Author: Julieanne Chapman

Child’s Play: Using the Therapeutic Powers of Play to Help Children Blossom

Children's hands playing with blocks

Child’s Play: Using the Therapeutic Powers of Play to Help Children Blossom

October 18, 2024
10:00am-12:00pm
2.0 CEs for LCSW/LSW and LCPC/LPC
$20 for CEs, $10 for no CEs
Held IN-PERSON at the School of Social Work (1010 W. Nevada St, Urbana), Room 2027

During this experiential presentation on play therapy, participants will learn about the 20 therapeutic powers of play, experience a variety of play therapy interventions through hands-on play, and discuss how the various powers of play are at work through use of these interventions. This event will be held in-person and will not be recorded. For CE credit, you will be required to sign-in at the registration table prior to the start of the event.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to identify and understand the 20 therapeutic powers of play and the 4 categories they are organized into.
  2. Participants will gain firsthand experience of various therapeutic techniques through PLAY!
  3. Participants will be able to utilize immediate application of the therapeutic play interventions demonstrated during this presentation in their practice.

Registration Options:

If you do NOT need CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC, register via the link below:

NON-CEU REGISTRATION

If you DO need CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC, register via the link below:

CEU REGISTRATION

Workshop Presenter

Amy Dean standing near plants

Amy Dean is a licensed clinical social worker and registered play therapist™ who specializes in working with children and youth of all ages, as well as adults, who are dealing with life stressors, situational events, and anxiety and/or depression. Issues she treats include, but are not limited to: anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, anger, grief, divorce, relationships (through individual therapy), school issues, self-esteem, and executive functioning skills.

Amy received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Illinois State University and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Amy has experience working with youth in residential treatment, in school settings at all levels from ages 3-21, and with clients of all ages in the private practice setting.

Amy works with clients to identify their strengths and challenges, and to learn healthy coping strategies. When working with clients, she utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), strength-based, trauma focused, and solution focused, as well as play therapy techniques for younger clients, such as expressive arts, therapeutic games and curriculum, sand play, and dramatic play. Children communicate through play, and they process their thoughts and emotions through play.

Amy became certified as a registered play therapist™ in June 2023, and completed basic training in EMDR therapy (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) in spring 2023. Amy is trained in TF-CBT (trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy) and is working to complete the certification process at the end of 2023.

Posted in CEU

The Power of Emotional Intelligence

Book that says Emotional Intelligence

The Power of Emotional Intelligence

Co-Sponsored by the Housing Authority of Champaign County

June 10, 2024
12:00-1:30pm CST
1.5 CEs for LCSW/LSW and LCPC/LPC
FREE EVENT

A practical workshop that will help motivate and empower individuals to find success in their work and personal lives through emotional intelligence.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will learn why emotional intelligence matters and five key objectives of emotional intelligence.
  2. Participants will not only learn how to increase their own emotional intelligence but how to network and recognize others who share in emotional intelligence.
  3. Participants will have a better understanding of how emotional intelligence differs from emotional manipulation.

Registration Options:

If you do NOT need CEs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC, register via the link below:

NON-CE REGISTRATION

If you DO need CEs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC, register via the link below:

CE REGISTRATION

Workshop Presenter

Headshot of Lynn Griffith

Lynn Griffith has been a practicing social worker in the Champaign-Urbana, IL community since 2005. She completed her Masters in Social Work degree at the University of Illinois in 2006 and has held a variety of positions over the course her work. These experiences have allowed Ms. Griffith to learn from many well-respected and trusted social workers, doctors, and administrators. Ms. Griffith has been a private practice therapist at The Rock Counseling Group since 2013, where she has had the opportunity to teach, support and guide clients in the community through difficult life stressors.

Posted in CEU

Undergraduate Research Symposium Winners

undergraduate research presenters posing together

The signature event of Undergraduate Research Week, the Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS) has been held on the University of Illinois (U of I) campus since 2008.

2024 Social Work Award Winners

The signature event of Undergraduate Research Week, the Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS) has been held on the University of Illinois (U of I) campus since 2008. Over the course of the day, students present their work in concurrent oral and poster presentations (including creative performances), the breadth and scope of which reflect not only the wide range of academic disciplines at the University of Illinois, but also speak to the caliber of our undergraduates. Their projects demonstrate the ongoing institutional commitment to supporting and expanding research opportunities at the U of I and beyond.

