1. Sponsored by:Sponsored by:Sponsored by:Sponsored by:
Mind Evolution Training Institute
Positive Steps Consulting
InInInIn PPPPartnershipartnershipartnershipartnership WWWWith:ith:ith:ith:
Supportive Housing Network of New York
Emmanuel Outreach
Taylor/Jones Enterprise
Homeless Alliance of Western New York
5th Annual
North American
Housing and Special Needs
Populations Conference
November 1-2, 2012
The Conference Center
Niagara
101 Old Falls Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
(USA)

2. Conference Overview
More than 300 conference attendees from New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio and Canada are expected to
attend this two-day conference which will be held in Niagara Falls, NY. This two-day conference will feature 90-minute
workshops and three-hour institutes. The conference will also feature Roundtable discussions and networking
opportunities.
Lead Sponsors:
Mind Evolution Training Institute and Positive Steps Consulting have partnered to host quality conferences and trainings
throughout North America over the last seven years. Together, they have an excellent reputation for organizing events
which draw attendance from the US and Canada.
Partnering Sponsor: Supportive Housing Network of New York (SHNNY)
The Supportive Housing Network of New York represents the statewide supportive housing community of over 200 non-
profit organizations and corporate organizations that have developed and operate over 43,000 units of safe, affordable
housing with on-site services. The Network provides advocacy, resources, public education, technical assistance and the
promotion of effective practices to strengthen and expand supportive housing statewide.
Other Supporting Partners:
Homeless Alliance of Western NY, Emmanuel Outreach and Taylor/Jones Enterprise event management services.
Target Audience:
Case Managers, Service Coordinators and Outreach Workers, Executive Directors, Funders, Community Planners,
Program Directors, Supervisors and Managers, Substance Abuse, Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Providers,
Homeless Advocates and Residential/Housing Staff, Criminal Justice, Correction, Probation and Parole Staff,
Healthcare Educators, Developmental Disabilities Staff, Consumers and Peer Advocates.
Conference Goals and Objectives:
• To present innovative models and feature “Evidence-Based Programs and Best Practices”
• Health promotion, prevention and education
• To promote networking and establish/improve relationships across systems
• To promote dialogue between US and Canadian Homeless Housing Advocates and Providers
• To help participants improve skills and performance
• To promote diversity
• To promote excellence in service delivery
• To help improve collaborative partnerships
• To offer various morale-boosting activities
Training Hours:
A certificate of attendance with the number of training hours will be provided to conference participants for documentation
of continuing education for professional credentialing. All documentation and certificates of attendance will be distributed
after the last session on Friday November 2
nd
.
Location and Accommodations:
The conference will be held at The Conference Center Niagara Falls located at 101 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY.
The Conference Center is within walking distance of the American Falls and directly across from Seneca Niagara Casino.
The Sheraton at the Falls (USA) is the designated conference hotel. The Sheraton at the Falls is adjacent to The
Conference Center and is located at 300 Third Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303. Discounted room rates for the “North
American Conference” are $99/night. Conference attendees are responsible for making their own reservations by
calling the hotel at 1-866-961-3780. The discounted rate will only apply for reservations made by October 10, 2012. The
hotel offers parking for guests in the adjacent city-operated flat lot at a rate of $5.00 per day.
Transportation and General Conference Information:
The Buffalo-Niagara International Airport (BUF) is approximately 25 minutes from the conference site and hotel. The
NFTA bus, shuttle and taxi service is available for a fee from the Airport and Amtrak Train Station to the hotel and
conference site. The NFTA Bus at $2.50 is the most inexpensive method of transportation from the Airport. Please
contact Sara Taylor at (585) 654-9083 or staylor43@rochester.rr.com for conference and travel questions and
information.

