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About ShaRonda Young Calderon ShaRonda Young Calderon is a mental health advocate and suicide awareness educator, that lost her husband Deputy Homero "Omar" Calderon, by suicide, June of 2018. ShaRonda resides in the DFW metroplex and dedicates her time to raising awareness through First Responder trainings and crisis call operator interventions. She currently serves on the board of directors for the National Alliance on Mental Illness of North Texas. ShaRonda is also a representative of 1st H.E.L.P., currently leading the Blue H.E.L.P Family Division Advisory Committee.

Community Engagement Requests We are now accepting in-person speaker and event requests. However, b ecause of the large number of requests we receive, we require you to submit your request at least 3 weeks in advance to allow time for us to find the most appropriate speaker for your event. We will do our best to fulfill requests received with less than a 3 weeks' advanced notice , but cannot always accommodate them due to speaker availability. Please submit your request using the link below, and we will be in touch. Please click here for more information on NAMI NTX's presentations for school settings. Community Engagement Request Form

Rompiendo Barreras Rompiendo Barreras es una serie de testimonios de personas sufriendo con una enfermedad mental o sus familiares. Es una colaboración con profecionales y especialistas en salud mental, los cuales quieren ayudar a la comunidad Ispana en Dallas y sus ciudades circunvecinas. Este projecto esta dirigido por Claudia Smith que es miembra de la Mesa Directiva de Nami North Texas y la cual es maestra del programa ‘’De Familia a Familia” en Español e Ingles por los ultimos 8 años. ​ "Amo a mi familia, ellos son mi soporte. Amo caminar diariamente a mi perrito o trabajar en la jardinería (los dos son mi terapia). Me encanta dar las clases de Familia a Familia pues puedo RETRIBUIR todo el amor, ayuda y enseñanza que NAMI nos proporciono a mi y mi familia. Además las clases enseñan a otras familias a entender y ayudar a sus familiares que sufren con una enfermedad mental." Claudia Smith ​Family Advocate & Board Member ​(469) 600-3616 Rompiendo Barreras is a series of testimonials from individuals suffering from mental illness or from their families, as well as professionals who aim to help the Spanish community in Dallas and surrounding areas. ​ This project is led by Board Member Claudia Smith who has been a member of NAMI North Texas and teacher of Family-to-Family in both Spanish and English for the past 8 years. ​ ​​​"I love my family, they are my support. I love walking my dog and gardening (they are also my therapy). I immensely enjoy teaching the Family-to-Family class because I am able to PAY BACK all the love, support, and teaching that NAMI provides for me and my family, and also teach other families how to understand and help their loved ones suffering with mental health issues." Rompiendo Barreras वीडियो चलाए वीडियो चलाए 05:45 Rompiendo Barreras | Breaking Barriers - Misael ​En este video, Misael habla de La Salud mental y como podemos apoyar a quienes padecen una enfermedad mental. In this video, Misael discusses mental health and how you can support those with a mental illness. वीडियो चलाए वीडियो चलाए 12:48 Rompiendo Barreras | Breaking Barriers - Jose Luis Jose Luis nos dice la historia de su amigo sufriendo con bipolaridad. Jose Luis tells his story of a friend suffering from bipolar disorder. वीडियो चलाए वीडियो चलाए 08:13 Rompiendo Barreras | Breaking Barriers - Aysel Aysel comparte su historia como madre de alguien que sufre de una enfermedad mental. Aysel shares her story as the mother of someone suffering from a mental illness. वीडियो चलाए वीडियो चलाए 12:31 Rompiendo Barreras: Comité de Abogacia | Breaking Barriers: Hispanic Community Advocacy Rompiendo Barreras es una serie de testimonios de personas sufriendo con una Enfermedad Mental o sus familiars. Profecionales y especialistas en Salud Mental, los cuales quieren ayudar a la Comunidad Ispana en Dallas y sus ciudades circunvecinas. Este projecto esta dirigido por Claudia Smith que es miembro de la Mesa Directiva de Nami North Texas y la cual es maestra del programa ‘’De Familia a Familia” en Espanol e Ingles por los ultimos 8 años. En èste video, conoceremos personas del Comité de Abogacia de NAMI North Texas, los cuales compartiràn sus propias experiencias en la Salud Mental y còmo Nami NTX mejorò sus vidas y la de sus familiares. Rompiendo Barreras is a series of testimonials from individuals suffering from mental illness directly or within their families, and professionals who aim to help the Spanish community in Dallas and the surrounding areas. ​ This project is led by Board Member Claudia Smith who has been a member of NAMI North Texas and teacher of Family-to-Family in both Spanish and English for the past 8 years. ​In this video, we will meet members of the NAMI North Texas Advocacy Committee who will share their own personal experiences with mental health and NAMI NTX.

