Virtual Format
2 CEUs available for LCSW, LCPC and Clinical Psychologists
9:30 am-12:30 pm Meeting room to open at 9:15 am
Learn more at naomicoheninstitute.org
Sunday, June 13, 2021
The Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute is dedicated to eliminating the stigma associated with mental illness through community engagement, education and support of individuals and families impacted by mental health challenges.
Kate Mahoney Legacy Obituary
The Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute is pleased to present the 19th Annual Community Conference COVID-19: Stress and Grief During a Global Pandemic
In memoriam, this conference is dedicated to Kate Mahoney, NRCI Executive Director (2017-2021) for her compassion, tireless efforts, and unwavering commitment to our cause. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/chicagotribune/name/kate-mahoney-obituary?pid=197836636
Michele Nealon, Psy.D., President, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology As University President, Dr. Nealon has led TCSPP since 2010, directing campuses across the country and educating more than 6,000 students in the fields of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences. With core values of Education, Innovation, Service and Community, TCSPP is one of the most successful non-profit graduate schools in the nation.
Reverend Dr. Michael C.R. Nabors, Senior Pastor Pastor Nabors leads the 139 year old Second Baptist Church in Evanston, Illinois with a goal to "address modern day issues through personal and spiritual growth." His work with social justice advocacy in Evanston and Metro Chicago, and facilitating Race Talk Solidarity Circles in local communities, follows the Church's mission to care for souls and work collaboratively to accomplish much to the glory of God.
Larry and Marilyn Cohen, NRCI Founders Larry and Marilyn Cohen founded the Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute in honor of their daughter, Naomi, who suffered from Bi-Polar Disorder and died in 2000. They have dedicated the last 19 years working to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues through education, research and community outreach. The Cohen's efforts have helped countless individuals and families to access the necessary treatment and support they deserve.
Conference Agenda
9:30 -9:40 am
Opening Remarks: Rev. Dr. Michael C.R. Nabors Senior Pastor, Second Baptist Church
9:40-9:55 am
Welcome and Remembrance of Kate Mahoney: Larry and Marilyn Cohen, NRCI Founders
9:55-10:00 am
Dr. Michele Nealon, President, The Chicago School
10:00-10:15 am
Panelist Introductions: Dr. Michael Kocet, Moderator
10:15-11:20 am
Panelist Presentations
11:20-11:30 am
Break
11:30-12:30 pm
Panelist Presentations continued, Q&A
David Fireman, MSW, LCSW Mr. Fireman is the Executive Director of the Center for Grief Recovery and Therapeutic Services in Rogers Park, Illinois. He also holds a psychotherapy practice grounded in self and depth psychologies. His extensive background helping others grows out of a sincere respect for inherent individual differences, social learning, the interplay of Love and Loss, and finding purpose and meaning.
Michael Catania Mr. Catania's extensive career in education includes work with the Illinois Board of Higher Education, learning centers, and teaching and tutoring. While spending time in the hospital due to COVID, Michael forged a special relationship with one of the ER physicians who helped save his life. He later collaborated with that doctor to spread the word about COVID through social media with the goal of helping others.
Moderator, Michael M. Kocet, PH.D., LMHC, NCC, ACS Dr. Kocet is Professor and Department Chair of the Counselor Education Department at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Kocet earned his Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Arkansas. He is a licensed mental health counselor, a Board Certified Counselor, and an Approved Clinical Supervisor.
Panelists
Jillian Blueford, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, CT Dr. Blueford is a faculty member at The University of Denver and is the Chair of Grief Competencies Task Force for the American Counseling Association. Her clinical professional background includes working in a variety of settings such as a hospice bereavement center, a psychiatric behavioral hospital, and as an independent counselor for the Tennessee Department of Children Services.
Serena Wadhwa, Psy.D., LCPC, CADC, RYT, CCTP Dr. Wadhwa is a psychotherapist and professor at Governors State University. Dr. Wadhwa enjoys a variety of roles as a consultant, creator, presenter, trainer, radio talk show host, stress coach, yoga instructor, blogger and author. Her Website is www.drserenawadhwa.com
Registration
Mental Health Resources
Please register for the conference on Eventbrite here: The program offers 2.0 CEUs for Illinois State Counselors and Social Workers or 2.0 CEs for Psychologists
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) https://www.nami.org/home NAMI Helpline (312) 563-0445 M-F 9-5 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 
(800) 273-8255 (24/7) Illinois Warm Line (866) 359-7953 Illinois Mental Health Collaborative Mental Health America of Illinois Veterans and Mental Health Veterans and Suicide
Patron Sponsor:
2021 Conference Sponsors
In-Kind Sponsor:
Benefactor Sponsor:
Advocate Sponsor: