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STLCANN

Training Workshops

STLCANN Past Training Workshops

3/13/2026Child Advocacy Workshop Casey Hanson, Mary Chant, Jessica Price
12/12/2025After the Storm A reflection inspired by the May 16th tornado that affected so many of the families we serve
6/13/2025Voices From the Field Social workers and professionals from child serving agencies
3/14/2025Voices of Lived Experience A panel of biological parents and former foster youth
12/13/2024Preserving the Self of the Social Worker: Ethical and Practical Strategies for Coping with Compassion Fatigue and Moral Injury Chaz Franke, MSW, LCSW
9/13/2024Combatting Human Trafficking: Professional Development and Instruction for Effective Action Mr. Strong
6/21/2024Addressing Community Violence and its Impact on St. Louis Tammy L. Walden & J.C. Dennis
3/15/2024Bridging the Gap- The Intersection between Community Violence and Community Healing Melik Coffey MSW, LCSW and Keyria Jeffries, MSW, LCSW
12/15/2023Spotlight on Well-Being: For Our Clients, For Ourselves Spotlighted agencies that focus on the wellness and self-care of their employees.
09/15/2023

Queer and Trans Youth 101: Language, Change, and Possibility Katie Heiden-Rootes, PhD, LMFT Associate Professor | Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Family & Community Medicine, Medical Family Therapy Program

Assistant Vice President | Division of Diversity & Innovative Community Engagement at Saint Louis University

Angie Nickell, MS, Associate Director of New Programming/Kinship Caregiving Yvette Chambers, Statewide Kinship Navigator

