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NOTE: Per the forthcoming BHEC rules, continuing education that was previously identified as “cultural competency” is now labeled “human populations.” The breadth and scope of the topics remain unchanged.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

100. Artificial Intelligence in Social Work: Ethical and Risk Management Challenges. Dr. Frederic G. Reamer. Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent in social work to assess clients and provide them with information and resources; record clinical notes; identify systemic biases in the delivery of social services; provide social work education and clinical supervision; and predict social worker burnout and service outcomes, among other uses. This presentation will examine cutting-edge ethical and risk-management issues related to social workers’ use of AI related to informed consent and client autonomy; privacy and confidentiality; transparency; potential client misdiagnosis; client abandonment; client surveillance; plagiarism, dishonesty, fraud, and misrepresentation; algorithmic bias and unfairness; and use of evidence-based AI tools. (Ethics)

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

101. Conference Welcome + Presentation, Rising Tides Lift Hopes: Investing in the Future Through Social Work. NASW-TX Executive Director, Will Francis, LMSW. As Texas and the United States face threats from decreased funding for social services, increased attacks on historically oppressed populations, and a shrinking freedom to express and study equitable ideas, it is imperative that we advocate for the growth of social work. The values that underlie our profession are the seeds of democracy, and this session will provide an overview of why investing in social work is investing in a healthy future for all. This session is sponsored by Baylor University, Diana R. Garland School of Social Work.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

102. Opening Keynote: Reflections on the Texas Legislature and Social Work from Inside the Capitol. Texas House Representative Mary E. Gonzalez. This conversation with Rep. Mary Gonzalez (San Elizario) aims to create awareness regarding policy opportunities and threats for social work, the future political landscape, and how to strategize for change for ourselves and the communities we serve. Participants will gain a better understanding of how recent legislation impacts social work, explore macro issues across the country impacting social work, and learn how to ethically engage in advocacy.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

103. Building Community Capacity to Prevent Fentanyl Poisonings in Youth. Kelly Clary, PhD, MSW; Anastasia Gumatay, MSW Student. Accidental fentanyl poisonings underscore the urgent need for targeted prevention efforts. This session shares education, practice, and research strategies from the Fentanyl Education Support Training Awareness (FESTA) program, designed to prevent substance misuse among adolescents and sustain community capacity for prevention.

104. The Chameleon Effect: Adapting Suicide Prevention Frameworks for Complex Systems. Johanna Zollmann, LCSW. Discover how a military social worker built a lasting suicide prevention framework for a widely dispersed organization. Build competencies to adapt policies, foster collaboration, and use data to drive sustainable change. (Human Populations, formerly "Cultural Competency")

105. Behind the Claims Curtain: Demystifying Insurance Denials, Recoupments & Credentialing. Dr. Kenshara Cravens-Knoxson, LMSW, CCM. Join us to acquire practical tools to navigate insurance hurdles with confidence. Attendees will learn how to prevent denials, manage recoupments, and streamline credentialing processes—turning administrative stress into strategic strength. Ideal for providers ready to take control of their reimbursement outcomes.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

107. Working with Mixed-Status Families: Providing Culturally Responsive & Trauma-Informed Services. Monica Romo, LCSW-S. You don’t want to miss this training designed to provide social workers working with mixed-status families with the tools and knowledge to provide culturally responsive and trauma-informed services. It will provide an understanding of the unique challenges and resilience factors that impact immigrant families, specifically those with mixed immigration statuses. This session will delve into the psychological, social, and legal implications for families navigating a complex and often precarious immigration system. (Human Populations, formerly "Cultural Competency")

108. Mindfulness in Clinical Social Work Supervision - Strategies and Practices. Amy Dell Carr, LCSW. Attendees will gain knowledge and experience in offering mindful practices in clinical social work settings, as well as the value of a personal self-care practice routine, specifically within clinical supervision, with special attention given to clinical supervision documentation. (Supervision)

109. Tools for Ethical Practice: Using TBRI to Navigate Dilemmas with Confidence. Dr. Angeliqueca Avery, LPC. Gain practical tools to apply Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBI) as a clinical framework to enhance ethical decision-making, strengthen therapeutic engagement, and promote practitioner well-being and resilience within high-demand environments. (Ethics)

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

111. BHEC & Social Work Board Update & Discussion: Access to Care vs Public Protection. Sarah Faszholz, MBA. Get the latest updates on new rules and processes from the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) and Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (SW Board.) Attendees will obtain knowledge on how to locate relevant laws and rules; identify common application errors, rule violations, and missed public comments, and understand BHEC/SW Board processes for applications, appeals, complaints, and rulemaking. Time for questions and answers will be allotted.

