CARE Conference

In this interactive session, parents and educators will explore actionable strategies for preventing teen substance use and supporting mental health. Using real-life scenarios and personal stories, the presenters will bring the issues to life, equipping participants with practical tools to create supportive environments for teens. Participants will:

Allison Tobon is a dedicated Community Coordinator at notMYkid, bringing over eight years of experience in the nonprofit sector to her role. With a bachelor’s degree in behavioral health and a master’s in psychology, Allison is deeply committed to supporting youth and families as they navigate challenges and build resilience. Since joining notMYkid in 2022, Allison has found immense joy in connecting with youth and parents during breakthrough moments. She loves working with teens because of their openness, honesty, and unique perspectives of the world.

Julio Saran is the dynamic Program Manager at notMYkid, bringing 15 years of expertise in working with youth to his role. Beyond his professional roles, Julio has also contributed to the arts by creating multiple dance festivals for the greater Arizona community. Since joining notMYkid in 2022, Julio has found immense purpose in his work, driven by the feedback he receives from both parents and youth. He values the importance of teamwork and community, a lesson he wishes he had understood earlier in life: asking for help and working together often leads to the most meaningful outcomes.

Our nervous systems are constantly interacting with the people and experiences around us as we are wired for connection. When we better understand the impact of these interactions and gain tools to support our self-regulation, we enhance our ability to support youth in powerful ways. Through this workshop, participants will explore co-regulation, define the five indicators of co-regulation, and discuss strategies for enhancing co-regulation with youth to help build a more resilient community. Participants will better understand how their presence and interactions with youth impact youths’ mental health and developing minds. Participants will:

Maddy Little is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about creating a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, to increase acceptance of their authentic selves. She specializes in working with youth, young adults, and parents, and explores experiences with anxiety, trauma, depression, neurodiversity, self-injury/suicidality, and interpersonal relationships. Maddy Little, LPC, received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Colorado Christian University and received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She is clinically trained in EMDR therapy, DBT, TF-CBT, and SMART Recovery.

You may be a mandated reporter, but could you consider yourself a mandated supporter, too? In this session, we’ll discuss how we can protect children from adversity by connecting families to what they need. The strategies and techniques explored are rooted in the Strengthening Families™ Protective Factors Framework, an approach that recognizes when families have access to the supports needed to deal with life’s stressors, children thrive. Participants will:

Claire Louge is the Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Arizona, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to protecting children by strengthening families. Claire received her Bachelor’s from Cornell University and her Masters of Education from Northern Arizona University. Claire is a part of Together for Arizona, a collective impact initiative advancing child wellbeing, and serves on Arizona’s Thriving Families Safer Children initiative, which focuses on addressing racial disparities for African Americans in the child protection system. She also serves on the Governor’s Commission on Child Safety and Family Empowerment. Claire co-authored Flourishing Families, an activity-based curriculum designed for professionals to teach families to build protective factors in their lives. She is a Flinn Brown Fellow, a graduate of the American Express Nonprofit Leadership Academy, a Leading for Change Fellow, and an AmeriCorps VISTA alum. In her volunteer time, Claire organizes theatrical role play adventure events for teens in partnership with youth-serving organizations. She is a mom of a two-year-old daughter named Kira, a Scrabble enthusiast, and loves shopping at thrift stores.

Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the changemakers of today. But too often, programs and services are designed for youth rather than with them, leading to disengagement and missed opportunities. This interactive workshop will challenge participants to rethink their approach to working with young people by embracing youth-driven programming and genuine Youth-Adult Partnerships. This session isn’t just about theory—it’s about action. If you want to co-create meaningful opportunities with youth and empower them to succeed, this workshop is for you. Come ready to engage, collaborate, and shift the way you view youth leadership! Through dynamic discussions and hands-on scenarios, participants will:

Jamal, a seasoned mentor and advocate, combines wisdom and warmth in his approach to guiding families and communities. With over 20 years of experience in mental health promotion, Jamal’s expertise is rooted in building trust and delivering actionable strategies for growth. Together, their unique blend of humor, heart, and authenticity empowers youth, parents, and professionals to navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, and thrive as a community. They remind everyone that meaningful connections don’t just happen—they’re built, nurtured, and celebrated.

Zion, with his vibrant energy and relatability, brings a fresh perspective to youth and family empowerment. Whether he’s hosting workshops or sharing his personal journey, Zion knows how to connect with audiences on a level that resonates. His knack for facilitating open conversations makes him a standout speaker who inspires change.

