28th Annual "Reflections" Symposium on Child Abuse & Neglect at Lake Junaluska

We are so excited to welcome you back to Lake Junaluska September 27-29, 2022.

  • Below, you will find the information you need to register and attend "Lake J".

  • Registration is open!

Let's Go!

Register Here

Symposium Information

Find the answers to your Lake J questions!

  • Symposium Collaborators

    NC CHILD MEDICAL EVALUATION PROGRAM, UNC

    NC JUSTICE ACADEMY

  • CACNC Supported By:

    NATIONAL CHILDREN’S ALLIANCE

    SOUTHERN REGIONAL CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER

    NANCYE FLEMING MARKLE CHARITABLE TRUST FOR CHILDREN

    CACNC is proud to partner with the Governor’s Crime Commission (GCC) who actively funds the chapters critical mission to support CACs and MDTs

  • Training Location

    Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center

    The Terrace Hotel and the Harrell Center

    689 North Lakeshore Drive (Terrace); 710 North Lakeshore Drive (Harrell Center)

    Lake Junaluska, NC 28745

    Visit www.lakejunaluska.com to download the facility map and driving instructions

  • Reserving Lodging at Lake Junaluska

    Room reservations at the current state rate will be available beginning July 1 at the Terrace Hotel and Lambuth Inn (The Terrace Hotel requires a 3-night stay and a deposit of the first night’s lodging fee; call (800) 222-4930 or visit www.lakejunaluska.com to reserve lodging online (use Group ID #49316 to secure group rate).

    The deadline for lodging reservations is August 26, 2022. After August 26th, you must call Lake Junaluska at (800) 222-4930 to reserve rooms. Please make your reservations early as the Terrace Hotel rooms are reserved quickly!

  • Target Audience

    This symposium is appropriate for new and experienced law enforcement officers, DSS/CPS workers, prosecutors, medical professionals, mental health professionals (including psychologists & social workers), guardian ad litem advocates, case managers, juvenile justice workers, child advocacy professionals and victim service providers serving child victims.

  • Program Description

    The 28th Annual “Reflections” Symposium on Child Abuse & Neglect offers a multi-disciplinary training opportunity for professionals dealing with child abuse. Geared for professionals involved within a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) as part of the children’s advocacy center (CAC) model, this training allows for discipline-specific and/or cross-training of professionals in the investigation, evaluation, treatment and prosecution of child maltreatment cases.

  • Objectives

    At the conclusion of this educational activity, the participant should be able to:

    1. Recognize and describe the ways in which professionals dealing with child abuse (from their various disciplines) collaborate to make the investigation, evaluation and prosecution of child maltreatment cases stronger and more efficient.
    2. Apply knowledge and skills to improve the multi-disciplinary response of professionals dealing with child abuse in the investigation, evaluation, treatment and prosecution of child maltreatment cases.
  • Continuing Education: CEU, CLE, CICP

    Application for general Continuing Education Units (CEUs), Continuing Legal Education (CLEs) credits and Criminal Investigation Certificate Program (CICP) credits has been made to the Western Carolina University Continuing Education Department, the NC State Bar and the NC Justice Academy.

    Additional fees are required for CEU and CLE credits. Enrollment and payment for CEU and CLE credits is available online. Where fees are applicable, the responsibility for payment will be with the participant.

  • CME (Continuing Medical Education) Information

    CME Accreditation Statement

    This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the School of Medicine of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Carolina and the NC Child Medical Evaluation Program. The School of Medicine of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education to physicians.

    CME Credit Statement

    The School of Medicine of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill designates this live activity for a maximum of 15 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Other health professionals will receive a certificate of attendance from School of Medicine as long as they return the CE form. These certificates are accepted by the NC Boards for physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses and respiratory therapists. Other health care providers may also be able to use these certificates, depending on their license requirements.

    License requirements are subject to change. Participants should contact their licensing boards for specific questions. UNC and its partners are not responsible for changes in license requirements.

