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Meet The Need:
South Carolina's Statewide Training on Adoption
Meet the Need 2024: South Carolina’s Statewide Training on Adoption offers two days of trauma-focused attachment-based training. Keynote speakers include Melissa Corkum- author of Reclaim Compassion, adoptee, and adoptive parent, Kayla Moffitt- foster care advocate, adoptive mother, and Foster the Family staff member, and Allison Cooke Douglas- post-permanency expert at the National Center for Enhanced Post-Adoption Support, Neurosequential Model in Education trainer, and adoptive parent.
Join us for a two day training diving deeper into the three TBRI® Principles: Connecting, Empowering and Correcting, to bring hope and healing to your home.
MEET THE NEED 2024
DECEMBER 5-6, 2024
1200 Hampton Street
meet the need 2024 content overview
On day one, adoptive families, adoption professionals, and clinicians will take a deeper dive into the TBRI® Connecting, Empowering, and Correcting Principles through keynotes and breakout sessions led by those with personal and professional lived experience. Day two provides in-depth sessions focused on practical tools attendees can immediately implement at home and in their professional practices.
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Meet the Need 2024 SPEAKERS
Meet the Need 2024 will feature keynotes and breakout sessions led by nationally known experts in the adoption field.
MELISSA CORKUM
As an adoptee and adoptive mom, Melissa Corkum provides insight and resources to adoptees, parents and professionals through her speaking, coaching, and writing. She is a TED Speaker, Safe and Sound Protocol Practitioner, Cultivate Connection Facilitator, Certified Enneagram Coach, and co-founder of Adoption Wise. Additionally, she co-authored Reclaim Compassion. Melissa and Patrick live in Maryland and have six kids and two grandchildren.
KAYLA MOFFITT
Kayla Moffitt is a teacher, writer, speaker, TBRI® Practitioner, foster care advocate, adoptive mama to five siblings, and the
Communications Coordinator for Foster the Family.
Kayla is passionate about keeping siblings together, encouraging foster and adoptive parents, and challenging the harmful stigmas that are often
said about the foster care community. She especially finds fulfillment when
teaching and training parents to find successful ways to navigate the
challenges of parenting children from trauma and hard places. Kayla is married to her middle school sweetheart, Jerad, and she lives with her family in Charlotte, NC.
Communications Coordinator for Foster the Family.
Kayla is passionate about keeping siblings together, encouraging foster and adoptive parents, and challenging the harmful stigmas that are often
said about the foster care community. She especially finds fulfillment when
teaching and training parents to find successful ways to navigate the
challenges of parenting children from trauma and hard places. Kayla is married to her middle school sweetheart, Jerad, and she lives with her family in Charlotte, NC.
ALLISON COOKE DOUGLAS
Allison Cooke Douglas, M.S., IECMH-E®, is the Resource Center Program Manager at Harmony Family in Knoxville, TN and serves as a post-permanency expert at the National Center for Enhanced Post-Adoption Support. Over the past decade, Allison’s work has focused on post-permanency family support. She has developed and presented curricula regarding therapeutic parenting, the impact of early trauma on the developing brain, and best practices in the child welfare system. In her work with Tennessee’s Adoption Support and Preservation (ASAP) program, Allison provides direct services to adoptive families as a part of Harmony’s multidisciplinary ASAP team. Allison holds an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement, is certified in Phases I and II of The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics and is a Neurosequential Model in Education trainer. She is a Napa Infant-Parent & Early Childhood Mental Health fellow and was selected for the 2022-23 All Educators cohort at The Fred Rogers Institute. Allison brings her lived experience as an adoptive parent of four children to her work.
TANA D. DUKES
Tana Dukes is a mom, wife, social worker and small business owner. She resides in Charleston, SC with her husband and two children. Tana has both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Social Work from The Florida State University. She has previously worked as a Case worker in the state of Florida's Child Welfare system, a licensing post worker in South Carolina, as well as a licensing supervisor for a private Child Placing Agency. She holds a LMSW in the state of South Carolina and is a TBRI Practitioner through Texas Christian University. Tana has always been passionate about foster care and adoption. She loves teaching and integrating all she has learned in the last thirteen years into impactful education so that parents, caregivers, and professionals alike can grow in our ability to foster the next generation into safety and wholeness.
