BREAKOUT SESSIONS: 8:00 - 9:15 am

25. Resilient Youth: The "Resiliency Corps" Model

The only thing more startling and saddening about injury being the number one cause of death of young people is that almost all injuries are preventable. Discover a new model for addressing youth injury, The Resiliency Corps - a new five year youth injury prevention initiative launched by the New Mexico Department of the Health in collaboration with the University of New Mexico Valencia. This workshop gives attendees an overview of the goals, components and evaluation plan of this exciting project.

 

Presenter: Dom Cappello, Youth Injury Prevention Coordinator, New Mexico Department of Health, Office of Injury Prevention

26. Caring for the Caregiver [Extended Session]

Do you sometimes think that too much is expected of you? Meet this need…help this group…pay attention to these signs. Professionals who are direct care givers are vulnerable to stress-related challenges to their own physical and psychological health. As helping professionals it is sometimes difficult to maintain healthy self-care practices when the needs we see are so great. The workshop provides a framework for understanding and coping with the phenomenon of compassion fatigue. Participants will self-reflect, interact with the presenter and with each other to identify their own level of stress and develop strategies for managing this stress more effectively.

 

À This 3-hour workshop is conducted over two breakout session time-slots.  Attendees are expected to attend both this and the 9:35 - 10:50 am session.  

 

Presenter: Josie Whitley, PhD, Licensed Psychologist, Private Practice

 

27. Staying Safe in an Online World

Gain a greater understanding of online sexual predators by discussing common myths and facts. Who is out there? What are their tricks? How can we keep our children safe in a virtual world where they are vastly more adept than we are? This interactive conversation will help you gain skills to implement both in the classroom and at home.

 

Presenter: Troy Rodgers, PsyD, Police and Criminal Psychologist , Agency Director, Forensic Behavioral Health Associates

28. Psychoeducational Groups: Empowering Students and Families to Expand Their Support

    Network [Extended Session]

Psychoeducational groups empower students and their families by expanding support networks and helping with challenges facing the student including physical health, behavioral health learning issues. This session features role playing and other exercises that demonstrate the importance of psychoeducational groups. Learn how to create, screen for, and manage groups that best match your school community’s needs, how to secure institutional support for a psychoeducational group program and how to take advantage of the best each discipline has to offer through interdisciplinary co-leadership of psychoeducational groups.

 

À This 3-hour workshop is conducted over two breakout session time-slots.  Attendees are expected to attend both this and the 9:35 - 10:50 am session.  

 

Presenters: Leslie G. Kelly, MA, LPCC, Senior Program Therapist, Tele-Behavioral Health Coordinator; Avi Kriechman, MD, Consulting Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist; Margaret Migliorati, MA, LPCC, Senior Program Therapist, University of New Mexico, Department of Psychiatry

29. Interactive Drug Education: Best Practices can be fun!

Don't miss this unique training if you are a teacher, counselor or prevention specialist who works with teens. Discuss research on the power and efficacy of interactive health education and participate in a train-the-trainer to experience interactive education for yourself. Although alcohol and other drugs are the focus of this workshop, you will be able to adapt the exercises presented for a wide variety of health topics in classrooms and community prevention programs. Leave knowing that best practices really can be fun!

 

Presenter: Jeanne Block, Youth Project Coordinator, Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico

30. Vaccines, Epidemics and Influenza

A pandemic of influenza has hit the United States! But influenza hits hard every year. Children are much better than pigs at spreading flu viruses – they gladly give the viruses to one another and then donate them to others at home, infecting more vulnerable infants and the elderly. Schools are both the “culprit” (perfect spreading grounds) and the potential “savior” (excellent places to give influenza vaccine), and schools are also a prime “beneficiary” of vaccine (immunized children are much more likely to be in a school desk than in a bed during flu season). Learn how flu spreads, how the vaccine works, and, most importantly, how vaccines can be delivered in schools. We’ll get you ready to protect the children in your area against these unpleasant microbes, the influenza viruses.

