PROFESSIONAL EVENTS

AT THE 58TH

GRAND

COUNCIL CONVENTION

August 1-5th, 2017

Naples Grande Beach Resort

Naples, Florida

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CONTINUING EDUCATION (5 HOURS TOTAL)

Continuing Education Session I – Autism: Focusing on the Pharmacist’s Role

Objectives: 1) Identify appropriate indications for pharmacotherapy for a patient with autism 2) Develop dosing plans for common medications used for conditions associated with

autism 3) Counsel families on potential adverse effects from medication regimens

Speaker: Jennifer Donaldson, PharmD, BCPPS

Dr. Jennifer Donaldson is a clinical specialist at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis, IN. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Butler University and completed a Pediatric Pharmacy Practice Residency at United/Children’s Hospital of St. Paul, MN. Dr. Donaldson precepts PGY1 pharmacy residents from Indiana University Health and PGY2 pediatric specialty residents from Riley Hospital for Children. She also precepts pharmacy students from Butler and Purdue Universities. Dr. Donaldson’s practice area is with the inpatient child development (complex care), neurology, and neurosurgery services. Areas of clinical interest include refractory epilepsy, ketogenic diet, and cerebral palsy. Dr. Donaldson has also worked with several groups optimizing the electronic medical record for patient safety and CPOE.

Continuing Education Session II – Hazmat Overview (Part 1 BLHS Certification – see attached flyer)

Objectives:

1) Explain the difference between primary and secondary contamination 2) Describe the importance of water solubility in decontamination 3) List components of the "Poisoning Treatment Paradigm"

Speaker: Dana Roman, PharmD

Dr. Dana Roman was initiated into Kappa Psi as member of the Beta Kappa chapter and received her PharmD from the University of Pittsburgh in 2010. She completed a PGY1 residency at Cleveland Clinic Akron General and has several years of experience as a hospital pharmacist. Dana is currently a clinical toxicology fellow at the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center; she has been trained as both a provider and instructor in Advanced Hazmat Life Support (AHLS).

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Continuing Education Session III – Hazmat Toxidromes & Antidotes Part 1 (Part 2 BLHS Certification)

Objectives: 1) Describe the differences between slightly, intermediate, and highly water-soluble irritant

gases 2) Identify the treatment for each type of systemic asphyxiant

Speaker: Dana Roman, PharmD (see previous session for bio)

Continuing Education Session IV - Hazmat Toxidromes & Antidotes Part 2 (Part 3 BLHS Certification)

Objectives:

1) List the signs and symptoms of the cholinergic toxidrome 2) Describe the difference between a chemical burn caused by an acid or a base.

3) Discuss treatment for a hydrofluoric acid burn

Speaker: Dana Roman, PharmD (see previous session for bio)

Continuing Education Session V – Super Bugs – How to Treat the Worst of the Worst Infectious Pathogens Objectives:

1) Discuss the importance of appropriate antibiotic use to prevent multi-drug resistant pathogens

2) To understand appropriate treatment regimens for KPC, CRE, EBSL, etc 3) To identify the coverage spectrum of newer antibiotic agents which can be utilized for

multi-drug resistant pathogens

Speaker: Vicky Shah, PharmD, BCPS Dr. Vicky Shah is currently an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy at Wilkes University, Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. Dr. Shah’s area of practice is Internal Medicine and he maintains a clinical practice at the Wilkes-Barre Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He has completed a PGY-1 resident at Suburban Hospital – Johns Hopkins Medicine after graduating from Howard University College of Pharmacy in 2014. Vicky has had an active role on many levels within Kappa Psi including Chair of the National Pledging Committee, Satrap for Mountain East Province, multiple positions within the District of Columbia Graduate chapter as well as serving as Grand Council Deputy for Delta Kappa and Delta Omicron.

