Secondary Trauma, Burnout & Mental Health
Regency Ballroom
The session is designed for those navigating the increasing emotional demands of service-driven work. The presentation explores the differences between compassion fatigue and burnout, the warning signs organizations and individuals should recognize, and practical strategies to support mental wellness, resilience, and sustainable leadership. The session also examines how workplace culture, supervision, self-awareness, and organizational practices can either contribute to or help prevent burnout among helping professionals.
About the Presenter
Cari A. Guthrie is a seasoned leader in the field of mental health and nonprofit management, currently serving as the President and CEO of Cornerstone Montgomery. With a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Maryland, Cari has dedicated over 30 years of her career to the organization, beginning as a residential counselor and advancing to her current position as CEO. In her role, Cari oversees the overall operations and administration of Cornerstone Montgomery, focusing on partnerships, growth, education, and advocacy to further the organization’s mission of providing essential mental health services.
Cari’s journey with Cornerstone Montgomery is a testament to her passion and dedication. After three years as a residential counselor, she pursued her graduate degree and was happily working in Baltimore when an opportunity at Cornerstone Montgomery opened up. She returned to the organization as a supervisor and has since held various leadership positions, eventually becoming CEO, a role she has held for over 11 years. Throughout her tenure, Cari has played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission, implementing evidence-based practices like Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders, Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She has also been instrumental in developing a robust staff training and orientation program, navigating two significant mergers, and securing over $6 million in community bond funding to renovate commercial and residential properties.
One of Cari’s most significant achievements was leading the organization through its transition to a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), securing more than $10 million in SAMHSA grants. Under her leadership, Cornerstone Montgomery has grown in both size and scope, including the purchase and renovation of its main administrative office in Rockville.
Demystifying AI & Practical Tools for People with Disabilities and their Families
Tiffany Ballroom
In this session, explore how people with IDD, family members, and support staff can use AI tools to support their lives and advocate confidently! Practical examples will show how Al can help people with IDD and their supports communicate with decision-makers more effectively and safely. Leave the session with example prompts, practical strategies, and a clearer understanding of how Al can support you or your loved one, including adults and students, to live a better life in the community.
About the Presenters
Dr. Andrea Harkins-Brown is the Program Director for Disability Policy and Systems Change and an Assistant Research Scientist in the Center for Technology in Education at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Harkins-Brown began her career as a special educator and later served as a central office administrator, providing technical support in special education at the district-wide level. Her areas of expertise include foundations of special education and inclusion; technology integration; assistive technologies; Universal Design for Learning; and serving students with a range of disabilities. Her research addresses the translation of evidence-based practices for practitioners using an implementation science approach, effective technology integration, online learning, development of competency-based professional learning, and innovative teaching practices to support diverse populations of learners. Dr. Harkins-Brown currently leads applied research and implementation projects related to special education and systems change in a variety of states and local jurisdictions.
Dr. Linda Carling is the Associate Dean for Research and Director of the Center for Technology in Education at the School of Education. She leads a team of experts focusing on transforming teaching and learning with technology. Linda Carling has nearly two decades of research and experience providing individuals with accessible, meaningful, and engaging learning opportunities, both in-person and virtually.
JHU CTE changes lives through knowledge that matters. In alignment with this vision, Linda Carling builds and implements large-scale learning solutions that combine current pedagogical practices and online tools to engage and transform leaders and educators. Currently, the scope of her work involves designing and implementing technology-supported professional development for state, district, and school leaders to understand and take action around education data; instructing early childhood teachers and special educators to administer and use data from comprehensive early childhood assessments; and building effective partnerships with teachers and families. She has provided leadership as a principal investigator, co-principal investigator, and director for many of the center’s grant-funded projects since 2002. Before she helped the School of Education build their first online program in 2001, she was a dedicated classroom teacher and K-12 virtual learning curriculum developer.
My Life, My Choices: Independence Through Supported Decision-Making
Amphitheater
Maryland law allows adults to use Supported Decision-Making (SDM) to get support to understand, consider, and make decisions about healthcare, finances, living, and employment, giving them more control over their lives. In this session, presenters will introduce you to SDM and the law that allows it. They will also explore how SDM differs from Guardianship and show you what helpful tools and community supports are available around the state. Use these resources to start your SDM journey today!
About the Presenters
Rene Averitt-Sanzone is the Executive Director at The Parents’ Place of MD and has been since 2017. Prior to that, she worked as the Regional Technical Assistance Co-Director for the OSEP-funded parent centers in the mid-south region. She has worn many hats in the field of special education – Parent Educator, Early Childhood Behavior Specialist, Evaluator, and Charter School Administrator. Rene currently serves on several national and statewide disability committees and advisory groups. She has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a master’s in Organizational Change Management. Rene is the proud parent of two grown daughters, both with disabilities, and an even prouder Mimi of two grandsons.
Marlo Lemon is the Co-Deputy Director of Training & Strategic Partnerships at The Parents’ Place of Maryland. She is most proud of her role as a wife and the mother of three children, two of whom have IEPs. Prior to PPMD, Marlo has provided professional development to parents and staff in Baltimore and Howard counties. She has taught in Baltimore City and Baltimore County school systems. In her position as Educational Specialist for the Maryland State Department of Education, she worked in Title I schools, early childhood, and special education. Currently, she teaches the “Working with Families of Students with Disabilities” course at Towson University. Marlo values relationships and believes ALL children can succeed, and parents and families are the best resources for each other.