KATIE RINAUDO
Katie Rinaudo is a Regional Trainer and Consultant with the KPICD. She is an alumna of Lee University and has a Master's Degree in Holistic Child Development. She is an adoptive sister, and has had career experience as a teacher, an AmeriCorps VISTA, and director and house mother at a children's home in Paraguay. Since becoming a TBRI Practitioner in 2018, Katie has focused on bringing TBRI to the US and Latin America and enjoys coaching families and organizations in English and Spanish. She lives in Cleveland, TN and was the founder of OrphanWise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping professionals and parents to care for vulnerable children.
TRENT TAYLOR
Trent entered foster care at the age of four due to domestic violence, extreme neglect, and sexual abuse. After traveling a painful journey through the foster care system, Trent was adopted at the age of nine and came to dramatic levels of healing from his traumatic past. Trent, who is now 22 years old, and has devoted his life to helping
others find healing. Trent is a mentor, public speaker, has authored and published two books. Trent recently graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Family and Human Development. Trent serves as CEO and Co-Founder of Watch Me Rise, LLC in
Wake Forest, North Carolina. Trent is a trauma consultant and serves as a TBRI® Practitioner, Life Coach, mentor, and parent trainer. However, his favorite part of his job
is working one on one with children and youth to provide hope for healing. Trent gives all the glory to God for his healing and strives to be a light in the darkness.
others find healing. Trent is a mentor, public speaker, has authored and published two books. Trent recently graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Family and Human Development. Trent serves as CEO and Co-Founder of Watch Me Rise, LLC in
Wake Forest, North Carolina. Trent is a trauma consultant and serves as a TBRI® Practitioner, Life Coach, mentor, and parent trainer. However, his favorite part of his job
is working one on one with children and youth to provide hope for healing. Trent gives all the glory to God for his healing and strives to be a light in the darkness.
ABBY CROOKS
Abby Crooks is a veteran foster parent, public school teacher with a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and the founder and Executive Director of Fostering Faithfully, a nonprofit serving foster children, foster parents, kinship caregivers, and the South Carolina Department of Social Services in Oconee, Pickens, and Anderson counties. She and her husband, Jonas, have been raising children (2-biological , 2-adopted from foster care, and 46 for a season) the past eighteen years on a cattle farm in Oconee County. When she is not following kids around, or advocating fiercely for foster parents, Abby can be found on hiking adventures in the great outdoors. To learn more about Abby and her work, visit fosteringfaithfully.org or check out her new book -Simply Available: Unfiltered Truths on the Generous Hospitality of a Foster Care Lifestyle.
ELAINE SWAIN, DSW, LMSW
Elaine Chavez Swain is a Filipina-American, born and raised in New York City. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1995 and a Masters Degree in Social Work in 1999 from the University of South Carolina. After 26 years of professional experience in the social work field, Elaine achieved a Doctorate in Social Work from Capella University in 2023. As a licensed social worker, she worked in many areas of social work including foster care, hospitals, and psychiatric care but the majority of her experience has been in school social work. She is a certified Restorative Practices Trainer and works with schools to create trauma informed policies and protocols. She currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Columbia College Trauma Informed Education Masters Degree program where she facilitates learning and empowers individuals, groups, and organizations to create resilient change in their organizations. Removing barriers to people’s success and negotiating systems drives her love of the profession.
PAULA BOYD
For well over two decades, I have worked with children and their families in many capacities. I have served in both public and private schools and was inspired to start my own nonprofit organization which began by providing supportive services to families who foster and foster to adopt. We now offer four programs which include our Hope 4 Scholars, which is our school-based therapy program, Hope 4 Families, our counseling service, Hope 4 Moms, which serves moms in spiritual and parenting support while providing community, and our Hope 4 Connections program which provides TBRI training to parents and caregivers of children who come from hard places.
