GACA Professional Development Series

 Virtual Only

Breaking the Silence: A Clinical Summit on Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention

Designed for addiction, mental health, and healthcare professionals, this two-day summit explores the full continuum of suicide-related care. Participants will learn to identify warning signs, assess risk, engage in effective intervention strategies, and implement evidence-based prevention practices. The second day focuses on postvention, addressing the emotional, clinical, and organizational challenges that arise following a completed suicide and providing guidance for supporting survivors. 

• Identify key risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs associated with suicide.
• Apply evidence-based assessment and intervention strategies when working with individuals at risk for suicide.
• Develop effective safety planning and crisis response approaches.
• Understand the impact of suicide loss on families, communities, and professional caregivers.
• Implement postvention strategies that support healing, reduce stigma, and prevent further risk.
• Strengthen professional confidence and competence in addressing suicide across the continuum of care.

August 14-15, 2026

12.0 CE Hours Approved by GSCSW, NAADAC and NBCC 

This will apply to the CACMHI Training Requirements.

Friday, August 14:

ROAR! SPEAK OUT & SAVE A LIFE!!

8:45 AM  Check-In

9:00 AM  Workshop Begins

12:15 PM  Lunch Break

1:00 PM  Workshop Resumes

4:15 PM  Workshop Concludes

Description:

Suicide is a complex, multifaceted issue influenced by mental health, social, environmental, and biological factors. Despite its preventability, many individuals who are at risk do not seek help due to stigma, fear, or unawareness.  This can lead to tragic outcomes that are often preventable through timely intervention, increased awareness, and supportive resources. Addressing suicide requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, de-stigmatization, and accessible mental health services to identify warning signs, provide support, and save lives.

Training Goal:

"To equip professionals with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to identify risk factors, intervene effectively, and foster a supportive environment that prevents suicide."

Learning Objectives:

1. By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
2. Identify common risk factors and warning signs of suicide in youth and adults.
3. Apply the ASK, CARE, ESCAPE model to confidently ask about suicidal thoughts and respond appropriately.
4. Utilize local and national resources to connect individuals at risk with help.
5. Create a supportive environment that reduces stigma and encourages open dialogue about mental health and suicide.
6. Develop a personal safety plan and know when to seek emergency assistance.

Presenter:  Dr. Canzada Twyman

Pastor, Dr. Canzada Twyman (Cea) is the Founding Executive Officer of the Divine Exchange Ministry, Inc., with over 32 years of experience in the field of Addiction and Prevention. She specializes in providing professional, community, and organizational development trainings.  Cea is a lifelong learner; she continuously sharpens her skills and holds a Doctorate in Religious Philosophy, an MHS, and a BS in Human and Social Science.   She is a National and International Training Provider for DEMI Training Collaboration & Consulting Services, and the Southwest Atlanta Women’s Coalition.  

As a Trailblazer, she is an ordained Pastor, Prophetic Intercessor, Spiritual Life Coach, and a Professional Credentialed Addiction and Trauma-Informed Specialist/Counselor. She is also a renowned public speaker at both national and international levels, a U.S. Army Veteran, a Humanitarian, a Visionary, and a 4x bestsellers Published Author and Contributing Author.   She is a community leader operating in multiple roles, she currently serves on the Morehouse SATTC Workgroup Team and is an active Leads of the faith-based initiatives for the Douglasville, Ga. Task Force. Her desire is to equip and empower professionals, communities, and organizations with practical, evidence-based strategies that promote development and create a positive impact on the populations they serve.  Versatile and driven, this woman of Faith is a Mover, Shaker, and indeed a History Maker.

Saturday, August 15 Morning:

After the Silence: Leading Healing and Hope Following Suicide Loss

8:45 AM  Check-In

9:00 AM  Workshop Begins

12:15 PM  Workshop Concludes

Description

When a suicide occurs, the impact extends far beyond the individual, affecting families, friends, colleagues, organizations, and entire communities. Those left behind are often faced with overwhelming grief, unanswered questions, feelings of guilt, anger, and uncertainty about how to move forward.

In this powerful and compassionate workshop, internationally recognized educator and advocate Cathy Robinson Pickett explores the emotional, relational, and organizational impact of suicide loss. Drawing from decades of experience supporting individuals, families, and communities affected by trauma and tragedy, Cathy offers practical guidance for responding to the aftermath of suicide with empathy, courage, and hope.

Participants will learn strategies for supporting survivors of suicide loss, communicating effectively during times of crisis, fostering resilience within organizations and communities, and creating environments that promote healing while reducing stigma. Through personal insight and professional expertise, this session will provide attendees with tools to help others navigate loss and find a pathway toward recovery and renewed hope.

Training Goal

"To equip professionals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support individuals, families, organizations, and communities in the aftermath of suicide while fostering healing, resilience, and hope."

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the emotional, psychological, and social impact of suicide loss on survivors, families, and communities.
2. Apply trauma-informed and grief-informed approaches when supporting individuals affected by a completed suicide.
3. Identify effective communication strategies for responding to suicide loss within families, organizations, and community settings.
4. Recognize common challenges experienced by survivors of suicide loss and connect them with appropriate resources and support systems.
5. Develop strategies that promote healing, resilience, and post-traumatic growth following a suicide-related loss.

