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Caring & Compassion Conference Topics

 


90% of Helping is Just Showing Up! — Dr. James Kok
An Empty Place at the Table: End-of-Life Spiritual Care — Howard L. Hinman
An Introduction to Addiction and Recovery — Karl Benzio
An Overview of Depression — Anne Lisciotto
Approaching Death With Faith — Kathy Jo Blaske
Be Not Afraid: Turning to God in Times of Fear and Uncertainty — Janet Pfeiffer
Dealing with Family Mental Illness — Andrew & Mae Rienstra
Defining Dementia — Amy Matthews
Delivering Healing & Growth for Adult Children of Alcoholics — Roland A. Petit
Elder Law/Medicaid — Michael A. Manna
Equipping the Volunteer — Marion Spranger
The Force of Kindness: Compassion In Action — Kathleen Edwards Chase
Healing: Body, Mind, and Spirit — Susan Dorward
The Healing Power of Forgiveness — Janet Pfeiffer
How to Help and Safeguard Your Child from Abuse — Sonia C. Reyes
I Don’t Wanna Talk About It: Dealing with Unspeakable Illness — E.J. Emerson
It Takes a Community to Bring Healing — Al Santino
The Journey Through Grief — Rev. Peter Carey
Keep Them Home and Keep Them Safe — Jonathan Picache
The Ministry of Prayer — Ellen Ratmeyer
Questions & Answers on Current Elder Issues — Michael A. Manna
Resources When You Don’t Know Where to Turn — Yvonne Zuidema
The Role of Art Therapy in Healing — Christine Byma
So You’ve Been Asked to Make Visits — Ellen Ratmeyer
Spirit Lifting and Practical Care and Kindness — Dr. James Kok
Staying Whole in the Midst of Brokenness — Marion Spranger
Teen Depressiony — Dave Glaser
What Jesus Wants From Us — Dr. James Kok



Speakers and workshops focusing on how you can be more effective
in meeting the needs of “the well and the wounded”
with the uplifting power of Caring and Compassion.


Karl Benzio, MD

An Introduction to Addiction and Recovery
An overview of addiction, including how the brain is impacted; why many people have difficulty breaking the cycle of this bondage; barriers to change; and how to find hope and healing.

Karl Benzio, MD, psychiatrist, biomedical engineer, recovering addict, international speaker, and media guest expert, is the founder and director of Lighthouse Network, a nonprofit organization that equips individuals to spiritually, psychologically, and biologically renew their minds. He established Lighthouse Psychiatry in Doylestown, PA, to provide psychiatry and counseling services utilizing a Christian approach to mental health, addiction, life skills, and personal growth issues. Karl has developed a BioPsychoSpiritual approach to therapy, and has taught at pastor’s conferences in Uganda and Kenya, as well as spearheading a unique Katrina relief effort.

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Rev. Kathy Jo Blaske

Approaching Death With Faith
The Christian understanding of life and death and life after death. Practical means for approaching our own deaths and that of others.

Rev. Kathy Jo Blaske, is Long Term Care Chaplain for the Christian Health Care Center, ministering to seniors in independent, assisted living, and Adult Day Care programs.  Prior to her present position, she served as Minister of Christian Education at Third Reformed, Holland, MI, Minister for Leadership Development in Albany Synod, and as a specialized interim minister.  She has a breadth of pastoral experience related to deaths at all age stages from children to seniors, and to diverse causes of death, including suicide, disease, accident, and age.

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Christine Byma

The Role of Art Therapy in Healing
Opportunity to engage in an art experiential demonstrating some of the techniques used In art therapy for different types of groups.

Christine Byma, MA, is a Master's level art therapist currently working at Sobriety Through Outpatient, Inc. She has been working as the Art Therapist at the outpatient drug and alcohol and mental health program in Northern Philadelphia since May, 2008. She facilitates both drug and alcohol and dual diagnosis art therapy groups, using a variety of media including but not limited to: painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, and 3-D work. She is also participating in a Perinatal and Postpartum Depression training provided by Drexel University. She is affiliated with the American Art Therapy Association, the New York Art Therapy Association, and the Delaware Valley Art Therapy Association.

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Rev. Peter Carey

The Journey Through Grief
What happens after the death of a loved one? This workshop explains the normal grief process and offers guidance and support for the journey.

