Friday, April 25 Workshops
KEYNOTE
Human rights and underserved populations: Addressing the needs of vulnerable communities
Presenter: Kelley Haynes-Mendez, PsyD
Friday, April 25, 2025
8:15 am- 9:15 am
CE Hours: 1
Workshop level: Introductory
Workshop Description:
This keynote will explore how psychology intersects with human rights, focusing on underserved and vulnerable populations. The presentation will draw on APA’s 5 Connections Human Rights Framework to highlight key principles for promoting equity and human rights within psychology and broader societal contexts. Participants will learn about APA’s approaches to tackling systemic inequities, providing care to marginalized populations, and the psychological impact of human rights violations. The keynote will conclude with actionable strategies for psychologists and advocates to promote equity and human rights for underserved and vulnerable communities.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Build a climate of psychological safety and belongingness, through the application of the guiding principles from APA’s EDI Framework, to create a culture that fully includes and supports issues affecting underserved populations.
Apply the APA 5-connections framework between psychology and human rights to their respective contexts.
Identify APA policies and guidelines related to the psychological well-being of vulnerable and underserved populations.
Develop advocacy strategies aimed at advancing human rights and equity for vulnerable communities.
Dr. Kelley Haynes-Mendez has more than 20 years of academic and clinical experience specializing in topics related to ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, intersectionality, and global issues. Kelley received a PsyD degree in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, USA, and is a licensed clinical psychologist. Kelley is Senior Director of the Human Rights Team at the American Psychological Association (APA). The APA Human Rights Team supports inquiry into critical issues of human rights, fairness, and dignity for all segments of society in order to advance one of APA’s guiding principles to respect and promote human rights.
In 2022, Kelley was elected to Fellow status in the APA by the Society for the Teaching of Psychology (APA, Division 2). Fellow status is an honor bestowed upon APA members who have shown evidence of unusual and outstanding contributions or performance in the field of psychology. Kelley also received a presidential citation from the Society for the Teaching of Psychology for her ‘forward and innovative’ work and served as Vice President for Diversity and International Relations 2019-2021, after previously having roles with the Diversity and International Relations committees.
Kelley received a doctorate in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. Her psychotherapy practice was primarily oriented toward culturally affirming care with diverse populations. Her scholarship and academic interests have included topics of multiculturalism, intersectionality, and teaching for global citizenship in higher education. As an associate professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, she chaired the Diversity Advisory Board and was selected as a member of the President’s Diversity Advisory Council. Kelley has also collaborated with the United Nations University for Peace, to foster professional development in human rights and global citizenship for higher education faculty, staff, administrators, and other professionals.
Workshop 1
Essential Guidelines and Information for Working with Transgender, Gender Diverse, & Gender Questioning Adults
Ren Massey, PhD
Friday, April 25, 2025
9:30 am- 12:45 pm
CE Credits: 3
Workshop Level: Intermediate
PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:
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At the 2024 WPATH Symposium in Lisbon, Ren Massey, PhD (he/him) received the WPATH Harry Benjamin Distinguished Education Award. Dr. Massey is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in the Atlanta area for over 30 years and is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Emory University School of Medicine (Dept of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences). He conducts psychotherapy and evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults, and specializes in LGBTQIA+ issues, particularly in gender identity. Dr. Massey was elected a Fellow of the Georgia Psychological Association (GPA) for founding the committee that is now GPA’s Gender & Sexual Minorities Committee. He has served GPA in many roles, including on GPA’s Ethics Committee and 2017-18 GPA President. For the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) he has served on the Board of Directors and on the committee that updated the WPATH Standards of Care (Version 8) for people who are Transgender and Gender Diverse. After serving on the Faculty and Steering Group of the WPATH Global Education Institute (GEI), he was nominated and selected as Mental Health Chair. In this position, he has led the mental health aspects of the national and international training programs of the WPATH GEI since January 2021.
Attendees will learn some of the latest research relevant to transgender, gender diverse, and Questioning (TGDQ) people. Minority stress related to being TGDQ and intersecting identities and social realities will be addressed. Dr. Massey will cover some essential information clinicians should know, such as the WPATH SOC 8, and specific clinical approaches to supporting TGDQ people. Working with TGDQ people’s families of origin, partners, and children will also be discussed. Coming out and knowing when to refer or seek consultation will also be covered. Attendees are encouraged to interact, with over 30 minutes dedicated to case discussion and Q&A.
Learning objectives:
At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:
Be able to use appropriate, affirming language when working with TGDQ people and loved ones
Be able to describe significant social stressors
Be able to apply 3 pieces of information or approaches to support TGDQ people and loved ones
Be able to distinguish TGDQ people they have skills & knowledge to work with and those they need to refer or seek further education or consultation for
Workshop 2
Artificial Intelligence 101: An Introduction to Digital Mental Health Interventions
Page Lyn Anderson, PhD, ABPP
Friday, April 25, 2025
9:30 am- 12:45 pm
CE Credits: 3
Workshop Level: Introductory
PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:
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Dr. Page Anderson is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Georgia State University (US) and a licensed clinical psychologist with board certification in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology. Dr. Anderson began working with technology-based interventions in 1999 as the only full-time employee of a start-up company whose founders pioneered the use of virtual reality for exposure therapy. Since 2002, her lab has conducted randomized clinical trials testing the efficacy, durability, and mechanisms of virtual reality exposure therapy for anxiety, experimental studies to identify factors that improve the acceptability and engagement with digital mental health interventions (particularly within minoritized communities), and both qualitative and naturalistic research on mHealth for mental health. She chaired the Technology Workgroup for the 2021 APA Summit for the Future of Education and Practice in Psychology and is on the Board of Directors for the International Society for Research on Internet Interventions, for which she co-founded the Equity & Action Special Interest Group.
