Connected for Hope: A Suicide Prevention Conference

Attendees will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of breakout sessions throughout the day, connect with community partners and resources, and take part in meaningful conversations about strengthening suicide prevention efforts across our community. Friday, October 2, 2026 Registration & light refreshments: 8:30 AM Conference: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES Professional Development Center Entrance Door #3, 3599 Big Ridge Road, Spencerport, NY 14559 Registration: $50 per person Lunch is included. Continuing Education Credits We have been approved to provide 4.75 CME, SW, LMHC, and teacher continuing education credits for full-day attendance at the conference. Please indicate your continuing education needs during registration and provide the requested licensure information. Educators seeking CTLE credits must also register through Frontline Education in addition to completing their conference registration. Register for CTLE credits through Frontline Education. Breakout Sessions & Presenters Explore four breakout sessions throughout the day, each offering three workshop options to choose from, focused on suicide prevention, community connection, support, and resilience. Breakout Session 1 | 9:45–10:35 AM • Lethal Means Safety: Lock and Talk Presenter: Lynne Mignemi • Problem Gambling: The Addiction with the Highest Rates of Suicide Presenter: Bridget Doughtery Herman • Suicidal Behavior in Elementary School-Aged Youth Presenter: Arielle Sheftall, PhD Breakout Session 2 | 10:50–11:40 AM • Clinical Assessment of Suicide Presenters: George Nasra, MD and Tziporah Rosenberg, PhD • Promoting and Implementing Youth and Teen MHFA in School Districts Presenters: Joe Fantigrossi, PhD and Bridget Doughtery Herman • Allyship Is Suicide Prevention: LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency Saves Lives Presenter: Mickey DiPerna Breakout Session 3 | 12:40–1:30 PM • Youth Mental Health First Aid in Black and Brown Communities Presenters: Andrea McCleod and James Sculer • Lives Left Behind: How Suicide Impacts Loved Ones Presenters: Katelyn Zufall, Maeve Cullinane and Bridget Doughtery Herman • Social Connectedness: A Key Protective Factor in Suicide Prevention Presenters: Ashley Smith and Brian Beckler Breakout Session 4 | 1:45–2:35 PM • No One Teaches Us How to Grieve: Understanding Loss, Healing and Connection Presenters: Carri Raynor and Wendy Underhill • Affirmations in Color: Creating Soul Notes Presenter: Allison Nichols • Finding the Glimmers: Journaling and Tiny Moments for Building Resilience Presenter: Sarah Shelland