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OFFICER DEVELOPMENT FORUMS (1 HOUR)

Province Affairs – Grand Regent Latha Radhakrishnan Target Audience: Province Satraps, by RSVP Only Objectives:

1) Address concerns provinces are having and determine ways the International EC can assist

2) Discuss potential avenues for continued growth at the province level

Meeting Planning – Grand Vice-Regent Robert Mancini & Supervisor of Province Affairs Chris Miller

Target Audience: Province Vice-Satraps & Province Planning Chairs, by RSVP Only

Objectives: 1) Review the common issues Chapters face when planning a province meeting 2) Discuss how provinces can incorporate new ideas into their meetings 3) Evaluate the budget process for province meetings to assist in registration setting goals

Legislative Issues & Management of Chapter Challenges – Grand Counselor Askew Target Audience: Chapter & Province Parliamentarians and Legislative Chairs

Objectives: 1) Discuss obligations of members and the differences between legislation and policy

requirements 2) Review the process for disciplinary proceedings of members 3) Share ideas for incorporating education of membership requirements and legislation

review into the pledge education process

Historical Archiving – Grand Historian Melissa Buchanan & Editor of the Mask Cameron Van Dyke

Target Audience: Chapter & Province Historians or Newsletter Editors

Objectives: 1) Recognize the importance of proactive historical archiving 2) Develop skills to research and document historical events 3) The Mask (Discuss the role of The Mask in the Fraternity's history) 4) Identify ways to transition old documents into new technology

Reconnecting with our Rituals – Grand Ritualist Jason Milton Target Audience: Chapter & Province Chaplains and Ritualists

Objectives: 1) Re-introduce our Rituals and provide explanations for their use 2) To cover the historical basis of our most common Rituals and address frequently

overlooked aspects

3) Address common concerns and barriers to performance of Rituals

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Grad Chapters: Retention and other Fun Stuff – Graduate Member-at-Large Michael Starvaggi

Target Audience: Graduate Chapter Regents & Graduate Chapter Members

Objectives: 1) Discuss ways chapters recruit graduates 2) Discuss what chapters do to retain graduates to stay active 3) Discuss what chapters do to include all Brothers, even those that were not

initiated in the collegiate chapter in their area 4) Discuss ways chapters get their brothers to pay not only the dues to the grad

chapter but also voluntary dues 5) Discuss what things chapters, that are not affiliated with a collegiate chapter, do

as a chapter

Collegiate Conversations: A Panel Discussion – Collegiate Member-at-Large Karen Hoang

Target Audience: Collegiate Chapter Regents & Collegiate Chapter Members

Objectives: 1) Learn more about chapter operations and activities of the panelists' chapters

2) Discuss challenges experienced by your chapter and develop approaches to your chapter's challenges

Chapter Operations – Executive Director Johnny Porter Target Audience: Grand Council Deputies

Objectives: 1) Review essential Chapter operations and communication with the Central Office

2) Discuss the most common issues GCDs & the Central office face in updating and maintaining Chapter operations

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WORKSHOPS (3 HOURS TOTAL)

Workshop Session I, Track A – Networking: Making a Lasting Impression

Objectives: 1) Discuss how networking can be achieved in different settings 2) Discuss how to effectively manage time in networking situations 3) Create social media profiles that are effective networking tools

Speakers: Thomas Roduta, PharmD & Erin Chartier, PharmD Dr. Thomas Roduta completed his Bachelor of Arts in Music at the University of Texas in Austin and then went to obtain his Doctor of Pharmacy at Texas Southern University in Houston, TX. He is currently pursuing a PGY1/PGY2 Pharmacy Administration Residency at Memorial Hermann Health System and a Master’s in Pharmacy Leadership and Administration at the University of Houston (The Houston Program). He is a proud brother of the Delta Theta Chapter, where he served as the chapter’s Scholarship Chair, Historian, and Vice Regent. He has also served in the Southwest Province Executive Board as the Secretary, Vice Satrap, and Satrap. He has participated in numerous conferences during his collegiate and professional career, which provides a great perspective on professional networking. Also, because he serves as the Webmaster of The Houston Program, he can provide unique insight in how to effectively use social networks as a networking tool. Dr. Erin Chartier is currently working as a retail pharmacist for Walgreen's Boots Alliance in Houston, TX. She has spent the last year as Regent of the Houston Graduate Chapter, and was the Southwest Province Secretary from Spring 2016 to Spring 2017. She attended Cypress Creek High School where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She then went on to complete her undergraduate coursework at the University of Houston before entering into their College of Pharmacy program. During her time at UHCOP she was part of several organizations including Kappa Psi, SNPhA, SSHP, APhA, and Phi Lambda Sigma. She also held various leadership positions in Kappa Psi, SNPhA, and the college. She has made a point to attend a multitude of conferences and other professional development events where she has had the ability to refine her networking skills.