Dr. Anderson has appeared in multiple media outlets, including CNN, NPR, Discovery Channel, the New Times, and Men’s Health Magazine.
Dr. Anderson has presented continuing education workshops on digital mental health interventions at national conferences (e.g., American Psychological Association, Association for the Advancement of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy), other state Psychological Associations (Rhode Island), health care settings (Kaiser Permanente), and locally (Georgia College Counseling Association).
Wary of technology, but think you should know more about it? Curious about how technological advances could be used in mental health? This introductory workshop is for you! We will review types of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) and the empirical evidence for their use - including the rapidly growing developments in cultural adaptation. We will discuss the basics of how artificial intelligence works and do hands-on exploration of DMHIs – so be sure to bring your smart phone. Although the presenter has conducted research on digital technologies for anxiety for 20+ years, she is ‘not a technology person.’
Learning objectives:
At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:
Describe a taxonomy for digital mental health interventions
Name two types of digital mental health interventions
Summarize the empirical support for their use
Explain how they mitigate known barriers to service
Discuss the empirical support for culturally adapted digital mental health interventions
Explain (in very general way) how artificial intelligence works
Workshop 3
Psychology's Role in Advancing Human Rights for Underrepresented Communities
Kelley Haynes-Mendez, PsyD
Friday, April 25, 2025
2:15 pm- 5:30 pm
CE Credits: 3 ETHICS
Workshop Level: Introductory
PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:
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Dr. Kelley Haynes-Mendez is Senior Director of Human Rights at the American Psychological Association (APA). The APA human rights team supports inquiry into issues of equity, justice, and human rights that are critical to society, promotes the application of psychology to related human rights policy and initiatives, and advises the association on emerging issues within its domain.
Dr. Haynes-Mendez received a doctorate in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in 2001 and is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Texas. As a practitioner, she provided culturally affirming psychotherapy with individuals and families from marginalized and underrepresented communities.
Her scholarship and academic interests include equity, culture, inclusion, global education, and human rights. As an associate professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Dr. Haynes-Mendez chaired the Diversity Advisory Board and served as Faculty Fellow for the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Studies. Dr. Haynes-Mendez was also a member of the President’s Diversity Advisory Council.
Dr. Haynes-Mendez is a published author with her writings featured in books as well as national and international journals such as Teaching of Psychology, Psychology Learning and Teaching, Childhood Education Innovations, and Reflective Practice. Dr. Haynes-Mendez also co-edited a special issue of the journal Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology, entitled Centering justice: Equity, diversity, and inclusion in the teaching of psychology.
Dr. Haynes-Mendez has served as Vice President for Diversity and International Relations at the Society for the Teaching of Psychology (APA, Division 2) where she also received a presidential citation for her “forward and innovative” work in that role. Dr. Haynes-Mendez has also collaborated with the United Nations mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica to foster professional development in human rights and global citizenship for faculty, staff, and executives.
In 2022, Dr. Haynes-Mendez was appointed by Division 2 to Fellow status within the American Psychological Association, an honor bestowed upon members of the association who have shown evidence of unusual and outstanding contributions or performance in the field of psychology. She lives in Texas with her husband and son and enjoys nature, long walks, and gardening.
In its resolution on human rights APA states “by adopting a human rights framework, APA will integrate its longstanding concerns for human welfare, public interest, and social justice within a broader international consensus-building process, which will provide clearer guidance and structure for organizational decision-making, including accountability, on issues related to societal good”. During this workshop we discuss APA’s specific framework and existing philosophical and legal definitions for human rights and introduce the 5 connections framework for psychology and human rights. We will also discuss human rights based approaches and applications for human rights and psychology.
Learning objectives:
At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:
Understand the foundational human rights framework in psychology: Participants will explore the definitions and legal foundations of human rights as established by international treaties and conventions, particularly how these are connected to the practice of psychology.
Examine the ethical responsibilities of psychologists in upholding human rights: Participants will learn how ethical imperatives, such as “do no harm,” intersect with human rights principles and how psychologists can guard against human rights violations in their research and practice.