I have a MA in Human Services Counseling and a MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and am currently licensed in NC. I also attended the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development and completed a specialized trauma-based training program, which utilized Trust Based Relational Interventions (TBRI). I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge and reshape the unhealthy thought patterns that we often develop about ourselves as we navigate difficulties. I integrate sand tray techniques, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Therapy (TF-CBT), somatic body work, and mindfulness to bring awareness to dysregulation. I am also currently working towards my certification as a Registered Play Therapist. Working with parents is one of my favorite things to do by offering support and tools for working with challenging behaviors. I believe every behavior is an expression of a need and it is up to us to find the need.
Each person holds within themselves the ability to achieve well. I consider it a privilege to walk with others on their own journey to finding themselves.
I have a MA in Human Services Counseling and a MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and am currently licensed in NC. I also attended the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development and completed a specialized trauma-based training program, which utilized Trust Based Relational Interventions (TBRI). I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge and reshape the unhealthy thought patterns that we often develop about ourselves as we navigate difficulties. I integrate sand tray techniques, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Therapy (TF-CBT), somatic body work, and mindfulness to bring awareness to dysregulation. I am also currently working towards my certification as a Registered Play Therapist. Working with parents is one of my favorite things to do by offering support and tools for working with challenging behaviors. I believe every behavior is an expression of a need and it is up to us to find the need.
Each person holds within themselves the ability to achieve well. I consider it a privilege to walk with others on their own journey to finding themselves.
KAREN BEAMAN Ed.S.
Karen G. Beaman is the EDU Director for the Master's Program in Trauma-Informed Education at Columbia College. She has a Master’s and Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina. Her pathway to Columbia College began as a classroom teacher in 1993, and became one of the first Instructional Technology Specialists in Richland School District Two. Enjoying the work with teachers and students, this led to becoming an Assistant Principal and Principal at the elementary level. After her public-school career, she began working at Columbia College as Program Director for Ed. Administration, and is now one of the Program Directors of the Master’s in Trauma-Informed Education. She loves working with adults to promote a warm and supportive culture for our schools and classrooms and is excited to be on this journey to help educate people on trauma-informed practices. Empowerment through education is what it’s all about!
KRISTIN RICH LPC
Kristin Malik Rich, MA, LPC received her B.A. in Political Science and Cognate in Social Work from The University of South Carolina. She completed her M.A. in Counseling at Columbia International University. She is a Trust Based Relational Intervention® Practitioner. Kristin has spent fourteen years working with children and families, and has provided outpatient therapy and school based mental health services. Kristin considers it her privilege to help families connect, mend, and heal. She loves to provide trauma informed and attachment focused parenting education and community training. She offers courses and groups to help families establish deeper connections, and help parents to see past behaviors to their children’s needs. She is also passionate about working with families who have fostered and adopted children. As Program Director for Known & Loved, she has created specialized programs including Pieces of Me Camp for adopted children and teens to explore their story and grow in connect, felt safety, and regulation. Kristin is also a Making Sense of Your Worth and Parenting for Positive Self-Worth facilitator. Kristin is a wife and mother to two children, and enjoys being outdoors and at the beach with her family.
BRITTANY CLOW LISW-CP/Supervisor
Brittney Clow, LISW-CP/S, specializes in therapy with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She provides therapy for mood disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, relationship difficulties and family conflict. She also has experience and training with post-adoption, including children with abuse and neglect in their past. She has experience with trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, along with extensive training in Narrative Therapy for attachment disorders. Brittney is has been practicing Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for nearly five years, which is evidence-based for the effective and fast resolution of PTSD and depression, along with several other mental health problems. ART is shown to achieve benefits rapidly, typically from 1-5 sessions. Brittney is a Master Certified ART Therapist. For more information go to www.acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com.
TRICIA WILLIAMSON MSW, LMSW
Tricia is a licensed social worker having completed her undergraduate degree in social work and sociology at Gordon College in Massachusetts and her master’s degree in social work at the University of South Carolina, Columbia.