    CME Disclosure Statement

    This activity has been planned and implemented under the sole supervision of the course director and planning committee, in association with the UNC Office of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The course director, planning committee, presenters, and CPD staff have no financial relationships with commercial interests as defined by ACCME. This activity has not received support from commercial interests as defined by ACCME. The Course Director is Deb Flowers, MSN, CPNP-PC, SANE-A, SANE-, Medical Services Coord./CACNC. Members of the planning committee include Molly Berkoff, MD/MPH of NC CMEP at UNC, Ken Wooten, Director of Training & Compliance/CACNC and Deana Joy, Executive Director/CACNC.

    ADA Statement

    The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and CACNC are committed to equality of educational opportunity and do not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, or sexual orientation. If you require reasonable accommodations for a disability in order to participate fully in this continuing educational activity, please call Ken Wooten at (336) 880-1240.

  • Registration Fees

    All attendees must now register online to attend the symposium! Payment can be made online (preferred) but a check is an acceptable payment. Attendees must register and make payment at www.cacnc.org/training or mail check by August 31, 2022, to qualify for the early registration rate. An additional $25 registration fee will apply for any registrations after August 31, 2022. Payments by a check are payable to CACNC. Mail to: CACNC, P.O. Box 1020, Graham, NC 27253.

    Registration Fees on or before August 31, 2022

    MDT Track: $300

    Medical Track: $395 (CME credit from UNC included)

    Registration Fees on or after September 1, 2022

    MDT Track: $325

    Medical Track: $420 (CME credit from UNC included)

    CEUs/CLEs

    Pre-purchased CEUs from Western Carolina University $20

    Pre-purchased CLEs from the NC State Bar $52.50

    Other Important Info

    Registration fees include symposium materials, onsite breakfast/lunch on Tuesday, September 27th and Wednesday, September 28th, onsite breakfast on Thursday, September 29th, afternoon snack breaks and a Certificate of Attendance.

    A processing fee of 3% will be charged for all online credit card payments! An administrative fee of $35 will be assessed for checks returned for any reason including insufficient funds.

  • Group Registration

    If you are registering and paying for more than one person online, you will find instructions on the online registration form that will guide you through the process. After each completed registration, you can click the link to register another attendee. Once you have registered everyone, click on the link to email CACNC to request your invoice. In order to receive an invoice that lists all attendees, you must list all attendee’s names on the email request and CACNC will email an invoice to you. You will be able to pay online from the invoice via credit card.

    A processing fee of 3% will be added to all credit card charges or you may mail a check and a copy of the invoice to CACNC, PO Box 1020, Graham, NC 27253. Contact Julie Schroer at julie@cacnc.org with any questions.

  • Cancellations or Transferred Registrations

    Registration cancellation requests must be made in writing (email is acceptable). All requests are subject to the approval of CACNC. If approved, all refunds will be issued after the symposium. There will be no refund requests accepted after August 31, 2022; however, registration may be transferred to another person. If transferring to another person, email Julie Schroer at julie@cacnc.org.

  • Check-In, Materials & Certificates of Attendance

    EVENT CHECK-IN:

    Attendees are encouraged to Check-In on Monday afternoon, September 26th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the registration area located in the main lounge on 2nd floor of the Terrace Hotel. The registration area will also open at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, and 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

    MATERIALS:

    Handouts, strictly at the speaker’s discretion, may be made available for downloading. Information regarding the handouts will be communicated to paid/registered attendees upon receipt of all forms/payments and prior to the start of symposium.

    CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE:

    All registered/paid attendees will be issued a Certificate of Attendance (COA). Certificates will be made available electronically after the symposium and upon completion of the overall survey. The overall survey will be emailed after the close of symposium. It is the attendee’s responsibility to complete the overall symposium evaluation and download their COA.

