Location: Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC)
Registration: $40 (includes book, assessment code & lunch)
Three (3) CEUs offered to participants.

Every person has unique talents and gifts. Exploring those talents and learning how to invest in them to create strengths can be an invaluable practice. We will utilize the CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment to learn about the positive traits that come most naturally to each of us. Additionally, we'll discuss how to focus on those areas of gifting in order to develop a reliable set of strengths that will lead to success and fulfillment in all areas of life. Participants can expect to come away with practical tools to support their professional and personal goals. A copy of StengthsFinder 2.0 including an assessment code will be provided to all participants. This assessment should be completed prior to workshop attendance. (Books can be picked up at Northeast Indiana Innovation Center)

Three (3) CEUs will be provided to participants who complete the workshop evaluation. $40 registration fee includes book, assessment code & lunch.

Location: Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC)
Registration: $40 (includes lunch)
Space is limited to 40 people.
Two (2) CEUs offered to participants.

This interactive workshop builds on the foundation of the morning session (Supporting Every Voice: A Discussion on Adaptive Communication), offering a closer look at specific robust AAC programs. Participants will learn how to quickly understand and navigate these programs while gaining practical tools to support and teach AAC use in diverse settings, including classrooms, therapy sessions, community programs, and at home. We’ll explore strategies that are adaptable and overlap across environments, ensuring everyone leaves with actionable takeaways. Whether you're new to AAC or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide the skills and confidence for you to empower every communicator, no matter where they are.  

Learning Objectives:

1.  Participants will be able to identify at least 2 features in communication apps designed to support communication partners.

2.  Participants will be able to apply 3 strategies in their setting to promote AAC use effectively.

3.  Participants will be able to create activities tailored to the specific needs of AAC users.

4. Participants will be able to identify at least 3 key areas of communicative function to focus on when working with AAC users.

This workshop is limited to 40 participants. $40 workshop registration fee (includes lunch & materials).

Location: NIIC
Registration: FREE
Two (2) CEUs offered to participants.

Adaptive Communication can take many forms, and this session will focus on Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC), which provides individuals access to robust vocabulary for meaningful interaction with the world around them. Difficulty with spoken communication can lead to frustration, isolation, and increased behaviors, but there are clear steps you can take to make a difference. In this session, we’ll explore what AAC is, how it works, who it is appropriate for (and how to tell) and how you can support individuals by bringing these strategies into your home, office, or community. Together, we can help every voice be heard! 

Learning Objectives: 

- Participants will be able to identify at least 3 types of AAC and understand who they’re appropriate for. 

- Participants will be able to recognize signs that someone could benefit from AAC. 

- Participants will be able to identify at least 3 robust AAC communication programs. 

- Participants will be able to outline 2 immediate next steps if they think someone could benefit from AAC. 

Location: Virtual
Registration: $5
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Two (2) CEUs offered to participants.

Join Amanda Miller (Executive Director) and Jessica Gervais (Training Coordinator) along with Dr. Katie Herron in an interactive conversation around the importance of understanding developmental milestones when interacting with young children. Dr. Herron will offer concrete examples and resources and consider how milestones should be part of a larger early detection system. In particular, social-emotional milestones play an important role in supporting early childhood mental health. This session will define early childhood mental health while interacting with participants to identify concrete ways to help young children in feeling safe enough to learn and explore their emotions, the emotions of others, and their environment.

Location: Main Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne IN 46802
Registration: FREE
Two (2) CEUs offered to participants

Did you ever think that one, tiny word could change your perspective--and maybe even your life? In Embracing the Power of And, we will explore the small & mighty word "and" as it relates to multiple areas of mental and emotional health. Those in leadership and helping professions are so often carrying heavy emotional and mental loads. Leaning into the power of "and" offers a hopeful perspective that will not only be personally enriching, but professionally empowering in the important work of service to others and our community. We will challenge binary thinking, create space for transformation of internal monologues, and begin to embrace the multitudes within. Come explore the power of "and."

Location: Main Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne IN 46802
Registration: FREE
Two (2) CEUs offered to participants.

Join us for this 2 hour training event where we will discuss the widespread impact of trauma, explore paths for recovery, and recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma. Participants will get the opportunity to discuss how to integrate knowledge about trauma into their daily practices. Finally, participants will discuss their own self-care plan as a way to limit the impact of vicarious trauma.

