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CEU's are available to professionals at no charge. Participants must attend a session in it's entirety to qualify. Please allow 2-3 weeks after the conference for processing time.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22
PLENARY I
9:00-10:15 A.M.
Open: Dwayne Robinson and Rev. Ann Helmke, Co-Chairs 2025 Pathways to Hope Conference
Invocation: The Right Rev. Dr. Trevor D. Alexander
Welcome: Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai
Story: Bexar County Pct. 1 Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores
Keynote: Mental Health and Living in Community:
Pastor Victor Rodriguez, Director, Texas Baptist Evangelism
Olga Rodriguez, Director of Education, NAMI Greater San Antonio
BREAK
WORKSHOP I
10:15 - 10:30 A.M.
10:30 - 11:30 A.M.
HEALTH & WELL-BEING: Clinical Conversations on Comorbidities: Shared Pathways, Shared Solutions
This interactive, panel-led discussion will explore the common conditions that frequently co-occur with substance use across different stages of life. Participants will examine evidence-based, integrated treatment approaches that promote collaboration across clinical disciplines—emphasizing the value of coordinated care in improving outcomes. The session will also address the role of stigma, underdiagnosis, and system fragmentation in limiting access to effective care. Through discussion and practical strategies, attendees will gain tools to better support individuals with comorbidities on their path to recovery.
Speakers:
Dr. Jennifer Potter, Vice President for Research and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences UT Health San Antonio
Dr. Muhammad Chaudry, Adolescent Addiction Medicine Physician, Director of Adolescent & Youth Clinical Services at UT Health San Antonio
Dr. Rachel Broussard, Psychiatric & Addiction Nurse Practitioner | Faculty, UT Health San Antonio
Dr. Roxanna Ramirez, Senior Therapist, Be Well Texas
JUSTICE & REFORM: UNDERSTANDING SPECIALTY COURTS
Come educate yourself about the fourteen specialty courts of Bexar County. These courts are problem solving courts designed to address the root causes of criminal activity by coordinating efforts of the judiciary, prosecutors, defense attorneys, probation, police officers, treatment, mental health services and social services. Examples of specialized/treatment courts include drug courts, veterans’ courts, mental health courts, DWI courts, domestic violence courts, juvenile courts etc. Treatment courts provide more individualized and rehabilitative treatment for these categories of offenders, thus reducing their rates of recidivism.
Speakers:
Frenchie Garcia, Court Manager/Case Manager at Bexar County
Judge Rosie Speedlin-Gonzalez, Judge Bexar County Court at Law No. 13 at Bexar County
Judge Ron Rangel, District Court Judge in Bexar County, Texas of the 379th District Court
Judge Raul Perales, Associate Judge in the Bexar County Children’s Court
Judge Kristina Escalona, District Court Judge in Bexar County, Texas of the 186th Criminal District Court
Diversity & Mental Health: Whole Village, Whole Man: Creating Safe Spaces for Supporting Men’s Mental Health - ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation will be provided
Men’s mental health is not just a personal matter—it’s a community responsibility. "Whole Village, Whole Man" explores how families, faith communities, workplaces, and social networks can work together to create safe, supportive spaces for men to express vulnerability, seek help, and hold one another accountable. This workshop highlights the roles that both men and women play in fostering emotional wellness and breaking cycles of silence and stigma.
The session will feature a panel discussion with mental health professionals, community leaders, and lived-experience voices, followed by an open Q&A forum to encourage honest dialogue, shared strategies, and collective healing.
Speakers:
Dexter Brown, LPC, Sigma Mental Health Urgent Care
Pastor Matthew Smith III, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Fashion For Life San Antonio
Antonio Wicks, Men's Ministry Leader & Crisis Management Coordinator, New Life Christian Center
Children, Youth & Families: The Adolescent Brain - ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation will be provided
Adolescence is a time of rapid and remarkable brain development. This interactive workshop explores the fascinating science behind the adolescent brain and how it differs from the adult brain. Participants will recognize the general stages of brain development, with a focus on the adolescent years. They will identify key differences between adolescent and adult brain function, particularly in areas related to decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. In addition, participants will acquire three practical, research-informed strategies to support and foster healthy brain development in adolescents. Whether you're a parent, educator, counselor, or youth professional, this workshop will equip you with valuable insights and tools to better understand and support the young people in your life.