Outstanding Performance:

An Examination of a Local Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA): Creating Accessible Resources for Schools (Outstanding) Fynn Levery, Junior, Social Work, SSW Noah Rawls, Sophomore, Social Work, SSW (Research Mentor(s): Rachel Garthe, Social Work)

Poster Presentations:

Impacts of Climate Change on Access to Healthcare among Vulnerable Populations: A Scoping Review of Health Disparities and Access Issues (Outstanding) Victoria Ferrara, Junior, Social Work, SSW Ainslee Wong, Senior, Psychology, LAS (Research Mentor(s): Tuyet-Mai Ha Hoang, Social Work)

Understanding the Narratives surrounding Guaranteed Income (Outstanding) Illakkia Ranjani, Junior, Econometrics & Quantitative Economics, LAS (Research Mentor(s): Christopher Larrison, Social Work & Chelsea Birchmier, Psychology)

Honorable Mentions:

Exploring Diverse Experiences with Anger among Incarcerated Women (Honorable Mention) Christine Kwon, Senior, Social Work, SSW (Research Mentor(s): Rachel Garthe, Social Work)

How Many School Social Workers Are in America? (Honorable Mention) Arielle Britten, Junior, Social Work, SSW Ethan Kye, Junior, Social Work, SSW Tracy Mason, Junior, Social Work, SSW Brandon Seidensticker, Junior, Social Work, SSW (Research Mentor(s): Brenda Lindsey, Social Work)

See the full list of Social Work presentations

Posted in CEU

Effectively Supporting Children and Their Big Feelings: It Begins with Us

Three children smiling and drawing while sitting at a table

Effectively Supporting Children and Their Big Feelings: It Begins with Us

August 2, 2024
12:00-1:00pm CST
1.0 CE for LCSW/LSW and LCPC/LPC
$15 for CEs, $10 for no CEs

Let’s face it: managing strong feelings can be challenging at any age, but it can be particularly challenging for children. Supporting children (of any age) and their big emotions starts with the adults.

This workshop explores several strategies used in the nationally recognized social-emotional curriculum, Conscious Discipline®. Developed by Dr. Becky Bailey, Conscious Discipline is an adult-first approach that addresses adult self-regulation and skill sets first to empower adults to model, teach, and live the skills and ideals they want children and youth to acquire. It is meant to demonstrate healthy ways for children/youth to manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to deal with conflict and difficult situations.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the nature of regulation, including co-regulation, and how an adult’s state helps or hinders a child’s/youth’s ability to emotionally regulate.
  2. Identify the skills adults need to support children/youth to expand their capacity to self-regulate.
  3. Learn strategies that promote healthy relationships to naturally encourage cooperation (decrease challenging behaviors) versus forcing or expecting compliance.

Registration Options:

If you do NOT need CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC, register via the link below:

NON-CEU REGISTRATION

If you DO need CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC, register via the link below:

CEU REGISTRATION

Workshop Presenter

Headshot of Tanya Blackshear

Tanya is a longstanding member of ILAIMH’s Central Chapter. She has worked with young children in Early Head Start and Head Start classrooms and provided home visiting services through a local agency. Tanya works hard to incorporate a strong diversity, equity, and inclusion lens in her work to support direct service providers in developing the necessary capacity to see through the eyes of their participants.

Tanya formerly provided therapy through a private practice for children ages three and up through the lifespan, with her primary focus on attachment, trauma, and healing.  To support the social and emotional health of young children and their caregivers, she became level-one trained in Theraplay and has worked alongside child welfare as an Integrated Assessor at Northern Illinois University.  Upon returning to the field of home visiting in 2016, Tanya has provided I/ECMH (Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation to a variety of home visitation programs, including ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education), MIECHV (Maternal Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting, DHS (Department of Human Services, and SUPR (Substance Use Prevention & Recovery) funded programs.

Most recently, Tanya joined the Illinois Association of Infant Mental Health as a board member and participates in the Conference/Education committee.

Posted in CEU

Alzheimer’s Disease: An Inside Look

Image of MRI brain scans

Alzheimer’s Disease: An Inside Look

July 26, 2024
12:00-3:00pm CST
3.0 CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC
$35 for CEUs, $10 for no CEUs
This course fulfills the IL licensure requirement for a Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias training

This program will define the terms of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Significant changes in the brain will be outlined in addition to the 7-stage clinical course as defined by Dr Barry Reisberg. This program will review common communication and behavior expressions and explore resources for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options. An overview of nonpharmaceutical strategies for disease management will be reviewed with a focus on person- centered care approaches.

