The Annual OCWTP Trainer Event

Each Spring the OCWTP holds a one-day Trainer
Event to recognize the hard work and dedication of its
trainers, and to provide them with networking
opportunities and enhancement training within a
selected theme.

2009 Trainer Event - HOLD THE DATE!
The 2009 Trainer Event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Columbus North, 6500 Doubletree Avenue, Columbus, Ohio on Monday, March 9, 2009.

The theme for the event is “Aftershocks: The Impact of Childhood Trauma,” and will focus on trauma-informed care. The National Childhood Traumatic Stress Network’s resources page (link below) has a great, easy-to-read pamphlet on what traumatic stress is, as well as numerous links to statistics and evidence-based treatments:  http://www.nctsnet.org/nccts/nav.do?pid=ctr_top.

We are excited to announce Dr. Ben Saunders, from the Medical University of South Carolina, will be the keynote speaker.  Dr. Saunders has a Ph.D. in clinical social work and is the Director of the Family and Child Program at the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center.  For his full bio, go to http://colleges.musc.edu/ncvc/about_us/faculty/saunders_bio%2007.htm

Check back soon for more information on other presenters for the 2009 Event!

2008 Trainer Event A Huge Success!
The 2008 Trainer Event took place on March 3rd, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (formerly the Marriott North) in Columbus.  This year’s theme, Your Connection to Permanency, explored youth empowerment and development principles and how trainers can use their workshops to promote these principles.  Presenters included Lisa Dickson and Amanda Dunlap, former foster youth who are active in the Ohio Chapter of the Foster Care Alumni of America; Michael Sanders, national consultant on youth issues and winner of the 2000 Rising Star Award; Jim Still-Pepper, therapist and winner of the 2006 Rising Star Award; Dr. Joseph Shannon, psychologist and winner of the 2007 Linda Pope Award; and a panel of youth from Ohio’s foster care system.

During a lovely lunch, the trainers as a whole were recognized for their significant contribution to the ongoing success of the OCWTP, and the OCWTP presented its two annual trainer awards: Ruth McMonagle received the 2008 Linda Pope Award, and Brian Lowery received the 2008 Rising Star Award.