2022 Workshops & Speakers

2022 Keynotes

Lived Experiences Featured in NAMI's New Book, "You Are Not Alone"

NAMI’s first-ever book, written by Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ken Duckworth, will be released this fall. Featuring inspiring, true stories from real people in their own words, Dr. Duckworth interviewed 130 individuals who have been affected by mental illness, both individuals with mental illness and caregivers to share their wisdom and perspectives. In addition to being joined virtually by Dr. Duckworth to give an overview of the new book, NAMI Indiana will welcome a couple of the featured individuals in-person to share their stories of lived experience and offer their personal insight on diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Dr. Ken Duckworth -- NAMI, Chief Medical Officer, Author "You Are Not Alone"

Ray Lay -- Lived Experience in "You Are Not Alone", Veterans Peer Support Specialist

Kimberly Comer -- Lived Experience in "You Are Not Alone", Nationally Certified Peer Specialist, Certified Recovery Peer Specialist

Dante and Chastity Murry -- Lived Experience in "You Are Not Alone", NAMI Louisville

Assessing the Youth Mental Health Crisis Resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic, moderated by Indiana Youth Institute

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health challenges were the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in young people, with 1 in 5 children ages 3 to 17 in the U.S. having a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder. Then, on December 7, 2021, U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a new Surgeon General’s Advisory to emphasize a need for addressing the nation’s youth mental health crisis. This afternoon plenary session will explore research highlighting the negative impact of the pandemic, specifically Indiana’s youth mental health data. The Indiana Youth Institute will moderate this panel, covering their facts and statistics from 2021, while conversing with individuals who have had professional and personal experience with youth throughout the pandemic.

Jennifer Darby -- Indiana Youth Institute, Chief Operations Officer

Clint Kugler -- Indiana Youth Institute, Vice President of Statewide Engagement & Advocacy

Dr. Leslie Hulvershorn -- Riley Hospital for Children Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Director & IU School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry, Chair

MJ Heinz -- Indiana Youth Group, Mental Health Therapist

Stephen Groce -- Lutherwood Residential Behavioral Health Services, Clinical Program Manager

Leslie Ann Caliz -- Indiana University School of Social Work, Masters Candidate & High School Educator

2022 Workshops

Addressing Healthcare Access for the Growing Immigrant Population in Indiana

The multicultural community is growing quickly in the United States, specifically the Hispanic and Latino/a/x communities who account for approximately 16% of the total population; and have made significant gains in population in Indiana. Despite being the largest minority population in the country, lack of access to health care services and health insurance remains prominent issues for the Hispanic/Latino/a/x community. This workshop will give an overview of a few of the multicultural communities in Indiana, look at barriers in terms of access to healthcare access and health insurance, and discuss resources to not only understand the barriers, but also create solutions for the well-being of current and future generations.

Julia Holloway, ASPIN, Health Navigator Program Manager

Chip Zapp, ASPIN, Program Assistant Director/Community Health Worker/Navigator

Understanding the Difference Between Art Therapy and Mental Health Professionals Utilizing Art

Licensure and credentials for mental health providers help protect the public by guaranteeing these professionals have proper training. Art therapy is a profession that requires specific training, however many people do not realize that there is a difference in the knowledge, skills, theory and approach that an art therapist uses compared to other mental health professionals. In fact, if not properly trained, conducting art without knowing its full potential could be harmful. Attendees will learn about the unique skills and specific theory that art therapists utilize in their work. A case example of a teenage client will be utilized to support the goals of the session.

Michelle Itczak, University of Indianapolis Department of Counseling, Assistant Professor,

Practicum and Internship Coordinator

Planning for and Responding to a Mental Health Crisis

When a person is experiencing a psychiatric crisis, it is imperative to be able to get him or her connected with resources and support as quickly as possible. This situation can present a very significant challenge. That is why NAMI Indiana and partners created the “Planning for and Responding to a Mental Health Crisis” booklet. This booklet describes the general parameters of how to prepare for a crisis and what to do to get help during a psychiatric crisis. This workshop will discuss topics from the booklet including suggestions for addressing mental health concerns before they become a crisis, outline the steps involved in the involuntary detention and Civil Commitment process, explain what happens if a person with mental illness is placed on a civil commitment, and discuss alternatives to involuntary treatment.

