Conference Schedule

2025 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

This conference will be held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual experiences. Virtual attendees will receive an email with instructions on how to attend. All attendees will have access to recordings of all sessions following the conference.

This program has applied for CEU credits.

SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
For detailed descriptions of each session scroll down

Learn about our speakers

Tuesday, October 20

8:30 - 8:45 AM    Introduction   Nikki Kontz

8:45 - 9:00 AM   State of the State   Josh Stegemeyer

9:00 - 10:30 AM   Why We are Failing to Prevent Suicide and What We Need to Do to Get It Right Lanny Berman

10:30 - 10:45 AM    Break

10:45 -12:15 PM    Planting Seeds of Hope in the Intersection of Substance Use, Mental Health, and Suicide Prevention Cal Beyer

12:15 - 1:00 PM Lunch

1:15 - 2:30 PM    Breakouts

Hope Works - Strategies to Promote Recovery in Workplaces Cal Beyer
Catholic and Inter-Religious Perspectives on Suicide John P. Dolan
The Arizona Suicide Prevention Action Plan - 2026 - 2030 Joshua Stegemeyer, MA - MFT/CC

2:30- 2:45 pm   Break

2:45 -4:00 pm    Breakouts

Prevention Starts Online Talmage Erickson & Jeff Erickson
Hidden in the Numbers: Suicide Trends and Risk Factors in Rural Communities Andre Davis
Supporting and Empowering People of ALL Abilities with Comprehensive and Affirming Suicide Risk Assessment Paula McCall
Real Talk, Real Help: Understanding Suicide Prevention Through Awareness, Compassion, and Action Ashia Taylor

Science or Magic?: What a Harry Potter-Based Program for Middle Schoolers Can Teach Us About Changing the Narrative on Suicide Mark Sinyor, MSc., MD, FRCPC
Reclaiming Connection: Cultural Resurgence as Indigenous Suicide Prevention Kelly Vallo, WSM
Importance of Understanding Mental Health and Youth and What To Do About It Angela Cross
Understanding Suicide Trends in Pima County: Older Adults, Firearm Access, and Prevention Strategies Mark Person

2:30- 2:45 pm    Break

2:45 -4:00 pm   Breakouts

I'm in the Business of Hope: How to Keep Believing when Things Feel Impossible Matthew Zakreski, PsyD
The Impact of Mindfulness-based Interventions on College Student Mental Health William Beverly, PhD
Strengthening Rural Resilience: Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Renee Ouellet, MSW
Engaging the Workforce: Integrating Humor into Workplace Suicide Prevention Frank King

Session Descriptions

Tuesday, October 20

8:30 - 8:45 AM   Introduction   Nikki Kontz

8:45 - 9:00 AM   State of the State   Josh Stegemeyer

9:00 - 10:30 AM   Why We are Failing to Prevent Suicide and What We Need to Do to Get It Right Lanny Berman
Arizona’s suicide prevention strategy has evolved over time into an action plan that is comprehensive, data-driven, and well-thought out. Yet, in spite of a surge in preventive and evidence-based initiatives, Arizona’s suicide rates have not declined. Arizona does not stand alone, as the suicide rate in the U.S. as a whole, continues to be stubbornly resistant to prevention strategies and efforts. With perspectives gained from more than a half century in the study of suicide and suicide prevention (and a bit of out-of-the-box thinking), I propose that we need to rethink our approaches and initiatives, both clinical and public health, if we are going to accomplish our goals to lower suicide rates and numbers, and I will make several recommendations to do just that.

10:30 - 10:45 AM   Break

10:45 -12:15 PM   Planting Seeds of Hope in the Intersection of Substance Use, Mental Health, and Suicide
Prevention Cal Beyer
Hope abounds from the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. The National Strategy promotes the integration of suicide prevention in workplace culture. Moreover, it addresses the intersection of substance use, mental health and suicide prevention. Workplace suicide prevention that incorporates non-punitive approaches to substance use prevention, harm reduction and recovery can expand hope and reduce stigma, and improve services and supports.

12:15 - 1:00 PM Lunch

1:15 - 2:30 PM   Breakouts

Hope Works - Strategies to Promote Recovery in Workplaces Cal Beyer Over 23 million Americans live in recovery. 70% of individuals with substance use disorder are of working age and employed in the US workforce. Punitive Drug-Free Workplace policies and drug testing protocols can reinforce stigma. Without holistic education on substance use prevention and recovery, employees face barriers seeking help for themselves and family members. Reducing stigma in workplaces improves access to care for workers and families seeking recovery for substance use, misuse, and substance use disorder.
Catholic and Inter-Religious Perspectives on Suicide John P. Dolan
This topic explores how Catholic and other religions have understood, interpreted, and responded to suicide across history. It traces the development of theological, moral and pastoral approaches from early Christianity through the Middle Ages, the Reformation, and into contemporary teaching.

