2026 Meeting of the Minds Schedule

Presenter: Kathleen Ratcliff, Executive Director, Upstream Prevention
Location: Salon F
Track: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

Many people do not access behavioral or physical health care despite having thoughts of or being at risk of suicide. Yet many of them signal to others – directly or indirectly – that they are struggling. This workshop is designed to provide health care providers with information on how recognize and respond to suicide risk with an additional focus on reducing access to lethal means – especially firearms – in their daily interactions with individuals.

Presenters: Officer Ashley Eller and Sgt Frank Imparato
Location: Spirit of St. Louis, 9th floor
Track: Law Enforcement
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, POST for law enforcement

This program focuses on how a wide range of intoxicating substances, legal, illegal, natural, or synthetic, rapidly elevate risks during law enforcement encounters. Participants explore the behavioral effects of different drug categories, including heightened aggression, unpredictable responses to pain, and non-compliance. The course emphasizes officer safety tactics, de-escalation strategies, and coordinated response options when impairment is suspected. Officers gain a deeper understanding of how substance-related impairment complicates detention, arrest, and medical intervention, ultimately improving law enforcement decision-making in dynamic environments.

Presenters: Laura Holt, Psychologist/LGBTQ+ Specialist, Washington University in St. Louis, Ryan Schooley, Staff Psychologist, Washington University in St. Louis, Mandy Hall, Counselor, Crowder College
Location: Salon 5
Track: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

In this Meeting of the Minds extended session, learn more from Washington University in St. Louis and Crowder College about their work to introduce table-top role-playing games (TTRPGs) in their counseling center work.  The field of Therapeutic Tabletop Role-Playing Games is growing, and is a popular, fun way for students to grow and work on life skills. Learn about how Crowder College’s Gaming for Wellness group has helped students.  Presenters from Washington University in St. Louis will share more about their implementation of Dungeons & Therapy, a social skills therapy group that uses a role-playing game system to give participants a way to practice new skills and increase their tolerance for discomfort in a safe, fun modality.  Attendees will get a chance to take on the role of group members in a short experiential game; no experience with TTRPGs is required to participate in or enjoy this presentation.

Presenter: Dave Closson, CEU and Lead Consultant, DJC Consulting
Location: Lindbergh, 9th floor
Tracks: Violence Prevention, Peer Education
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

Facilitation is a powerful skill that can transform meetings, trainings, and group conversations into moments of connection and shared learning. In this highly interactive session, participants will deepen their facilitation abilities, explore what keeps people genuinely engaged, and practice techniques that build trust and belonging. Through guided activities and peer learning, we’ll examine core facilitator skills, identify common traps, and develop confidence in handling real-world group dynamics. Participants will walk away with practical tools to strengthen reflective listening, guide discussions with clarity, and create spaces where people feel empowered to contribute. This workshop is ideal for anyone, new or experienced, who wants to grow their facilitation skillset and lead groups with greater ease, connection, and impact.

Presenters: Dr. Ashley Helle, Assistant Research Professor – University of Missouri and Director for Engagement at the Missouri Center for Addiction Research and Engagement (MO-CARE) and Dr. Andrea Wycoff, Assistant Professor – Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri
Location: Salon 1
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, and Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

This program will (a) provide an in-depth description of cannabis use and related consequences and (b) review and facilitate practice of skills for talking with students about their cannabis use. Presenters will provide evidence-based information about cannabis use and consequences, including social-emotional and health-related consequences, and indicators that cannabis use may be a concern. Using motivational interviewing (MI) principles and skills, presenters will provide actionable skills for engaging in ‘tough conversations’ with students around cannabis use and related topics. Finally, presenters will share resources for use with students around reducing harms of cannabis use.

Presenter: Megan DeShon-Runge, Director of Campus Activities & Student Engagement – Missouri Western State University
Location: Salon 4
Tracks: Violence Prevention, Hazing
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

This workshop and training guide explores the 10 signs of healthy and unhealthy groups and behaviors and uses discussion and “Gut Check”’ scenarios to promote learning. This workshop is complete with developed presentation slides, speaking notes, and a facilitation roadmap to support the session. Additional information about hazing, hazing prevention, and how building healthy groups is a form of prevention is included, as well as discussion questions to support and engage the audience in reflection and conversation.

Presenter: Katherine Melton, Owner, Recovery and Wellbeing Consultant and Coach, Integrated Wellbeing Consulting
Location:
Track: Health and Wellbeing sponsored by CCHA
CEUs:

Unfortunately this session has been canceled due to presenter availability.

Student-athletes are often praised for strength and resilience, yet, like anyone, many quietly navigate mental health challenges behind the uniform. This session blends lived experience with professional insight to explore body image, identity and life after sport, and eating disorder recovery within athletic spaces. Drawing from the speaker’s journey as a multi-sport high school athlete and Division I collegiate athlete, the presentation offers an honest reflection on how performance culture and identity shifts can impact student athlete mental health. The session is further informed by the speaker’s work as a mental health and public health professional supporting student-athletes. Participants will gain insight into common mental health stressors, barriers to help-seeking, and the importance of trauma-informed, stigma-reducing support. Practical strategies are shared to foster wellbeing, recovery, and compassionate care for student athletes.

Presenter: Jennifer Jacobsen, Executive Director of the Hamre Center for Health & Wellness, Macalester College
Location: Salon GH
Track: Health and Well-being sponsored by CCHA
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, and Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

No matter our role, institution, or comfort level with data, we can all benefit from engaging with our college student health survey data, such as the ACHA-NCHA, the Missouri Assessment of College Health Behaviors, and the Healthy Minds Survey. All conference participants from all functional areas in college health are invited to this interactive session to learn more about what these surveys entail, how to encourage student participation, how it can inform your work, how it can be leveraged to advocate for policies and resources. Bring your curiosity!

Presenter: Dr. Fred Rottnek, Director of Community Medicine at SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine & Program Director of the SSM Health/Saint Louis University Addiction Medicine Fellowship
Location: Salon 2
Track: Student Health Topics sponsored by CCHA
CEUs: CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, and Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

Health care professionals have learned a lot in the past few decades about both best practices and harmful practices around opioid prescribing. While new guidelines and new interventions are evolving, there are basic principles that have become best practices to reduce pain, increase function, and minimize risk associated with prescription opioid use. This interactive presentation will provide an overview of state-of-the-state of opioid prescribing and other interventions to maximize safety for individuals and households.

Presenter: Stephanie Null, Executive Director, St. Louis Anti-Violence Project
Location: Salon 3
Tracks: Health and Well-being sponsored by CCHA, Violence Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

The St. Louis Anti-Violence Project presents a session exploring the impact of violence on LGBTQIA+ people and the experiences of survivors navigating services in St. Louis. Attendees will learn how higher education institutions can support students in creating healthy relationships and preventing relational violence through LGBTQIA+-affirming policies, programs, and resources. The session will highlight strategies for fostering trust, building safe spaces, normalizing help-seeking, and sustaining ongoing conversations and trainings. Participants will also gain practical guidance on recognizing healthy relationships and connecting students with affirming, safe spaces on campus. By centering survivor experiences and community care, this session empowers educators and staff to create inclusive environments where LGBTQIA+ students can thrive personally, academically, and relationally.

