2025 Winter Workshops Schedule
“Leadership at Every Level: Unlocking Potential Across Cunningham”
All sessions are in the Spiritual Life Center, located on Cunningham’s main campus at 1301 N. Cunningham Ave. in Urbana, unless otherwise noted.
Sessions marked with an asterisk (*) denote that CEUs are available.
If you have questions, please reach out to Mandy Posey, Associate Director of Training.
Cunningham “Show How You Care” Fair
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Description: Join us for the Cunningham “Show How You Care” Fair—an afternoon dedicated to embracing self-care and well-being! Discover hands-on activities, wellness tips, and rejuvenating techniques, all demonstrated by your Cunningham peers. From mindfulness practices to relaxation strategies, this event is designed to inspire you to prioritize yourself! Come and go as your schedule allows. Bonus: This event can be counted toward your Wellness Education credits for the FY25 Wellness Program!
*Creating an LGBTQ-Affirming Environment for Staff and Clients
Joshua Gavel
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Description: In this session, Joshua Gavel, Interim Director of Operations at Uniting Pride, will explore key concepts related to LGBTQ+ identities, the importance of using inclusive language, and best practices for creating a respectful and supportive environment for both staff and clients. Participants will learn about gender identities, sexual orientations, pronoun usage, and other essential aspects of LGBTQ+ inclusivity, empowering them to foster a more affirming and welcoming space in their professional settings.
Presenter Bio: Joshua Gavel (He/They/Any) is a dynamic LGBTQIA+ advocate with expertise in program development, strategic advocacy, and creating inclusive support systems. A native of Champaign County and Southern Illinois University graduate, Joshua has led student organizations, grassroots initiatives, and impactful programs in both corporate and nonprofit sectors. Now, as Interim Director of Operations at Uniting Pride, he continues to drive equity and inclusion initiatives.
Total hours: 1.5 hours, 1.5 CEUs
*Regulating, Relating, and Reasoning Through Play Therapy
Samantha Wells
Friday, February 21, 2025
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Description: In this session, Samantha Wells explores the vital role of play in building relationships and regulating emotions. Play is a child’s first language, fostering friendships, social skills, and emotional development. Learn about the history and techniques of play therapy, hear real stories of its positive impact at Cunningham and Hope Springs, and discover activities you can use to create meaningful connections with both children and adults.
Presenter Bio: Samantha Wells, MSW, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Therapist at Hope Springs Counseling Services, where she has worked for three years. With eight years’ experience working with children both domestically and internationally, she is trained in TF-CBT, Level One Theraplay and MIM, and is working toward certification as a Registered Play Therapist.
Total hours: 1.5 hours, 1.5 CEUs
Generational Leadership
Colleen Combes
Friday, February 21, 2025
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Description: This interactive workshop empowers staff at all levels to understand and leverage the unique strengths each generation brings to the workplace. Designed for professionals working in residential, special education, and community-based programs, the session highlights how generational perspectives influence communication, teamwork, and leadership. Participants will explore practical strategies for fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and creating a supportive culture where everyone leads and learns, regardless of their role or tenure. Key topics include recognizing and valuing generational strengths, overcoming stereotypes, and building cross-generational mentorship. Walk away with tools to enhance connection, strengthen leadership at every level, and stay united in your mission to help youth thrive and families flourish.
Presenter Bio: Colleen Combes, Event and Volunteer Specialist at Cunningham Children’s Home since October 2019, manages signature fundraising events and volunteer coordination. With over 12 years of experience in marketing and sales, she excels in effectively communicating organizational missions and fostering community engagement.
*Navigating the Intersection: Effective Treatment of Common Comorbid Disorders (Virtual Session)
Rachel Bunyard
Monday, February 24, 2025
1:30 – 3:00 PM
Note: This session is virtual. A link to the session will be sent prior to the event.
Description: Rachel Bunyard, Clinical Director of Elliott Counseling Group, will lead a virtual discussion-based presentation to understand common comorbid disorders and how to treat overlapping symptoms. This session will also discuss how to treat comorbid disorders with seemingly varying presentation while remaining focused on the client’s needs.
Presenter Bio: Rachel Bunyard is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced trauma and want to improve their coping skills and overall mental health. Rachel’s therapy modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Total hours: 1.5 hours, 1.5 CEUs
*Lead with Purpose: Servant Leadership and the 12 Essential Competencies
Tony Wilson
Thursday, February 27, 2025
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Description: Master the 12 Core Competencies of management success with leadership qualities and interpersonal skills. Reflect on your current leadership style, identify areas for improvement, and set goals for applying the competencies to your leadership practice. This session is designed for supervisors but is open to all staff.
Presenter Bio: Tony Wilson, MS, is the Director of Residential and Clinical Services at Cunningham Children’s Home. Tony has more than 28 years of experience in residential and community program management. His professional experience includes serving as the Director of Family and Community Services at The Baby Fold, Executive Director at Woodbourne Center, CEO of Rock River Academy, and Clinical Director at Indian Oaks Academy.