Apply the Five Connections framework to integrate human rights into psychological practice: Participants will use the Five Connections framework to analyze how psychology can respect, promote, and advocate for human rights at both individual and societal levels, and develop strategies to incorporate these connections into their professional roles
Workshop 4
Competence with sexual, gender & relational minorities as an ethical obligation
Rachel Anne Kieran, PsyD
Friday, April 25, 2025
2:15 pm- 5:30 pm
CE Credits: 3 ETHICS
Workshop Level: Intermediate
PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:
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A licensed psychologist in private practice, Dr. Kieran owns and directs StorieBrook Therapy & Consulting. The mission of this practice is to provide a range of services specializing in sexual, gender & relational diversity, recognizing that this is an expansive category, intersecting with all other identities and requiring bespoke collaboration with clients to meet their unique needs. Practice values include access, anti-racism, body liberation, collaboration, cultural humility, public & professional education, inclusion & affirmation, social justice, and trauma informed care. The practice has been recognized as providers of Neurodiverse Affirming Care and providers of Health At Every Size care. Dr. Kieran is also the co-founder of PATH, the Pagan Affirming Therapist & Healthcare provider list.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Kieran is a past president and committee chair of the Georgia Psychological Association, and a current campaign chair of the APA Division 44 Committee on Consensual Non-Monogamy. She has been training healthcare professionals in the area of Sexual, Gender & Relational Diversity for over a decade, focusing on provider competence in meeting the needs of marginalized populations. She has also been featured in podcasts and conventions (Dragon*Con was one memorable experience!), sharing the importance of destigmatizing sexual, gender and relational diversity with professional and public audiences.
Broad diversity in sexual desire, behaviors, & relationship agreements are common, yet misunderstandings & pathologizing assumptions persist. This is despite revisions depathologizing consensual power exchange; APA-guidelines calling for reduction of this stigma, & data supporting positive outcomes. Therapist reactions can negatively impact clients & endanger our goals of nonmaleficence, autonomy, justice & respect.
This program examines best practices working with diverse sexual & relational lives, through the lens of the APA Ethics code & relevant GA Statutes. We will examine parallels between therapeutic & relationship consent, the meaning of cultural competence in these areas, & questions of access & equity for sexually marginalized populations.
Learning objectives:
At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:
Describe sexual and relational diversity as alternatives to heterocentric, monocentric and gender binary stereotypes promulgated by many social norms.
Discuss strategies for investigating the nature of power differentials in relationships - both inherent and negotiated – and how these may be helpful or harmful in therapy.
Identify strategies for reducing stigma on demographic forms, and how this is related to ethical responsibilities for autonomy and respect.
Describe calls to action from APA guidelines relevant to practice with sexually marginalized populations
Identify ethical principles relevant to practice with sexually marginalized populations
Identify ethical standards relevant to practice with sexually marginalized populations
Discuss techniques for addressing consent concerns with sexually marginalized populations
Examine ideas for safety planning (and responding to duty to protect) with sexually marginalized populations
Identify techniques for indicating sex positive and affirming spaces for marginalized populations in physical locations and online modalities.
Saturday, April 26 Workshops
Workshop 5
Diagnostic Evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan
Celine Saulnier, PhD
Saturday, April 26, 2025
9:00 am- 12:15 pm
CE Credits: 3
Workshop Level: Introductory
PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:
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Dr. Saulnier obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Connecticut. She trained and worked at the Yale Child Study Center’s Autism Program for nearly a decade before relocating to Emory University School of Medicine and the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta, GA, where she directed a large-scale clinical research program. In 2018, she opened her own company, Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Consulting Services, where she specializes in diagnostic assessment, as well as teaching and training for autism spectrum and related disorders. Dr. Saulnier has published numerous articles, written two books, and she is an author on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) impact multiple areas of functioning, demanding a multidisciplinary approach to detection and diagnosis. Clinicians need to learn about the nature and course of ASD and to be aware of the impact of socio-cultural factors on effective detection. This workshop will help practitioners identify, assess, and diagnose symptoms of ASD from infancy through adulthood using a comprehensive developmental approach to evaluation, focusing on state of the art measures and standards of best practice in the field. Translating assessment results into recommendations for treatment and intervention will be discussed.
Learning objectives:
At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:
Define the key features of ASD
Identify common diagnostic differentials and co-occurring conditions
Explain the components of a comprehensive developmental evaluation for ASD
Workshop 6
Supporting BIPOC Trainees/Learners: Strategies for Success in Graduate School, During Internship, and During Postdoctoral Fellowship
Leandra Prempeh, PsyD; Justin L. Williams, PhD; Abigail O. Akpobiyeri, MA; Kimberly Resendiz Chavez, MAT, BCBA; Gail N. Kemp, PhD, MPH; Meena Khowaja, PhD; Millicent Phinizy, MS, EdS
Saturday, April 26, 2025
9:00 am- 12:15 pm
CE Credits: 3
Workshop Level: Intermediate
PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:
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I am a third-year clinical psychology student at Mercer University in the College of Health Professions (Atlanta, GA). My research interests include mental health and wellness in elite athletes and the psychological impacts of living with SCD. I have strong interests in health psychology and psychotherapy, with hopes to blend these interests into my professional practice. I serve as the Chair-Elect for the Georgia Psychological Association for Graduate Students. A key initiative in this role includes forging more accessible mentoring relationships between graduate students in psychology and licensed psychologists across Georgia. I am currently a psychology extern at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, working in the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders department. My roles include consultation/liaison services, outpatient therapy, and outreach programming focused on SCD transition from pediatric to adult care.
