A stylized tree with deep roots in the foreground is set against a white background with text announcing "MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA OF SPARTANBURG COUNTY Annual Symposium DEEP ROOTS; NEW GROWTH".

Mental Health America Spartanburg

Enjoy the full program with access to all main activities.

General Admission - Early Bird

LXCL:Enjoy the full program with access to all main activities.

General Admission

LXCL:This ticket can be purchased to attend ONLY the award ceremony and receive lunch.

Award Ceremony / Lunch

We are pleased to gather at The Piedmont Club at 361 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302; for a day of education, connection, and conversation focused on advancing mental health care in our community. Our mission to reduce stigma is reflected in both our theme and our distinguished lineup of speakers. This year&rsquo;s program features in-depth discussions on culturally responsive care, navigating differences in beliefs and values, youth behavioral health and crisis intervention, hoarding disorder, and the psychology of money in clinical practice. As in years past, we will also recognize achievements in mental health advocacy. The program&rsquo;s goal is to provide quality education and training for healthcare and human services professionals, equipping participants with practical knowledge and tools to better support the clients, families, and communities they serve. As in years past, we will also recognize individuals and organizations whose advocacy, leadership, and service have made a meaningful impact on mental health in our community. 2026 SPEAKERS Meeting Clients Where They Are: Navigating Belief Differences with Compassion and Competence Tiara Woney is a Licensed Marriage &amp; Family Therapist and has been a Mental Health Counselor at Wofford College for the last 6 years. Prior to her time at Wofford she was a School-Based Mental Health Counselor with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health. She has a B.A. degree in Family &amp; Consumer Science with a concentration in Human Development &amp; Family Studies from Queens College in Flushing, NY and a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy Degree from Converse University in Spartanburg, SC. Tiara is currently a Ph.D candidate pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior at Capella University. She is also the current Chair of the Board of Directors for Emerge Family Center &amp; Teaching Clinic. Two Languages, One Culture Zuly Gonzalez is a licensed social worker with 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families across community mental health, children&rsquo;s advocacy, hospitals, youth services, and residential settings. She currently serves as Lead Clinician with the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) at La Jornada, where she supervises the clinical team and supports the mental health and well-being of unaccompanied children.A proud Panamanian and Cuban, Zuly provides bilingual services in English and Spanish and is passionate about culturally responsive care within the Hispanic community. She earned her master&rsquo;s degree from Florida International University and now calls Greenville, South Carolina home. Her compassionate, client-centered approach incorporates evidence-based practices while creating spaces where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to heal and thrive. From Crisis to Connection: A Family Centered Approach to Behavioral Health Services for Youth. Brittany Cole, MSN, RN, is Director of Nursing at Spartanburg Medical Center, providing leadership for Behavioral Health services and nursing operations. She specializes in behavioral health program development, quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and patient-centered care. Brittany is committed to advancing clinical excellence while supporting the growth and development of multidisciplinary healthcare teams. She is a community advocate in Spartanburg County, serving on multiple steering committees and advisory board of trustees.