The Glendale Elementary School District System of Care Center (SoCC) has an innovative framework for addressing the unique needs of the community through its “One-Stop-Shop” philosophy. The SoCC is driven by three core values: Supporting and Building Strong Families, Interagency Collaboration, and Shared Responsibility to Raise Awareness.

The SoCC’s partnerships play a pivotal role in addressing the unique needs of the community where poverty rates can reach up to 32.9%. By centralizing access to medical, social, and behavioral health services, the SoCC removes common barriers—such as transportation, language, and eligibility requirements—ensuring equitable access to essential care. The SoCC celebrated its soft opening in August 2022, leading up to a vibrant grand opening in November 2023. To date, more than 3,000 households have received support through this “One-Stop-Shop” model. By developing individualized service plans focused on the social determinants of health, the SoCC empowers families to build resilience, strengthen connections, and enhance their overall quality of life. Participants will:

Director for Social and Emotional Learning and Mental Health Services- Glendale Elementary School District- Andrea Arellano, a 23-year Glendale Elementary School District educator, is currently the Director for Social-Emotional Learning and Mental Health Services. Most recently she served as a school principal. Prior, she served as an assistant principal, social-emotional learning specialist, librarian, and classroom teacher. Andrea possesses an undergraduate degree in education, a master’s degree in educational leadership, and an additional master’s degree in School Counseling. With two decades of working in the city of Glendale and being born and raised in Phoenix, AZ, she has a deep understanding of the needs within those communities. Andrea is a servant leader and inspires to continue supporting youth by building their resiliency and breaking barriers to promote equality.

Kristin Taylor is a dedicated social worker with over 10 years of experience in child development, preschool education, foster care, and kinship services. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University and has spent the past 3.5 years serving as a District Social Worker for the Glendale Elementary School District. In this role, she has made a significant impact by contributing to the development and implementation of the GESD System of Care Center, which focuses on providing comprehensive support services to students and families.

Kristin is a trained facilitator in Suicide Prevention and the Triple P: Positive Parenting Program. Her expertise in these areas allows her to address critical issues affecting youth mental health and family well-being, ensuring that students and their families receive the support they need. Kristin is passionate about creating positive and supportive environments for students and is committed to making a lasting difference within her district.

This interactive session reveals how youth-centered healthy relationship education serves as both prevention and healing, creating a domino effect that positively impacts mental health, substance use, violence prevention, and community well-being. Through D.O.V.E.S. Network’s® proven methodology, participants will learn how to implement prevention strategies that simultaneously support trauma healing and empower youth to reshape community relationship narratives. Participants will:

Tiffany Mensah is a Certified Trauma Support Specialist (CTSS) and the Executive Director of D.O.V.E.S. Network® (Daily Overcoming Violence and Embracing Safety). Tiffany knows just how difficult it is to live in the moment when you haven’t healed from a past of trauma. Even as she climbed the ladder of achievement with awards and promotions galore, true peace evaded her until she confronted her trauma. Tiffany believes success and healing are on the horizon for anyone willing to do the work. She’s proof. Tiffany’s expertise comes from a unique, powerful blend of personal healing, working in corporate America as a seasoned executive with nearly two decades of experience and being a Certified Trauma Support Specialist. Through these experiences, she designed her healing framework. This step-by-step blueprint provides the knowledge, strategies, and healing survivors have adopted and implemented to overcome their past and rewrite their future. It’s no wonder her advocacy has been making waves across the nation.

Tiffany’s impact extends beyond her organizational work through her two published works as she’s been featured on various platforms and as the author of two books, “Forgotten: Living in the Shadows of Domestic Violence,” which highlights her life and healing. The accompanying workbook “Defeating Your Past Trauma Playbook.” These publications showcase her deep understanding of the importance of lived experience and individual healing journeys.

Alongside speaking, Tiffany’s advocacy centers as the Executive Director of D.O.V.E.S. Network® as her organization helps teens heal from the traumatic impact of domestic and sexual violence through intervention, prevention, and empowerment pathways. Through her work with D.O.V.E.S. Network®, Tiffany has created effective partnerships between mental health providers, educational institutions, and community organizations, demonstrating the real-world impact of trauma-informed leadership in breaking down systematic barriers to care for teens and their families exposed to domestic and sexual violence. Tiffany’s journey and results are a testament to her commitment to doing the work and designing a life of purpose, which has created life change.

