Mental Health Conference Series

How Can We Support Our Clients and Loved Ones As They Age?

Mental health will affect all aspects of the lifespan. However, the mental health of older adults is often overlooked, and can even go undiagnosed, leading to more mental health crises. Join this year's conversation (virtually!) as we learn about addressing common aging stereotypes, handling changes/transitions as we age, navigating grief and loss, and other relevant topics.

In an expansion of last year's conference, NAMI Wood County's Mental Health Conference Series will explore the "Caring for a Generation: Supporting Mental Health in Aging" with a Webinar Series. We will be bringing in presenters from local mental health providers, university faculty, and more! This event is open to both mental health professionals and community members who wish to learn more about this topic.

Thursday, August 27 2026: "Cognitive Disorders in Older Adults"

Cost for to attend (1) one webinar is $10.

1 Continuing Education Units approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board

Continuing Education Units by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board for January, March, May, and July webinars (see webinar description for more details).

Click here to access the recorded webinar

Maren Simon, LISW-S from Monarch Grief, will delve into the complex experience of grief in older adults, focusing on how to identify the symptoms of prolonged grief and the emotional challenges that accompany aging. Attendees will explore various types of loss—such as the death of a loved one, health changes, and loss of independence—and how each can uniquely affect the aging process. The presentation will offer practical skills for supporting loved ones or clients who are grieving, equipping participants with strategies for providing empathetic care and fostering emotional resilience. Additionally, the session will highlight effective coping strategies in bereavement, helping individuals navigate grief in healthy and constructive ways. Whether as professionals or family members, participants will gain valuable tools to enhance their understanding of grief and provide meaningful support to those in need.

1 Continuing Education Unit approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board

0.75 Continuing Education Units approved* by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board:

*Domains include: PR1 for Certified Prevention Specialist Assistant, Certified Prevention Specialist and Certified Prevention Consultant. TR1 for Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II, and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III.

Click here to access the recorded webinar

Lisa Myers of Wood County Committee on Aging will address the complex relationship between the aging process and mental health, shedding light on how physical changes can affect emotional and cognitive well-being. Attendees will explore common stereotypes about aging and understand how these misconceptions can influence health outcomes and interpersonal relationships. The keynote presentation will also offer practical strategies for addressing and challenging age-related stereotypes when interacting with clients and families. We will discuss key life transitions—such as retirement, empty nest syndrome, and other significant changes—and their impact on mental health. Additionally, the keynote speaker will emphasize the importance of language in fostering respect and dignity, exploring why terms like “older adult” are preferred over “elderly.” Participants will walk away with enhanced skills to work effectively with older adults, both as professionals and family members, while promoting a more inclusive and supportive approach to aging.

1 Continuing Education Unit approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board

0.75 Continuing Education Units approved* by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board:

Click here to access the recorded webinar

In this session, Carli Dimeo, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, and Allen Keener, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, FAOTA will explore the vital intersection between Occupational Therapy (OT) and mental health care, with a specific focus on older adults. Attendees will gain an understanding of how OT plays a critical role in supporting mental health through activities like cognitive exercises and activities of daily living (ADLs). Through sensory integration, stress management techniques, cognitive rehabilitation, and life skills training, OT assists older adults in maintaining independence and improving quality of life. The presentation will also highlight the importance of collaborative practice, illustrating how Occupational Therapists work alongside other healthcare professionals to deliver holistic and effective care. Participants will leave with practical resources and strategies on how both individuals and clinicians can utilize OT to support treatment and recovery in older adults, promoting overall well-being and independence.

1 Continuing Education Unit approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board

0.75 Continuing Education Units approved* by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board:

This session, led by Candice Schmitt, MSW, LISW-S and Dr. Kononov from the University of Toledo Medical Center, will provide an in-depth exploration of cognitive disorders in older adults, focusing on both traditional and alternative treatment options. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of common cognitive disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other age-related cognitive impairments. The presentation will highlight evidence-based treatment strategies, including pharmacological approaches and therapies tailored to support cognitive function. In addition, participants will learn about holistic and alternative treatments, such as mindfulness, nutritional support, and physical activity, that can complement traditional care. The session will also address the role of social workers in advocating for and implementing these treatments, providing practical insights for both clinicians and family members on how to improve quality of life for older adults living with cognitive challenges.

1 Continuing Education Unit approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board

1 Continuing Education Units approved* by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board:

*Domains include: TR1 for Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II, and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III

Northwest Ohio NAMI Regional Wellness Symposium

Friday, September 18, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00PM
Veterans Memorial Building - 520 Conneaut Ave Bowling Green, Ohio

A full‑day, peer‑centered learning event that builds skills, compassion, and cultural awareness for anyone working in mental health or community support.

Hosted by local NAMI affiliates, the symposium brings together peers, facilitators, program leaders, and community partners for education, connection, and hands‑on wellness activities.

Schedule

9:00 – 9:05: Welcome and Housekeeping

9:05 – 10:35: Keynote: Dani’s Place

10:35 – 10:45: Break

10:45 – 11:45: Cultural Competence & Trauma-Informed Care

This session explores how cultural identity, lived experience, and trauma shape the way individuals understand, express, and seek support for mental health challenges. Participants will learn how to create emotionally safe, culturally responsive environments, whether in peer support groups, community programs, or everyday interactions. The session blends education, storytelling, and practical tools, emphasizing the importance of empathy, humility, and shared humanity.

11:45 – 1:00: Lunch/Lived Experience Panel

Peers share their recovery journeys, focusing on cultural identity, trauma, resilience, and the role of community support. The panel highlights diverse experiences and offers insight into what meaningful, person‑centered support looks like across different backgrounds.

1:00 – 2:00: Breakout sessions (Round 1):

Supervising Peers: A session for supervisors, coordinators, and program leads on supporting peer specialists with compassion, clarity, and trauma‑informed leadership.

Skill-Building Workshop: Handling Hard Conversations - Interactive practice for navigating challenging group dynamics, emotional disclosures, conflict, and boundaries using trauma‑informed and culturally humble approaches.

2:00 – 2:15: Break

2:15 – 2:45: Movement Session – Tai Chi with Rich Messer

A grounding, accessible Tai Chi session designed to support emotional regulation, reduce stress, and reconnect participants with their bodies. Suitable for all mobility levels.

2:45 – 3:45: Self-care, Burnout, and Compassion Fatigue

This session explores the emotional toll of peer support and mental health work. Participants learn strategies for maintaining boundaries, recognizing burnout, and building sustainable self‑care practices rooted in compassion and recovery principles.

3:45 – 4:00: Break

4:00 – 4:45: Breakout session (Round 2)

Creative Expressions w/ NAMI Toledo: A hands‑on creative workshop using art, writing, and expressive techniques to support emotional wellness and self‑reflection.

Give Back with NAMI Service Project w/ NAMI Wood County: Participants create self‑care items—fidgets, affirmation cards, calming art—to be donated to local mental health treatment centers and community partners. This session blends creativity, service, and recovery‑oriented connection.

4:45 – 5:00pm Closing Session: “What Recovery Means to Me” Reflection Activity and Evaluation

How Can We Support Our Clients and Loved Ones As They Age?

Thank you to our sponsors!