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Kimberly (She/Her/Ella) is a third-year doctoral student in the School Psychology program. She graduated with her Master's degree in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum and Autism) in December 2021, earning her certifications as a BCBA and Special Education teacher. She also graduated from Berry College with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Biology in December 2019. Her broad research interests include disparities in autism diagnoses and service availability, particularly in families with a bilingual and/or Hispanic background. Kimberly has experience working in UGA’s Center for Autism and Behavioral Education Research (CABER) Academy and model classrooms and interning as a registered behavior technician. She is currently in her third year as a graduate fellow for the Center for Latino Achievement and Success in Education (CLASE), where she leads an outreach taskforce and focuses on disseminating resources for Latine students and families while sharing personal experiences as a Latine student in higher education. At present, Kimberly is completing a practicum placement at the Marcus Autism Center under the supervision of Dr. Meena Khowaja and CCC-SLP Kadie Ulven. In this role, she assists with bilingual (Spanish and English) and monolingual autism evaluations and early intervention services through Project ImPACT. After graduation, Kimberly hopes to work in a hospital or clinical setting, conducting ASD evaluations and providing either ABA or early intervention therapy. She also wishes to incorporate her passion for outreach into her professional work, continuing to spread knowledge about service availability and opportunities to underserved populations.
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I am a professor in the Department of Clinical Psychology at Mercer University and a licensed psychologist with extensive experience in clinical training, research, and teaching within the field of psychology. I also am the Director of the RESIST (Resiliency for Intergenerational/Historical Stress and Trauma) Lab. My research focuses on the cultural, contextual, and psychological factors influencing mental health, with a particular emphasis on Black families and communities. Over the years, I have facilitated numerous workshops and trainings on topics such as cultural diversity, anti-racism strategies, and mental health, including the application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to promote persistence in anti-racism efforts. I have also served as a consultant on anti-racism initiatives for various academic institutions. I am particularly well-suited to lead workshops on the experiences of BIPOC clinical psychology trainees, given my background as a clinical supervisor, mentor, and researcher focusing on the intersection of race, mental health, and systemic inequalities. My work has included initiatives to enhance ethnic minority recruitment and retention in psychology programs, supported by grants such as the APA CEMRRAT Grant for Ethnic Minority Recruitment, Retention, and Training. This funding supported the development of a mentoring program focused on HBCUs in Georgia. I also am a faculty sponsor for the diversity, equity, and inclusion student-interest group in our doctoral program at Mercer. In this workshop, I intend to draw on both my clinical, research, and teaching expertise to offer a comprehensive perspective on the unique challenges and opportunities that BIPOC trainees encounter in clinical psychology doctoral programs.
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Meena Khowaja, PhD (she/her/ella) is a clinical psychologist at the Marcus Autism Center/Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Emory University School of Medicine. In her current role, Dr. Khowaja’s conducts psychological testing services through the Clinical Assessments and Diagnostics Program and parent-mediated NDBIs through the Early Intervention/ Project ImPACT program. She strives to continuously learn about and provide neurodiversity-affirming care. Her clinical and research experiences have primarily centered around early detection and intervention of ASD, identifying barriers to accessing and utilizing autism-focused services for Latinx parents, developing clinical adaptations to parent training programs based on linguistic and cultural identities, and identification of sociodemographic barriers to the screening and identification of autism. Dr. Khowaja is dedicated to providing culturally responsive supervision with supervisees of diverse cultural, linguistic, and ability status backgrounds. She actively supervises psychology externs, interns, and postdocs and also serves as a mentor to psychology interns. Importantly, she is bilingual in Spanish and English and provides services in both languages; she is passionate about supervising bilingual trainees as the future generation of psychologists serving our ever-diversifying clinic population. Throughout her training and career, she has served in different capacities on diversity committees and various DEI initiatives, including developing and participating in trainee mentorship programs, efforts to recruit and retain trainees and providers of underrepresented backgrounds, improving cultural competence of faculty/supervisors by arranging DEI training initiatives, and creating more inclusive spaces based on individual learning and sensory needs.
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Millicent Phinizy is a certified school psychologist in Georgia, 5th year doctoral student at Mercer University, and immediate past chair of Georgia Psychological Association of Graduate Students. Through her LLC she serves as an advocate for families and consultant to elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educators regarding school-based mental health services. Her career has included supervision of school psychology trainees and upscaling of district level positive behavior intervention programs. Millicent is presently completing internship at Georgia State University Counseling Center. Present internship responsibilities include provision of health service psychology to GSU’s diverse population of emerging adults and supervising practicum students. Clinical and research interests include culturally relevant assessment, trauma-focused treatment, social justice advocacy, and the psychosocial sequelae of trauma, ACE’s, and chronic stress. She finds peace in her artwork, joy in time spent with her husband and friends, and excitement in the dance and soccer mom life.
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Dr. Leandra Prempeh is a postdoctoral resident in the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University’s School of Medicine. She is completing her residency in pediatric psychology at the Aflac Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA). She received a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Mercer University and a master's in Clinical Counseling Psychology at Brenau University. She received her BS in Psychology from Georgia State University. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Center for Advanced Pediatrics (CHOA) and the Marcus Autism Center.