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Workshop Session I, Track B – The Art of Successful Negotiations

Objectives: 1) Understand the basic tenets of proper negotiation principles for creating

constructive agreements 2) Go beyond positional bargaining and personalities and focus on mutual

interested and successful outcomes 3) Explain potential methods for handling aggressive negotiations and other

conflict situations

Speaker: Brian Reisetter, PhD Dr. Brian Reisetter is the President and sole proprietor of Reisetter Health Services, Inc., a consulting company helping clients regarding various topics within the marketing of pharmaceuticals and biologics. He is a former partner at Medical Marketing Economics (MME), LLC, a company which he and his partners founded in 2001. As a partner at MME from 2001 to 2016, Brian consulted for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries in the areas of pricing, reimbursement, and market access. Brian has a B.S. in Pharmacy and an M.B.A., both from Drake University in Des Moines, IA. He also received his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Marketing from the University of Mississippi in 2001. Prior to founding MME, Brian was a Director of Pharmacy at Chicago Lakeshore Hospital, a Sales Representative for Eli Lilly, and a practicing pharmacist within both inpatient and outpatient retail settings. Brian currently holds appointments as Adjunct Faculty at the University of Mississippi and at Drake University in Des Moines, IA. He is currently published in the areas of pharmacy communications, retail pharmacy profitability, physician price awareness, and pharmaceutical pricing. Brian is also one of the co-authors of a 2009 book entitled, “The Strategic Pricing of Pharmaceuticals.” Brian is a 1980 initiate of Kappa Psi’s Beta Chi Chapter at Drake University in Des Moines, IA. He has served as Regent of Beta Chi, Historian and Satrap of Province VIII, Grand Ritualist, Grand Counselor, Grand Vice Regent, and was our Grand Regent from 1999-2001. Brian is the current Chairman of the Advisory Committee of Past Grand Regents, and he is a member of the Board of Directors for the Kappa Psi Foundation, Inc., where he serves as the Foundation’s Treasurer.

Workshop Session I, Track C – Utilizing Social Media to Your Advantage

Objectives: 1) Review best practice methods for setting up social media profiles 2) Discuss how best to utilize social media for personal and professional

engagement and developing connections 3) Outline methods for utilizing social media for advertising or business opportunities

Speaker: Albert Arguelles – Vice President, iPartnerMedia An individual’s character is the ultimate compliment to one’s reputation, and Albert’s is spectacular! Motivation, Loyalty, Persistence and Integrity are at the top of his resume of personal traits, and his reputation among his clients, peers, family and friends is second to none.

iPartnerMedia’s Vice President is a family man and committed to helping others succeed while enjoying life. He served as a US Army Paratrooper before bringing his expertise to iPartnerMedia.

Albert’s years of client consultation and his natural ability to envision creative and unique direction that aligns with small business objectives has proven to be an invaluable resource to our clients and team.

“My passion for developing creative solutions that assist in small business growth is one of the many reasons I look forward to working with you!”

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Workshop Session II, Track A/B – The Financial Side of Pharmacy

Objectives: 1) Financial education – to educate on the most recent strategies as they relate

to savings, asset protection, cash flow, retirement, investments, debt reduction and tax minimization

2) Financial organization – to help gain a better understanding of a personal overall financial picture along with the various ripple effects that financial decision can have now and in the future.

Speakers: Peter Bourg & Blake Miller - Financial Advisors, Ashford Advisors

Blake Miller received his Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from Georgia

Southern University in 2014. He is a member of the Atlanta Chapter of National

Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). “My mission is to help

extraordinary people reach their full financial potential. I help young medical

professionals, young athletes, and aspiring entrepreneurs make great financial decisions

by coaching them through a better understanding of the impacts of their financial decision

making.” Blake does this through educating his clients on their financial decision-making,

helping them see how those decisions impact one another, and implementing financial

strategies that allow his clients to have control of their financial lives in order to achieve

both short and long-term success. While attending school at Georgia Southern, Blake

was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, where he served as the Financial Board

Chair. Blake played Club Baseball at Georgia Southern, and he volunteered his time

coaching youth baseball and basketball.

Peter Bourg received his Bachelor of Science in Management from Georgia Institute of

Technology and a Master’s of Science in Sports Management from Georgia State

University. He is a member of the Atlanta Chapter of National Association of Insurance

and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and a Licensed Registered Representative and Financial

Advisor with Park Avenue Securities, LLC (PAS). He entered the financial services

industry because it allowed him to do two of the things he enjoys most: helping people

and studying finance. In 2008, he joined the Ashford Advisors family, knowing he could

do something he loves while impacting the lives of his clients.