Presenter: Sarah Mermelstein, Staff Physician at the Student Health Center – Washington University in St. Louis
Location: Salon 2
Track: Student Health Center topics sponsored by CCHA
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, and Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

Eating disorders are common, complex, and frequently underrecognized in college-aged populations, positioning student health centers as a critical setting for early identification and intervention. This presentation will review eating disorder definitions and diagnostic criteria as outlined in the DSM-5-TR, with emphasis on presentations commonly encountered in student health. Participants will examine key risk factors, screening approaches, and clinical red flags that warrant further evaluation. The session will address medical management and monitoring within student health centers, as well as strategies for effective referral and coordination with multidisciplinary treatment teams. Finally, the presentation will explore emerging considerations related to GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, including potential risks for students with current or past eating disorders and implications for screening, counseling, and prescribing in college health settings.

Presenter: Logan Davis, Outreach and Engagement Manager, The Ohio State University’s Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery (HECAOD)
Location: Salon GH
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

Whether we realize it or not, everyone plays a role in safety. It’s simply about keeping people safe(r). In high-risk environments, it can seem impossible to keep people safe. Understanding what it means to be safe(r) can allow us to change the narrative and flip the script. Instead of an illusion of safety, what steps can we take to keep people safe(r)? Instead of ignorance and stigma, how can we let people know we care about them and support them in their journey of what safe(r) looks like for them? So yes, helping keep people safe(r) is our responsibility.

Presenters: Jill Maurer, Assistant Director and Kristen Morris, Robert Tipton Jr. Hazing Prevention and APPLE Athletics Coordinator – University of Virginia Gordie Center
Location: Salon 4
Tracks: Violence Prevention, Hazing
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

This interactive program explores the impact of hazing on student mental health. We will view The Lonely Dog, a free, 15-minute hazing prevention film inspired by the experience of Alasdair Russell, who died by suicide after his first semester in college. Following the film, we will discuss the three types of hazing, the hidden harm (mental health) impacts of hazing, and ways to incorporate hazing education into mental health promotion efforts.

Athlete Injury Status, Well-Being, & Emotional Coping

Mason Lyman, Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student, Saint Louis University

This study examined differences in Athlete Well-Being (AW) and Emotional Self-Regulation (SR) based on injury status using the Sport Psychology Outcomes and Research Tool (SPORT). Participants included 75 NCAA Division I student-athletes seeking sport psychology services. We predicted that injured athletes would demonstrate lower well-being and greater difficulty with emotional coping than non-injured peers. Preliminary analyses reveal that injury negatively impacts subjective well-being, with smaller differences observed in emotional coping. These findings suggest that campus administrators and staff should prioritize targeted mental health support and interventions for athletes navigating injury recovery. Such data-driven monitoring is essential for supporting the unique psychological burdens of rehabilitation and maintaining overall athlete mental health within high-pressure collegiate environments.

Behind the Dashboard: Lessons from a Student Affairs–Analytics Collaboration

Tabitha Paul Rajkumar, M.S., Senior Programmer Analyst in the offices of University Analytics/Institutional Research and Campus Community Health at the University of Central Missouri

Student affairs professionals are increasingly expected to use data to inform decisions, often without dedicated analytics staff or established institutional research partnerships. This poster presents a case study of a health promotion office that enhanced data capacity through a collaborative model rather than permanent staffing.

The project began with a student worker hired into a temporary full-time analytics role to develop Power BI dashboards and analyze five years of health behavior data. As the role evolved and transitioned into University Analytics and Institutional Research, the collaboration was sustained through a shared-time arrangement. The presenters share key products, lessons learned from both prevention and technical perspectives, and practical insights about data readiness, timelines, and translation.

Bridging Evidence and Practice: Implementation of Campus Alcohol and Substance Prevention Programs

Angel Benjamin, Research Assistant, Missouri Partners in Prevention

Ensuring fidelity in implementing evidence-based alcohol and substance misuse prevention programs is essential for achieving desired outcomes among college students. However, variation in how health professionals and prevention practitioners deliver these programs may affect their effectiveness. As colleges work to reduce high-risk drinking and related harms, understanding real-world delivery is critical. This poster uses data from the K08 Applications of Alcohol and Substance Misuse Prevention in Higher Education study, a national survey of student affairs and prevention professionals examining program selection, delivery, adaptation, and implementation supports and barriers. We analyze how campus facilitators implement ASTP programs and compare findings with existing evidence-based literature to identify opportunities to strengthen program delivery and improve student health outcomes.

Building Belonging Before Burnout: Pilot Outcomes from a Coaching-Based Student Support Ecosystem

Deepanshi Bansal, Founder, ShineQuo

College students navigating academic and cultural transitions particularly international, first-generation, and underrepresented students often face daily decision-making and adjustment challenges that impact confidence, resilience, and persistence. This poster presents early findings from a pilot implementation of ShineQuo, a proactive, non-clinical well-being ecosystem integrating coaching and peer support.
Pilot data from diverse student participants demonstrates improvements in decision clarity, self-confidence, habit consistency, and perceived sense of belonging. Students reported increased follow-through on academic and personal goals, greater confidence in navigating campus resources, and reduced overwhelm during transition periods. These findings suggest that early, coaching-based interventions can strengthen students’ resilience and engagement before challenges escalate, offering institutions a scalable, affordable and preventative complement to traditional health and counseling services.

Campus Cannabis in 2026: Low Risk Adult Use Guidance & Daily Use Reduction Strategies

Dr. Janice Putnam, RN, Professor at the University of Central Missouri

The Campus Prevention Network’s 2025 National Insights Report analyzed data from 832,260 students in 723 colleges, reporting that cannabis use has tripled from 14% to 47% (without a prescription in the past 2 weeks). Students under <19 years old show the highest cannabis use rates (51%). Targeted prevention and risk reduction strategies are warranted:

• A structured campus lifestyle, academic demands, and campus prohibition policies that adhere to federal versus state laws may be protective factors.
• Model college cannabis toolkits that provide education, harm reduction strategies, and resources.
• Most recently, there are recommendations for adding low-risk use talking points and daily use reduction strategy resources.

Ongoing assessment of adult and medical cannabis use, student health, and policy is needed.

Facilitators and Barriers to Belonging Among Indian Women Pursuing U.S. Master’s Degrees

Amy Kiger, EdD, Director of Campus Community Health, University of Central Missouri

International graduate students contribute significantly to campus communities, yet institutional practices often overlook the distinct needs of specific subpopulations. This poster examines facilitators and barriers to belonging among Indian women pursuing master’s degrees at a Midwestern U.S. university. Drawing from a broader doctoral case study, belonging emerged as a key protective factor for safety and wellbeing. Surveys and interviews with students and university employees revealed a systemic misalignment: while students sought meaningful integration into campus life, staff often assumed efficiency was their primary concern. This contributed to gaps in support for basic needs, increasing reliance on informal “shadow” networks. Facilitators of belonging included early local connections and culturally informed mentoring. Findings highlight the need for intentional, student-responsive approaches to belonging as both a safety strategy and a retention tool.