Location: USF North Campus Gymnasium
Registration: FREE
Two (2) CEUs offered to participants.

Secondary trauma is a type of emotional pain that can affect individuals who work closely with those who have experienced trauma (overwhelming life experiences). This trauma can have a profound impact on caregivers, teachers, social workers and other helping professionals. This training aims to provide an understanding of secondary trauma and its effects, including burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma. It will also offer practical strategies for preventing and managing the effects of secondary trauma, including self-care techniques, organizational support, and building resilience. By gaining a deeper understanding of secondary trauma and its impact, attendees will be better equipped to support themselves and others in their work.

Location: Virtual
Registration: FREE
Two (2) CEUs offered to participants.

Diet culture’s pervasive influence on today’s youth is undeniable, shaping their beliefs about food and bodies. This discussion will explore the connection between mainstream concepts of health and the rise of disordered eating, eating disorders, and body image struggles. We’ll examine how diet culture infiltrates nearly every aspect of daily life and explore the physical and psychological toll it takes on developing identities. Attendees will gain insight into the truth about diet culture and learn practical strategies to foster resilience in children, supporting balanced relationships with food and their bodies.

Location: USF North Campus
Registration: FREE
Two (2) CEUs will be offered to attendees who complete the training evaluation.

Join us along with Jeremy Greenlee (Program Director, ITVAP) and Detective Sarah Schmieman (Fort Wayne Police Dept) to learn more about risk factors leading to digital exploitation and human trafficking. As a result of increased social media usage among youth, previous human trafficking recruitment techniques have shifted online, exploiting vulnerabilities in youth, and making virtual exploitation a new reality. This training will delve into the complex usage of technology to gain an understanding of how traffickers leverage online platforms, social media, and communications to recruit, control, and exploit their victims.  This training will equip participants with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to navigate the digital landscape safely to learn how to respond, report and contribute to the prevention of human trafficking in the digital age.  

Location: Main Library
Registration: FREE
One (1) CEU offered to participants.

In partnership with Everyone Home, join us along with Cameron Shackleford to learn more on providing client-centered services beyond the barriers often encountered when working with individuals in needs of services.

Location: Northeast Indiana Innovation Center
Registration: FREE
Two (2) CEUs offered to participants.

We invite you to join us for this professional development training on the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and the impact of unmet social needs on health outcomes.  During this 2 hour session, we will define social determinants of health, explore social and economic community data, identify local health disparities and inequities, and discuss ways to mitigate the impact of unmet social needs on the health of individuals locally.  We will explore how healthcare organizations are addressing SDOH at the patient and community level and review methods of screening for and addressing unmet social needs in the patients/clients you serve.  Understanding the impact of the social determinants of health on children and families locally is critical as we work together to promote the physical and mental health of our community.  

About the Speaker
Dr. Sarah GiaQuinta, MD, MPH is the Senior Vice President of Community Health and Equity for Parkview Health, where she has worked for five years.  Always a champion for underserved populations, Dr. GiaQuinta has spent most of her career working in healthcare quality improvement, population health, and community health.  With experience in both private and public health institutions, Dr. GiaQuinta has worked with closely with physicians, nurses, and community organizations to promote the health of vulnerable populations.  She is passionate about the impact of social factors on the health on pediatric and adult health outcomes and the critical role health systems play in promoting health equity.   

In her current role, Dr. GiaQuinta leads teams dedicated to community health outreach and programming, community benefit, language services, and is responsible for Parkview’s health equity strategy.

Location: Main Library
Registration: FREE
Two (2) CEUs offered to participants.

Description
LGBTQ+ youth experience a much higher risk of housing instability and homelessness than their peers. Once they are experiencing homelessness, they often face additional hardships because of stigma and discrimination. Studies show that across the country, 40% of youth facing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+, compared to just 7% of all youth. Join us to gain a better understanding as to how we can address the barriers and challenges this population often faces when searching for safe, reliable housing and learn more about local efforts and resources here in our community.