Rev. Dr. Peter H. Carey is the Pastor of the Wallington Presbyterian Church and Director of the Parish Nursing Interfaith Program. He is on staff as the Protestant Chaplain at St. Mary's Hospital in Passaic. His Doctor of Ministry Degree developed the concept of the spiritual volunteer to visit hospice patients. He offers ongoing grief counseling, education, and support groups to the community.

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Rev. Kathleen Edwards Chase

The Force of Kindness: Compassion In Action
One thread unites all great spiritual teachings: kindness. This workshop focuses on meditative techniques that lead people toward mindfulness, forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace.

Rev. Kathleen Edwards Chase, with a spiritual foundation in meditation and experience in both Contemplative Christianity, finds the thread of commonality in religions that emphasize “self-awareness leading to action.”  Kathleen is the Senior Pastor of The First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains in northern New Jersey and the former pastor of Woodstock Reformed Church in Woodstock, New York.  She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma, a M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and did post-masters work at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands.  She and her husband, Sherret, have three children: Page, Emersen, and Caden.

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Pastor Susan Dorward

Healing: Body, Mind, and Spirit
Given the Biblical promise and stories of healing,this course will explore ways of drawing close to God, methods of healing touch, and a “hands-on” segment.

Pastor Susan Dorward is a Commissioned Pastor in the Reformed Church in America, and Chaplain of the Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat in Wyckoff, NJ, a residential organization for individuals with developmental disabilities.  Susan’s first experience in ministry began with a Prayer Ministry in her local congregation.  This ministry included healing touch, anointing with oil, guided meditations, and other methods of prayer to draw people closer to God.

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Rev. E.J. Emerson

I Don’t Wanna Talk About It: Dealing with Unspeakable Illness
Ways to deal emotionally, spiritually, and physically with a potentially deadly or debilitating illness - by a Stage IV cancer survivor.

Rev. E.J. Emerson, an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America, has significant personal experience as a patient, as well as family member, friend and clergyperson to patients with cancer and other life-threatening and/or disabling illnesses.   Pastor of the Reformed Church of Keyport, she also works as a technical writer for a worldwide biotechnology laboratory equipment manufacturer.   She holds a M.A. in French from Middlebury College (with studies in France) and an M.Div. from New Brunswick Theological Seminary.  EJ has led numerous workshops on such topics as understanding the Belhar Confession, what it means to be an elder, writing poetry, journaling.  She is a former adjunct professor of English composition, literary criticism and public speaking.  Her first poetry chapbook, The Full Heart Speaks, was recently published.

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Dave Glaser, LCSW

Teen Depression
Causes of depression, and why teens are especially vulnerable; signs and symptoms; treatment options; the double trouble of depression and substance abuse; teen suicide; how to help.

Dave Glaser, LSCW, has been a practicing psychotherapist for over 30 years, with expertise in a wide range of individual, couple, and family issues.  Mr. Glaser employs a practical, down-to-earth, results-
oriented approach, and focuses on the areas of parenting problems, stress management, couples counseling, divorce, and substance abuse.  He also consults with corporations and the US government on health issues.  Previously Mr. Glaser directed a busy children’s mental health clinic, coordinated substance abuse services for a major suburban hospital, and managed the employee assistance program for numerous national corporations.

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Rev. Howard L. Hinman

An Empty Place at the Table: End-of-Life Spiritual Care
Facts about end-of-life, and how religion, forgiveness, faith and hope contribute to the process.

Rev. Howard L. Hinman is an ordained United Church of Christ minister.  He served 26 years in parish ministry in Montana, New England, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey before becoming the Director of Pastoral Care in 2001 at Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains, New Jersey.   His work with terminally ill patients has included end of life spiritual care centered on life story, forgiveness, repentance, and the meaning of life.  Rev. Hinman holds a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, Richmond, Virginia and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Saint Joseph College in West Hartford, Connecticut.  He is a Board Certified Chaplain of the Association of Professional Chaplains.


Dr. James Kok

90% of Helping is Just Showing Up!

What Jesus Wants From Us

Spirit Lifting and Practical Care and Kindness

Dr. James Kok is Director of Care Ministry for the Crystal Cathedral Congregation of Garden Grove, CA. He has been an ordained minister of the Christian Reformed Church of America for 35 years. He speaks extensively throughout the United States and Canada. During his ministry Dr. Kok has specialized in the training of lay men and women, pastors and theological students in the art of caring and counseling, first at Pine Rest Christian Hospital and now at the Crystal Cathedral.