Peter was named one of NAIFA-Atlanta’s Top Advisors Under 40, received the Ashford

Advisors Life Lives Award in 2010 and their New Associate George S. Murdock Award for

Life Premium. His comprehensive approach is evidenced by his thorough research and

analysis of each clients’ complete financial landscape. With this broad, deep

understanding, Peter seeks opportunities to help build and protect wealth, while helping

to minimize taxes and expenses. He manages the moving parts of this broad financial

picture to help create a conservative yet fluid environment for each of his clients.

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Workshop Session II, Track C – Leadership 101

Objectives: 1) Identify the qualities of a leader 2) Compare and contrast the various paths to leadership positions 3) Understand what is needed to be a successful leader

Speaker: Lawrence Brown, PharmD, PhD, FAPhA Dr. Lawrence “LB” Brown, is Associate Dean of Student Affairs, and Professor of Pharmacoeconomics and Health Policy at Chapman University School of Pharmacy. He completed his Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of the Pacific and his Ph.D. in Social and Administrative Pharmacy at the University of Minnesota. However, he began his career in pharmacy as a U.S. Air Force Pharmacy Technician from 1985 to 1991. His main research interests are: Economic and Clinical Outcomes of Pharmacists-Provided Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Services, and the Role of Pharmacists in the US and other Countries. Dr. Brown has a rich history of experience in the Medication Therapy Management arena, and has a National and International reputation as an MTM expert. He has over 40 International presentations on MTM and over 80 presentations throughout the United States. Also, for the past 12 years he has been assisting community pharmacists in Hungary to implement MTM in community pharmacies. Additionally, Dr. Brown served on the planning committee and as a moderator for the 2005 AHRQ MTMS Expert Meeting, and on the planning committee and as speaker for UT’s 2006 International Symposium on Medication Therapy Management, and served as an expert for the Future of MTM forum in Minneapolis. He has served as co-chair of the Reporting Subgroup, and co-chair of the Quality Metrics Subgroup for the Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA). And his is a former APhA-ASP Chapter President, former Speaker of the House for APhA-ASP and APhA, former Grand Regent and Graduate Member-at-Large of Kappa Psi, and former President of the American Pharmacists Association.

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Workshop Session III, Track A – It Starts NOW: Positioning Yourself for Residency or Dream Job

Objectives: 1) Recognize strategies and tools to help identify a preferred career path after

graduation from pharmacy school 2) Create an “experience plan” that positions students to be versatile,

marketable, and poised for future success 3) Describe and model strategies that differentiate students during the

application and interview process

Speakers: Adam Gregg, PharmD, BCPS & Christyn Mullen-Lee, PharmD, BCACP Dr. Adam Gregg, is the Program Manager for Pharmacy Continuing Professional Development for Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, Wisconsin. His responsibilities include serving as program director for the PGY1 pharmacy residency, overseeing on-site experiential education for students from four affiliated colleges of pharmacy, and coordinating the internship program within the department. In addition to his administrative role, he serves as faculty and clinical pharmacist in the Gundersen Family Medicine Residency Clinic. Adam received the Larry Boh Clinical Instructor Excellence Award from the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy in 2014, and was recognized as non-faculty Preceptor of the Year by Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 2013. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 1999, and completed post-graduate residency training in primary care pharmacy practice at the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy in 2000. Adam was initiated into the Beta Chi chapter in December 1993, and has served the fraternity in many capacities on the chapter, province, and national level, including as Province VIII Satrap from 2001 to 2003. Dr. Christyn Mullen-Lee graduated from Baylor University in 2008 with her bachelors of Science degree in Biology. She then went on to get her PharmD degree from Howard University College of Pharmacy in 2012. It was during her time at Howard University that she became a member of our great Fraternity and pledged into the Delta Kappa Chapter of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc in spring 2009. Upon graduation, Dr. Mullen-Lee joined the DC Graduate Chapter and remains an active member to this day. For residency training, Dr. Mullen-Lee moved back to Dallas, TX and completed both her PGY1 pharmacy residency and her PGY2 ambulatory care residency at the VA North Texas Healthcare System in affiliation with Texas Tech School of Pharmacy. She is currently and Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist and is also the Residency Director for the PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program. Dr. Mullen-Lee also served as a founding Brother for the DFW Graduate Chapter of Kappa Psi and throughout her tenure in our Fraternity has held numerous officer positions; some of which include chapter Regent (collegiate and graduate), Vice-Regent (collegiate and graduate), province Secretary, province Satrap, Assistant Supervisor for the Mid-America Province and Grand Council Deputy to the Zeta Lambda Chapter at UNT College of Pharmacy. Dr. Mullen-Lee has also actively participated in national committees such as the Ritual Committee, Graduate Development Committee and has been the Chair of the National Pledging Committee.

