Strong Starts, Healing Hearts

Description

Join us for our 18th annual AOK Early Childhood Mental Health Conference at Lewis University! Participants will learn how childhood trauma touches the lives of children, families, and providers, with key insights from survivor and advocate Michael Menard. Light refreshments will be served. Resource tables will be available over lunch and through the afternoon.

*These sessions are awarded the following IL EI credits only:
Keynote presentation:
9am-12pm - THE GRAVITY PULLING DOWN OUR CHILDREN-1 ATY, 1 INT, 1 WWF
Afternoon breakout sessions:
1:15-2:45pm Supporting the Grieving Child-1.5 WWF
1:15-2:45pm Caring for Children, Caregivers, and Ourselves in the Wake of Trauma-1.5 WWF
1:30-3pm Supporting Children and Their BIG Feelings: Staying Calm, Connected, and Confident-1.5 WWF
1:30-3pm Healing Starts Here: Understanding Childhood Trauma-0.5 ATY, 0.5 INT, 0.5 WWF

Location Lewis University
1 University Parkway
Romeoville, IL 60446
Date 5/29/2026 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Check in 8:30 AM)
Sponsor Child & Family Connections 15, Will County Health Department, Lewis University, Will County Community Mental Health Board
Trainer Michael Menard, BBA, Founder & President, UACT
Contact Arielle Jones (815) 774-7324 ajones@willcountyhealth.org
Principles 1. Support families
2. Active participation
3. Collaborative relationships
4. Specific IFSP goals
5. Comprehensive plans
6. Periodic monitoring
7. Ongoing communication & collaboration
8. Quality services
Credit Hours 0
Cost Free
Status Open