Learning Objectives

• Gain insight into housing disparities for LGBTQ+ community

• Learn best practice guidelines and identify gaps in local service delivery

• Learn local programming efforts

We invite you to join us for this Youth Mental Health Task Force initiative where we will spend the day exploring the current state of mental health in our youth and how we can help promote and encourage positive wellbeing in our community! This event is sponsored by Parkview Health, Great KIDS, RemedyLIVE, Bowen Center and Purdue Fort Wayne.

Up to four (4) CEUs available to participants.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Location: Main Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne IN 46802
Registration: FREE
Two (2) CEUs offered to participants. 

Substance Use, Trauma and Homelessness: Tools for Prevention & Support with Toni Lovell (MSW, LCSW, Lutheran Social Services) and Nate Moellering (Vice President, Fort Wayne Recovery) 

Substance misuse and abuse wreak havoc on individuals, families, and communities, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. At the individual level, substance abuse often leads to physical and mental health issues, strained relationships, and diminished quality of life. Families bear the burden of watching their loved ones struggle, facing emotional turmoil, financial strain, and fractured relational dynamics. Communities suffer from increased crime rates, healthcare costs, and loss of productivity. Moreover, trauma, whether from childhood experiences or adult life events, frequently underlies substance abuse disorders, serving as a coping mechanism for pain and distress. This cycle can spiral further, with substance abuse contributing to homelessness, exacerbating vulnerability, and perpetuating the cycle of trauma and addiction. Addressing substance misuse and its consequences must involve comprehensive strategies that encompass prevention, treatment, and support, recognizing the interconnectedness of individual struggles with broader societal issues.

Please join us for this professional development training (followed by a Question and Answer session) about the MBF Child Safety Matters®! This is a great opportunity to become educated and empowered about some very real, very concerning issues faced by all children today, including bullying, cyberbullying, all types of child abuse, digital abuse, and other digital dangers. During the presentation, you will learn how being proactive and using a primary prevention program is beneficial not only to students, but to their families, our school, and the community as well.

Morning Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the need for child abuse prevention education.

• Discuss the impact of ACES on youth.

• Understand the research and evidence behind the MBF Child Safety Curriculum

• Review the basics of the MBF Child Safety Curriculum

• For each of the following: child abuse, bullying & cyberbullying, digital safety & citizenship, develop an understanding of what children are taught and how you can support victimized youth

• Review the reporting process for each type of victimization

Afternoon Learning Objectives:

• Define human trafficking

• Outline key components of the Actions, Means & Purpose (AMP) model

• Identify youth populations most vulnerable to human trafficking

• List common red flags and risk factors for human trafficking

• Know what to do after identifying a suspected victim of trafficking or sexual exploitation

There (3) CEUs will be offered to participants who attend this session and complete the training evaluation.

This is a Virtual Event.
Cost: $5

In this round-table discussion, we will examine stressors and triggers and unravel the complicated layers of adolescent anxiety, shedding light on its biological and environmental roots. Practical steps will be outlined for youth & teens to nurture their emotional well-being, alongside guidance for caregivers and educators to foster supportive atmospheres. By fostering open communication and facilitating access to resources, we aim to cultivate a community that prioritizes mental health awareness, empowering youth & teens to flourish in the face of adversity.

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding the Factors Contributing to Youth Anxiety

• Developing Coping Strategies and Resilience in Youth

• Enhancing Support Systems and Communication Channels

Learn about the five social-emotional factors that can lead to unwanted behaviors in school-age children. This session will discuss the five social-emotional factors of attention, protection, control and justice and how they impact school-age children. Learners will reflect upon their responses to challenging behaviors and discover strategies that can be applied.

Learning Objectives:

1.Identify the social‐emotional factors that may impact unwanted behaviors.
2. Apply a problem‐solving approach to address unwanted behaviors.
3. Use techniques to reduce feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by unwanted behaviors.

Cost: $40

Allen County Public Library
900 Library Plaza
Fort Wayne, IN 46802

With so much happening in the world around them, our school-age children may have had more mental & emotional stress than ever before. This workshop will give out-of-school time providers the opportunity to collaborate on the topic of resiliency in school-age children and learn strategies that are currently being used to promote facing life's challenges with confidence.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the steps to help children reframe the perception of failure.
2. Apply strategies to help school-age children develop resilience.
3. Apply strategies to help school-age children develop a growth mindset

Two (2) CEUs will be offered to participants

Indiana Youth are in crisis and the rates of depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicide are continuing to increase. The Bowen Center, Parkview Behavioral Health Institute, and RemedyLIVE will be sharing and discussing information on the current crisis that we are experiencing around youth mental health in our own communities. 

