2025 State Conference
Each year, hundreds of CASA staff, volunteers, community members, social work professionals, and educators gather to learn, grow, and collaborate on strategies for strengthening and expanding the state’s CASA network.
New This Year: Michigan Social Work CEUs and SCECHs for Educators
MICHIGAN SCECHS
The Conference will offer State Continuing Education Clock Hours for certified Michigan educators (SCECHs). Approval # Pending. Most sessions will offer CE credit for one or both of these and will be identified as such on the conference schedule. You will be required to complete additional attendance verifications at the conference, and be required to complete surveys and assessments. Upon completion of all tasks, a certificate will be received.
NASW-Michigan CEUs
The Conference will offer 8.5 CEU credit for social workers, by NASW-Michigan. Approval #20251027-CA-MICASA. Most sessions will offer CE credit for one or both of these and will be identified as such on the conference schedule. You will be required to complete additional attendance verifications at the conference, and be required to complete surveys and assessments. Upon completion of all tasks, a certificate will be received.
This year, we’re honored to have two remarkable keynote speakers:
Andrew Bridge brings a unique perspective as both a noted lawyer and passionate advocate for children’s rights. As the author of several best-selling books that chronicle his life and legal career, Andrew understands firsthand the systems that impact vulnerable children and will share insights that resonate deeply with our mission.
Gaelin Elmore is a respected trainer, speaker, and expert on creating environments of belonging within organizations and communities. His expertise will help us explore how to build more inclusive and supportive spaces for the children and families we serve.
Conference Schedule
Monday, October 27
10:00 AM Registration Opens
11:00 AM Conference Opens, Lunch is provided
11:30 AM Keynote Speaker: Andrew Bridge “Lighting the way: CASA and a Brighter future for Children and Families”
1:00 PM CASA Advocacy & Legislative recognition with Dave Hildenbrand honoring Senator Sylvia Santana
2:30 PM Breakout Sessions (choice of 4 sessions)
4:00 PM Plenary Session – Cultural Humility with Crystallee Crain, Ph.D.
5:30 PM Dinner on your own
Tuesday, October 28
7:30 AM Breakfast is provided
8:30 AM Keynote Speaker: Gaelin Elmore “Belonging Begins with Us, Pt. 2”
10:00 AM Breakout Sessions (choice of 4 sessions)
11:30 AM Breakout Sessions (choice of 4 sessions)
12:45 PM Luncheon and Awards
2:30 PM Conference concludes
Confirmed Breakout Sessions:
- Advocating For Older Youth Shonethia Perkins-Ragland & Ericka Brown
- Healing Systems: Community Insights to Transform Health Solutions for Youth in Foster Care Madeline Krawciw
- Practical Strategies for Staying Safe While Serving Others Julie Harkema, LMSW
- Navigating the Landscape of Child Welfare Jessica Sweet, MA LLPC
- Caring for Self While Caring for Others: Stress and Vicarious Trauma Dr. Tana Bridge
- Why Children Run Andrew Bridge
- Childhood Trauma and the Developing Brain, Apryl Pooley, PhD.
- Belonging Begins with Us: Combating Internalized Queerphobia with Community and the Development of Self Mary Finedore
- Building Safety with LGBTQ+ Youth in Care Aliza Durack & JM Triplett
- Strategies for Giving Voice and Supporting Black Boys in K-12 Institutions Sean A. Fisher Sr., Ed.S., PHR, HRS, Horace E. Stone Jr., M.Ed., SRPC, Contessa S. Brady, M.Ed.
- Triple Threat: Teenagers, Talking and Trauma Stacy Goodson, MS
* Sessions subject to change depending on speaker scheduling