Dr. Prempeh’s clinical experience ranges from working with individuals and families ages 0 - 65+. She has worked in inpatient, outpatient, community-based, and college settings. When working with pediatric populations, Dr. Prempeh emphasizes family-centered care to help foster well-being on a multisystem level. She has experience conducting neuropsychological, neurodevelopmental, psychoeducational, and cognitive assessments. She also has experience in individual psychotherapy, parent management training skills, psychosocial rehabilitation group therapy, and applied behavioral analysis-based intervention. Through mentorship and community outreach, Dr. Prempeh has a special interest in supporting Black and African adolescents and young adults to obtain personalized guidance and resources to help overcome barriers, build confidence, and achieve academic success in the transition to and navigation of higher education. Dr. Prempeh’s research interests focus on postpartum mothers' mental health, emphasizing how maternal well-being affects early childhood development. There is also a focus on developmental concerns in the pediatric population, including cognitive, emotional, and social growth, to identify interventions that support both maternal recovery and optimal child development outcomes. Dr. Prempeh is a member of American Psychological Association and the Black/African American Affinity Group in the Society of Pediatric Psychology.
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Justin L. Williams, PhD, joined Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as a pediatric psychologist in spring 2020. Dr. Williams received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Florida A&M University. She earned her master’s degree in clinical and community psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Dr. Williams earned her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Georgia State University and completed her predoctoral internship through the Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Given her interest in hematology and oncology, Dr. Williams completed her postdoctoral fellowship at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital where she worked with youth with sickle cell disease, cancer, and other hematological disorders; young adults with HIV; and completed psychological evaluations. Dr. Williams’s primary research and clinical interests in the field of pediatric psychology include healthcare transition for youth with sickle cell disease; advocacy and community collaborations; pediatric hematology and oncology; teaching; and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In the areas of supervision and mentorship, Dr. Williams clinical supervision to psychology practicum/externship students and postdoctoral psychology fellows. Additionally, Dr. Williams is working with pediatric psychology colleagues across the United States to help diversify the field of psychology.
Despite efforts to develop a diverse psychology workforce through initiatives aimed at recruitment, retention, and training, racial/ethnic minorities remain underrepresented in psychology (APA, 2022, 2023; Cheng et al., 2023). This workshop aims to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for BIPOC-identified graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, ultimately enhancing their success and well-being throughout their academic and professional careers. The presenters will identify anecdotal and systemic inequities faced by trainees at different levels of their academic and professional career journey, then guide participants through culturally responsive reflections and strategies aimed at offering practical support at the individual through institutional level.
Learning objectives:
At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:
Participants will identify two specific challenges faced by BIPOC-identified graduate students and postdoctoral fellows within psychology.
Participants will be able to list one practical strategy at the individual level to enhance culturally responsive, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive mentorship, sponsorship, and/or professional development with BIPOC-identified graduate students and postdoctoral fellows within psychology.
Participants will generate two institution-level action steps that could advance inclusive practices in their institutions, training programs, or professional practices.
Workshop 7
Risky Business: The Ethical, Legal, and Clinical Aspects of Violence Risk Assessment
Glenn J. Egan, PhD; Tomina J. Schwenke, PhD, ABPP
Saturday, April 26, 2025
2:15 pm- 5:30 pm
CE Credits: 3 ETHICS
Workshop Level: Intermediate
PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:
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Glenn J. Egan, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and a professor emeritus in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University’s School of Medicine. He specializes in forensic, personality, and neuropsychological assessment. Since 1990, he has done inpatient and outpatient assessment and treatment at Grady Hospital, at Emory Hospital, and at the Emory Clinic. In 2013, he was appointed as and consultant to the Emory Special Diagnostic Services. He has done research in mental illness at Grady and the Atlanta VA. He has been a member of Emory’s Psychiatry and Law Service since 1995 and started a postdoctoral program to train psychologists in forensics in 2011 after helping to start the Competency Restoration Program at the Fulton County Jail.
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Tomina J. Schwenke, PhD, ABPP, is a licensed and board-certified psychologist with a post-doctoral juris master’s degree from Emory School of Law. She is a nationally certified sign language interpreter (CI/CT), with a specialized certificate in mental health interpreting (QMHI). She is an Assistant Professor at the Emory School of Medicine. She served as the director of Emory’s jail-based Competency Restoration program and is the forensic psychology training director for the Emory Psychiatry and Law Service. She holds the clinical distinction of Senior Psychologist within the Emory Clinic where she provides therapy to a variety of patients including those who are D/deaf and hard-of-hearing.
Offenses such as school shootings, sexual assaults, and domestic violence are now frequently blamed on mental illness while the factors that support and encourage the violence are often ignored. Often the backgrounds of persons who have committed violence reveal histories of being underserved and vulnerable, of childhood abuse, and of therapists unskilled in violence assessment. Assessing people with violent ideation can be a risky business for psychologists. One wrong call can erase the memory of many right ones. This presentation will discuss the history and accuracy of violence risk assessment, the tests used, and the structure of the assessment report.
Learning objectives:
At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:
Indicate three APA ethics codes especially pertinent to a violence risk assessment. For example: Competence (Standard 2), Privacy and Confidentiality (Standard 4), and Assessment (Standard 9)
Identify three tests that were specifically designed for Violence Risk Assessment. For example: HCR-20, VRAG, PCL-R
Describe three elements that should be present in a Violence Risk Assessment report. For example: the sources of information, the current clinical functioning of the person, the history of and the circumstances related to the past offenses, observations about the person’s competence to exercise interrogation rights, description of and the results of the psychological tests administered, the evidence for and against future acts of violence.