Clinton Faupel, Co-founder/executive director for RemedyLive
Laura Murphy, LHC, MHA, FACHE-Director of Outpatient Services for the Parkview Behavioral Health Institute
Siquilla Liebetrau, Psy.D., HSPP-Vice President of Clinical Services for Bowen Center

Indiana Youth are in crisis and the rates of depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicide are continuing to increase. The Bowen Center, Parkview Behavioral Health Institute, and RemedyLive will be sharing and discussing information on the current crisis that we are experiencing around youth mental health in our own communities. Data from the most recent community needs assessment will be shared, as youth mental health has been identified as a top need that our communities are not well positioned to respond to. Information will be shared regarding the statewide strategic plan and the local Youth Mental Health Task Force that has been created to respond to these needs. Additional information will be shared about the future of community mental health as well as the services that are available to respond in crisis situations, including mobile crisis response teams. This training is designed for everyone in the community who has an interest in being part of the solution around youth mental health.

Learning Objectives:

1. Increase awareness around the crisis that we are facing with youth mental health

2. Understand the statewide and local strategic plans to address this crisis.

3. Increase awareness of crisis services that are available

4. Promote hope that as a community we are responding to this need

Two (2) CEUs provided to attendees

Unable to attend in person?
No problem! Great Kids is partnering with RemedyLIVE to offer this session virtually as well! Virtual cost is $7.

Join Amanda Miller (Great KIDS Director), Jessica Gervais (Great KIDS Training Coordinator), Richele Groeneweg (LMFT) and Nichole Suvar (Author & Intentional-living Strategist) for a conversation around ANXIETY. These days, most of us can relate to the familiar feelings of stress, anxiousness, worry, and just feeling flat out overwhelmed. Often times, many of these feelings can intensify with the stress and pressure related to the upcoming holiday season. Join us in conversation around what anxiety can look like and how it often manifests itself, how we can help identify signs of anxiety and depression in the youth and family we serve, and what tools and practices we can use to help ourselves and others manage feelings of stress and anxiety.

Throughout the conversation, the following topics will be covered:

• Identify areas of your life that could be the root cause of your anxiety.

• Provide practical tools to help manage anxiety.

• Understand the positive and negative connections between an anxious individual and their family members.

• Identify rhythms that can be cultivated to enhance those relationships.

Two (2) CEUs will be offered to attendees who participate in this session.

A Data Presentation, Panel Discussion, and Roundtable Forum Addressing Youth Tobacco Use

The 2022 Indiana Youth Tobacco Survey shows that commercial tobacco use among Hoosier youth is lowest measured in the past two decades, and e-cigarette usage is the lowest since 2012. Even though fewer youth are using tobacco products, there are troublesome use patterns including frequent use of e-cigarettes, flavored tobacco product use, and susceptibility to cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use. Hear more about the 2022 Indiana Youth Tobacco Survey findings and have an opportunity to share your perspective.

Learn what tobacco prevention programming is available and to hear what school and youth leaders and community members need to support a tobacco free generation!

Two (2) CEUs available to attendees who complete the session evaluation.

This session will cover red flags and stats regarding human trafficking both in Indiana and abroad, how mental health challenges can lead to vulnerability, and how we as communities can work to end trafficking and provide necessary resources to survivors. This informational session will be presented by Jeremy Greenlee (Indiana Trafficking Victim Assistance Program) and Amy Johns (Destiney Rescue) and be followed up by a panel discussion with Special Agent Andrew Bonneau (Homeland Security Investigations), Cameron Shakelford (Safe Place/ YSB), and Ann Boyer (Juvenile Probation). Come learn how you can help put an end to human trafficking while engaging in a community conversation lead by local experts and advocates in Indiana.

Two (2) CEUs will be provided to attendees who attend this session and complete a training evaluation.

Lunch provided!