 

Presenters: Lance Chilton, MD, Associate Professor, Pediatrics Department, University of New Mexico; Cindy Greenberg, RN, BSN, MSN, NCSN, Manager of APS Nursing Services; Anna Pentler, Director of the New Mexico Immunization Coalition; and  Francisco Ronquillo, Physician Assistant with the University of New Mexico Department of Family Medicine

31. BMI for Wellness: A New Mexico Community Addresses Childhood Obesity 

Childhood obesity is a major health concern in New Mexico. Find out how a local New Mexico community brought together healthcare professionals, school-based health centers, schools, administrators and school boards to address this issue in a comprehensive approach. The session explores how Grant County, Silver City and Cobre community members worked together collaboratively to support the well-being of its students. K-12.

Presenters: Liana Ryan, PA-C, Physician Assistant, Silver Schools Health Center; Chenoa Bah Stilwell-Jensen, MS, Training, Consultation & Outreach, Envision NM; Susan Wilger, Coordinator, Hidalgo Medical Services and SBHC

 

32. Adolescent Sexuality, STDs and HIV: Still "Under the Covers"

Despite the fact that adolescents continue to have high reported rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States, issues of adolescent sexuality, STIs and HIV often go unaddressed among youth. This presentation focuses on two common STIs among youth, Chlamydia and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), discussing who gets infections, the consequences of infections, the role of testing and treatment and prevention. In addition, new data on the groups most affected by new HIV infections is reviewed. The workshop concludes with a discussion of adolescent sexuality and strategies for talking with youth about sexuality and STIs.

 

Presenter: Linda Gorgos, MD, MSc, Medical Director, New Mexico Department of Health, Infectious Disease Bureau

33. Real Conversations on Worksite Wellness

Healthy employees are more productive employees and role models for our students. The physical and mental health of school employees is integral to promoting and protecting the health of students and ensuring their academic success. This interactive session gives you an overview of the importance of developing worksite wellness programs. New Mexico leaders in wellness from Albuquerque Public Schools and the Española Public School District will share resources that lead to success and best practices, including the Start! Walking Program, a free program designed by the American Heart Association to increase physical activity.

 

Presenters: Jonathan Borrego, Student Data Manager, Espanola Public School District; Jennie McCary, MS, RD, LD, Wellness Manager, Albuquerque Public Schools; Maureen O'Leary, American Heart Association

34. Family Engagement: Involving Families in Their Children's Health Care

Family is an interactional unit and it is not possible to accurately assess an individual without connecting the symptoms to the family unit. Participate in self-assessment and begin to understand strategies that involve the family in treatment including multicultural perspective, fostering pro-active families and role-playing illustrating the advantages of treating a family rather than an individual.

 

Presenters: Twila Becenti-Fundark, LISW, School Mental Health Advocate; Delia Mendoza, LISW, School Mental Health Advocate, Department of Health, Office of School and Adolescent Health

35. Social Emotional Learning: Do What Works and Do More of It

Recent research findings of several meta-analysis studies of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs indicate that SEL programs offer practical educational benefits such as raising grades and standardized test scores among ethnically and socio-economically diverse student populations. Explore the “Bully-Victim-Witness” Cycle and promote safer schools and more responsive learning environments as we review several education, support and outreach programs such as the Anne Frank Exhibit, the Choice Exhibit, the Gay Straight Alliance movement and SAFE Zone activities.

 

Presenters: Melody Fill, MSW, LISW, School Social Worker; Donna Teuteberg, School Social Worker, Albuquerque Public Schools

36. The Maze of LIFE

The Maze of LIFE is a successful interactive life size game used to educate teens in a hands-on, realistic, fun and informative manner.  Teens are faced with decisions and consequences about real life issues such as substance abuse, relationships, STDs, teen pregnancy, sexual activity, nutrition, tobacco use, DWI, peer pressure, suicide prevention and more.  Gain information, resources, and ideas to be able to coordinate and collaborate with other agencies and entities in your area to plan and implement this game at your next teen health fair in your school or community.

