eorgiaeorgiaeorgiaGG CC FF VV G C F VamilyamilyamilyommissionommissionommissioniolenceiolenceiolenceonononAugust 30-September 2, 2026 The Classic Center | Athens, GA GEORGIA IN ACTION, CONNECTING FOR CHANGE 32nd Annual Statewide Family Violence Conference HTTPS://WWW.GCFV-CONFERENCE.COM/ FIND MORE INFORMATION AND CONFERENCE DETAILS BY VISITING THE ONLINE CONFERENCE WEBSITE OR SCANNING THIS QR CODE.
Letter from The Commission Planning Committee GCFV Staff Map 2025 Award Recipients GCFV Conference App: Install & Use Everything Continuing Education! (CEUs) Sunday’s Agenda Monday’s Agenda Tuesday's Agenda Wednesday's Agenda Sponsors, Exhibitors, & Partners01 CONTENTS TABLE OF 2 3 4 5 6 7 8-9 10 11-13 14-16 17 18During these workshops, certain content may become emotionally distressing for some participants. If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable or triggered, prioritize your well-being. Feel free to step away from the workshop and return when you’re ready. If you need to speak with someone immediately about what you are experiencing, please text Debbie Liam at 404-432-8350. Emotionally Disturbing or Triggering Content (8/30) (8/31) (9/1) (9/2)
02Dear Partners and Friends of the Commission, Welcome to the 32nd Annual Statewide Family Violence Conference, proudly hosted by the Georgia Commission on Family Violence. We’re thrilled to gather with you in Athens, GA— home of the Bulldogs (Go Dawgs!)—as we renew our shared commitment to safety, accountability, awareness, and justice across our state. We are energized and ready to strengthen our collective commitment to safety, accountability, awareness, and justice across Georgia. This year’s theme, Georgia in Action: Connecting for Change, celebrates the diverse professionals who choose this work every day. It reflects a truth we all know well: ending domestic violence is a collective responsibility. Progress happens when we collaborate, innovate, and stay connected in the face of evolving challenges. Over the next few days, you’ll join service providers, first responders, clinicians, advocates, and leaders from across Georgia—each bringing their own expertise, lived experience, and passion for change. This conference is more than a gathering of professionals; it is a community of purpose. It’s not just a meeting of minds; it’s a movement of the heart. We are honored to feature keynote speakers Donna Bartos, Mark Wynn, and Victor Rivers, who will share powerful insights on survivor resilience, coordinated community response, and the importance of working together. Their voices, along with more than 30 dynamic sessions, will challenge assumptions, spark new ideas, and strengthen the strategies we carry back to our communities. Expect spirited presentations, immersive workshops, and countless opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Expect to be energized by bold conversations, inspired by survivor-centered approaches, and grounded by the shared values that guide our work. Expect to leave with renewed clarity, deeper connection, and a strengthened commitment to creating safer homes and stronger communities across Georgia. Hope is not passive—it is a practice. And by showing up, leaning in, and learning together, we keep Georgia in action as a unified force, connected for change. Let’s begin! Sen. Randy Robertson Sol. Rebecca Jackson Commission Chair Conference Co-Chair Rep. Joseph Gullett Judge Ashley Wright Commission Vice-Chair Conference Co-Chair April W. Ross Executive DirectorRobertsonRandyJacksonRebeccaGullettJosephWrightAshley
