Breakout Sessions: 8:30 - 9:50 am

25 Connecting School Nursing and Behavioral Health

The collaboration of nursing services with counseling and social worker's services can provide efficient and complete care of the students. Using a trauma informed model, this team can learn skills and tools to implement a holistic approach for true integrated student health care. Triaging students through the wellness team funnels the child to the appropriate team member. Regular staffing of students’ issues helps the team identify new concerns and supports students as they re-engage into school life. In guiding participants through the teamwork process, participants will gain skills and tools to begin using in their schools.

Presenters: Carole Kirby, RN, School Health Advocate, Department of Health - Public Health R2; Susan Nelsen, LISW, School Mental Health Advocate, NM Department of Health - Office of School and Adolescent Health

26 Getting to Outcomes: A Framework for Implementing Evidence- Based Strategies

What evidence-based strategies would work in my school or community? The Getting to Outcomes framework has been endorsed by several federal and state agencies to improve capacity around planning, implementing and evaluating evidence-based strategies. This workshop provides an overview of the tools available and how they can be applied to your work to improve your school or community. It explores the steps and actions needed to work with the media or to advocate for a new policy or initiative, and provides hands-on practice with the Getting to Outcomes tools.

Presenter: Michael Coop, Coop Consulting

27 Overcoming Trauma: Prevention, Assessment and Treatment of PTSD in Children and Adolescents in the Schools

This workshop reviews the evidence from research and clinical experience and highlights significant advances in the assessment and treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It highlights the importance of early identification of PTSD, of gathering information from parents and children, of school screenings and of the assessment and treatment of comorbid disorders. It presents evidence to support prevention, trauma-focused psychotherapy, medications and a combination of interventions, including school-based interventions in a multimodal approach. Participants work in small groups reviewing a case study and then share recommendations for assessment and treatment.

Presenters: Joseph Flippo, PhD, Psychologist, Albuquerque Public Schools; Melanie Flippo, MEd, Special Education Teacher, Albuquerque Public Schools; J. Dee Grapentine, LPC, Self-employed; Jean Lisiak, Clinical Social Worker, Horizon West Academy

28 School Climate for Sexual Minority Youth: A Survey of New Mexico School Health Professionals

A safe and supportive school environment is fundamental in supporting academic success and youth that are engaged and connected. Unfortunately, bullying and hostile school climates are realities for many students and have been associated with increased risk of depression, suicide, drug use, sexual risk behaviors and other risk behaviors among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) youth. Understanding more about the potential contributors to school climate may reveal where opportunities exist to make changes that would lead to improvements for LGBTQ youth. Data will be presented from a 2009 study that examined the knowledge, attitudes and practices of school health professionals in New Mexico regarding sexual minority youth. Obtain a clear sense of what can be done to improve school climate for LGBTQ youth at your school.

Presenter: Mary Ramos, MD, MPH, FAAP, School Health Officer, Department of Health - University of New Mexico

This session satisfies 1.33 social work cultural hours.

29 Early Warning Signs of Psychotic Disorders and the Importance of Early Intervention

Research and clinical practice consistently demonstrate that early intervention in psychotic illnesses results in a more positive response to treatment and less short-term and long-term functional disability. This presentation reviews the latest literature on early intervention in psychosis, discusses how to identify an individual who may be developing a psychotic disorder and explores treatment options. Learn from the presenters as they share their experiences implementing two psychosis early intervention treatment/research programs at the University of New Mexico, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)-sponsored RAISE (Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode) program and the EARLY (Early Assessment and Resource Linkage for Youth) program.

Presenters: Steven Adelsheim, MD, Director, CRCBH and Professor of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico; Margaret Migliorati, MA, LPCC, Senior Program Therapist, University of New Mexico

30 Height and Weight: Standard Measures to Accomplish an Important Goal

Many school nurses and health instructors measure height and weight but do not follow a standard protocol. A small difference in measurement can make a big difference in categorization – ¼ inch differentiates a healthy weight from overweight. This session gives new and experienced health care staff in the school system the skills to accurately measure heights and weights and calculate Body Mass Index (BMI) percentile. Participants learn about and practice taking height and weight measurements using the standard protocol.  They also learn to enter and analyze results using a computerized BMI percentile analysis tool from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Understanding and applying the procedures for accurate height and weight measurement and reporting provides a way to monitor trends and risk factors, helps schools focus on at-risk populations and can help drive policy change.