3. Conference Day 1
Thursday November 1, 2012 7:45am-5:00pm
7:45am-8:30am Registration, continental breakfast and exhibits
8:45am Welcome and remarks from the event sponsors and partners
9:00am-9:20am Morning Address, Dale Zuchlewski, Executive Director - Homeless Alliance of Western
NY
Day 1: 3 Hour Institutes
A. Community Strategies B. Professional Development
Institute
Session I
9:30am –
12:30pm
Community Development, Affordable and
Supportive Housing: Building New Partnerships Managing Multiple Programs, Staff and
Locations
Institute
Session II
1:45pm –
4:45pm
Implementation of the HEARTH Act: Developing
and Implementing a Coordinated Entry
System/Common Assessment Tool
Taking The Chaos Out of Change
Day 1: 90 Minute Workshops
Workshops A. Housing/Residential
Services
B. Innovative
Models/Practices
C. Special Needs
Populations
Session I
9:30am-
11:00am
Innovative Solutions for
Mental Health Housing
Wellness Recovery Action Plan -
WRAP
Removing Barriers for Persons
Living with HIV/AIDS
Session II
11:10am-
12:40pm
Integrating 12 Step and
ACOA Concepts into Your
Work
Effective Contract Management:
Poised for Success
Using SSI/SSDI Benefits as a Tool
in Recovery
Session III
1:45pm –
3:15pm
Homeless Housing:
Interventions and Strategies
Approaches to Treatment in Non-
Clinical Settings
Ensuring the Success of our
Returning Veterans
Session IV
3:30pm –
5:00pm
Chronically
Homeless/Housing First
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a
New Light – Reflections on Choice
Theory, the History and Efficacy
Assessing and Eliminating
Barriers for the Transgender
Community

4. Conference Day 1 Workshop Descriptions
Day 1: 3 Hour Institutes
Institute Session I- 9:30am-12:30pm
A. Community Development, Affordable and Supportive Housing: Building New Partnerships
Steve Piasecki, SHNNY, Albany, NY
Developing housing is not every service providers dream, but homeless clients need a home. Innovative groups
are partnering, letting the housing experts do the development and allowing the support services experts to
provide the services; a win-win for all. Better yet, whole neighborhoods can be re-vitalized in the process.
B. Managing Multiple Programs, Staff and Locations
John Paul Perez, Catholic Family, Rochester, NY
Many premier housing organizations now provide services from multiple sites and locations whether this occurs in
the natural course of organizational and program development, or due to mergers or acquisitions. A diverse array
of program services are now often delivered under the management of one “umbrella” or general organization.
Within these organizational structures, managers are presented with special challenges and opportunities in
effectively providing services within the context of multiple sites and program elements. This workshop will offer
some models and concepts that can assist managers and coordinators in developing and providing successful
program services with different objectives at multiple sites. This workshop will also address a number of variables
that contribute to staff diversity including not only status factors such as generation, education and life experience,
but differences in the values and motivational factors that staff brings to their positions.
Institute Session II- 1:45pm-4:45pm
A. Implementation of the HEARTH Act: Developing and Implementing a Coordinated Entry System/Common
Assessment Tool
Steve Piasecki, Supportive Housing Network of New York, Albany, NY
HEARTH Act regulations require increased collaboration of the CoC, ESG and other local planning bodies to work
toward the goal of ending homelessness. The CoC is responsible for coordinating the planning process for
developing and implementing a Centralized or Coordinated Entry system that uses a Common Assessment tool.
The result will be a system where homeless persons receive the housing and services that best fit their
needs. This workshop will present the basic concepts and provide discussion time for participants to share where
their communities are in their planning processes.
B. Taking The Chaos Out of Change
Tracey Boff, Catholic Charities, Rochester, NY
This institute will address the importance of developing a culture of Recovery in Behavioral Health Settings.
Participants will address the philosophy, principles and values of Recovery. This institute will review Evidence-
Based Practices (EBP’s). Participants will review the most practical approaches – such as Wellness Self-
Management and Integrated Dual Diagnoses Treatment. Institute will include tools for implementation,
application and assessment.

5. Day 1: 90-Minute Workshops
Workshop Session I - 9:30am-11:00am
A. Innovative Solutions for Housing the Mental Health Population
Rev. Terry King, Executive Director, Saving Grace Ministries, Inc Buffalo, NY
Individuals with mental illness are increasingly being “mainstreamed” into programs and services for individuals
with other special needs. Small-scale housing models allow for provision of services to this sub-population while
allowing agencies to provide specialized mental health services for improved outcomes and increased client
participation and long-term stability. This 90 minute workshop will discuss innovative and housing solutions for
servicing clients with mental illness; the workshop will cover several unique models for housing mental health
clients, will identify barriers to developing housing programs for individuals with mental illness, and will address
these barriers and identify solutions.
