Program and Conference Materials

Conference materials is typically added approximately a week ahead of time.

2024 Annual Services for Teens at Risk (STAR) Suicide Prevention Conference

Friday, May 10, 2024

Keynotes

Keynote: The Clock is TikToking: The Urgent Need to Understand Social Media and Teen Suicide Risk
Presented by:
Jessica L. Hamilton, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University
PowerPoint presentation (pages 1-15) (pages 16-31)
Presentation form

Keynote: How Individuals in Crisis Process Information:  Implications for Educators
Presented by:
Mary Margaret Kerr, EdD
Professor of Health and Human Development, University of Pittsburgh
PowerPoint presentation

Skill Development Workshops
12:45-2:00 PM

A. Workshop Title:  Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in On-line Spaces
Presented by: 
Candice Biernesser, PhD, LCSW
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh
César G. Escobar-Viera, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh
PowerPoint presentation
Presentation form

B. Workshop Title:  How to Find the Best Resources on School Safety Quickly:  A Guided Tour for School Crisis Teams
Presented by: 
Audrey Bowser, Doctoral Candidate 
University of Pittsburgh
PowerPoint presentation
Presentation form

C. Workshop Title: Fidelity with Flexibility: Facilitating Effective and Engaging Group Therapy for Adolescents and Young Adults
Presented by:
Dominique Dove, MS, LPC
Research Principal, STAR-Center
Mackenzie Osborn, MSCP
Behavioral Health Therapist I, STAR-Center
PowerPoint presentation
Presentation form

D. Workshop Title: School-Based Behavioral Threat Assessment and Suicide Screening: Missteps and Solutions
Presented by:
Melissa M. Nelson, EdD
K12 School Safety and Security Subject Matter Expert
Southwestern PA Threat Assessment Hub
RSM: Risk and Strategic Management Corporation
Presentation form

E. Workshop Title: “Livin’ la Vida Loca?"
Presented by:
Claudia Melendez Ardiles, LPC, NBCC
Behavioral Therapist, Children’s Community Pediatrics- Wexford
PowerPoint presentation
Presentation form

F. Workshop Title: Case Study in the Treatment of Trauma and Suicidality
Presented by:
Teri Pentz, LPC, IMH-E®
Supervisor, Behavioral Health Training, Child and Adolescent Trauma Services
UPMC Western Behavioral Health
Rachel Ludwig, LCSW
Behavioral Health Therapist III, Child and Adolescent Trauma Services
UPMC Western Behavioral Health
PowerPoint presentation
Presentation form

Skill Development Workshops
2:15-3:30 PM

G. Workshop Title: Engaging Hard-to-Reach Parents and Guardians Through Effective Communications
Presented by:
Mary Margaret Kerr, EdD
Professor of Health and Human Development, University of Pittsburgh
PowerPoint presentation
Presentation form

H. Workshop Title: Adolescent and Young Adult Substance Use Disorders, Serious Mental Illness, and Suicide Risk
Presented by:
Duncan B. Clark, MD, PhD
Professor of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
PowerPoint presentation
Presentation form

I. Workshop Title: “You Don’t Snooze, You Lose!” Tools for Adolescent Sleep Health
Presented by: 
Kelsey Bero, LPC, NCC
Behavioral Health Therapist III, STAR-Center
Karla Joyce, LCSW
Research Operations Coordinator, STAR-Center Research
PowerPoint presentation
Presentation form

J. Workshop Title: Preventing Targeted Violence: Evolving Threats and Evolving Solutions- CANCELLED 
Presented by:
Eric R. Patterson, MAPP
Special Agent, Threat Management Coordinator, FBI
FBI- Philadelphia Field Office 
Adjunct Professor, Penn State University
Melissa M. Nelson, EdD
K12 School Safety and Security Subject Matter Expert
Southwestern PA Threat Assessment Hub
RSM: Risk and Strategic Management Corporation

K. Workshop Title: Parent Peer Support
Presented by:
Maria Silva
Chief Operating Officer, Allegheny Health Network
PowerPoint presentation
Presentation form

2024 TiPS Behavioral Health and Pediatric Primary Care Conference – Autism and Developmental Disorders in Focus

Friday, April 26, 2024

Keynotes

Keynote I: Improving Patient Care through Patient and Parent Experience (Schlesinger) and Finding Joy in the Secret World of Autism (Swenson)
Presented by:
Abigail Schlesinger, MD
Kate Swenson, GS I-II
PowerPoint presentation
Presentation form

Keynote II: Emotion Dysregulation in Autism: Why it Matters and What We are Doing About It
Presented by:
Carla Mazefsky, PhD
PowerPoint presentation
Presentation form

Breakout Sessions

Options for Autism Assessment
Presented by:
Holly Gastgeb, PhD
Susan Van Cleve, DNP, CRNP, PMHS, FAANP, FAAN
PowerPoint presentation
Presentation form

Mindfulness "Here and Now": Suggestions for Practicing Mindfulness Together with Autistic People
Presented by:
Kelly Beck, PhD
PowerPoint presentation
Presentation form

After the Autism Diagnosis: Professional Recommendations for Treatment and Barriers to Accessing Services
Presented by:
Stephanie Fox, PhD
Emily O'Conly
PowerPoint presentation
Presentation form

Medical Decision-Making and Transition Age Youth: A Panel Discussion
Panel members:
Shelly Kucherer, MD (moderator)
Christine Brookins
Kristen Ann Ehrenberger, MD, PhD
Shannon Fazio
Tomar Pierson-Brown, JD, LLM
PowerPoint presentation
Presentation form

Assessment and Behavioral Management of Common Pediatric Sleep Problems
Presented by:
Deepa Burman, MD, FAASM
Lucy Lubinski, PsyD, GS IV
PowerPoint presentation
Presentation form

Navigating the Educational System: Professional and Family Perspectives
Presented by:
Erin Kelly
Melissa M. Nelson, EdD
Tarin Santamaria, PsyD, NCSP
Presentation form

Real Life Experiences: Parent Perspectives on the Day of Diagnosis and Beyond
Presented by:
Molly Carter, PsyD
Charlene Filsaime
Jessie Northrup, PhD
Noelle Sirrs
Angela Starosta
PowerPoint presentation
Presentation form

Management of Irritability and Aggression in Primary Care Setting: Clinical and Family Perspectives
Presented by:
Joe Pierri, MD
Mark Wallace
Victoria Winkeller, MD
PowerPoint presentation
Presentation form