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WCA VIRTUAL SPRING WEBINAR
INCLUSIVE PRACTICES FOR CLIENTS WITH DIFFERING ABILITIES
April 5, 2025 9 am - 4pm. 
Earn 7 CEs!
Join us for the Wyoming Counseling Association Virtual Spring Webinar, where we’ll explore approaches in counseling for clients with differing abilities.
FREE for WCA Members
$30 for Non-Members
$15 for Non-member Students & Retirees
Who Should Attend?
This webinar is designed for:
•Counselors, therapists, and social workers looking to better support clients.
•Occupational therapists interested in integrating mental health techniques into their practice.
*Educators and career counselors working with students who have autism, cultural differences, or other hidden disabilities.
SCHEDULE:
9:00-9:50 AM – Special Q&A with Dr. Temple Grandin, PhD & Karol Santistevan, MS, OTR/L, ASDCS
This session includes a recorded Q&A with Dr. Temple Grandin, PhD, followed by a live training focusing on practical applications for inclusive counseling.
Dr. Grandin is a renowned expert in animal behavior and a prominent advocate for autism awareness. She is a Professor of Animal Science, Colorado State University holding a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and is a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Animal Science. She joins us through The Temple Grandin and Eustacia Cutler Autism Fund. TGEC provides guidance and shared information in support of families that include an individual with autism.
Karol is an occupational therapist specializing in mental health utilizing equine and animal-assisted therapy. She is the founder of Ropes and Roses Therapy Services in Casper, WY, where she integrates nature-based therapy approaches to support individuals with autism, PTSD, and other neurodevelopmental challenges. In addition to her clinical work, Karol teaches at Casper College and continuously researches best practices in the field of occupational therapy. She is a Clinical specialist for Autism Spectrum Disorder. (ASDCS) and an accredited DIRFloortime® Practitioner.
10:00-10:50 AM - Karol Santistevan, MS, OTR/L - Building Bridges: Inclusive Counseling Strategies for Supporting Individuals with Autism
Mental health practitioners play a critical role in supporting individuals with autism, yet traditional therapeutic models often overlook key aspects of neurodivergent experiences. This presentation explores inclusive counseling strategies that recognize the diverse thinking styles, communication patterns, and sensory sensitivities of autistic individuals while also addressing environmental, social, and family dynamics that impact mental health outcomes.
Key topics include the influence of environmental factors on emotional regulation and engagement, strategies for fostering effective communication, and an exploration of autistic thinking styles to enhance therapeutic connections. Additionally, we will discuss the role of social interactions, both in and outside of therapy, and how clinicians can support the development of meaningful relationships. The session will also highlight important statistics related to autism and mental health, underscoring the need for specialized approaches. Recognizing the vital role of family inclusion, we will examine ways to involve caregivers and support systems to promote holistic well-being.
By the end of the presentation, participants will gain a deeper understanding of autism-informed counseling approaches and leave with practical tools to create more accessible, affirming, and effective therapy experiences for autistic individuals.
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11:00-11:50 AM – Julie Holewa, MS, CRC - Evidence Based Supported Employment
Best practices in disability inclusion align with Evidence Based Supported Employment Principles by ensuring individualized, culturally responsive, and ethical counseling. Emphasizing accessibility, rapid support, zero exclusion, continuance assistance and client centered approaches which enhance vocational and therapeutic outcomes. Highlighting: 1-Enhance Accessibility and Inclusion ( Ensure individualized, culturally responsive, and ethical counseling for clients with disabilities). 2-Provide Continuous Holistic Support (Integrated rehabilitation, mental health, and technology for ongoing time-unlimited assistance). 3-Prioritize Client Centered Approaches (Emphasize client preferences, rapid support, and zero exclusion in vocational and therapeutic services.
Julie is the supervisor of the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services Section that aligns under the Mental Health Service Line at the Sheridan VA Healthcare System. The Psychosocial Rehabilitation Team is comprised of the Mental Health Intensive Case Management - Rural Access Networks for Growth Enhancement (MHICM-Range) Program, Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) which encompasses Transitional Work (TW) and Supported Employment (SE) Programs, Peer Support Services and Local Recovery Coordinator (LRC). Julie found her passion in Voc Rehab and joined the VA network in 2008. Since then, she has honed her expertise and shared her knowledge by serving as an Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee for Federal Women Veteran Employee Program Manager, Independent Living Skills Case Manager, and VISN 23 Supported Employment Co-Mentor Trainer, to name a few. Julie has participated in several committees aimed at improving the treatment of Veterans to include Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, The Warrior Citizen Campaign, and St. Cloud State University Veteran Program Taskforce. Julie served in the Army & Minnesota Army National Guard for 8 years, during that time she was deployed to Iraq in 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She is a life member of both the DAV and VFW. Julie earned her undergraduate in Applied Psychology and her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis in Rehabilitation from St. Cloud State University and currently holds Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification.
