Wedgwood's Podcast
We are collecting input from people who work with or care for youth to create a report for next year’s conference. We are focusing on what parents and leaders in Michigan are seeing in youth mental, emotional, and behavioral health.
10 short questions and will take just a couple of minutes.
If you want to be registered to win a $300 gift card, please be sure to include your name and email address
Brought to you in part by
- February 23rd, 2026
- Frederik Meijer Gardens
- 7:30am-5:00pm
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.
- Dynamic Keynote Speaker
- Focused Breakout Sessions
- Panel of Community Experts
- Insights from Local Teens
- Opportunity to Earn SCECH & CEU Credits
2026 KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Orion Jean
2021 TIME Kid Of The Year
"What My Generation Needs From You."
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. Drawing from his experiences and insights as a young changemaker, Orion illuminates the next generation’s challenges. He offers practical insights and actionable steps to support their growth and development.
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.
Meet the Panel
Brooke Davis, LMSW
Founder & CEO at BTD Consulting LLC, Former Director of Mental Health at Kenowa Hills Public Schools (now retired)
Dave Gorman, LMSW
Chief Program Officer, Wedgwood Christian Services
Lisa Lowery, MD, MPH, FAAP, FSAHM
Assistant Dean for Inclusive Learning Environment at Michigan State University. Section Chief Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at Corewell Health
D/Lt. Chris Prevette
Assistant Commander Cyber Section - West Intelligence Operations Division
Jennifer Tornga, OTD, OTR/L, CADC
Manager of Specialty Interventions, Wedgwood Christian Services
Maranda
WOODTV, Host of 'Where You Live' (Moderating)
Timeline
Connect with local organizations at their expo tables and learn about how they can support you
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.
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.
Take a few minutes to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and network.
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 (Sara Wood, M. Ed)
- Adolescent SUD IOP: What Success Looks Like – Making it Work! (Kimber Decker, MA, LPC, CAADC-DP
Take a breather and enjoy some lunch, with networking opportunities!
Take a breather and enjoy some fun with our friends at Playground GR.
Take a few minutes to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and network.
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)
Take a few minutes to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and network.
Your choice between these options:
- The Weight Our Kids Carry (Brina Teimeyer, LMSW, CAADC, CCS-DP; Jason Lheurux, LPC)
- Trauma-Engaged Practice and the Biology of Resilience (Brooke Aernouts, MA)
- From Crisis to Connection: SEL Tools for Challenging Moments (Brooke Davis, LMSW)
- 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)
Take a few minutes to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and network.
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.
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Photos From Last year