Tricia has been working in child welfare since graduating from college and began her work in the field of adoption in
1992. She has worked in foster care, domestic and international adoptions and pregnancy counseling while engaging churches and the community to support vulnerable children. She joined the Lifeline staff in June of 2021 and is
grateful to be a part of an organization that seeks to share the Gospel of Jesus with a lost and hurting world. Tricia’s husband Roy is a church administrator and they have two adult children, Ellie and Katie. She has also been trained as a TBRI® (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) Practitioner through the Karen Purvis Institute for Child Development at Texas Christian University.
Tricia has been working in child welfare since graduating from college and began her work in the field of adoption in
1992. She has worked in foster care, domestic and international adoptions and pregnancy counseling while engaging churches and the community to support vulnerable children. She joined the Lifeline staff in June of 2021 and is
grateful to be a part of an organization that seeks to share the Gospel of Jesus with a lost and hurting world. Tricia’s husband Roy is a church administrator and they have two adult children, Ellie and Katie. She has also been trained as a TBRI® (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) Practitioner through the Karen Purvis Institute for Child Development at Texas Christian University.
CATHY LEEKE MBA
Cathy Leeke is our South Carolina State Director! She grew up in a military family, so she has moved around a good
bit, most recently from Atlanta to Charleston. She received a bachelor’s degree in music performance and economics
from Vanderbilt, and an MBA from Georgia State. Cathy has been married to her high school sweetheart for 20 years.
They have 3 children, and usually a few more through foster care. She is a triathlete, loves running races with friends
at Disney, and backpack
and backpacking with scouts all over the state. As the South Carolina State Director, Cathy has the opportunity to
serve churches, families, and community partners throughout the state supporting ministries to vulnerable children
and families. Her very favorite part about working at Lifeline is when a family hears the calls and nudges of the Holy
Spirit and in obedience says, “yes!”. For her, seeing a family walk in obedience to the Lord is amazing!
bit, most recently from Atlanta to Charleston. She received a bachelor’s degree in music performance and economics
from Vanderbilt, and an MBA from Georgia State. Cathy has been married to her high school sweetheart for 20 years.
They have 3 children, and usually a few more through foster care. She is a triathlete, loves running races with friends
at Disney, and backpack
and backpacking with scouts all over the state. As the South Carolina State Director, Cathy has the opportunity to
serve churches, families, and community partners throughout the state supporting ministries to vulnerable children
and families. Her very favorite part about working at Lifeline is when a family hears the calls and nudges of the Holy
Spirit and in obedience says, “yes!”. For her, seeing a family walk in obedience to the Lord is amazing!
LAURA CRAWFORD LMSW
Laura Crawford is a Licensed Master Social Worker and the owner of Advanced Practice Mental Health and Wellness.
Laura and her husband Eric have 9 children together, 5 of which were adopted through foster care. Laura and Eric were foster parents for 8 years and Laura also volunteered as Guardian ad litem and a parent surrogate. As a parent surrogate, Laura would represent children in foster care in the educational setting during their yearly IEP meetings and any special accommodations that were needed.
Laura has extensive knowledge of ADHD and mood disorders. She works with individuals of all ages, families, post adoption support services and parenting. Laura is a huge supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and runs a support group for parents whose children are part of that community.
Laura has developed three different parenting workshops and is passionate about helping adults heal past trauma and working with individuals to help stabilize moods and advocate for children with mental health struggles.
Advanced Practice Mental Health and Wellness strives to be different in our approach to mental well-being and support. She values the benefits of therapy and proper psychiatric medication management and feels everyone could benefit from having someone reliable to talk to when times get difficult.
Laura works closely with many area agencies to support as many programs in the community as possible. One of those partnerships is with the solicitor’s office, juvenile division. Where APMH serves as the setting for anger management and domestic violence classes. APMH is also a huge supporter of Sea Haven youth home where her and her staff volunteer counseling services.