How Theories of Crime and Mental Health Impact Criminal Behavior

Dr. Michael Birmingham, MSW student and Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies, and Brodie McAlexander, Missouri Western State University

This article studies the association of specific mental health concerns identified as having the most prevalence in society and crime, specifically, depression and schizophrenia and how they are associated with criminological theories resulting in delinquent behavior. while there are multiple theories that have a connection to crime, two foundational theories are utilized as a guide: (a) Rational Choice Theory and (b) General Strain Theory; of which both contribute to a better understanding of the mindset of one engaging in such behaviors that warrant interaction with the criminal justice system.

Schizophrenic people are generally assumed to not have the capacity to consciously process things to make decisions; those dealing with depression in addition to other stressors are often more likely to engage in delinquent behavior. Studies indicate that 3.8% of the population are depressed, equating to 280 million people worldwide per the World Health Organization. They also share that 1 in 300 people worldwide suffer from schizophrenia which is approximately 24 million people. This study highlights how these disorders lead to delinquent behavior in young adults.

Presenters: Dr. Katryna Sardis, Director, Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center and Kelsey Forqueran, JD, EdD, Director of Investigations, Office for Institutional Equity, University of Missouri – University of Missouri
Location: Salon 5
Track: Violence Prevention
CEUs: CECH credit for CHES, CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals

When campus offices work in silos, students and employees can experience confusion about policies, rights, and available resources. This session explores a Both/And, Not Either/Or approach to collaboration between Institutional Equity Offices and support services. Attendees will learn strategies for building integrated partnerships that promote policy education, rights awareness, and comprehensive campus support. Through real-world examples and practical tools, participants will leave with actionable steps to strengthen cross-office communication and enhance violence prevention and response efforts.

Presenters: Stephanie Watson, Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor and Susan Glass, Deputy Director, Missouri Office of Prosecution Services
Location: Salon 1
Track: Law Enforcement
CEUs: CECH credit for CHES, CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, POST for law enforcement

This presentation provides law enforcement officers with practical guidance on effective courtroom testimony in Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) cases. The session focuses on clearly and confidently explaining observations, standardized field sobriety tests, chemical testing procedures, and arrest decisions in a way that is accurate, professional, and understandable to judges and juries. Participants will learn how to prepare for testimony, avoid common pitfalls during direct and cross-examination, and maintain credibility under challenging questioning. Emphasis is placed on articulating facts, reports, and evidence while adhering to legal standards and ethical responsibilities. Attendees will leave with strategies to enhance their courtroom presence and strengthen the prosecution of DWI cases.

Presenter: Lisa Lane, Business Operations Associate – University of Missouri
Location: Salon F
Track: Student Health Center Topics sponsored by CCHA
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

College students often face challenges understanding health insurance, which can lead to delayed care and unexpected expenses. This presentation explores Mizzou’s journey to boost health insurance literacy through clear education and practical tools. Discover the tools we currently offer and explore upcoming initiatives designed to empower students with the knowledge to make informed decisions about coverage and healthcare costs—during college and beyond.

Presenter: Alexa Rivas-Fernandez, Sexual Health Coordinator – University of South Carolina
Location: Lindbergh, 9th floor
Track: Health & Well-being sponsored by CCHA
CEUs: CECH credit for CHES, CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

This session presents a campus case study from a large SEC university highlighting a multi-pronged approach to sexual health engagement. The presentation will begin with a brief demonstration of an icebreaker used in Take the Risky Out of Frisky, a first-year seminar presentation, to model how comfort and engagement are established before discussing sexual health. The presenter will then examine how early education, STI consultations, safer sex supplies distribution, and tabling function together to normalize sexual health conversations and reduce barriers to care. Challenges of implementing these strategies at scale will be discussed, along with practical lessons learned and adaptable approaches attendees can apply to their own campus contexts.

Presenter: Alyson Frydman, Outreach and Prevention Education Coordinator, University of Missouri – Kansas City
Location: Salon H
Track: Violence Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

This session will explore how consent-centered and trauma-informed practices can be integrated into individual workplaces. By centering these practices, attendees will examine how safer, more supportive environments for students and colleagues are created. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of why consent-centered and trauma-informed approaches matter in professional settings, actionable strategies for implementation, and an interactive, collaborative opportunity to reflect on how care and consent show up in their own work.

Presenters: Dr. Jenna Wintemberg, PhD, NCTTP, Associate Teaching Professor & Tobacco Treatment Specialist – University of Missouri
Location: Salon G
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)—including patches, gum, and lozenges—can increase quit rates by 50–70%, making it a powerful tool for campus wellness programs. This session will cover evidence-based NRT strategies, including dosing, step-down timelines, side effect management, and combination therapy for enhanced success. By reducing withdrawal symptoms, NRT supports compliance with tobacco-free campus policies and creates space for implementing behavioral counseling strategies such as motivational interviewing and structured quit plans. Attendees will learn practical methods to integrate NRT with behavior change support, empowering students to achieve freedom from nicotine addiction.

Presenters: Elizabeth Branham, Traffic Safety Specialist and Paige Carter, Senior Research Technician – The Ohio State University’s Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery (HECAOD)
Location: Salon 4
Tracks: Peer Education, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention, Law Enforcement
CEUs: CECH credit for CHES, CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, POST for law enforcement

Impaired road use is most often associated with drinking and driving. But what about cannabis-impaired driving on game day, drunk biking home from a party, or drowsy driving during finals week? Join HECAOD staff for a dynamic session that equips peer health educators and program coordinators to address the full spectrum of impaired road use behaviors. Attendees will receive training materials and an environmental scan designed to facilitate the integration of transportation safety within peer health education initiatives and curricula.

Presenter: Marylyn Dickens, Instructor/ DRE, Extract-ED Training
Location: Salon 3
Tracks: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention, Law Enforcement
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, POST for law enforcement

The world of cannabis can be confusing and intimidating. As cannabis use grows, it’s important for educators to learn about cannabis and its use. During this training, you will learn about the different types of cannabis plants and how they are identified, how cannabis may be grown and harvested, how various cannabis extracts are made and used, signs of impairment, and more! This course is designed for teachers, school nurses, counselors, teacher aids, and other school faculty.

Presenter: Megan DeShon-Runge, Director of Campus Activities & Student Engagement – Missouri Western State University
Location: Spirit of St. Louis, 9th Floor
Tracks: Violence Prevention, Hazing
CEUs: CECH credit for CHES, CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals

The Stop Campus Hazing Act, signed into law in 2024, altered the Clery Act to include hazing and imparted requirements of campuses across the country to encourage transparency around hazing. But, what now? This session will dive into the implications of the SCHA and what those implications mean for campus professionals. Participants will also assess their current campus adherence to SCHA and develop next steps for implementing and / or fine tuning their campus hazing resources.

