MEOA's 39th Annual Conference
Thank you to all who joined us at the 39th Annual MEOA Conference this year at the Seacrest Hotel in North Falmouth, MA! If you have not yet submitted your conference payment, please find the information below and do so ASAP.
As we gear up for our 2024 Annual Conference, it is all hands on deck! Reach out to meoaboard@gmail.com if you are interested in joining a committee.
MEOA Conference Evaluation: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8N67L9Q
To pay conference registration by check, please make check payable to: MEOA and mail to:
Ralph Hogan
MEOA Past President
Mount Wachusett Community College
444 Green Street, W108
Gardner, MA 01440
Keynote Speaker:
Maria Milagros (she/her)
Maria Milagros (Vazquez) is an award winning keynote speaker, award nominated author, TEDx speaker, storyteller, empowerment life coach, and love activist. Whether sharing her life experiences and knowledge through impactful talks, workshops, leadership training, life coaching or videos, Maria uses stories to bring encouragement, education, and love to empower others to get out of their way and break free from hindering thoughts or beliefs, so that they can live amazing lives and leave their unique and positive mark on the world. She is passionate about living with intention, creating spaces of love, joy and fun, connecting with others, overall health, and empowerment.
A survivor of abuse, depression, and a childhood accident that should've left her immobile, Maria embraces her past to create a present of health, happiness, fun, love, and abundance. She believes that she is able to thrive in life not in spite of, but because of, every aspect of her story. She knows that no matter where you come from, what you've been through, or what you have done, a healthy mindset shift, rooting into love, and taking personal responsibility, can change every area of your life, as it has for her.
With over 15 years of leadership and personal development educating in her pocket, Maria leaves audiences with relevant tools and shifted mindsets that last well after she steps off the stage. Her authentic congruence, infectious energy, and ability to teach from a relatable and positive perspective leaves attendees feeling like they had a fun and deep conversation with a trusted friend.
When not speaking or coaching, Maria can usually be found making memories with her incredible daughter, meditating, dancing in public places, leading group fitness classes, reading, or watching a Marvel movie.
To inquire about her speaking availability, one-on-one coaching, or book "Super Sparkly Everything", or to sign up to get the free weekly email, please visit her website at www.mariamilagros.net.
You can also connect with her on Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook.
Pre-Conference 2023 Information
Youth Mental Health First Aid is an early intervention public education program. It teaches adults how to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge, how to listen non-judgmentally and give reassurance to a youth who may be experiencing a mental health challenge, and how to refer a person to appropriate professional support and services. Mental Health First Aid was created in Australia in 2000 by Betty Kitchener, an educator and mental health consumer, and Professor Tony Jorm, a mental health researcher. In 2008, the National Council, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health brought Mental Health First Aid to the United States.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the purpose of Youth Mental Health First Aid and the role of the Youth Mental Health First Aider.
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that may impact youth.
- Explain the impact of traumatic experiences and the role of resilience on adolescent development.
- Apply the appropriate steps of the YMHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to non-crisis situations.
- Apply the appropriate steps of the YMHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to crisis situations.
- Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of Youth Mental Health First Aid in a crisis or non-crisis situation.
There will be two virtual pre-conference sessions before the in-person pre-conference session. More information will be forthcoming from the vendor providing the training. The pre-conference costs $100 participants who are not attending the MEOA conference. The pre-conference is free for MEOA conference attendees.