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Más Información NAMI creó el Centro de Acción Multicultural en 2002 para ayudar a reformar el sistema y eliminar las disparidades en la atención de salud mental para comunidades diversas, asegurar el acceso a servicios y tratamiento para todos los estadounidenses culturalmente competentes, y sobre todo para ayudar y apoyar a las personas de diversos orígenes que se encuentran afectados por enfermedades mentales. ¿Quieres participar en el Centro de Acción Multicultural de NAMI? Haga clic en el botón "involucrarse" de abajo! ESTADISTICAS SOBRE LA SALUD MENTAL DE LA COMUNIDAD LATINA Sabia Usted… • Los índices de enfermedades mentales en la comunidad latina son bastante similares a los índices de la raza blanca. • Los latinos son considerados un grupo de alto riesgo para la depresión, la ansiedad, y el abuso de sustancias. • Deborah Duran estableció la existencia de correlación entre la aculturación y la depresión (Duran, 1995). • Las mujeres y los latinos tienen más tendencia a experimentar un episodio de depresión clínica. • El predominio de la depresión es más alto en las mujeres latinas (el 46%) que en los hombres latinos (19,6%). • El Common Wealth Fund Survey reveló que las muchachas latinas y las de descendencia asiática entre-vistadas exhibieron más síntomas depresivos que las muchachas de descendencia africana o de raza blanca. • En 1997, entre las estudiantes de escuela secundaria, el índice de suicidio entre las muchachas latinas (14,9%) fue 1.5 veces más alto que el de las muchachas de descendencia africana (9,0%) y del de las muchachas de raza blanca (10.3%). • De estas muchachas, casi una de cada tres estudiantes latinas (30,3%) había considerado seriamente el suicidio. • Los Centros de Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC), realizaron un estudio sobre el riesgo de la juventud, y encontraron que un 10,7 por ciento de jóvenes latinos han intentado suicidarse, comparados con un 7,3 por ciento de jóvenes de descendencia africana y un 6,3 por ciento de jóvenes blancos. • Hay índices más altos de enfermedades mentales entre residentes latinos que ya viven varios años o que han nacido en los Estados Unidos que entre inmigrantes latinos recientes. • El lugar de nacimiento tiene una correlación significativa con el riesgo subsiguiente de la mayoría de los desórdenes psiquiátricos. • Un estudio encontró, concluyentemente, que vivir en los Estados Unidos a largo plazo aumenta considerablemente la ocurrencia de desórdenes mentales, acompañados de un aumento dramático en los índices de abuso de sustancias. • Una investigación acerca del suicidio encontró que las personas nacidas en México, tienen un menor riesgo de tener ideas suicidas y depresión que aquellos nacidos en los Estados Unidos. Estadisticas sobre la salud mental de la comunidad Latina (Latino Community Mental Health Statistics) ​ La Salud Mental Presentation ¡AVANZAMOS! ¡Avanzamos!, la revista de NAMI para la comunidad latina, ofrece noticias de NAMI, información sobre los adelantos científicos en el entendimiento y tratamiento de enfermedades mentales, historias de personas con enfermedades mentales y familiares, recursos de educación y mucho más. ¡Avanzamos! es GRATIS y viene en dos formatos: Para subscribirse a la versión impresa de esta revista gratuita, visite la NAMI Store (la tienda NAMI). Para recibir ¡Avanzamos! electronicamente, visite www.nami.org/subscribe , cree una cuenta gratuita de NAMI y marquee el cuadrado a lado de ¡Avanzamos! AFTERDEPLOYMENT.ORG Teléfono: (866) 966-1020 ALIADOS EN SERVICE Teléfono: (214) 438-6358 CENTRO DE SALUD DEL CEREBRO Teléfono: (214) 905-3007 DALLAS VET CENTER Teléfono: (214) 361-5896 o (877) 927-8387 COLLAR VERDE VETERINARIOS Teléfono: (817) 269-4718 VETERANOS SIN HOGAR SERVICIOS DE DALLAS Teléfono: (214) 372-8822 VIVIENDA Y DESARROLLO URBANO (HUD) Y VETERANOS Teléfono: (202) 708-1112 FUNCIONAMIENTO SALUDABLE REUNIONS Teléfono: (214) 871-2420 ext. 110 VA Medical Center-DALLAS Teléfono: (214) 742-8387 VETERANO RECAPACITACIÓN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (VRAP) Teléfono: (254) 297-3699 / 297-5086 o (254) 295-7646 EE.UU. Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos (Servicios para Desamparados y Otros) Tel :1 (877) 424-3838

NAMI's Ending the Silence program is a trio of engaging presentations to help schools and organizations serving youth and their families address mental health. Ending the Silence is a powerful tool in raising awareness, improving understanding and reducing stigma. It delivers a message of hope and recovery, helping to end stigma and empower safe, open communication around mental health conditions. ​Please click on the links below to read more about each presentation and request Ending the Silence for your group. ETS for Students ETS for Educators ETS for Families REQUEST ENDING THE SILENCE PRESENTATION Ending the Silence delivers a message of hope and recovery, helping to end stigma and empower safe, open communication around mental health conditions. ​ Questions? ​ Contact Analy Gillum at AnayG@NAMINorthTexas.org or 214-341-7133

