5th Annual Conference
Embracing Troubled Minds: The Role of Faith Communities
Keynote Speaker - Amy Simpson, MBA
Amy Simpson is the award-winning author of Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and the Church’s Mission and Anxious: Choosing Faith in a World of Worry (both InterVarsity Press). She is a Co-Active personal and professional coach for clients throughout the United States and enjoys coming alongside people to help them own their purpose, step forward, and live in truth. She also serves as editor of Gifted for Leadership, Senior Editor of Leadership Journal, and a speaker for various events. Amy is a member of Ink: A Creative Collective. She is married to Trevor Simpson, a licensed clinical professional counselor, and is mom to two girls. They live in Illinois. You can find her at AmySimpsonOnline.com and on Twitter @aresimpson. |
Invited Speaker - Alan Johnson, M. Div.
Rev. Johnson is Co-Founder of Interfaith Network on Mental Illness (INMI), Boulder, CO and developer of resources for the INMI website: www.inmi.us . He graduated from Yale University Divinity School and pastored churches for many years before becoming chaplain at The Children’s Hospital and University Hospital, Denver. He continues to facilitate the Spiritual Support Group for Mental Health and Wellness. Since he retired, Rev. Johnson has been very active in the mental health ministry nationwide, including coordinating the three national United Church of Christ Widening the Welcome: Inclusion for All Conferences, 2010-2012, and chairing the Planning Team for 2015. He is developer of resources for faith communities to engage in mental health ministry (www.mhn-ucc.blogspot.com). |
Guest Speaker
Shelley Danser, LCSW Program Coordinator for the Pro Bono Counseling Network and the Compeer Program at Mental Health America of the Triangle (mhatriangle.org). |
Guest Speaker
John Gilmore, MD Director of UNC Schizophrenia Research Center, and Medical Director of the UNC STEP Community Clinic – Wake in Wake County. Dr. Gilmore’s research focuses on pre- and early postnatal brain development and how it contributes to risk for schizophrenia. |