This program meets the requirements of Public Act 102-0399, amending the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, adding Section 2105-365 which requires that health care professionals to have one hour of continuing education training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias per renewal period.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participant will be able to define dementia, understanding reversible and irreversible causes.
  2. Participant will gain an understanding of the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
  3. Care plan development: documentation to meet individual needs with realistic goals and objectives.
  4. Participant will gain an understanding of the changes in the brain changes that occur as the disease progresses and the cognitive impact on communication and behavioral expression.
  5. Examine challenging behaviors and possible causes in terms of unmet needs.
  6. Participant will gain an understanding of treatment options and current strategies that support healthy communication and nonpharmaceutical behavioral management.
  7. Review of person-centered care approaches that support the person with dementia and their family/caregivers.

Registration Options:

If you do NOT need CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC, register via the link below:

NON-CEU REGISTRATION

If you DO need CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC, register via the link below:

CEU REGISTRATION

Workshop Presenter

Jonna Phelps headshot

Jonna Phelps graduated from Roosevelt University in Chicago with a M.A.  in Clinical Psychology. She received her LCPC in 2001. She is also a Certified Care Manager with the National Academy of Care Managers, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and a Certified Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia Care Trainer with the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners.  Jonna has focused her attention on treating individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia’s. Jonna has extensive knowledge of the aging process and the emotional toll that physical and cognitive changes take on the person and the family.  The goal of treatment is validation through re-focusing on individual strengths in order to improve overall quality of life.

Posted in CEU

Neurodivergent Affirming Care: A Paradigm Shift in Clinical Practice

Chalk drawing of a head with multiple colors representing the brain

Neurodivergent Affirming Care: A Paradigm Shift in Clinical Practice

August 9, 2024
12:00-2:00pm
2.0 CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC
$20 for CEUs, $10 for no CEUs

This presentation introduces the concept of neurodivergent-affirming care as a pivotal approach in clinical settings, aiming to foster inclusivity, accessibility, and effectiveness in supporting neurodivergent individuals. By prioritizing understanding and respect for neurodivergent experiences, this framework moves beyond traditional care models to embrace a practice that recognizes the unique strengths and challenges of neurodivergent individuals. The session is designed to equip social work practitioners with the necessary insights and tools to adopt neurodivergent-affirming care within their practice.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Articulate the core principles of neurodivergent affirming care
  2. Incorporating new methods of service delivery to better serve neurodivergent individuals
  3. Identify specific strategies and techniques for implementing neurodivergent affirming care within their clinical settings

Registration Options:

If you do NOT need CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC, register via the link below:

NON-CEU REGISTRATION

If you DO need CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC, register via the link below:

CEU REGISTRATION

Workshop Presenter

headshot of Brooke Garren

Brooke Garren (she, her, hers) is an AuDHD (Autism and ADHD) and dyslexic Licensed Clinical Social Worker committed to treating individuals, couples and families navigating neurological differences. Brooke believes the dominant approach to ND (neurodivergent) care in schools and therapeutic approaches are at odds with ND affirming care and fails to understand the complexity of the individual and their unique differences. To mitigate this, Brooke founded Uniquely You Behavioral Health a multidisciplinary clinic that focuses on using a developmental approach to ND care. Brooke received her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis.

Posted in CEU

Gilmore Business and Social Innovation Fund Created to Support Experiential Learning at University of Illinois

Deryk and Camille Gilmore on stairs at GIES College of Business

Providing Support for the Social Work Community Learning Lab and Magelli Office of Experiential Learning at Gies

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign proudly announces the establishment of the Gilmore Business and Social Innovation Fund, generously created by Camille Chang Gilmore and Deryk Gilmore. This fund aims to foster equitable opportunities for students interested in experiential learning and commemorates the legacy of Dr. Paul Magelli.

Magelli devoted much of his life to education and impacted the lives of thousands of students. He earned three degrees from the University of Illinois, and then he returned to work at the university in various capacities from 1989 until his death in 2016 at age 85. His mission at Illinois was clear: to create an environment that ensured engaging, meaningful, hands-on experiences for each and every student. He is best remembered for launching Illinois Business Consulting, which is now the largest student-run, professionally managed consulting organization in the US.

With a vision to bridge the gap between business and social innovation, the Gilmore Business and Social Innovation Fund will provide crucial support to both the Magelli Office of Experiential Learning at Gies College of Business and the Community Learning Lab at the School of Social Work. Through this fund, students will have access to a host of collaborative and hands-on opportunities. These programs allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, encouraging innovative thinking, problem- solving, and cross-sector collaboration.