NAMI Basics is a free, six-session program designed for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral difficulties. NAMI Basics helps parents and other family caregivers understand the mental health conditions that may be causing these behavioral difficulties and the critical role families play in the treatment of those conditions. The program is taught by trained teachers who are also parents/family caregivers whose children experienced emotional or behavioral difficulties. What are the goals? ● To give the parent/caregiver the fundamental information necessary to be an effective caregiver ● To help the parent/caregiver cope with the impact that emotional and behavioral difficulties have on the child and the entire family ● To provide tools for the parent/caregiver to use even after completing the program that will assist them in making the best decisions possible for the care of the child ● To help the parent/caregiver take the best care possible of the entire family – especially themselves What you will gain: ● Information covering issues frequently faced by families dealing with a child or teen with mental illness ● Connection with other parents and/or caregivers ● The latest research on the medical aspects of the illness and advances in treatment ● An overview of treatment options- treatment works ​ ● An overview of the systems involved in caring for children and teens and the importance of record keeping REGISTER FOR NAMI BASICS “I now realize other parents are struggling too. Thanks for helping me through a challenging time in my life and supplying me with the knowledge I need to help my son succeed.”

What types of services does NAMI North Texas provide? NAMI North Texas is a non-profit organization providing free education, advocacy, and support for individuals and family members affected by a mental health condition. We do not offer any medical or clinical services. We offer helpline support from 9 AM - 5 PM for callers wanting to obtain general information about mental health resources. You can reach us at (214) 341-7133. How can a person reach the NAMI North Texas helpline? The NAMI North Texas helpline is available by phone and email. Individuals seeking assistance can call (214) 341-7133 or email info@NAMINorthTexas.org. If no one is available to take your call immediately, please leave a message, and your call will be returned. Should you or anyone you know require emergency assistance, please dial 911. View our Emergency Guide and 911 Checklist for advice on speaking to law enforcement regarding a loved one with a mental health condition. What type of information is provided through the NAMI North Texas helpline? NAMI North Texas provides basic mental health information, contact information on resources available in Dallas, Collin, Denton and Rockwall Counties, as well as additional information about the education, support, and advocacy services we provide. Who are your services for? Our services are generally designed for individuals 18 years of age or older who have a mental health challenge OR are a family member/caregiver of a person with a mental health diagnosis. ​ ​We also have programs and services for local companies, schools, businesses, city and state offices/divisions, etc., seeking training and presentations on mental health. What does NAMI mean by "peer"? A peer, in this case, is an individual living with a mental health condition and is in recovery. What does NAMI mean by "family member"? In this case, a family member/caregiver is an individual of a loved one living with a mental health condition. What is a NAMI North Texas support group? NAMI Connection is a free, 60-90 minute recovery support group for people living with a mental health condition where people learn from one another's experiences, share coping strategies, and offer mutual encouragement and understanding. The groups provide an ongoing opportunity to discuss the challenges of living with a mental health condition and techniques for maintaining wellness. All groups are facilitated by peers recovering from a mental health condition. NAMI Family Support Group is a free, 60-90 minute local meeting of caregivers of individuals with a mental health condition. Family members can talk frankly about their challenges and help one another through their learned wisdom. These meetings are facilitated by trained NAMI members in NAMI affiliates across the country, and participants are encouraged to share actively in the group's work. Support groups are ongoing throughout the year. The current schedule of NAMI North Texas support groups is HERE. Are NAMI North Texas support groups open to anyone? NAMI North Texas support groups are only for individuals 18 and over who live with a mental health condition OR family