Presenters: Rita Condon, Northern New Mexico Health Educator, NM Department of Health;Tricia McCarty, RN, BSN, NCSN, CDE, Chronic Disease/Diabetes Resource Nurse, Albuquerque Public Schools

31 Just Another Website?  Social Marketing Insights from the Trenches

Most nonprofit and school personnel do not have specific expertise in the field of social marketing. This workshop provides them with basic knowledge based on a real and recent experience from a local collaborative group and school district. This session teaches the importance of crafting a plan, finding champions and responding to community needs as the key components of a successful prevention-oriented social marketing campaign.

Presenters: May Sagbakken, Safe Schools Healthy Students Manager, Albuquerque Public Schools; Brooke Tafoya, MSW, Safe Schools Healthy Schools Coordinator, Albuquerque Public Schools

32 The “Eyes” Have It

This workshop discusses common eye problems seen at school. This includes vision screening results, pink eye, injuries, reading and learning disorders, and common childhood complaints. Learn about the major causes of vision loss in children, strabismus (misaligned eyes), ocular infections, and reading and learning disorders. Evidence-based studies and policy statements from the American Academy of Pediatrics are also discussed.

Presenter: Todd Goldblum, MD, Pediatric Ophthalmologist, Family and Children's Eye Center of New Mexico

33 Slaying the Dragon: Stress Reduction and Self Care for Busy People

In our busy and stressful world it can be difficult to remember that we are in control. This workshop utilizes lecture, discussion and practice of critical stress reduction and relaxation techniques for people who work with children and youth. Participants explore numerous options for keeping their calm and for teaching young people the value of positive coping. Additionally, you will learn about the effects stress has on our bodies and emotions and discover your personal stressors and how you can slay your own dragons!

Presenters: Sarah Couch, BUS; Janet Mason, School Health Advocate, NM Department of Health-Public Health Division - Region 1 & 3

34 Youth Leadership in Community Coalitions

Participants explore practical approaches to engage youth in community coalitions, to develop youth leadership and to harness the energy, vitality and creative energies of youth to implement substance abuse prevention strategies. This interactive workshop includes ideas, recommendations and activities from youth currently involved in the Northern Rio Arriba Communities Health Coalition. Engaging youth in community coalitions poses unique challenges. This workshop focuses on how coalitions may develop relationships with schools, empowering youth to become active participants and leaders in a coalition, working with adults in the coalition to accept the youth as equal partners, using ideas generated by youth to implement substance abuse prevention strategies, and providing youth with leadership skills.  

Presenters: Anna Daggett, Student, Northern Rio Arriba Communities Health Coalition; Maxine Daggett, Preventionist, North Central Community Based Services; Patricia Serna, LISW, Executive Director, North Central Community Based Services; and an Additional Student from Northern Rio Arriba Communities Health Coalition

This session satisfies 1.33 social work cultural hours.

35 Risk and Resiliency in the Schools and Communities

The New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (YRRS) collects data on youth risk behaviors, academic behaviors and success and protective factors among students in New Mexico public high schools and middle schools. These data are provided at the state and local level. This presentation discusses the latest data from the 2009 New Mexico YRRS, experiences from communities in using their local YRRS data to obtain funding and guide prevention programming, and requirements and benefits of school participation. The New Mexico YRRS is a collaboration between the New Mexico Department of Health, the Public Education Department, the UNM Prevention Research Center and New Mexico school districts.