Nationally recognized as a pioneer in the field, Gies Business was one of the nation’s first business schools to make experiential learning a required co-curricular experience for all undergraduate students. Research shows that students learn best when they take what they learned in class, apply it to real business problems, reflect on that experience, and then repeat it. At Gies, experiential learning takes four main forms: project-based Action Learning courses where students apply classroom learning to solve real problems for real businesses; Illinois Business Consulting, which is open to all majors and degrees across campus and provides students with real-world, project-based experience; Illinois Design Consulting, which helps clients solve design challenges and identify opportunity areas for impact; and EntreCORPS, a student-based, pro-bono consulting firm that provides startups with innovative, strategic, research-backed business advice under professional guidance.

The Community Learning Lab (CLL) at the School of Social Work fosters partnerships between students and the community. Through collaborative efforts, the CLL aims not only to enhance community services and showcase their tangible impact but also to promote long-term sustainability. Simultaneously, it provides students with valuable experiential learning opportunities that enrich their skills and education. These efforts align with the university’s mission of leadership in learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development.

“At the core of our mission is the belief in the power of experiential learning to transform lives and communities,” said Camille Chang Gilmore and Deryk Gilmore. “We are honored to pay tribute to Dr. Paul Magelli’s legacy by supporting initiatives that champion diversity, equity, and inclusion while fostering innovation and collaboration.”

The fund underscores the Gilmores’ commitment to empowering students to become catalysts for positive change. By providing resources for collaborative projects and student-led initiatives, the fund will enable students to gain invaluable real-world experience while making meaningful contributions to social and small business innovation.

For more information about the Gilmore Business and Social Innovation Fund or to make a gift, please contact Nathan Goebel.

About the Donors:

Camille Chang Gilmore is Vice President of Human Resources and Global Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for Boston Scientific. With a wealth of experience and accolades in human resources, diversity, inclusion, and health equity Camille is a dedicated advocate for social change. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Pennsylvania State University and an M.B.A. in Human Resources from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Camille is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Deryk Gilmore is the President and Owner of Day 1 Sports & Entertainment. He brings over two decades of experience in college athletics and sports management to the table. As a top sports agent, he has been instrumental in guiding athletes to success both on and off the field. Deryk’s passion for mentorship, entrepreneurship, and leadership development has shaped the industry, earning him widespread recognition and respect. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business from Pennsylvania State University, a member of the 1986 Penn State football national championship team, and an M.B.A. in Marketing, master’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Gilmore also owns a manufactory packaging company called The Total Package Group, and he is a lifetime member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.

Parents to two sons, Dantae and Deion, the Gilmores embody the spirit of service and leadership and as pillars of their community, they continue to encourage others to pursue excellence and make a difference.

“Through the Gilmore Business and Social Innovation Fund, we aim to inspire the next generation of leaders who will make a lasting impact on society,” added Deryk Gilmore.

 

Cultural Differences in Parenting

Baby hand placed on top of parents hand

Cultural Differences in Parenting CEU Webinar

August 16, 2024
12:00-2:00pm
2.0 CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC
$20 for CEUs, $10 for no CEUs
This course fulfills the cultural competency requirement for licensure in Illinois (LCSW/LSW and LCPC/LPC).

This course will help professionals understand how cultural and/or differences and historical perspectives have a direct and indirect impact on influencing parenting styles. Predetermined stereotyped (socially engineered and generational) rules have been established for children of color throughout our society; this course will help professionals take culture into consideration and empower parents in preparing their children to survive and thrive.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify common parenting styles of Modern Society.
  2. Explore cultural and/or racial differences in parenting, and how historical perspectives could influence them.
  3. Employ awareness of the significant impact that culture and/or race have on diverse parenting approaches.