112. Neurobiology Meets the 12 Steps: Enhancing Ethical Practice and Cultural Awareness in Recovery. Arlene Montgomery, MSSW, PhD, LCSW-S; Irek Banaczyk, LCDC, LCSW. Each of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) will be examined for possible neurobiological underpinnings. Participants will learn how to link cultural and/or ethical elements to related treatment concepts for self-regulation. (Ethics, Human Populations, formerly "Cultural Competency")

113. Parenting for Equity: Generational Healing as a Legacy of Wealth and Resilience. Nina Linda Ramos, LMSW. This session explores conscious and decolonized parenting, highlighting their role in fostering child development, intergenerational healing, and equity by reconnecting with ancestral traditions and challenging colonial influences in caregiving. (Human Populations, formerly "Cultural Competency")

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

115. Documentary Film, Arise Firebird. Arise Firebird celebrates the strength and empowerment of women and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) professionals in the workplace. It sheds light on the experiences of professional women of color who face challenges such as sexism and racism, and how they overcome these obstacles to find joy and strength in their professional lives. It aims to raise awareness about these issues and inspire both individuals and leaders to create more inclusive and supportive workplace. NOTE: This film is only available to view during this scheduled timeframe. Unlike the other conference sessions, it will not be available on-demand through November 14, 2025. (Human Populations, formerly "Cultural Competency")

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

200. Supporting LGBTQ+ Texans Amidst Rising Challenges—A Social Work Imperative. Brad Pritchett. The LGBTQ+ community in Texas faces relentless legislative attacks and rising discrimination. Social workers have the power to confront these challenges and offer real strategies for trauma-informed care, advocacy, and allyship to ensure every Texan is seen, supported, and celebrated, even in the toughest climates. Together, we can build bridges. (Human Populations, formerly "Cultural Competency")

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

201. Conference Morning Remarks + presentation, Rebel With A Cause: Cultivating Connection in Competitive Spaces. Mike Gianotti, LMSW-IPR, ACSW; Elizabeth Westbrook, LCSW, NPT-C. With humor, heart, and honesty, Elizabeth Westbrook challenges social workers to rethink professionalism. This energizing webinar reframes lived experience and identity as strengths, not setbacks. Walk away empowered to lead boldly, practice authentically, and stop apologizing for being “too much” or “not enough.” Perfect for those ready to disrupt the norm.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

202. Supervision Recalibrated: Ethical Application of Recent BHEC Changes. Libby Kay, MSSW, LCSW-S, ACSW; Linda Openshaw, DSW, LCSW-S, ACSW. Stay current on Texas supervision rules. This session covers recent updates to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) Rule 781.404 and outlines proper documentation practices to ensure compliance. Designed for social work supervisors navigating an evolving licensure landscape. (Supervision)

203. Advocating for Neurodiversity: Promoting Inclusion in Social Work Practice. Dr. Marya Wright, LCSW. This workshop provides social workers with an overview of neurodiversity and how to advocate for neurodivergent individuals within various systems. Participants will explore the intersectionality of neurodiversity with race, gender, and other identities. Through practical strategies, they will learn how to create more inclusive, equitable, and supportive environments for neurodivergent clients in practice, workplaces, and communities. The session will emphasize the role of social workers in advancing social justice for neurodivergent populations. (Human Populations, formerly "Cultural Competency")

204. The Biopsychosocial-Digital Model: Enhancing Clinical Insights in a Digitally Connected World. Alexis Speck Glennon, DSW, LCSW-R, LICSW. The Biopsychosocial-Digital (BPSD) model expands traditional assessment by integrating digital factors. Join us to explore its foundations and applications, equipping social workers to address digital influences in clinical and macro practice. (Ethics)