Workshop 8
Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Care for Underserved Youth
Allison LoPilato, PhD; Nori Lim, PhD; Joya Hampton-Anderson, PhD
Saturday, April 26, 2025
2:15 pm- 5:30 pm
CE Credits: 3
Workshop Level: Introductory
PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:
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Allison LoPilato, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Emory Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences where she serves as the Associate Division Director of Child, Adolescent, and Young Adults Services and Co-Director of the Child & Adolescent Mood Program. She is a child and adolescent clinical psychologist who specializes in preventing and treating youth mood disorders and reducing suicide-risk. Dr. LoPilato translates research findings into practical solutions to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and accessibility of care for youth. Her recent work focuses on innovative integration of mental health support into schools in rural Georgia. Dr. LoPilato also leads a clinical research program investigating the factors contributing to youth mood disorders and developing targeted interventions. Her Research on Experiences, Affect, & Cognition in Teens (REACT) Laboratory has received funding from the National Institute of Health and foundations. As a clinical scientist committed to real world impact, she has authored numerous scientific papers on youth mental health disorders in peer-reviewed journals, practitioner-oriented guides, policy recommendations, and treatment manuals. She holds leadership positions in national mental health organizations and shares her expertise with several Georgia-based organizations including Children's Behavioral and Mental Health Program, Skyland Trail's Adolescent Residential Treatment Program, and Mercer's Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center.
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Noriel Lim, PhD is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine. He serves as the director of the Emory Child and Adolescent Mood Program (CAMP) doctoral psychology internship program. He specializes in evidence-based treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders in children, teens, and young adults. Dr. Noriel (Nori) Lim was born in the Philippines and raised in Los Angeles, California. He received his BA in Psychology and Anthropology from UC Berkeley, and his MA and PhD in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Lim completed a year-long internship training in the Clinical Child Psychology Track at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, before moving to Atlanta for a two-year fellowship at Emory’s Child and Adolescent Mood Program (CAMP). He joined the faculty at Emory University School of Medicine in 2013. Dr. Lim has been involved in several DEI efforts both within the psychiatry department (in teaching and training interns, residents, and fellows) and nationally. He has served on Emory’s Diversity Inclusion and Social Justice Committee (DISC) and has been a core training faculty for the APPIC-funded project that teaches faculty and trainees necessary skills to co-facilitate diversity dialogues and difficult conversations. Nationally, Dr. Lim has been actively engaged in the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA)—chairing the annual conventions in Toronto (2015) and Denver (2016) and subsequently serving on AAPA's board of directors (2017-2019). Most recently, he served as co-chair for AAPA Education and Training Council (ETC, a group responsible for developing and disseminating educational materials on Asian American/Pacific Islander mental health). Dr. Lim has also served as convention co-chair for the Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race (APA Division 45) in 2019 and is currently serving on the editorial board of the Asian American Journal of Psychology (AAJP). Finally, Dr. Lim has served on the APA Board of Convention Affairs (BCA, 2017-2021, 2022-2023), helping ensure that the speakers and programs at APA’s annual conventions represent all aspects of diversity.
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Joya Hampton-Anderson, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory School of Medicine. Dr. Hampton-Anderson received her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Vanderbilt University and her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Emory University. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Grady Memorial Hospital and Emory University School of Medicine. She specializes in treating youth of color experiencing chronic stress, adversity, and internalizing mood concerns. Clinically, Dr. Hampton-Anderson takes an integrative, empirically informed, culturally responsive approach to treatment in her work with youth and families. Dr. Hampton-Anderson also directs her clinical research program ENRICH (Enhancing Resilience Cultivating Health) which aims to understand the sociocultural determinants of health disparities and integrated health outcomes in youth and families, with a particular interest in childhood adversity and chronic stress. This community-based participatory, mixed methods lab focuses on risk and protective factors that influence mental and physical health diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment with a specific interest in culturally competent clinical practice and research. Dr. Hampton-Anderson has published several research papers and given numerous presentations on culturally responsive care and racial/ethnic minority mental health concerns. She enjoys connecting with communities about her work via writing and talks, with features in national and local media outlets. Her research lab has maintained foundation support as well as community connections to expand reach.
This workshop will explore essential considerations and effective strategies for delivering culturally responsive care to youth with diverse backgrounds pertaining to race, geography, and sexual orientation. Drawing upon the latest research and direct clinical experience, we will delve into the nuances of providing responsive care to these often marginalized populations. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by underserved youth, the limitations of current evidence-based approaches, and strategies to adapt these approaches for greater effectiveness. Through engaging case examples and role plays, participants will review real-world scenarios and gain practical tools for providing culturally-responsive care.
Learning objectives:
At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:
Identify the unique mental health needs of underserved youth.