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Workshop Session III, Track B – GCD Training

Objectives: 1) Review the roles and responsibilities of being a Grand Council Deputy (GCD)

of Kappa Psi 2) Discuss common practices and concerns with other GCDs 3) Develop ideas to help foster being a successful GCD

Speakers: Deanna McDanel, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP & Sarah Kuntz, PharmD, BCPS Dr. Deanna McDanel is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Ambulatory Care at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) and a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. She also serves as the Residency Program Director of the PGY2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Residency at UIHC and Coordinator of the PGY1 Pharmacy Residency with a focus in Ambulatory Care. Dr. McDanel received her PharmD degree from the University of Iowa in 2001 and completed an ASHP-Accredited Specialized Residency in Primary Care at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in 2002. She has been a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist since 2004 and a Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist since 2012. She has served as a preceptor to hundreds of student pharmacists and over 50 pharmacy residents in the ambulatory care clinics at UIHC since 2002. Her primary practice sites include the Anticoagulation, Drug Allergy and Allergy/Immunology Clinics. Dr. McDanel strives to advance her practice through service, scholarly work, and professional presentations. Dr. McDanel has been the Grand Council Deputy (GCD) since 2003 for the University of Iowa Delta Zeta Chapter of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc. She was initiated into Kappa Psi in 1996 as a Collegiate Brother of Delta Zeta and during her membership she served both as Historian and Regent for the Chapter. After graduating in 2001, she continues to be an active Graduate Brother, attending to date 31 home province meetings and 7 Grand Council Conventions. She also has served as the Province VIII Historian (2005-2007) and the Iowa Graduate Chapter Vice-Regent (2005-2007, 2009-2011) and Historian (2007-2009, 2011 to present). She has been a member of the GCD Development Committee since 2005, as was appointed as the Co-Chair of this committee in 2007 and continues in this position at present. Also, she was awarded the Grand Council Deputy Outstanding Achievement Award in 2006 and GCD Certificates of Excellence in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2016. She also maintains active membership within a number of other pharmacy organizations and serves in leadership positions at collegiate, institutional and professional organization levels.

Dr. Sarah Kuntz is a clinical oncology pharmacist at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. Sarah received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Purdue University in 2014 and completed a PGY1 pharmacy practice residency at Mercy Hospital. Sarah is currently a preceptor for student pharmacists completing introductory and advanced pharmacy practice rotations through UMKC School of Pharmacy and residents completing a pharmacy practice residency with Mercy Hospital. Sarah is a 2010 initiate of Pi Chapter where she served as pledge class president, professional projects chair, GCC Delegate, and Vice Regent. Sarah has served at the province level as Mid-America Province Secretary and Satrap. She has had the opportunity to witness the growth of Zeta Mu chapter since their chartering in June 2015 and currently serves as Co-GCD. She has also been able to serve the Fraternity on the History Committee and Fraternity Governance Task Force. She is excited to be attending her third Grand Council Convention and looks forward to an amazing week with her Kappa Psi family.

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Workshop Session III, Track C – Recruitment Bootcamp: Identifying Future Leaders of Kappa Psi

Objectives: 1) Identify the purpose of rush and why it is important to us 2) Learn effective ways of selecting ideal Brothers 3) Aide in updating your rush process 4) Develop strategies for your chapter to be “on the same page” about rush

Speakers: Kelsie Connolly, PharmD (Moderator), Timmy Do, PharmD, Chuma Duru Jr, PharmD, & Joshua Leggette

Dr. Kelsie Connolly is a 2010 initiate of Gamma Delta Chapter of Kappa Psi. She graduated

with her PharmD in 2016 from Ohio Northern University. During her time as a collegiate

brother she served as the chapter secretary and pledge educator. She offers a unique

perspective to the rush and pledge process with 6 years of experience in the Fraternity, both

due to the 0-6 year pharmacy program at Ohio Northern. Following graduation Kelsie

accepted a staff pharmacist position with Walgreens and moved to Louisiana.

