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Opening Keynote (8:00 AM – 9:30 AM)

Keri Jones-Fonnesbeck, LCSW

 

Presentation Title: Beyond Self Care: Reinforcing Resilience

Keri Jones-Fonnesbeck is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has dedicated her career to creating trauma-informed, equitable systems for individuals, families and communities. She has worked with cancer survivors, youth from war-torn areas around the world, child and adult victims and survivors of domestic violence, and within hospital social work. Keri has spent over 20 years with the YWCA, both locally and nationally, in deep focus on the mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. She now serves as the Vice President of Member Services for YWCA USA, supporting a team that offers technical assistance to almost 200 organizations across the US. Additionally, she works with organizations in implementation of trauma-informed principles and is most proud of her work in supporting systems that promote resilience for staff and clients alike. Keri has served on the Salt Lake City Human Rights Commission; she was honored in 2014 as a “Rising Star: 40 under 40” by Utah Business Magazine, and in 2016, she was given the “ACE: Advocacy, Collaboration and Education” award from the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition. She lives, loves, and plays in Utah with her husband, Mitch, and two children, Hollis and Grace.


Breakout Session #1 Speakers (9:45 AM – 10:45 AM)

Steve Vigil, LCSW

Presentation Title: Intersectionality: Awareness of Bias, Transference and Countertransference in Treatment

Steven Vigil is the Director of Field Education for the Baccalaureate program of Social Work and Gerontology at Weber State University. He has been working for Weber State University for 18 years teaching coursework in child and family welfare policy, ethics, diagnosing and assessment of mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and personality disorders. He manages senior level students during their practicum rotations as they engage in the art and craft of social work. Steven also works part-time for Intermountain Health Care. He currently engages patients in therapeutic practice at Mckay-Dee Institute of Behavioral Medicine where he provides individual therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. He lectures several times a year on diversity, inclusion, and the intersectionality of his life and the dilemma of inequality. He sits on the Board of Directors for Your Community Connection in Ogden, Utah which is Northern Utah’s domestic violence shelter and transitional housing program. He is originally from Colorado and received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brigham Young University and later received his master’s degree from the University of Utah in clinical social
work.


Brian Williams, CSW

 

Presentation Title: Salt Lake City Police Department Crisis Intervention Team

Brian Williams is a Clinical Crisis Worker for the Salt Lake City Police Department. He has a Bachelors and Master’s degree in social work. Brian has worked in many fields of social work including; residential treatment, housing SPMI clients, Child Welfare, Medical Social Work and Crisis Work. Currently Brian works side by side with the Police department providing a social worker lens, being able to provide resources for individuals and using clinical skills to help individuals that are experiencing different forms of crisis. Brian is skilled in BBQ, loves camping and fishing, and loves spending time with his family.

 

 

 


Storie Stinger, LCSW

Presentation Title: The Complex Trauma Toolbox

As our clients are showing up more complex, we need a toolbox to better help address those needs.

Storie Stinger is the Lead Therapist for the Purple Sky Counseling, Farmington Office, where she leads a dynamic team of trauma specialty therapists. With 10 years of practice in several areas of mental health she has found her niche in treating complex trauma cases.

Storie holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from BYU and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Weber State University.  She is trained in EMDR, Othmer Method Neurofeedback, Deep Brain Reprocessing and practices what she would call “Reality Therapy”.

Storie loves learning everything she can about trauma and the therapies that are helping people overcome it.  She is always looking for the next cool tool to try in therapy and is constantly reading several books on trauma and treatment.  She specializes in treating clients who want to dream big again, dig deep and are not afraid to finally face their demons and take them down.

In her spare time Storie loves being outside in the sun dirt biking, mountain biking, hiking, hanging out by the pool and enjoying the mountains. She has earned her purple stripe belt in karate, loves a good competition, and truly believes that dogs are way better than cats.


Claudia Kite, Associate Shelter Director of Safe Harbor

Presentation Title: The Fight Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault

Claudia is the current associate shelter director of Safe Harbor Crisis Center.  She has been in the Social Work field a little over 8 years.  She also works as a substance abuse counselor at a medically assisted treatment (MAT) clinic.  She received a bachelors degree in Child and Family Studies with a minor in Psychology.  She is currently a Social Service Worker and plans to pursue a Masters degree in Social Work in the future.  She is passionate about client centered care with an emphasis in supporting those who have experienced issues with substance abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault.