Speakers:
Dr. Jeannie Von Stultz, Deputy Chief of the Mental Health Services Division for Bexar County Juvenile Probation and a licensed psychologist
Spirituality & Mental Health: Faith Leaders as First Responders
The Church and its leadership are often the first line of contact during difficult times. As first responders, faith leaders play a vital role in the mental health and wellbeing of their congregants and community. Therefore, it is critical to know how to respond in times of crisis and distress. This interactive workshop focuses on equipping ordained clergy, professional care providers, and lay church leaders with current best-practice standards relating to emergencies, crisis, trauma, and disaster first response for those serving in congregational settings.
Speakers:
Rev. Jessica N. Bass, Owner + Principal Therapist at Day of Birth Counseling & Consulting || Director of Pastoral Care + Counseling at New Creation Christian Fellowship
Rev. Dr. Melvin Wilson Jr.
Workplace & Mental Health: Creating a Stigma Free Workplace
Workshop Description: Mental Health stigma in the workplace can prevent employees from seeking help and hinder a culture of openness and support. This workshop explores how stigma shows up in a professional settings and its impact on individuals and teams. Participants will gain practical strategies to create a more inclusive, stigma-free work environment where mental health is prioritized.
Speakers:
Adam Rodriguez, Coordinator of Support and Outreach, NAMI Greater San Antonio
Carolina Guadalupe Arroyo, Youth Development Specialist, NAMI Greater San Antonio
Allie Villareal, Community Engagement Specialist, NAMI Greater San Antonio
PLENARY II
12:00 - 1:15 P.M.
Special Music: Alamo City Street Choir - offers a musical outlet for those experiencing homelessness and severe disadvantage. Their voices of hope and wisdom will bring the community to a higher level of beauty through the art of singing.
From Crisis Response to Prevention: Incorporating Behavioral Health Interventions into Public Health Practice
Dr. Andrea Guerrero, Dir., Bexar County Preventative Health and Environmental Services Department
Jessie Higgins, San Antonio Metro Health, Chief Behavioral Health Officer
WORKSHOP II
1:30 - 2:30 P.M.
Hosted by a person with lived experience, this workshop will explore the voice-hearer experience and share resources for voice-hearers and their families. Participants are encouraged to ask questions.
Facilitator: Paul Eisenhauer,
Health & Well-Being: "Living with Voices - Hope for the Voice-Hearer"
Justice & Reform: The Judicial Path to Competency Hearings - Info for the Families
For defendants and their families competency hearings can be very complex and confusing. How does one even began to understand this convoluted path in the judiciary? In this workshop attendees will learn what happens to a defendant in the judiciary once they are arrested and the issue of competency is raised.
Speakers:
Bianca Herrera, Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office
Leticia Dominguez, Bexar County Behavioral Health, Director
Judge Liza Rodriguez, District Court Judge in Bexar County, Texas of the Criminal Law Magistrate Court
Sally Uncapher, Bexar County, Assistant District Attorney
Children, Youth & Families: Multi Systemic Therapy
This interactive session will introduce participants to Multisystemic Therapy (MST), an evidence-based, family- and community-focused model designed to support youth with complex behavioral and emotional needs. Using real-world case studies, role play, and system-mapping tools, attendees will explore how MST addresses the “whole system” surrounding a youth—including family, school, peers, and the justice system. Participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of how collaborative, strength-based strategies can reduce out-of-home placements and empower families to sustain change. Whether you're a caregiver, professional, or advocate, this session offers practical insight into building a stronger support network for youth.
Facilitator:
Jenna Fitzgerald, Multisystemic Therapy Supervisor, Clarity Child Guidance Center
Spirituality & Mental Health: The Sacredness of Self-Care, Embracing Mindful Self-Compassion as a Discipline for Spiritual Wellness
In our fast-paced, technologically advanced world, self-care often gets overlooked or categorized as a luxury rather than a necessity. This contemplative workshop invites faith leaders to explore the deep spiritual practice of “loving our neighbors as we love ourselves”—not as a mere indulgence, but as an essential ingredient in nurturing one’s innermost wellbeing.
