This program prepares case managers to deliver person-centered, strength-based, and trauma-informed service to people enrolled in service systems. The twelve hours of training are spread across two days. The first day is experiential. Participants model relationship-building, communication strategies, strength-finding, and resource development. The second day applies that experience to issues encountered by the service population.

Innovative and engaging, this training course has been approved by the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health Developmental and Intellectual Disabilites for individuals performing Medicaid-funded Targeted Case Management Services.

The course is led by Paul Komarek and Chad Ponchot.

Paul Komarek is an author and consultant who works on tough social issues, including criminal justice reform, education of children with disabilities, violence prevention, suicide prevention, addiction treatment, and healthcare for the poor. His first book Defying Mental Illness: Finding Recovery with Community Resources and Family Support, co-authored by Andrea Schroer, has been named a "Top 20 Book for Parents and Teachers of Children with Special Needs" by Special Needs Book Review. He is currently developing programming based on his new book SHARP: Stop Heroin and Rescue People.

Chad Ponchot is a Kentucky Certified Peer Support Specialist and community activist based in Northern Kentucky. He has served as director of the PIER, a consumer operated center in Newport Kentucky. He is a certified National Trainer for Mental Health First Aid, and is a graduate of the Kentucky STARS Leadership Academy. He is a member of the Northern Kentucky Heroin Impact Response Team.

Note this is two-day event. Participant must attend the full 12 hours to receive certification.