Presenters: William Blair, PhD, Assistant Director, School & Family Support Bureau, Public Education Department; Dan Green, MPH, Social Indicator Epidemiologist, NM Department of Health - Epidemiology and Response Division; Linda Peñaloza, PhD, Associate Professor, University of New Mexico

36 Looking In: Kids Who Are Homeless

Between 2006 and 2009 there was a 91% increase in New Mexico students who were homeless. See the new documentary about several homeless youth in New Mexico and explore solutions to help youth and families get out of homelessness. “Looking In: Kids Who are Homeless” is a comprehensive media campaign to help parents, educators and communities throughout New Mexico discuss and address homelessness as it relates to education. The campaign gives communities a mechanism to rally around their local school's efforts to help homeless students.

Presenters: Kim Cobbs, Bureau Chief, Children, Youth & Families Department- Youth and Family Services; Chris Ortiz y Pino, Regional Community Coordinator, Cuidando Los Ninos; Joseph Sanchez, Education Program Coordinator, School and Family Support Bureau; Chris Schueler, Producer/Director, Christopher Productions, LLC; Jaime Tamez, Ph.D., Ececutive Director, Cuidando los Ninos, Wendy Wintermute, Ph.D., Advocacy Program Director, Cuidando

This session satisfies 1.33 social work cultural hours.

Breakout Sessions: 10:20 - 11:40 am

37 A Practical Approach to Understanding Ethical Standards for School Counselors

Do you need a quick refresher course in school counseling ethics? Join us to explore the revised 2010 Ethical Standards for School Counselors. This presentation encourages participants to assess their own personal values and beliefs in relation to the American School Counselor Association ethical standards and illustrates everyday practices. The workshop includes opportunities for reflection and discussion. Participants will gain a better understanding of the standards as they relate to the school community.

Presenters: Kim Chavez, MA, LMHC, NCC, Resource Counselor, Albuquerque Public Schools; Charlene Lutz, Resource Counselor, Albuquerque Public Schools

This session satisfies 1.33 social work ethics hours.

38 Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training

This training teaches the warning signs for suicide and the three-step QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) method for suicide prevention. QPR is designed to help identify and refer suicidal persons to professionals who can assess, manage and treat the underlying illnesses that promote suicidal behavior. Participants learn to prevent suicide and suicide attempts. All attendees receive a QPR Gatekeeper certificate. 

Presenters: Nancy Kirkpatrick, CHES, Youth Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator, NM Department of Health - Office of School and Adolescent Health; Laura Rowland, Executive Director, NM Suicide Prevention Coalition

39 Dealing with Stress and Crisis both Personally and Professionally

This session focuses on understanding and mitigating severe stress response and profound crisis. Severe distress and crisis are an epidemic in America. Former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop said that 80 percent of Americans who do not die from trauma will die from a stress-related illness. Many of the problems witnessed in schools are due to stress and crises that have overwhelmed people’s usual coping skills (both students and faculty). This session equips participants to recognize signs of severe distress and stages of a crisis, and provides simple intervention tools to help the sufferer explore positive stress management techniques and problem solving skills.

Presenter: Carl Russell, MDiv, Consultant, Life Hope Consulting and Services

40 Inside-Out Approach to Bullying Prevention

Do you know the difference between bullying and normal conflict? Do you know the netiquette dos and don’ts for safe technology use? Come learn essential skills and increase your knowledge to help students safely navigate relationships both online and off. Become an active part of creating an environment where all students are part of developing a safe, respectful school culture.

Presenters: Tracy Longwill, MA, Safety Resource Counselor, Albuquerque Public Schools; Brooke Tafoya, Coordinator Safe Schools Healthy Students Initiative, Albuquerque Public Schools

This session satisfies 1.33 social work cultural hours.

41 Getting to Outcomes: A Framework for Implementing Evidence-Based Strategies

Repeated presentation.  See description for Session #26.

42 Let's Walk to School! Using New Mexico Safe Routes to School Strategies to Increase Physical Activity

Many children do not achieve the one hour per day of physical activity recommended by the American Heart Association to stay healthy and maintain a healthy weight. Find out how the New Mexico Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program and its comprehensive approach to making routes to school safe for walking and bicycling can increase physical activity in children. Participants will learn about the New Mexico SRTS Resource Notebook, which includes the WalkSafe™ pedestrian safety curriculum for grades K-5.