 

Presenters: Alisa Estrada, Administrator, Quemado Health Center; Ann Menges, Coordinator, Catron County Health Council 

BREAK: 9:15 - 9:35 am

BREAOUT SESSIONS: 9:35 - 10:50 am

37. The Public Education Department School and Local Collaborative Partnership Initiative: Using the Strategic Prevention Framework to Address the Behavioral Health Needs of School-aged Youth in a Native American Community

Prevention, a strong school-community collaboration and cultural relevance are critical elements in addressing school behavioral health and promoting student success. Learn how a Native American community is currently using an evidence-based prevention framework that supports data collection and active collaboration between schools and the community,  the Strategic Prevention Framework, to partner with a school district in addressing the behavioral health needs of school-aged youth in their community. The session shares the experience of assessing the causes of behaviors, building capacity, establishing clear priorities and developing a strong data driven action plan as well as discusses the benefits, challenges and strategies related to adapting this data-driven process to meet the needs of a Native American community.

 

Presenters: Jessica Aufrichtig, LMSW, Behavioral Health Coordinator, New Mexico Public Education Department; Natalie C. Skogerboe, CPS, Associate, Coop Consulting, Inc.;

Charlene Reano, BA, MA, Education Director, Santo Domingo Pueblo;Keahi Kimo Souza, Behavioral Health Director, Santo Domingo Behavioral Health Program

38. Caring for the Caregiver, Continued

This is the second part of a 3-hour workshop. You must have attended Part I in order to participate in Part II.

39. Risk and Resiliency in the Schools and Communities

New Mexico has historically had some of the highest rates in the nation for youth risk behaviors related to drug use, alcohol use, suicide attempts and violence. These behaviors have a detrimental effect on the academic success of our youth. At the same time, there are many characteristics of New Mexico families, schools and communities that protect young people from these risks. This workshop addresses these behaviors and protective factors through a discussion of new data from the 2009 high school and middle school New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (YRRS). Through interactive discussion, you will learn how communities have used their local YRRS data to obtain funding and guide prevention programming and about the requirements and benefits of school participation.

 

Presenters: William Blair, PhD, Assistant Director, New Mexico Public Education Department, School and Family Support Bureau; Tita Gervers, Director, Office of School Wellness, Santa Fe Public Schools; Peggy Gutjahr, RN, MSN, Retired Health Services Director, Valencia County Resiliency Corps Valencia County Health Council; Dan Green, MPH, Social Indicator Epidemiologist, New Mexico Department of Health, Epidemiology and Response Division; Linda Peñaloza, PhD, Research Associate Professor, University of New Mexico, Prevention Research Center;  May Sagbakken, MS, MA, Program Manager, Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative, Health & Wellness Department, Albuquerque Public Schools; Susan Wilger, MPA, Clinic Coordinator, Hidalgo Medical Services

40. Psychoeducational Groups: Empowering Students and Families to Expand Their Support   

Network, Continued

This is the second part of a 3-hour workshop. You must have attended Part I in order to participate in Part II.

41. Tobacco and Our Children

Learn about new tobacco products on the market and examine how the tobacco companies are targeting our children.  Explore successful prevention methods to help answer the question, how do we prevent children from starting down a path that can lead to disease and death?

 

Presenters: Traci Cadigan, State Director, Government Relations, American Cancer Society, Cancer Action Network; Kimberly Rutley, Health Educator, New Mexico Department of Health, Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Program

42. The Oral Health Status of New Mexico's Third Grade Children 

Tooth decay is preventable. Learn how to promote good oral hygiene, nutrition, secure a dental home and expand the participation of school nurses to amplify the use of dental sealants. The presentation shares the findings of a recent study on the oral health status and current rate of tooth decay of 1,136 third grade children in New Mexico participating in the Office of Oral Health's Dental Sealant Program. Dental disease can be reduced; find out how integrating oral health education into general health education can help more children remain in school free of disease.Tool kits will be provided to assist attendees with tools to promote oral health within the school setting

 

Presenters: Rudy Blea, BA, Dental Director, New Mexico Department of Health; Carol Hanson, RDH, BS, Dental Hygienist, New Mexico State Office of Oral Health

 

43. Together We Can! Create an Environment Where Physical Activity and Nutrition are the Norm!

Hear from champions at various schools across New Mexico who are successful in implementing a culture at their schools where physical activity and healthy eating are the norm. This panel shares successes, barriers and lessons from their journeys and provide examples of steps and activities used to create a healthy environment. Through discussions, you will leave with tools to assist you in implementing a healthier environment in your school.