THANK YOU PLANNING COMMITEE Commission Chair: Senator Randy Robertson, Georgia Senate Commission Vice Chair: Representative Joseph Gullett, Georgia House of Representatives Conference Co-Chairs: Judge Nina Markette Baker, Coweta County Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge, and Rebecca Jackson, Carroll County State Court, Solicitor-General Reinette Arnold, LSCW-QS, MAC, FVIP, The Empowerment Agency, Owner Rachel Ashe, Cherokee County Judicial Circuit, Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Jamie Bormann, Crisis Line and Safe House of Central Georgia, Executive Director, Commission Member Jumaane H. Davis, DeKalb County State Court Probation, Chief Adult Probation Officer Dr. Marni Dodd, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), Georgia Statewide SANE Coordinator Cristina Dumitrescu, Attorney Jay Eisner, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), Coordinator of the Georgia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (GA SAKI) Task Force Kedonny Jones, Department of Community Supervision, Community Supervision Officer Dr. Terry Parks, A New Approach Behavioral Health, Owner Leslie Reeves, Journey Intervention Strategies, Owner Michelle Toledo Cainas, Victim Advocacy Consultant03eorgiaeorgiaeorgiaGG CC FF VV G C F Vamilyamilyamilyommissionommissionommissioniolenceiolenceiolenceononon
April W. Ross, Executive Director Jameelah Brown Ferrell, Director of Program Planning and Development Stacey Seldon, Senior Program Coordinator, Grants and Special Projects Kylee Elliott, Senior Program Coordinator, Training and Engagement Jackie Herrera, Fatality Review Coordinator Carol Chateau, Family Violence Coordinator Caroline Caufield, Family Violence Coordinator Julie Whitford, Support for Survivors of Murder-Suicide Project CoordinatoreorgiaeorgiaeorgiaGG CC FF VV G C F Vamilyamilyamilyommissionommissionommissioniolenceiolenceiolenceononon04 GCFV STAFF THANK YOU
05MAPDue to construction, we will be in Grand Hall 6&7 as the Main Ballroom Entering through Grand Hall 3UPPER ATRIUMPLENARY SESSIONS/MEALSPLENARY SESSIONS/MEALS
Gender Justice Award - Julie Norma Mendoza Catalyst for Change Award - 2 Callnd Moving the Work Forward Award - Justice for Incarcerated Survivors Program Responsible coverage Award - Ana Herrera with Univision Atlanta Task Force Member of the Year - Kia Daniels-Peck Task Force of the Year - Mountain Judicial Circuit Family Violence Task Force In The Trenches Award - Given by GCADV Robyn Mosteiko-JalbertAward RecipientsAward RecipientsAward Recipients06
eorgiaeorgiaeorgiaGG CC FF VV G C F VamilyamilyamilyommissionommissionommissioniolenceiolenceiolenceonononContinuing Education Process & ProceduresFollow these steps to receive credit for all Plenary Sessions and Workshops: Step 1: Attend the educational session you wish to receive credit for. Step 2: During the first 10 minutes of each session, use your conference App to scan the QR code on the screen (or collect it from the room proctor) to verify your attendance. A separate check-in is required for every session you attend. Step 3: After each session, complete the brief evaluation. Evaluation notifications will appear in the notification section of your App 10 minutes before each session ends. Step 4: At the end of the Conference, complete the Overall Evaluation. The Overall Evaluation notification will be sent via email and in the Conference App 10 minutes before the conference ends, and will remain open until September 13th. Step 5: Download Your Certificate Once all required evaluations have been completed, an email will be sent to the email address you registered with so you can download/print your Certificate of Completion.08If you are applying for Nursing CEU’s, please note, not all sessions qualify & you’ll need to attend approved sessions for credit. Nurses, see special note on next page regarding approved sessions. Certificates will not be emailed individually by GCFV to attendees; they will be processed through the Conference platform upon completion of all the above steps.