06/16/2023Kinship Navigators: Supporting Formal and Informal Caregivers ParentLink staff:
Angie Nickell, MS, Associate Director of New Programming/Kinship Caregiving Yvette Chambers, Statewide Kinship Navigator
03/17/2023Empowering Parents to Prevent and Health from Child Abuse and Neglect
PACT-STL Team
06/17/2022Navigating Difficult Behaviors: Self Regulation and De-escalation
Nicki Schoonover, MSW LCSW
03/18/2022Connecting with Teenagers Who Don’t Want to Connect with You
Katrina Taylor from Katrina Taylor and Associates, a long-time contractor with Children’s Division
12/17/2021A Panel Presentation: Services for Children and Families
Brenisha Banks-Boys and Girls Club St. Louis, Lindsey Jeffries-Provident Counseling, Carl Green-Peoples Health Center, Debbie Wolf-Lutheran Family and Children’s Services, Yolanda West-Parents and Children Together St. Louis, Nathan Ivy-Project LAUNCH, and Jawana Hammonds-System of Care
07/16/2021An Informative Session on the Children’s’ Division Family Centered Services program, Intensive In Home Services, Children’s Treatment Services, and Mo Health Net Managed Care
Crystal Wilson-Children’s Division Program Specialist, Nancy Reid-Children’s Division Program Specialist, Karin Oelzen-Children’s Service Supervisor, Aquila Rives-Intensive Family Preservation Program Manager Great Circle, Heidi L. Strickler-Director of Foster Care Capabilities United Healthcare, Nikki Ashley-Missouri Health Net
03/19/2021An Informative Session on the Child Abuse Hotline and Investigation Process in Missouri
Sara Smith, Children’s Division Deputy Director + Children’s Division Team
12/18/2020Preparing Foster Parents to Work with Trauma, Boundaries, & Expectations
Sarah Wright, LPC with Great Circle
9/11/2020The Ethics of Supervision
Joseph Pickard, PhD, LCSW and Diane Beckerle O’Brien, MSW, LCSW
6/19/2020Understanding Suicide: Prevention, Assessment, and Response
Mary Mogg, MSW, Kendi Satterfield, MAIS and Lisa Wegman, M.Ed
12/13/2019Parents at the Heart: Evolving Your Practice to Support Parents and Kids
Katrina Orlet, LCSW
9/20/2019Stewards of Children®, a child sexual abuse prevention training
Jenny Dodson-Weihl
6/21/2019Using the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics: A Developmentally Sensitive Approach to Assessing and Treating Complex Trauma and Neglect
Sharon Skidmore Stern, MSW, LCSW
3/15/2019Changing the Child Welfare Response in Missouri: Using the Signs of Safety Approach to Work With Families
Mary Mogg, MSW, and Sara Smith
12/14/2018Stress Less & Create Healthy Models for Children
Regina Whittington, LCSW and Mary Mogg, MSW
9/21/2018Healing the Effects of Substance Abuse Disorders on Children & Families: The Family Centered Approach
Abigail Green, MA, LPC, Clara S. Stevenson, MA, and Angela K. Marvin
6/15/2018The Drug Epidemic & the Positive Impact of Family Drug Court
Shondrella Turner, MA, MAADCII, MPS and Tomika Golden, BSW, CADC
3/16/2018Using a Team Approach to Address Human Trafficking
Keaton Strong, Office of Missouri Attorney General
12/8/2017Debunking Myths, Defining Hope for Children with Problematic Sexual Behaviors
Kelly Snider, MSW, LCSW
9/15/2017An Introduction to TF-CBT, DBT, & PE
Emily Dreher, M. Ed, LPC, NCC and Brianne Serdar, LCSW
6/16/2017Introduction to Art Therapy and Music Therapy
Michelle Clark, MA, LPC, AT, Skylar Brussee, BME, MT and Skylar Brussee, BME, MT
4/14/2017An Introduction to Play Therapy and Animal Assisted
April Duncan, Dianne Peters, Nola Ewars, Dina Vitoux
12/9/2016Taking Care of Yourself: Compassion Fatigue and Mindfulness
Connie Fisher, Melanie Fitzgerald, Sarah Lehman
9/16/2016Bringing Families Together: Working with Children of Incarcerated Parents
Vashell Anderson, Rachel S. Cramsey, LCSW, Hakee Mitchell
6/24/2016What Happens Now? The Multidisciplinary Team Response to Child Abuse Allegations
Sergeant Mickey Owens, Jennifer Szczucinski, Dr. Linda Shaw, Dana French, Megan Marietta, Amanda Williams, Beverly Tucker, Connilee Christie
3/18/2016Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children
Linda Shaw, MD, MSSW and Sarah Norman, MSW, LMSW
12/4/2015Interventions with Families
Julia Pickup, MSW, LCSW; Epworth Children & Family Services
9/18/2015Aging Out: Service Provision to Older Youth
Allison Lageose, Epworth Children & Family Services
6/19/2015Is It a Backpack or a Child? Interventions with Young Children
Christi Moore, Ph.D.; Ebony Brabham, MSW, LCSW; Our Little Haven
3/20/2015Treatment Planning: Formulating High-Quality Service Plans
Laura Bilsland MA, LPC, CCDP-D; Sharon Skidmore MSW, LCSW
12/05/2014Share Relentlessly, Steal Shamelessly
Brett Drake, Ph.D.
9/19/2014Training Workshop: Poverty Simulation
6/20/2014Strengths-based Strategies and Interventions with Immigrant and Refugee Populations
Dr. Bob Bertolino
3/07/2014Immigrant and Refugee Populations: Special Considerations and Child Welfare Research Brett Drake PhD, Anita Barker MEd
12/06/2013Targeted Populations and Issues in Attachment: A Panel Presentation
Jessica Allen, MSW, LCSW; Neha Navsaria, PhD; Jennifer Beavers, MSW, LCSW
9/20/2013Creating Connections: A Comparison of Two Treatment Models Addressing Parent-Child Relationships
Jerry H. Dunn, Ph.D., Kate Drewry, MSW, LCSW
6/21/2013Home Visitation and Its Impact on Bonding and Secure Attachment
Linda Spina, Lora Gulley, Vanessa Davis, Parents as Teachers representative
3/8/2013Attachment: Translating Research to Practice
Patricia Kohl
12/14/2012Treatment of Children Traumatized by Chronic Neglect
Bill Krenn
3/16/2012Don’t Neglect, Neglect: An Overview of Child Neglect from the Missouri Children’s Division Perspective
Anthony Harper, Ashley Ralph
10/7/2011Treatment Options for Complex Trauma
Joan Benz, Shirley Chrenshaw, Casey Limmer, Megan Schacht
7/8/2011Mind and Brain in Early Complex Trauam: Engaging Parents in a Novel Approach to Damage Control
John Constantino, Ryan Lindsay
4/1/2011Understanding the Impact of Complex Trauma on Youth
Matt Kliethermes
1/7/2011Building Developmental Assets in Youth
Lora Gulley
10/22/2010Understanding Autism and Effective Support Strategies
Julie Donnelly
9/24/2010Teen Dating Violence
Carrie Marsh, Kelly Schneider
7/30/2012Rape 101
Kathleen Hanrahan, Christina Meneses
3/26/2010Conceptualization and Treatment of Children and Youth Who Have Sexual Behavior Problems
Natalie Wilcox
12/11/2009Legislative Advocacy
Peggy Barnhart, Mattie Moore
9/18/2009Compassion Fatigue: Surviving Your Career
Nancy Spargo, Ryan Lindsay
7/10/2009Helping Children and Teens Cope with the Death of a Loved One
Kelly Karavousanos
3/27/2009Strengths-Based Therapy: Putting Hope in Motion
Bob Bertolino
12/4/2008Domestic Violence and Its Effect on Children
Sandra Naeger
8/22/2008The Effects of Abuse on Children’s Development
Rachel Neukirch, Sarah Boeker
5/30/2008Autism Spectrum Disorders: Transition Strategies
Jeanne Kloeckner
8/3/2007Trauma in Children and Adolescents
Matt Kliethermes