With Dr. Kok as the director, the Crystal Cathedral is an approved center for Clinical Pastoral Training. This is accredited training for seminary work specializing in the truly pastoral side of ministry. Dr. Kok provides both Extended sessions and Summer Intensive sessions.

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Anne Lisciotto, LCSW

An Overview of Depression
A review of the different types of depression, symptoms, treatment options, providing support, and what to do in an emergency.

Anne Lisciotto, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a MSW degree from Columbia University.  She is a therapist at the Counseling Center of the Christian Health Care Center, and has worked in the field of mental health for the last ten years. Prior to her position as a therapist at CHCCC, she worked at Bergen Regional Medical Center as a Psychiatric Social Worker on an adult in-patient unit.

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Michael A. Manna, Esq.

Elder Law/Medicaid
Information on government programs and regulations which affect care decisions, and basic legal documents seniors need.

Questions & Answers on Current Elder Issues
Current news and events relating to seniors, followed by a 30-minute audience question and answer period.

Michael A. Manna received his law degree from Boston College Law School, and is the senior partner of Michael A. Manna & Associates, P.C. in Ridgewood, NJ and Pearl River, NJ, specializing in Elder Law.  He has extensive experience as a lecturer on legal topics, and is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the Elder Law Committees for the Bergen County Bar Association and the New Jersey State Bar Association.  He has served on the faculty of the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Education, an organization dedicated to the education of attorneys.

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Amy Matthews

Defining Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia – the 10 warning signs, importance of a thorough evaluation, and current treatment options.

Amy Matthews is the Associate Director of Late-Stage Dementia Care, Education and Outreach at the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter.  She is responsible for all professional and family education programs on moderate to late-stage dementia for 14 counties.  In addition to her BA from Mount Vernon College, Amy has a Certificate In Aging from the Brookdale Center on Aging of Hunter College.  She has a diverse background, including positions as an in-home care provider, activity director, education and training coordinator, and Executive Director of an Alzheimer-specific assisted living facility.

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Roland A. Petit

Delivering Healing & Growth for Adult Children of Alcoholics
Ways to overcome the difficulties associated with being an adult who grew up with an alcoholic parent; how to minister to ACOA’s.

Roland A. Petit is the author of Transformation for Life: Healing and Growth for Adult Children of Alcoholics and Others. He has led, and continues to lead, scores of self-help groups, is a Lay Minister of Pastoral Care at the First Reformed Church in Pompton Plains, NJ, an ordained Elder in the Reformed Church of America, and has been an Interfaith Minister and communications/training and development manager at one of the world's largest corporations. Roland Petit has served on the presidential award- winning CONTACT crisis intervention hotline, and has been on TV in the U.S. and Japan. He also has appeared in various printed publications. He holds a Masters Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

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Janet Pfeiffer

Be Not Afraid: Turning to God in Times of Fear and Uncertainty
Facing life’s uncertainties with unwavering faith; a closer relationship with God alleviates worry and anxiety and restores inner peace.

The Healing Power of Forgiveness
A step-by-step guide, using scripture, lecture and personal stories, on how forgiveness can heal and create lasting peace within your heart.

Janet Pfeiffer, internationally known speaker and award-winning author, is an instructor and program director at a battered women’s shelter and day care center.  She is a former columnist for the Daily Record, hosts her own cable TV show, is a former co-host of a radio talk show and has been a contributing writer to numerous magazines.  A leading authority in the field of anger management and conflict resolution, Janet serves as a consultant to such companies as the U.S. Army, U.S. Postal Service, AT&T, Hoffman-LaRoche, Rutgers University, Carnival Cruise Lines, United Way, YWCA, New Jersey Education Association, Care-One, William Paterson University and more. She has spoken at the United Nations, Notre Dame University, the YWCA National Week Without Violence Campaign, and is a member of the National Police Suicide Foundation. She is a frequent guest on radio and TV, and is the founder of The Antidote to Anger anger management support group.

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Jonathan Picache

Keep Them Home and Keep Them Safe   
How to assess whether a family member can stay in the home; steps to follow in assuring that the right care can be accessed and monitored.

Jonathan Picache is Managing Partner of ComForcare Home Care Services in Northeast Bergen County.  This franchise provides in-home assistance with daily activities of living for seniors and disabled individuals of all ages by licensed, bonded, and insured caregivers throughout Bergen and Passaic Counties and surrounding area.

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Ellen Ratmeyer

The Ministry of Prayer
Discover what prayer is, and how to pray with adults, children, youth, and congregations at times of challenge, grief, fear, and loneliness.