Presenter: Dr. Fred Rottnek, Director of Community Medicine at SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine & Program Director of the SSM Health/Saint Louis University Addiction Medicine Fellowship
Location: Salon 2
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
CEUs: CECH credit for CHES, CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, POST for law enforcement, Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

Self-soothing behaviors should not be a surprise in a home or on campus. Our brains respond to trauma and substance use in similar ways, and when an individual experiences trauma, particularly in youth, the reward circuitry and physical brain structure develops differently and creates vulnerability for risky substance use. In this interactive session, participants will learn about brain chemistry, brain structure, and the impact of trauma and substance use on the developing brain. A medication-first model of treatment is one approach to begin treatment for individuals with this history.

Presenter: Anne Rulo, LMFT, LPC, speaker/author/therapist
Location: Salon 5
Track: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

Being a helper, whether professionally or personally, requires a lot of mental and emotional energy. And while many of us begin the practice of helping with a deep well of compassion, it is limited because we are limited. We are human. Whether you are new to the helping field and have never experienced burnout symptoms or you are a helper wondering if your compassion has taken a permanent vacation, this conversation is for you.

Presenter: Dave Closson, CEO & Lead Consultant, DJC Solutions
Location: Salon H
Track: Violence Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

This interactive breakout session provides a concise, hands-on introduction to the Engage program—a bystander empowerment strategy focused on awareness, care, and inclusion. Participants will experience a live demonstration of core Engage components, including scenario-based discussions, the CARES intervention options, and the Identify–Know–Act model used to guide safe and effective responses. We’ll explore how Engage helps individuals recognize warning signs, navigate real-world challenges, and take appropriate action when someone may be at risk. Attendees will have opportunities to reflect, ask questions, and see how the program can be adapted for various campus contexts. This session is ideal for campus professionals, facilitators, and anyone interested in strengthening community care and helping students build practical intervention skills.

Presenter: Jennifer Jacobsen, Executive Director of the Hamre Center for Health & Wellness – Macalester College
Location: Lindbergh, 9th Floor
Track: Health & Well-being sponsored by CCHA
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

Faculty are key partners in supporting student well-being, yet challenges to close collaboration persist. In this interactive session, participants have opportunities to develop strategies for effectively engaging faculty, learned through more than a decade of workshops, conference sessions, and book readings. This session will include quantitative and qualitative evidence for the relationship between student well-being and academic success; participants will be invited to share their own successes and challenges and together identify resources for this ongoing work. This session will pay special attention to health inequities in our college populations and how doing this work at the campus level may help reduce these disparities.

Presenter: Stephanie Harris, Dean of Basic Needs & Student Care – Dallas College
Location: Salon 3
Track: Health & Well-being sponsored by CCHA
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

This session highlights Dallas College’s Student Care Network (SCN), a nationally recognized best practice that integrates counseling, health services, health promotions, basic needs, student parent support, and case management into a cohesive, data-driven system. Designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s students, the SCN leverages technology, partnerships, and strategies to improve retention, wellbeing, and educational outcomes. Participants will leave with transferable frameworks, data tracking ideas, and implementation insights for building or scaling holistic support systems.

Presenters: Christy Inskip, Youth Tobacco Prevention Specialist, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (and Leadership Team Member, Next to Rise)
Location: Salon G
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

Behavior change is rooted in individuals being ready to change and having resources to support them. But, at a greater level, they cannot be supported to change without strong policies and an infrastructure to support them. However, sometimes this policy work isn’t the most popular prevention work on campus, even though it is the most essential. This session will cover how to get partners and decision-makers to join your policy party! Come join us as we explore how to build relationships and capacity with others around important policy issues, how to frame the issue to build excitement and readiness for policy change, and how to use data to make decisions about next steps in policy work. Rooted in the work happening across the state in smoke and tobacco-free policy, this session will cover how to move closer to a comprehensive policy by partnering to identify gaps, advocate for a stronger policy, strengthen policy language, and successfully implement the policy. Participants will grow their skills and professional networks, obtain tools and resources, and plan the next steps necessary to adopt, implement, and sustain any policy in higher education- including a more comprehensive tobacco-free college policy.

Presenter: Dr. Fred Rottnek, Director of Community Medicine at SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine & Program Director of the SSM Health/Saint Louis University Addiction Medicine Fellowship
Location: Salon 2
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention, Law Enforcement
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, POST for law enforcement, Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

The horse is out of the barn. It is time for all of us to get more comfortable separating fact from fiction regarding cannabis products, having simple conversations to communicate with others about what we know and what we are learning about cannabis use, and promote ways to reduce risk associated with cannabis use. This session includes content and conversational tools to promote positive discussions.

Presenters: Isabelle del Alcazar, Well-Being Peer Student Coordinator, and Aaliyah Solis, Well-being Peer Outreach Coordinator – University of Missouri
Location: Salon 4
Tracks: Peer Education
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

This program will include testimonials from the presenters in regards to how they came to learn about peer education, what skills they’ve gained from it, and how those skills are transferrable in their future careers. We intend to highlight that communication and personal skills gained from becoming a peer-educator are highly useful in a wide range of careers outside of mental health and education related fields

Presenter: Mike Sciandra, Executive Director, Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling
Location: Spirit of St. Louis, 9th Floor
Track: Health & Well-being sponsored by CCHA
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

Sports wagering has evolved from illicit, local bookmaking to today’s ubiquitous digital platforms. Driven by technology and widespread legalization, betting has become instantly accessible and normalized. This shift fundamentally alters the risk profile and presentation of gambling disorder, particularly among younger demographics exposed earlier and more frequently to marketing and in-app mechanics. We explore how traditional treatment models, designed around in-person casino gambling, do not address the challenges of modern betting. The presentation advocates for adaptive treatment and prevention strategies that address constant accessibility, and utilize therapeutic modalities to effectively support those affected by the contemporary sports betting landscape.

Presenter: David Ray, Senior Law Enforcement/EMS Trainer, Behavioral Health Response – Disarming Suicide Initiative
Location: Salon 1
Tracks: Law Enforcement, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, POST for law enforcement

This presentation examines the foundational safety training instilled in first responders, emphasizing the importance of returning home safely after each shift. While law enforcement, EMS, fire, corrections, and dispatch professionals are taught to safeguard their physical well-being and maintain emotional boundaries, few discussions address the psychological impact of repeated exposure to traumatic events. Research indicates that, whereas an average citizen may experience four traumatic incidents in a lifetime, first responders can encounter this number—or more—within a single shift, often playing a direct role in these crises.
This session seeks to break the silence around post-shift processing, encouraging open dialogue about the emotional challenges faced and fostering an environment in which discussing mental health is normalized. Together, attendees will explore strategies to reduce stigma and support each other in managing the ongoing effects of critical incidents brought home in mind and spirit.