*FOR GEORGIA NURSES ONLY: Please note: Sessions eligible for nursing CEUs will: 1) be marked in the agenda with an (*)Asterisk and 2) be on the same evaluation as the standard conference evaluations. Nursing Approved Sessions: Keynotes 1, 2, & 3 Workshops A1, A4, A6, B1, B5, B6, C1, C4, C5, D1, D4/E4 (2 part workshop), E2, & F1 All Workshops & Plenary Sessions apply to the following: 11 hours for (POST) Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council 11.5 hours for (FVIP) Family Violence Intervention Program 11 hours for (CLE) Continuing Legal Education 11.5 hours for (GACA) Georgia Addiction Counselors Association 11.5 hours for (GSCSW) Georgia Society for Clinical Social Work09 Continuing Education: Approved Sessions & Hours
For Androids: Step 1: Open the Google Play Store on your Android & search for "GCFV Conference 2025." Step 2: Select & install the app. Once the installation is complete, tap "Open." Step 3: Select "Allow" for notifications to receive important conference updates & notifications. Step 4: Log in using the same email address as your confirmation email. For iPhones: Step 1: Open the App Store on your iPhone & search for "GCFV Conference 2025." Step 2: Tap "Get" & install the app. Once the installation is complete, tap "Open." Step 3: Select "Allow" for notifications to receive important conference updates and notifications. Step 4: Log in using the same email address as your confirmation email. On the app’s main page, tap the bottom mini QR button to access your QR code. This will open your full QR Code screen, which is to be scanned for checking in or out of workshops & plenary sessions. Your QR Code includes your contact info for connecting with other attendees, presenters, & exhibitors. Notice the “Scan Other People” button? Use it to scan others' QR Codes and exchange contact information.Your Conference Registration Confirmation email includes a QR Code. This QR Code will be used for checking into the conference. There are several convenient options for displaying this QR Code, but the most efficient way to manage your QR Code is by using our official conference app. Instructions with screenshots are provided below to guide you through the installation process. OR you can - Print Your Confirmation Email bring the physical copy with you. Present from Your Smartphone by accessing your confirmation email. Take a Screenshot and present the saved image at check-in. Use your Name badge. Feel free to choose the method that best suits you! INFORMATION ON INSTALLING & USING THE APPDOWNLOADING THE GCFV CONFERENCE APP Where to find your “gcfv APP” QR Code for checking in0720252025
TIME Room # /Location Title Presenters 3:30-5:30 PM Atrium Early Registration 7:00-8:00AM Upper Atrium Self-Care Activity - Meditation Debbie Liam 7:30AM- 3:30PM Atrium Registration 7:30-9:00AM Grand Hall 6&7 Full Breakfast 9:00-10:45AM Grand Hall 6&7 Plenary Session 1 with Keynote Speaker Victor Rivas Rivera 10:30 AM- 2:00PM CAREing Paws: Onsite Interaction with Attendees Melissa Sauls 10:30-11:30AM Step & Repeat Banner Volunteer Photographer Available at main Step & Repeat 10:45-11:15AM Atrium Break - Snacks & Vendor Time AGENDASUNDAY’S 8/30 SESSIONS 10 8/31 SESSIONSAGENDAMONDAY'S Approved for Nursing
TIME Room # /Location Title Presenters 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM - Workshop Group A A1 Olympia 2 Justice Through Understanding: Effectively Using Expert Testimony in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Cases Rachel Ashe & Michelle Toledo A2 Grand Hall 4&5 Demystifying the Georgia Family Violence Act: Advanced Application for Law Enforcement, Victim Advocates, and Judges Karimah Dilliard & April Ross A3 Parthenon 2 Dynamics of same-gender intimate partner violence Jennie Pless & Lisa Thomas A4 Parthenon 1 Stalking 2.0: The Use of Technology to Stalk Dana Fleitman A5 Grand Hall 1 Domestic Violence Supervision in Georgia: Practical Strategies for Probation and Parole Officers Kedonny Jones A6 Olympia 1 Beyond the Assault: Building a Coordinated Forensic Response to Strangulation in Georgia Jenna Healey, Lisa Fugel, & Heather Williams 12:15-1:30 PM Grand Hall 6&7 Awards Luncheon 12:45 - 1:45 PM Step & Repeat Banner Volunteer Photographer Available at main Step & Repeat with Special Appearance/Photo Opp 1:00-1:30pm MONDAY'S8/31 SESSIONS CONTINUED11 AGENDA Approved for Nursing Approved for Nursing Approved for Nursing