Laura and her husband Eric have 9 children together, 5 of which were adopted through foster care. Laura and Eric were foster parents for 8 years and Laura also volunteered as Guardian ad litem and a parent surrogate. As a parent surrogate, Laura would represent children in foster care in the educational setting during their yearly IEP meetings and any special accommodations that were needed.
Laura has extensive knowledge of ADHD and mood disorders. She works with individuals of all ages, families, post adoption support services and parenting. Laura is a huge supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and runs a support group for parents whose children are part of that community.
Laura has developed three different parenting workshops and is passionate about helping adults heal past trauma and working with individuals to help stabilize moods and advocate for children with mental health struggles.
Advanced Practice Mental Health and Wellness strives to be different in our approach to mental well-being and support. She values the benefits of therapy and proper psychiatric medication management and feels everyone could benefit from having someone reliable to talk to when times get difficult.
Laura works closely with many area agencies to support as many programs in the community as possible. One of those partnerships is with the solicitor’s office, juvenile division. Where APMH serves as the setting for anger management and domestic violence classes. APMH is also a huge supporter of Sea Haven youth home where her and her staff volunteer counseling services.
JENNIFER JONES
Jennifer Jones is an award-winning educator, entrepreneur, and young professional dedicated to leaving an indelible mark on the globe. She is the founder of nonprofit organization, Beauty Marks for Girls.
Beauty Marks for Girls is a nonprofit organization geared towards empowering the lives of girls whose mothers are incarcerated.
Jennifer, a pioneer who went through the challenges of healing while her own mother was incarcerated, is committed to assisting other girls in achieving greatness.
Before launching the program in 2019, Jennifer traveled back to her hometown in Greenwood, SC to volunteer at Leath Correctional Institution. She admits teaching women empowerment in the institution changed her life. Jennifer notes that her first class was intimidating, but powerful.“I didn’t just find my voice teaching in women's prisons, I found my calling.”
Since Beauty Marks for Girls was founded, the lives of countless underrepresented girls have been changed for the better, and they have overcome significant social and emotional challenges.
Beauty Marks for Girls has helped girls with incarcerated mothers get back on track and graduate from high school, and has helped them with entering college on partial or full-ride scholarships.
The organization has been recognized in the Greenville News and on multiple TV recordings. In 2019 the founder was the recipient of the Community Hero Award ; An award that highlighted the generous, noble and unselfish work of those among us who work tirelessly — often behind the scenes — to make our community a better place. The group has also received the iChange Nations International Award, the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award, recognition from The Starbucks Foundation, The Spartanburg County Foundation, and The Ms. South Award from The Ms. Foundation for Women located in Brooklyn, New York. Jennifer made history in 2022 by becoming the first nonprofit company to win the best service category of the GVL Starts Pitch Competition, a program powered by the Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Furman University.
Jennifer is constantly considering novel approaches to further the organization's mission. Her objective is to establish an organization that will enable every girl impacted by parental incarceration to realize her full potential and end intergenerational incarceration. Jennifer believes that every scar has a story to tell and she is devoted to helping women and youth transform their pain into their power.
Beauty Marks for Girls is a nonprofit organization geared towards empowering the lives of girls whose mothers are incarcerated.
Jennifer, a pioneer who went through the challenges of healing while her own mother was incarcerated, is committed to assisting other girls in achieving greatness.
Before launching the program in 2019, Jennifer traveled back to her hometown in Greenwood, SC to volunteer at Leath Correctional Institution. She admits teaching women empowerment in the institution changed her life. Jennifer notes that her first class was intimidating, but powerful.“I didn’t just find my voice teaching in women's prisons, I found my calling.”
Since Beauty Marks for Girls was founded, the lives of countless underrepresented girls have been changed for the better, and they have overcome significant social and emotional challenges.
Beauty Marks for Girls has helped girls with incarcerated mothers get back on track and graduate from high school, and has helped them with entering college on partial or full-ride scholarships.