members/caregivers seeking peer support. What is a NAMI North Texas education class? Peer-to-Peer Education Class is a free, 8-week, peer-directed recovery education course open to any person with a mental health condition. Peer-to-Peer emphasizes recovery from mental health conditions as a feasible, supportable goal and challenges the stigma often wrongly associated with mental health conditions. Family-to-Family Education Class is a free, 8-week course for families, partners, and friends of individuals with a mental health condition taught by more than 3,500 trained NAMI Family members and caregivers of individuals living with a mental health condition. The course dwells on the emotional responses families have to the trauma of mental health conditions; many family members describe their experience in the program as life-changing. Familia-de-Familia Education Class is a free, 12-week course for families, partners, and friends of individuals with a mental health condition taught by more than 3,500 trained NAMI Family members and caregivers of individuals living with a mental health condition. The course dwells on the emotional responses families have to the trauma of mental health conditions; many family members describe their experience in the program as life-changing. NAMI Basics is a free, 6-week, peer-directed education program developed specifically for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents. Education classes are usually scheduled in seasonal blocks (Fall, Spring & Summer). Current courses are listed HERE. Does NAMI North Texas have any more class locations than what is listed on the website? The NAMI Signature Classes (Family-to-Family, Peer-to-Peer, and NAMI Basics) listed on the NAMI North Texas website are currently available for NAMI North Texas. To locate a free education class outside the NAMI Dallas service area, please visit www.nami.org and select the "Find Your Local NAMI" tab. This page will bring up a map of the United States, and visitors can choose a state and city in which a local NAMI affiliate may be located. Can a high school or college student attend a support group or education class for a research project? NAMI North Texas support groups are closed to students/professionals seeking to complete education/employment requirements. This guideline ensures that we protect our participants and maintain a healthy environment without any distractions or feelings of apprehension. However, some education courses may be open to students/professionals. Consent is REQUIRED from the teacher and participants enrolled in the class before visiting. If you are a student/professional and would like to see a class, please contact the NAMI North Texas office first at (214) 341-7133 or via email at info@NAMINorthTexas.org. Where can a person view a complete list of NAMI North Texas services? Click here for a list of services, or view the document below, available in both Spanish and English. Do you have to sign up for NAMI North Texas services? Individuals (family members and people living with a mental health condition) interested in taking a class must register to ensure we have enough material and space. The only requirement to attend a support group is that you are diagnosed with a mental health condition or a family member/caregiver of a person with a mental health condition. All NAMI North Texas services are FREE. Does NAMI North Texas provide housing/residential services? NAMI North Texas does not provide housing/residential services. We encourage anyone seeking housing information to contact Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance. Helpful information may also be available at boardinghome.org. Does NAMI North Texas provide transportation assistance? NAMI North Texas does not provide transportation. If you receive services through Medicaid, you may be eligible for The Medical Transportation Program. The Medical Transportation Program sets up non-emergency rides for people who have no other way to get to their Medicaid healthcare visits. This includes people with Medicaid, children who get services through the Children with Special Health Care Needs program, and people in the Transportation of Indigent Cancer Patients program. To get more information about the program, please visit txmedicaidride.net. The toll-free phone number you call depends on where you live: Live in the Dallas area? Call 1-855-687-3255 Everyone else can call 1-877-633-8747 Does NAMI North Texas conduct home visits, welfare checks, or provide home health aide services? NAMI North Texas does not conduct home visits, welfare checks, or provide home health aide services. For welfare checks, contact your local non-emergency police department. Can NAMI North Texas recommend/refer a psychiatrist, other medical professionals, or medical advice? NAMI North Texas does not provide referrals to doctors or therapists or provide any medical advice. Can NAMI North Texas recommend/refer