Describe the limitations of current evidence-based approaches in meeting needs of diverse youth
Implement adaptations to current evidence-based strategies to enhance cultural responsiveness of care
Sunday, April 27 Workshops
Workshop 9
Psychologist, Heal Thyself: Being Well While Meeting the Needs of Others
Chanequa Walker-Barnes, PhD
Sunday, April 27, 2025
9:00 am- 12:15 pm
CE Credits: 3
Workshop Level: Introductory
PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:
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Chanequa Walker-Barnes is a womanist pastoral theologian, clinical psychologist, and ecumenical minister who serves as Professor of Practical Theology and Pastoral Care at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. She is the author of three books – Sacred Self Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves, I Bring the Voices of My People: A Womanist Vision for Racial Reconciliation, and Too Heavy a Yoke: Black Women and the Burden of Strength, as well as two dozen book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles in theology, clinical psychology, and child development.
This workshop explores how psychologists can support and maintain personal and professional wellness while meeting the mental health needs of others. Participants will discuss the meaning and determinants of wellness, and the ways in which the professional demands of psychologists can hinder or contribute to their health and well-being. Specific emphasis is placed upon the challenges of working with marginalized and vulnerable populations, and the concomitant risks of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious/secondary traumatization. A combination of self-assessments and experiential exercises will help participants develop a personalized wellness plan to support long-term resilience and wellbeing.
Learning objectives:
At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:
Explain the six dimensions of eudaimonic well-being and their impact upon the efficacy and ethics of psychologists' clinical work, teaching, and research.
Discuss psychologist well-being and self-care as self-management strategies that support ethical decision-making and conduct.
Describe the roles of emotional labor, sense of purpose, and self-care in psychologists' work and their impact on growth, burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious/secondary traumatization, particularly when working with marginalized and vulnerable populations.
Create a personalized wellness plan that incorporates physical, emotional, social, and professional self-care to promote long-term resilience.
Workshop 10
Impact of Moral Injury on Veteran Family Dynamics
Daniel L. Roberts, DM/IST; Kirby Wycoff, PsyD; Gareth Bohn, B.S.; Felicia Foleno, M.S.
Sunday, April 27, 2025
9:00 am- 12:15 pm
CE Credits: 3
Workshop Level: Introductory
PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:
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Dr. Daniel Roberts is the President and CEO of the Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that conducts world-class, women-centered education and research in spiritual leadership and spiritual support. Daniel has over 20 years of experience in providing emotional and spiritual support to men and women in the armed forces. He also provides training and mentorship to thousands of military, VA, and civilian chaplains through conferences, classroom instruction, and one-on-one coaching.
Dr. Roberts created the Comprehensive Female Soldier Support Model, a framework of spiritual care for women service members. Daniel currently leads two multi-organizational research projects on moral injury. One study is developing a general theory of moral injury in women veterans, and the other project is investigating moral injury in partners of military service members.
Dr. Roberts’ recent publications include Providing Chaplain Support to Morally Injured Servicewomen (Allons-y: Journal of Children, Peace, and Security), Male Chaplains and Female Soldiers: Are There Gender and Denominational Differences in Military Pastoral Care? (Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling), Providing Spiritual Leadership to Survivors of Violence Against Women (SAGE Business Cases), Combating Religiously Influenced Racism in Organizations (SAGE Business Cases), Modifying the Qualitative Delphi Technique to Develop the Female Soldier Support Model (The Qualitative Report), Women and Leadership: Using the Delphi Technique to Effect Organizational Change (SAGE Business Cases), and The Comprehensive Female Soldier Support Model: A Delphi Study (Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy).
Dr. Roberts holds a Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix, a M.S. in information systems from Strayer University, and a B.A. in management and ethics from John Wesley College.
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Dr. Kirby L. Wycoff is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist who serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling and Behavioral Health and Director of the Community and Trauma Counseling Program at Thomas Jefferson University . She is a leader in the mental health field and her work focuses on trauma, adversity, and policy within a public health framework. Dr. Wycoff authored the book, Trauma Informed Assessment and Intervention in School and Community Settings and she regularly publishes on psychology, public health and trauma in peer-reviewed academic journals.
Dr. Wycoff holds a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree from the American Psychological Association accredited Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University. She earned her Master of Education (MEd) in School Psychology from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology from Lehigh University. Dr. Wycoff earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine. During her public health training, she was awarded a LEAH Fellowship (Leadership Education in Adolescent and Young Adult Health) through the United States Health Resources and Services Administration. Dr. Wycoff served as a two year LEAH fellow at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Policy Lab, where she obtained advanced training in public health and health policy. Dr. Wycoff frequently serves as an invited member on community service, legislative and policy initiatives. She is co-chair of the National Association of School Psychology’s Trauma and Child Maltreatment Interest Group and she serves as the Co-chair of the Policy Committee for the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania. She is currently an Emerging Leader Fellow at the Pennsylvania Psychological Association.
Dr. Wycoff's recent authored or co-authored publications include Consultation with a Community-Based Organization Serving Urban Youth: A Case Study (Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research), Applying a MTSS Framework to Address Racism and Promote Mental Health for Racially and Ethnically Minoritized Youth (Psychology in the Schools), and Early Childhood Mental Health: The Role of the School-Based Mental Health Provider in Building Consultative Alliances across Diverse Populations ([Manuscript Under Revision] Department of Counseling and Behavioral Health, Thomas Jefferson University).