Speakers:
Rev. Jessica N. Bass, Owner + Principal Therapist at Day of Birth Counseling & Consulting || Director of Pastoral Care + Counseling at New Creation Christian Fellowship
Rev. Dr. Kan’Dace Brock, Lead Pastor and Co-Founder, The Message Church
Diversity & Mental Health: Rompiendo las Barreras de la Salud Mental en Nuestras Comunidades de Fe (Breaking the Barriers on Mental Health in our Faith Communities)are, Embracing Mindful Self-Compassion as a Discipline for Spiritual Wellness
This workshop will address the widespread issue of mental health stigma. By exploring cultural nuances, historical context, and personal experiences, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the barriers to mental health care. The session will highlight strategies to reduce stigma and promote mental health awareness, specifically designed to meet the unique needs of individuals within our faith communities.
Este taller abordara el problema generalizado del estigma de la salud mental. Al explorar los matices culturales, el contexto histórico, y las experiencias personales, los asistentes obtendrán una comprensión más profunda de las barreras de la atención de la salud mental. La sesión resaltara estrategias para reducir el estigma y promover la concientización sobre la salud mental, diseñada para las necesidades únicas de las personas en nuestras comunidades de fe.
Speakers:
Norma Fuentes-Quintero, Westside Cohort Development Coordinator , NAMI Greater San Antonio
Olga Rodriguez, Director of Education, NAMI Greater San Antonio
Maricela Giner-Nevarez, Director of Clinical Services, Emergence Health Network
Workplace & Mental Health: Leading the Way, CEO’s Supporting Stigma Free Workplaces
In this panel discussion, CEOs from diverse sectors will share how they are fostering mental health-friendly, stigma-free workplaces through policy, culture change, and intentional leadership. Participants will gain insight into practical strategies leaders use to support employee well-being, reduce stigma, and promote inclusive dialogue around mental health. The session will highlight real-world examples and encourage organizational leaders to take proactive steps toward mental health equity.
Speakers:
Mike Wood, Chief Operating Officer, National Alliance on Mental Illness
Bill Cox, CEO, Cox Manufacturing Co.
Emilie Herrera, Director of Human Resources for Unity Recovery
BREAK
2:30 - 2:45 P.M.
WORKSHOP III
2:45 - 3:45 P.M.
Grief is not a mental illness. It is not pathological. It is a natural response to loss. How we move through it matters. Join our lovely and dynamic panelists who each have their own unique journey with grief. Hear real stories of grief, raw, personal ideas about grief and consider hopeful, transformative ways grief becomes a crucible.
Speakers:
Beth Stanley, Psychotherapist, Beth Stanley, LPC
Brian Richardson, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPC-A
Kelly Palmer Eisenhauer, Training Director for Prosumers International
Paul Eisenhauer, Mental Health Peer Support Specialist, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
Health & Well-Being: Grief: Learning and Growing through Loss
Justice & Reform: Mental Health Court Judges from across Texas
The increasing number of individuals with mental health issues in the criminal justice system has enormous fiscal, health and human cost. Come, listen and learn as several judges present about mental health in their respective courts. Judge Huff from Bexar County, Judge Elaine Brown from Hayes County, Judge Raquel Jones from Dallas County and Judge Deb Wigington from Comal County will all give insights to working and helping defendants with mental health issues.
Speakers:
Mary Helen Lopez, Assistant Chief of Regional Services, Bexar County Community Supervision and Corrections
Judge Deb Wigington, Local Bar Services Committee
Judge Elaine Brown, Hays County Court at Law #3
Judge Yolanda Huff, Bexar County Court 12 and Mental Health Court
Children, Youth & Families: Building Resilience in Children
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
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Describe the impact of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on a child's brain development, behavior, and emotional regulation.
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Define resilience in the context of child and adolescent development and articulate its significant role in mitigating the effects of ACEs in children.
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Identify practical strategies for fostering resilience that can be incorporated into everyday practices to promote emotional regulation, healthy coping, and positive identity formation.
Facilitator:
Dr. Reem Eissa, Psychologist, Clarity Child Guidance Center
Spirituality & Mental Health: Hope for the Whole Person: Integrating Spiritual + Clinical Care in Trauma-Informed Support
Diversity & Mental Health: El Impacto de Contar Tu Historia: Empoderando Tu Cultura (The Impact of Sharing Your Story: Empowering Your Culture)
This interdisciplinary workshop explores how blending spiritual and clinical perspectives can enhance trauma-informed care and promote holistic healing for individuals navigating trauma. Through interactive learning, this empowering workshop fosters strategies for effective collaboration between spiritual caregivers and mental health professionals, emphasizing person-centered, culturally sensitive support.