  • Symposium Workshop Schedule - MDT

    Tuesday, September 27, 2022

    8:30 - 8:45 am

    Deana Joy, Welcome & Opening Remarks

    8:45 – 10:15 am

    The Art of Holding Fearless Dialogues in a Liminal Season

    Dr. Rev. Percy Johnson, Jr., PhD

    10:30 am – 12:00 pm

    Resiliency 101: From Victim to Survivor

    Julie Brand, MS

    A WORKSHOPS - 1:30-3:00 pm

    A1Redeeming Fear in a Pluralistic and Inclusive Society

    Dr. Rev. Percy Johnson, Jr., PhD

    INTRODUCTORY. All Disciplines

    A2Journey of the Exploited Adolescent Through the System (Part 1 of 2)

    Heather Waleski, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, SANE-A/Troy Armstrong, AS

    INTRODUCTORY. All Disciplines

    A3Understanding Trauma and the Effects of Traumatic Stress on Children and Families

    Raymond Turpin, PhD

    INTRODUCTORY. All Disciplines

    A4Trauma-Informed Interviewing/Trauma from the LEO Perspective

    Paul Phelan, MSCJ, MA

    INTRODUCTORY. Prosecutors, LE, DSS/CPS and Interviewers

    B WORKSHOPS – 3:15-4:45 pm

    B1Intraphysic Wounds, Interpersonal Conflict, and Their Impact on Violence

    Dr. Rev. Percy Johnson, Jr., PhD

    INTRODUCTORY. All Disciplines

    B2Journey of the Exploited Adolescent Through the System (Part 2 of 2)

    Heather Waleski, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, SANE-A/Troy Armstrong, AS

    INTRODUCTORY. All Disciplines

    B3MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for Treatment-Resistant PTSD

    Raymond Turpin, PhD

    INTERMEDIATE. All Disciplines

    B4Law Enforcement and Department of Juvenile Justice – Partners in Successful Investigations

    Amber Burgess-Cox, MS

    INTRODUCTORY. Prosecutors, LE, DSS/CPS and Interviewers

    Wednesday, September 28, 2022

    C WORKSHOPS – 8:30-10:00 am

    C1Interactive Scenario Based Training for Investigators, Prosecutors and MDT Members

    Jim Sears, LE

    INTRODUCTORY- INTERMEDIATE. Prosecutors, LE, DSS/CPS and Interviewers

    C2Behind the Façade: Exposing Female Sex Offenders & Helping Their Victims to Heal

    Julie Brand, MS

    INTERMEDIATE. All Disciplines

    C3Putting Together a Statewide Forensic Interview Program through Collaboration (Part 1 of 2)

    Liz Ghilardi, LCSW, MSW/Elizabeth Champion, MS

    INTRODUCTORY. Prosecutors, LE, DSS/CPS and Interviewers

    C4The Delayed Disclosure: How to Overcome Reasonable Doubt!

    Oto U. Ekpo, JD

    INTERMEDIATE. All Disciplines

    D WORKSHOPS - 10:15 - 11:45 am

    D1Interactive Scenario Based Training for Investigators, Prosecutors and MDT Members

    Jim Sears, LE

    INTRODUCTORY- INTERMEDIATE. Prosecutors, LE, DSS/CPS and Interviewers

    D2What’s FAN Got to do with It? (Part 1 of 2)

    Liz Szarkowski, MS

    INTRODUCTORY. All Disciplines

    D3Putting Together a Statewide Forensic Interview Program through Collaboration (Part 2 of 2)

    Liz Ghilardi, LCSW, MSW/Elizabeth Champion, MS

    INTRODUCTORY. All Disciplines

    D4Case Study; Presenting Medical Evidence in Child Abuse Cases

    Oto U. Ekpo, JD

    INTERMEDIATE. All Disciplines

    E WORKSHOPS - 1:15 – 2:45 pm

    E1Developing Cross Cultural Competency (Part 1 of 2)

    Alvera Lesane, Ed.D

    INTRODUCTORY. All Disciplines

    E2What’s FAN Got to do with It? (Part 2 of 2)

    Liz Szarkowski, MS

    INTRODUCTORY. All Disciplines

    E3Case Study: Carrying the Weight of Others (Part 1 of 2)

    Steven Clinard, AAS

    INTRODUCTORY. All Disciplines

    E4Cross Examination of Defense Experts: The Dos and Don’ts When Attacking DEFENSE Experts

    Oto U. Ekpo, JD

    INTERMEDIATE. Prosecutors, LE, DSS/CPS and Interviewers

    F WORKSHOPS - 3:00 – 4:30 pm

    F1Developing Cross Cultural Competency (Part 2 of 2)

    Alvera Lesane, Ed.D

    INTERMEDIATE. All Disciplines

    F2Spare the Child: Considering the Impact of Physical Abuse and What CAC’s Can Do to Change Culture Around Spanking

    Ashley Fiori, LCSW/Andie Morgenlander, BA/Joshua Overbay, MFA, BA

    INTRODUCTORY. All Disciplines

    F3Case Study: Carrying the Weight of Others (Part 2 of 2)

    Steven Clinard, AAS

    INTRODUCTORY. All Disciplines

    F4 Defending the Forensic Interview in Court

    Nancy Lamb, JD

    INTRODUCTORY. All Disciplines

    Thursday, September 29, 2022

    G WORKSHOPS -8:30 – 10:00 am

    G1The Importance of Photography in the Investigation and Solving of Abuse Cases

    Jim Sears, LE

    INTERMEDIATE. Prosecutors, LE, DSS/CPS and Interviewers

    G2The 3 A’s: How to Address Anger, Aggression, and Abuse with AF-CBT

    Ashley Fiori, LCSW

    INTRODUCTORY. All Disciplines

    G3What About Our Boys? Understanding the Challenges Facing Male Victims of Sexual Abuse & Assault

    Julie Brand, MS

    INTERMEDIATE. All Disciplines

    G4Legal Updates in Criminal Child Abuse

    Whitney Belich, JD

    INTRODUCTORY. LE, Prosecutors, Interviewers

    H WORKSHOP - Closing Plenary - 10:15 – 11:45 am

    There is No Perfect Case: The Importance of Resiliency for MDT Members

    Michele Thames, M.Ed./Jessica Greis-Edwardson, JD

    All Attendees

  • Symposium Workshop Schedule - Medical

    Medical Track Workshops

    Tuesday, September 27, 2022

    8:30 – 8:45 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks

    Deana Joy, BA, Executive Director, CACNC

    8:45 – 10:15 a.m. Keynote Address

    The Art of Holding Fearless Dialogues in a Liminal Season

    DR. REV. PERCY JOHNSON, JR., PhD, Counselor at New Horizons Counseling Center in GA

    PARTICIPANTS: All Attendees

    10:15 – 10:30 a.m. Break

    10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Plenary

    Resiliency 101: From Victim to Survivor

    JULIE BRAND, MS, Counselor/Survivor – CAPER Consulting

    PARTICIPANTS: All Attendees

    12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch Break

    1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

    (A2-MDT) Journey of the Exploited Adolescent Through the System (Part 1 of 2)

    HEATHER WALESKI, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, SANE-A, Medical Provider Atrium Health

    TROY ARMSTRONG, AS, NCDOJ Investigator

    PARTICIPANTS: All Disciplines

    (A3-MDT) Understanding Trauma and the Effects of Traumatic Stress on Children and Families

    DR. RAYMOND TURPIN, PhD., Smoky Mountain Psychological Services, PLLC/Pearl Psychological Institute, Waynesville, NC

    PARTICIPANTS: All Disciplines

    3:00 – 3:15 p.m. Break

    3:15 – 4:45 p.m.

    (B1-MDT) Intraphysic Wounds, Interpersonal Conflict and Their Impact on Violence

    DR. REV. PERCY JOHNSON, JR., PhD, Counselor at New Horizons Counseling Center in GA

    PARTICIPANTS: All Disciplines

    (B2-MDT) Journey of the Exploited Adolescent Through the System (Part 2 of 2)

    HEATHER WALESKI, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, SANE-A, Medical Provider Atrium Health

    TROY ARMSTRONG, AS, NCDOJ Investigator

    PARTICIPANTS: All Disciplines

    (B3-MDT) MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for Treatment-Resistant PTSD

    DR. RAYMOND TURPIN, PhD., Smoky Mountain Psychological Services, PLLC/Pearl Psychological Institute, Waynesville, NC

    PARTICIPANTS: All Disciplines

    Wednesday, September 28, 2022

    8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

    (C-MED) CMEP UPDATE

    JESSICA GUICE-ALBRITTON, MSW, Social Work Practitioner, Program Manager, NC Child Medical Evaluation Program

    AYANA BROWN, CMEP and RAMS Coordinator, NC Child Medical Evaluation Program

    PARTICIPANTS: All NCCMEP Rostered or Rostering Medical Providers

    10:00 – 10:15 a.m. Break

    10:15 – 11:45 a.m.

    (D-MED) Trauma-Informed Mental Health Services for CACs in NC

    HOLLI SINK, PHD, Licensed Psychologist, Chief Program Officer, Southmountain Children and Family Services

    ROBIN SPICER, MS, LPA, LCMHC, Clinical Supervisor and Licensed Clinician, Southmountain Children and Family Services

    PARTICIPANTS: All Disciplines

    (D2-MDT) What Does FAN Got to do With It? (Part 1 of 2)

    LIZ SZARKOWSKI, MS, Program Director for the South Carolina Network for Children Advocacy Centers

    PARTICIPANTS: All Disciplines

    (D4-MDT) Case Study: Presenting Evidence in Child Abuse Cases

    OTO U. EKPO, JD, Director of Advocacy and Compliance Officer with the Fulton County Georgia Solicitor General’s Office

    PARTICIPANTS: All Disciplines

    11:45 – 1:15 p.m. Lunch Break

    1:15 – 2:45p.m.

    (E-MED) Medical Evaluation of Physical Abuse

    DEANA LASHLEY, MD, Child Safety Team Mission Children’s Specialists, Asheville, N.C.

    CYNTHIA BROWN, MD, Child Safety Team Mission Children’s Specialists, Asheville, N.C.

    PARTICIPANTS: Medical Providers. Other Disciplines Welcome to Attend.

    (E1-MDT) Developing Cross Culture Competency (Part 1 of 2)

    ALVERA LESANE, Ed.D, Associate Superintendent for Iredell-Statesville Schools

    PARTICIPANTS: All Disciplines

    (E2-MDT) What Does FAN Got to do With It? (Part 2 of 2)

    LIZ SZARKOWSKI, MS, Program Director for the South Carolina Network for Children Advocacy Centers

    PARTICIPANTS: All Disciplines

    2:45 – 3:00 p.m. Break

    3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

    (F1-MDT) Developing Cross Culture Competency (Part 2 of 2)

    ALVERA LESANE, Ed.D, Associate Superintendent for Iredell-Statesville Schools

    PARTICIPANTS: All Disciplines

    (F2-MDT) Spare the Child: Considering the Impact of Physical Abuse and What CAC’s Can Do to Change Culture Around Spanking

    ASHLEY FIORE, MSW, LCSW, Training faculty for the NC Child Treatment Program at Duke University's Center for Child and Family Health

    ANDIE MORGENLANDER, BA, Head creative producer at Justice Film Collective

    JOSHUA OVERBAY, MFA, BA, Assistant Professor of Film at Western Carolina University and producer at Justice Film Collective

    PARTICIPANTS: All Disciplines

    Thursday, September 29, 2022

    8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

    (G-MED) Expert Medical Witness Testimony in Child Maltreatment Cases

    NANCY LAMB, JD, CAC Attorney for Southmountain Children and Family Services

    PARTICIPANTS: Medical and Nursing Providers

    (G2-MDT) The 3 A’s: How to Address Anger, Aggression, and Abuse with AF-CBT

    ASHLEY FIORE, MSW, LCSW, Training faculty for the NC Child Treatment Program at Duke University's Center for Child and Family Health