a legal representative, legal services, or legal advice? NAMI North Texas does not recommend legal representatives, legal services, or legal advice. Can NAMI North Texas provide medication needs? NAMI North Texas is a non-clinical mental health organization. We do not have medical staff available to answer any questions regarding medications. Please follow up with your primary care physician or prescriber. In case of an emergency, please dial 911. What other resources does NAMI North Texas have for those seeking help? Please visit our Resource page and our Education & Support page for more information. How can someone obtain a mental illness warrant? To learn more about or obtain a mental illness warrant in the Dallas area, please call 214-653-7485 or 214-653-7418. Mental Illness warrant procedures vary in each county; if you are outside of Dallas County, please contact your local court to determine how to obtain a mental illness warrant. Does NAMI North Texas accept donations? NAMI North Texas accepts in-kind and monetary donations. Donations can be given through our secure online PayPal account, or checks may be mailed to 2812 Swiss Ave. Dallas, Texas 75204. Please call (214) 341-7133 to determine what in-kind donations are accepted. How much are the NAMI North Texas membership fees/dues? NAMI North Texas offers 3 levels of membership: Individual : $40 Family: $60 Open Door: $5 (for persons with a limited income source) Become a member here. Does NAMI North Texas utilize volunteer services? NAMI North Texas is a volunteer-based organization, and we welcome individuals of various backgrounds interested in helping support the mission of NAMI North Texas. Please visit our Volunteer page to learn more. What are NAMI North Texas' hours of operation? NAMI North Texas business hours are Monday-Friday from 9 AM – 5 PM.

About Us Our Services Donate Join NAMI North Texas Work with NAMI Press & Media Public Documents Mission, Vision, & Values Operating Policies & Procedures Bylaws 2019 Impact Report 2020 Impact Report 2020 Form 990 2021 Form 990 About NAMI NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need. ​ NAMI is the foundation for hundreds of NAMI State Organizations, NAMI Local Affiliates and volunteer leaders who work in local communities across the country to raise awareness and provide essential and free education, advocacy and support group programs. ​ Since its inception in 1979, NAMI has established itself as the foremost grassroots mental health advocacy organization in the country. Dedication, steadfast commitment and unceasing belief in the NAMI's mission have produced profound changes. NAMI has been the driving force behind a national investment in lifesaving research, parity for mental health care, increased housing and improved access to care. ​ NAMI's awareness efforts successfully address the stigma of mental illness, breaking down barriers to treatment and recovery. NAMI’s signature education programs have served as a beacon of hope for hundreds of thousands of families and individuals. NAMI’s support efforts expand to meet the challenges of a changing world by supporting virtual communities of help and hope to millions through NAMI.org and NAMI’s social media channels. ​ NAMI North Texas was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in Texas in 1982. It is a 501-c-3 tax-deductible charitable organization. NAMI North Texas is the local affiliate of NAMI National and NAMI Texas. Here at NAMI North Texas we provide services to Dallas, Rockwall, Denton, and Collin Counties. How We Help NAMI North Texas understands that having a mental health condition not only affects the individual diagnosed, but also those who play a crucial role in the individual's life. We extend our services to: Family members, friends and loved ones Local community Mental health professionals Every entity of an individual's support network should be actively involved in the treatment process. Receiving a diagnosis is only the first step toward recovery. Collaboration, advocacy and education support recovery. Who Can Access Services Here are a few ways NAMI North Texas help individuals and their families affected by mental health conditions: NAMI North Texas provides information, resources and support. NAMI North Texas sponsors speakers and educational and informational programs, provides family and peer education courses and support groups, organizes seminars, and reaches out to the community. NAMI North Texas advocates for improved and equitable services and nondiscriminatory funds at local, state and federal levels for persons with mental health conditions. NAMI North Texas advocates for a community continuum of care, adequate treatment, therapy and support systems. NAMI North Texas advocates for effective new generation medications, supported housing, social and job skills rehabilitation, and employment. NAMI North Texas advocates for appropriate health care and insurance parity.