B. Wellness Recovery Action Plan – WRAP
Louis Lopez, Services for the Underserved, New York, NY
Mary Ellen Copeland’s Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is one of the most important Best Practices in the
field of Behavioral Health today. The WRAP plan is a wonderful way of empowering consumers by engaging them
in the development and maintenance of daily living skills, healthy behaviors and crisis management. This
workshop will review how to use the plan effectively and efficiently.
C. Removing Barriers for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS
Lissette Figueroa, Catholic Charities Community Services, Rochester, NY
The face of AIDS has significantly changed due to the many medical and treatment options for people living with
HIV/AIDS. Despite the many advances and increased knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS, many HIV+ individuals still
live isolated due to the fear and stigma which still exists today. This workshop will focus on this issue and provide
participants with up to date information regarding HIV/AIDS and by using real life scenarios participants will
understand the issue of stigma and fear of those who are HIV+. Participants will further learn how to create an
HIV friendly atmosphere within their organizations so HIV+ individuals are comfortable to self-disclose and are
able to access resources available to them.
Workshop Session II - 11:10am-12:40pm
A. Integrating 12 Step and ACOA Concepts into Your Work
Craig Johnson, Mind Evolution Training Institute, Rochester, NY
Much of the research on best practices and contemporary approaches in working with the homeless and
disenfranchised substance abuser neglects to account for the contribution of the 12 step programs. Case
managers, counselors and other helpers can notably improve the effectiveness of their efforts by integrating 12
step understandings, concepts, slogans and support into their interventions. In addition, the lost art of working
with people and keeping a perspective on their experience in an alcoholic family system (or similarly affected
family system) will be rekindled with some new thinking and realizations. It is likely that this experience has
significantly affected close to 80% of the people that you work with !! Your improved awareness of the role and
helpfulness of the 12 step program and ACOA integrated approaches will be of benefit to all you work with moving
forward.
B. Effective Contract Management: Poised for Success
Alyssa M. Gross, Esq., Corporate Counsel and Compliance Officer, Saving Grace Ministries, Inc., Buffalo, New York
This workshop will provide participants with an overview of effective grant and contract management, including
how to identify appropriate funding streams for a program or agency and how to coordinate multiple revenue
sources to assure that funds are used appropriately and effectively. Objectives for the workshop include
understanding how to develop a contract management process; how to identify grants or contracts that serve the
long-term purposes of the agency or program; and identify barriers to effective contract management as well as
solutions to those barriers.

6. C. Using SSI/SSDI Benefits as a Tool in Recovery
Raven Oglesby, Coalition on Homelessness and Housing, Cleveland, OH
An exploration of how SSI/SSDI benefits can change the lives of individuals that are disabled and homeless. This
workshop will provide participants with an overview of best practices used to incorporate SSI/SSSDI benefits into
the recovery process for physically and/or mentally disabled homeless individuals. We will also discuss the
barriers that often exist, how to overcome the barriers and the overall benefit of incorporating benefits assistance
into an agencies list of service offerings.
12:30pm- 1:30pm Lunch and Presentation
Not Just a Garden
Chris Munn & Fern Whyland, Central New York Services, Syracuse, NY
This is not simply a garden project; it provides opportunities for observational studies of residents, all of who are formerly
homeless and many with substance abuse disorders. In addition this project touches upon generating funding, involving
staff with residents in producing a product and building organizational teamwork. This presentation will provide the key
concepts for creating a gardening component in residential housing programs:
• Community Building
• Person Centered Activities
• Staff and Consumer Strength Based Activities
Workshop Session III - 1:45pm-3:15pm
A. Homeless and Transitional Housing: Interventions and Strategies
David Johnson, Volunteers of America, Rochester, NY
This workshop will present best practice intervention strategies that services providers working with the homeless
populations can apply when developing intervention and service plans. It also highlights a networking approach
that is designed to engage the community referral resources to nurture and support the dignity and respect of
homeless households in transition.