Registration Options:

If you do not need CEUs for social work licensure, register via the link below:

NON-CEU REGISTRATION

If you do need CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC, register via the link below:

CEU REGISTRATION

Workshop Presenters

LaDonna Bracy, MBA, is a Family Advocate Specialist with a passion for empowering individuals through education and training. With over six years of experience in the field, LaDonna has honed her skills as a Trainer Facilitator, specializing in Cultural Humility and Family Peer Support. Her professional journey includes serving at The University of Illinois School of Social Work’s Office of Learning and Professional Development and the Provider Assistance Training Hub (PATH), where she facilitated training programs for diverse audiences. LaDonna holds certifications in Online Teaching, Professional Training Facilitation, and Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening & Support, showcasing her commitment to professional development. Known for her relatable and engaging training style, LaDonna excels at making complex topics understandable while fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Phlona Williams graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois Springfield in 2002.  Phlona has worked as a direct social service provider serving youth and adults in various capacities in mental and behavioral health services, school-based behavioral management, foster care services, truancy services, child welfare, area agency on aging support and public health services.  Her roles have ranged from SASS Case Manager, Home Health Operations Manager to Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.  Prior to coming to PATH, she held the position of Instructional Designer for the Office of Learning and Development with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work in collaboration with the Department of Children and Family Services.

Phlona is a Family Advocate Specialist on the Path Team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, School of Social Work.  Phlona is responsible for Collaborating with other members of the PATH Family Advocate Specialists Team to develop training curriculum that supports prepares and sustains family peer supporters in the field. In this role, Phlona conducts research for training development, collaborates in various workgroups for training planning and content development, and delivers web-based and on-site training for family peer support staff.

Posted in CEU

Celebrating Global Impact: 2023-2024 International Achievement Award Recipients

closeup of Alma statue

We are thrilled to announce the distinguished recipients of the 2023-2024 International Achievement Awards, a collaboration between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Illinois International Programs

Honoring Excellence

We are thrilled to announce the distinguished recipients of the 2023-2024 International Achievement Awards, a collaboration between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Illinois International Programs. These awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of alumni, faculty, and students whose endeavors transcend borders, leaving an indelible mark on a global scale.

This year’s awardees represent a diverse spectrum of talent and dedication. Their exemplary work, service, and scholarship have not only enriched communities locally but have also resonated across continents, embodying the spirit of our university’s mission to enhance lives worldwide through learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development.

Tara Powell headshot

Recognizing Excellence in Faculty

We are delighted to announce that Associate Professor Tara Powell, a faculty member at the School of Social Work, has been named the recipient of the Sheth Distinguished Faculty Award for International Achievement. Professor Powell’s dedication to fostering global perspectives within our academic community exemplifies the University of Illinois’ commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding across borders.

Their achievements were recognized at a private awards ceremony at the Illini Union on April 18, 2024.

 

r. Mohamad Maliki Osman

Special Lecture by Dr. Mohamad Maliki Osman

As part of the festivities, esteemed alumnus Dr. Mohamad Maliki Osman (PhD ’98), a distinguished graduate of the School of Social Work, will deliver a compelling lecture titled “From The Margins to Mainstream: Lessons On Leadership From A Small State.” Dr. Osman, recipient of the prestigious Madhuri and Jagdish N. Sheth International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement, will share insights garnered from his remarkable journey, offering invaluable lessons in leadership and global citizenship.

Read more about the recipients

Social Work Day of Service 2024

students weeding fields and working at Sola Gratia farms

In celebration of National Volunteer Week – and for a chance for the School of Social Work to enact our profession’s values to engage with and support the local community – the Community Learning Lab is facilitating a Day of Service event on Friday, April 26th with local community partner, Sola Gratia Farm.

This year, School of Social Work students identified Food Insecurity to be a cause in which they would like to support. As such, Sola Gratia Farm – a non-profit urban farm dedicated to producing locally-grown, high-quality natural produce, especially for those with limited food resources – has graciously partnered with us to provide a service-learning opportunity.

This event is open all School of Social Work students, faculty and staff.

Day of Service Sign-Up Form  (Deadline to register: Monday, April 22nd)

Friday, April 26th at Sola Gratia Farm (2200 S. Philo Road, Urbana)

  • 9:30 – 9:45am:  Optional bus transportation will be provided to transport volunteers from the School of Social Work to Sola Gratia
  • 10am-12pm: Hands-On Service: We will be helping Sola Gratia prepare for their upcoming crop season.
  • 12 – 1pm:  Provided lunch and reflection facilitated by the Community Learning Lab and SWSA Student Leaders at St. Matthew’s Church
  • 1 – 1:20pm:  Optional bus transportation will transport volunteers back to the School of Social Work

If you are joining us, please dress in layers, close-toed shoes, and comfortable athleisure clothing that you are not afraid to get dirty. We recommend volunteers bring their own water bottles to stay hydrated.

Free parking is available to the left of St. Matthew’s Church on Philo Road, right next to Sola Gratia Farm.

School of Social Work
1010 W. Nevada Street
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-2261
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