State of the Child Event: Learn from Local Teens & Experts

Counseling Services

Brought to you in part by

The State of the Child is a priority. evolving. up to you. complex. shaping tomorrow. hopeful. critical.

Discover the best ways to support today's youth.

This event is led by a team of local teenagers in collaboration with a panel of community experts. Together, they will address the distinct challenges faced by children and families today.

Discover the best ways to support today's youth.

This event is led by a team of local teenagers in collaboration with a panel of community experts. Together, they will address the distinct challenges faced by children and families today.

2027 KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Carlos Whittaker

Carlos Whittaker is bringing hope to humans all over the world. And he’s pretty good at it: he’s an author, podcaster, and global speaker backed by the power of a massive Instafamilia, his enthusiastic social followers who tune in daily to join forces with Carlos to find connection, do good, and be in community.

When Carlos enters a room, he makes people feel seen. His super power is creating spaces—online and in-person—where people are safe to engage in conversation about the topics that matter most but are often avoided. His motto: don’t stand on issues, walk with people. That’s the professional stuff—but all day every day, Carlos is a family man.

He and his wife Heather live in Nashville, Tennessee, with their three amazing children, where you can find them working on the family farm, planning trips around the world, and dancing to Single Ladies (seriously, Google it).

With a passionate and engaging speaking style, Orion invites the audience to reflect on their roles as individuals and as a society in shaping the future for the next generation. He highlight the importance of listening to young people, empowering them to become leaders, and providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive.

"I've been to many conferences throughout the years.... this conference ranks up there in my top 5. It was organized, informative, interesting, and applicable."

2024 Attendee

"Whether you're a parent, educator, or counselor, you need to be part of this to better understand the demographic you serve in a whole new way."

2023 Attendee

"This is one of the greatest mental health conferences I've ever been to."

2024 Attendee

"The Panel Discussion had a diverse set of industries represented and was amazing. I could’ve listened to them all day."

2024 Attendee

"Come because you are going to learn something important, come because this will impact you. Kid are our future. This is worth knowing, for yourself, and also for others. This is worth your time."

2024 Attendee

Meet the Panel

Timeline

7:30AM | Expo opens

Connect with local organizations at their expo tables and learn about how they can support you

8:00AM | Registration & Breakfast

Pick up your name tag at our registration table and enjoy your cup of coffee, along with a delicious buffet styled breakfast to begin your morning.

8:30AM | Panel Discussion

Sit back & enjoy a panel styled discussion, comprised of West Michigan experts. Hear as they respond to insights from local teens as they transparently share what is really happening in todays schools.

10:15am | Break & Networking

Take a few minutes to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and network.

10:30am | Breakout Session 1

Your choice between these options:

Reclaim Your Brain: Using Neurofeedback, HRV, and Autonomic Regulation to Improve Attention, Mood, and Performance (Dr. Timothy G. Royer, PsyD)

Calming the Voice of Worry- A Deep Dive into Anxiety (Caitlin Eyestone, BS-SCAT, EI/CI Endorsement)

Whole System Whole Child: Lessons from Trauma-informed healthcare as a catalyst for the systemic support of children (Kara Pettinger, LMSW, CPC; Kaley Ashdown, MSN, MBA, RN, CEN)

AI & Mental Health (Sarah Wood, M. Ed)
Adolescent SUD IOP: What Success Looks Like – Making it Work! (Nick Bayer, LMSW, CAADC, CSS-DP | Associate Director of Clinical Services, Wedgwood Christian Services. Chloe Sabo, CRTS | Residential Treatment Case Aide & Social Work Intern, Wedgwood Christian Services)
Advocacy Listening Session w/ State Legislators Panel (not eligible for continuing education credits)

11:30am | Lunch

Take a breather and enjoy some lunch, with networking opportunities!

12:15pm | Activity with The PlaygroundGR

Take a breather and enjoy some fun with our friends at Playground GR.

1:00pm | Break & Networking

Take a few minutes to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and network.

1:15pm | Breakout Session 2

Your choice between these options:

Protecting the Whole Child: Intimate Partner Violence Across Generations (Alison Mencarelli, LMSW; Tara Aday, MPA)

Be Direct: Addressing Suicidality in Youth and Young Adults (Hana Pierson, LLMSW, CAADC-DP)

Trauma and Trust-Based Relational Intervention (Kara Applegate, LLMSW-C, CLFE)

Early Blueprints of Self-Belief: How Childhood Experiences Shape the Subconscious Limitations of Human Potential & 5 Strategies to Program the Mind for Success (Lydia Hatton, MBA)

Behind Happy Faces Mental Health Curriculum (Ross Szabo, MA)

Free Yourself From Burnout (Adrienne Jamail)

2:15pm | Break & Networking

Take a few minutes to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and network.

2:30pm | Breakout Session 3

Your choice between these options:

The Weight Our Kids Carry (Brina Teimeyer, LMSW, CAADC, CCS-DP; Jason Lheureux, LPC)

Trauma-Engaged Practice and the Biology of Resilience (Brooke Aernouts, MA)

From Crisis to Connection: SEL Tools for Challenging Moments (Larry Smith, BA, Certified Trainer | Learning and Development Manager, Wedgwood Christian Services)

What to Know about Cybercrime (Dr. Thomas J. Holt, Ph. D, Rachel McNealy PhD, Taylor Fischer PhD)

Walking Meditation (Stephanie Squibb) *not eligible for continuing education credits

From Risk to Resilience: Safeguarding Kids from Trafficking (Andrea Keller, LPC)

3:30pm | Break & Networking

Take a few minutes to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and network.

3:45pm | Keynote Speaker, Orion Jean

In this powerful and thought-provoking talk, Orion Jean, TIME Kid of the Year, discusses what the next generation needs from adults to build a brighter future for all.