\We will be offering this free event as a time of education, encouragement, and connection.

Brunch will be served.

• Certificates of attendance will be provided to those who participate
• DCS approved for continuing education
• Childcare provided

SPEAKERS/TOPICS:

Stephanie Bagato is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who is the owner and CEO of Bagato Counseling Services, LLC located in Indianapolis.  She primarily works with couples and families helping them to communicate better, manage conflict, and increase connection.Topic:  Managing conflict in the Home - Key strategies to regulate yourself, communicate effectively, and lower reactivity.

Courtney Hunt is the CEO and co-founder of Ambassadors of Hope LLC. With over 18 years of dedicated experience in the child welfare system, Ms. Hunt is a seasoned professional committed to advocating for the well-being of children and families. Certified in the evidence-based parenting curriculum through the Nurturing Parenting program, Ms. Hunt brings knowledge and expertise to support caregivers in nurturing healthy relationships and fostering positive development in children. Topic: Don't let the A.N.T.S. Ruin Your Picnic is a fun and interactive workshop where participants will explore Automatic Negative Thinking patterns and beliefs. Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) techniques and approaches, participants will gain a better understanding and insight into where their negative thoughts stem from, explore common negative thoughts most people have, and gain tools and techniques to restructure negative thoughts into positive ones.

Jarrod and Mandy Hummer are members of the Birth Parent Advisory Board and the Indiana Shared Parent Advisory Board.Topic:  Transformed - Birth Parents Give Hope to All Families.  The Hummers will be using their personal experiences overcoming addiction, being reunified with their children, and general poverty to inspire communication, resource building, networking and working cooperatively with foster care parents to strengthen relationships.