B. Approaches to Treatment in a Non-Clinical Setting
Lisa Terian, Benedict House, Buffalo, NY
This workshop will provide participants with an overview of collaborative strategies in working with external
service providers within a non-clinical setting. With the advent of statewide health homes the need for increased
collaboration and cohesion is key. It is vital that all providers bring their strengths to the table in order to provide
the client with the most integrated continuum of care possible. In addition, the importance of writing specific, clear
service plans and developing systems for data collection in exhibiting best practice are essential in continuing the
dialogue with stakeholders. Case examples and group discussion will help accomplish the learning objectives.
C. Ensuring the Success of Our Returning Veterans
Joe Sluszka and Sgt. Glenn Read, Albany Housing Coalition Inc., Albany, NY
This workshop will explore the world-view and culture of Iraq/Afghanistan veterans as they return home through
the eyes of a returned veteran. We will then explore examples of their needs and ways in which a community’s
existing resources can be utilized to ensure their successful re-integration home. We will also discuss the
Veterans Administration’s strategies to meet its goal of ending veteran homelessness by 2015 within the context
of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness’s “Opening Doors” and provide links to resources and
programs that both HUD and VA are offering.

7. Workshop Session IV - 3:30pm-5:00pm
A. Chronically Homeless/Housing First
TBA
Are you considering starting up your own Housing First program for the chronically homeless? Starting or
improving street outreach programs in your community? If so, join us for a discussion of various program designs,
intake processes, supportive services, low demand case management, measuring impairments and much more.
The Housing First model is a proven method and the one that will end chronic homelessness.
B. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a New Light – Reflections on Choice Theory, the History and Efficacy
Craig Johnson, Mind Evolution Training Institute, Rochester, NY
This workshop will explore one of the primary contributors to cognitive behavioral therapy today, William Glasser
MD, and the evolution of both his thinking and practice. Much of Glasser’s work focused on failure within the
educational system, which in and of itself is highly relevant today as we look at the numbers of youth who drop
out of school and forecast the complexion of homelessness in the future. Notably, many of our consumers first
experienced alienation, failure and misunderstanding in their school experience. In addition, the work of reality
therapists with youth yields a high level of insight and experience in how to engage and motivate those who don’t
respond to traditional or typical approaches. The foundations of Choice Theory will be explored along with the
associated approaches that are highly applicable.
C. Assessing and Eliminating Barriers for the Transgender Community
Paige Walker, Southern Tier AIDS Program, Ithaca, NY
This workshop will provide an overview of transgender identity and address issues facing this community,
especially with regards to homelessness. Participants will also work to identify barriers prevalent in existing
services and programs as well as learn strategies that can be adopted in service settings with the goal of creating
a safer and culturally competent access to services for the transgender community. Participants will leave with a
better understanding of how they can better support individuals within this population, as well as develop and
cultivate supportive spaces for transgender individuals. This interactive workshop will employ a variety of
activities, including presentation, group discussion, and film clip to accomplish these learning goals.
Conference Day 2
Friday, November 2, 2012 7:45am-1:45pm
Registration and Continental Breakfast: 7:45am-8:45am
Round Table Discussions: 8:00am – 8:50am
• Roundtable I: New Generation of Workforce: Ethics and Boundaries
With a current workforce that has such diverse generational needs, this discussion will assist participants in defining or
refining their professional roles and address the challenges of a diverse generational workforce.
• Roundtable II: Societal Megatrends
The troubled economy and the end of entitlements, kids without parents and our crumbling inner cities, how do we
shape the future of our communities
• Abstinence Based versus Harm Reduction Housing Models: As more providers are considering Housing First
program models, where are we today with debates related to Abstinence based versus Harm Reduction models?
Have organizational cultures embraced Housing First philosophies?

8. Day 2: 90 Minute Workshops
A. Housing B. Models/Practices
C. Special Needs
Populations
D. Professional
Development
Session I
9:00am-
10:30am
Funding
Opportunities
OTDA
Health Homes Jail and Prison Re-entry Cultural Competency
Session II
10:45am-
12:15pm
Engaging Public
Housing Authorities
to End
Homelessness
Trauma Informed Care
Part l
Hepatitis C, STI’s, & HIV-
AIDS Where are we now?