Presenters: Rachel Barnidge – Nurse Practitioner, Jennifer Starks – Counselor , Brianna Holley – Case Manager, and Lesa Barchet – Manager for Operations and Compliance – Maryville University
Location: Salon F
Track: Student Health Center Topics sponsored by CCHA
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

Experience Maryville University’s innovative approach to student wellness through our newly integrated Student Health and Counseling Services. This presentation also highlights the new role of the case manager and demonstrates how our interdisciplinary team collaborates to deliver comprehensive, wrap-around care. Learn how our seamless integration of physical and mental health services supports the diverse needs of our student body, removes barriers to care, and enhances overall well-being.

• Peer to Peer: Experiences in Health Education (Grand Ballroom, Salons A-E)
  • Peer education plays a critical role in promoting prevention, wellness, and community care on college campuses. In this engaging panel, student peer educators will share their personal journeys into prevention and health education, discuss the impact of their work, and reflect on lessons learned along the way. Panelists will explore topics such as leadership development, navigating difficult conversations, building trust among peers, and creating meaningful change within campus communities. Attendees will gain insight into the lived experiences of peer educators and leave with a deeper understanding of how peer-led initiatives shape healthier campus environments.
• 2-Year Schools and Community Colleges (Salon 1)
  • Connect with other 2-year campuses and community colleges!
• Addressing Gambling and Sports Betting on Campus (Salon 4)
  • Learn more about sports betting and gambling prevention efforts on campuses!
• Cannabis Prevention (Salon 2)
  • Learn more about cannabis prevention efforts on campuses!
• CCHA and Student Health Centers (Salon 3)
  • Connect with colleagues from the Central College Health Association and student health centers!
• Difficult Conversations: Speaking and Intervening with Students in their Toughest Times (Salon 5)
  • L. Randy Carter, Associate Dean of Students and Leanza Dwaah, Graduate Assistant, Office of Student Conduct – Southeast Missouri State University
  • As professionals, young and experienced, we all have to have conversations with students that can be uncomfortable, awkward, directive or even argumentative. There a common thread which is woven through most of these tough conversations, meaning a process to follow. The strategy we discuss will include both impromptu and planned meetings on topics such as health/welfare, suicidal ideation, residence life, supervisory and and other concerning issues.

Presenter: Ashley A. Hinton, Owner, 859 Well Coaching and Consulting
Location: Salon 3
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
CEUs: CECH credit for CHES, CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

As part of a comprehensive well-being approach, attendees will learn innovative implementation models to support a robust substance misuse prevention program for their respective campuses. During this session the presenter will share various evidence based, research supported approaches to discussing substance misuse on a college campus, and how they built campus partnerships for implementation while maintaining program fidelity. Participants will have an opportunity to experience the interactive Ed on Tap program developed by two professionals with over 40 yrs of higher education prevention experience.

Presenter: Crystal Flucas, Tobacco Enforcement & Education Officer at Public Health and Human Services, City of Columbia
Location: Salon G
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention, Law Enforcement
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, POST for law enforcement

This presentation highlights the impacts of tobacco enforcement and education work in the retailer setting in Columbia, Missouri. It offers insight into what happens inside retail environments, how policy meets practice, and why local tobacco enforcement plays a critical role in protecting community health.

Presenter: Mary Timmel, Advocacy Manager, Beacon Reproductive Health Network
Location: Lindbergh, 9th Floor
Track: Health & Well-being sponsored by CCHA
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

Access to high-quality, client-centered, trauma-informed sexual and reproductive health care and education is a cornerstone of health equity that puts each individual in the driver’s seat of their own life. Join Beacon Reproductive Health Network to discuss the barriers to care that Missourians face and strategies for supporting full access to care across people’s reproductive lives. We’ll discuss statewide resources available for supporting reproductive and sexual health equity, including a focus on access to care for young people, emergency contraception, and navigating the safety net. We will also review the current policy environment as it relates to sexual and reproductive care and provide entry points to stay informed and advocate.

Presenter: Katherine Melton, Owner, Recovery and Wellbeing Consultant and Coach, Integrated Wellbeing Consulting
Location:
Track: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
CEUs:
Unfortunately this session has been canceled due to presenter availability.
Suicide loss often leaves individuals, families, and communities navigating complex grief, trauma, and isolation. Traditional grief supports may not fully meet the needs of those impacted, particularly when emotions are overwhelming or words feel insufficient. This session introduces Hope and the Winds of Grief Storybook and Workbook as an example of how storytelling and STEAM-informed activities can support healing following a suicide loss. Grounded in trauma-informed and strengths-based practices, attendees will explore how narrative expression and creative, hands-on approaches foster emotional regulation, meaning-making, connection, and hope. The session highlights how these tools are adapted in practice for children, adolescents, and adults across school, community, clinical, and family settings. Participants will leave with actionable ideas for integrating storytelling and STEAM approaches/activities in ways that honor grief, reduce isolation, and support healing.

Presenter: Douglas Buie, Special Agent, Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control
Location: Salon 1
Track: Law Enforcement
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, POST for law enforcement

This program will give law enforcement officers information on fake identifications, why they are used and where they come from. Participants will learn techniques to detect fake identifications. Participants will be instructed on basic liquor laws and how the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control can assist their agency.

Presenter: Dr. Julie Drury, Assistant Dean of Students, University of Missouri
Location: Spirit of St. Louis, 9th Floor
Track: Violence Prevention, Hazing, Law Enforcement
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, POST for law enforcement

Learn more about hazing and hazing prevention, including some common misperceptions about hazing as well as how hazing can impact organization members and other community members. The program is a mix of educational information and discussion amongst participants. The program was created as an educational tool for students in student organizations including fraternities and sororities, marching bands, athletics, and other organizations on campus. The program is a great opportunity for staff and administrators to learn more about hazing and hazing prevention as well.

Presenter: Emma Wilson, Prevention Educator II, Program Manager, PreventEd
Location: Salon 2
Tracks: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, POST for law enforcement

As state-level medical and recreational cannabis programs continue to expand, there is growing evidence linking cannabis use and THC exposure to negative mental health outcomes. This session will explore current cannabis trends (including high THC potency products), cannabis effects on mental health, and evidence-based prevention strategies.

Presenter: Sammie Jurado, Community Engagement Director, Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Location: Salon H
Track: Violence Prevention
CEUs: CECH credit for CHES, CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals

Let’s Talk BookTok. A place where we will explore how pop culture media impacts interpersonal relationships and how to leverage it to promote violence prevention and teach healthy relationship skills.

Presenters: Eric Davidson, Executive Director of Eastern Illinois University Health and Counseling Services and Matthew Warner, DHSc, ACSM-EP, Assistant Director of Health and Counseling Services – Eastern Illinois University
Location: Salon F
Track: Student Health Center Topics sponsored by CCHA, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

The 2020 Illinois Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act required public colleges to prioritize student mental health, including having screening tools readily available to students to promote awareness, guide those in need to resources, and function anonymously. The presenters will outline the overall concept of the act, initial compliance and challenges faced, the creation of in-house survey tools utilizing Qualtrics, and how other institutions may be able to do something similar at their campus to improve their student’s mental health.

