CXS | Suicide Awareness & Children
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to share resources, stories, and to shed light on suicide's impact on individuals and the community. Suicide is a leading cause of death in the US. Suicide rates increased in nearly every state from 1999 through 2016.
Our goal at Central Exchange is to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness and connect individuals with treatment services. It's also important to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention.
Join the conversation at Central Exchange. The truth is, we can all benefit from honest and open discussion about mental health and suicide. And, one conversation can change a life.
***If you or anyone you know is suicidal, please call the suicide prevention lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Panelists Include:
- Allison Kidd, KC Resolve - Allison graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelors in Psychology and The University of Kansas with a Masters in Social Work. For the past 6 years, she has worked full-time at Marillac Children’s Psychiatric Hospital as a group facilitator as well as an individual and family therapist. Allison Kidd specializes in working with teens, ages 11-18, who are experiencing depression and/or anxiety. She is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Master Addictions Counselor in the state of Kansas, a member of the National Association of Social Workers, and a Senior Level Clinician at Resolve. Through her experience, Allison has become passionate about helping teenagers to navigate life’s stressors. She works with them to evaluate their life in terms of school, friends, activities, and family, and explore what their ideal life balance would look like. Allison helps teens see the opportunities for growth and change in their future by reframing negative thinking and practicing positive self-talk.
- Sarah Kaiser - Sarah Kaiser is a Team Leader at Truman Medical Centers Behavioral Health in the Futures Community Program. Sarah has worked in mental health with youth, young adults, and families for 12 years as a case manager, therapist, and as a Team Leader supervising staff providing community based services. She practices primarily out of the Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) framework while also utilizing play therapy. Sarah has spent most of her time working in the urban core of Kansas City, Missouri. Sarah is passionate about diversity and person-centered care. She obtained Bachelors in Social Work from Kansas State University and her Master in Social Work from the University of Kansas. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist.
- Jennifer Savner Levinson, MS. Ed - Jennifer is an accomplished Mental Health / Suicide Awareness Education Prevention Advocate, Autism Specialist, and Challenging Behavior Coach. This includes 25 years of experience as a public educator in the Chicago Public Schools, Shawnee Mission School District, and Kansas City Kansas Public Schools. She is a strong believer in volunteerism and she is highly engaged in leadership roles in a number of mental health community service organizations. She serves a board member and community outreach facilitator for SPEAK UP – Suicide Prevention Education Awareness for Kids United as Partners, a board member of SASS MOKAN – Suicide Awareness Survivors Support Missouri Kansas, a Johnson County Suicide Prevention Coalition member, Blue Valley Well parent task force member and as a board member for Cornerstones of Care. Additionally, she is a nationally certified Mental Health First Aid instructor. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Western Illinois University and a Master of Science degree in Education from the University of Kansas. She is currently pursuing a Master of Art degree in Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University. Jennifer is a suicide attempt survivor and continues to struggle with suicidal ideation. She is persist in working hard everyday to maintain a healthy quality of life.
Moderator:
Twoana Clark-Sheppard, Licensed Mental Health Professional and founder of Abundant Living Legacy dedicated to supporting individuals, families, and communities toward mental, spiritual and overall wellness through personal and professional development as well as counseling and life coaching. Twoana is also a sought after public speaker who has presented and trained for many area and national organizations to include FEMA, Mid-America Regional Council, and Girls Scouts of America.
Twoana has over 22 years in the social service and counseling field. She is currently a Licensed Mental Health Professional in private practice and Professional Development Specialist who regularly volunteers her time to serve individuals and families all across the Kansas City and surrounding areas.
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Date and Time
Thursday Sep 20, 2018
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM CDT
Thursday, September 20, 2018
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location
Central Exchange South at the Grid
12022 Blue Valley Pkwy
Overland Park, KS 66213
Fees/Admission
Free
Contact Information
Kaylah Perry
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