Families

Spring 2025 sessions start January 22 and will feature a series on youth mental health, behavior supports, and transition supports. Topics will include crisis planning, de-escalation, behavior regression, mental health first aid, self-advocacy, and transition supports.

Email projectecho@uwyo.edu for information about joining an in-person host site in Casper (Spanish speaking), Cheyenne, Laramie, Pinedale, Rawlins, Saratoga, or Thermopolis.

This session will describe the crisis cycle and how you can respond to your child when their emotions and behavior are escalated. Participants will develop a crisis plan to use in their home.

Presenter: Diane Hudson, Ph.D., BCBA, LBA, Owner and Director, Advanced Behavior Change

The session will help teach and provide information of de-escalation strategies for youth who have development disabilities. Parents and caregivers will gain strategies to utilize when children are in crisis.

Presenters: Alanna Landstrom, LPC, Clinical Services Manager, Cathedral Home
Michele Caputo, M.Ed., LPC, Clinical Services Manager, Cathedral Home

This session will build awareness for why regression happens, discuss ways to cope and manage regression in children, and identify ways to provide unconditional positive regard while continuing with structure.

Presenters: Alanna Landstrom, LPC, Clinical Services Manager, Cathedral Home
Michele Caputo, M.Ed., LPC, Clinical Services Manager, Cathedral Home

This session will provide caregivers with essential tools for supporting youth in suicide prevention, focusing on language considerations, recognizing and understanding risk, and knowing how to provide effective support. Attendees will also explore strategies for promoting mental health and well-being to help create a supportive environment for youth with disabilities.

Presenter: Kate Breitenfeldt, Clinical Psychology Graduate Student, University of Wyoming

Children who engage in non-suicidal self-harm and other frustration-driven behaviors often struggle with emotion regulation, communication, and coping skills. This session will explore the underlying functions of these behaviors and provide practical, developmentally appropriate strategies for caregivers, educators, and mental health professionals to offer effective support. Participants will learn how to foster emotional resilience, promote adaptive coping skills, and create a safe, validating environment for children in distress.

Presenter: Daniela Branson, Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student, University of Wyoming

Join this session to learn more about WYABLE, accounts which can be created for an individual with a disability that occurred before the age of 26. WYABLE is a way for Wyomingites to save for qualified expenses, invest for future needs, and keep benefits they rely on every day. We'll also hear from a parent about special needs trusts and financial planning.

Presenter: Penny Davis, Administrative Specialist, Wyoming Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities
Sandy Hubert, Parent Advocate

Join this session to learn about the importance of early transition planning, setting measurable post-secondary goals, understanding graduation pathways, and empowering youth through self-advocacy. This session will also describe the role of a Transition to Adulthood Specialist in guiding students with disabilities through successful post-secondary planning.

Presenter: Anyi Garza, Outreach Parent Liaison, Wyoming Parent Information Center (PIC)

Presenter: Elle Sanderson, CEO and Advocate, Rising Star Advocacy