&nbsp; Alexis Rodgers, MS, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and behavioral health professional with the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD). As FOCUS CAFE program coordinator through Spartanburg Area Office of Mental Health, she specializes in crisis intervention and family centered behavioral health services for youth and families. Her clinical expertise includes trauma informed care, with specialized training in EMDR and PCIT. Alexis holds a Master of Science degree from Walden University and is passionate about advancing innovative behavioral health practices, strengthening community partnerships, and creating accessible pathways to safety, healing, and wellness for youth and families. DRESS CODE Men:&nbsp;LUNCH Gentlemen are NOT required to wear a jacket. Women:&nbsp;Suit (including business pantsuit), dress or blazer with skirt or tailored slacks, tailored pants with a blouse or sweater. Prohibited:&nbsp;T-Shirts, sweatshirts, or other shirt without collar; athletic attire, tennis shoes, shorts, jeans (regardless of value), denim jackets, untucked shirts, and baseball caps. Program Audience &amp; Outcomes Our educational program is designed especially for social workers, counselors, therapists, and other interested health and human services professionals.Upon completion of this program, 90% of the participants will demonstrate a better understanding of the mental health issues discussed and learn to provide appropriate treatments and assistance to their clients. Hoarding Disorder: A Day in the Life of an Excessive Collector Beverly Wade is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, the owner of a private practice in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and the owner of Beyond The Storm, LLC. Her professional journey reflects a lifelong commitment to education, service, and helping others navigate life&rsquo;s challenges.Beverly earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from South Carolina State University in 1993. In 1994, she began her teaching career with Spartanburg School District 7. While working in education, she continued her graduate studies at Converse College, earning a Master of Education degree in 2004 and a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy degree in 2015.After 28 years in education, Beverly transitioned into the mental health field, bringing with her decades of experience working with individuals, families, and diverse communities. Today, her primary area of clinical focus is Hoarding Disorder, while she also provides therapy to couples and adults experiencing a variety of mental health and relationship challenges.In her free time, Beverly enjoys volunteering in ministry work, spending quality time with her family and friends and working on home improvement projects. She values opportunities to serve others, connect with the people she loves, and expressing her creativity through projects around her home. Psychology of Money in Clinical Practice. Susan Lea is a clinician-leader, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, clinical supervisor, and owner of a group practice based in South Carolina. With over a decade of experience spanning mental health leadership, nonprofit collaboration, and systems-level advocacy, Susan is dedicated to expanding access to quality mental healthcare through her group practice, her work teaching and supervising clinical trainees, and her advocacy with nonprofit organizations. Her approach is grounded in trauma-informed, relational practice that bridges clinical work, leadership development, and policy change.Susan&rsquo;s contributions have been widely recognized, including the 2026 Best of South Carolina awards for Best Individual Therapist &amp; Counselor and Best Counseling &amp; Therapy Practice (South Carolina Psychotherapy). CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS You must attend 90% of each of the educational sessions to receive CE credit. Five (5) CE credits are available.&nbsp; COUNSELORS (LPC, LMFT)Licensed Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Psycho Educational Specialists may utilize this training for 5.0 contact hours. SOCIAL WORKERSSocial Worker CE credit has been applied for and is expected to be available.

