Have you ever felt lost, stuck, or unable to help your client achieve meaningful progress? At times, the challenges our clients face extend beyond their mental health symptoms alone.
Mental health is a multifaceted issue influenced by biological, social, and environmental factors.
This conference aims to emphasize a transdisciplinary approach, exploring how various influences shape client presentations and addressing the complexity of their dysfunction. We will have an opportunity to learn how to approach trauma from a sensory perspective by Occupational Therapist, Julia Bantimba and ways to support development of speech, language and communication with Speech and Language Pathologist, Cheili Briones. The conference will end with a roundtable discussion with a panel of experts to see transdisciplinary work in action. Join us to learn more about the importance of collaborating with other professionals to provide the best service possible.
The event will be held virtually via Zoom. Advance registration is required. The Zoom link will be provided the day before and on the day of the event.
May 14 & May 15
9 am to 12 pm PST
Julia Bantimba is a pediatric occupational therapist focused on working with young children and families who have experienced complex trauma. Julia began her career in community mental health in the San Francisco Bay Area, working with children and families involved in the foster care system. Julia has since been a consultant to a large agency and group of non-public special education schools, the leader of a therapeutic preschool program, and education manager of the county Head Start program in Portland, ME. Currently, Julia runs a private practice and mentors in the UC Davis Napa Infant-Parent Mental Health Fellowship. Julia has been certified in Phase I of the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) since 2016, in Phase II since 2018, and is currently completing her mentor certification.
Healing the Body & Mind: Approaching Trauma Treatment from a Sensory Perspective
Sensory integration is a foundational set of processes for al l of development and it is heavily influenced by a child's experience in their early years. In this training, participants will make connections between the experiences their clients have had, their current behaviors and their sensory integration functioning. Using didactic training, case examples and reflection questions, the speaker will support participants in understanding how sensory integration differences and difficulties may impact their clients who have experienced trauma. Participants will leave with strategies for screening for sensory challenges, knowing when to refer to an occupational therapist for further testing as well as ample strategies for integrating sensory strategies into their own sessions and work with clients.
Participants will report learning the four basic elements of the sensory integration process and how it impacts client’s behavior.
Participants will have at least 1 resource for sensory integration screening to guide them in determining when to refer clients to occupational therapy evaluation or services.
Participants will report readiness to try 5-7 specific sensory-based intervention strategies with clients of any age.
Participants will have 1-2 specific statements they can use when talk with parents and clients of various ages and developmental levels about what sensory integration is and why sensory strategies may be supportive in their healing.
Cheili is a dedicated bilingual (English-Tagalog) speech-language pathologist at Achieve Speech Associates, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science in Communicative Disorders from California State University, Northridge, and has extensive experience working with children across all developmental stages, from Early Intervention through adolescence. She provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for a wide range of speech and language disorders, with specialized expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Central Auditory Processing Disorder, and the implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies. In addition to her work with pediatric populations, she has experience supporting older adults with aphasia.
Passionate about neurodiversity and culturally responsive care, Cheili is committed to using evidence-based practices to enhance communication outcomes for individuals of all ages. She strives to empower individuals and families through education, foster inclusive communication environments, and make a lasting impact in the communities she serves.
Supporting Speech, Language, and Communication Development: A Whole-Child Approach
Supporting speech, language, and communication development in children is a critical component of fostering overall well-being, academic success, and social-emotional growth. This presentation will explore a whole-child approach, emphasizing the role of professionals—including educators, clinicians, and community workers—in identifying, supporting, and nurturing speech, language, and communication needs. It will also provide foundational knowledge and strategies to families to cultivate a language-rich environment that ensures the child’s growth in communication and self-advocacy at home and in other social settings.
The goal of this presentation is to provide actionable insight towards supporting speech,language, and communication, as well as connect families with useful resources to ensure that speech and language support is accessible and inclusive across diverse communities.
Participants will gain foundational knowledge of speech and language milestones, learn about various speech and language delays and disorders, and understand its impact on mental health and behavior. The discussion will also address bilingualism, socialization post-COVID, and when a referral to a speech-language pathologist may be necessary. Speech and language development resources will also be highlighted to aid in early identification and intervention.
Participants will understand typical speech and language development and when to seek intervention.
Participants will be able to recognize the impact of language deficits on mental health and behavior.
Participants will learn strategies to support children’s language development in various environments.
Participants will identify appropriate referral processes and available resources.
This program is made possible by the generous support of our funders, SAMHSA, DMH, DCFS. Your gift to ECDA supports our work and ensures the future of our field. To make a gift, please visit www.ecda.org
This event will not be recorded.
Course meets the qualifications for 5 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences when attending both days. This Course is designated for mental health professionals.
El Centro de Amistad, INC (PROVIDER # 1032361) is approved by the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapist to sponsor continuing education for LMFT's, LCSW's, LPCC's and LEP'S. El Centro de Amistad maintains responsibility for the program and all it's content.
Course completion certificates will be awarded at the end of the course in exchange for a completed evaluation form.
To request accommodations for special needs, please email Maria Williams at ecdace@ecda.org or call 818-898-0223
Please email ecdace@ecda.org within 24 hours if you need to cancel. We do ask that you notify us prior to the event.
To obtain the grievance policy or report a grievance, please email ecdace@ecda.org or call 818-898-0223
To reserve your seat, please fill out, and submit, the information below.
