Conference
schedule
Day 1: October 18, 2023
7:30am – 8:00am
Registration/light breakfast
8:00am
Welcome
Karly Winter – Brown County State’s Attorney
8:15am – 9:15am
Shamere McKenzie – I Am The Light
Christopher Watts Case Study: The American Murder
Tammy Lee & Grahm Coder
The case that rattled the world and shattered family and friends, Christopher Watts: The American Murder. Agent Tammy Lee and Special Agent Grahm Coder examine the details of the August 2018 missing person investigation out of Frederick, Colorado, involving Chris Watts’ pregnant wife, Shanann, and two young daughters, Bella and Celeste. Chris appeared to be the “ultimate family man,” but that was quickly refuted after a failed polygraph examination.
Chris ultimately confessed to strangling Shanann and burying her in a shallow grave and smothering Bella and Celeste and disposing of their bodies inside an oil tank battery where he worked. Three months after the murders, Chris plead guilty to all charges and was sentenced to five life sentences plus 84 years in prison.
This case study brings the light to the danger of domestic violence behind closed doors. Agent Lee and Special Agent Coder will highlight the lessons learned during the investigation, the importance of utilizing polygraph early on in missing person investigations and sheds a much-needed light on law enforcement mental health.
9:15am – 10:45pm
Dr. Kari Oyen – The Impact of Trauma on Adolescent Decision Making
Dr. Kari Oyen – The Impact of Trauma on Adolescent Decision Making
This session will focus on the impact of trauma and stress on the brain. It will also discuss emotional contagion, decision-making, as well as discuss specific strategies for those working with individual with problem behavior. Participants will walk away from this session understanding brain development, trauma, and how it is associated with risk-taking.
10:45am – 11:00am
Break
The Impact of Trauma on Adolescent Decision Making
This session will focus on the impact of trauma and stress on the brain. It will also discuss emotional contagion, decision-making, as well as discuss specific strategies for those working with individual with problem behavior. Participants will walk away from this session understanding brain development, trauma, and how it is associated with risk-taking.
11:00am - 12:00pm
Dr. Kari Oyen – Child Maltreatment in Rural America: A South Dakota Focus
Dr. Kari Oyen – Child Maltreatment in Rural America: A South Dakota Focus
This presentation will explore what is known about child maltreatment in South Dakota. Unique risk and protective factors will be explored to help participants learn unique factors that influence child maltreatment in a rural state.
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Lunch (on your own)
Christopher Watts Case Study: The American Murder
Tammy Lee & Grahm Coder
The case that rattled the world and shattered family and friends, Christopher Watts: The American Murder. Agent Tammy Lee and Special Agent Grahm Coder examine the details of the August 2018 missing person investigation out of Frederick, Colorado, involving Chris Watts’ pregnant wife, Shanann, and two young daughters, Bella and Celeste. Chris appeared to be the “ultimate family man,” but that was quickly refuted after a failed polygraph examination.
Chris ultimately confessed to strangling Shanann and burying her in a shallow grave and smothering Bella and Celeste and disposing of their bodies inside an oil tank battery where he worked. Three months after the murders, Chris plead guilty to all charges and was sentenced to five life sentences plus 84 years in prison.
This case study brings the light to the danger of domestic violence behind closed doors. Agent Lee and Special Agent Coder will highlight the lessons learned during the investigation, the importance of utilizing polygraph early on in missing person investigations and sheds a much-needed light on law enforcement mental health.
1:00 pm - 1:15 pm
Wings of Hope Presentation
Lily Rose Lee – Voice of the Victim: Helping Those Who Have Experienced Trauma
Even before her kidnapping by Ariel Castro, Michele Knight (Lily Rose Lee) had been a victim of domestic violence and sexual abuse seeking help. In this powerful presentation (also highly effective as a moderated conversation), Knight recounts her own personal story, providing invaluable insights and perspective for law enforcement, mental health, social services, education and other professionals. Framing experiences through the perspective of the victim, Knight provides memorable, actionable advice on showing empathy, gaining trust and fostering positive communication with those who are victims or survivors of trauma or abuse.
1:15pm – 2:00 pm
Shamere McKenzie – Growing Beyond Survivor: Strategies for Growth and Change
Clinton Sperle – Child Sexual Behavior: What is Normal?
Normal sexual behaviors in children and possible sexual behavior problems in children under the age of 13 can be very difficult to talk about. Most often the question is asked “What is normal?” This presentation will help provide clarification for what sexual behaviors are developmentally “normal” sexual behaviors and sexual behavior patterns that would be cause for concerns and intervention.
2:00pm – 3:15pm
Clinton Sperle – Child Sexual Behavior: What is Normal?
Clinton Sperle – Child Sexual Behavior: What is Normal?
Normal sexual behaviors in children and possible sexual behavior problems in children under the age of 13 can be very difficult to talk about. Most often the question is asked “What is normal?” This presentation will help provide clarification for what sexual behaviors are developmentally “normal” sexual behaviors and sexual behavior patterns that would be cause for concerns and intervention.
3:15pm - 3:30pm
Break
Clinton Sperle – Child Pornography: How Children and Teens are Groomed and the Impact of Child Sexual Exploitation
While the idea of grooming behaviors is well documented in research related to adolescents and adults who have sexually abuse children/teens, much less information is available related to the growing issue of child sexual exploitation materials and how adolescents/adults groom children/teens when they may never have any type of physical contact. This presentation will give a brief overview of the definitions of grooming behaviors, and how grooming is used in the abuse of children to create exploitation materials. This presentation will also work to address the impact of child sexual exploitation materials on children/teens who are victimized and some of the unique issues they may face because of this abuse.