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

206. Policy, Practice & Progress: Legislative Outcomes from the 89th Texas Legislative Session. NASW-TX Government Relations Director, Bryan Mares, MSW. Receive an in-depth overview of key legislative developments from the 89th Texas Legislative Session that directly impact the social work profession and the communities it serves. Attendees will learn about new laws related to workforce development, licensure, education support, and social services delivery. The presentation will also explore the broader policy trends shaping social work practice in Texas and offer insights into how professionals can engage in effective advocacy moving forward.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

207. Hidden in Plain Sight: Addressing Human Trafficking in Rural Communities. Shanta Scott, MSW, DSW Candidate. Human trafficking is often concealed within rural Texas, going unnoticed. This workshop examines unique strategies to overcome obstacles and gain practical tools and best practices for effective intervention and support. (Human Populations, formerly "Cultural Competency")

208. Identifying Dominant Aggressors with TXADA: A Tool for Intimate Partner Violence Intervention. Lauri Jensen-Campbell, PhD. Learn about the development of the TXADA tool to identify the dominant aggressor in intimate partner violence cases. This session informs social workers about how the TXADA uses trauma-informed strategies to assess power dynamics, coercive control, and key factors for accurate identification, improving safety and intervention outcomes.

209. In-Between Lands: Ethical and Culturally Responsive Mental Health Care for Arabic-Speaking and Muslim Clients. Einas Alabd, LMSW; Mikayla Jacob, LCSW-S, LISW. Explore ethical, trauma-informed care for Arabic-speaking and Muslim immigrant and second-generation clients navigating identity, belonging, and cultural tensions. This session blends lived experience and clinical insight to help social workers build trust, honor resilience, and hold compassionate space. (Ethics, Human Populations, formerly "Cultural Competency")

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

211. The Trauma of Boys:  Helping Boys Heal from Complex Trauma. Adam McCormick, PhD, MSW. Gain an understanding of how trauma and masculinity intersect to shape boys' emotional responses, coping mechanisms, and barriers to healing, offering trauma-informed strategies to help boys reconnect with authenticity, vulnerability, and emotional resilience. (Human Populations, formerly "Cultural Competency")

212. Understanding Loss: A Social Work Approach to Grief Support. Tami Micsky, DSW, LSW, MSSA, CT. This workshop will educate participants about grief reactions to a broad spectrum of loss experiences. Participants will understand and use modern theories of grief to create interventions for individuals, families, or groups.

213. Collaborative Whole-Person Care through Medical-Legal Partnership. Keegan Warren, JD, LLM. Through case study, participants will evaluate two peer-reviewed social work-focused advocacy tools: the medical-legal partnership socio-ecological model and the NAM Integrating Social Work into the Delivery of Healthcare report.

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

215. Putting the Family Pieces Back Together -Overview of Sexual Behavior Treatment. Tonya Shankle, LCSW-S, LSOTP. In this presentation, we will discuss the sexual behavior treatment process, family reunification, and community reintegration, as well as the risk and protective factors identified during treatment. Additionally, we will explore safety planning around these identified risks.  The goal of treating adolescents with sexual behavior problems is to address and change the harmful thought patterns that lead to offending behavior, while also facilitating the reunification of the family.  The clarification and reunification processes are essential components of an adolescent's treatment program, helping the family understand how and why the situation occurred, and guiding them on the path of healing and recovery.

216. Bridging the Gap: School Social Workers of Color & Racial Disparities in Discipline. Dr. Blanca Sanchez McGee, LCSW-S; Jasmine Gaines, LCSW. Discover ways school social workers of color can address racial disparities in discipline through advocacy, restorative practices, and policy reform, aligning with the NASW Code of Ethics and Standards for School Social Work Practice. (Ethics, Human Populations, formerly "Cultural Competency")

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2025

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

301. Closing Keynote, Ethics and Boundaries: Practicing Self-Care in an Era of Moral Distress. Sheng Lee Yang, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C. In today's complex and demanding human services landscape, social workers often find themselves navigating ethical dilemmas and encountering situations that can lead to moral distress. This training is designed to equip social workers with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to address these ethical challenges while prioritizing their own well-being. Guidance on maintaining healthy boundaries in client interactions, organizational dynamics, and professional relationships will be shared. Participants will also learn how to navigate ethical dilemmas with integrity and compassion, while safeguarding their own mental health. This session is sponsored by Texas A&M University-Central Texas, Department of Social Work. (Ethics)