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Upcoming Events

virtual
virtual
Jun
5
Legislative Wrap-Up

A recap from the 2026 Legislative Session and it’s impact on families. Join us!

virtual
virtual
virtual
JUN
10
System of Care
Council

Collaborating on issues concerning families and mental health.

virtual
Jun
12
Quarterly Training

Improve your professional skills for working with children and families.

Full Event Calendar

Children’s Data

Children of Metropolitan St. Louis
A Report to the Community

Vision for Children at Risk informs the community with data and information on child well-being in the St. Louis area, builds and drives collaboration and strategic action for children, and advocates for policies and investment in children that support child well-being.

See the Current CMSL Data Book
Ernest Gauss
Project Director:
System of Care
Biography

Ernest has been connected with VCR since 2018 serving in multiple roles – always a dedicated advocate fostering meaningful change for families navigating complex challenges. He is currently the Project Director of System of Care focused on strengthening peer-to-peer connections and helping families access crucial resources. His work centers on empowering parents and caregivers by providing a supportive space for voice and choice and by validating their expertise regarding their own family’s needs.

Ernest’s commitment to the community is rooted in the belief that supportive relationships are fundamental to building a better future for children and families.

Outside of VCR Ernest enjoys being a devoted husband and loving father.

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Connie Rigas
Family Support Partner: System of Care
Biography

Connie joined VCR in 2020 as a Family Support Partner for the System of Care (SOC). She brings professional training to her work, as well as personal experiences from raising her daughter. She walks alongside families in their journey navigating behavioral health and social emotional supports for their child(ren).

Outside of VCR Connie enjoys reading, planting flowers and herbs, and spending time with her family and friends.

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Donate

vcr@visionforchildren.org
(314) 534-6015

Anita Blagajcevic, MSW
Compliance Coordinator
Biography

Anita first connected with VCR by utilizing the CMSL Data Book, finding the data impactful and helpful. Anita later joined the VCR team in 2018 to focus on improving access to and coordination of early childhood screenings. She now serves as VCR’s Compliance Coordinator, helping manage the applications, data, and reporting for our federal and local grants.

Outside of VCR Anita enjoys spending time with her husband and family. If she’s not doing that, you can find her watching reality TV and pretending she’s viewing it through an anthropological lens.