Total hours: 1.5 hours, 1.5 CEUs
Word of the Year
Erin Tarr
Friday, February 28, 2025
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Description: Do you want a clear, inspiring focus to guide your personal goals and decisions this year—no matter what challenges or opportunities arise? In this engaging and reflective talk you’ll discover a powerful Word of the Year – unique to you – that serves as your personal theme and compass; align your word with your goals, aspirations, and affirmations to create clarity and momentum; and leave with a practical, adaptable tool to navigate the coming year with purpose & resilience.
Presenter Bio: Erin Tarr is a best-selling author and Confidence Coach whose presentations for schools and organizations across the country have impacted thousands of individuals. She educates and coaches young women, providing time-honored tools & principles for leadership and personal growth, as well as the latest psychological research to help them navigate important life transitions with her signature FIERCEST Framework.
*TBRI Principles for the Non-Direct Care Professional
Dori Choy
Monday, March 3, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Description: This workshop will provide an overview of Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). TBRI is a parenting and intervention approach that helps children heal from trauma through connection and caregiving. TBRI is based on neuroscience, attachment theory, and sensory processing research and focuses on building trust and meeting the child’s needs. TBRI is an evidence-based practice used in families, schools, treatment centers and communities.
Presenter Bio: Dori Choy, LCSW is an Associate Director within the Residential program at Cunningham Children’s Home. She led foster care programs and intensive placement stabilization programs in Indiana prior to moving to Illinois in 2019 and joining the Cunningham team.
Total hours: 1.5 hours, 1.5 CEUs
*Implementing Cognitive-Behavioral PRACTICE with Traumatized Youth
Rob Lusk
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Description: This presentation will review the three-stage model of cognitive-behavioral trauma treatment and will use the PRACTICE acronym to describe how aspects of the model can be implemented by different staff. It will also discuss how TBRI principles serve as an ideal framework for cognitive-behavioral interventions.
Presenter Bio: Rob Lusk, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist who serves as a consultant for Cunningham Children’s Home, The Baby Fold, and other professionals/organizations providing trauma treatment. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Illinois Wesleyan University, and is a national speaker for PESI. He retired from The Baby Fold after serving as their Clinical Director for 30 years.
Total hours: 1.5 hours, 1.5 CEUs
Cunningham Leadership Team: Ask Me Anything
Leadership Team Members
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Description: Join us for an open and engaging session with members of the Cunningham Leadership Team, where you have the chance to ask them anything! This is a chance to gain insights and connect directly with the individuals guiding the Cunningham mission and vision. Whether you’re curious about agency goals, team culture, or leadership decisions, this event encourages transparency and open dialogue. You can submit questions ahead of time via the registration page or bring your questions to the session. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
All Hands, All Hearts, All In! (Keynote Speaker)
Christopher Ridenhour
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM or 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Description: Every single position across Cunningham Children’s Home plays a vital role in creating a profound impact on the surrounding communities. You already know that your daily commitment supports amazing outcomes for so many vulnerable youth and families. The compassion and hustle you bring to each day transforms and elevates lives, even as you solve challenges that few are ever truly prepared for. While the outside world may never fully understand the sacrifice and deep exhaustion that comes from professionally “loving” others, stay heartened. Your Golden Ticket awaits!
You are invited to a professional party filled with praise and purpose! Welcome to “All Hands, All Hearts, All In.” More than just honor and recognition, this celebration promises multiple moments that nourish and offer reflection, reconnection, and retooling! Engaging conversations and dynamic interactions provide actionable tools, tips, and techniques that build the skills necessary to navigate all future crises with ease. And what celebration would be complete without music, party favors, belly laughs, and a few other surprises?
Presenter Bio: Traveling nationally since 2003, Christopher Ridenhour is a motivational speaker who utilizes behavioral science, principles of organizational development, and observational humor to identify critical staff motivations and the many ways to leverage them for a more effective and competitive organization. Christopher is a 30-Year DEI Trainer and Coach, a 20-Year Healthcare Chief Learning Officer, an Expert Team Energizer, a Certified Staff Whisperer, a Czar of Leadership Retreats, the LeadingAge Facilitator of the Year 2015, a Shenanigan Enthusiast, and Mom’s 2nd Favorite!
Leadership from the Heart: Inspiring with Compassion
Lainey Emmons
Thursday, March 6, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Description: In this insightful session, Lainey Emmons, CEO of Elliott Counseling Group, will explore the value of empathetic leadership and how leading with care can inspire, motivate, and create stronger, more resilient teams. This session is designed for supervisors but is open to all staff.
Presenter Bio: Lainey Emmons, LPC, is a compassionate leader, licensed therapist, and experienced educator dedicated to empowering others through empathetic leadership and resilience-building strategies. With a background in counseling and fostering positive change, Lainey specializes in guiding individuals and teams toward growth and success.