Presenters: Israel Lovins, Assistant Director of Residential Conduct & Prevention and Dr. Ethan Sykes, Ed.d., Director of Housing and Residential Programs – Drury University
Location: Salon 4
Track: Peer Education
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

Traditional prevention efforts often rely on events that require student opt-in, staffing, and sustained attendance. This session explores non-traditional, passive prevention models that function as campus infrastructure rather than one-time programs. Presenters will highlight four embedded initiatives at Drury University: Health Hub Carts, a Safe Ride Program, Wellness Rooms, and the Panther Swipe Program. Each model emphasizes accessibility, reduced stigma, and consistent exposure by meeting students where they already are. Following a brief presentation, participants will engage in a facilitated roundtable discussion to exchange ideas, challenges, and adaptations for implementing passive and alternative prevention strategies across campuses of varying size, budget, and capacity.

Presenter: Dr. Cammie Connor, Director of Counseling and Prevention Services, Harris-Stowe State University
Location: Salon G
Track: Health & Well-being sponsored by CCHA
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

The research aims to pioneer a solution culturally grounded, trauma-informed and technology enabled mental health ecosystem designed to create mental health interventions only. The framework allows students to integrate wearable technology, the Vision Pro and AI-powered learning tool to build immersive simulations to teach stress management, anxiety reduction and self-care practices to better support the mental health of African American college students.

Presenter: Andrea L. Kimura, M.Ed., Health Educator, Student Health & Well-being – Wellness Resource Center – University of Missouri
Location: Salon 4
Track: Health & Well-being sponsored by CCHA
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

Across higher education, wellbeing is often measured inconsistently, with professionals using multiple definitions and interchanging terms such as flourishing, resilience, wellness, and wellbeing. Many rely on “wellness wheels” that inaccurately substitute wellness for wellbeing, leading to conceptual and measurement confusion. As Travia et al. (2018) and VanderWeele et al. (2020) highlight, limited guidance exists on which tools best fit specific contexts. By selecting proper measurement tools, professionals can more effectively tailor interventions that mitigate disparities. This session will clarify term distinctions, review commonly used assessment tools, and demonstrate how proper measurement enhances understanding of student health and campus environments. Participants will gain practical strategies to select and apply appropriate tools, strengthen health promotion infrastructure, and improve the ability to achieve outcomes with data informed decisions.

Presenters: Amy Kiger, Ed.D, Director of Campus Community Health and Janice Putnam, Ph.D., RN, Nursing Faculty – University of Central Missouri
Location: Lindbergh, 9th Floor
Track: Health & Well-being sponsored by CCHA
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

Even in periods of fiscal constraint, prevention work continues to matter. While funding cycles may shift, relationships, creativity, and strategic partnerships remain powerful tools for sustaining campus initiatives. This session explores a pilot collaboration between a health promotion office and an academic department designed to translate prevention work into a credit-bearing course launching in Fall 2026.

Co-presented by a health promotion practitioner and the faculty member who will teach the course, this session demystifies curriculum development for non-faculty collaborators. Participants will gain practical insight into timelines, approval layers, catalog constraints, and the realities of “making” a course, alongside strategies for navigating faculty culture and stakeholder pushback. Attendees will leave with a practical checklist to prepare for course-development conversations with faculty on their own campuses.

Presenter: Alexis Sparks, Associate Director of Residence Life – Saint Louis University
Location: Salon 2
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

As DER, a new kratom-infused non-alcoholic drink, appears on shelves across Missouri, many people are asking a simple question: what is kratom, really? This Kratom 101 presentation offers a warm, judgment-free introduction for anyone unsure what kratom is or why it’s being marketed as a “sober alternative.” Alongside clear, easy-to-understand information, the presenter shares personal perspective shaped by having a family member impacted by kratom use. Together, we will explore what kratom is, why products like DER appeal to young adults, and what schools and communities may need to consider as these drinks become more visible. It’s about awareness, compassion, and harm reduction.

Presenter: Erin Ficker, Lead Consultant, Compass Prevention Consulting
Location: Spirit of St. Louis, 9th Floor
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

Colleges and universities occasionally confront crises and events that disrupt established routines on campus. Successfully navigating these difficult times requires planning and – most importantly – partners. Building partnerships with key community organizations and sectors is essential to improve your chances of navigating change and disruption successfully. This session will provide insight into the most common types of disruption faced by colleges and universities and the key strategies needed to prepare for and navigate disruptions. We will further discuss how community partners can play a key role in each of the disruption response strategies.

Presenters: Blake Brownlee, Sergeant – DUI Section, and Eric Lyles, Police Officer – Kansas City MO Police Department
Location: Salon 1
Track: Law Enforcement
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, POST for law enforcement

The paperwork aspect of Impaired Driving Enforcement can be intimidating to some Law Enforcement Officers. This session will explore how to make it less daunting.

Presenter: Sam Shelton, Violence Prevention Strategy Specialist – Iowa State University
Location: Salon H
Track: Violence Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

This session will explore a theoretical and practical framework of “ordinary trauma” and “presumptive trauma” in order to provide tools for integrating a systems-level analysis of traumatic harm into health promotion work. Ordinary trauma describes how lived experiences of harm emerge from oppressive social systems and cultures of violence. Presumptive trauma encapsulates the way that these systems and cultures condition many disadvantaged or oppressed people to live in anticipation of harm – to feel a near constant need to protect ourselves because violence is an ordinary part of our lives. Building from the presenter’s experiences as a queer, trans, and multiply disabled educator, this session will offer concrete tools for understanding and supporting students as they navigate harmful cultures, institutions, and political environments.

Presenter: Amber Campbell, Community Strategist, PreventEd
Location: Salon 3
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention, Law Enforcement
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, POST for law enforcement

This session is designed for anyone working with individuals who are at risk of experiencing or witnessing a heroin/opioid overdose. Topics include a discussion of opioid use disorder (OUD) as a brain disease, the landscape of the opioid epidemic, risk factors and harm reduction strategies, and how to respond to an overdose, including the administration of Narcan/naloxone.

Presenter: Anne Rulo, LMFT, LPC, speaker/author/therapist
Location: Salon 5
Track: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

Many suicide prevention trainings focus on the recognition of warning signs, risk factors, and intervention. And while these are an essential part of the conversation, this training will also provide information about patterns of suicidal thinking. When we understand more about what a person in a suicidal crisis is thinking or feeling, we can often support them with more compassion and confidence.

Presenter: Cait Geringer, Staff Nurse RN, and Denise Meyer, Staff Nurse RN – Washington University Student Health Center
Location: Salon F
Track: Student Health Center Topics sponsored by CCHA
CEUs: CECH credit for CHES through NCHEC, CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, and Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

Does your college health clinic offer Asynchronous STI screening? Is this something your administration is considering? Hear from a local university that is currently utilizing this method. See what it looks like and learn the benefits of offering this option to your student population.

