UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE:

JULY 7, 2011
The Supportive Services Available Through the Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center
Presenter: Robin Belansky MS, LMHC
Robin will present an overview of services offered by the Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center which include range of support services for victims of sexual assault and their loved ones. Volunteers can accompany victims to the hospital, to the police and to court appearances. CVSVC provides free lectures to groups on topics such as preventing sexual assault, building healthy relationships and avoiding date violence. She will also share clinical insights as they relate to victims of crime and sexual violence and:
Explain the services that Albany County Crime Victims and Sexual Violence Center provides to crime victims and those effected by crime, both legal advocacy and therapy
Review of the cycle of violence, PTSD symptoms, etc. depending on the needs of the audience
Facilitate an interactive discussion of the issues faced by EAP providers regarding employees who are crime victims or have one in their lives
Bio - Robin Belansky MS, LMHC has been a therapist for over 30 years. She has both a BA in Psychology, and an MS in Rehabilitation Counseling from SUNY at Albany. Robin worked in the mental health and substance abuse field in patient, day treatment, and out patient facilities before joining the Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center in 1985. She started as the child therapist, and became the Clinical Supervisor in 1995.
Robin has treated children and adults dealing with symptoms of PTSD due to being survivors of sexual assault, survivors of homicides, child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, and other crimes. Robin facilitates groups for teens in the community to make healthier choices in their personal relationships and avoid the cycle of violence. She is involved in the Capital District Coalition for Sex Offender Management.

Approved by OASAS for 1.00 Clock Hour for CASAC, CPP and CPS initial credentialing or for renewal.
Approved by EACC for one Domain lll PDH.

AUGUST 4, 2011
8:30AM Networking
8:45AM Resource Sharing

SEPTEMBER 1, 2011
One Bite at a Time: Attitude Control in Daily Living
Presenter: W. Brian Barr, LCSW, CASC
One Bite at a Time is a powerful presentation designed to raise awareness that when one applies certain key actions they can regain or achieve self confidence and a can do attitude. The presenter will share the underpinnings of why some people seem to have that certain "bounce" in their step while others struggle to get through the day. By participating in easy to do exercises (mental and everyone can do them) the participants will leave the program having a clear direction on what to do to and wanting to do it. A robust healthy attitude is possible make sure you're getting the best from yours.
Learning Objectives:
recognizing that a benefit approach to achieving and sustaining change will impact on health of Attitude
how to change self talk tape into a positive, powerful conduit of messaging that will convert ones' can do posture
using measurable results to encourage regular, consistent application of principles to grow in confidence and well being.
Mr. W. Brian Barr is a licensed NYS social worker and credentialed substance abuse counselor. He received his BA from St. Michael's College and his MSW from Boston College. Brian successfully launched a pilot program for prevention/protective/day care, home maker, which demonstrated the effectiveness of in-home family service to prevent placement, early return from placement or more satisfactory placement with desired outcomes. Brain has been involved with outstanding organizations such as Independent Living, Day Treatment for Adolescents, Preventive and Treatment for Adolescent Substance Abusers and a first of its kind in residential treatment Juvenile Sexual Victim/Offender Program. Mr. Barr has served as Assistant Commissioner of Social Services and ultimately Associate Commissioner for the Office of Children and Family Service where upon completing ten years of service Brian retired in 2007. He held oversight responsible for the 24/7 NYS Child Abuse Hot Line, Adult Protective Services and Adoption Services. Brian is an ardent advocate for suicide prevention having written, lectured, appeared in the media and been referred to as the "Johnny Apple seed" of the suicide movement. He is recipient of the Lifetime Social Worker Award, Lasallian Service Award, United Way Humanitarian Award and many other awards.

Approved by OASAS for 1.00 Clock Hour for CASAC, CPP and CPS for renewal.
Approved by EACC for one Domain lll PDH.

OCTOBER 6, 2011
8:30AM Networking
8:45AM Resource Sharing

NOVEMBER 3, 2011
Supporting Employees through the Adoption Process
Presenter: Brigette Hartman-DeCenzo, LCSW, adoptive parent
This workshop will give an overview of the logistical and emotional aspects of the adoption process so participants are better equipped to support employees through the adoption process and make recommendations to employers about adoption benefits.
Participants will be able to verbalize considerations that potential adoptive parents need to have to begin the adoption process.
Participants will be able to cite resources that are available to emotionally support adoptive parents both pre and post adoption.v Participants will be aware of employer benefits that can support employees during the adoption process.
Ms. Hartman-DeCenzo is a Staff Development Specialist NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Brigette Hartman-DeCenzo, LCSW is a Staff Development Specialist at New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. Ms. Hartman-Decenzo trains addiction and mental health professionals throughout New York State on multiple addictions related topics, including Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons with Co-Occurring Disorders and Motivational Interviewing. Ms. Hartman-DeCenzo was trained in Motivational Interviewing by Dr. William Miller, co-founder, and other Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) in 2008. She has held clinical and administrative positions in the addictions field for over ten years and has been an Employee Assistance Professional for five years.

Approved by OASAS for 1.00 Clock Hour for CASAC, CPP and CPS for renewal.
Approved by EACC for one Domain lll PDH.

DECEMBER 1, 2011
8:30AM Networking
8:45AM Resource Sharing