BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH CONVERSATION THAT MATTERS
As seen Aug. 7, 2026, in:
COMMUNITY VOICES
BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH CONVERSATION THAT MATTERS
The public is invited to attend a day of deep connection to move beyond surface-level interaction to engage in the kind of honest, transformative communication that creates lasting bonds at the McHenry County Mental Health Board Community Connections Summit on Friday, Sept. 11 at McHenry County College.
The keynote speaker is Shira Greenfield, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who earned her master’s degree in Counselor Education from the University of Iowa in 1985. In the past 38 years, she has worked as a therapist, a crisis intervention worker, a group facilitator, and an educator. She has also held several leadership positions in behavioral health care providing oversight to both inpatient and outpatient programs and teams. She currently serves as the Clinical Director for Pivotal Counseling Center with offices in Lake in the Hills and Woodstock. Shira is an experienced and sought-after speaker who is known for her down-to-earth style and relatability.
Keynote presentation is “One Conversation at a Time: Creating Connection in a Disconnected World”. Shira will discuss ways people connect and disconnect in the digital age.
Three pillars intended to strengthen our social fabric will be discussed: celebrating our difference, finding common ground and moving forward with purpose. These pillars are the basis for the Summit and the Breakout Sessions.
Regional subject matter experts will conduct Breakout Sessions. Speakers and topics include Lisa Orris on The Grief Gap; Josh Novick who will present on Before the Crisis Communication; Alex Campbell will lead a team to present Youth Voices and Community Impact; and Cheryl Niemo to address Youth and Family Impacted by the Justice System. Other sessions focus on Nourishing Family in Eating Disorder Recovery; Helping Adolescents Build Safe and Connected Relationships, and more.
Exhibits by 40 area resources will provide community connections and information.
The Summit is open to community members, school staff, parents, first responders, and public officials. Evaluations and free CEUs are encouraged. For more details and registration, visit MC708.org. The conference is free for all participants. Registration is required in advance to reserve space for attendees.
Sponsors for the event include McHenry County Suicide Prevention Task Force, NAMI McHenry County, Northern Illinois Recovery Center, Visiting Angels, and MSU Federal Credit Union.
McHenry County Mental Health Board encourages download and use of the MCHELP app to talk or text with a mental health professional about anxiety, depression, family conflicts, and access a directory of resources. Updates and improvements to the app are in process. For Suicide Intervention and Crisis dial 988. Both resources are free and available with live respondents 24/7.
Remember, you are not alone.