Presenters: Kristen Morris, Robert Tipton Jr. Hazing Prevention and APPLE Athletics Coordinator and Jill Maurer, Assistant Director – University of Virginia Gordie Center
Location: Salon 2
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

Student-athletes spend significant time and energy to be the best in their sport but may not realize the ways alcohol and cannabis use can impact athletic performance and negate all those efforts. Through discussion, interactive audience response technology, and real-life examples, you’ll test your knowledge on student-athlete substance use norms and the performance impacts of alcohol and cannabis use, including on aerobic capacity, immune response and injury recovery. The program will include considerations for adapting social norms-based interventions to athletics populations to effectively reach student-athletes and help create healthy, winning team cultures on campus.

Presenter: Andrew Hinkamp, Graduate Assistant, Wellness Resource Center – University of Missouri
Location: Salon 3
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

Fraternity and sorority members often receive repeated alcohol education that can feel generic, redundant, or disconnected from their lived experiences. This session explores how Alcohol Skills Training Programs (ASTP) can be intentionally tailored to better engage the Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) community. Drawing from the University of Missouri’s experience adapting evidence-based ASTP delivery, participants will learn how adjusting language, session structure, and stakeholder involvement can improve student engagement and program effectiveness. The session will share data-informed outcomes, practical preparation strategies, and facilitation techniques that move alcohol education from a compliance exercise to a meaningful, values-aligned conversation. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to adapt existing alcohol education programs to better meet the needs of FSL students on their campuses.

Presenter: Christine Hall, Family Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Director – University of Central Missouri
Location: Salon F
Track: Student Health Center Topics sponsored by CCHA
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

At the University of Central Missouri (UCM), all domestic and international students are screened for tuberculosis (TB), with further testing for those who screen positive. Students with active TB are isolated and referred to the local health department, while those with latent TB infection (LTBI) receive a health center hold, preventing future enrollment until evaluation. The University Health Center (UHC) provides education about LTBI and available treatments, initiates therapy upon request, and tracks progress and enrollment holds through a secure process for ongoing monitoring and follow-up.

Presenters: Chiara Citterio, Mental Health Clinician, Dr. Allicia Baum, Director of Counseling Services, and Shai Kopas, Mental Health Clinician – Missouri State University
Location: Lindbergh, 9th Floor
Track: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
CEUs: CECH credit for CHES, CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals

Colleges face growing demand for mental health services, yet traditional one-size-fits-all models often fail to meet students’ diverse needs. This presentation describes the implementation of a stepped care model combined with proactive outreach to expand access, personalize support, and enhance prevention on campus. Multiple levels of care—from outreach-based psychoeducation and self-guided interventions to brief and higher-intensity clinical services—allow students to receive support appropriate to their needs. Outreach serves as a prevention tool, increasing mental health literacy, reducing barriers, and connecting students to resources early. Presenters will discuss implementation strategies, campus partnerships, and lessons learned, highlighting outcomes such as expanded reach, greater utilization of lower-intensity supports, and improved alignment between student needs and level of care. Attendees will gain practical strategies for building responsive, equitable campus mental health systems.

Presenter: Cheleia Marshall, Health Educator, University of Kansas Health Education Resource Office
Location: Salon H
Tracks: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Health and Well-being Sponsored by CCHA
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

The Health Education Resource Office (HERO) is a department within Student Affairs at the University of Kansas. Our division’s motto is: “We make learning possible!”. HERO has relied on our creativity and adaptability to help students make the connection between their health and wellness and their academic success. Our students have identified that they experience stress and anxiety; that is nothing new. But not every student needs formal therapy to achieve their academic and personal goals. Why not meet students where they are and bring stress and anxiety busting tips and tools to students, animal therapy included.

Unfortunately this session has been canceled due to presenter availability.

Presenter: Sarika Griffin, Doctoral of Social Work Student, Tulane University
Location:
Tracks: Health & Well-being sponsored by CCHA, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
CEUs:

Black women experience disproportionate mental health burdens alongside persistent barriers to care, shaped by intersecting racism, sexism, and cultural expectations of strength. Central to these experiences is the Superwoman Schema, a culturally specific coping framework marked by emotional suppression, self-reliance, and prioritizing others’ needs, which is linked to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and physiological stress. This program examines how culturally responsive, empowerment-based interventions compare to traditional mental health services in improving help-seeking behaviors and mental health outcomes among Black women. Grounded in Afrocentric, Black feminist, relational-cultural, and liberation-based frameworks, the program highlights evidence that culturally tailored approaches enhance engagement, reduce stigma, and promote holistic well-being. Findings underscore the necessity of identity-affirming, community-centered interventions to dismantle barriers to care and foster sustainable healing.

Presenter: Ben Pohl
Location: Salon 4
Tracks: Peer Education, Law Enforcement
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, POST for law enforcement

It was a night that he would never forget – his life changed in an instant. Ben Pohl is a safe driving speaker who shares his story of how his life changed because of one seemingly harmless behavior while driving a car full of friends. This behavior caused a horrific car crash that no one can forget. As difficult as it is for him, Ben now speaks all across the Midwest on the importance of safe driving by sharing the story of his experience and incorporating statistics, and audience activities. He now lives with the consequences of those poor decisions he made behind the wheel for the rest of his life.

Presenters: Stephanie Prindle, Investigations Corporal – Warrensburg Police Department and Heather Jennings, Deputy Equity Administrator and Title IX Coordinator – University of Central Missouri
Location: Salon 1
Tracks: Law Enforcement, Violence Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, POST for law enforcement

Wanting to support sexual assault survivors during your investigations? Learn about trauma informed investigations, including trauma informed interviewing, how to keep the survivor informed throughout the process, and forming a team with other agencies to advocate for the survivor, as well as programs for sexual violence prevention.

Presenters: Elizabeth Branham, Traffic Safety Specialist and Paige Carter, Senior Research Technician – The Ohio State University’s Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery (HECAOD)
Location: Salon F
Tracks: Health & Well-being sponsored by CCHA, Law Enforcement
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, POST for law enforcement

Strong campus prevention efforts depend on a clear understanding of the data that shape decision-making. This session introduces a layered data approach designed to support institutions at all levels of data collection capacity. Strategies highlighted include combining existing campus records, national datasets, and new data collection efforts to address gaps and strengthen traffic safety initiatives. Participants will learn how to identify accessible sources, design strategies aligned with their institution’s prevention goals and synthesize findings across multiple layers of evidence. Emphasis will be placed on translating data into actionable narratives that both inform programming and secure buy-in from campus stakeholders and external partners.

Presenter: Katherine Melton, Owner, Recovery and Wellbeing Consultant and Coach, Integrated Wellbeing Consulting
Location:
Track: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
CEUs:
Unfortunately this session has been canceled due to presenter availability.
Health education has the power to inform and empower, yet when not designed through a trauma-informed and inclusive lens, it can unintentionally exclude or overwhelm those we support. This session explores how health education materials, programs, and learning environments can actively promote safety, dignity, and belonging. Grounded in trauma-informed principles and equity-centered practices, participants will examine how language, visuals, structure, and delivery methods influence engagement and outcomes. Through practical examples and applied strategies, attendees will learn how to design, adapt, and vet health education materials. Participants will leave with actionable tools and design considerations to create education that centers choice, accessibility, equity, compassion, and empowerment; ensuring health education not only informs, but supports healing and wellbeing.