Facilitator:
Rev. Jessica N. Bass, Owner + Principal Therapist at Day of Birth Counseling & Consulting || Director of Pastoral Care + Counseling at New Creation Christian Fellowship
Speakers:
Norma Fuentes-Quintero, Westside Cohort Coordinator, NAMI Greater San Antonio
Olga Rodriguez, Director of Education, NAMI Greater San Antonio
Pastor Jimmy Robles, Founder & Senior Pastor, Last Chance Ministries
Carlos Quijada, Pastor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Author, Radio Host, & Teacher, The Way Ministries
Workplace & Mental Health: Benefits of a Stigma Free Workplace - ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation will be provided
This panel brings together HR professionals and employees with lived experience to explore the tangible benefits of creating stigma-free workplace environments. Panelists will discuss their experiences in the work place and how mental health support, open communication, and inclusive practices contribute to employee retention, productivity, and overall workplace morale.
Speakers:
Adam Rodriguez, Coordinator of Support and Outreach, NAMI Greater San Antonio
Maria Hoenigman, Director of Education, Support, Outreach, and Bridges To Care, NAMI Greater San Antonio
Reuben Escobedo, Vice President Retirement Administration , United Workers Retirement Plan
Mariana Barahona, Employee Assistance Program Manager, Zachry Construction Corporation
Elda Martinez, Human Resources Professional
Marquita Dorsey, Certified Mental Health First Aider | Live Podcast Host
DAY 1 CONFERENCE ENDS
3:45 P.M.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
Holistic Start of Your Morning
9:00-10:00 A.M.
Multi-Faith Prayer & Reflection - ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation will be provided
Multi-Faith Prayer & Reflection – Antonio Frietze, Director of Continuing Education, OST
Morning Mindfulness & Stretch: Starting the Day with Intention
Begin your conference day with a gentle, grounding session designed to awaken the body and center the mind. This morning mindfulness and stretching experience combines light movement, breathwork, and stillness to help you arrive fully present and prepared for the day ahead.
No prior experience is necessary—this session is accessible to all bodies and movement levels. Whether you're looking to release tension, boost energy, or simply take a quiet moment for yourself, this is the perfect way to start your morning with intention, clarity, and calm.
Bring your breath, your body, and your presence—everything else can stay on the conference schedule until we're done.
The Peace Room: A Space to Pause, Reflect, and Recharge
The Peace Room is a quiet, restorative space designed for conference attendees to take a mindful break before starting the day’s activities. Whether you need a moment to breathe, reflect, decompress, or simply sit in silence, the Peace Room offers a calm environment for grounding and inner peace.
In this morning session, you’ll have access to:
Guided mindfulness and breathing exercise worksheets
Journaling reflections and self-care activities
Mindfulness resources
Soft music and calming visuals to help reset your nervous system
Open to all participants, the Peace Room is a judgment-free zone that encourages stillness, emotional care, and personal reflection. Step inside this morning session to reconnect with yourself and return to the conference with clarity and calm.
"Mindful Worship: Connecting Faith, Music, and Mental Health"
This session explores the powerful connection between worship singing and mental health, introducing it as a form of mindful meditation. Music has a unique ability to express what words alone cannot, offering faith-connected youth a meaningful way to bridge their spiritual beliefs with their emotional well-being. Through this experience, participants will learn to be more mindful and aware of their emotions, thoughts, and mental space—while grounding their identity in their faith. By engaging in worship lyrics and melodies that speak to real-life struggles, youth will discover how singing can be a source of peace, comfort, and spiritual reflection.
Speakers:
Sydney Franklin, Community Engagement Specialist, NAMI Greater San Antonio
Plenary III - ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation will be provided
10:00 - 10:45 A.M.
Welcome : Kristie Alsagar/Genesis Williamson/Jade Guilbeaux
Panel: Panel with Youth Influencers; "Overcoming challenges to leading a balanced and healthy life".
Moderator, Stephania Jimenez, KSAT News Anchor
Panelist, Jack Swanner, Creative Media Producer, UTSA Athletic Dept.
Panelist, James Leija II, Co-Founder and PArtner of Leija Boxing x Fitness in San Antonio, Texas.
Panelist, Sarah Tijerina, Youth Coordinator, San Antonio Cultural Arts Center
BREAK
10:45 - 11:00 A.M.