TIME Room # /Location Title Presenters 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM - Workshop Group B B1 Grand Hall 4&5 Survivor’s First: Prioritizing Justice for Incarcerated Victims Amy Hutsell & Brandi Little B2 Parthenon 1 A Common Framework for a Coordinated Response: Understanding Typologies of Intimate Partner Violence Jennifer Lyon B3 Olympia 2 The Road to Transformation: An Evaluation of Georgia’s Family Violence Intervention Programs Dabney Evans, Jackie Herrera, & Rachel Rothman Bell B4 Olympia 1 Georgia in Action: Strengthening Multidisciplinary Collaboration Through a Rural Family Justice Center Heather Flowers B5 Parthenon 2 Human Centric Interviews: Trauma Informed & Beyond Russell Strand B6 Grand Hall 1 Understanding Risk in the Context of Domestic Violence: Domestic Violence Homicide Reduction and Risk Assessment Workshop Jeanette Bowden 2:30-3:00 pm Atrium / Grand Hall 3 Break - Snacks & Vendor Time SESSIONS CONTINUED 12 MONDAY'S AGENDA Approved for Nursing Approved for Nursing Approved for Nursing
13MONDAY'S8/31 SESSIONS CONTINUED TIME Room # /Location Title Presenters 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Workshop Group C C1 Olympia 1 Not Just a Kit: How SAKI Teams Build Trust and Change Lives in Cold Case Sexual Assault Investigations Jay Eisner, Julie Varnado, & Leigh Wiles C2 Grand Hall 4&5 They Moved On, She Wouldn’t Let Go: When Persistence Becomes Stalking Sharla Jackson C3 Parthenon 1 They Moved On, She Wouldn’t Let Go: When Persistence Becomes Stalking Jameelah Ferrell C4 Parthenon 2 Risk Assessment in Stalking Cases and Safety Planning with Victims Dana Fleitman C5 Grand Hall 1 Criminalized for Surviving Abuse: A Study in Injustice Russell Strand C6 Olympia 2 Changing the Trajectory: Protective Factors That Disrupt Generational Violence Jamal Stroud 4:15-5:15 PM Grand Hall 1 Self Care Activity - Dancing with Debbie Debbie Liam AGENDA Approved for Nursing Approved for Nursing Approved for Nursing
9/1 SESSIONS 14 TUESDAY’S AGENDA TIME Room # /Location Title Presenters 7:00-8:00AM Upper Atrium Self-Care Activity - Yoga Debbie Liam 7:30AM- 3:30PM Atrium Registration 7:30-9:00AM Grand Hall 6&7 Breakfast 9:00-10:45AM Grand Hall 6&7 Plenary Session 2 with Keynote Speaker Donna Bartos 8:00-9:15 & 10:30-11:15 AM Step & Repeat Banner Volunteer Photographer Available at main Step & Repeat 10:45-11:15AM Atrium Break - Snacks & Vendor Time 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM - Topical Conversations (Sessions being recorded for playback) T1 Grand Hall 4&5 Criminalized Survivors Caroline Caufield with Karimah Dillard & Ellie Williams (GCADV) T2 Grand Hall 1 High Risk Case Management & Risk Assessments April Ross & Jeanette Bowden T3 Olympia 1 Prevention Strategies Stacey Seldon with Jerome Maltsby & Charles Sperling T4 Parthenon 2 Building Turst with Marginalized Communities Jackie Herrera with Colin Mickel T5 Olympia 2 Intersection of Mental Health and IPV Julie Whitford with Reinette Arnold & Dr. Terry Parks T6 Parthenon 1 FVIP Jameelah Ferrell with Jamie Bormann & Lee Giordano Approved for Nursing