Have you ever stopped and sat with yourself? Have you ever really paid attention to your thoughts or behaviors? You already know that self-image issues can be caused by a variety of factors, such as past traumas, abuse, negative societal messages and cultural expectations, and negative influences from family and friends. Tisha and Katherine will take you through clinical and practical tools to help the youth you work with to understand their thoughts, feelings, and/or behaviors to celebrate their unique self image to enhance high self worth.

Two (2) CEUs available to participants who complete a training evaluation.

Dr. Lori Desautels

Adult nervous system states drive child and adolescent social, emotional, and cognitive well-being. In this session, we will explore how trauma and adversity impact the developing brains and bodies of our students and the powerful implications that adult regulation states positively create for a student's social, emotional, and academic growth.   I will share powerful regulatory practices for adults and students.   

This workshop is limited to 40 participants for a more intimate learning experience with Dr. Desautels.

Cost: $40 (includes lunch + learning materials)

Two (2) CEUs offered to workshop participants.

Dr. Lori Desautels

Applied Educational Neuroscience is a framework that is built upon educator nervous system, attachment, co-regulation and teaching ourselves and our students about their neuroanatomy.  We will explore discipline protocols from the lens of neuroscience. We will address specific shifts within the traditional and brain aligned models and practices. We will begin to understand that traditional discipline works the best for kids that need it the least and works the least for kids who need it the most. When we are dysregulated, our brains do not respond to words, lectures, consequences, or rewards.  Relational discipline is not something we do to children, it is something we want to create within them. Lastly, we will share new brain aligned strategies for meeting students in brain development  and nervous system states promoting lasting behavioral changes and the healthy regulation of our nervous systems. This new lens for relational discipline is effective and supportive for all students! This shift takes leadership and begins with regulated adult nervous systems. 

 Learning Objectives:  

• Attendees will deeply understand the neurobiology of behaviors through lecture, discussions and application practices. 

• Attendees will be able to translate, modify and apply regulatory practices in schools and clinical settings for staff, students and children and youth. 

• Attendees will be able to explain and summarize how the 4 pillars of Applied Educational Neuroscience define a new lens for discipline. 

Two (2) CEUs will be available to those who attend and complete the training evaluation.

As behavior issues in early childhood classrooms continue to interrupt learning, we need to find new ways to build connections and calm in our early childhood spaces. Dr. Herron will share definitions and data related to early childhood mental health and offer practical strategies for preventing dysregulation. As we begin to see behavior as not just a method of communication but also a symptom of underlying brain activation, we can work to shift our assumptions and responses to align. Dr. Herron will also emphasize the need for teachers to have opportunities to self-regulate in challenging moments and encourage leaders to consider how to support these opportunities.

Katie Herron, PhD has spent the last nine years as an Assistant Research Scientist with the Early Childhood Center (ECC), Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University before being named Interim Director in 2022. Katie has a background in Clinical Psychology and completed her PhD in a program that emphasized research. Her focus shifted to disability and early intervention during graduate school when her son was born with a disability. Since then, she has worked within Indiana’s early intervention system in multiple roles and has also trained families to become effective advocates. For the past eight years at the ECC her focus has been on improving the quality of early intervention and early education systems using evidence-based family-centered practices, including the promotion of high-quality family engagement, the promotion of high family expectations for young children with disabilities and the use of Universal Design for Learning. She currently serves as Chair of Bloomington’s city-supported Council for Community Accessibility.

This two hour training covers the following topics through evidence based research findings, demonstrations, and interactive discussion:

-Mental Health Problems and Mental Illness Definitions

-Differences in Mental Illness Presentation in Individuals with IDD

-Psychological Trauma Defined

-Trauma Symptom Presentation in People with IDD

-Neurobiology of Trauma

-Vulnerability Factors• Vulnerability to Stress

-Behavior Management

-Understanding the Causes of Behavior

-Attune, Validate, Co-create, Assign Tasks & Follow-up

-Top Down vs. Bottom Up Therapy

-Empowerment

-Including Support Staff in Planning

-Positive Support Strategies and Wellness

-Contributors to Problem Behaviors

-Verbal Strategies

-Crisis Prevention and Planning

-Nonverbal De-Escalation Strategies

-How To Promote Wellness

Two (2) CEUs are provided to those who attend this session and complete the training evaluation

($10 registration fee - includes lunch)

Kruse Plaza
5634 Opportunity Blvd.
Auburn, IN 46706

Four (4) CEUs will be offered.

