2026 MCEA Fall Conference: Full Schedule

2:45pm CDT

Wednesday October 21, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

A one-hour session on how to build a toolkit for better self-care and how to recognize when to use those tools. So often, self-care and mindfulness take a back seat in life, but for individuals living with a mental illness or poor mental health, these practices are necessary. Learn new techniques to help improve your self-care routine and receive some new resources to try out.

Class Objectives:

I am aware of stressors that can affect mental health.
I can identify and describe self-care techniques that can help manage stress and help my overall well-being.
I can identify barriers to practicing self-care and am aware of strategies to overcome those barriers.

Speakers

Deborah Saari

Employer Education Coordinator, NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Deborah Saari (she/her)Deborah develops, teaches, and coordinates workplace programs for employers on mental health and mental illnesses in the workplace. She has over 20 years of experience supporting employer partnerships, including providing training and resources on supporting... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Suite 108 - Lower Level

Wellness/Mental Health

2:45pm CDT

Managing and Supporting Staff During Uncertain and Unprecedented Times

Thursday October 22, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Suite 103 - Lower Level

During this course, Shannon will share practical tools for finding balance between support and accountability in leadership. Leadership has evolved significantly, and many traditional approaches are no longer as effective in today’s workplace or across multiple generations. Modern leaders must adapt, think creatively, and develop new skills to meet the needs of today’s workforce. Staff retention is more important than ever, and employees want to feel valued, supported, and connected to mission-driven work. This requires leaders to effectively hold staff accountable, teach and develop their skills, and support them through both personal and professional challenges.
Shannon will share strategies that have worked in her own leadership experience while encouraging attendees to critically evaluate their leadership style and consider whether it has evolved to meet the demands of today’s world.

Participants will gain strategies to support staff, improve morale and retention, and develop techniques to increase emotional intelligence across teams.

Speakers

Shannon Brown

CEO, Fernbrook Family Center

Shannon Brown, MS, LPCC (she/her/hers) is the CEO of Fernbrook Family Center, where she has been a dedicated leader and mental health professional since 2011. With a strong passion for supporting families and strengthening communities, Shannon brings over a decade of experience in... Read More →

Thursday October 22, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Suite 103 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Wellness/Mental Health

1:15pm CDT

How to Eat Your Way to Better Mental Health

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Suite 103 - Lower Level

Did you know that 90% of Americans aren’t eating in a way that supports optimal mental well‑being? In this presentation, you’ll learn practical strategies for using nutrition to ease symptoms of stress and anxiety, and you’ll have the chance to sample several foods known to promote better mental health.

Speakers

Sara Kelly

Wellness Specialist, Olmsted County

Sara Kelly MS, RD, LD is a Registered Dietitian who has been serving Olmsted County as the Employee Wellness Specialist for the last six years. She has sixteen years of experience in the nutrition field and has given hundreds of presentations to help people live healthier lives. She... Read More →

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Suite 103 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Wellness/Mental Health

1:15pm CDT

You Can't Pour From Empty: Sustainable Wellbeing for Community Education Professionals

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Suite 110 - Lower Level

Community education professionals dedicate their time and energy to supporting others, often at the expense of their own wellbeing. This interactive session explores practical strategies for preventing overextension, building sustainable work practices, and fostering belonging. Participants will leave with greater clarity, actionable tools, and a personalized plan to support both personal wellbeing and community impact.
Key Takeaways:

Identify personal and professional factors that contribute to overwhelm, energy depletion, and misalignment.
Apply practical strategies for supporting sustainable wellbeing, including energy management, boundaries, and intentional decision-making.
Develop one actionable step to strengthen both personal wellbeing and the sense of belonging within their programs and communities.

Speakers

Amrita Prakaashana

Founder, Coach, & Facilitator, Artria Consulting, LLC

Amrita Prakaashana (she/her) is the Founder, Coach, and Facilitator at Artria Consulting LLC. She partners with high-achieving individuals in healthcare, nonprofit, and caregiving professions who give so much of themselves caring for others to navigate career and life transitions... Read More →

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Suite 110 - Lower Level

Wellness/Mental Health

2026 MCEA Fall Conference

2:45pm CDT

Deborah Saari

2:45pm CDT

Shannon Brown

1:15pm CDT

Sara Kelly

1:15pm CDT

Amrita Prakaashana

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