Presenters

Nola Carew serves as Assistant Professor of Social Work and Coordinator of Field Placements at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapid, MI. She earned her M.S.W. from Grand Valley State University. Nola has presented at national conferences on a variety of topics. She is especially interested in the effects of trauma on children, and the challenges they present for parents and other caregivers. Nola speaks sensitively and practically about the effects of trauma.

Julie Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and the Supervisor of Pregnancy Support Services at Evangelical Child and Family Agency. She has been practicing Social Work since 2003, when she earned her M.S.W. from Baylor University. She received clinical training while employed by the Women's Program in Princeton, New Jersey, an intensive out-patient program for women with histories of interpersonal traumas. Julie has worked in a variety of settings, including non-profit organizations, public schools, and private hospitals, each with an emphasis women's issues. In working with clients, Julie utilizes a relational approach to help women identify their strengths and heal from trauma-related issues.

JoAnn Nishimoto is a clinician in private practice working primarily with adult women. She received her M.A. in Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, and her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College. JoAnn’s special interests include support groups in the local church, group therapy, and trauma resolution. JoAnn has a special interest in helping counselors and other caretakers confront their own traumatic experiences.

Paula Silva is co-founder and president of FOCUS Ministries, Inc., an organization that provides support, training, and counseling regarding domestic violence issues. Paula is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), and co-host of Restoring the Hope conferences for women. She serves on the Faith Based Advisory Committee for Mayor Daley’s Office of Domestic Violence. She has coauthored the book Violence Among Us: Ministry to Families in Crisis and the article, Domestic Violence Among Believers. Paula received her B.A. in Elementary Education from Elmhurst College and her M.A. in Guidance and Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. She has also attended Larry Crabb’s School of Spiritual Direction.

Issam Smeir received his M.A. degree in Psychology from Wheaton College. He has been previously involved in relief work in 25 countries. He is currently a clinical consultant with World Relief and provides consultation services to several other organizations, including DCFS and Chicago Public Schools. He is adjunct professor at Judson College, has a private practice in counseling, and is completing his doctoral dissertation in Counseling Education and Supervision at NIU.

Patricia Somers is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She received her M.A. from Liberty University, and her Ph.D. from Walden University. Pat works in private practice at Centennial Counseling Centers and teaches at Benedictine University and College of DuPage. She primarily works with individuals and families on issues related to the effects of childhood trauma. She has received training specific to the treatment of Reactive Attachment Disorder and also has experience working in the child welfare and juvenile court systems.

William Struthers is Associate Professor of Psychology at Wheaton College. He received his M.A. and Ph.D. in Biopsychology from the University of Illinois. He has been on the faculty at Wheaton College since 1999. Dr. Struthers has conducted lab research that sheds light on brain functioning in relationship to behavior, genetic factors, and body chemistry. He is a member of the Institutional Review Board which oversees the ethical treatment of animals and human subjects in research conducted at Wheaton College.

Seminars

The Effects of Trauma on the Brain (William Struthers, Ph.D.). This session will explore the genetic and neurological effects of traumatic experiences in children and adults.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a Treatment for Trauma and Other Problems (Patricia Somers, Ph.D.). This session describes why EMDR has been found to be an effective treatment tool, especially for children whose trauma occurred early in life.

Understanding and Partnering with Children in the Healing Process (Nola Carew, M.S.W.). This session will provide a clearer understanding of the types of trauma in children, especially abused and neglected children with chronic or complex trauma.

Mindfulness as a Therapeutic Tool (Julie Johnson, M.S.W., L.C.S.W). This session will describe what mindfulness is, how it helps regulate emotions, and methods for incorporating it on a daily basis.

Avoiding and Addressing Helper Burnout (Patricia Somers, Ph.D.). This session will help identify symptoms of burnout, provide self-assessment techniques, and address prevention and coping challenges for the helper.

Meeting the Challenge of Parenting a Traumatized Child (Nola Carew, M.S.W.). This session takes a closer look inside the mind and body of a traumatized child and describes the “three R’s” of trauma work – regulation, relationships and resiliency.

Healing from the Trauma of Domestic Violence (Paula Silva, M.A.). This session explores the false hopes of domestic violence survivors in trying to do “all the right things.”

The Impact of Trauma on Families (Issam Smeir, M.A.). This session explores how trauma affects families. The presenter will also describe his perspectives regarding families in other countries.

God Meant It for Good – Our Pain Redeemed (JoAnn Nishimoto, Psy.D.). The presenter relates her own significant trauma experiences and how she dealt with them to prevent them from becoming a barrier in her practice with trauma-effected clients.