SPONSORS SPEAKERS REGISTRATION ABOUT AGENDA Register Sponsor Donate 2024 North Texas Mental Health Symposium (formerly known as the Collin County Mental Health Symposium) Thursday, November 14, 2024 Plano Event Center 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway Plano, TX 75074 Early Bird Registration is OPEN! Early bird registration ends 11:59PM CST on August 31, 2024. Price increases to $125 on September 1, 2024. Register Sponsorship Join us as a sponsor for the North Texas Mental Health Symposium! Showcase your brand with an exhibitor table, gain exposure through our marketing channels, and connect directly with mental health professionals, first responders, school staff, and more. Secure your sponsorship today and be part of a dynamic event that brings together professionals from across North Texas who share a passion for mental health. Sponsor 2024 Symposium Speakers Stop Minding Your Own Business Terry Bentley Hill Attorney & Mental Health Advocate Terry Bentley Hill is a Dallas criminal defense attorney and nationally recognized mental health advocate who has become a vocal proponent for mental health rehabilitation in the criminal justice system. Additionally, Terry serves her profession as a leader in attorney wellness initiatives. After earning a Broadcast Journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin, Terry became a television news reporter covering the criminal courts. It was then that she decided to become a participant in rather than an observer of the legal system and made law school a goal. The road to law school was long (twenty-five years) and fraught with life-quakes and tragedies that included the suicidal deaths of her former husband (an attorney) and youngest daughter. It was those events that defined the kind of attorney and advocate Terry would become. At the age of fifty, Terry received her J.D. from Texas A & M University School of Law. Immediately after passing the bar exam, Terry volunteered with the Texas Lawyers Assistance Program and became active in the Dallas Bar Association’s Peer Assistance Committee. A prolific writer, speaker, and CLE presenter, Terry’s advocacy for attorney wellness was rewarded with the State Bar of Texas Presidential Citation, The Texas Bar Foundation Terry Lee Grantham Award, The Texas A&M University School of Law Dean Emeritus Award, and the Mental Health of America Greater Dallas Prism Award. Beyond her law related activities, Terry launched her own non-profit foundation with a focus on mental health awareness and education. It is through this organization that Terry carries her message of hope and healing to audiences throughout Texas and beyond. #stopmindingyourownbusiness.com. A Wounded Warrior and the Dog Who Saved Him Staff Sergeant Jason Morgan Veteran & Bestselling Author Staff Sergeant Jason Morgan grew up in North Dallas and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1989. SSgt Morgan qualified as a member of an elite special operations unit that provided meteorological and combat support for special operations. In 1999 SSgt. Morgan volunteered to provide security during a special operation in the Andes Mountains. It was on that operation Morgan was severely injured. Jason Morgan is now a best-selling co-author of A Dog Called Hope: The Wounded Warrior and the Dog Who Saved Him.” His book is now published in 7 countries including Russia and has won two major international awards for excellence and featured on the Today Show. Jason and his dog have spoken all over the US, England and Scotland and has made appearances on morning television in America and England. Beyond ABC: Needs Facing Children in North Texas Vanessa Simpson, LCSW-S Integrated Behavioral Health, Children's Health Vanessa Simpson, LCSW-S earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Baylor University. Vanessa started her social work career as an intern at Children’s Health and has worked for Children’s Health for over 10 years in both the Social Work department and Behavioral Health department. Vanessa currently serves as the Manager for the TCHATT Program in the Behavioral Health Department. Vanessa has been a board-approved social work supervisor since 2020. Vanessa is a graduate of the Emerging Leaders Acceleration Program and MODEL Leadership Academy. She has been specifically trained in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care. Vanessa believes in promoting an environment of compassion and hope to help children, teens, and families overcome their struggles and mental health challenges. Vanessa also serves as an adjunct professor for the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University. Cristal Retana Lule VP Community Relations, Children's Health Cristal Retana Lule is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to opportunities and resources for a better quality of life. As Vice President of Community Relations at Children’s Health since January 2018, she oversees community outreach and public policy initiatives. Through her work, she has been instrumental in various initiatives and coalitions to advocate for the well-being of children and families. Cristal holds a B.S. in Chemistry and Government from Texas Woman’s University and