Vicarious Trauma
Session lll
1:30pm-
3:00pm
Tenants vs.
Landlords: What is
Really Bugging us
about Bed Bugs?
Trauma Informed Care
Part ll
Engaging Homeless Youth
Critical Skills for new
Supervisors and
Managers
Conference Day 2 Workshop Descriptions
Day 2, Session I 9:00am-10:30am:
A. Funding Opportunities Administered by ODTA
Richard Umholtz, New York State Office of Temporary Disability and Assistance Bureau of Housing Services, Albany,
NY
Staff will discuss Federal funding resources for homeless programs: capital, operating and support services.
Learn successful application tips.
B. Health Home Impact on Homeless and Supportive Housing Programs
TBD
A Health Home is a care management service model whereby all of an individual's caregivers communicate with
one another so that all of a patient's needs are addressed in a comprehensive manner. How will the
implementation of Health Homes impact Homeless and Supportive Housing programs and services. How will the
needs of the Chronically Homeless be addressed and what type of program model is being designed for this
population? Come hear updated information and share ideas and suggestions for key community partners.
C. Jail and Prison Re-entry
Craig Johnson, Mind Evolution Training Institute, Rochester, NY
This workshop will explore the Ten Steps in the re-entry process from jail based assessment and screening to
community based long term case management and vocational tracking. Heightened sensitivity will be developed
by attendees to the experience of those in the criminal justice system and the challenges of returning to the
community after a stay in a penal institution. This ten step analysis will allow attendees to critically assess the
effectiveness of the re-entry services available in their community and identify where their roles fit in the process.
D. Cultural Competency
Luis Lopez, Services for the Underserved, New York, NY
This workshop will help participants understand the impact of culture on a consumer's orientation, world view, and
perspective. It is only within this context that effective interventions can occur. The differences between
information about a cultural group, cultural sensitivity, and cultural competence will be explored along with a stage
model of assimilation vs. differentiation. Participants will be asked to explore their own history and cultural
orientation and identity as a framework from which they can then develop enhanced awareness and comfort with
other groups.

9. Day 2, Session II 10:45am-12:15pm:
A. Engaging Public Housing Authorities to End Homelessness
Steve Piasecki, SHNNY, Albany, NY
Housing authorities can and should be key partners in ending homelessness. The Corporation for Supportive
Housing has released a new toolkit to help not for profit leaders learn the ropes. Innovative PHAs have been
invited to share their models and best practices.
B. Trauma Informed Care Part l
Luis Lopez, Services for the Underserved, New York, NY
Experts see Trauma Informed Care as essential to treating PTSD, Addiction, and Behavioral Health challenges.
Moreover, providers that are not Trauma Informed risk the possibility of “re-traumatizing” consumers. We will
briefly review the Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) study; a study that changed the way we look at
behavioral health today.
C. Hepatitis C, STI’s, & HIV-AIDS Where are we now?
Rene Stockton, National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, New York, NY
This 90 minute workshop updating those present on the state of HIV-AIDS in 2012 and why it is important not to
forget Hepatitis C and the myriad other STI’s that continue to impact our communities. We will talk about
prevention, testing, and treatment in special needs population including “Housing as Treatment” for many special
need populations. We will also present some best practice strategies for mobilizing communities toward a better
understanding of the special needs of positive populations they are living with and often trying to ignore. There
will be a brief slide show and the entire session will be interactive.
D. Vicarious Trauma
Craig Johnson, Mind Evolution Training Institute, Rochester, NY
Many of us work with people who have experienced more than their share of life's hardships and struggles. Many
have been exposed to conditions and events that leave permanent scars, memories and additional issues with
adjustment. Some of these events precipitate a psychological trauma, and multiple and at times even continuous
traumatic experiences plague many of those who are homeless and in and out of the criminal justice system. This
workshop will explore the effects that helpers and staff members may experience as the result of working with
consumers who have experienced a high level of trauma. Discussion will focus on participant's experience and on
identifying some of the common reactions that may be precipitated by ongoing involvement with this population.
