Conference Scholarships Available

Perhaps you’d like to attend the “Peace Within the Noise” Conference but the cost is creating a barrier?  Maybe you’re a teacher or therapist working for a non-profit and funds for ar tight this semester?

If that’s the case, please call our office at 515-289-0856 and ask about a conference scholarship.  We’re working hard to ensure that anyone who wants to come has the opportunity.

Conference Topic Highlight

Conference Topic Highlight:

Assisted Therapies and Local Resources

This workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to discuss possible therapies and local clinical resources for parents, families and caregivers of children with Autism, Asperger’s or ADHD.

Families First, Inc. offers diverse, passionate, and experienced employees that provide counseling and support to children and families, applicable services, and programs that meet individual and family needs.

Speaker Spotlight:
Dr. Kory Frederick, PsyD, LMHC/LPHA

Dr. Frederick is the Clinical Director for Families First, Inc. with over 18 years experience in providing services for mental health and wellness.  He also provides training and supervision for the staff with the agency.

He has worked for various agencies in Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota.  He currently provides assessments and counseling for children, adults, and families.  He has a wealth of knowledge and experience that he brings to the clients he serves.  He has worked in schools, hospital, and clinics and has assisted in the development of programs for such.  He works closely with physicians, schools, courts, and the Department of Human services to insure children receive the best possible care.

Conference Topic of the Week

EXPLORING C.H.A.D.D. Lead by the local facilitator for CHADD, Julie Ingram,  this interactive workshop will provide participants with a better understanding of the function and structure of CHADD. CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is the nation’s leading non-profit organization serving individuals with ADHD and their families. CHADD has over 16,000 members in 200 local chapters throughout the U.S. They offer support for individuals, parents, teachers, professionals and others

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT: Julie Igram Julie is the local facilitator of CHADD. Although she has a degree in Early Childhood Special Education, and Early Childhood / Elementary Education, her expertise comes from raising three children, two with diagnosis of AD/HD. When her daughter entered junior high, school became exceedingly difficult. This is when she turned to the Greater Des Moines CHADD support group for help. Of course people are able to find help for their children, but finding help for the entire family is important. At the support group she was able to have others listen to her and give her ideas. It was an important piece for her well-being.This year will be her second year teaching Parent to Parent, and she recommends it to any parent who is struggling with raising an AD/HD child! Recently, she also took over the CHADD support group for the greater Des Moines area as well. They meet the first Monday of every month at the West Des Moines Library from 7-9 p.m.

Learn more about the upcoming Peace Within the Noise 2009 Conference