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Liz Hoester
Data & Research Coordinator
Biography

Liz, a VCR team member since 2007, coordinates the overall data and research functions for the agency. This includes production of the Children of Metropolitan St. Louis Data Book (CMSL) as well as community assessments and special reports on key policy issues for community organizations and collaborative groups. She also provides customized child well-being focused data to various entities including local foundations, legislators, and numerous community initiatives and organizations. These data are used in everything from securing grants to informing funding and policy decisions. 

Outside of VCR Liz enjoys exploring her neighborhood by foot and the city by bike.

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Breann (Bree) Schubert, MSW
Communications Coordinator
Biography

Bree joined VCR in 2015 as the Project LAUNCH Activities Coordinator. Since that time, Bree’s role has shifted, but she remains dedicated and motivated by the mission of VCR. She now serves as VCR’s Communication Coordinator and loves being able to help share the story of VCR (alongside all of our awesome partners and families) working toward child well-being.

Outside of VCR Bree and her family can be found playing ultimate frisbee, hiking, and learning and advocating alongside their church family.

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Sam Blue
Family Support Partner: Family Support Services
Biography

Sam first connected with VCR when he attended a Project LAUNCH council meeting as a dedicated parent. Very soon after this, in 2013, he fully joined the Project LAUNCH and VCR family as a team member. He was one of our first Parent Café hosts and is now a certified Parent Café trainer. His support for parents and families has been unwavering, and he is always seeking new ways to engage parents while working to remove the barriers that stand in the way.

Sam has served on the National FRIENDS Council and helped dream up the Missouri statewide Parent Advisory Council that continues to amplify family voice today. Currently, he serves as a Family Support Partner with our Family Support Services through which he helps connect families to resources and opportunities, and to think strategically about how they can strengthen their family.

Outside of VCR Sam enjoys being in nature, gardening, building connections with others, and spending time with his family.

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Mia Daugherty
Resource Advocate: LIFT-MO
Biography

Mia was first introduced to VCR when a friend invited her to a Community Café. She had heard the cafés were impactful and looks back now to say that it truly was life changing! She sees a real opportunity for positive change by the way these cafés center the conversations of change around community voice.

At the end of 2019 Mia joined the VCR family. She now serves as a Resource Advocate with LIFT-MO, bringing life experience, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, energy, and passion to supporting families navigating behavioral health needs.

Outside of VCR you might find Mia and her daughter roller skating and also embracing all the wonderful and exciting events in the St. Louis area.

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Katina (Tina) Johnson
Family Support Partner: Family Support Services
Biography

Katina joined VCR in 2019 excited and motivated to help families, parents, and children by sharing her life experiences, prior work experience, and her education. She serves as a Family Support Partner, bringing lived experience to her role of walking alongside families. She helps connect families to the resources that can help them be their best version of themselves.

Outside of VCR Katina enjoys spending time with her four boys, expressing their spiritual beliefs, and networking and meeting new people from all walks of life.

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Shelnise Ellis, MSW
Project Coordinator:
Family Support Services
Biography

Shelnise joined the VCR family in 2020 and works closely with our System of Care and Family Support Services. She has spent most of her career working with children and adolescents around mental health and is passionate about serving her community, empowering others to live better lives. She works alongside organizations, families and caregivers, and the community committed to strengthening the systems of support. Shelnise also supports the team walking alongside families who are connecting to and navigating mental health services.

Outside of VCR Shelnise enjoys spending time with her family and friends traveling and exploring new journeys.

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System of Care Communications RFQ

The System of Care-St. Louis seeks to engage a communications consultant or firm to provide strategic communications support to reach the population of focus with information about available services. The consultant or firm is asked to audit SOC and partners’ websites and social media accounts and provide a plan that outlines guidance on how to:

  • Promote brand awareness via clear messaging to both families and external community partners
  • Run seasonal promotions for initiatives (such as Children’s Mental Health Day; wellness campaigns, etc.)
  • Create uniform and co-branded messaging for sub-contractors within the SOC Network of Practice.