Participants will be invited to assess their own reactions to and ways of coping with some of the effects of
secondary traumatic stress and vicarious traumatization.
Day 2, Session IlI 1:30pm-3:00pm
A. Tenants vs. Landlords: What is Really Bugging us about Bed Bugs?
Kim Martin, Catholic Charities Community Services, Rochester, NY
This workshop will focus specifically on the bed bug epidemic that is running rampant through many cities and
regions in the Northeastern United States and Canada. Up to date information on the bed bug epidemic in
addition to the complex side effects will be presented. Facilitators will present different perspectives on this issue
based from their work as advocates for clients and from their professional experiences as housing specialists
working with landlords. Use of real life situations and scenarios will be used to facilitate group discussion and to
teach providers the tools they need to identify a possible infestation. Presentation will include legal parameters for
both landlords and tenants which can be used to reach successful outcomes with landlord-tenant negotiations.
They will also touch on some useful tips to help you protect yourself from infestation that can be universally
applied to any work situation.

10. B. Trauma Informed Care Part lI
Luis Lopez, Services for the Underserved, New York, NY
This session will briefly review the Trauma Informed Care model, including principles, clinical environment, and
simple practices.
C. Engaging Homeless and At-Risk Youth
Craig Johnson, Mind Evolution Training Institute, Rochester, NY
Participants will learn innovative ways to engage Homeless and At-Risk Youth and key communication skills and
empowerment strategies that every Youth Worker should apply. Additionally workshop participants will learn the
elements of providing strength-based case management services to at-risk youth.
D. Critical Skills for New Supervisors and Managers
Sara Taylor, Positive Steps Consulting, Rochester, NY
Supervision is a very difficult task; you have to be sensitive, objective, decisive, humane and professional all at
the same time. Supervisory positions are especially difficult when an individual is rewarded for doing good work
by being promoted to a supervisory position (which happens a lot). That sometimes puts the person in a bind if
they do not have the supervisory skills to be a good supervisor, and they don't want to admit that for fear of being
demoted. This workshop offers some supervisory skills training and guidelines for avoiding some of the pitfalls of
supervision.

11. North American Conference 2012 Registration Form
State and County vouchers must be sent for processing by October 5, 2012. Credit card payments will be accepted through PayPal e-
mail invoicing and assessed a 2% service fee. Please contact Sara Taylor for more information at (585) 654-9083. Please note that
registration confirmation will only be sent via email.
Please print clearly and answer all questions (you may copy this form for each attendee).
Name: ____________________________________________________ *Email:_____________________________________________________
Agency:___________________________________________________ Title: ______________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________
City: __________________________________ State: ______ Zip: _________ Phone: ( ) ____________________
Days you will be attending (Please check one): November 1st _______ November 2nd ______ Both Days______
Vegetarian meal required? Yes:_____ No:______
Thursday November 1st – Carefully look to avoid time conflicts if you choose a Institute and 90 Minute Workshop.
My choice for Institute Session I 9:30am- 12:30pm:
My Choice for Institute Session II 1:30pm:- 4:30pm:
or
My choice for Session I 9:30am-11:00am:
My choice for Session II 11:10am-12:40pm:
My choice for Session III 1:45pm – 3:15pm:
My choice for Session IV 3:30pm-5:00pm:
Friday November 2nd Workshop Sessions
Roundtable: 8:00am-8:50am:
My choice for Session I 9:00am-10:30am:
My choice for Session II 10:45am-12:15pm:
My choice for Session IIl 1:30pm-3:00pm
Registration Fees and Deadline:
The conference registration includes: All workshops and materials, continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon break.