TIME Room # /Location Title Presenters 12:30-1:30 PM Grand Hall 6&7 Lunch 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM - Workshop Group D D1 Parthenon 2 Integrating Traumatic Brain Injury Assessments in Forensic Nursing: Bridging the Gap for Survivors of Violence Marni Dodd & Edie Zusman D2 Parthenon 1 The Nuance of Language: Words Matter Donna Bartos D3 Olympia 2 Georgia DV Benchbook: It's Not Just for Judges (Repeat from 2025) Joan Prittie D4 Grand Hall 4&5 MUST ATTEND PARTS 1&2 When Leaving Isn't Safe: A Case Study on Coercive Control, Murder- Suicide, and Survivor Recovery - Part 1 Kylee Elliott D5 Olympia 1 What Do We Do Now? Immigration Literacy and Holistic Care for Empowering Immigrant Survivors of Gender-Based Violence Collin Mickle D6 Grand Hall 1 More Than Mandated: Helping Participants Develop a Personal Stake in FVIP Lee Giordano 2:30-3:00 pm Atrium Break - Snacks & Vendor Time15 AGENDATUESDAY’S9/1 SESSIONS CONTINUED Approved for Nursing Approved for Nursing
TIME Room # /Location Title Presenters 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Workshop Group E E1 Parthenon 1 Strength Under Pressure: Regulation Skills for Family Violence Professionals Applying Brain-Based and Nature- Informed Techniques to Improve Safety, Presence, and Decision-Making Cheryl Francis E2 Parthenon 2 From Exam Room To Court Room: Building a Strangulation Case Through Multidisciplinary Collaboration - A Case Study Heather Williams & Jessica Wilson E3 Olumpia 1 Designing and Implementing Flexible Funding in Domestic Violence Programs: Lessons from a Pilot Program in Georgia Doris Mukangu, Paloma Valdovinos, & Yeliani Flores E4 Grand Hall 4&5 MUST ATTEND PARTS 1&2 When Leaving Isn't Safe: A Case Study on Coercive Control, Murder-Suicide, and Survivor Recovery - Part 2 Kylee Elliott E5 Grand Hall 1 Your preconceptions of Domestic Violence Court could be challenged Amanda Barnett & Chrysti Newton E6 Olympia 2 Firearms, Domestic Violence, and Community Safety: Lessons from the Field Jennifer Waindle 4:30-6:30 PM Paloma Park Networking Reception AGENDATUESDAY’S9/1 SESSIONS CONTINUED Approved for Nursing Approved for Nursing 16
TIME Room # Title Presenters 7:30-9:00AM Grand Hall 6&7 Breakfast 8:30 -9:30 AM Step & Repeat Banner Volunteer Photographer Available at main Step & Repeat 9:00-10:45 AM Grand Hall 6&7 Plenary Session 3 with Keynote Speaker Mark Wynn 10:30-11:15 AM Atrium Break - Snacks & Vendor Time 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM - Workshop Group F F1 Grand Hall 4&5 "Who Did You Just Say...Did What?" Simone Hylton & Lucia Williams F2 Grand Hall 1 Sacred Harm: Integrating a Deeper Understanding of Spiritual Abuse into Practice Suzanne Holsomback F3 Parthenon 2 The Follow-up Investigation for a Family Violence Arrest Det. Jordan Howatineck & Rachel Ashe F4 Parthenon 1 When Kids Attack: Aggressor or Victim? Rachel Lazarus & Anne Marie Lugo F5 Olympia 2 Safety on All Sides: Trauma Informed Accountability and Suicide Risk Management in FVIP Reinette Arnold, Dr. Terry Parks, & Ellisha Jones F6 Olympia 1 Burden of Proof in Protection Orders: From Petition to Prosecution Mike Mertz & Elizabeth Waller Approved for Nursing Approved for NursingeorgiaeorgiaeorgiaGG CC FF VV G C F Vamilyamilyamilyommissionommissionommissioniolenceiolenceiolenceononon FINAL SESSIONSWEDNESDAY’S AGENDA17
Created by:BronzeSPONSORS, EXHIBITORS, & PARTNERS!THANK YOU TO OUR18Sponsors Gold Special thank you to: CAREing Paws Project Safe, Inc. Adventure Bags, Inc. Chalises Heavenly Inspired Bloom365 2 Call Resurgens Impact Consulting The Southern Center for Choice Theorynd Georgia Office of Victim Services Kevin D. McNeill Consulting Eleos Foundation
eorgiaeorgiaeorgiaGG CC FF VV G C F Vamilyamilyamilyommissionommissionommissioniolenceiolenceiolenceononontuesday, September 28th to Friday, October 1st 33rd Annual Statewide Family Violence ConferenceSAVE THE DATEA t t e n d i n g !A t t e n d i n g !A t t e n d i n g !TThhaannkkYY oouu ThankYouforforfor We’re headed to