The organization has been recognized in the Greenville News and on multiple TV recordings. In 2019 the founder was the recipient of the Community Hero Award ; An award that highlighted the generous, noble and unselfish work of those among us who work tirelessly — often behind the scenes — to make our community a better place. The group has also received the iChange Nations International Award, the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award, recognition from The Starbucks Foundation, The Spartanburg County Foundation, and The Ms. South Award from The Ms. Foundation for Women located in Brooklyn, New York. Jennifer made history in 2022 by becoming the first nonprofit company to win the best service category of the GVL Starts Pitch Competition, a program powered by the Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Furman University.
Jennifer is constantly considering novel approaches to further the organization's mission. Her objective is to establish an organization that will enable every girl impacted by parental incarceration to realize her full potential and end intergenerational incarceration. Jennifer believes that every scar has a story to tell and she is devoted to helping women and youth transform their pain into their power.
DANIELLE DILLARD OTR, OTD
Danielle Dillard is the owner of Take Off Therapy, LLC, a practice dedicated to providing first class occupational therapy services for adoptive and fostering families.
Experience and Expertise: Danielle brings a unique perspective to her practice as an adoptee who is currently pursuing the adoption of a child. She is deeply passionate about supporting families in foster care and adoptive families. Danielle is certified in Therapeutic Listening through Vital Links and Safe Sound protocol, and her expertise extends to areas such as sensory integration, pediatric brain development, trauma and impacts on the brain and behaviors, and serving diagnosis such as autism, ADHD, Downs Syndrome through 0-18 years.
Education and Qualifications: Danielle has pursued advanced education in neuroscience for sensory integration, alongside obtaining certifications in Therapeutic Listening through Vital Links and Safe Sound protocol. Her dedication to staying updated in her field is evident through her continuous pursuit of knowledge and qualifications.
Previous Speaking Engagements: Danielle has shared her expertise at various events, including speaking engagements at Anderson University for the Kinesiology club on Pediatric OT and its diverse roles. She has also conducted lunch and learn sessions
Experience and Expertise: Danielle brings a unique perspective to her practice as an adoptee who is currently pursuing the adoption of a child. She is deeply passionate about supporting families in foster care and adoptive families. Danielle is certified in Therapeutic Listening through Vital Links and Safe Sound protocol, and her expertise extends to areas such as sensory integration, pediatric brain development, trauma and impacts on the brain and behaviors, and serving diagnosis such as autism, ADHD, Downs Syndrome through 0-18 years.
Education and Qualifications: Danielle has pursued advanced education in neuroscience for sensory integration, alongside obtaining certifications in Therapeutic Listening through Vital Links and Safe Sound protocol. Her dedication to staying updated in her field is evident through her continuous pursuit of knowledge and qualifications.
Previous Speaking Engagements: Danielle has shared her expertise at various events, including speaking engagements at Anderson University for the Kinesiology club on Pediatric OT and its diverse roles. She has also conducted lunch and learn sessions
KEITH A. BAILEY, M.S., Ph.D.
Professional and Community Development Director
Keith has led the Training Department and served on the Executive Team at Harmony Family Center since 2016 and has over 30 years of experience working with children and families. He has served children in residential treatment, supported foster and adoptive families, and has worked as a Consultant for the University of Tennessee’s Social Work Office of Research and Public Service, where he trained child welfare staff and foster parents, developed curricula, and offered technical support. He has trained and consulted across the U.S. and Canada as an independent consultant and on behalf of the Child Welfare League of America and the National Technical Assistance Center.
Keith earned a B.A. in Psychology from Tennessee Wesleyan College, an M.Div. from Duke University, and an M.S. in Child Development and Ph.D. in Human Ecology, with a concentration in Child and Family Studies, from the University of Tennessee. Additionally, he is a Professionally Certified Trainer for Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and was a Fellow of the ChildTrauma Academy from 2017-2021.