Early Bird Rate – Registration and payment received by Friday October 12th
Full Two Day registration $250 US/$270 Can. per person
Full Two Day registration with 3 or more from one agency $225 US/$245 Can. per person
Full Two Day registration for Supportive Housing Network of New York (SHNNY) Member Agencies $210 per person
One day registration $135 US/$150 Can. per person
Regular Rate – Registration and payment received by Friday October 26th
Full Two Day registration $280 US/$300 Can. per person
Full Two Day registration with 3 or more from one agency $250 US/$275 Can. per person
Full Two Day registration for Supportive Housing Network of New York (SHNNY) Member Agencies $235 per person
One day registration $150 US/$175 Can. per person
The registration deadline is Friday October 26th, 2012. All registrations and payments received after this date should add a $30.00 late charge. *Registration
deadlines are firm and registrations will not be processed without full payment. No refunds will granted after the deadline and all refund requests prior to the deadline
will be subject to a 30% service fee. There will be no shared registrations for the two day event.
Total Amount Enclosed: _________________
Make checks payable to: Taylor/Jones Enterprise
Send completed form with payment to: North American Conference 2012
248 Willmont Street Rochester, NY 14609.

12. Featured Workshop Facilitators and Speakers
(Bios sent and confirmed by publication date)
Craig Johnson, MS, LMHC, CASAC: Craig is currently the Director of Drug/Alcohol and Re-Entry Programs at the
Monroe Correctional Facility in Rochester N.Y. and the Director of Professional Development at Mind Evolution Training
Institute. He is a nationally known expert in the field of Chemical Dependency and Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders.
Additionally, Craig provides professional trainings on Working with Persons involved in the Criminal Justice System. His
unique, energetic approach is sure to enlighten and empower session participants.
Sara I. Taylor, BSW, MS: Sara is a well known regional trainer who has a passion for organizing and planning special
events. She is nationally known as an expert in the field of Faith-Based Initiatives and Case Management. Sara consults
with various organizations and enjoys facilitating professional development workshops for Residential and Case
Management staff. She is currently the founding president of Positive Steps Consulting, Rochester, NY.
Luis O. Lopez, MS: Luis is a member of the Quality Assurance / Staff Development Department at Services for the
Underserved. He has been involved in the implementation and application of Evidence Based Practices since 2003. He
facilitates educational sessions on Motivational Interviewing, Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment, Family Psycho-
Education, Cultural Competency, and Wellness Self Management. Luis has presented at various state and national
conference over the last five years.
Steve Piasecki: Steve is the Upstate Coordinator for the Supportive Housing Network of New York. As Upstate
Coordinator, he provides direct training and guidance to the Network’s upstate members and assists in advocacy efforts.
Mr. Piasecki brings over twenty years of experience in the area of supportive housing development, including mental
health, substance abuse, domestic violence and other special needs populations. He also has a broad range of
experience in working with the HUD Continuum of Care process in both urban and rural settings.
John Paul Perez, MS: John Paul is the Associated Director for the Homeless & Housing Department at the Catholic
Family Center in Rochester NY. John Paul started his career doing research at the highly controversial Bridgewater State
Prison Hospital for the Criminally Insane. Trained as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and having had the unique
opportunity to work along side Salvador Minuchin in 2003, John Paul recognizes poor families as a system within “the
system,” and has been serving High Risk Families since 1999.
Paige Walker, MSW: Paige is the LGBT Program Coordinator at the Southern Tier AIDS Program in Binghamton, New
York. She coordinates LGBT Programs within the community and coordinates activities of the Identity Youth Center. She
also provides professional trainings on working with LGBT youth and related issues.
Lisa Terian, MSW, LCSW-R; Lisa is a licensed Clinical Social Worker with 12 years experience treating individuals and
families experiencing mental health and/or substance abuse issues both in the community as well as in residential
settings. She is currently the Director of Supportive Services at Benedict House, which provides supportive housing to
homeless and at-risk homeless individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Joe Sluszka, BA: Joe has received national recognition from the U.S Dept. of Veterans Affairs Secretary for the
innovative and successful homeless veterans programs he initiated and directs as Executive Director of the Albany
Housing Coalition in Albany, NY. Joe has been in the low income housing arena for 31 years and he brings broad
knowledge and experience to his presentations. His efforts for the last 4 years have focused on addressing the needs of
returning veterans. He is an advisor to Gov. Cuomo’s Task Force on Returning Veterans and their Families; he is also
currently President of the Board of the Neighborhood Preservation Coalition of New York State.