WORKSHOP IV
11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
In this interactive session, we will break down the differences between peer pressure, peer influence, and bullying—and how they show up in real life. You will learn how to spot the signs, handle tough situations, and navigate different peer groups with confidence. Walk away with practical tools and strategies that empower you to stand strong, make choices that feel right for you, and support others along the way.
Speakers:
Allie Villarreal, Community Engagement Specialist, NAMI Greater San Antonio
Andrew Oviedo, Youth Development Specialist, NAMI Greater San Antonio
Peer Pressure: What crowd are you hanging with
The internet is where you hang out, learn new things, game with friends, and share your life—but it can also bring real risks. At the Pathways to Hope Youth Conference, this session is all about helping you feel confident and safe online.
We will talk about how social media, gaming, and even AI affect the way you think, feel, and connect with others—and how to protect yourself while still having fun. This isn’t a boring lecture. It’s a real conversation about the stuff you actually deal with every day.
Speakers:
Jennifer De Luna, Youth Development Specialist, NAMI Greater San Antonio
Sydney Franklin, Community Engagement Specialist, NAMI Greater San Antonio
Cyber Safety- Boundaries Online
Talking with teens about life’s toughest topics isn’t always easy—whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or youth worker. Conversations with Your Youth is a panel-style workshop designed to bring teens and adults together in the same space to explore what it means to have open, honest, and meaningful dialogue.
A diverse panel of youth, experienced caregivers, and mental health professionals will share stories, strategies, and real-life examples of how to navigate conversations about sensitive issues like mental health, identity, relationships, and future goals. Teens in attendance will have the opportunity to share their perspectives on what makes them feel heard and supported, while adults will gain tools to create safe, trusting spaces where these conversations can thrive.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen connections, learn practical communication skills, or better support the youth in your life, this workshop offers a collaborative environment where all voices matter.
Speakers:
Tami Logsdon, Director of Grief Support and Education, Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas
Kristie Alsagar, LPC, Youth and Young Adults Mental Health Chair and Steering Committee Member , Pathways to Hope
Kellee Wilkins, Director of Clinical Services, ChildSafe
Conversations with your youth
Generational/Blended families - ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation will be provided
Generational & Blended Families brings together teens, parents, caregivers, and youth workers to talk about how family dynamics shape our relationships. Generational families are households where multiple age groups—like grandparents, parents, and teens—live or interact closely, each with different values and perspectives. Blended families are formed when two separate families come together, often creating new roles and routines.
Speakers:
Crystal Nworie, Education Coordinator, NAMI Greater San Antonio
Elsie Lozano, LPC, Program Coordinator, Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Shannon White, CEO / Chief Clinical Director, Guardian House
Tanya Navarro LCSW, Bilingual Therapist, Northeast Counseling Center
“The Power of Vulnerability: Strengthening Mental Health in Men”
"For too long, men have been conditioned to equate strength with silence—and in doing so, we’ve seen a rise in isolation, untreated mental health issues, and disconnection. This workshop, specifically curated for a male audience, seeks to challenge that narrative. A gender specific panel discussion will explore what it means to embrace vulnerability, how masculinity is evolving, and what role we can each play in creating a culture that allows men to be fully human—spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and socially."
Speakers:
Rev. Jessica N. Bass M.Div., Owner + Principal Therapist at Day of Birth Counseling & Consulting || Director of Pastoral Care + Counseling at New Creation Christian Fellowship, Day of Birth Counseling & Consulting
Marvin Brown
Sinclair Ceasar III, Founder, Healing Fathers
Dr. Mark Jones, President, Laser stealth technologies LLC
Peter Onofre, Operations Administrator
Scott Nichols, Pastor, Methodist Healthcare Ministries
Art for your Mental Health - ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation will be provided
In this interactive workshop, participants will be introduced to the Open Studio Process, a method that combines spontaneous art-making and reflective writing to deepen self-awareness, foster emotional well-being, and cultivate authentic community connection.
Grounded in the belief that art is a universal human behavior, as proposed by Ellen Dissanayake, we will explore how creative expression has long played a vital role in human life—not only for aesthetic pleasure, but as a means of survival, bonding, and meaning-making. Dissanayake (1992) reminds us that art is not a luxury, but an essential way in which humans have made sense of the world throughout history.
Speakers:
Martha Friend, Director, The Art Way
BREAK
Workshop V
12:00 - 12:15 P.M.