 

Presenters: Julie Garcia, MAEd, Relationship Manager, Alliance for a Healthier Generation; Cynthia Grajeda, BS, PE Teacher, East San Jose Elementary School; Sandra Ki, MA, School Counselor, Tohatchi Elementary School; Patricia McCarty, BSN, RN, NCSN, CDE, Diabetes Resource Nurse, Albuquerque Public Schools; Sara Robbins, RD, Program Coordinator, Dairy Max; Eva Vigil, Principal, Polk Middle School

44. Assessing Asthma Severity and Control 

According to a School Health Services report, 26.6 students out of 1,000 were taking asthma medications in school in 2006. How much time are you spending giving rescue medications? Does your students’ asthma seem out of control? Find out how to use asthma tools and guidelines to assess whether your student’s asthma is being successfully managed. This session reviews components of control and proper medication delivery to reduce impairment, maintain normal activity levels and reduce risk.

Presenter: Michelle Sue Harkins, MD, FCCP, Assoicate professor of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Division

45. The Courage to Serve

Difficult systems. Excessive case loads. Heart-breaking stories. If you work in school health and are determined to serve best, you must find ways to keep your heart open and alive. A tired and demoralized health professional serves no one well. Have you lost your way? What are the big questions you need to ask yourself and the critical conversations you need to have about how to revitalize your work? Through poetry, simple writing exercises, and small group conversations, this workshop will help you re-center on your heart's purpose and will reinvigorate your work.

 

Presenter: David Markwardt, MSOD, MFA, Director, Teamwork in Action, Santa Fe Community College

46. If it Bleeds it Leads

Learn why news outlets cover what they cover, how to get them to cover your issues and how that coverage can help you fulfill your mission. Interactive session introduces you to the tools of the trade, covers all-important do’s and don’ts, and provides you with take-away templates, samples and tips. You will have opportunities to practice what you learn by applying your knowledge to typical school health scenarios.

 

Presenters: Debbie Birkhauser, EdS, Deputy Director, New Mexico Alliance for School-based Health Care; Sharon Kayne, Communications Director, New Mexico Voices for Children

47. Project M: Building Youth Competencies Through Critical Thinking, Peer Support and Service

Project M, a program of the South Valley Male Involvement Project, seeks to impact youth development through a peer to peer health education model where young men utilize skills and training in media arts, health promotion, various areas of adolescent health and in facilitation skills to promote positive social change. This session addresses how Project M impacts positive community supports for youth and provides an outlet to discuss barriers and solutions to engaging youth. Youth co-facilitators will present activities they have participated in which promote health as well as activities which engage youth.

 

Presenters: Carlos Flores, LMSW, LADAC, Project Coordinator, New Mexico Department of Health; Martin Martinez, Health Educator, New Mexico Department of Health, South Valley Male Involvement Project; Omar Torres, Student; Colin Willis, Student, Project M, South Valley Academy

48. Preventing Underage Drinking: School and Communities Working Together

New Mexico ranks first for early initiation of drinking—31% of our youth report drinking before the age of 13. In addition, almost half of high school students report currently drinking, and two-thirds of those youth are binge drinking. This presentation focuses on effective underage drinking prevention approaches in Santa Fe County and throughout the state. Learn how to plan and implement evidence-based school and community strategies to prevent and reduce underage drinking and receive an update of key underage drinking prevention issues and legislation under consideration in New Mexico.