Special attention is given to key figures, doctrinal developments, and shifts in understanding mental health, culpability, and compassion. The topic also examines how modern Catholic teaching integrates psychological insight with long-standing theological principles, emphasizing hope, mercy, and pastoral care.

The inter-religious lens highlights similarities and differences fostering a broader understanding of how Christian communities respond to suffering, despair, and the dignity of human life.
The Arizona Suicide Prevention Action Plan - 2026 - 2030 Joshua Stegemeyer, MA - MFT/CC
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) will present the Arizona Suicide Prevention Action Plan, 2026–2030, a comprehensive statewide framework guiding coordinated suicide prevention efforts over the next five years. This session will introduce the plan’s development process, strategic priorities, and core components, including strengthening crisis system readiness, expanding workforce capacity, supporting priority populations, improving data accessibility and quality, and translating Suicide Mortality Review findings into action. Attendees will gain an overview of how Arizona is aligning data, lived experience, and cross-sector partnerships to implement a unified, actionable approach to suicide prevention across the state.

2:30- 2:45 pm Break

2:45 -4:00 pm   Breakouts

Prevention Starts Online Talmage Erickson & Jeff Erickson
The rise in suicide rates closely overlaps with the rise in excess social media, screen time, and smartphone use. In this workshop, we will learn how to manage digital devices and become digitally deliberate, allowing for better mental health, stronger relationships, and healthier coping skills in a digital world.
Hidden in the Numbers: Suicide Trends and Risk Factors in Rural Communities Andre Davis
Suicide remains a significant public health concern across the United States, with many rural communities experiencing disproportionately high suicide rates compared to urban areas. Rural residents often face unique challenges, including limited access to mental health services, provider shortages, transportation barriers, economic stressors, social isolation, and stigma surrounding help-seeking behaviors. These factors can contribute to increased vulnerability and reduced opportunities for timely intervention.

Drawing from the medicolegal death investigation perspective, this presentation will examine current suicide trends in Arizona's rural communities. Participants will explore demographic patterns, common risk factors, and the relationship between mental health resource availability and suicide mortality.
Supporting and Empowering People of ALL Abilities with Comprehensive and Affirming Suicide Risk Assessment Paula McCall
Most organizations, facilities, and schools utilize a selected suicide risk screener, which can be effective in identifying individuals with suicidal thoughts and intent that they chose to disclose. Unfortunately, there are also many missed and misunderstood responses to such screeners, especially among individuals who may interpret the questions very literally, require more rapport building to answer such questions honestly, misunderstand the questions, or submit to acquiescence and suggestion when responding to them. When working with people of varying abilities and inconclusive or ambiguous responses to traditional screeners, the implementation of a comprehensive suicide risk assessment approach can provide the clarity and guidance needed.

This presentation will outline some of the needs of people with differing abilities, including Autism and Intellectual Disabilities, with approaches that can provide a more comfortable, understanding, and supportive suicide risk assessment. A model of comprehensive suicide risk assessment interview will be reviewed, with direct practice and immediately applicable strategies for people who conduct such assessments regularly.
Real Talk, Real Help: Understanding Suicide Prevention Through Awareness, Compassion, and Action Ashia Taylor
This presentation provides attendees with a practical and compassionate understanding of suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and community-based support strategies, with a specific focus on the unique experiences, challenges, and strengths of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, as well as LGBTQIA+ individuals. Participants will explore current suicide trends, including the impact of lethal means, warning signs, protective factors, and effective approaches to supporting individuals experiencing emotional distress. The session will examine cultural considerations, disparities in access to care, stigma, identity-related stressors, and the importance of culturally responsive and affirming support systems. Attendees will also learn about the role of community partnerships, advocacy efforts, safe and inclusive environments, and resource connection in preventing suicide and promoting overall wellness. Information from community organizations, prevention campaigns, and local support initiatives will be incorporated to provide a broader understanding of available resources and prevention efforts serving diverse populations.