If you are interested in being considered for this project, please submit a brief description of what you can create with a timeline and cost estimate. Proposals will be considered as they are received. There is no deadline for submission, but we hope to have a finished product before the end of the Fall. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Poli Rijos at prijos(at)stlmhb.org.

Yolanda West, MM
STLCANN Coordinator
Biography

Yolanda first engaged with VCR as a board member of COCAN (now STLCANN) in 2012. She went on to serve as the Board Co-Chair of STLCANN before joining the VCR team in 2021 as the PACT-STL Director where she oversaw the work of Parents and Children Together St. Louis (PACT-STL), a federally funded initiative through the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF). She led this initiative focused on developing, implementing, and evaluating strategies that prevent child maltreatment, reduce entry into the public child welfare system, and enhance overall well-being outcomes of children and families. As this project wrapped up, she shifted roles once again and currently serves as the STLCANN Coordinator. 

Outside of VCR Yolanda enjoys spending time with her family and God, reading, listening to music, and watching TV.  

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Integrated Family Treatment

Integrated Family Treatment is a multi-generational approach to mental health care. The client is the family unit, not only the child or adult separately. The goal is to improve family relationships, functioning, and well-being. Evidence-based mental health services and trauma focused treatment will be provided by Places for People and Children’s Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis.

Family Support Partners

Family Support Partners (FSPs) provide peer support to families as they connect to and navigate mental health services. The FSPs have lived experience as a parent or family member of a child with a serious emotional disorder, as well as a deep connection to St. Louis region. FSPs are certified by the Missouri Dept. of Mental Health and employed by Vision for Children at Risk.

A person with a Serious Emotional Disorder (SED)

An individual with a diagnosable mental, behavioral or emotional disorder that interferes with or limits daily functioning.

Alexis Williams
Care Coordinator: System of Care
Biography

Alexis first joined the VCR family in 2022 as a practicum student. She enjoyed working with the team, serving families, and believed in the mission so deeply that she joined the team afterwards. Alexis serves as a Family Support Partner (FSP) for the System of Care (SOC), walking alongside families that have a child or children with a Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), mental health concern, or behavioral health concern.

Outside of VCR Alexis enjoys cooking/baking, hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

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Carmenlita (Carmen) Montgomery
Lead Family Support Partner: System of Care
Biography

Carmenlita joined VCR is 2022 as a Family Support Partner (FSP) for the System of Care (SOC) and became the Lead Family Support Partner at the end of 2024. She is passionate about empowering others and giving back to her community, helping families and children navigate their everyday life. She brings her own lived experience, work experience, and educational experience to her role as an FSP where she compassionately walks alongside families, providing peer support as they connect to and navigate mental health services.

Outside of VCR Carmenlita enjoys mentoring and tutoring children, being a mother and a nana. She also enjoys decorating, cooking, and traveling with family and friends.

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Critical Case Staffing Purpose

• The purpose of the Critical Case Staffing Team (CCST) is to support the referring agency in determining what system barriers exists in cases where resources have been exhausted.

• The referring agency should be able to resolve most issues prior to referring to CCST by utilizing community resources.

• However, when system barriers prevent the delivery of services and/or additional needs have been identified for which services do not exist, a referral to the CCST may be appropriate. 

Sanaria Sulaiman, MA
President & CEO
Biography

Sanaria became Executive Director of Vision for Children at Risk in 2018, leading VCR’s efforts to promote the well-being of children, youth, and families. She joined Vision for Children at Risk in 2013 as director of Project LAUNCH, a federally funded program to improve young child wellness in north St. Louis. The success of Project LAUNCH allowed VCR to secure three new federal grants, all aimed at supporting families. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of VCR and overseeing the federal grants, Sanaria also serves on the board of Kids Win Missouri.

Outside of work at VCR, Sanaria loves to travel around the world with her two beautiful children to learn about different cultures, learn different languages, and try new food.

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