 


Donna Rahimi, CMHC, SSW

Presentation Title: How to improve your relationship with others and how to handle difficult people

With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in General Counseling from the University of Utah as well as being a Certified Mental health Counselor (CMHC). Donna has dedicated 25 years to Valley Behavioral Health, currently serving at Salt Lake County Aging. Passionate about helping others. Donna is committed to making a positive impact in the community and plans to continue this mission indifinitely.

 

 

 


Breakout Session #2 Speakers (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Same as above breakout session presenters except for Donna Rahimi


Emmie Gardner, LCSW and Rylee Kiernan, MEd

 

Presentation Title: “Shared Decision Making”

Emmie is a long time member, past president, and active board member of the Utah Social Work Association.  She is a passionate leader in the community with a demonstrated history of working in non profit health and mental health care and social services agencies. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Team Building, Public Speaking, Healthcare Information Technology (HIT), and Management. Strong community and social services professional with a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Univ. of Utah and a graduate certification in mediation and conflict resolution as well.  She is the current CEO of Holy Cross Ministries

 

 

 

 

Rylee Kiernan is a PhD student at the University of Idaho.  She is a Special Education Teacher in her hometown of Ogden, Utah.  Rylee loves to spend time reading, listening to live music and being outside with her husband and dogs.  She is passionate about equity in education and ensuring quality education for individuals with disabilities.

 


Keynote Speaker #2 (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM) 

Olivia Jaramillo, Director of Public Outreach & Training, Equality Utah

 

Presentation Title: “Forward Together: Understanding the Differences that Unite Us.”

Olivia is a Social Psychology Researcher and Strategic Leadership Consultant. She is currently Director for Public Outreach and Training at Equality Utah. She was born and raised in Mexico. She’s a retired United States Air Force Veteran, where she served on tours to Iraq, Europe, and humanitarian missions into Africa. In 2016 she was one of the first individuals nationwide to legally change her name and gender marker while still serving on Active Duty. She has worked in furthering DEI and Common Ground Initiatives for several companies and organizations including Goldman Sachs, Recursion, VIVINT, Qualtrics, Dominion Energy, Zions Bank, and Adobe. She is a Commissioner on the Salt Lake City Human Rights Commission, a member of the YWCA’s Public Policy Committee, and was a political candidate in 2020. She was awarded the 2023 Utah’s 40 over 40 women making an impact award, and currently lives in Salt Lake City with her son Oliver.

 

 


Keynote Speaker #3 (2:15 PM – 3:45 PM)  – 1.5 Ethics CEU

Elizabeth Corn, LCSW

Presentation Title: “Upholding Social Work Ethics: Advocacy, Inclusivity, and Competent Care for Transgender and Gender Diverse Communities”

Elizabeth Garrity Corn is a licensed clinical social worker with experience in both hospital Behavioral Health Units and private practice. She earned her BSW from Weber State University and her Master of Social Work with a focus on LGBTQ+ studies from Louisiana State University. Elizabeth is known for her dedication to empowering individuals and creating inclusive environments. She is a member of WPATH, LGBTQ Therapists Guild of Utah, and has achieved her Transgender Treatment Certification from the State of Utah.

Before her current role, Elizabeth was an entrepreneur, training facilitator, life coach, and public speaker. She has worked with non-profits, executives, and private citizens across various sectors. Her work exemplifies a deep-rooted commitment to fostering change, building connections, and delivering tangible results.
Elizabeth is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and mental health awareness. She describes herself as feisty, compassionate, bold, gentle, and a touch irreverent. In her personal time, she enjoys reading, writing, crocheting, fishing, and attempting to be a good sport during board games with family and friends.


Keynote Speaker #4 (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM)

Matthew Quackenbush, LCSW

Presentation Title: “Beyond the Trauma: Unraveling PTSD and Promoting Change in the First Responder Community”

Matt has been a leading advocate for mental health for nearly two decades. With over 500 hours of public speaking, he is known for his captivating presence and thought-provoking ideas. Currently, Matt is on a national speaking tour with Deer Hollow Recovery and 1st Watch Wellness, educating First Responders, Veterans, and their families about stress, trauma, and PTSD. His training program highlights the latest best practices for addressing mental health issues in these communities.

As the host of the critically acclaimed Finding Strength Podcast, Matt delves into mental health, resilience, and personal growth, providing valuable insights to thousands of listeners. He is also a Certified Mind-Body Bridging Therapist, specializing in evidence-based trauma treatments such as EMDR, IFS, CPT, Psychodrama, and mindfulness techniques.

Matt’s dedication and expertise have earned him respect within the mental health community. He was recently honored with the “Outstanding Leadership Award” at the Health 2.0 International Healthcare Conference for his innovative work. His dynamic speaking style and commitment to promoting healing and resilience continue to inspire and empower many.