This presentation reflects the collaborative work and perspectives of members of the Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition (AZSPC) BIPOC Subcommittee, which addresses issues impacting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities while also advocating for the mental health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals

Wednesday, October 21

8:00 - 8:30 AM   Registration & Breakfast

8:30 - 10:00 AM   A National Media Engagement Strategy Encouraging Responsible Reporting of Suicide in Canada: Lessons Learned for Interacting with Journalists and Other Content Creators   Mark Sinyor, MSc., MD, FRCPC
Suicide is an urgent public health concern across the US and worldwide. This keynote will begin by describing the major theories of how and why suicide arises and the importance of a public health approach to prevention. It will then focus on research showing that public narratives in the media depicting suicide and resilience can have substantial effects on suicide rates across the population (termed the Werther and Papageno effects, respectively). In acknowledgement of these important findings, the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) made “Changing the Narrative” its World Suicide Prevention Day theme from 2024 to 2026. Among the key challenges in the area of suicide and the media are that evidence generally emerges in the context of unplanned natural experiments (e.g. the death of a celebrity or the release of a television series) and that these media events mainly involve Werther narratives. This talk will challenge the audience to consider whether it is possible for our field to shift from reactive efforts to prevent Werther effects to proactive efforts to promote Papageno effects. It will specifically use a story-telling approach to illustrate the power of stories, focusing on an innovative effort to use a popular narrative (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) to increase resilience and prevent suicide in youth. The presentation will challenge the audience to consider whether it is always necessary to focus on suicide when formulating narratives aimed at suicide-prevention and to be vigilant and seek out emerging popular narratives that might be used to teach about hope and recovery.

10:00 - 10:15 AM   Break

10:15 - 11:45 AM   Riding Out the Storm: Managing Emotional Intensity in Students   Matthew Zakreski, PsyD
Responsible media reporting on suicide by journalists has been listed as one of four key evidence-based strategies for preventing suicide at a population level. This session will discuss the rationale for and challenges regarding engaging with journalists as well as others who comment publicly about suicide and/or create suicide-related content (e.g. entertainment, social media, data custodians). National efforts to improve reporting and discourse in Canada will be presented as a useful example both of how change can occur and what the common limits of these efforts can be. It will also offer opportunities for discussion about emerging platforms for content generation including artificial intelligence.

12:00 - 1:00 PM   Lunch

1:15 - 2:30 PM    Breakouts

Science or Magic?: What a Harry Potter-Based Program for Middle Schoolers Can Teach Us About Changing the Narrative on Suicide Mark Sinyor, MSc., MD, FRCPC
Today’s students, especially gifted and twice-exceptional individuals, are marked by their intensity, particularly their emotional intensity. These emotional outbursts can be very disruptive and dysregulating to the students, as well as their peers, parents, teachers, and community supports. This session will focus on the psychology and neuroscience behind emotional intensity and give concrete, accessible techniques that will allow for the development of self-regulation skills.

Program: Emotions are the cause of many disruptive and problematic behaviors that our gifted and twice-exceptional children face. Developing brains, especially when those people are neurodivergent, are marked by structural and functional differences that manifest in increased emotionality, from vocal expression to behavioral activation. Understanding these differences allow for the neurodivergent individual and their support team to take meaningful steps towards adapting more functional and prosocial behaviors to manage their emotional intensity. Drawing on years of practical therapeutic experience, this presentation will walk participants through several different trouble areas (i.e., peer relations, failure, social outings, anger) and give concrete strategies on how to manage those feelings and behaviors at home, at school, and in the community.
Reclaiming Connection: Cultural Resurgence as Indigenous Suicide Prevention Kelly Vallo, WSM
Our approach recognizes that suicide prevention within Indigenous communities is deeply rooted in kinship, community networks, mentorship, and collective healing. Strengthening relationships, restoring connection, and honoring our responsibilities to one another serve as vital protective factors for life and wellness. The presentation acknowledges the profound and ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous cultural practices, identities, and systems of care—including disruptions to kinship structures, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and traditional lifeways—while centering cultural resurgence as a pathway to healing. Revitalizing language, ceremony, land-based practices, and Indigenous ways of knowing are uplifted as powerful sources of resilience and prevention.