Military families experience many stressors, including frequent moves, the fear and worry that families feel when service members are deployed, frequent school changes for children, and the lack of attention that families sometimes get when it comes to medical and mental health care. Some service members come back from deployments with PTSD. This PTSD is often undiagnosed and untreated. Military spouses and families face a whole other range of traumas when the service member has PTSD. The results of these disturbances can result in moral injury for some family members. This presentation will help clinicians and counselors understand the family dynamics associated with moral injury, and how they can provide care to family members.
Learning objectives:
At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:
Explain the definition and key concepts of moral injury.
Describe how moral injury might affect individuals and family members.
Explain how support providers can offer effective care to family members with moral injury.
Workshop 11
Psychologists as Agents of Social Justice in the Courts
Adriana Flores, PhD; Ashlee Zito, PhD; Holly Kaufman, PhD
Sunday, April 27, 2025
2:15 pm- 5:30 pm
CE Credits: 3
Workshop Level: Intermediate
PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:
The three presenters are licensed (in GA), forensic psychologists with private practices focused on work with criminal defendants (e.g., insanity, competency to stand trial, dangerousness risk assessment, mitigation). Dr. Flores has extensive workshop presentation experience (e.g. at GPA, APA, Emory University School of Medicine, Federal Defenders Atlanta, Federal Defenders Middle District of Alabama, Alabama Capital Defenders, and nationally--e.g., presented three times at the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers conferences).
Psychologists play a critical role in social advocacy within the court system. Our work (e.g., evaluations of child abuse, child custody, insanity, or mitigation for sentencing purposes), educates the trier of fact (i.e., judge or jury) about issues impacting vulnerable, underserved individuals. Criminal system defendants, for example, are disproportionately persons of color, and/or disadvantaged or vulnerable (e.g., mental illness, cognitive deficits). Psychologists can make a difference in achieving more fair and equitable outcomes for underserved individuals in the criminal justice system. Presentation will focus on the role of psychology in social justice advocacy of criminal defendants.
Learning objectives:
At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:
Identify three mitigating factors in sentencing.
Explain the relationship between elevated adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and risk of criminality.
Explain the role of psychologists in educating trier of fact about issues that disproportionately impact underserved, disadvantaged defendants.
Workshop 12
Mind the (Access) Gap: Addressing Ableism in Psychological Practice
Katlin Schultz, PsyD; Anthea Gray, PsyD; Kristen Jackson, PhD, ABPP-RP
Sunday, April 27, 2025
2:15 pm- 5:30 pm
CE Credits: 3
Workshop Level: Introductory
PRESENTER QUALIFICATIONS:
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Katlin Schultz, PsyD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at The Ohio State University. She has been on faculty at OSU since 2021, and currently provides services through rehabilitation psychology outpatient, psychosocial oncology, and is the rehabilitation psychology lead for the interdisciplinary Post-COVID Recovery Clinic. She specializes in working with adults with chronic health conditions and disabilities, including spinal cord injury, chronic pain, cancer, as well as other injuries or medical events. Clinical areas of focus are on coping and adaptation to chronic health conditions and disability, multiculturalism and intersectionality within the therapy process, addressing ableism and healthcare disparities within the healthcare system, and working within multidisciplinary teams in order to support whole-health initiatives. Professional areas of focus are engaging on committees and service lines to increase DEI initiatives, addressing healthcare disparities, and cultivating sustainable changes towards equitable care.
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Anthea Gray is an Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University (OSU) in Columbus, OH. Dr. Gray holds an M.A. from Columbia University’s Teachers College and a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. She specializes in providing individual, couples, and sex therapy to people across the spectrum of disability, but most often works with individuals with brain injuries, cancer and chronic illnesses. She is also Co-Training Director of The OSU Postdoctoral Fellowship in Rehabilitation Psychology. Outside of her work in the field of psychology, she is most proud of her 11-years as an Advisory Board member (now resigned) of The Malaika Foundation, which built a school for girls and provided resources (e.g., water wells) for the communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her pups and birdwatching!
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Dr. Jackson is an Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University (OSU) in Columbus, OH. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Saint Louis University and completed a Rehabilitation Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Puget Sound VA in Seattle. Dr. Jackson works in both acute inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings, currently serving as the attending psychologist for the inpatient spinal cord injury service. Her previous experience includes roles in acute care settings such as ICU and burn injury, as well as oncology and general rehabilitation. She served as the president of APA’s Rehabilitation Psychology Division from 2023-2024 and is a member of the Executive Board of the American Board of Professional Psychology. In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and sculling.
Ableism negatively impacts the lives, health, and emotional well-being for many people with disabilities (PWD). Psychologists are susceptible to ableist biases that impact our professional roles and the lives of our disabled clients. Unquestioned ableism can contribute to internalized ableism for PWD and to inequitable healthcare practices. Due to the multiple forms and layers of ableism, support and guidance in identifying and addressing forms of ableism in psychological practice is warranted, both on the individual/client level and the systemic level. This workshop will focus on benefits of utilizing a selfassessment of ableism in clinical practice, identify and address internalized ableism within clinical practice, and identify various methods to decrease disability healthcare disparities in the workplace.
Learning objectives:
At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:
Utilize a self-assessment of ableism in clinical practice
Identify and address internalized ableism within clinical practice
Identify methods to decrease disability healthcare disparities in the workplace