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

303. Lost in Translation: Honoring Culture in Advance Care Planning. Jennifer Barton, LCSW. Learn how to navigate cultural differences in decision-making by contrasting Western healthcare with collective decision-making models. You will gain tools to support inclusive, value-aligned advance care planning that honors patients’ end-of-life goals and deepens your cultural humility and effectiveness. (Human Populations, formerly "Cultural Competency")

304. Next-Gen Supervision: Tech Tools for Ethical Mentorship and Communications in Virtual Settings. Stephanie Washington, EdD, LCSW-S. Reimagine supervision with technology! This session equips social work and field education supervisors with ethical, innovative strategies to enhance mentorship, communication, and reflection in virtual and hybrid settings, supporting emerging professionals effectively. (Supervision, Ethics)

305. Staying Safe in Social Work: A Guide to Personal and Professional Security. Kiva Harper, LCSW-S. This workshop will aid social workers in the development of essential safety strategies, risk assessment skills, and advocacy tools to prevent workplace violence, enhance personal security, and promote safer organizational policies using recent research and best practices.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

307. Building Futures: How Education and Housing Unlock Opportunities. Marina Dewberry, LMSW. Enhance your understanding of youth homelessness, implement effective interventions, and develop cultural competency skills to support diverse, at-risk youth populations in housing insecurity. (Human Populations, formerly "Cultural Competency")

308. Developing Your Leadership Skills! Empowering Social Workers for Success. Sandi Morse, LCSW. Utilize the NASW Code of Ethics to foster essential leadership skills including strategic thinking, team management, and organizational awareness to prepare yourself to drive innovation, improve patient care, and lead effectively in complex health systems.

309. Enhancing Student Athlete Mental Wellness: Social Work Strategies & Ethics. Katisha Chaney, LMSW, LCDC-I. Don't miss this in-depth exploration of the mental health challenges of student athletes, emphasizing evidence-based interventions, ethical considerations, and social work strategies to enhance resilience, performance, and overall well-being in academic and athletic environments. (Ethics)

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (In-person event in Dallas)

The NASW After Party: A Mystical Magical Night. Hosted by the North Central Texas - Dallas Area Branch. This enchanted evening of connection and celebration will feature artists, healers, and professionals sharing their unique magic under the stars. Lofty Spaces, 816 Montgomery Street, Dallas, TX. More info.

BONUS ON-DEMAND SESSIONS

VL1. 2025 Stacie McGee Student Scholar Award Presentations. Stacie McGee, LMSW-IPR; Obi Onyegesi, LMSW, LCDC; Laura Aguilera; Alberto Martinez. Watch the 2025 Stacie McGee Student Scholar Award Recipients—Alberto Martinez, IV (BSW), Laura Aguilera (MSW), and Obi Onyegesi, LMSW, LCDC (PhD)—share the powerful ideas that earned them top honors in this on-demand session. From Martinez’s Critical Theory Analysis: Conflict Theory (Critical Analysis) to Aguilera’s Community Advocacy Project (Reflective Essay) and Onyegesi’s EcoSocial Theory: A Multilevel Approach to Health Disparities in Black Communities (Theoretical Paper), you’ll gain fresh perspectives and inspiring insights from the next generation of social work leaders. Facilitated by Stacie McGee, LMSW-IPR.

VL2. Interview with Arise Firebird Director. Join Dr. Lindsey Pollock in conversation with producer Jimi Okubanjo on Arise Firebird, the acclaimed documentary exposing workplace trauma for women of color.

VL3. Texas Natural Disasters and EcoSocial Work. Shannon Thomas, LCSW-S; Mohit Prodhan; Dr. Simeiqi He; Dr. Sudershan Pasupuleti; Yvette Lopez. Explore EcoSocial Work and its relevance in Texas as climate instability and natural disasters affect safety, health, and well-being. Learn the connections between social justice, environmental change, and marginalized populations, and gain advocacy strategies to help communities build resilience and navigate environmental crises.

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