A Post Conference Message from the President...

WOW, GREAT TRAININGS,…. WHAT ENERGY,…. I WANTED TO (or did) CRY AT THE AWARDS BANQUET FOR ALL THE WINNERS,….  IT WAS GREAT TO SEE OLD FRIENDS AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS.

For those who were not able to join us for this year’s SDCA conference in Aberdeen, you really missed out.  After a 2-year hiatus the conference started came back with a BANG.   We got started with perhaps one of the most energetic and educational training I have seen in a long time.  Lisa Koenecke started us off with training on LGBTQ+.  Her energy and focus on the need for us all to be Open, Affirming, Welcoming and Accessible was amazing.  Lisa’s energy continued throughout the conference as our unofficial volunteer Master of Ceremonies and Game Show host.  She kept the party going.

Thursday night Dee LeBeau Hein shared her insights, education, and experience working with our Native American friends.  Dee’s experience and sense of humor was well received by all in attendance, I heard comments from those in attendance through the rest of the conference on what Dee had to share.

Lisa got us off to a good start on Friday morning and comments from the breakout sessions was a universal positive.  We ended the day with the Annual Banquet and Awards ceremony.  What a tearjerker.  If you have heard me, say anything the past few years is that we are not good at celebrating the hard work of our fellow professionals.  MESSAGE RECEIVED and you all did a great job of recognizing your peers.  Keep up the good work throughout the year.  The part after was great with the Aberdeen Crew leading the way with Line Dancing and a general good time. 

Saturday found many tired and happy counselors as we ended the conference.  Thank you to Sidney Shaw for a great presentation on a timely topic of Suicide Assessment and Intervention. 

I will challenge you all one more time, bring a peer to conference next year, nominate a peer for the hard work they do each day, GET INVOLVED to make our association the strongest in the country.  There are many ways to help. 

It has been my pleasure to have served as President for the past year.  I know that as Brian takes over that our association is strong and vibrant. Thanks again and take care of yourself as we care for others.

Your Friend Duane Kavanaugh

Soon to be Past President of SDCA