Presenters: Ashleigh Curry, BA, Safe Routes to School Champion, Mesilla Elementary School; Jessica Frost, AICP, NM Safe Routes to School Coordinator, NM Department of Transportation; Leona Woelk, MA, LPAT, Associate Scientist II, University of New Mexico.

43 Understanding the Context of Native Youth Behaviors and Health Disparities:  Historical Trauma as a Lens of Understanding

Over multiple generations, American Indian communities have endured a succession of traumatic events that have enduring consequences for community members. This presentation presents a multilevel framework for exploring the impact of historically traumatic events on individuals, families and communities. The critical connection between historically traumatic events and contemporary stressors is discussed at length.

Presenters: Gayle Dine'Chacon, MD, Director, Center for Native American Health; Billie Kipp, MD, Associate Director, Center for Native American Health

This session satisfies 1.33 social work cultural hours.

44 The Primary Care Provider's Role in Providing Oral Health Screening

It is the role of the health provider to make proper oral health screening available and provide accurate assessments of common oral problems. Explore the periodontal-systemic health link, the purpose of an oral health screening and the components of an oral health screening. Learn to identify the procedures utilized during the oral health screening including the “Lift the Lip” oral screening technique.

Presenter: Ermelinda Baca, RDH, Dental Hygienist, Dragonfly Consultants

45 School Administrators Embracing School Health Policy and Programs – How to Get Them Hooked!

A panel composed of superintendents and principals discusses how they became invested in strengthening and implementing school health policies and strategies in their schools. Participants learn what works best to help increase the understanding of prevention activities and strategies among principals, superintendents and school board members. Receive tips for community advocacy and board presentations and about the importance of the data. Specific traumatic events related to youth suicide, teen pregnancy, bullying and substance abuse and how these events ultimately impacted their overall support for school health programs and policies are also discussed. The presentation provides concrete suggestions on how to strengthen collaboration with school leadership.

Presenters: Yolanda Cordova, MSW, Director, NM Department of Health - Office of School and Adolescent Health; Bea Etta Harris, Superintendent, Ruidoso School District; Jay Mortensen, Superintendent, Mountainair Schools and a Principal from a New Mexico Public School

46 Peer Education: Building Lasting Change One Leader at a Time

New Mexico has the highest teen pregnancy rate in the United States. To combat this staggering statistic, all those who work with youth need to devise new and unique strategies to give youth the tools they need to make responsible sexual health decisions. Planned Parenthood of New Mexico, together with peer educators, explains how peer education programs can make a lasting impact on a community’s health and wellness. Learn how peer education programs work, learn how to start and maintain a program, and hear from peer educators about their personal experiences with their program.

Presenters: Sunny Holmes, MA, Health Educator, Planned Parenthood of New Mexico; Peer Educators from Planned Parenthood of New Mexico

47 Using Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey Data at the Local Level

Do you know which substances are used most often by youth in your area? Do you know what risk factors are often linked with substance use? The access and use of local data is becoming increasingly more important when competing for funding, planning effective programs and monitoring progress and outcomes of programming. This session explores the 2009 Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (YRRS) data at the county level. Participants receive fact sheets for their county* and leave the session with knowledge of the leading issues facing youth in their school and community, and tools for using the data to prioritize and plan. *Note: Fact sheets are not available for Harding, Lincoln or Sandoval counties

Presenter: Natalie Skogerboe, Coop Consulting

48 Family Leadership Facilitators as Our Advocates

Hear stories of what has and what has not worked for families across the state, how they have celebrated their experiences as well as how they share a lot of the same struggles and accomplishments in spite of apparent diversity. Presenters will engage participants in a mock advocacy group and give ideas and input on how to facilitate during a meeting with one of the “systems” and how to advocate on behalf of families. It is the goal of this presentation to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health and behavioral health diagnoses as they affect the lives of children, youth and families. Presenters will offer open dialogue for questions and answers and will respond to administrators, school  staff and parents, sharing information on the role of the advocates and how they can be utilized for everyone’s benefit, especially the youth or child and family involved.