Hi <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style="" style="color: rgb(42, 42, 196); overflow-wrap: anywhere; -webkit-user-select: none; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block; box-sizing: inherit;">First name, Thank you for registering for our event and supporting our cause. Your registration greatly helps our mission. 🚀 If you would like to contribute further, contact us to become a volunteer, or talk to your friends about our cause! Camron Carrcamroncarr2008@gmail.com

We are pleased to gather at The Piedmont Club at 361 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302; for a day of education, connection, and conversation focused on advancing mental health care in our community. Our mission to reduce stigma is reflected in both our theme and our distinguished lineup of speakers. This year’s program features in-depth discussions on culturally responsive care, navigating differences in beliefs and values, youth behavioral health and crisis intervention, hoarding disorder, and the psychology of money in clinical practice. As in years past, we will also recognize achievements in mental health advocacy. The program’s goal is to provide quality education and training for healthcare and human services professionals, equipping participants with practical knowledge and tools to better support the clients, families, and communities they serve. As in years past, we will also recognize individuals and organizations whose advocacy, leadership, and service have made a meaningful impact on mental health in our community. 2026 SPEAKERS Meeting Clients Where They Are: Navigating Belief Differences with Compassion and Competence Tiara Woney is a Licensed Marriage &amp; Family Therapist and has been a Mental Health Counselor at Wofford College for the last 6 years. Prior to her time at Wofford she was a School-Based Mental Health Counselor with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health. She has a B.A. degree in Family &amp; Consumer Science with a concentration in Human Development &amp; Family Studies from Queens College in Flushing, NY and a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy Degree from Converse University in Spartanburg, SC. Tiara is currently a Ph.D candidate pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior at Capella University. She is also the current Chair of the Board of Directors for Emerge Family Center &amp; Teaching Clinic. Two Languages, One Culture Zuly Gonzalez is a licensed social worker with 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families across community mental health, children’s advocacy, hospitals, youth services, and residential settings. She currently serves as Lead Clinician with the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) at La Jornada, where she supervises the clinical team and supports the mental health and well-being of unaccompanied children.A proud Panamanian and Cuban, Zuly provides bilingual services in English and Spanish and is passionate about culturally responsive care within the Hispanic community. She earned her master’s degree from Florida International University and now calls Greenville, South Carolina home. Her compassionate, client-centered approach incorporates evidence-based practices while creating spaces where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to heal and thrive. From Crisis to Connection: A Family Centered Approach to Behavioral Health Services for Youth. Brittany Cole, MSN, RN, is Director of Nursing at Spartanburg Medical Center, providing leadership for Behavioral Health services and nursing operations. She specializes in behavioral health program development, quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and patient-centered care. Brittany is committed to advancing clinical excellence while supporting the growth and development of multidisciplinary healthcare teams. She is a community advocate in Spartanburg County, serving on multiple steering committees and advisory board of trustees.  Alexis Rodgers, MS, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and behavioral health professional with the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD). As FOCUS CAFE program coordinator through Spartanburg Area Office of Mental Health, she specializes in crisis intervention and family centered behavioral health services for youth and families. Her clinical expertise includes trauma informed care, with specialized training in EMDR and PCIT. Alexis holds a Master of Science degree from Walden University and is passionate about advancing innovative behavioral health practices, strengthening community partnerships, and creating accessible pathways to safety, healing, and wellness for youth and families. DRESS CODE Men: LUNCH Gentlemen are NOT required to wear a jacket. Women: Suit (including business pantsuit), dress or blazer with skirt or tailored slacks, tailored pants with a blouse or sweater. Prohibited: T-Shirts, sweatshirts, or other shirt without collar; athletic attire, tennis shoes, shorts, jeans (regardless of value), denim jackets, untucked shirts, and baseball caps. Program Audience &amp; Outcomes Our educational program is designed especially for social workers, counselors, therapists, and other interested health and human services professionals.Upon completion of this program, 90% of the participants will demonstrate a better understanding of the mental health issues discussed and learn to provide appropriate treatments and assistance to their clients. Hoarding Disorder: A Day in the Life of an Excessive Collector Beverly Wade is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, the owner of a private practice in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and the owner of Beyond The Storm, LLC. Her professional journey reflects a lifelong commitment to education, service, and helping others navigate life’s challenges.Beverly earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from South Carolina State University in 1993. In 1994, she began her teaching career with Spartanburg School District 7. While working in education, she continued her graduate studies at Converse College, earning a Master of Education degree in 2004 and a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy degree in 2015.After 28 years in education, Beverly transitioned into the mental health field, bringing with her decades of experience working with individuals, families, and diverse communities. Today, her primary area of clinical focus is Hoarding Disorder, while she also provides therapy to couples and adults experiencing a variety of mental health and relationship challenges.In her free time, Beverly enjoys volunteering in ministry work, spending quality time with her family and friends and working on home improvement projects. She values opportunities to serve others, connect with the people she loves, and expressing her creativity through projects around her home. Psychology of Money in Clinical Practice. Susan Lea is a clinician-leader, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, clinical supervisor, and owner of a group practice based in South Carolina. With over a decade of experience spanning mental health leadership, nonprofit collaboration, and systems-level advocacy, Susan is dedicated to expanding access to quality mental healthcare through her group practice, her work teaching and supervising clinical trainees, and her advocacy with nonprofit organizations. Her approach is grounded in trauma-informed, relational practice that bridges clinical work, leadership development, and policy change.Susan’s contributions have been widely recognized, including the 2026 Best of South Carolina awards for Best Individual Therapist &amp; Counselor and Best Counseling &amp; Therapy Practice (South Carolina Psychotherapy). CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS You must attend 90% of each of the educational sessions to receive CE credit. Five (5) CE credits are available.  COUNSELORS (LPC, LMFT)Licensed Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Psycho Educational Specialists may utilize this training for 5.0 contact hours. SOCIAL WORKERSSocial Worker CE credit has been applied for and is expected to be available.

Mental Health America Spartanburg

11th Annual Symposium; Deep Roots, New Growth

361 E Main St B

General Admission - Early Bird

$75

General Admission

$90

Award Ceremony / Lunch

$30

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