FINAL_2021 conference brochure

Wednesday, June 9, 2021 | 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | 6 CEUs
“Matters of the Heart: Recovery through Sense of Belonging” with Ryan Sallans, MA
Recovery may begin, but ongoing commitment is difficult without a sense of belonging, love and connection. Unfortunately, for people who identify as LGBTQ, structural and societal barriers often prevent developing meaningful connections to one’s self, let alone others. Research has found that these barriers are linked to the disproportionate numbers of LGBTQ youth who are either homeless or part of the juvenile justice and foster care systems. The discrimination and lack of acceptance that LGBTQ youth experience carries into adulthood, where research sees an ongoing
struggle for incarcerated people who are categorized as gender and sexual minorities.
Matters of the Heart walks through the complexities and also simplicities of human sexuality through the intersections of human growth and development, research findings, and health models. The presenter will then cover current national climate survey findings, recommendations and best practice guidelines when working with LGBTQ individuals, including those who are part of the national prison system. The presentation will close with a modern-day recovery story, shifting how we view being LGBTQ from the head to the heart.

Objectives:
1. Recall the differences between sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.
2. Understand terminology and language applicable to LGBTQ identities.
3. Identify influencing factors that contribute to addiction among gender and sexual minorities.
4. Recall the impact and outcomes family acceptance or rejection have on LGBTQ individuals.
5. Provide education and increase competency surrounding factors that influence LGBT youth, including those involved in the juvenile justice system.
6. Identify current barriers to accessing rehabilitative services for LGBTQ inmates.
7. Employ strategies that improve programming and outcomes for LGBTQ individuals.

Ryan Sallans, MA, is an inspirational transgender speaker and author who specializes in inclusion, diversity, and healthcare. Over the past 20 years, Ryan has worked in the fields of eating
disorder recovery, sexual orientation, and gender identity development. His work focuses on building inclusive environments and providing traumainformed care for students, patients,
employees and clients. His growing body of texts and teachings assist corporations, healthcare institutions, federal agencies, universities, and communities. His teachings are based on personal narrative storytelling, interwoven with his academic training, research and science.

Ryan Sallans graduated Sigma Tau Delta from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. From 2008 to 2020, Ryan  served as the Lead Author and Subject Matter Expert for an extensive range of
e-learning courses used around the nation to train healthcare professionals and staff seeking continuing education around serving the LGBTQ community. His academic publications include
several personal narratives for peerreviewed journals including the Journal of Ethics (2020), Journal of Ethics (2016), Journal of Ethics in Mental Health (2015), and Contemporary Sexuality (2012).

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS
AVAILABLE AT: WWW.CNCAA.NET