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, OCT 27
10:00 AM: Registration Opens
Foyer
11:00 AM: Welcome Lunch & Conference Opening
Patty Sabin, Interim President & CEO of Michigan CASA
Robyn Roberts, Executive Director of Wayne County CASA
Grand Ballroom, Salon A
11:30 AM: Keynote Speaker
Lighting the Way: CASA and a Brighter Future for Children and Families by Andrew Bridge | Grand Ballroom, Salon A
1:00 PM: CASA Advocacy & Legislative Recognition
With Dave Hildenbrand honoring Senator Sylvia Santana
Grand Ballroom, Salon A
1:45 PM: Break | Refreshment Provided
2:30 PM: Breakout Sessions I
- Caring for Self While Caring for Others: Stress & Vicarious Trauma by Dr. Tana Bridge, Ph.D. | MCC1
- Childhood Trauma & the Developing Brain by Dr. Apryl Pooley, Ph.D. | MCC2
- Belonging Begins with Us: Combating Internalized Queerphobia with Community & the Development of Self by Mary Finedore | MCC4
4:00 PM: Plenary Session
Cultural Humility in Practice by Dr. Crystallee Crain
Grand Ballroom, Salon A
5:30 PM: Dinner on your own – Explore Detroit!
TUESDAY, OCT 28
7:30 AM: Breakfast Buffet
Foyer
8:30 AM: Keynote Speaker
Belonging Begins with Us by Gaelin Elmore | Grand Ballroom, Salon A
10:00 AM: Breakout Sessions II
- Why Children Run by Andrew Bridge | MCC1
- Advocating For Older Youth by Shonethia Perkins-Ragland & Ericka Brown | MCC2
- Healing Systems: Community Insights to Transform Health Solutions for Youth in Foster Care by Madeline Krawciw | MCC3
- Building Safety with LGBTQ+ Youth in Care, Aliza Durack & Celina Ortiz | MCC4
11:30 AM: Breakout Sessions III
- Practical Strategies for Staying Safe While Serving Others, Julie Harkema, LMSW | MCC1
- Navigating the Landscape of Child Welfare, Jessica Sweet | MCC2
- Triple Threat: Teenagers, Talking and Trauma by Stacey Goodson | MCC3
- Strategies for Giving Voice and Supporting Black Boys in K-12 Institution by Sean Fisher Sr., Ed.S., PHR, HRS, Horace Stone Jr., M.Ed., SRPC, & Contessa Brady M.Ed. | MCC4
12:45 PM: Awards of Excellence Luncheon
Grand Ballroom, Salon A
2:30 PM: Conference Concludes
Safe travels!