USI 24th Annual Spring Social Work Conference:
Transforming Communities: Building Resilience for Tomorrow
March 6, 2026
| Agenda | Room | |
| Time | ||
| 8-8:30 a.m. | Registration and Refreshments | |
| 8:30-9 a.m. | Introductions/Welcome | Carter Hall |
| 9-10 a.m. | Keynote: AI and Ethics in Social Work Practice; Hank Cecil, MSW, LCSW | Carter Hall |
| 10-10:15 a.m. | Break / Visit Exhibition Tables | |
| 10:15-11:15 a.m. | Break Out Session 1 (choose between 4) | |
| IN Social Work Licensure, Beryl Cohen, MSW | 2217 | |
| AI and Social Work, Hank Cecil, MSW, LCSW | Theatre | |
| Resilience in Motion: Social Work's Role in Sports, Jara Dillingham, LCSW and Dr. Wilderman, LCSW | 2219-2220 | |
| How Where We Live Shapes Suicide Risks and Support in America, Janet Schnell, LCSW and Dr. Anne Kelly | 2218 | |
| 11:15-11:30 a.m. | Break / Visit Exhibition Tables | |
| 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Lunch, Recognitions | Carter Hall |
| 12:30-12:45 p.m. | Break / Visit Exhibition Tables | |
| 12:45 – 1:45 p.m. | Break Out Session 2 (choose between 4) | |
| Neurosequential Model in Therapeutics -Part 2, Robin Miller, LSCW | Theatre | |
| From Practicum to Practice: A Journey of Growth, Grit and Grace, Jervai Dumas, LCSW | 2217 | |
| Bridging the Gap: Applying the R.A.I.S.E. Model in Neurodivergent Support Systems, Dr. Alexis Nelson, LSW | 2219-2220 | |
| Resilient Leadership, Dr. Stephanie Hirons and Lindsey Summers, LMHC-A | 2218 | |
| 1:45-2 p.m. | Break / Visit Exhibition Tables | |
| 2-3 p.m. | Break Out Session 3 (choose between 4) | |
| Navigating Your First Year as a Social Worker, Katie Vinci, LSW and Taylor Sant, LCSW | 2217 | |
| Unleashing Resilience with Animal Assisted Services, Cyndie Kieffer, LCSW (& Norm) | 2219-2220 | |
| Resilience, Growth, Hope: Improving Outcomes in Trauma Services, Lindsey Saltzman, LCSW | Theatre | |
| Preventing Opioid Overdose: Practical Naloxone Training for Social Workers, Mark Storms, BSW | 2218 | |
| 3-3:15 p.m. | Break / Visit Exhibition Tables | |
| 3:15-4:15 p.m. | Break Out Session 4 (choose between 4) | |
| The Importance of Networking and Community Engagement, Mandy Sims and Dr. Zelenko, LCSW | 2217 | |
| Don't Just Do, Delight- How Horses Build Secure Attachments, Jillian Moon, LCSW | 2219-2220 | |
| Seasons of the Therapist: Managing Burnout While Doing the Work, Mark Luzader, LCSW | 2218 | |
| Psychiatric Treatment and Addiction, Dr. Datt | Theatre | |
| 4:15-4:30 p.m. | Final Break | |