Hugging the Cactus 2024 - Friday, April 26, 2024

Conference Agenda (Draft)

Please click the “plus” sign (+) on each section to find speaker bio’s and the dedicated Zoom link for hybrid presentations.

• 8:30 AM: Kickoff Breakfast with Keynote Speaker

  Healing through the Arts with Madame Harlequin

  Liesl Clouse emerged as Madame Harlequin in 2020 devoted to sharing love through entertainment, art, teaching, and healing. She studied and performed dance from an early age, and now specializes in improv, ecstatic, modern, and hip hop. Madame Harlequin uses movement and dance to intentionally release stuck emotions, providing a safe space for her feelings to be felt. She has guided workshops in ecstatic dance and teaches youth hip hop at the hi-desert cultural center. She holds a BA in Film from North Carolina State University.

  There is a $20 charge for this session. Must RSVP, click here for link: https://forms.office.com/r/feEnyqTkq7
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon: Conference Sessions

  TITLE:  Introduction to Polyvagal Theory  DESCRIPTION:  This session will serve as an overview of polyvagal theory. Polyvagal theory describes how your brain recognizes safety and danger, how traumatic events can disrupt that system, and what to do about it.   PRESENTER:  Nathen Lester, LMFT TIME: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM ROOM: 102 ZOOM: Confer Zoom Link Meeting ID: 83682686357

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  TITLE: From Victim to Survivor to Nurse: One Woman’s Journey  DESCRIPTION:  Foundational knowledge on trauma-informed care is critical to provide a safe, diverse, and compassionate culture for trauma victims.  Creating this culture encompasses a holistic lens – caring for the whole person and learning their unique story instead of simply judging them based on how they show up. An understanding of the physiologic impact of trauma, cultural competency, and emotional intelligence are key components of trauma-informed care. This presentation will dive into a personal account of sexual assault trauma, examples of the impact of trauma on an individual, and provide the learner with concepts and tactics to create a culture of trauma-informed care.   PRESENTER: Dr. Carrie Weiss   TIME: 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon ROOM: 110 ZOOM: Confer Zoom Link Meeting ID: 85800328964

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  TITLE: Trauma: Impacts and Resilience  DESCRIPTION: This session will focus on the impacts of trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), personal resilient zone, and how to broaden and strengthen resilience. PRESENTERS: Karen Perry, LMFT; Linda Murphy, APCC; Beckie Hollingshed, MHW; Sydney Elless, CHW TIME: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM ROOM: 119 ZOOM: Confer Zoom Link Meeting ID: 89257749921

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  TITLE: Finding a Voice for the Voiceless  DESCRIPTION: This session will start with a short talk about the art Linda has done around the idea of finding a voice for the voiceless, childhood sexual abuse survivors. She will discuss the book she wrote “Show and Tell: Healing from Trauma Through Art,” and how she survived from her childhood of sexual abuse. She will run a short exercise where the audience can do some expressive drawings around their emotions.  She will discuss the drawing classes she teaches at Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Center, a women’s facility where over 80% of the population has been sexually abused at some time in their life.  It is a very powerful healing experience for them and I can see the change in their self-image, their ability to make choices, raising self-confidence, and many other behavioral changes. There would be a question-and-answer section at the end. PRESENTER:  Linda Litteral TIME: 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon ROOM:  104 ZOOM: Confer Zoom Link Meeting ID: 87567143098

  TITLE:  Drum Circle: Reconnecting with the Self DESCRIPTION: Drumming is one of many tools that allows participants to calm the body and shut the mind down. It reconnects one to oneself.  All participants will be issued a drum to use in order to fully experience the benefits of drumming and an animal totem. PRESENTER:  Abe Daniels TIME: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM PLACE: 300 Quad

  TITLE: Nothing is Going On, Let Me Do My Work: a Conversation about Trauma DESCRIPTION: This session will delve into the profound insights of Martin Baro’s “Writings for Liberation Psychology” and Laura van Dernoot Lipsky’s “Trauma Stewardship.” This transformative session will explore the intersections of trauma-informed care, social justice, and personal well-being. Through critical reflection and interactive discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the impacts of trauma on individuals and communities, while also learning practical strategies for fostering resilience and healing. Whether you are a student, professional, practitioner, or advocate, this workshop offers valuable insights and tools to enhance your practice and promote a more compassionate, supportive world. PRESENTER: Patricia Gonzalez TIME: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM ROOM: 108  ZOOM: Confer Zoom Link Meeting ID: 82326774010