Marianne Halbert, NAMI Indiana, Criminal Justice Director

Kimble Richardson, Community Fairbanks Behavioral Health, Manager of Business Development

This panel will explore the concept of spiritual wellness practices throughout various stages of life. Panelists are faith leaders with individual experience serving youth, married couples and families, and seniors. Spirituality can be a beneficial practice for individuals living with mental health conditions and their loved ones. Panelists will also explore mental health challenges specific to the demographics they serve. Spiritual practice is not limited to faith and religion, but is rather developed on a personal level. Spirituality can offer hope, perseverance, and community, and can translate differently across the life stages.

Spirituality and Mental Health Through Various Life Stages

This panel will explore the concept of spiritual wellness practices throughout various stages of life. Panelists are faith leaders with individual experience serving youth, married couples and families, and seniors. Spirituality can be a beneficial practice for individuals living with mental health conditions and their loved ones. Panelists will also explore mental health challenges specific to the demographics they serve. Spiritual practice is not limited to faith and religion, but is rather developed on a personal level. Spirituality can offer hope, perseverance, and community, and can translate differently across the life stages.

moderated by Charlie Wiles, Center for Interfaith Cooperation, Executive Director

Chelsea Goodlow, New Beginnings Fellowship Church, Youth Pastor

Hazel Owens, Christian Theological Seminary Counseling Center, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapy

Associate, Owens Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC

Rabbi Bruce Pfeffer, IU Health, ARN Hospice, Board Certified Chaplain

Agriculture and Mental Health: Supporting Our Farmers for a Healthier Harvest

Farming is an inherently dangerous occupation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, farmers and farm workers experience fatal injuries at a rate nearly seven times that of non-farm civilian occupations. Farming is also chronically plagued with stressors of the unknown including weather, regulations, input costs, and market prices to name a few. Net farm income has declined 71% since 2013 and commodity prices have not exceeded the break-even point for over four years. This increasing financial strain threatens the livelihood and heritage of our family farms resulting in chronic stress, anxiety, and depression for farm families. According to data, farmers are six times more likely to die by suicide than any other occupation. In addition, farm families experience many barriers to seeking treatment. Through the work of the Purdue Extension Farm Stress team, farmers often state that they would be more willing to speak with a professional if they felt professionals understood them and what they encounter as part of their work and lives. This presentation will allow you to understand the unique needs and barriers of the farming community, the response of the Purdue Extension Farm Stress Team, partnerships formed through grant activity, and how you can support our farmers for a healthier harvest.

Angela Sorg, Purdue University Extension, Health and Human Sciences Educator

Jonathan Ferris, Purdue University Extension, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

A Personal Journey to Integrative Psychiatry and Self-Healing

Learn how one psychiatrist’s personal journey led to a new way of thinking about mental health treatment. This workshop will explain Integrative Psychiatry which includes modern psychiatry alongside healing techniques that are not common in our healthcare system. Dr. McGovern Richard’s talk will be followed by 30 minutes for questions and answers. The Q&A portion will also present an opportunity to try out some of the healing techniques that Dr. McGovern Richards has implemented at the NeuroDiagnostic Institute’s Advanced Treatment Center for Integrative Psychiatry.

Dr. Bethany McGovern Richards, NeuroDiagnostic Institute, Chief Medical Officer, Director of

Integrative Psychiatry

About the Conference

The annual NAMI Indiana State Conference brings together the latest in research, training, recovery models, mental health experts, and information on the new policies that will affect the lives of children and adults living with serious mental illnesses.

Speakers include leading mental health physicians, researchers, and advocates who are empowering people living with mental illnesses to find recovery.

Attendance Profile

The NAMI Indiana State Conference brings together people looking for new and better ways to manage and live with serious mental illnesses and how they can help others. Attendees are seeking answers and are partners who are focused on recovery and systems change reforms.

The 2022 NAMI Indiana State Conference will highlight the youth mental health crisis, and explore ideas on navigating mental health in every stage of life and for different demographics. Individuals living with mental illnesses will share hope through their own experiences, and experts will introduce methods to treatment you may have not considered. There is something new and insightful to be gained for everyone in attendance.

Attendees include:

  • people living with mental illnesses

  • family members

  • support partners

  • mental health advocates

  • physicians

  • nurses

  • social services providers

  • policy makers

About NAMI Indiana

NAMI Indiana is part of a powerful grassroots network stretching across the country. We are Indiana’s state organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. As a 501(c)(3) public charity, we provide advocacy, support, education and training for volunteers, professionals, families and NAMI local affiliates statewide.

Our board of directors voted to become affiliated with NAMI in 1985. NAMI Indiana now supports 12 local affiliates across the state serving more than 4,000 people living with serious mental illnesses, their family members and friends. There is no other organization like NAMI, which aims to bring together families and foster recovery from mental illnesses.

2022 Annual Sponsors