    PARTICIPANTS: All Disciplines

    (G3-MDT) What About Our Boys? Understanding the Challenges Facing Male Victims of Sexual Abuse/Assault

    JULIE BRAND, MS, Counselor/Survivor – CAPER Consulting

    PARTICIPANTS: All Disciplines

    (G4-MDT) Legal Updates in Criminal Child Abuse

    WHITNEY BELICH, JD, Child Abuse Resource Prosecutor, NC Conference of District Attorneys

    PARTICIPANTS: LE, Prosecutors, and Interviewers

    10:00 – 10:15 a.m. Break

    10:15 – 11:45 a.m. Closing Plenary

    There is No Perfect Case: The Importance of Resiliency for MDT Members

    MICHELE THAMES, M.Ed., Executive Director of SafeSpot Children’s Advocacy Center in Fairfax, VA.

    JESSICA GREIS-EDWARDSON, JD, Consultant

    PARTICIPANTS: All Attendees

  • Printable Workshop Descriptions, Speaker Bios & Workshop Locations
  • Printable Brochures (MDT & Medical)
  • At-A-Glance Schedule

    Monday September 26, 2022

    • 4:00 – 6:00pm Symposium Check-In; Terrace Main Lounge, 2nd Floor

    Tuesday September 27, 2022

    • 7:00 – 8:00am Breakfast; Terrace and Lambuth Dining Rooms; (Meal Ticket Required)
    • 7:30 – 8:30 Symposium Check-In; Terrace Main Lounge, 2nd Floor
    • 8:30 – 8:45 Welcome & Opening Ceremony; Deana Joy; Location TBD
    • 8:45 – 10:15 Keynote Address; The Art of Holding Fearless Dialogues in a Liminal Season; Dr. Rev. Percy Johnson, Jr., PhD
    • 10:30 – 12:00pm Plenary Session; Resiliency 101: From Victim to Survivor; Julie Brand, MS
    • 12:00 – 1:30 Conference Luncheon
    • 1:30 – 3:00 A WORKSHOPS
    • 3:15 – 4:45 B WORKSHOPS

    Wednesday September 28, 2022

    • 7:00 – 8:00am Breakfast; Terrace and Lambuth Dining Rooms; (Meal Ticket Required)
    • 8:00 – 8:30 Symposium Check-In; Terrace Main Lounge, 2nd Floor
    • 8:30 – 10:00 C WORKSHOPS
    • 10:15 – 11:45 D WORKSHOPS
    • 11:45 – 1:15pm Conference Luncheon
    • 1:15 – 2:45 E WORKSHOPS
    • 3:00 – 4:30 F WORKSHOPS

    Thursday September 29, 2022

    • 7:00 – 8:00am Breakfast; Terrace and Lambuth Dining Rooms; (Meal Ticket Required)
    • 8:00 – 8:30 Symposium Check-In; Terrace Main Lounge, 2nd Floor
    • 8:30 – 10:00 G WORKSHOPS
    • 10:15 – 11:45 H WORKSHOP
    • 11:45 End of Symposium
  • CACNC Non-Discrimination Statement

    Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Carolina, Inc. (CACNC) does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital or familial status, pregnancy, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, provision of services; employment matters, including hiring, compensation, promotion, and access to training; recruitment for, or assignment of, any volunteer activities, which includes participation on the Board of Directors; and the selection of vendors and contractors. CACNC is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our clients, staff, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors.

  • Virtual Option

    The majority of the symposium workshops will be recorded during the live, in-person presentations. CACNC will make all the recorded sessions available online for virtual participants beginning October 17, 2022. These recorded workshops will remain available for viewing through October 31, 2022. Virtual participants will receive contact hours for the workshops they observe online up to 15 hours. The login and viewing of the online workshop information will be sent to virtual participants prior to the beginning of the symposium. Please note, permission to record a workshop is strictly up to the presenter; therefore, some sessions may not be available online.