A key focus is mentorship and community leadership through intergenerational knowledge exchange between Wisdom and Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous youth. We explore how reconnecting generations strengthens identity, belonging, and purpose, while honoring the leadership and insight youth bring forward today. The presentation also addresses the realities facing modern Native youth and families, including the impacts of media and technology on mental health, identity, and connectedness. We examine ways to balance traditional lifeways with contemporary challenges while supporting healthy relationships, self-worth, cultural continuity, and recognizing the diverse experiences of both on- and off-reservation youth.
Importance of Understanding Mental Health and Youth and What To Do About It Angela Cross
Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD are rising in our youth. Knowing the reasons for this uptake is valuable to get a baseline for understanding our loved ones, students, family members, and other youth in our lives. Once we know more about the causes and explanations for the rise in mental health conditions, what's next? Having resources is very important. However, we must learn how to react to questions about mental health. We must learn how to listen to and empathize with our youth. We have to accept there might be feelings of guilt or blame in ourselves, and that is okay. When you are able to ask the hard questions and know when and how to react, you are able to help youth feel more encouraged to talk to you.
Understanding Suicide Trends in Pima County: Older Adults, Firearm Access, and Prevention Strategies Mark Person
This workshop will provide an overview of suicide trends in Pima County using local mortality surveillance data, with a focus on two critical areas of concern: suicide among older adults and access to lethal means, particularly firearms. Presenters will review demographic and geographic trends, discuss contributing risk and protective factors, and highlight how local data can inform prevention planning and community response.

The session will also provide an overview of the work being conducted by the Pima County Office of Injury and Violence Prevention, including data surveillance and dissemination as well as community outreach efforts centered around safe firearm storage.

2:30- 2:45 pm   Break

2:45 -4:00 pm   Breakouts

I'm in the Business of Hope: How to Keep Believing when Things Feel Impossible Matthew Zakreski, PsyD
Program: Life. Is. HARD! As a psychologist, I often say I am in the “business of hope.” But what is hope? And how do we have it authentically when it feels like the world is increasingly chaotic, unfair, and cruel? This talk will focus on what hope truly is from a psychological standpoint and explore how to apply it meaningfully to our lives. I also will talk about the importance of hope from a neurodiversity perspective. We will also identify potential barriers towards having hope and workshop solutions to overcome those challenges.

Description: Many of us hope that our lives will improve and that bad things will not happen to us, and those are admirable goals. But how do we get them? Hope differs from optimism in that it not only aligns us with a better future but gives us a plan to get there. Hope is one of the best aspects of the human psyche and it can be enhanced by personal, situational, and organizational factors. In the right circumstances, hope functions both as a virtuous cycle – allowing us to feel better so we do better, and then feel better as a result which helps us to do better – and as a kind of bank where we can make withdrawals of motivation when we need it. This session will operationalize definitions of hope, connect those feelings to behaviors and those behaviors to plans, and give the audience strategies to take the messages of hope to their lives…and keep them.
The Impact of Mindfulness-based Interventions on College Student Mental Health William Beverly, PhD
Mindfulness-based interventions help individuals become more aware of thoughts, feelings, emotions, surroundings, and situations, and to reduce automatic emotional responses. Such interventions have been shown to decrease suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety, and promote resiliency. This workshop describes a 6-session mindfulness-based counseling group that was offered to community college students struggling with stress and mental health issues. At the end of this brief intervention, students reported a statistically significant decrease in stress, improved emotional well-being, and ability to cope with difficulties in their life. These six sessions, which include a brief outcome measure, contain material that is public domain and can be replicated by other helping professionals providing counseling/mental health services in multiple settings.
Strengthening Rural Resilience: Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Renee Ouellet, MSW
Suicide rates in Arizona’s rural counties are nearly double those in urban areas, highlighting a pressing need for targeted solutions. This session focuses on developing a community-driven framework to enhance mental health support across rural communities in Arizona. With a wealth of field experience, the presenter will share practical insights from regional initiatives. The session will cover the long-term benefits of youth-focused programs such as Signs of Suicide (SOS), implemented in Gila and Yavapai counties, as well as the Columbia University TeenScreen program and the LivingWorks safeTALK training utilized within the Gila River community. This session also examines how staff bridged gaps in Cochise County by integrating mental health education along with substance use prevention to target co-occurring mental health challenges. Lastly, this session examines the "Whole Community" approach in Pinal County, showcasing how evidence-based strategies such as QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), SOS, and comprehensive postvention support are combined to create a lasting safety net for schools, communities, and families.
Engaging the Workforce: Integrating Humor into Workplace Suicide Prevention Frank King
This workshop explores the use of humor as a tool to engage audiences in conversations about suicide prevention in the workplace. Frank King, known as The Mental Health Comedian, combines his experience as a comedian and suicide prevention trainer to provide practical strategies for recognizing risk factors and responding effectively. Participants will learn how to create safe spaces for discussions, reduce stigma, and implement workplace-ready prevention strategies.