  TITLE: Trauma Coping, DEI, and Playing Video Games: Making the Connection DESCRIPTION: This session will explore how trauma coping, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and video game play hold similarities. This session will explain how awareness and inclusion relate to effective trauma coping, DEI, and the experience of playing video games. PRESENTERS: Dr. Nancy DeVore and Dr. Sarah Korpi TIME: 11:00 AM to 12:00 noon ROOM: 108 ZOOM: Confer Zoom Link Meeting ID: 87425805964

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  TITLE: Releasing Emotions Through Movement

  DESCRIPTION: By using intention through movement, Madame Harlequin creates a safe space for participants to release stuck emotions. alongside curated music, you will be guided to set your intention with a brief meditation, build your energy from slow stretching to accelerated movements, and release what is available to be released. you will experience a cool-down yoga sequence that ends with another brief meditation. 

  FACILITATOR: Madame Harlequin (Liesl Clouse)

  TIME: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

  ROOM: Community Room, Bell Center

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  TITLE: Trauma Talks and Culinary Conversations: How to Change Kitchen Culture

  DESCRIPTION: The food and restaurant industry can be a toxic environment. Copper Mountain College’s culinary instructor, Dereck LaGuardia, will discuss how to change kitchen culture. Get a bite to eat and chat about best practices and trauma-informed culinary practices.

  FACILITATOR: Dereck LaGuardia, Chef and CMC Instructor

  TIME: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

  ROOM: 100 Quad
• Noon -1:00 PM: Career Panel for Trauma Informed Careers

  Join us for an insightful discussion on Trauma-Informed Careers. Our panel of experts will share practical advice and personal experiences to help you navigate career paths that prioritize healing, resilience, and empowerment. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with like-minded individuals!

  ROOM: Student Activity Center
• 1:00 PM -3:00 PM: Conference Sessions

  TITLE: Building Resilency DESCRIPTION: This session will explain how to build resilience to trauma and other adversity using the theory and practice of the Trauma Resiliency Model. PRESENTER: Nathan Lester, LMFT TIME: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM ROOM: 102 ZOOM: Confer Zoom Link Meeting ID: 85719026434

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  TITLE: Building Inclusive Environment   DESCRIPTION: In this workshop, participants will explore how to cultivate inclusive environments within community college settings through a social work lens, considering various aspects of the environment including nature and animals, social dynamics, and interactions with the world. By leveraging principles of social work, attendees will learn practical strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion among students, faculty, staff, and the broader Morongo Basin community. Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants will gain insights into fostering resilience, building community connections, and addressing social justice issues within educational environments. PRESENTER: Britney Vachon-LaGuardia, LCSW, AASW   TIME: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM ROOM: 104 ZOOM: Confer Zoom Link Meeting ID: 88300689886

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  TITLE: What Happened to You is Not What is Wrong With You DESCRIPTION: A Trauma-Informed approach does not ask “What is wrong with you?”. It asks “What happened to you?”. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience sexual violence in thier lifetime. We will take a look at how Partners Against Violence uses a trauma-informed approach to support survivors of sexual violence through our many services. Because sexual violence does not discriminate, anyone can become a victim. Learn how sexual violence impacts individuals, support systems, and communities. Learn how you can support survivors of trauma without re-traumatization. Explore healthy coping skills and understand why survivors do not always report. Trauma creates vulnerability to more trauma. Learn how you can protect yourself and others from becoming a victim. There will be an activity and a time for questions and answers. PRESENTER: Gena Pliss, Partners Against Violence TIME: 1:00 PM  to 2:00 PM   ROOM: 103 ZOOM: Confer Zoom Link Meeting ID: 85350414044

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  TITLE: Narcan and Opioid Overdose Response Training + Q and A DESCRIPTION: In this session we will look at our country’s current opioid overdose crisis, a short history of opioid use in America, the intersections for people with a history of trauma and mental health challenges with substance use and how opioid use impacts the nervous system. We will also learn how to use Naloxone in the case of an overdose emergency to minimize harm while waiting for emergency services. All those who attend in person will receive a free Naloxone kit to take home. PRESENTER: Carrie Kish, Reach Out TIME: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM ROOM:  110