12:15 - 1:15 P.M.
Peer Pressure: What crowd are you hanging with - ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation will be provided
In this interactive session, we will break down the differences between peer pressure, peer influence, and bullying—and how they show up in real life. You will learn how to spot the signs, handle tough situations, and navigate different peer groups with confidence. Walk away with practical tools and strategies that empower you to stand strong, make choices that feel right for you, and support others along the way.
Speakers:
Allie Villarreal, Community Engagement Specialist, NAMI Greater San Antonio
Andrew Oviedo, Youth Development Specialist, NAMI Greater San Antonio
Cyber Safety- Boundaries Online - ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation will be provided
The internet is where you hang out, learn new things, game with friends, and share your life—but it can also bring real risks. At the Pathways to Hope Youth Conference, this session is all about helping you feel confident and safe online.
We will talk about how social media, gaming, and even AI affect the way you think, feel, and connect with others—and how to protect yourself while still having fun. This isn’t a boring lecture. It’s a real conversation about the stuff you actually deal with every day.
Speakers:
Jennifer De Luna, Youth Development Specialist, NAMI Greater San Antonio
Sydney Franklin, Community Engagement Specialist, NAMI Greater San Antonio
Conversations with your youth
Talking with teens about life’s toughest topics isn’t always easy—whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or youth worker. Conversations with Your Youth is a panel-style workshop designed to bring teens and adults together in the same space to explore what it means to have open, honest, and meaningful dialogue.
A diverse panel of youth, experienced caregivers, and mental health professionals will share stories, strategies, and real-life examples of how to navigate conversations about sensitive issues like mental health, identity, relationships, and future goals. Teens in attendance will have the opportunity to share their perspectives on what makes them feel heard and supported, while adults will gain tools to create safe, trusting spaces where these conversations can thrive.
Speakers:
Tami Logsdon, Director of Grief Support and Education, Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas
Kristie Alsagar, LPC, Youth and Young Adults Mental Health Chair and Steering Committee Member , Pathways to Hope
Generational/Blended families
Generational & Blended Families brings together teens, parents, caregivers, and youth workers to talk about how family dynamics shape our relationships. Generational families are households where multiple age groups—like grandparents, parents, and teens—live or interact closely, each with different values and perspectives. Blended families are formed when two separate families come together, often creating new roles and routines.
In this panel‑style workshop, teens, caregivers, and family professionals will share real stories and strategies to navigate these unique setups. Together, we’ll explore how to communicate better, respect each person’s background, and build stronger, healthier family connections.
Speakers:
Crystal Nworie, Education Coordinator, NAMI Greater San Antonio
Mercedes Bristol, Founder and Executive Director, Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Shannon White, CEO / Chief Clinical Director, Guardian House
Tanya Navarro LCSW, Bilingual Therapist, Northeast Counseling Center
Young Women’s Mental Health
For too long, women have been expected to carry the weight of emotional labor, to be strong for others while often neglecting their own needs. This has led to burnout, silence around personal struggles, and a culture that rewards self-sacrifice over self-care. This workshop, specifically curated for a female audience, seeks to challenge that narrative. A gender-specific panel discussion will explore what it means to embrace vulnerability, how womanhood is evolving, and the role each of us can play in creating a culture that honors women as whole beings—spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and socially. (It will be centered on the perspective of the audience being young teen women or women that mentor young teen women)
Speakers:
Carolina Guadalupe Arroyo, Youth Development Specialist, NAMI Greater San Antonio
Maureen Galindo, Community psychologist & Family therapist, YWCA San Antonio
Jasmine Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, The Way Solutions Group
Lisa Coleman, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Soy Latina
Movement for your Mental Health
In this dynamic and reflective movement-based workshop, youth participants will explore how their bodies naturally move through the world—and how movement can become a powerful tool for mindfulness, self-awareness, and empathy.
Guided by the principles of Laban’s Effort Qualities—such as direct, indirect, heavy, light, quick, sustained, bound, and free—students will engage in creative, non-verbal exercises that help them notice how they carry emotion, stress, and intention in their bodies. Through individual and group movement activities, students will practice expressing complex feelings like inclusion, exclusion, respect, and boundaries without using words.
Speakers:
Sarah Tijerina, Performance artists and Teaching artists
Social - Meet in Lobby for Lunch
1:15 - 2:30 P.M.