Presenter: Lauri Goodluck, MSW, Family Coordinator, New Mexico Family Network

This session satisfies 1.33 social work cultural hours.

Keynote Presentation: 12:45 - 2:00 pm

One lucky individual attending this keynote will win a free registration to Head to Toe 16!  Drawing at 12:45 pm. All registered attendees are entered - you must be present to win!

Breakout Sessions: 2:10 - 3:30 pm

49 Delivering Behavioral Health Services in a Managed Care Environment

This session explores the dynamics of delivering behavioral health services in an ever changing environment with limited resources and focuses on the inter-dependent relationship between the delivery of behavioral health services and managed care. In a fee-for-service environment, providers must be cognizant of this relationship as it relates to credentialing, billing and the delivery of services. In developing “systems of care” providers must incorporate financial accountability and business management into their daily practice. The role core service agencies play to ensure access to care in a school environment and continuity of care is also addressed.

Presenter: Carlos Miera, LISW, Sr. Director of CYFD Services, OptumHealth New Mexico

50 Communities of Practice: A Grassroots Movement to Improve Student Outcomes

A community of practice is a group of people who voluntarily come together because they care deeply about the same issue and they agree to interact routinely to improve practice around that issue. Issues have many dimensions. Many states are involved in their statewide Community of Practice (COP) and New Mexico is launching its COP group under the umbrella of School Mental Health. The community includes decision-makers, practitioners, consumers and representatives from school mental health, general education, special education and family organizations. The workshop demonstrates all a COP is and can be and provides participants with the ability to access the New Mexico COP and use it as they see fit in their work and community. This is an opportunity to stay connected with like-minded folks and improve outcomes for our children.

Presenters: Marsha Bankston, MA, LISW, Coordinator of Student Services and Crisis Intervention, West Mesa High School; Leslie Kelly, MA, LPCC Program Therapist, University of New Mexico; Susan Nelsen, LISW, School Mental Health Advocate, Department of Health-Office of School and Adolescent Health; Rubina Syed, LISW, ACSW, School Mental Health Advocate, Department of Health-Office of School and Adolescent Health

51 The Importance of Peer Education:  Media Effects on Self Esteem

Pink Ella is a peer education group that provides peer education and mentoring to ladies. Pink Ella believes that if a lady’s self-esteem is improved, she will be equipped to make better choices. In this workshop, attendees learn why peer education is a productive resource. The presentation includes ice-breakers, audience participation and small group work. All participants are provided with print materials to take back to their communities to begin the discussion about beginning their own peer education group.

Presenters: Rose Medina-Rogers, LMSW, School Social Worker, Christine Duncan Heritage Academy; PINK ELLA Peer Educators: Alejandra Carmona, Angelica Enriquez, Nimsy Melendez, Sayra Salas

This session satisfies 1.33 social work cultural hours.

52 Get in the Action

This session promises to get you moving and tasting a healthy snack, all while increasing your knowledge about free programs available to support nutrition and physical activity in the schools. Participants will receive information about six programs that support all levels including elementary, secondary, after school and parent initiatives. Join us to get moving and thinking about what your school can do.

Presenters: Jason Carpp, Relationship Manager, Alliance for Healthier Generation; Sally Hunter, School Nurse, Albuquerque Public Schools; Jennie McCary, Wellness Manager, Albuquerque Public Schools; Tricia McCarty, RN, BSN, NCSN, CDE, Diabetes Resource Nurse, Albuquerque Public Schools; Sarah Robbins, RD, Program Coordinator, Dariy MAX

53 New Mexico Activities Association Life of an Athlete Alcohol Education Program

The New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA), with the support of the New Mexico Department of Transportation, has launched a student athlete alcohol education program focused on the negative effects of alcohol upon an athlete's performance and life. The NMAA has teamed up with Creative Street Media Group to develop an interactive online course available for all students in New Mexico. The presentation discusses the negative impact alcohol has on athletic performance and demonstrates the interactive curriculum.