Raven Oglesby,MBA: Raven is part of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) staff where she is
the SSI Ohio Project Manager. Since 2008 Raven has coordinated and managed the statewide SSI Ohio Project and is
the state lead for the SAMHSA sponsored SOAR Program. Raven works with local providers, Specialist and state
departments to ensure that homeless individuals receive the benefits needed to obtain stable housing and services. She
has served on the board of the Monroe Street Neighborhood Center, the Governor’s Anti-Poverty Task Force, is a SOAR
trainer and is the recipient of the SSA Quality Service Award. Prior to working with COHHIO, Raven worked with a
collaborative group of Community Development Corporations helping people who were suffering from mental illness, drug
and alcohol addiction and poverty locate and apply for resources so they could obtain or maintain housing and lead
several other community initiatives. She graduated from Spring Arbor University with a Bachelor’s degree in Management
and Organizational Development and a Masters of Business Administration.

13. Alyssa M. Gross, Esq: has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University at Albany, and a law degree from
the University at Buffalo. She is the Corporate General Counsel for Saving Grace Ministries, Inc. (SGM), a faith-based
non-profit organization based in Buffalo, New York. Her primary responsibility as Compliance Officer is to oversee
compliance with the various contracts and grants under which SGM operates. She has written several contract proposals,
resulting in contracts with the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the NYS Division of Parole,
the City of Buffalo, Erie County, and other state and federal agencies. She is also an adjunct professor at the University
at Buffalo in the School of Social Work.
Rev. Terry King: Rev. King is the Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of Saving Grace Ministries, Inc., a faith-
based non-profit organization based in Buffalo, New York. Rev. King oversees all day-to-day program activities, fiscal and
data reporting, and case management processes for the agency. With over 10 years of experience housing the hard-to-
place population, including individuals with mental illness, Rev. King is aware of the special needs of homeless and other
at-risk individuals. In addition to overseeing programming in Buffalo, Rev. King serves as Chairman of the Board of
Directors for Saving Grace Ministries of Rochester, Inc.
Lissette Figueroa: Lissette Figueroa has worked at Catholic Charities Community Services for ten years. She has
worked among many community agencies to strategies to identify trends surrounding emerging housing issues. In
addition to her extensive knowledge regarding housing, Lissette’s vast hands on experience working directly for programs
designed for individuals living with HIV/AIDS she offers a real world prospective on the issues of the HIV/AIDS
community.
Kim Martin: Kim has worked in the housing field for over 12 years and has spent the last 10 years in the HIV/AIDS
housing field. She has significant experience guiding tenants and landlords in obtaining the best outcomes for resolution
and negotiations regarding a variety of different housing issues. Kim is very knowledgeable about a variety of legal issues
including housing law and landlord-tenant rights. Kim has become well versed in navigating through the housing
legalities that have arisen with this increasing problem of bug infestation. Through real-work experiences and real life
scenarios she will give current views of the issues surrounding public and private housing and the developing issue of
infestations.
Chris Munn: Chris is the Director of Residential Operations at Central New York Services, Inc where he oversees
programming in both Onondaga and Oneida County. In Onondaga, Chris is responsible for five residential sites located
throughout the City of Syracuse. He has been responsible for looking to incorporate green practices whenever and where
possible. In Oneida County, Chris oversees a growing supportive apartment housing program that has been very
successful in the community.
Rene Stockton, MSW: Rene is a master’s level social worker with 20 years working in shelters, supported SRO’s,
residential, and scattered site housing programs for various special needs and positive populations. He worked with
some of the earliest HIV positive groups many of which carried multiple challenges in the form of additional diagnosis,
physical disability or mental. He is a skilled presenter and group facilitator with extensive experience. Rene is currently
the Project Coordinator for the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS based in New York City.
David Johnson, BSW: David is a case manager at VOA NWNY, Salvation Army minister for Men’s ministry and
residential counselor for Booth Heaven men’s shelter. For 10 plus years David has worked with the transitional living
community focusing on the effects of chemical dependency, mental health, incarceration and other variables that fuel
homelessness. He has facilitated workshops and small groups for Catholic Family Services, Action For a Better
Community and other community agencies.