Community Care In Action Symposium

DATE & TIME:
Sept. 25 & 26, 2025
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

LOCATION:
Society 57
100 S River Street
Aurora, IL 60506

The Community Care in Action symposium brings together mental health professionals and community leaders to explore innovative, collaborative approaches to care—from strengthening school-family partnerships to building sustainable wellness ecosystems. Sessions will highlight how therapists can step beyond the therapy room to engage in leadership, branding, and cross-sector collaboration that truly transforms communities.

As therapists, we understand that our work is deeply influenced by the many systems our clients are part of — from their families and schools to faith communities, local politics, and affinity groups. Mental health does not exist in a vacuum. Our jobs, relationships, belief systems, and social environments all shape our symptoms, resilience, and ability to cope.

In a time when the world feels increasingly divided, it’s more important than ever that we come together as providers and community members to support those with the greatest needs. Collaboration allows us to deliver higher quality care and create lasting impact in our clients’ lives.

This symposium is designed to inspire, educate, and energize. Our goal is for you to leave with fresh ideas, actionable strategies, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Together, we’ll explore questions like:

How can we collaborate more effectively with medical providers?
What do schools need from therapists to better support student success?
Can a client’s faith community offer support that extends beyond our sessions?

Earn up to 12 CE's at this event for the following type of licenses: LSW/LCSW, LMFT, LPC/LCPC & Licensed Psychologist in the state of Illinois through the IDFPR.

When we work together in community, everyone benefits.

Schedule Overview

We are thrilled to have Senator Karina Villa as our keynote speaker.

In addition to our Keynote and three topic-specific sessions, there will also be a panel of local leaders engaging in an interactive dialogue, offering insights and practical approaches to help lighten the workload and strengthen our collective impact.

8:30-9 | Welcome & Coffee

9-9:15 | Opening

9:15-10:15 | Session 1

Dr. Ginny Wright

Citizen Therapists: How Mental Health Professionals Can Meaningfully Contribute to Communities

10:30-11:30 | Session 2

John Bell, MDiv

Collaborative Leadership in Action: Using Bowen Theory to Support Sustainable Community Care

11:30-12 | Lunch

12-1:30 | Panel County Health Department Panel

Representatives from each local county health department will share current public mental health initiatives and explore opportunities for outpatient therapists to partner more effectively with government systems.

1:45-2:45 | Session 3

Brent Stutzman

How to Build a Collaborative Brand That Grows Your Practice

2:45-3 | Closing

9-9:45 | Keynote

Senator Karina Villa
This keynote invites providers to think beyond the therapy room—embracing collaboration, systems thinking, and the impact of community and policy on mental health. Together, we can build stronger, more connected care.

10-11 | Session 4

Dr. Hoffmeister and Dr. Jezowit

Building Bridges: Strengthening School-Family Partnerships

11-12 | Lunch & Community Partner Organization Panel

This panel will feature a school district leader, a local pastor, and two medical professionals discussing how mental health providers can collaborate with institutions that families already turn to for guidance, support, and care.

12:15-1:15 | Session 5

Dr. Vilmarie Fraguada Narloch

Community Is Medicine: Collaborating with Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Providers

1:30-2:30 | Session 6

Sherri Wick, LCPC

Beyond the Therapy Room: Co-Creating Community-Based Wellness Ecosystems

2:30-3 | Closing