AFFM Annual Spring Conference

AFFM’s 27th
Annual Spring Conference
‘Inclusive Parenting’
April 12-13, 2024

When:April 12, 2024 – April 13, 2024
Where:Hilton Garden Inn
250 Haskell Road
Bangor, ME 04401

Phone: (207) 262-0099
Register:
Registration
Click here: Conference Brochure to view and explore workshop descriptions
Cost:Resource Families $30
Professional $50
*Scholarships are available
*Licensed resource families are eligible for scholarships

Cancel up to one week before the event with no charge.

About the Event

AFFM conferences provide training designed specifically for families looking for unique and advanced learning opportunities. It is also an opportunity to network with families and other providers from across the state.

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Speakers

Keynotes

Lou Bergholz, Founder, Edgework
Lou is the founder of Edgework, a Boston-based organization focused on supporting teams and organizations with their most pressing human development and human capital needs.  Lou has worked on four continents with organizations such as CARE International, UNICEF, Grassroot Soccer, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Canada, Mercy Corps, Kids Play International, the SeriousFun Network, Play Rugby USA, Legacy Youth Tennis, Boston After School and Beyond, Newtown Parks and Recreation Department, Street Soccer USA, and the National Interscholastic Cycling Association.  For over 15 years, Lou has been working to create trauma-informed interventions in the US and abroad that apply academic research and clinical practice to populations without reliable access to definitive clinical care. Lou lives in Arlington, MA, and is the father of Sadie (5) and Avery (2).

Marcus Stallworth, LMSW, President & CEO Stallworth Counseling, Co-owner Welcome 2 Reality
Marcus operates with a strength-based, hands-on approach. Spending close to 20 years providing Child Protective Services, he is recognized by the State of Connecticut as an expert witness for the Superior Court for Juvenile Matters. Marcus has spent the last several years working with the Child Welfare League of America and now serves as Director of Training and Implementation. He has published many articles regarding the importance of using strength-based language, how to support grieving children, and ways to reduce and prevent disruptions. He is also the content creator and published author of the Building Blocks for Effective Co-Parenting training curriculum.
Marcus has spearheaded several initiatives to promote the engagement of Fathers, identify the dangers of social media, and raise awareness for equity and inclusion.|
Marcus is also co-owner of Welcome 2 Reality, LLC which focuses on providing media literacy and education for students and parents regarding social media and technology.
Marcus is Vice President of the Board of Directors for CT’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). He is a member of Media Literacy Now’s national advisory council, which provides advocacy and resources for educators, students, and parents. He is also a proud father of two and a recipient of the 100 Men of Color award in 2017.

Workshops presented by

Catherine Cutler Institute: The experienced staff members of the Catherine Cutler Institute work collaboratively to help partnering organizations and communities thrive in a changing world by translating knowledge and best practices into sustainable solutions responsive to societal needs and focused on meaningful outcomes. Presenters include parents, youth, and professionals with lived experience with the child welfare system, who will share their knowledge and expertise on the pathways that promote and preserve families.   

The Youth Leadership Advisory Team (YLAT) is a joint project between Maine’s
Youth in Foster Care, The Maine Department of Health and Human Services, and the
Cutler Institute at the University of Southern Maine. YLAT is committed to improving the
short- and long-term outcomes for youth who are or have been in foster care. YLAT
Staff members will join the conference to co-facilitate activities, discussions, and a panel presentation. To learn more about YLAT please visit www.ylat.org.

Adoptive & Foster Families of Maine Inc, and The Kinship Program: Hether Anderson, AFFM Lead Resource Family Trainer, and Heather Bowie, AFFM Resource Family Trainer

Hether Anderson, AFFM Lead Resource Family Trainer  & Sarah Thibault, Yoga Instructor

Maine Parent Federation Allison Wiest, Parent Trainer, and Dylan Campbell, Youth Coordinator & Parent Trainer

VENDORS

A Family for ME
Autism Society of Maine
G.E.A.R. Parent Network
Help Me Grow Maine
Maine Department of Education
Resource Parent Care Team
Youth Leadership Advisory Team
Plus More….

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

  • Kinship Providers
  • Foster Parents
  • Adoptive Parents
  • Social Worker
  • Child Welfare Workers
  • Clinicians
  • CASA Volunteers
  • Judges
  • Attorneys
  • Educators
  • Other Child & Family Advocates