has over fourteen years of experience in public policy, having worked with various elected officials. She served as Mayor Pro Tem for Farmers Branch from 2019 to 2022, the first person of color in that role. Her accolades include the DFW Hispanic 100 Emerging Latina Leader Award, La Cima Young Professional of the Year Award (2022), and the Blake Anderson Community Service Award (2019). Cristal has held leadership roles in numerous organizations, including the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas and the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce. In her free time, she enjoys running, mentoring, and spending time with her husband Eric, her son Mateo, and her family who still reside in the DFW area. AGENDA ​ 7:30 AM - Registration & Check In Opens 8:15 AM - Opening Remarks 9:00 AM - Morning Plenary #1 Stop Minding Your Own Business - Terry Bentley Hill, Attorney & Mental Health Advocate 10:15 AM - Morning Plenary #2 A Wounded Warrior and the Dog That Saved Him - Staff Sergeant Jason Morgan, Veteran & Bestselling Author 11:30 AM - Lunch Begins 12:00 PM - Luncheon Keynote Beyond ABC: Needs Facing Children in North Texas - Cristal Retana Lule, Vice President, Community Relations, Children's Health & Vanessa Simpson, LCSW-S, Manager, Integrated Behavioral Health, Children's Health 1:30 - 2:20 PM - Break Out Sessions #1 Bibliotherapy in the Therapy Play Room: Using Books to Help Children Process Trauma, Grief, and Abuse - Kelly Pullen M.A., LPC-S, RPT, Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County & Karen Ewing M.S., LPC, RPT, Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County DBT Interventions Targeting Aggression and Staff Burnout in Juvenile Justice Settings - Dr. Sheree L. Tarver Sylva-Senette, Clinical Coordinator, Dallas County Juvenile Department Letot Campus Inclusivity in Care: Overcoming Barriers and Creating Collaborative Systems for IDD and Mental Illness - Andrew Ahles, LMFT-S Clinical Training Manager, Metrocare Services & Allison Turner, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor DDP, Metrocare Services Verbal Communications: Disconnecting to Connect - Sergeant Joey Guerra, Plano Police Department 2:30 - 3:20 PM - Break Out Sessions #2 Trendy to Be Depressed: The Hidden Reasons Our Teens Aren’t Getting Better and How to Help - Leanne Foell, LCSW, Adolescent Speaker & Therapist State Strategies to Streamline Competency Restoration in Texas - Dr. Jennie Simpson, Associate Commissioner and State Forensic Director, Texas Health and Human Services Commission We Didn't Create this Closet: Advocating for LGBTQ+ Clients - Brian Kennedy, M.S., LPC, Room for Change The Grey Areas of an APOWW - Summer Land, Allen Police Department & Terry Qualls, McKinney Police Department 3:30 - 4:20 PM - Break Out Sessions #3 Problematic and Illegal Sexual Behavior in Youth and Adolescence - Nicholas La Mere, LPC, Dallas County Children's Advocacy Center Pre-Trial Intervention for Mentally Ill Defendants and Solutions for the Competency Waitlist - Lee Pierson, Chief, Mental Health Division, Dallas County District Attorney's Office & Kendall McKimmey, Deputy Chief, Mental Health Division, Dallas County District Attorney's Office Overdose Response Panel - Misty Harris, LCDC, NCAC, SAP, Collin County Substance Abuse Program Coordinator & Becky Tinney, LMSW, LCDC, CPS, Director of Special Projects, Recovery Council & Siddharth Rangan, Lifepath Systems Threat Management - Courtney Runnels, Grand Prairie Police Department & TBD, FBI 4:30 PM - Event Concludes

Volunteer at NAMI North Texas Volunteer Onboarding Process 1 Review and identify your preferred volunteer opportunity Opportunities 2 Fill in and email application to Community Engagement Coordinator AlyssaM@NAMINorthTexas.org Application 3 Register for a volunteer orientation down below Orientation 4 Become a NAMI North Texas member (open door membership is acceptable for volunteers) Membership New Volunteers New volunteer orientations will occur the third Thursday each month or virtually on Fridays or by appointment. In-Person Location: NAMI North Texas 2812 Swiss Ave, Dallas, TX 75204 We look forward to welcoming you to the NAMI North Texas family! Sign Up for Orientation

Education is the Key to Understanding NAMI Ending the Silence for Families is a free 1 -hour mental health education presentation for parents and caregivers to help them better understand the emotional and behavioral difficulties that may be early warning signs of mental health conditions in children and adolescents. This program works hand-in-hand with the presentations for students and educators to help foster conversations, improve understanding, and decrease the stigma that often surrounds mental health conditions. The program covers issues frequently faced by parents and other family caregivers to give them a better understanding of: The facts about mental health and youth The early warning signs of a mental health condition How to work with schools to support their child's education Resources available in the community The perspective of a teacher with concerns about a student ​​ “I love that this program exists for parents. Having this information presented so clearly is very helpful.”