Continuing Education for Professionals Conference

This year, 2B CONTINUED and The REACH Program have partnered to offer a unique day of learning, bringing together professionals, educators, advocates and youth from across Minnesota for a powerful day of connection and growth. With a mix of blended sessions and separate audience-specific programming, attendees  will engage in dynamic presentations and activities designed to foster dialogue, build knowledge, and strengthen mental wellness across generations. 

Opening Keynote: Everyone Has A Story!
Chad Greenway, Former MN Viking & Lead the Way Foundation Founder & Director
Chad Harlander, REACH Program Founder & Director

Nineteen years ago, two Chads from different walks of life met on a football field in Mitchell, South Dakota. That meeting sparked a relationship that has gone on to touch thousands of lives. Together, the missions of Chad Greenway’s Lead the Way Foundation and the Hutchinson REACH program have aligned around a shared goal: to support and enrich the lives of children and families in need. Their work has made a lasting, positive impact on countless families throughout Minnesota.

Epidemiology of Suicide and Self-Harm
Stefan Gingerich, Minnesota Department of Health Sr. Epidemiologist – Injury & Violence Prevention

Suicide rates in Minnesota and the United States have been increasing steadily for 20 years. Understanding patterns and trends in these numbers is important for preventing suicide. During this presentation, you’ll learn how public health workers look at data to identify groups with higher and lower suicide rates. You’ll also see how you can apply this information to populations and communities that are important to you. Specifically, rates of suicide for different sexes, age groups, racial or ethnic groups, and geographic locations will be discussed. These will all be discussed in the context of the most common mechanisms of injuries for deaths by suicide. Finally, the interplay between these factors will be shown, including how rates vary by combinations of these demographic and geographic groups.

Midmorning Snack Break/Resource Vendor Fair

Suicide Prevention in Our Highest Risk Populations
Dr. Kristine Knudten, Glencoe Regional Health Chief Medical Officer, Family Physician

This session explores the populations most at risk for suicide, examining contributing factors unique to each group. Attendees will gain insight into the underlying causes and learn strategies to better support individuals facing these elevated risks.

Creating Phone-Free Schools
Ryan Hauge, ROCORI Secondary Principal

This presentation will present attendees with research surrounding the dangers of cell phone use in schools as well as what we can do to curb the problem. This is a societal problem that will take partnerships between school and home to create meaningful change. 

Lunch/Resource Vendor Fair

Fetchin’ into the Future 2.0: Role of Therapy Dogs in our Nation’s Mental Health Crisis
Amy Walz, You’re Not Alone Executive Director

Discover the transformative power of the human-animal bond in this inspiring story of one family’s journey from dysfunction to connection. Hear how the unconditional love of a puppy helped mend emotional wounds, rebuild relationships, and restore mental health and wellbeing. This presentation explores the profound impact pets can have when integrated into our mental health toolbox—offering comfort, connection, healing -ultimately, the therapeutic role animals can play in creating healthier, happier lives.

Spotlight Mental Health: Inspiring Awareness & Action Across Generations 
Tammy Diehn, 2B CONTINUED Founder & Executive Director

Discover the transformative power of the human-animal bond in this inspiring story of one family’s journey from dysfunction to connection. Hear how the unconditional love of a puppy helped mend emotional wounds, rebuild relationships, and restore mental health and wellbeing. This presentation explores the profound impact pets can have when integrated into our mental health toolbox—offering comfort, connection, healing -ultimately, the therapeutic role animals can play in creating healthier, happier lives.

Untangling the Vine: A Journey to Your True Self
Michelle Doerr & Alexa (Doerr) Marquette 

In this powerful and heartfelt presentation, mother-daughter duo Alexa and Michelle invite participants into their journey of navigating adversity, rediscovering identity, and reclaiming connection. Through stories, tools, and reflective insights, they share how separating yourself from your struggle can foster strength, healing, and a more profound sense of self. Designed for those who support youth and families—counselors, educators, and caring adults, this presentation offers both inspiration and practical takeaways to help others untangle their own vines. 

Midafternoon Break/Resource Vendor Fair

Closing Keynote: Just Look Back – Building Your Road
Joe Beckman, Till360

In this inspiring keynote, “Just Look Back: Building your Road ” nationally recognized motivational speaker Joe Beckman takes audiences on a journey to discover the profound power of everyday interactions and their role in building a lasting legacy. Backed by scientific insights into connection and well-being, this keynote empowers educators to see the incredible impact they are already making, provides practical “Caveman Wisdoms” for immediate wins, and inspires a collective commitment to building stronger, more supportive roads for everyone! 

Evaluation/Closing

Need Support Now? 988 offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. Text, call, or chat 988.
This is default text for notification bar