  TITLE: Trauma and Your Brain DESCRIPTION: This session will cover how trauma affects the brain the basic tenets of EMDR Therapy, which is based on the theoretical hypotheses that the neurobiological information processing system is intrinsic, physical, and adaptive. Traumatic events and/or the experience of neglect or abuse undermine an individual’s sense of self-worth, safety, and ability to assume appropriate responsibility for self or others.  The Adaptive Information Process that takes place during EMDR therapy.   is based on the theory that the brain has the same ability to heal as the body. Our maladaptively stored memories are contributors to pathology and health. Adaptive (positive) information, resources, and memories are also stored in memory networks. Direct reprocessing of the unprocessed information facilitates linkage to the adaptive memory networks and transformation of all aspects of the memory. PRESENTERS: Kay Jayo-Meads, MA, LMFT; Dr. Anamika Basu; and Julius Horn TIME: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ROOM: 108  ZOOM: Confer Zoom Link Meeting ID: 88141527542

  TITLE: The Deepest Well Book Talk DESCRIPTION: In this session, there will be a guided hybird dicussion of The Deepest Well by Nadine Harris Burke. Dr. Harris Burke has taken time to study the long-term physical effects that an adverse childhood condition can have on the body. Her work has shown that toxic stress and lifelong illness have connections and the important need to address the causes in order to fully heal as a person. Join us as we discuss this novel and the impact we find it has in our lives. To receive a copy of The Deepest Well, at no cost to you, fill out the form here by April 19th.  PRESENTER: Chelsi Chastain TIME: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM  ROOM: Student Activity Center ZOOM: Confer Zoom Link Meeting ID: 85469538545

  TITLE: Recognize, Recover, and Repeat DESCRIPTION: Recovery is not a linear process or a destination. It’s a journey that requires recognizing what parts of ourselves need healing, taking action to mend our wounds, and repeating this process as many times as needed. Priscilla María leads by example and shows that recovery is possible. She shares her first-hand experiences with the troubled teen industry, rehabs, support groups, and therapy as someone in recovery from alcohol use disorder, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions. PRESENTER:  Priscilla María Gutiérrez, J.D. TIME: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ROOM: 103 ZOOM: Confer Zoom Link Meeting ID: 81895264837

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  TITLE: Cultivating Trauma-Informed Spaces
  DESCRIPTION: If you work with people, you are working with trauma survivors. “Trauma-informed” is a trendy phrase, but what does it really mean? And more importantly, how do we cultivate trauma-informed spaces? This workshop is an opportunity to learn how to become trauma-informed and how to cultivate trauma-sensitive spaces. This workshop is both educational and experiential; movement will be offered. All levels welcome. This workshop is for you if:

  • You are curious about what it means to be trauma informed.
  • You want to learn how to cultivate trauma-sensitive spaces, create safer spaces and reduce unintentional harm.
  • You want to increase your understanding of nervous system responses (including your own).
  • You want to create spaces where your students have more access to choose and empower your students to be the expert of their own experience.
  • You want to reduce burnout and compassion fatigue in your own practice/work.

  PRESENTER: Melissa Grisi, LCSW, CAADC, TCTSY-F (Blue Sky Therapy)

  TIME: 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
  ROOM: 108
  ZOOM: Confer Zoom Link
  Meeting ID: 81640453616

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  TITLE: The Heart Locker Regenerating
  DESCRIPTION: The Heart Locker Regeneration is an art installation that was once hosted on Eva Montville’s land in Joshua Tree. Now made mobile in a transmuted horse trailer. Inside, hanging on butcher hooks, are over 30 “hearts” carved from Manzanita roots, inlayed with copper, gold, turquoise and crystal, symbols of regeneration. The Heart Locker is Eva’s love letter to Life on our planet. It’s about heart opening, healing and connection – an expression of hope.

  FACILITATOR: Eva Montville
  TIME: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
  ROOM: 100 Quad (Just look for the horse trailer!)

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  TITLE: Artistic Alchemy: Artist Talks and Art Workshop
  DESCRIPTION: Join artists Maryrose Crook and Chloe Allred for a workshop session focused on the power of creativity. Both artists will host artist talks unpacking the connection between their artistic practices and art as a means for processing complex emotions. The artist workshop will focus on imagination as a tool for activism and emotional transformation. Art supplies will be provided!

