Dr. Steven W. Shirley President | Minot State University
Dr. Steven W. Shirley President | Minot State University
Minot State University (MSU) is hosting a Community Symposium titled "Fostering Resilience: Trauma-Informed Care, Ethics, and the Power of Community" on March 21 at the Minot State Student Center Conference Center. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring sessions that are open to the public for a $60 registration fee, with an optional lunch available for an additional $15. MSU faculty, staff, and students can attend for free with valid identification.
The symposium is organized by MSU's Department of Behavioral Sciences and Criminal Justice in collaboration with various disciplines such as addiction studies, criminal justice, psychology, school psychology, and social work. The focus will be on trauma-informed care, ethics, and preventing burnout—topics crucial for mental health approaches and supporting professionals in high-stress fields.
Krystal St. Peter, assistant professor at MSU in addiction studies, psychology, and social work stated: “This symposium is the result of a shared commitment within the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Criminal Justice to bring awareness to topics that deeply impact our communities.” She emphasized that each discipline offers unique perspectives but working together creates valuable insights and fosters meaningful connections.
The day's program begins with registration from 8-9 a.m., followed by Tamara Waters-Wheeler's keynote on "Trauma 101 Based on the Neurosequential Model." After a coffee break at 10:15 a.m., Waters-Wheeler will continue her presentation. In the afternoon session starting at 1:15 p.m., Kelly Hendershot will address ethics. Michael Nason will conclude keynotes with "Being There for Each Other After Critical Incidents" at 2:30 p.m.
A panel discussion titled "Beyond Burnout: Protecting Your Well-Being in High-Stress Professions" features Alannah Valenta from school psychology; Vicki Michels from psychology and addiction studies; Aaron Moss focusing on law enforcement; and Dale Plessas from Minot Police Department.
Student groups like Psychology Club and Social Work Club are actively involved in organizing this event alongside professors Dylan Horner, Penny Craven, Lacey Corneliusen among others. St. Peter highlighted their involvement as strengthening the bridge between education and practice.
Continuing education units (CEUs) are available for attendees seeking ND POST hours thanks to efforts by Nason who remarked that law enforcement officers would benefit due to focus on job-related stress issues addressed during sessions.
For more details about CEUs or speaker bios visit Fostering Resilience Symposium’s website through MSU Marketplace.
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