The LGBTQ+ Professional Network Committee has collaborated with the Mental Health Board to offer this training opportunity for our Behavioral Health Network.
LGBTQIA+ Behavioral Health Seminar – Empowering Resilience: Addressing Violence and Mental Health Challenges in LGBTQIA+ Communities | In-Person | Friday, June 27, 2025 | 9:00 am to 3:00 pm | Presented by Percilla Madera (NW CASA), Jose Brito (NW CASA), Elissa Crowley (Turning Point), Mo Ferdman (Thresholds), Dywaine Betts (Brave Space Alliance), and Emily Salomon (Cherry Hill Counseling). EVENT FLYER
REGISTER HERE!
FREE: 5 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC, Psychologists and IAODAPCA
This comprehensive training focuses on enhancing awareness and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals facing critical issues. Participants will engage in breakout sessions covering key topics:
9:00 – 9:45 am | Responding to Sexual Violence in the LGBTQ+ Community
Objectives:
- Address difference in statistics of sexual violence for LGBTQ community
- Inform the audience how to handle disclosures of sexual assault
- Explain our services for the community
- Explain prevention methods and consent
9:45 – 10:30 am | Understanding Domestic Violence in LGBTQIA+ Relationships: Barriers, Bias, and Support
Summary:
Exploring the intersection of domestic violence and LGBTQIA+ identity, this session offers a foundational understanding of abuse dynamics and the unique barriers LGBTQIA+ survivors face in seeking safety and support.
10:45 – 12:15 pm | LGBTQIA+ Community and Suicide Risk
Summary:
Understanding the unique mental health challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals is essential for providing compassionate, informed, and effective support. This training equips clinicians with critical knowledge of suicide risk factors specific to the LGBTQIA+ community, emphasizing the impact of social, political, and cultural dynamics. Participants will also learn about protective factors, including the importance of remaining trauma informed. This training additionally focuses on LGBTQIA+ resilience and joy, encouraging participants to support clients in ways that affirm identity, enhance safety, and foster hope. Practical tools, resources, and communication strategies are provided to help staff advocate effectively and sensitively within mental health systems.
Objectives:
- Understand the basics of suicide, including warning signs and general risk factors
- Gain foundational knowledge of LGBTQIA+ identities
- Examine suicide risk factors unique to the LGBTQIA+ community
- Analyze current data and sociopolitical factors influencing LGBTQIA+ mental health
- Identify protective factors that support LGBTQIA+ individuals’ well-being
- Learn practical tools and resources for suicide identification and intervention
- Promote affirming care by understanding client preferences and provider safety
- Celebrate LGBTQIA+ joy as a protective and empowering force
LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
1:15 pm – 2:45 pm | Hope During Uncertain Times
Summary:
This training explores the history of the Brave Space Alliance, highlighting its mission and values, pivotal moments, and how we’ve been a beacon of hope and resilience, providing dignity and support to community during challenging times. As we cover the changes and current climate of the Administration, we will showcase ways for service providers to provide support and safety measures for ALL families and especially those that are marginalized and affected. Lastly, while together, we will work on action plans/roadmaps that work for our individual organizations and scopes of work to take back after the training.
2:45 pm – 3:00 pm | Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Summary:
Progressive muscle relaxation is a mindfulness exercise that reduces stress and anxiety in your body by having you slowly tense and then relax each muscle.
PRESENTERS
Percilla Madera has worked at the CARE Center since 2024 as a bilingual advocate. She has a passion for educating and training community members on survivor-centered and trauma informed advocacy. In her free time, she heals through art, reading, and dance and encourages others to do the same.
Jose Brito started at NWCASA in 2025 as a bilingual medical/legal advocate. With a medical background and a passion for supporting Latino and LGBTQ communities, Jose is dedicated to providing survivors with the resources and support they need. As a drag queen, Jose uses his platform to inspire others to embrace who they are and create a safe, inclusive spaces across all communities. His mission is to help others heal, feel seen, and find strength through advocacy and self-expression.
Elissa Crowley, has been with Turning Point, Inc. since November 2019 and currently serves as the Director of Outreach and Community Engagement. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin–Superior and began her career in youth programming, working in schools, park districts, and nonprofits. Prior to joining Turning Point, Elissa spent seven years in leadership roles at the YMCA, focusing on youth development and community-building initiatives.
Mo Ferdman holds a bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Following a well-rounded career spanning over a decade of sales, customer service, client services, and small business consulting, Mo transitioned to the non-profit sector. After working as an Employment Specialist with Thresholds IPS program, he joined Workforce Development as a Training Associate in 2023 where he provides in-person and virtual training sessions for internal and external audiences, consultations, and aides in the design and development of eLearnings.
Dywaine Betts, Jr. is a Professional Development Specialist with over 15 years of experience in coaching, mentoring, and supporting those seeking opportunities for themselves. Since moving to Chicago in 2011, he has been involved in career readiness, exploration, and employment of opportunity youth and those in juvenile justice. While brokering relationships between employer/business partners and community-based organizations, he trains and connects adults to entry-to-mid-level careers. Dywaine enjoys helping others to see the blind spots in their experience and day-to-day talents, as they navigate the Next. As the Sr. Associate for People, Culture, and Operations with Brave Space Alliance, he continues facilitating engaging lessons to expand participants’ knowledge and cultural competence.
Emily Salomon, MS.Ed, LCPC, is a client-centered counselor with a multifaceted approach to therapy. She believes when working with children, play is their language and toys are their words. In working with teen and adult populations, she aims to use a combination of cognitive behavior therapy, and client-centered approaches to navigate through someone’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a collaborative manner. Emily embraces an open-minded, multicultural, and safe environment empowering clients to speak on one’s life exactly as they see it.