Advocating for Gen Z youth impacted by domestic/sexual/dating violence victimization requires effective communication and understanding. This baseline L.E.V.E.L.™ Response Training will equip “natural helpers” in various fields with the skills needed to navigate disclosures and build supportive connections with young people. A L.E.V.E.L.™ conversation approach can significantly impact those experiencing victimization, fostering a sense of support and safety. By listening, empathizing, validating, encouraging, and providing resource links, trusted adults can offer non-judgmental assistance without imposing opinions or advice. This method prioritizes the experiences of young victims and survivors, moving away from traditional adult-centric services and responses. Participants in the training will gain a practical tool to break down barriers to seeking help, enhance safety, and support prevention efforts at different levels. Join us for this workshop to make a difference in your community and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for Gen Z youth impacted by interpersonal violence. Participants will:

In 2006, Donna Bartos, MPA, founded BLOOM365 with the mission to “uproot abuse” in a generation. Drawing from personal experiences with domestic and sexual violence, Donna created the “Are you blooming or wilting?” healthy relationship education curriculum and introduced the L.E.V.E.L.™ response strategy. These tools aim to empower individuals to prevent interpersonal violence from perpetuating across generations.

Donna’s innovative approach has garnered recognition both locally and nationally for translating research into practical prevention strategies. Collaborating with sexual assault response teams at Wyoming and Arizona Army National Guard and Hill Air Force Base, she spearheaded an integrated program targeting Gen Z military personnel to mitigate risk factors linked to interpersonal violence. With a BA in Communication from McDaniel College and an MPA from Grand Canyon University, Donna’s expertise extends to developing primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention initiatives for implementation in various settings like homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.

Beyond her advocacy for root cause prevention, Donna enjoys traveling, seeking out the finest gluten-free pastries, indulging in karaoke sessions, and cherishing moments with her husband, three children, and two dogs in Peoria, Arizona.

Dr. Paul Beljan is a pediatric neuropsychologist in private practice at Beljan Psychological Services in Scottsdale AZ. He completed two Post-Doctoral Fellowship programs specializing in Pediatric (Medical) Psychology and Pediatric Neuropsychology. He holds child and adult diplomate certifications with the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology (ABPdN) and the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology (ABN). Dr. Beljan is a past president of the ABPdN, held every executive office for ABPdN, and currently is the Member at Large. In 2016, Dr. Beljan completed a Post-Doctoral master’s degree in psychopharmacology from New Mexico State University. The Arizona Psychological Association selected Dr. Beljan in 2016 for the Distinguished Contribution to the Practice of Psychology Award. Dr. Beljan served at the Governor’s pleasure on the Arizona Board of Psychological Examiners until 2017. Dr. Beljan was presented with the Dr. James T. Webb ‘Friends of Gifted Award’ at the 2023 Arizona Association of Gifted and Talented (AAGT) conference. Dr. Beljan’s professional focus is on Pediatric Neuropsychology, Gifted Intelligence, Learning Disorders, Alcohol/Drug Related Neurodevelopmental Deficit (A/DRND), Traumatic Brain Injury, Physical and Emotional Trauma, and Attention and Executive Functioning Deficit, and associated interventions.

Beljan Psychological Services draws patients from around the United States and internationally. Dr. Beljan has taught gifted education and pediatric neuropsychology at the master and doctoral levels. He has lectured nationally and internationally on numerous topics associated with giftedness and pediatric neuropsychology. Dr. Beljan is a nationally retained expert in forensic neuropsychology at the civil, and juvenile and criminal justice levels.

Dr. Berens recently graduated from New Mexico State University and specializes in trauma work. Her practice focuses on working through traumatic incidences using cognitive processing therapy. She also specializes in working with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. She works with adults, families, and couples in individual or group sessions. Dr. Berens received her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Arizona State University. She began working with survivors and offenders of intimate partner violence and had dedicated ten years to improving services for those involved with family violence. In the meanwhile, she attended Northern Arizona University and received a Masters degree in Counseling. She became a licensed mental health counselor working with children, adolescents, and adults.

Dr. Berens worked on completing her Ph.D. in counseling psychology and completed her internship at Eastern Kansas VA hospital. She received training to working with individuals recovering from traumatic events and with veterans experiencing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. She gained interest in working with veterans’ who experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST) while serving. She has received training in cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness. Her goal is to help empower individuals whom she works with to become better versions of themselves and to be able to move forward in their lives

We are looking for contributors to donate raffle items or service coupons. Raffles will be held throughout the conference, and we would greatly appreciate any contributions you can offer. Your contribution will help us give back to the community. If you cannot donate, we still encourage your attendance at the in-person event.

With any contribution, our Coalition provides free advertisement on all our social media outlets (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) and our coalition website (carecoalitionaz.org). It will be showcased at our conference as a thank you for your support and contribution.

If you are interested in contributing to this conference or have any questions, please complete the Donation form and return it to Alexis Perez at Alexis.Perez@touchstonebh.org.