LSU School of Social Work Hosts 2024 Conference on Holistic Health
LSU School of Social Work hosted its 2024 conference, Impact & Innovation: An Integrative
Approach to Holistic Health on October 17-18, 2024
Impact & Innovation Conference attendees participating in the Opening Plenary on Transforming
Behavioral Healthcare for Medicaid Enrollees by Dr. Kristin Savicki and Ann Darling,
LCSW of the LA Office of Behavioral HealthEllen Tadman
Baton Rouge, LA – The LSU School of Social Work hosted its 2024 conference Impact
& Innovation: An Integrative Approach to Holistic Health on October 17-18, 2024 in
the Conference Center of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Social work professionals,
educators, and students gathered to learn and share ideas on innovative and holistic
approaches to health and wellness.
Featuring presentations on a wealth of subjects, the conference provided unique perspectives
on critical issues affecting communities today. Said one attendee, “I enjoyed learning
and felt like I gained valuable knowledge that helps me to strive toward developing
a culture of innovation.”
Several LSU faculty members presented impactful sessions. Dr. Rhonda Norwood’s two-part
session, “They’re Not Tiny Adults: Adapting the Therapist’s Toolbox for Children,”
offered essential insights into tailoring interventions for children’s unique emotional
and behavioral needs. Her approach to modifying adult-centered techniques for young
clients was especially well-received, emphasizing age-appropriate strategies for effective
mental health care.
Another highlight was “Loneliness, Depression, and Anxiety Among Caregivers of Persons
with Dementia,” where LSU faculty members Dr. Scott Wilks and Dr. Catherine Lemieux
along with PhD students Rhonda Bardales and Alisha Thompson presented their research
on the connection between loneliness, self-efficacy, and mental health. Their findings
highlighted self-efficacy as a crucial mediator in reducing depressive symptoms among
caregivers, offering actionable recommendations for support and intervention.
At the conference luncheon, Dr. Press Robinson captivated attendees with stories from
his memoir, “Pressing Forward.” A longtime educator, community leader, and the first
Black member of the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, Dr. Robinson shared his
journey from a hardscrabble upbringing to his influential roles in education and activism.
His address highlighted the importance of resilience and advocacy, inspiring attendees
to drive meaningful change in their own communities.
Dr. Press Robinson, presenting the luncheon session at the Impact & Innovation Conference
on his recent memoir, “Pressing Forward”
Ellen Tadman
Other faculty and staff members who contributed sessions include Dr. Jahanna Bailey,
Dr. Ashleigh Borgmeyer, Dr. Heidi Breaux, Paula Davis, LCSW-BACS, Dr. Jennifer Scott,
and Dr. Anne Stuckey Williams. Due to positive feedback on these effective workshops,
several sessions will be repeated virtually over the coming year.
The LSU School of Social Work extends its gratitude to everyone who contributed to
the success of the 2024 conference. From insightful presentations to networking opportunities,
this gathering reinforced our commitment to advancing holistic, integrative care in
social work.
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