Family Matters Conference 2026

12th Annual Family Matters Conference
Friday October 30th, 2026
Hunter Alumni Center in the Gilbert Great Hall
9:30-4:30

This annual free event is available to anyone interested (students, community members, educators, therapists, etc.) in better understanding the problems facing families today and learning what they can do to address them.

The conference theme “Growing Stronger Together: Building Resilience, 

Presence, and Foundations for Well-Being” will empower individuals, couples, and families to strengthen relationships, provide professional development for those who work with families, and prepare students for real-world problems and solutions.

Keynote Speaker from 9:30-10:50 am – Dave Schramm, Ph.D., CFLE
The Climb that Counts: 8 Principles for Seeing What Matters Most

Guest Speaker from 11:00-11:50 am - Kathy Ruiz, LCSW, CCAT
On and Off the Mat: Incorporating Yoga Philosophy into a Therapeutic Lens

Guest Speaker from 12-12:50pm - Taten Albright, Ph.D.
Being Present: What to know and do when a family member has or is
experiencing a traumatic experience.

Breakout Sessions 2:30-3:20pm

Carolynn Nauta, M.S., IMH-E®
Building Strong Foundations: CDC Milestones, Early Intervention, and Community Connections
Whiting Conference Room

MSW/MFT Program Information Meeting
Shooting Star Conference Room

BSW Practicum Fair 3:30-4:30pm - Great Hall

Poster Presentations 9am-3pm
Charles Hunter, Yankee Meadows, and Vermillion Cliffs Conference Room