Rooted and Rising: Cultivating Strength through Mindful Practice

On February 20, 2026, Children's Advocacy Center of North and Northwest Cook County (CAC) is hosting our third annual one-day symposium designed to address vicarious trauma in helping professions. We know firsthand the incredible challenges facing our colleagues in mental health and social service, and the feedback from our first symposium revealed how much we need to come together to encourage and support each other. We're all in this together!

So bring yourself (or your whole team) for a day of inspired learning and self-care! Our keynote speaker is Chaz Franke, LCSW. Chaz is the founder of Light Source. Since the beginning of his career as a therapist, Chaz has worked with trauma and its long reaching effects. This work has included extensive work with all ages and all walks of life. Chaz specializes in psychodynamics, self compassion and integrating Eastern thought and philosophy into the therapeutic process .

This year there will be three breakout sessions in the morning that repeat in the afternoon. Participants can choose any two sessions.

CEUs are offered for LCSW, LCPC, LSW, LPC and ISBE counselors and social workers for the keynote and all breakouts.

Early bird registration is $30/person*, which includes in-person sessions, breakfast, lunch and 4 CEUs. A networking area will also be available. Groups registering 3 or more people together pay $25/person.

*$30 reflects Early Bird pricing. After February 1, tickets will be $40/person.

**Don't miss the Add-On option to purchase a symposium shirt for $25 when you complete your registration.

Note: Vendor tables are comped with a paid ticket or sponsorship. A vendor table-only ticket is available for $50 and includes lunch. Vendor tables will be open in the morning during registration and lunch.

Interested in sponsoring? Get more information here.

Questions? Contact Mattie Colan, mcolan@cachelps.org.