  FACILITATOR: Chloe Allred and Maryrose Crook
  TIME: 1-3pm
  ROOM: CMC Art Studio, Room 401
• 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Conference Sessions

  TITLE: Equity-Centered Trauma-Informed Ethics: A Panel Discussion DESCRIPTION: A group of CMC faculty members read Equity-Centered Trauma-Informed Education by  Alex Shevrin Venet.  She argues: “Educators must both respond to the impact of trauma, and prevent trauma at school. Trauma-informed initiatives tend to focus on the challenging behaviors of students and ascribe them to circumstances that students are facing outside of school. This approach ignores the reality that inequity itself causes trauma, and that schools often heighten inequities when implementing trauma-informed practices that are not based in educational equity.” What do Copper Mountain College faculty members think about this book? PANEL: Pieper, Danza, Itnyre, Hernandez, Dieleman, LaGuardia TIME: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM ROOM: 104 ZOOM: Confer Zoom Link Meeting ID: 82442450330

  TITLE: Guided Breathwork Session DESCRIPTION: Yuna offers a session that can lead to profound self-care practice for inner transformation. The session will start with a brief grounding meditation and self-reflective journaling, sharing individual intentions to prepare for the guided group breathwork. She will then provide participants with a brief demonstration of the breathing technique, which involves inhaling through the mouth with one long breath, one short breath, and exhaling through the mouth. After that, participants will lie down and listen to a specially designed audio/musical compilation. During the session, Yuna will guide participants in releasing negative energies and pains through deep breathing, yelling, repeating affirmations, and laughing with the help of essential oils, sage, palo santo, and her light touch (only with consent). FACILITATOR: Yuna Lee TIME: 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM LOCATION: Bell Center, Community Room

  TITLE: Debriefing from Copper Mountain College Students: What are our Key Takeaways? DESCRIPTION:  A panel of Copper Mountain College students attended sessions from this conference.  What did they learn?  What was helpful?  How did the conference help you reimagine your ethics? How could Copper Mountain College as an institution improve student success? TIME: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM ROOM: 104  ZOOM: Confer Zoom Link Meeting ID: 82450596965

  TITLE: Healing from Trauma: Unity Home’s Compassionate Support for Domestic Violence Survivors DESCRIPTION: Explore the vital role of Unity Home, led by Executive Director Susanna Barnett, in providing compassionate support for domestic violence survivors in the Morongo Basin area. With a focus on trauma-informed care, Unity Home offers a safe haven and comprehensive services tailored to address the complex needs of survivors. Join us as we delve into Unity Home’s impactful efforts in helping survivors heal from the trauma of domestic violence, guided by a commitment to dignity, respect, and empowerment. PRESENTER: Susanna Barnett TIME: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ROOM: 102 ZOOM: Confer Zoom Link Meeting ID: 872 7988 2904

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  TITLE: RTT Hypnotherapy for Healing Lifelong Issues

  DESCRIPTION: RTT (Rapid Transformational Therapy), a method created by Marisa Peer, England’s #1 hypnotherapist, has proven to help people overcome profound personal issues, often in one session. RTT combines the powers of NLP, CBT, parts work, and the subconscious mind to access information not accessible by the conscious mind. This method allows people to access the root cause of lifelong issues and in one sitting, transform painful meanings into empowering interpretations that serve and expand their life today. Thus, turning lead into gold.

  PRESENTER: Gemni Ferrie Rosegold Miller

  TIME: 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

  ROOM: 119
  ZOOM: Confer Zoom Link
  Meeting ID: 89394248702

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  TITLE: Building Your Coping Toolbox: Calming Jars

  DESCRIPTION: Calming jars are a mindfulness copy strategy that can help children and adults manage emotions like anxiety, stress, and anger. When shaken, the glitter swirls around, representing the thoughts and feelings that come up in our lives. As the glitter settles, while practicing deep breathing, one can find peace and relaxation for the mind and body.