Keith has led the Training Department and served on the Executive Team at Harmony Family Center since 2016 and has over 30 years of experience working with children and families. He has served children in residential treatment, supported foster and adoptive families, and has worked as a Consultant for the University of Tennessee’s Social Work Office of Research and Public Service, where he trained child welfare staff and foster parents, developed curricula, and offered technical support. He has trained and consulted across the U.S. and Canada as an independent consultant and on behalf of the Child Welfare League of America and the National Technical Assistance Center.
Keith earned a B.A. in Psychology from Tennessee Wesleyan College, an M.Div. from Duke University, and an M.S. in Child Development and Ph.D. in Human Ecology, with a concentration in Child and Family Studies, from the University of Tennessee. Additionally, he is a Professionally Certified Trainer for Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and was a Fellow of the ChildTrauma Academy from 2017-2021.
CONNIE ONEILL OTRL
Connie has been a practicing Occupational Therapist for over 30 years. During that time she has spent working with individuals as young as a few weeks to those of 100 years! The last 20 of her practicing years were those spent with children in settings including schools, home, and outpatient settings.
Working with children allowed her to find her true passion for her career. Kids allowed Connie to use her creativity and thirst for genuine interactions thrive. Strengthening all developmental skills through playing along with connecting with families to educate, cheer, and at times grieve provided an opportunity for Connie to be rewarded by giving time and time again.
Special interests in the field of Pediatric Occupational Therapy include those of Sensory Processing and Social-Emotional Needs. Countless referrals of physical limitations led to the realization the foundation of their sensory or emotional needs were in need of being addressed prior to growth in the physical (or visually noticeable) needs.
When the world shut down in 2020, therapy was continued through computer screens. It became even more evident that there was a need for families to have more tools at their disposal that allowed them to interact with their child in a multi-developmental manner that did not utilize screens. Parents have demonstrated the desire for the ability to connect with their child, but lacked time, knowledge, and creativity to implement play that felt purposeful.
Big Play in a Box was created and the first box was shipped out in November 2021. The goal was to provide an experience for families to share that challenged developmental skills, provided guidance through the eyes of a “play professional”, and connected families through themed play.
Since then, Big Play in a Box has expanded into a quarterly subscription box, direct to consumer e-commerce, and retail. As well, Ms. Connie loves to share her passion for educating others through speaking engagements to parents, educators, and other childcare advocates on Sensory Processing, Social-Emotional Growth, and the importance of PLAY!
Working with children allowed her to find her true passion for her career. Kids allowed Connie to use her creativity and thirst for genuine interactions thrive. Strengthening all developmental skills through playing along with connecting with families to educate, cheer, and at times grieve provided an opportunity for Connie to be rewarded by giving time and time again.
Special interests in the field of Pediatric Occupational Therapy include those of Sensory Processing and Social-Emotional Needs. Countless referrals of physical limitations led to the realization the foundation of their sensory or emotional needs were in need of being addressed prior to growth in the physical (or visually noticeable) needs.
When the world shut down in 2020, therapy was continued through computer screens. It became even more evident that there was a need for families to have more tools at their disposal that allowed them to interact with their child in a multi-developmental manner that did not utilize screens. Parents have demonstrated the desire for the ability to connect with their child, but lacked time, knowledge, and creativity to implement play that felt purposeful.
Big Play in a Box was created and the first box was shipped out in November 2021. The goal was to provide an experience for families to share that challenged developmental skills, provided guidance through the eyes of a “play professional”, and connected families through themed play.
Since then, Big Play in a Box has expanded into a quarterly subscription box, direct to consumer e-commerce, and retail. As well, Ms. Connie loves to share her passion for educating others through speaking engagements to parents, educators, and other childcare advocates on Sensory Processing, Social-Emotional Growth, and the importance of PLAY!
SHELBY RICKEY
Shelby has a BA in English Education and TESOL as well as an Master of Education. As a mom and an educator, she believes every child deserves love and connection, and she’s passionate about helping caregivers know they’re not alone in walking hard roads. She and her husband, Jason, have had the privilege of loving kids through kinship care, foster care, and adoption. Her three children keep her busy, and when she’s not working and “moming”, she loves exploring new places and getting lost in a book.
