2022 Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Association- Virtual Professional Development Institute 

Join us for this exciting VIRTUAL  one-day annual educational event, targeted to rehabilitation professionals, employers, educators, counselors, and disability related organizations to enhance their professional growth and skills.   

CRC and Continuing Education Credits Available (to submit post conference for LCSW, LMFT, LPC, and CESP at your discretion)

Interpreters will be available for this event.  If you are in need of other accommodations, please reach out to Amy Moore at parehab.pdi@gmail.com or at 717-346-2755.

AGENDA AND FEATURED SESSIONS
8:00am-8:15am	Welcome/Opening Remarks	Amy Moore, PRA President
8:15am-9:15am	Opening Keynote: Ride the Wave with Gab	Gab Bonesso
9:15am-10:30am	Breakout Session #1: Session A: Disability Life Planning Session B: Meeting the Vocational Rehabilitation Needs of Individuals with Serious Mental Illness	Session A: Michele Leahy Session B: Dr. Garrett Huck
10:30am-10:45am	Break
10:45am-12:00pm	Breakout Session #2: Session A: Fundamental Trauma Principals Session B: A Stepwise Approach to Vocational Rehabilitation After TBI	Session A: Diane Wagenhals Session B: Dr. Sally Kneip & Stefani Echielberger
12:00pm-1:00pm	Lunch & PRA Awards	Amy Moore, PRA President
1:00pm-2:00pm	4th Annual Ralph Pacinelli Policy Forum Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Practice Panel	Hattie McCarter Jamar Thrasher TaLisa Ramos
2:00pm-3:15pm	Breakout Session #3: Session A: Evidence Based Mindfulness Interventions for Neurodivergent Individuals Session B: Individuals with Treatment Needs and Involved in the Criminal Justice System	Session A: Dr. Kelly Beck   Session B: Dr. Ashley Yinger
3:15pm-3:30pm	Break
3:30pm-4:30pm	Closing Keynote: Let’s Intersect Your Lens!	Hattie McCarter

Keynote Speaker Highlights

Keynote Speaker: “Ride the Wave with Gab” 

Comedian Gab Bonesso has walked the line between comedian and political activist her entire career. Bonesso, the only woman named BEST COMEDIAN in Pittsburgh 3X (twice by The Pgh City Paper and once by Pgh Magazine), is best-known for pioneering Pgh’s Alternative Comedy scene. In 2016, Whirl Magazine named Bonesso one of the most “Powerful Women in the World” for her work in comedy both as a standup performer and as a producer. As a comedy producer, Bonesso has always amplified the voices of the oppressed within the comedy community. Her shows are known for being diverse, political and wild! Gab is also an award-winning Children’s Performer. Her band: The Josh and Gab Show has appeared on PBS, CBS and WQED TV. The Josh and Gab Show is a high-energy, ANTI BULLY duo that has performed at the World Cafe, hosted AIRE LIBRE (an International Children’s Festival in Monterey Mexico) and has appeared in many ANTI-BULLY PSA’s that have been shown both on TV and in movie theaters across Pennsylvania. Bonesso, who identifies her comedy as “absurdist”, earned an Experimental Artist Residency at Carnegie Mellon University which was funded by a Grant from the Pgh Foundation. 

Gab professionally speaks about her struggles with mental health issues and advocates for both children and adults on the subject. She was recently chosen as one of the “100 Best Speakers on Mental Resilience” alongside other speakers like the Dalai Lama. Whether she’s delivering a Tedx Talk on the anti-bully movement, or being the first comedian signed to MISRA records, Gab Bonesso is determined to use her voice to fight for the oppressed.

Afternoon Keynote Speaker: “Let’s Intersect Your Lens!”

Hattie McCarter currently serves as the Equity Management Program (EMP) Coordinator for the Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities (BDISBO). Prior to this new position, Hattie worked for the Department of Labor and Industry: Office of Vocational Rehabilitation as a VR Specialist with an expertise in DEI, Communications and HR for 10 years. Hattie has obtained her masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL, in addition to her certification as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Professional from Cornell University. She serves on the Commonwealth Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Committee; Social Media Chair for Diversity, and Inclusion Professionals of Central Pennsylvania (DIPCPA) from 2017-2021; Racial Equity Steering Committee for the Commonwealth; and participates as a Facilitator for the Commonwealth Anti-Racism Book Club. Hattie has over 13+ plus years in working with community leaders, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations in promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

Although Hattie is constantly hard at work and always thinking about her next adventure, she is a facilitator for B.R.A.V.E Conversations, who recently launched her podcast and YouTube Channel titled: Tea With Hattie B that discusses diversity, equity and inclusion concerns in addition to relationships, societal norms and career advice. Also, Hattie is the founder McCarter Equitable and Distinctive Consulting Services (M.E.N.D).  M.E.N.D will be a consulting firm that will assist executives and future leaders in becoming “Champions of Change” through conversations that will empower, engage, and educate your organization, communities served and future partners on developing an equitable lens.  

Look for Future Registration Information and Links @  

PRA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/parehab

PRA Website: https://www.parehab.org/

 Interested in learning more about what PRA has to offer? Check out our web page! Our continuing education and virtual learning series is kicking off its second year. You don’t want to miss the opportunity for additional CEUs AT NO COST to PRA members! (Available to non-PRA members at a nominal fee)

Register Now!