3:30pm-4:30pm
Clinton Sperle – Child Pornography: How Children and Teens are Groomed and the Impact of Child Sexual Exploitation
Clinton Sperle – Child Pornography: How Children and Teens are Groomed and the Impact of Child Sexual Exploitation
While the idea of grooming behaviors is well documented in research related to adolescents and adults who have sexually abuse children/teens, much less information is available related to the growing issue of child sexual exploitation materials and how adolescents/adults groom children/teens when they may never have any type of physical contact. This presentation will give a brief overview of the definitions of grooming behaviors, and how grooming is used in the abuse of children to create exploitation materials. This presentation will also work to address the impact of child sexual exploitation materials on children/teens who are victimized and some of the unique issues they may face because of this abuse.
4:30pm-5:00pm
Brain Break with Becky
5:00pm-5:30pm (optional)
Networking
5:30pm – Dinner Presentation (additional fee)
Shamere McKenzie – The Life or the Lie
Supper
Menu: Chicken Parmesan with Marinara Sauce, Rosemary Roasted Red Potatoes, Green Beans Almondine, Salad & Dinner Roll.
Day 2: October 19, 2023
7:45am – 8:00am
Registration/light breakfast
8:00 am – 9:30am
Haylee “Reay” Cole – I Choose to be Her Voice
I Choose to be Her Voice
Haylee “Reay” Cole has been an advocate for domestic violence awareness since her life changed as a result of domestic violence. Haylee was born to two parents – one loving and one abusive. Both Haylee and her mother became victims in early 2006. Over the next years, Haylee was involved in the criminal justice system in a manner unlike most other 12 year olds, as she worked regularly with investigators, prosecutors, and ultimately the court and the jury.
In this presentation, Haylee will share some of the details of the investigation and trial that resulted from her mother’s death. This is a unique perspective directly from a young victim that discusses her thoughts as the investigation and trial progressed and changes from the perspective of a 12 year old girl to now a grown woman with a family of her own. Haylee will also discuss how and why she was compelled to take on the role for domestic violence awareness at an early age and how she continues to be involved in advocacy.
9:30am – 9:45am
Break
9:45am – 11:45am
Mark Barnett – The Prosecution of Brad Reay
Mark Barnett – The Prosecution of Brad Reay
Barnett was lead prosecutor in the investigation/prosecution of Brad Reay, for the murder of Reay’s wife. The case has since been featured in three different national crime documentaries, because of the incredible twists and turns leading up to trial. Reay planted evidence to frame his wife’s boyfriend; he recruited help from outside the jail to destroy bloody crime scene evidence before authorities could find it; he hid assets with help from outside; he recruited his identical twin brother to mislead investigators, and when he was caught in the attempt to frame the boyfriend, he took the stand to tell the jury that in truth, his 12 year old daughter had done the murder. It was a game of cat and mouse right through the jury verdict.
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Lunch
Understanding Defendant’s Behaviors and Assessing the Lethality of Abusive Situations.
Jay Marchand, CSW-PIP | LSS Re-Entry Services
Attendee will hear from Jay Marchand, the Director of LSS Re-Entry Services. Marchand oversees domestic violence offender’s group and the re-entry program for men and women preparing to be released from incarceration. Their program provides assessments and groups for individuals that have been using domestic violence, and power and control in their intimate partner relationships. Marchand will educate on utilizing the lethality assessment in domestic violence situations.
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Lara Roetzel – Engaging Victims to Assist in Successful Prosecutions
Engaging Victims to Assist in Successful Prosecutions
In a perfect world, domestic violence survivors would be in a position to testify against their accusers or not be required to participate in the criminal justice system at all in order to hold offenders accountable. But the right to confront your accuser is a critical part of American Constitutional rights. Oftentimes, despite the best practices and victim centered responses, survivors can become uncooperative with case investigation and prosecution. In this presentation, we will walk through case examples, statutes, and discussion on identifying cases that can and should be prosecuted without victim involvement. Attendees will leave with an understanding of when a case can be prosecuted without a victim and learn how to give careful consideration to when it should be prosecuted without the cooperation of the victim.
2:30pm – 2:45pm
Break
Chris White (Prosecutor), Detective Miller, Jay Marchand (Offender Evaluator), Sarah Vedvei (Child Therapist), Anna Nasset (Survivor), and Brittany O’Day (Victim Specialist)
The panelists will analyze the John Hemminger domestic violence case study. We will explore the dynamics of the relationship including numerous violations of a no contact order, what state laws were violated, working with the victim’s family and friends to bring justice to their beloved Jessica Goebel, and the ultimate conviction of the defendant.
The panel will discuss incorporating lethality assessments in ongoing domestic violence investigations, investigating the history of the relationship and offender’s past, understanding victim behavior and assisting children being exposed to abuse.
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Dr. Brooke Jones – Identifying and Evaluating Victims of Child Maltreatment.
Identifying and Evaluating Victims of Child Maltreatment
Families often turn to medical facilities for guidance and evaluation when there is a concern for child maltreatment. This lecture will provide a basic overview of how to identify and evaluate children when they present for concerns of maltreatment. It will discuss identifying concerning cutaneous injuries and the medical work-up when children present for physical abuse. Child sexual abuse will be discussed, focusing on a child’s disclosure, how to talk to children who are disclosing, and the components of the medical examination. The various forms of child neglect will be presented with a discussion on important elements to document in the medical record. It will highlight comprehensive medical evaluations at Child Advocacy Centers and discuss the referral process and regional locations.
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- For conference only it will be $100
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