Featured Keynote: Victor Pacini
Victor Pacini understands the delicate nature of abuse. Not only is he a survivor of sexual abuse, but his sister was murdered in 2001 due to domestic violence. His dynamic Erin's Law curriculum has been delivered to over 950,000 children and parents. He’s been referred by school administrators as, “The most unique and effective presenter of sexual abuse awareness.”

He is the author of Winning Within, There’s Only One You, Be Seen and Heard (Erin’s Law Content), Your VOICE, My Dreams, and has recorded two music CD’s. His ultimate goal is to help children and parents increase their knowledge and awareness about the topic of sexual abuse and domestic violence. He does this by delivering it from a fresh and positive perspective. Victor is the proud father of Mimmi, Angelo, and Luca.
Learn more about Victor's work >>

Featured Keynote: Deanna Hynes
Deanna Hynes is a survivor of child sexual abuse at the hands of her biological father. While she found the courage to tell at 13 years old, she was ignored by her mother. At 20 years old, she found the courage to tell her husband. After disclosing, Deanna graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor's degree in Family Social Services. Since 2014, she has presented to over 250,000 individuals on sexual abuse. She is currently a national public speaker with Childhood Victories.  

In November of 2018, her father was convicted and sentenced to a total of 60 years for the abuse against Deanna's sister. In April of 2019 he accepted a 6-year plea agreement for the abuse against Deanna. While being a fierce advocate for victims and survivors, Deanna is also a mom, wife, and makeup enthusiast.

Featured Keynote: Stacey Gagnon, Director of Trauma Lens Care

Event in Partnership with the YMCA, SCAN, Indiana Department of Child Services, Children First, Prevent Child Abuse Indiana, & Garrett-Keyser-Butler School District.

Sponsored in part by:

Community Foundation DeKalb County
Wible Realty
ProFed Credit Union
Kruse Plaza

This series is funded by The Lutheran Foundation.

Wednesday, March 29, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

• Location: Virtually on RemedyLIVE

Two (2) CEUs will be available to those who attend and complete a session evaluation.

ATTENDEES WILL:

• Have a better understanding of how to work with youth who have experienced death and other losses.

• Understand developmentally how children grieve.

• Understand secondary trauma and how to navigate through its impact. 

Have concrete takeaways/tools to effectively communicate with youth who have experienced loss.

Richele Groeneweg, MS Ed, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist working very part-time at both RemedyLIVE and The Aberdeen Group. In her role as Mental Health Advocate at RemedyLIVE, she seeks to provide mental health support to SoulMedics, crisis helpline specialists who serve on a 24-hour chatline, and facilitates conversations surrounding mental health in organizations within our community through the WIRED Experience, desiring to break the stigma surrounding mental health. As a client-centered clinician at The Aberdeen Group, Richele takes an integrative approach to working with clients utilizing EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Restoration Therapy, Gottman Couples Counseling approach, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  She is trained in EMDR, is a Level II Gottman Trained Therapist, and a Prepare Enrich marriage assessment facilitator.  Richele believes it is an honor to walk alongside others as they pursue wholeness individually or within relationships and is inspired by the courage, strength, and perseverance she views within her clients. Richele joins with her clients through securing a solid therapeutic relationship and encourages them to live more wholeheartedly. 

Cindy Maldonado-Schaefer, MS, MHRM has been working with the children, teens and families at Erin’s House for Grieving Children for fifteen years.  In her time, she has had the pleasure of supporting those families in their grief journeys to integrate grief into their everyday lives.  While it may sound odd, she has had a lot of fun doing so; reminding those youth, that it is okay to have fun in pain, feel joy in sadness and most importantly to not feel guilty in doing so!    In addition to working with the families, Cindy additionally has the pleasure of helping this amazing community become grief informed.  When tragedy hits school communities and youth serving organizations-Erin’s House can oftentimes be called in for support and educational guidance and assistance.   Cindy enjoys spending time with her 3 boys and husband; they can most times be found playing games, trialing activities for Erin’s House and always goofing around outdoors whenever possible. It’s never a dull moment at home for sure!  When she has a moment to herself, she tries to dabble in baking and is very much trying to understand this whole workout thing!

This series is funded by The Lutheran Foundation.