Presenter:  Cathy Robinson Pickett

Cathy Robinson Pickett,  I'm a lucky woman I've had an amazing life. Many people meet me and think, what a tragic life...I look at my life as one that has given me the opportunity to make a difference in the world. I have 2 awesome kids, an amazing husband and great family!

In 1991, Cathy Robinson Pickett had built her life—as a mother and a wife. She had a year-old daughter and a son on the way. She had just celebrated her third wedding anniversary. She led a life of normalcy and contentment, but all that changed after a routine life insurance exam.

Cathy Robinson Pickett is an internationally recognized motivational and inspirational educator. She has been named a National Point of Light, by President George Bush and recognized by countless organizations and media outlets including PEOPLE Magazine for her work in HIV, Domestic Violence, victims’ rights, sexual responsibility and patient advocacy. Cathy’s legislative activism on a local, state and Federal level began in 1992 and has continued to evolve across the intersections of victims and patients’ rights for sexual assault, domestic violence and HIV. Her work initially focused on victims’ rights in assault cases and evolved into work around HIV testing for pregnant women and the availability of comprehensive reproductive health education for school aged young adults. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Friends-Together, Inc a NGO that works with families infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in the United States and Tanzania. Friends-Together also conducts relief work in Southern US States Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti. She has recently been recognized for her international efforts to bring attention to the plight of women in third world countries and the need for reusable sanitary pads.

Cathy is a native Floridian and daughter of a well-known Methodist Minister and college professor. Her southern roots shape her unique spirit and come through with her great passion and carrying for those she works with. Cathy’s professional career has included many years of working in higher education. Cathy has an extensive resume of accomplishments but if you were to ask her the most important thing she has accomplished it would be that her children Lyndsy and Garrett have grown into amazing young adults with hearts for activism and service.

Saturday, August 15 Afternoon:

When a Client Dies by Suicide: Safeguarding Clinical Efficacy and Workplace Resilience

12:45 PM  Check-In

1:00 PM  Workshop Begins

4:15 PM  Workshop Concludes

Description:

Losing a client to suicide is one of the most profound professional and personal challenges a mental health professional can face. "Clinician survivors" frequently experience a complex wave of acute grief, secondary trauma, and professional self-doubt. This workshop provides a comprehensive, evidence-based postvention framework to support clinicians in the aftermath of a loss. Participants will examine the psychological and emotional impacts of client suicide, navigate critical ethical, legal, and documentation protocols, and acquire practical strategies to restore clinical efficacy and foster long-term personal and workplace resilience.

Objectives:

1. Analyze the Psychological and Emotional Impact of Client Suicide on the Clinician. 
2. Navigate the Ethical, Legal, and Risk Management Protocols Following a Loss
3. Identify Evidence-Based Postvention Strategies to Restore Clinical Efficacy and Long-Term Resilience

Presenter: Reinette Arnold, MSW, LCSW-QS, MAC, CFVIP and La’Mar Walker, LPC

The Empowerment Agency was founded by Reinette Arnold, LCSW-QS, MAC, CFVIP in 2013. With over 15 years of expertise in clinical practice, consulting, and transformative leadership, Reinette has dedicated her career to empowering individuals, teams, and organizations to achieve meaningful growth and sustained well-being. The Empowerment Agency was founded on the idea that we can create innovative strategies and solutions to assist individuals and corporations in maximizing their purpose, performance, and productivity.

Reinette graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelors of Psychology Degree and Minor in Sociology in 2005. She pursued graduate studies at the University of Georgia completing her Master of Social Work (MSW) in 2009. Currently Reinette is licensed in the state of Georgia and Florida as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and maintains a Qualified Supervisor (QS) designation in the state of Florida, holds a national certification as a Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) and is an approved Family Violence Intervention Program facilitator. Reinette is also trained to provide critical incident and stress management (CISM) (also referred to as disruptive event management (DEM) services by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. 

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Qualified Supervisor, Reinette blends evidence-based therapeutic approaches with deep empathy and understanding, helping clients navigate life’s challenges with resilience and purpose. Her clinical expertise extends to working with diverse populations, addressing a wide range of mental health and wellness needs.

Reinette’s impact reaches far beyond the therapy room. As an international speaker and management consultant, she has guided organizations in creating healthier, more inclusive workplace cultures. Her dynamic presentations inspire actionable change, while her tailored consulting solutions empower leaders to address complex organizational challenges with clarity and confidence.

La’Mar Walker is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 21 years of experience working with various populations of individuals and helping them improve their mental health. La’Mar is the CEO & Founder of Mindful Works Counseling, a private mental health practice that helps individuals improve their emotional and behavioral difficulties through the use of storytelling, a therapeutic technique that aids individuals in processing trauma and big emotions.  

La’Mar is passionate about men ‘s mental health and spreading awareness and education around societal expectations of masculinity and how it impacts the psyche of men. La’Mar believes that helping others is his purpose in life. La’Mar also spends his time as keynote/public speaker on men’s mental health and community advocate.  La’Mar is a servant leader and member of   XL NEAL 588 Prince Hall Masonic, along with Kappa Alpha Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. In all of the roles he plays, La’Mar will tell you his favorite role to play is dad.