  FACILITATORS: Chelsi Chastain and ShaWanda Gatson

  TIME: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

  ROOM: Student Activity Center
  ZOOM: Confer Zoom Link
  Meeting ID: 83554953007
• 4:00 PM: Student Art Gallery Opening

  TITLE: Artistic Alchemy: Emotional Transformation Through Art DESCRIPTION: This an art exhibition from CMC students and community members that explores the ways that art can be used to understand emotions, process trauma, and communicate important messages through a variety of artistic mediums. This exhibition will include an interactive installation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month of survivor love letters created in collaboration with Partners Against Violence. Materials will be available at the show for attendees to create visuals in support of survivors of sexual violence and to add to the SAAM installation. TIME: 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM ROOM: Greenleaf Library, The Bagley Room
• 6:30 PM: Sacred Fire with Joshua Tree Ecstatic Dance

  Sacred Fire by Joshua Tree Ecstatic Dance is a free form dance, no experience is necessary. Each class begins and ends with a variety of connectivity and mindfulness exercises, as well as intention setting to tune in with each other and with ourselves. This program aims to: CONNECT each individual with the community, with the nature of their own rhythm, with the rhythm of nature, and with the intrinsic greater force we call creator. INTEGRATE the mind with the body more consciously, and more fully. Movement is our divine birthright. As channels between dimensions, we can utilize this important tool as ritual with loving awareness and embody the energy of spirit more fully. This supports us in integrating with and participating in this world with deeper passion and purpose. AWAKEN the senses, awaken the heart, stir the soul, remember what it means to be alive. Pulling ourselves as fully as possible into the present moment, AWAKEN JOY. RELEASE blocks, stagnation, stuck energy, and emotions. Through movement, breath, and vocalization, much clearing can be achieved. Yes, we have tissues here for you if tears wash through. HEAL the body, mind, and spirit through immersive connection and somatic movement. Movement quiets the mind and allows the body to express itself how it needs to. We ask so much of our bodies each day, it is lovely to provide a space for our bodies to have a voice of its own and honor its requests. 6:15 PM:   Doors Open 6:30 PM:  Opening Circle 7:00 PM:  Ecstatic Dance 8:00 PM:  Closing Circle NOTES: • Please bring water • This is an all-inclusive environment. Doors are open to everyone! • Please arrive with an open heart and mind. • This program does have a live DJ with loud music and moving lights, so please prepare accordingly if you are sensitive to these items.
• 8:15 PM: Hugging the Cactus Burn (Closing Event)

  Hugging the Cactus Burn

  (Fire Performance)

  8:15pm-9:00pm

  Outside the Community Room, Bell Center

  Performers

  DJ Silver Hoodie (James Intably)

  With an infectious passion for music and a knack for keeping dance floors packed, Silver Hoodie is a dynamic DJ known for delivering unforgettable performances. From Edinburgh, Scotland, their journey into the world of music began at an early age, fueled by a deep-seated love for rhythm and beats. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of genres including house, techno, hip-hop, base, and more, his sets are a seamless blend of old-school classics and cutting-edge tracks, creating a sonic experience that captivates audiences and leaves them craving more. Beyond their talent behind the decks, Silver Hoodie is also a skilled fire performer and flow artist showcasing their unique style and creativity. Find James on Instagram and Soundcloud.

  Sp111ke the Clown

  Sp111ke the Clown, a seasoned performing artist, gained recognition at the Lucidity music festival and later joined the Burning Man fire conclave. Now based in Joshua Tree, he mesmerizes audiences with stilt walking, LED performances, and fire dancing at various events. His involvement in the local fire spinning community has enriched his craft and opened doors to enchanting non-profits and exclusive private events, where his unique entertainment leaves a lasting impression. Find Sp111ke on Instagram.

  Rainbow SparkZ the Clown

  Marisol Gomez, also recognized as Rainbow SparkZ the Clown, hails from the Coachella Valley. Embracing the life of a full-time artist, she navigates diverse avenues of creative expression for sustenance. From the intricacies of face painting and balloon twisting to the dynamic realms of live art and performances featuring stilts, LEDs, and fire dancing, Her journey into fire performance began at the age of 18 during one of her renegade art showcases at Salton Sea. Now, at 24, she boasts proficiency in handling five different fire props, continuously refining her skills in this discipline alongside her other artistic pursuits. Marisol has graced venues such as the Westin Hotel, The Marriott, and numerous local bars and private events, captivating audiences with her dazzling performances. She eagerly anticipates the opportunity to share her spark with all who cross her path. Find Marisol on Instagram