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12:00-12:50 PM – Dania Fakhro, Ph.D. - Trauma-informed and Culturally Responsive Approaches in Counseling Refugees
This presentation invites attendees to explore a holistic, culturally responsive approach to counseling refugees affected by trauma and profound loss. Participants will deepen their understanding of the complex refugee experience, including the psychological impact of displacement, acculturation challenges, and the layered losses refugees endure. The session will emphasize practical, trauma-focused strategies that integrate cultural humility and sensitivity, empowering counselors to meet refugees’ mental health needs within their unique cultural contexts. Attendees will gain tools to foster a therapeutic environment that honors the refugees' resilience, cultural identity, and healing process. Through a holistic approach, counselors will learn to support psychological recovery and the restoration of connection, purpose, and well-being essential to refugees’ integration and growth in their new communities.
Dania Fakhro, Ph.D., NCC, is an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Dania earned her PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision from the University of Central Florida, a CACREP-accredited program. Her passion for helping individuals with complex mental health issues has led her to work in various settings, including inpatient and outpatient facilities, college counseling centers, community-based clinics, and residential programs for clients with substance use issues. Over the course of her career, Dania served a diverse refugee population in the United States and abroad for more than a decade. Her roles have involved providing crisis interventions and family mentoring, allowing her to understand this community’s unique challenges. Dania is deeply committed to research in mental health. Her primary focus areas include the mental health of refugees, complex mental health issues, and counseling education.
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1:00-1:50 PM – Scarlett Verity, BA -Understanding and Supporting Neurodivergent Clients: Key Concepts
This presentation explores neurodiversity-affirming practices in therapy, shifting from pathologizing to empowering approaches. By recognizing neurodivergence as a core identity aspect, therapists can tailor solutions that honor unique brain functioning. We will discuss the impact of trauma and highlight effective treatment strategies, fostering a supportive environment that celebrates neurodivergent strengths and promotes client well-being.
With a rich background in holistic wellness, creative arts, and personal growth, Scarlett Verity is a counselor-in-training passionate about supporting mental health, particularly with women and the neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ communities. She obtained her baccalaureate degree in psychology and art from Tulane University, is a third-year graduate student in the counselor education Program at the University of Wyoming, and a counseling intern at the Casper College Wellness Center.
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2:00-2:50 PM – Patrice Parkinson, MA, NCC, PPC, Ph.D. -Beyond Barriers: Inclusive Counseling Strategies for Clients with Invisible Disabilities
Clients with invisible disabilities frequently encounter distinct challenges, such as skepticism, stigma, and obstacles to support. This webinar examines inclusive counseling strategies that empower clients while confronting systemic barriers. Through practical examples and interactive discussions, participants will acquire effective methods to promote self-advocacy, modify therapeutic interventions, and establish accessible, affirming counseling environments. Clinicians, counseling students, and educators will depart with resources to improve their practice and more effectively assist clients with invisible disabilities.
Patrice Parkinson is currently an Assistant Professor of Counseling at Arkansas State University, Arkansas, US. She is also an international student from Jamaica completing her doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Wyoming. Patrice earned her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University, a B.S. in Psychology from the University of the West Indies, and B.A in Divinity from Grace College of Divinity. Patrice has served as an online adjunct faculty and media coordinator for Chi Sigma Iota Rho ETA chapter, International Counseling Honor Society. Her research interests include attachment, multicultural counseling, international student perspectives, and chronic illness. She will use her research findings to enhance cross-cultural advocacy in practice.
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3:00-3:50 PM – Rev. Jessica Boyce-Religious Trauma: Identifying and Healing Trauma from Religious Experiences and Beliefs
Rev. Jessica Boyce will share developments in the study of religious trauma and how counselors can delve deeper into the underlying religious trauma that impacts so many of our clients, regardless of their current religious beliefs or practices. The church universal has deeply failed its members with differing abilities, both seen and unseen. How are the historical views of the church on differing abilities still harming people today? Additionally, the LGBTQA+ community has faced religious trauma both public and private. A quick lesson on Queer Theology will provide you immediately useful tools to support your LGBTQA+ clients on their journey to wholeness.
Rev. Jessica Boyce is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church with 15 years experience in the local church and the international mission field. With a Masters of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University and certification in Religious Trauma from the Global Center for Religious Research, she brings a unique perspective to her clients at her practice, Whole Soul, in Casper, WY. With a focus on healing religious trauma and training clergy and the mental health profession on religious trauma, Rev. Boyce advocates for people of all faiths and no faith to live their most authentic and joy-filled lives. Visit WholeSoulConsulting.org to learn more.
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This event will provide valuable, evidence-based approaches for enhancing the effectiveness of counseling interventions for clients with differing abilities and cultures. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field and gain practical strategies to transform your practice!
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