So You’ve Been Asked to Make Visits
Tools and practices to equip for visitation ministry to fellow believers in times of wellness and in times of special need.

Ellen Ratmeyer is the Coordinator of Consistory Training and Ministry Services for the Reformed Church in America, working in the RCA's New York office. She is responsible for the development of training and resources that encourage consistories to sharpen their ministry focus, develop new skills and stimulate new ministry concepts. Ellen also supports the ministry of RCA chaplains. Ellen is a certified Spiritual Director and an ordained Elder. Her own yearning for a deepening spirituality has provided a growing interest in nurturing the spiritual well being of others.

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Sonia C. Reyes, LCSW

How to Help and Safeguard Your Child from Abuse
Learn how to identify behavioral and emotional symptoms of trauma caused by abuse, and how to provide a safe environment for the child.

Sonia C. Reyes is a licensed Clinical Social Worker.  She graduated from Adelphi University and has a Post-Graduate certification from Fordham University for the Treatment of Sexually Abused Families and their Perpetrators.  She specializes in Childhood Emotional Trauma, Incest and Dissociation.  She helped develop and provides in her private practice a Therapeutic, Cognitive, Behavioral Modification froup for Adult Female Incest survivors.  Ms. Reyes is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the International Society for the Studies of Trauma and Dissociation, and the Association for Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children

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Rev. Andrew & Mae Rienstra

Dealing with Family Mental Illness
A personal sharing of life with a mentally ill daughter – the shocking onslaught, coping skills, available resources, and how to help others.

Dr. Andrew Rienstra and Mae Rienstra, retired senior pastor and spouse at the First Reformed Church in Pompton Plains, NJ, now live in East Stroudsburg, PA.  Andrew has a Doctor of Ministry degree from Princeton Seminary, and served for 32 years as an Air Force Chaplain on both active duty and in the reserves.  Both he and Mae have volunteered many years in various county and statewide organizations to assist the mentally ill, drawn to the work because of their experience with their daughter, who was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder.  Andrew has also served as chaplain to the police department and first aid squad in Pequannock Township, and presently serves as Senior Pastor to retired Reformed Church pastors in northern New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  Mae worked for years as a real estate agent and assisted New Bridge Services in securing housing for clients.

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Al Santino

It Takes a Community to Bring Healing
Building bridges between broken individuals and a community: discovering gifts and assets; connecting, healing, and creating community.

AI Santino has been serving in community development ministries in the New York City area since 1986. From 1986 to 1990 he worked with Here's Life New York, the inner city arm of Campus Crusade for Christ, developing discipleship ministries and support groups for people with life controlling problems. In 1990, he founded and was Director of Help House, a residential program for men recovering from substance abuse, homelessness, prison consequences, and related issues. In 1999, he helped launch the Bronx Christian Study Center, which provided a biblical curriculum as well as GED tutoring and remedial education for adults. In October, 2004 he became Church and Community Consultant for the Northeast region of the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee. This includes serving as Director of the Northeast Community Transformation which helps equip churches and holistic organizations for the work of community development and social justice. He has a Masters in Biblical Studies and is currently on target to complete a Doctor of Ministry degree at Erskine Theological Seminary in May, 2010. He and his wife are on the leadership team of Open Door Fellowship, a new church plant in East Harlem, NYC.

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Marion Spranger, RN

Staying Whole in the Midst of Brokenness
To relieve the stress of care giving, this session will teach techniques to help you cope mentally, spirituality, and physically.

Equipping the Volunteer
Understanding what type of volunteering matches your gifts and talents. Self-care and boundary issues will be addressed.

Marion Spranger, RN, is the Assistant Director of the Parish Nursing Interfaith Training & Outreach,
Inc. based at the Wallington Presbyterian Church. For 15 years she has worked to develop a model of
holistic care that provides services to those in the community in need. She has taught courses on Parish Nursing, volunteer training, and stress and coping. In the past she has been certified as a hospice nurse and has community health experience. Currently she runs two prayer groups/prayer chains and is deeply
committed to encouraging spiritual growth.

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Yvonne Zuidema, MSW

Resources When You Don’t Know Where to Turn
With resources shrinking, learn how to find social service information, maximize govern-ment benefits, and help fragile families build a support network for long-term stability.

Yvonne Zuidema, MSW, has served as President of United Way of Passaic County since 2000.  She is a graduate of Calvin College, and has a Masters degree in Social Work Administration from Rutgers University.  She and her husband Dave have three children and reside in North Haledon.

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