 

Presenters: Shelley Mann-Lev, MPH, CPS, Drug Prevention Coordinator, Santa Fe Public Schools; Glenn Wieringa, Underage Drinking Prevention Program Manager, New Mexico Department of Transportation, Traffic Safety Bureau

 

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: 11:10 - 12:15 pm

LUNCH: 12:15 - 1:45pm

BREAKOUT SESSIONS: 1:45 - 3:00 pm

49. Trauma at the Center: A Case Study in Trauma-Informed Schools as an Innovation in Youth

    Suicide Prevention

Trauma exposure is a central health issue. Students exposed to trauma are three to five times more likely to become depressed, 18 to 21 times the risk for substance abuse and 12 times more likely to consider suicide than other students. During the 2009 school year, Mescalero and Ruidoso communities experienced a cluster of youth suicides, with a dramatic impact on the health and well-being of students, community members and school personnel alike. This presentation offers an innovative and hopeful approach to youth suicide prevention and post-vention through promoting data-driven strategic framework which includes universal trauma awareness, strategies for identification and intervention and a system-wide approach to acknowledging the prevalence of trauma among students K-12. Presenters will share a case study of district-wide implementation of trauma-informed school model that gives a framework and tools participants can use to implement trauma-informed approach in their communities. Participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of trauma and its link with risk for suicide, ways to address it in schools and inspiration to take action in their communities. 

 

Presenters: Celeste Bonds, Coordinator, School-based Health Center, Region IX; Nancy Kirkpatrick, Coordinator, Youth Suicide Prevention; Amanda Lopez, School Mental Health Advocate, New Mexico Department of Health, Office of School and Adolescent Health 

50. Borderland Teens: Developing Multicultural Understanding and Related Health

      Practices/Interventions

As health care providers and educators we encounter individuals of varied backgrounds, prompting us to be increasingly multiculturally aware and thoughtful. In particular, implementing cross-cultural practices is essential as we experience the bi-cultural and bi-national nature of the United States-Mexico border and its unique contributions to the overall health status and behaviors of the adolescents who live in this area. This session will engage in a general talking circle format and opens and closes with a brief cultural ceremony rooted in curanderismo, a holistic system of indigenous medicine intended to create individual-environment balance.

 

Presenter: Lucy Montes-Sandoval, PhD, CNS, Psychologist, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Gadsden Middle School Health Clinic

51. Staying Safe in an Online World [REPEAT]

This session is a repeat of workshop #27, 8:00 – 9:15 am, Thursday

52. TRAUMA FIRST AIDE - as a Classroom Management Tool [REPEAT]

This session is a repeat of workshop #4, 10:15 – 11:30 am, Wednesday

53. Methamphetamine Awareness

If someone offered you a pill that would make you sick, would you swallow it? A pill that messes with your brain, would you swallow it? A pill that gives you a bad reputation, would you swallow it? These are questions posed to teens to illustrate the dangers of methamphetamine usage. Communities throughout the state are requesting education on what has been characterized as one of the most dangerous drugs in the world. This presentation is designed to be interactive for teens and helps them assess the dangers involved with meth and ultimately make a decision not to ever experiment with the drug. Key areas discussed in the presentation include a basic overview of the drug, why it is so dangerous, what it looks like and the affects and consequences of using.

 

Presenter: Patrica Rael, Education and Outreach Coordinator, Office of the New Mexico Attorney General

54. How to Keep the "Energizer Bunny" in the School Nurse Going: Dealing with Increasing

   Populations of Students with Physical and Mental Disabilities

The "energizer bunny" who keeps going and going has the battery life that we need as our populations of students that suffer from mental and physical disabilities keep growing and growing. In a time when we face funding and staffing issues, the school nurse needs support to provide care not only for these students but for his/her entire school population. This workshop endeavors to explore the necessary tools and share knowledge to provide a safe and healthy environment to those students who are challenged with additional health concerns.

 

Presenters: Nancye Cole, RN, BSN, MS, Resource Nurse for Special Education; Denine Gronseth, RN, BSN, NCSN, Asthma Resource Nurse; Patricia McCarty, RN, BSN, NCSN, Diabetes Resource Nurse, Albuquerque Public Schools

55. Integration: The Key to Success for Full Service Community Schools

The full service community schools model is an exciting, comprehensive approach that engages students, parents and communities, and lays the groundwork for student success both in school and life. Since 2007, Elev8 New Mexico has developed full service community schools for five middle schools in the state. Learn what full service community schools look like here in New Mexico, the benefits of integrating services in schools and effective practices associated with integration. Walk away with new ideas and strategies to begin implementing this approach in their community.