Presenter: Robert Zayas, Associate Director, New Mexico Activities Association

54 Sleepy Teens: Are Teenagers Today Sleep Deprived?

Parents, teachers, principals, school nurses and staff have all experienced the effects of adolescents not getting enough sleep. It causes irritability, inattentiveness, behavior issues and conduct problems. What can we do to tackle the problem teens are having with sleep? This presentation discusses the issues surrounding adolescents and sleep loss and explores factors that contribute and interfere with teens' sleep. Take a look at the national statistics and see how local schools compare. This session examines ways to help teens deal with feeling tired and how to educate them on the importance of “good sleep.” Information about the sleep pod used at Gadsden High School will be presented.  

Presenter: Kristi Mitchell; Trinette Radasa, CNS, Adolescent Services; Carrie Thompson, School-Based Health Center Coordinator, Adolescent Services

55 Best Practices and Medicaid

This session provides participants with the resources, tools, techniques and program knowledge to make a difference in reaching out and enrolling uninsured New Mexicans and explores a variety of techniques for achieving a successful outreach program through discussion and examples. A Medicaid 101 offers attendees a review of the different Medicaid categories and eligibility requirements.

Presenter: Walter Blea, Integrated Medicaid Enrollment Program Coordinator, New Mexico Primary Care Association

56 Empowering Kids to Take Charge of Their Own Lives

Do you know someone who is living an unhealthy life? Maybe they are not getting enough physical activity or eating the right foods. In this session, participants receive a curriculum book and are trained in the curriculum so they can implement this practice in their communities and learn about the problems associated with obesity and why steps should be taken to fix the issues. Participants will also learn about the By Kids for Kids movement and how they can support kids to make a difference in their communities.

Presenter: Carson Miller, Youth Presenter, Alliance for a Healthier Generation

This session satisfies 1.33 social work cultural hours.

57 Developing Youth Programs Based on Local Data

The New Mexico Office of School and Adolescent Health (OSAH) requires the annual administration of the Student Health Questionnaire (SHQ) for each student seen in a school-based health center (SBHC). There are three objectives derived from the SHQ: to provide initial screening for high-risk behaviors and factors such as depression, substance use, violence and teen pregnancy; to elicit protective and resiliency factors of students and their families, such as time spent with adults, academic status, career goals and self-worth; and to determine past medical history and health status including nutrition, physical activity and safety. This session explores local data from four SBHCs in southern New Mexico and provides an opportunity for participants to learn how to utilize the Teen Screen at their practice site.

Presenters: Wanda J. Borges, RN, PhD, Associate Professor, New Mexico State University; Janet Flores, Epidemiologist, New Mexico Department of Health; Staci Poe, Health Educator, Las Cruces High School; Linda Summers, PhD, RN, Family Nurse Practitioner, New Mexico State University

This session satisfies 1.33 social work cultural hours.

58  Should Your District Become a Vaccine For Children Provider?

Come explore the pros and cons of having a school Vaccine for Children program, requirements for creating and maintaining the immunization program, and how to organize onsite and portable clinics. Participants will find more ways to effectively use the New Mexico Statewide Immunization Information System (NMSIIS) to gather data and write reports. See a sample portable clinic and join in lively discussions with your cohorts.

Presenter: Cheri Dotson, RN, Lead Nurse, Santa Fe Public Schools

59   The Core Drug Endangered Children’s (DEC) Training

Core DEC Training Curriculum is a comprehensive multi-disciplinary community awareness training tool designed to meet the needs of state alliances as they work to engage their local communities in the DEC effort. The intent of the Core DEC Training is to provide a basic understanding of broad DEC concepts and to explain the vital roles national DEC and state DEC alliances play in encouraging local communities to adopt consistent response practices. It also addresses the complex issues associated with forming a sustained DEC response and promotes a collaborative model that aims for social change. It takes a village to raise a child!

Presenters:  Anamaria Armijo-Glenn, MSW, New Mexico Alliance for Drug Endangered Children Coordinator, New Mexico Highlands University; Gary Carson, State Methamphetamine Coordinator, New Mexico Rural Law Enforcement Methamphetamine Initiative.

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.