Behavioral Health Initiative Wellness Day 2025

Dr. Tina Childress is an audiologist and advocate (a.k.a. Communication Access Engineer), drawing from her unique perspectives as a late-deafened adult with bilateral cochlear implants. Her dedication lies in promoting accessibility for individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing across different environments through education, collaboration, and advocacy.

During the day, Dr. Childress works as a pediatric audiologist and trainer in various school settings. Beyond her professional duties, she assumes additional roles as a subject matter expert, adjunct lecturer, board and committee member, professional speaker, and content creator at See Hear Communication Matters.

'This platform allows her to share her expertise and insights with a wide audience, especially related to leveraging assistive technology for achieving access. Dr. Childress's knowledge extends to the written realm, with her contributions featured in numerous publications. She is also an influential figure on social media, where she provides valuable information and resources. Her impact extends to international stages, where she has earned acclaim as an award-winning presenter. Her audiences are comprised of children, families, and adults who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and professionals working with these groups.

Driven by her passion for practical application and dissemination of information, Dr. Childress strives to provide valuable resources for both consumers and professionals. Her ability to reach diverse audiences is unparalleled, whether through spoken English or American Sign Language, using technical or simplified terms, or engaging in individual mentoring or large-scale presentations.

Presenters: Linda Brandt, Sara Korth, and Jennifer Trasser

Learn about Medicare basics and enrollment options. Learn how to access benefits and resources to meet individual needs and maximize continued independence. Gain a basic understanding of aging and disability resource centers (ADRCs).

Learning objectives:

1. Come away with a better understanding of Medicare and its options.
2. Learn what benefit programs are available and their eligibility requirements.
3. Understand how the ADRC can assist you.

This workshop is being offered for in-person and virtual participants.

Presenter: Jess Dallman

Nature-based therapy supports mental health, physical health, and relational health by interacting with nature, the elements, the seasons, and animals. Nature-based therapy supports mood, self-awareness, coping skills, stress management, and communication skills.

Learning objectives:

1. Learn about nature-based therapy and similar therapies.
2. Experience one way nature can support your mood and nervous system.
3. Discuss why nature-based therapy may be important for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and Deaf disabled.

This workshop is being offered for in-person and virtual participants.

Presenter: Sonda Malling

The American Dance Therapy Association (2024) defines dance and movement therapy as "the psychotherapeutic use of dance, movement, body awareness, and embodied communication to foster healing and wellness for all individuals, families, and communities."

Learning objectives:

1. Learn the definition and basic applications of dance and movement therapy in clinical settings.
2. Engage in embodied techniques to experience dance and movement therapy interventions that have been applied with the Deaf population.

Presenter: Jeffrey Bronk

Participants will learn how to prepare for potential emergencies and disasters. They will explore what they need to know during challenging situations. People will learn what to do before or after they face these difficult experiences.

Learning objectives:

1. Families will learn how to pack a backpack to prepare to be evacuated.
2. The community will work together to identify ways to improve preparedness.
3. The group will discuss planning for emergencies.

Presenter: Lindalu Fox Wheeler

During this activity, participants will learn how to connect with emotions through an art project.

Learning objectives:

1. Participate in an art project.
2. Learn how emotions can be expressed through art.

Presenters: Kelly Lamberty and Bryn Ceman

This workshop empowers caregivers, families, and individuals in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community by highlighting funding opportunities for caregiver support and respite care. Attendees will also learn how the Wisconsin Respite Care Registry and Respite Connections connect caregivers and providers to resources and paid respite opportunities.

Learning objectives:

1. Understand available funding opportunities for caregivers and respite care providers, including grants and paid respite options.
2. Learn how to navigate and utilize the Wisconsin Respite Care Registry and Respite Connections to connect with resources, support networks, and paid care opportunities.
3. Recognize the importance of respite care and its impact on both caregivers and individuals in need of care.

This workshop is being offered for in-person and virtual participants.

Presenters: Amy Formella and Hannah Formella Zdroik

In this session, participants will learn how music therapy can complement audiology interventions to improve auditory perception, cognition, communication, and emotional well-being. The session will highlight collaborative strategies demonstrating the benefits of unifying music therapy and hearing care.

Learning objectives:

1. Learn how music therapy can complement audiology interventions.
2. Identify strategies demonstrating the benefits of unifying music therapy and hearing care.

This workshop is being offered for in-person and virtual participants.

Presenter: Jen Alward

Art brings a playful side to therapy and helps us work through emotions in a safe and tangible way. It is incredibly flexible with what kind of art you make and materials you use to help people learn to see themselves, struggles, and strengths in new ways.

Learning objectives:

1. Understand the difference between Art Therapy and art class.
2. Be able to identify 3 benefits of Art Therapy for you clients, or yourself.
3. Learn how to talk about art in a way that helps clients process emotions and build coping skills.

Explore essential travel strategies for individuals who are DHHDB, covering everything from planes, trains, and automobiles to accessible accommodations. Learn about harnessing assistive and accessible technology and refining communication access in busy terminals or on the go. Discover ways to handle booking services, ensure your needs are understood, and feel confident advocating for inclusive experiences. This session equips you with practical skills and resources to travel independently and enjoy every destination, no matter where your journey takes you.

Learning objectives:

1. Identify effective assistive and access technologies and communication tools for travel.
2. Implement strategies to successfully navigate transportation options (planes, trains, and automobiles).
3. Demonstrate self-advocacy skills to secure inclusive and accessible accommodations throughout the journey.

Presenter: Jessalyn Akerman-Frank

Many people underestimate chair yoga, not realizing its powerful benefits. Practicing it daily can improve mobility, flexibility, and overall well-being while reducing stress in the body, mind, and soul.

Learning objectives:

1. Participate in essential chair yoga stretches for daily movement.
2. Explore breathing techniques for relaxation.
3. Experience mindfulness breaks to reset and recharge.