Presenters Kim Lorentz, Nurse Practitioner/Executive Director of the Wellness Center – Westminster College
Location: Salon 4
Track: Health and Well-being sponsored by CCHA
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

Sex in the Dark is an interactive, sex-positive education experience designed to promote healthy decision-making in a fun, low-pressure, glow setting. Through intimate small discussion and sensory activities, participants explore topics including consent, responsible alcohol use, sexually transmitted infection prevention, contraception and condom use, and breast and testicular self-exams.
The program centers LGBTQ+ inclusive perspectives and encourages open, respectful conversations. An interactive lube tasting activity reinforces the importance of comfort, communication, and safer sex practices, making sexual health education both engaging and accessible.

Presenter: Gaelin Elmore
Location: Salon 2
Track: Health and Well-being sponsored by CCHA, Peer Education
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

Belonging is a crucial, innate need that influences our daily decisions, motivation, problem -solving, and overall well-being. Genuine belonging fosters resilience and positive health outcomes in us, and those that we serve. This workshop addresses the
power of belonging through the 4-directional model; internal, horizontal, vertical, and external. This workshop will empower participants to embrace belonging and bridge the gap for others while offering a fresh perspective and intention for impactful work.

Presenter: Derek Zboran, Student Well-Being Training and Outreach Coordinator – Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T)
Location: Salon 3
Track: Health and Well-being sponsored by CCHA
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

Students consistently identify sleep as a top concern. Yet brief, effective interventions remain underutilized on many campuses. This interactive session provides a practical coaching framework that transforms 30-60 minute conversations into meaningful behavior change. Participants will learn to facilitate student-centered consultations using research-backed assessments and goal-setting strategies. Instead of dispensing generic sleep hygiene tips, you’ll guide students to uncover personal barriers and design sustainable solutions that fit their lives. Attendees leave with ready-to-use facilitation tools and assessment materials to launch sleep consultations immediately.

Presenter: Sam Shelton, Violence Prevention Strategy Specialist – Iowa State University
Location: Salon G
Track: Violence Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

Over the past several years, numerous states across the country have witnessed a rise in legislation and culture shift that detrimentally impacts health promotion efforts at educational institutions. This legislation has sought to advance harmful beliefs, practices, and policies most notably against queer/trans students and institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, which, in turn, has yielded cultures of fear, loss, and immobility. Adaptability and innovation have been the foundation for advancing strategies that sustain visions of and pathways towards health equity in a climate where oppressed and marginalized students are routinely being targeted and steered into negative health outcomes. This session will explore possibilities for promoting health equity despite a growing awareness of obstacles to collective health and well-being.

Presenter: Joseph Tucker, Public Safety Officer – Department of Public Safety, Maryville University
Location: Salon 1
Track: Law Enforcement
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, POST for law enforcement

This session will define de-escalation and explain its role as a primary response option in campus public safety encounters. Attendees will learn basic awareness skills and how to identify behavioral patterns that indicate trouble or escalated situations. Participants will be able to: 1) identify early indicators of escalation (verbal, behavioral, and environmental) specific to university settings, 2) demonstrate verbal and non-verbal communication techniques that reduce emotional intensity and resistance, 3) understand pause and distance principles to increase safety and decision-making time, 4) select appropriate de-escalation strategies based on subject behavior, mental state, and situational context and 5) recognize when de-escalation is no longer effective and articulate the transition to other lawful response options. Attendees will also learn the importance of proper reporting and be able to articulate de-escalation efforts used and explain why specific tactics were selected.

Presenter: Gaelin Elmore
Location: Salon 2
Track: Peer Education
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

This session provides educators and students with developmentally appropriate, research-based strategies to cultivate student belonging through the dual lens of vulnerable authenticity and supportive environments. Participants will learn how student voice, identity, and emotional safety intersect with classroom culture, routines, and peer relationships. Grounded in the Belonging Matrix framework, the session emphasizes intentional practices that promote connection, reduce isolation, and strengthen students’ sense of mattering and participation in the learning community.

Presenter: Logan Davis, Outreach and Engagement Manager, The Ohio State University’s Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery (HECAOD)
Location: Salon 4
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

For better or worse, there is nothing like the sorority & fraternity experience or working with fraternities and sororities on the campuses in which they reside. Complex, and often complicated organizations, lead to complex and complicated relationships.  The question this session aims to explore is why. Why can working with fraternities & sororities and the professionals and volunteers who work with them be so complicated? Come “connect the dots” and explore barriers and complexities getting in the way of successful working relationships.

Presenters: Rachel Frakes, Police Officer and Jacob Clifford, Police Officer – University of Missouri Police Department
Location: Salon 1
Tracks: Law Enforcement, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, POST for law enforcement

This presentation focuses on the importance of having strong peer support and wellness programs and how to create them in your agency. Participants will learn about the history of mental health stigma in law enforcement and the benefits of agency members having access to understanding peers and a supportive department. Finding ways to navigate hurdles within their agencies from getting buy in from seasoned personnel and command staff to setting up sustainable programs.

Presenter: Mary Reid, Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Specialist – Washington University in St. Louis
Location: Salon G
Track: Violence Prevention
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

Relationship and sexual violence impacts all academic levels, yet graduate and professional students often lack direct involvement in prevention strategies. This session advocates for their inclusion, showcasing how their unique perspectives can enhance prevention efforts.
By utilizing data, best practices, and case studies, we will demonstrate the benefits of involving these students. Attendees will learn to create supportive environments, recruit, train, and retain graduate students effectively while providing necessary resources. Participants will gain practical strategies for improving RSV prevention by addressing both benefits and challenges. Engaging this overlooked group is vital for a safer, more equitable campus

Presenter: Ashley A. Hinton, Owner, 859 Well Coaching and Consulting
Location: Salon F
Track: Health and Well-being sponsored by CCHA
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC, Continuing Education for Nurses/Continuing Medical Education

Take the scary out of data and learn practical strategies on how you can promote well-being and bring your data to life through data visualization. This session will help you understand how to make data less intimidating with simple tips and tricks that promote the important work you do. Utilizing the amazing work of Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic a data analyst and graphic designer participants will learn ways to apply comprehensive skills to build and tell inspiring data stories. All skill levels welcome – this is not your typical data session!

Presenter: Megan DeShon-Runge, Director of Campus Activities & Student Engagement – Missouri Western State University
Location: Salon 5
Tracks: Violence Prevention, Hazing, Peer Education
CEUs: CEUs for counselors, psychologists, & social workers through MIMH, Missouri Credentialing Board for substance use professionals, CHES through NCHEC

This workshop will help participants identify group values and understand how leadership decisions reflect group values and healthy environments free of hazing in an interactive way. Participants will engage in activities that allow them to consider their own practices and work with other student leaders to think through the decision-making process with their group values in mind.