I mention she is an inspirational speaker, author of "From Mistakes to Miracles”, and a survivor of suicide & domestic abuse. And if that wasn't enough, she also serves as a board member of the NEPA Pride Project, spreading love and positivity wherever she go.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS:

“Transition: A New Way Forward. A discussion about initiatives overcoming stigma in the intellectual disability community”

Frank Bartoli, CESP

PA inclusive

“Problem Gambling: An Introduction for Professionals”

Josh Ercole, Executive Director, CCGP

“Culturally Attuned Healing: Addressing Trauma and Stigma to Foster Growth”

Heloise Ridley, MBA, MA, LPC, NCC

Wilkes University

"Mind-Body Connection: Exploring the Link Between Physical and Mental Health".

Allison LaRussa & Shannon Osborne

The Wright Center

“Your Response Matters”

Tammi Burke, Victims Resource Center

“Language Isn’t All That Matters: SUD Stigma and How It Affects Getting Help”

Stephanie Wolownik & panel

“Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative”

Cheyenne Bowen-Holgash, CRS, CFRS, CPS, CAAP

2024 National Family Week Conference

By Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania

2024 National Family Week Conference

Strengths Over Stigma: Cultivating Positive Minds and Strengthened Relationships