february 24, 2024
Empowering Tomorrow: Unveiling Strategies for Building Resilient Futures
Join us for an inspiring and informative symposium focused on building mental resilience in individuals and communities. This event, brought to you by NW Resiliency Project, promises to be an engaging and enlightening experience.
speakers
Master of Ceremonies - Katie Kelley
Katie C. Kelley is mom to two Lakeridge Middle School student athletes. Her professional background as a licensed psychotherapist turned executive coach and her love of her local community brings her to NW Resiliency Project. Ms. Kelley currently serves as the Vice President of Client Partnerships at bluSPARC, a boutique executive coaching and assessment firm based out of Washington D.C. Katie's particular experience serving as a campaign director for 50/50 Women on Boards, a published author of the book "Career Courage" (Harper Collins, 2016) and a regular television contributor on AM Northwest will enrich our project in unique and multi-faceted ways. Katie also serves on the board of the National Charity League's Lake Oswego Chapter as Vice President of Education and Communications.
Carrie Kosderka-Farrell - Expert Panel
Carrie is a unique blend of a mental health counselor and softball coach with a lifelong passion for coaching. Starting in high school and continuing after her playing career at the University of Utah, she became the head softball coach at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon. In her 13 seasons, she transformed the team from a 6-23 record to a third-place finish at the National Championships in 2015.
Alongside coaching, she earned a Master’s degree in Counseling and recognized the need for mental health support in athletics. As the Assistant Athletic Director of Student Welfare and Development, she prioritized the well-being of athletes and developed leadership programs to foster positive cultures.
Transitioning from college coaching to therapy in 2017, she founded her practice focusing on kids, teens, and young adults, particularly athletes. Passionate about mental health in sports, she consults with college and high school coaches worldwide, emphasizing the importance of mental wellness and self-improvement in today's evolving sports landscape.
Ebony Clarke - Oregon Health Authority
Ebony Clarke, Oregon Health Authority’s behavioral health director, boasts over 25 years of experience in administration, management, and clinical work across public and non-profit behavioral health sectors. Her focus lies in equity, community, and lived experience.
Previously, she held leadership roles at Multnomah County for 12 years, including Health Department Director and Behavioral Health Director.
At Lifeworks NW, she served as Service Director of Child and Family Services. Notable achievements include spearheading Multnomah County's COVID-19 response, establishing the Behavioral Health Resource Center, and serving on various boards and committees including the Oregon Board of Social Workers.
Ebony is committed to creating a consumer-focused, responsive, and inclusive system of care in Oregon. She holds an MSW from Portland State University and a BA from the University of Oregon. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons.
Heather M. Goodwin, MA,HHP - Expert Panel
Heather, founder and director of Heights of Health's Therapy Services, is a seasoned expert with over 25 years in education, behavior, and holistic health. Holding a Master's degree in Education, she blends mindfulness, behaviorally-based, and multi-disciplinary approaches to address the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and psychological well-being. As a sought-after national speaker and specialist, Heather has a proven track record in empowering clients to manifest transformative goals. Co-founder of TriVibrance and creator of Present Time Kids, Heather's certifications span evidence-based modalities for stress reduction, mindfulness, meditation, EFT, energy work, and more. Based in the Pacific Northwest, she continues her mission to empower children and families locally and virtually through Heights of Health.
Pam Pearce- Expert Panel
Pam Pearce, a dedicated Oregonian and recovery advocate with 28 years of personal recovery, is a Certified Recovery Mentor and Prevention Specialist. As the Executive Director of Community Living Above (CLA), a non-profit coalition, she leads efforts to prevent substance use among youth through education, resources, and community collaboration.
CLA, awarded the 2022 CDC/Drug-Free Communities Grant, focuses on promoting mental health resilience and wellness, modifying social norms, and providing positive alternatives to substance use. Pam's commitment to prevention is reflected in her involvement in various boards and national groups. In 2019, she co-founded groundbreaking projects, including Oregon's first Recovery High School, Harmony Academy, and a youth recovery program. Pam shares her recovery journey passionately, emphasizing the importance of prevention education as the ultimate solution.
Tara Rolstad- Expert Panel
Tara specializes in breaking open conversations about mental health, fostering understanding, and equipping communities and organizations with practical tools to support individuals and families facing mental health challenges. In a world where mental health struggles are on the rise, effective support is crucial for employees, team members, and community members, and that's where Tara comes in.
With over a decade of experience, Tara has dedicated her career to transforming cultures by blending expertise, authenticity, and humor. She has been a speaker, author, advocate, and the founder of the impactful conference experience, Shattering Stigma with Stories, which touched the lives of over 1200 people. Her unique approach stems not only from professional expertise but from personal experience as a parent and foster parent, making this journey deeply personal to her family.
Whether addressing school communities, businesses, faith-based organizations, medical professionals, mental health workers, or general audiences, she brings a direct, funny, and passionate style that ensures a memorable and impactful experience. Tara is known for being refreshingly candid and unafraid to tackle important topics head-on.
Walter Bailey- Dynamic Athlete Solutions
Walter Bailey is the Founder and CEO of Dynamic Athlete Solutions.
After winning two Rosebowls and a tie for a third, Walter found himself in freefall from the top of his football career, crash landing into homelessness and unmanaged addictions. After conquering all the mental health challenges that led him to his rock bottom, Walter has made it his life’s purpose to help athletes and their support networks find the resources to navigate the many barriers they face managing mental wellness.
Plus More!
Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear from these distinguished speakers and gain valuable insights into raising mentally resilient children. Seating is limited, act today to secure your seat!
Together, we can empower our communities to address mental health challenges and foster a supportive environment for thriving in academics, sports, and life.
Join us on February 24, 2024 as we work towards creating a stigma-free environment where individuals embrace mental health challenges.