Dr. Timmy Do is currently an Emergency Medicine Clinical/Staff pharmacist at Florida

Hospital East Orlando. He is an initiate of Epsilon Mu and has served our Fraternity on a

number of capacities; his experiences include: Historian and Regent of Epsilon Mu,

Newsletter Editor, Historian, Vice-Satrap, and Satrap of the Southeast Province. He currently

serves as Regent of Orlando Grad, and chair of the Southeast Province Advisory Committee.

During his collegiate years, he collaborated with his Chapter to formalize their rush events in

order to attract like-minded individuals, adding structure, and purpose to the process.

Additionally, as a graduate, Brother Do developed Province wide workshops to help SEP

Chapters be more efficient and effective during rush. He hopes to share with you all these

experiences and insight at the 58th GCC rush workshop!

Dr. Chuma Duru Jr (CJ) is currently a Pharmacy Manager for Rite Aid Pharmacy in San

Diego, California. He has been a very active brother of Kappa Psi since Spring of 2012 where

he pledged into The Flashy Delta Theta Chapter on the campus of Texas Southern University.

Since then, he's participated, coordinated, and witnessed many intake processes. From 2012-

2013, he served as both Vice Regent and Pledge Trainer for the Delta Theta Chapter. The

following year, 2013-2014, he served as Regent of the Delta Theta Chapter and Vice Satrap

of the Southwest Province. Following that, from 2014-2015, he served as Pledge Master for

the Delta Theta Chapter and Satrap of the Southwest Province. He is also a member of other

organizations including that of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. where he pledged the Tau

Epsilon Chapter in Spring 2008 at Texas Southern University.

Joshua Leggette is a 3rd year pharmacy student at Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia

where he was initiated into the Gamma Psi Chapter. Joshua obtained his Bachelors of

Science in chemistry at Tougaloo College. The college was seated in Jackson, Mississippi,

where he was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in Fall 2010. As President, his

primary concern was the development of my brothers and the recruitment of future brothers.

He made it a point for the members of the chapter to be leaders in the community and not just

on campus. He personally observed the difference in being the Gamma Psi Chaplain and

Atlantic Province Chaplain. He has always wanted to touch people and inspire them to

become better leaders even when they can’t see it.

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PLENARY SESSION (1.5 HOURS)

Understanding Suicide: A Lived Story of Sudden Loss & the Search for “Normal”

Presentation Content 1) A personal journey through sudden loss 2) The realities of mental illness, including depression (how it impacts the family as well

as the patient) and the stigmas associated with it 3) Some suicide warning signs 4) Tips for the bereaved (sadness, guilt, setting health boundaries and staying

grounded, etc) 5) Tips for first-responders 6) Meditation and healing 7) Resources (some at no cost) 8) An advocacy platform: ways we can keep our community safer and welcoming for

those living with mental illness as well as those who are not. This includes specifics about medications (prescription drugs, self-medicating, and addiction/substance abuse), HIPPA health privacy legislation that prevents families from helping adult family members (and recommended work-arounds), marijuana legislation, and gun safety for those dealing with crisis.

Speakers: Deena Baxter, MBA

Deena Baxter is a published author, wellness advocate and strategic

management consultant with more than 30 years of experience in finance,

program management and communications. She earned her B.S. and M.B.A.

from Boston University. Her business articles and humor columns have been

published by Scripps News Service/Journal Media Group, Working Woman, Inc.

magazine, PsychologyToday.com, HuffingtonPost.com, Florida

Weekly and BetterAfter50.com.

In September 2014, she launched The Surviving Suicide & Sudden Loss

Project in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of

Collier County, FL, after losing her youngest adult son to suicide. The project

includes a book, a creative arts website, www.WriteOnMyMind.com, with a

mission to promote life-affirming mental wellness, and mental health advocacy

and outreach. The book is titled, SURVIVING SUICIDE - Searching for “Normal”

with Heartache and Humor: All profit from book sales flows to NAMI of Collier

County, FL. The book received a Mascot Books 2014 Outstanding Author Award

for Non-Fiction. The American Foundation for Suicide

Prevention (AFSP) endorsed the book and has listed it on their website as a

resource for survivors. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Inc.

(TAPS) has also endorsed her book and will be including it in their Survivors

Packets for military families and posting it on their website Book List. She lives

and works in Southwest Florida.

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