APRIL FICKLIN
April is a mom of four who has degrees in English and Education from Furman University and Clemson University. Her career has taken her on many journeys from the high school classroom to virtual university forums to being an entrepreneur working from home. As an adoptive parent, April is passionate about serving children from hard places and their foster and adoptive families as well. She is a strong advocate for the vulnerable.
NICHOLAS LEE
Nicholas Lee is a licensed professional behavioral counselor at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence. He received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Charleston Southern University and a Master in clinical counseling from the Citadel both in Charleston, South Carolina. He completed his internship at iHope Christian Counseling Center in Florence, South Carolina. From Olanta, Nicholas is involved with Floyd Chapel. He is the co-chair of the SC Citizen Review Panel in the Pee Dee and is the recipient of the Foster Care Innovator Award.
Education: Masters in clinical counseling, The Citadel, Charleston, South Carolina Bachelor of Psychology, Charleston Southern University, Charleston, South Carolina
Associations: SC Citizen Review Panel in the Pee Dee, Co-Chair
Awards:Foster Care Innovator Award, March 2022 Behavioral Health counselor of the year, 2021, 2022 Psychology student of the year, 2016
Education: Masters in clinical counseling, The Citadel, Charleston, South Carolina Bachelor of Psychology, Charleston Southern University, Charleston, South Carolina
Associations: SC Citizen Review Panel in the Pee Dee, Co-Chair
Awards:Foster Care Innovator Award, March 2022 Behavioral Health counselor of the year, 2021, 2022 Psychology student of the year, 2016
KRISTIN HUBBARD
Kristen has over 10 years experience in the field of ABA across multiple levels of credentials. She is currently a BCBA and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Kristen's passion is teaching and expanding clinician's repertoire to advance the science of ABA. I have had the privilege to participate in research studies, present to various groups on what it means to have a quality supervised fieldwork program and to collaborate with leaders in the field of compassionate ABA and Mentorship.
JACQUI WILLIAMS
Jacqui Abrams, a seasoned 1 BCBA with over 20 years of experience, embarked on her autism and ABA journey at Penn State. She honed her skills at Waters and Sims in New Jersey, assisting students and adults with disabilities in securing employment. At Rutgers University, she delved into intensive ABA training and research. Now in South Carolina, she is the Chief Clinical Officer at Meaningful Milestones LLC, advocating for ABA services and contributing to research in 1 the field.
REBECCA MOORE
Rebecca is a social worker with a master's degree from the University of South Carolina specializing in adoption and foster care and infant and early childhood mental health. She has over 30 years of experience in the field of children and families in the US and abroad. Rebecca works from an attachment-based perspective. She is a Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) Practitioner, Certified Foundational Theraplay® Practitioner, Circle of Security Parenting® Facilitator, and has training in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and Attachment and Bio-behavioral Catch-up. Rebecca is a graduate of the University of Maryland's National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training and the University of Minnesota's Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Certification program. She is a doctoral candidate in social work at Barry University. Rebecca is also an adoptive parent of eight grown children and has provided therapeutic foster care to many children.
hotel accommodations
MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA, SC
1200 Hampton Street
Located less than a mile from the South Carolina State House and in the heart of Downtown Columbia.
Discounted rates are available.
ADDITIONAL hotel accommodations
Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown the Vista
1000 Lady Street
Holiday Inn: Columbia - Downtown
1233 Washington Street
FEATURED SPONSORS
BE AN EXHIBITOR
sold out!
Meet the Need offers the opportunity to spread awareness about your organization's services to individuals in the adoption field across the state.
Exhibitors will receive one table for the duration of the event (December 5-6), one complimentary registration to Meet the Need.
BE A SPONSOR
Join us as a Meet the Need event sponsor to highlight your organization in front of hundreds of adoptive families, adoption professionals, and clinicians.
Organizations who are interested in being an event sponsor can choose from several levels of investment.
MEET THE NEED 2023
Thank you to everyone who attended Meet the Need 2023! We hope to see you again next year!
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