MHMAZ 2024 - Upcoming Events
Join our next event to connect, learn together, and spread awareness!
2nd Annual MHMAZ Conference
ASU Sky Song Campus
Saturday, September 28th, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM MST.
1475 N Scottsdale Rd #200, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
The event is free. A box lunch will be provided for in person attendees
Online attendees will receive a Zoom link via email one day prior to the event.
The Mental Health Matters Arizona Conference is an insightful and impactful event dedicated to promoting awareness, understanding, and support for mental illness at no cost to attendees. The conference brings together a diverse group of professionals, experts, advocates, and individuals passionate about mental health from various sectors and backgrounds. The event features various engaging and informative breakout sessions, panel discussions, and keynote speeches covering a broad spectrum of mental health topics. Renowned experts and thought leaders will share their knowledge, experiences, and innovative approaches to addressing mental health challenges. The conference aimed to foster a supportive and inclusive environment where attendees could learn, network, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. It provided a platform for attendees to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore innovative strategies for promoting mental wellness and resilience in their respective communities.
Dr. Chante Dickerson
Mental Health
Josh Azevedo
Substance Use
Dr. Avi Vieira
LGBTQIA+
Meet Our Expert Panelists: 2024 MHMAZ Conference
Holly Farrar Cook
Eating Disorders
Sarah Hanchett
EvolvedMD
Dr. Sharnell Myles
Embark Behavioral Health
Meet Our Breakout Session Speakers: 2024 MHMAZ Conference
Dr. Chante Dickerson
Catch It Early: The Power of Early Intervention in Child Mental Health
Early intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of mental health issues in children. This presentation will focus on the importance of recognizing early signs of mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues, and seeking help promptly. Participants will learn about the benefits of early treatment and how to access resources.
Eva Dwight
Positive Disipline and Mental Health
Positive Discipline is a research-supported, trauma-informed practice for instilling in children feelings of belonging and significance (connection and contribution), capability, and resilience—all three of which are essential ingredients for positive mental health. In this interactive session, participants will learn effective strategies for *increasing cooperation and connection with children *helping children develop feelings of capability *empowering children to make decisions, learn from mistakes, and thrive in the world
Dr. Liz Mendoza & Karen Gifford
Partners in Pride: Parents, Professionals, and Communities Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
Are you a parent, educator, health-care provider, or community member interested in supporting LGBTQ+ students? If so, this session is designed for you! Learn from a parent and an educator how to support students at home, in the community, and at school, and how to build bridges between home, school, and community to form a powerful advocacy team. We will highlight available support for families as they navigate the transition process and journey, including terminology, advocacy, and helpful community resources. We will discuss four research-backed supports for students (inclusive and comprehensive school policies, supportive educators, student-led clubs, and inclusive curriculum) and practical ways to enact them. Participants will leave the session with practical strategies for LGBTQ+ inclusion and advocacy, as well as a list of resources for further learning and support.
Dr. Avi Vieira
Understanding the ABC’s of LGBTQ
LGBTQ…XYZ. The alphabet soup of identities can be both confusing and overwhelming for those not familiar with the LGBTQ community. This introductory workshop covers the basics of gender and sexual identities, the language roots to better understand them, more common terms and slang used by members of the community, and terms to avoid. Attendees will gain a better understanding and validation of the differences in identities and the importance of their use with members of the LGBTQ community.
Holly Farar-Cook
Understanding Eating Disorders
Understanding what an eating disorder is, the prevalence of eating disorders, identifying possible eating disorders, and providing appropriate support to someone with eating concerns.
Dr. Bonnie Brock
Food and Mood
Join Dr Bonnie Brock, Registered Dietitian and Naturopathic Medical Doctor as she outlines which foods contain the essential nutrients for optimizing mood, combatting anxiety and/or depression, and shares some quick and easy recipes you can make to elevate your mental health and wellness.
Josh Azevedo
Modern Teen Drug Culture
The presentation will help attendees understand the modern teen’s view of the current drug culture. Discussion will address teens perception of harm in drug use, modern THC, stigmas surrounding SUD, why teens use, and how adults can talk to teens about drugs.
Tiffany Ducey
Addiction and the Brain
“Use your will power to stop; just quit drinking and using drugs.” Have you ever wondered why someone struggling with addiction can’t “just stop?” In this session, you’ll learn the basic neuroscience behind addiction and how the unconscious mind drives this disease. We’ll also explore ways to overcome addiction.
.jpg)
A Heartfelt Thanks to Our 2024 MHMAZ Conference Sponsors
2024 Conference - Presenting Sponsors
%20copy.png)
2024 Conference - Resource Sponsors
.png)
2024 Conference - Dignitary Remarks
David Ortega
Mayor of Scottsdale
Mayor David Ortega is the current mayor of Scottsdale, Arizona, with a strong background in architecture and a commitment to sustainable growth and community improvement. He focuses on enhancing the city's infrastructure, supporting green initiatives, and ensuring Scottsdale remains a desirable place to live and work through strategic planning and preservation efforts. His leadership emphasizes maintaining Scottsdale's quality of life while adapting to future growth and development.
Rachel Mitchell
Maricopa County Attorney
Rachel Mitchell is the Maricopa County Attorney and a seasoned prosecutor with over 30 years of experience, specializing in cases involving child abuse, sexual assault, and crimes against children. She has led teams of prosecutors and has been a national advocate for strengthening laws to protect vulnerable populations. Notably, Mitchell gained national attention during the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings. She holds a law degree from Arizona State University and continues to fight for justice within her community.
Interested in partnering with us?
For all sponsorship registration inquiries, contact us for more information!