 

Presenters: Frank Mirabal, Evaluation and Facilitation Consultant; John Linney, Communication and Facilitation Consultant; Renee Paisano-Trujillo, Elev8 Director; Carol Pierce, Integration and Facilitation Consultant; Jacob Sanchez, Coordinator, Elev8 Gadsden Middle School; Danette Townsend, Director, Service Implementation and Integration, New Mexico Community Foundation 

56. The Non-Prescriber’s Guide to Child/Adolescent Psychopharmacology

Through in-session role plays and exercises, participants explore the roles and responsibilities of providers in collaborating with psychopharmacology prescribers in order to best advocate for students diagnosed with problems meriting the use of psychoactive medication. Learn where to access information, how to communicate with prescribing providers and what to look for when recommending a student should return to their prescribing provider for reassessment and treatment.

 

Presenter: Avi Kriechman, MD, Consulting Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, University of New Mexico, Department of Psychiatry

57. Find YOUR Play! 

Kids know all about play.  They go out to play, they have play dates, they have play time.  Why when we get older does “play” disappear from our vocabulary?  To find YOUR play you will need to learn the basic steps to behavior change and how to identify factors  that can affect your health.  Leave empowered to make a shift to include physical activity in your everyday life and learn from others about their barriers and potential solutions to getting one step closer to finding your play.

 

Presenter: Julie Garcia, MA Ed, Relationship Manager, Alliance for a Healthier Generation

58. We Have the Data, What's Next?

Join us for this essential workshop that will prepare you to use survey data to improve community based services to youth. Obtain practical ideas for setting goals, securing grant funding, researching and creating programming and policy changes to help high risk students be successful in their communities. Learn how to use the data and follow up surveys to analyze program effectiveness and evaluation to create sustainability.

 

Presenter: Georgina Williams, Prevention Specialist, Los Alamos Public Schools

59. EAT - Everyone’s At the Table: Students Working with Communities to Create Sustainable

    Solutions for Hunger in New Mexico

New Mexico has one of the highest levels of hunger in the nation. Students and their families, particularly those living in rural counties, often lack access to affordable and nutritious foods and school-based food pantries are now becoming an important food supply. This interactive workshop explores ways to implement a service learning program for students and your school that addresses hunger literacy, social determinants of health and reflects community priorities for food security. Learn how to connect students, local champions, New Mexico food banks and University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center resources to create sustainable community-based solutions to hunger and health care in your community.

 

Presenters: Vanessa Apodaca, Student-Community Liaison, Office for Community Health, UNM-HSC and Senior Undergraduate Student in Health Education, UNM; Art Fine, Director, Program Services, Roadrunner Food Bank; Henry Jake Foreman, Senior Undergraduate Student in Civic Engagement, UNM, Bonner Fellow, and McNair Scholar;  Maricelda Pisana, RN, BSN, School Nurse, Lake Arthur Municipal School; Wayne Powell; Amy Scott, MD, MPA, Assistant Professor, University of New Mexico, Office for Community Health

60. Know the Rules Before the Rules Know You

Rules aren’t always a bad thing … ask any parent or principal! Rules are there to provide guidance and boundaries; and the School Health Rules are no exception.  There are over 20 rules that schools must abide by to support student health and behavioral health. Do you know what they are and how they can impact how you do your jobs?  Find out your School Health Rule IQ by participating in the School Health Rules, Rule! game show. Learn how to use the rules to your advantage and make a difference in your school.

 

Presenters: William Blair, PhD, Assistant Director New Mexico Public Education Department, School and Family Support Bureau; Laurie Mueller, RDH, Professional Development Coordinator, New Mexico Public Education Department, School and Family Support Bureau

The Head to Toe Conference seeks to present a wide variety of topics, issues and exhibits.  The information, comments and opinions expressed by the speakers and exhibitors do not necessarily represent the views of the event sponsors.  The sponsoring organizations neither endorse nor assume responsibility for the concepts expressed during these programs.