the 9th Annual Mental Health and Aging Conference

Thursday, October 16th, 2025

8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (central)

Trauma can significantly impact older adults, influencing their physical health, emotional well-being, and behaviors. At the same time, professionals who work with older adults often face secondary trauma and moral injury, while leaders must foster a supportive, healing-centered culture. This workshop will equip participants with practical strategies to recognize trauma, respond with empathy, and build resilience at every level of care that supports personal and organizational well-being.

1. Recognize common sources of trauma among older adults, including
adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), medical trauma, loss, and institutionalization.

2. Discuss results from a recent Trauma and Resilience Study that analyzed the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs); the COVID-19 pandemic and social determinants of health on employees.

3. Identify leadership strategies that foster a trauma-informed organizational culture.

4. Identify and shift personal thought patterns that contribute to stress, using a thought-bridging technique to support emotional resilience and a grounded mindset.

5. Explore and realign expectations and boundaries by examining internal belief systems and gaining clarity around where energy is being depleted in daily life.

6. Develop a personalized self-care plan based on the 8 Dimensions of Wellness, integrating insights from the session to support long-term mental, emotional, and physical well-being.  

CONTINUING EDUCATION

This training meets criteria for 6.0 continuing education credits for Nebraska and Iowa Licensed and Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioners, Social Workers, and Professional Counselors. Credits will be awarded to participants who attend the entire training.

INSTRUCTIONAL LEVEL: Intermediate

SPONSORS   

Sponsored by the Nebraska Mental Health and Aging Coalition, an initiative of Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare. This training project is 70% funded with state dollars, contracted from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services-Division of Behavioral Health and through Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare. Additionally, 30% is funded through Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare county funds.

COST   

No fee to attend this training.

LOCATION

UNO Community Engagement Center

6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE

Michele Magner, MBA, CDP, is an experienced family caregiver, with many years in the Senior Living industry. She understands the challenges we are facing as we age and care for those we love. Michele sets people up for success, so they are inspired to thrive, not just survive, this one big, beautiful, and complicated life. Michele has earned her M.B.A., Master’s Certification in Gerontology and is a Gerontology Ph.D. student at UNO. She is a Certified Life Coach, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and Certified Conscious Aging facilitator. Michele is an Adjunct Professor at Creighton University, teaching Long Term Care Administration. She is a highly sought after speaker and serves on the Board of Directors for the Alzheimer’s Association NE Chapter and The Bloc. Inc. and with her family, participates in the Adopt a Road Program in Papillion, NE. She continues to share fresh content and ideas through her Inspired Caring podcast and programs, in addition to private and group coaching.

Jean M. Hartnett, MHSA, NHA, CDP, YTT, C.N.A., Founder, Radical Sabbatical. Jean Hartnett is a visionary leader with over 25 years of executive experience serving older adults. She is a dedicated expert in trauma-informed care, and she founded Radical Sabbatical to help others turn past adversity into self-advocacy. With a deep understanding of the profound effects trauma can have on well-being, Jean brings a compassionate, evidence-based approach to support individuals and communities on their healing journey. Recognizing that every individual's experience with trauma is unique, Jean integrates both the science of ACEs and healing to create environments of understanding, resilience, and empowerment. Jean's expertise encompasses the technical knowledge and the heartfelt understanding that true recovery requires. Ms. Hartnett earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from The University of Nebraska Omaha and a Master’s in Health Services Administration with Long Term Care Specialty from The George Washington University. Ms. Hartnett is a Certified Yoga instructor and a Certified Nursing Assistant.  

https://9th_Annual_NeMHAC_conference_.eventbrite.com  

For individuals outside the Region 6 service area, participation is available via Zoom by registering at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C3StgXMmSkKIf446qXP8iQ

https://nursinghomebehavioralhealth.org/#:~:text=the%20center%20of%20excellence%20for,%C3%97

https://elderconnectne.com/

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