MTEAPA Minutes 8/20/2009  

Present: Susan Gilpatrick. Gilbert Roth, Jonathan Mcelhaney and Jim Kendall

Regrets: John Edwards Stephanie Dean, Laura Gatrell, and Hugh Nash

1.       Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair, Gilbert Roth.

2.       Approval of Minutes: Minutes of April 16 were approved.

3.       LEAP Dissolved: The LEAP credential was discontinued as of December 31, 2009.

4.       EAPA World Conference will be held in Dallas.  If you are planning to attend, register before 9/30/2009 for the early bird resgistartion.

5.       Centerstone will hold the regional ICISF conference at Opryland Radisson Hotel  November 11-15,2009.    http://www.icisf.org/Training/2009JulyDecember.pdf

6.       Illness: Mary Ann Quirk- It is with deep sadness that we must announce that Mary Ann Quirk has been diagnosed with a brain cancer and has discontinued work. She has been a strong force in the EAP profession in Tennessee and advocate for her clients.   Please hold her in your thoughts and prayers for a miracle.

7.        We did not have significant interest in co-sponsoring a Fall Tennessee Conference this year.

8.       Topic: “Scream Free Parenting” – presented by Gilbert Roth, PhD based on Hal Edward Runkel, LMFT’s book of the same name. http://www.screamfree.com/

·         Parenting is about parents, not about kids.

·         “Calming the world- one persona at a time.

·         When you loose your temper, you loose credibility

·         Goals is to give choices- If the child chooses the harder option, they learn from it and deal with the consequences.

·         I take care of me for your sake

·         The things that have to last need the highest priority.

·         Consequences can b-e positive or negative.

·         “Lifesavers”- no chewing- no biting  takes about 4- minutes- rather than counting to 10.

9.       Next Topics for meetings:

·         October 15, 2009 – EAP Ethics- a facilitated discussion lead by Jim Kendall. 

·         December 2009 – Networking-Cracker Barrel EAP has undergone some changes and we will check as to their ability to host this year’s meeting.

·         February 2010 - , Jonathan Mcelhaney will present Spirituality and CISM.  

MINUTES

April 16, 2009

MIDDLE TENNESSEE CHAPTER OF THE EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION

PRESENT: John Edwards, Gilbert Roth, Jonathan McElhaney, Harriett Stewart and Jim Kendall

REGRETS: Susan Gillpatrick, Stephanie Dean, and Hugh Nash 

GUESTS: Donna Alexander

1.       The meeting was called to order by John Edwards, Chair.

2.       The minutes from February 11, 2009 were approved.

3.       Check out new look of the MTEAPA website.  GREAT job Susan!!! John Edwards reported that a business from out of state called and sited the website as user friendly and easy to navigate. WAY TO GO WEBMISTRESS! http://www.mteapa.org/index.html

4.       ANNOUNCEMENT:S

a.       Centerstone is offering several ICISF courses at a $50 per course fee (substantial discount)   http://www.mteapa.org/icisf_38.html

b.      Welcome to guest, Donna Alexander, LMFT at 9005 Overlook Blvd in Brentwood, TN 236-1136.  Donna has a systems focus and likes working with families, couples and individuals dealing with life system changes. 

5.       PROGRAM:  Sharing Expertise through Writing

John O. Edwards, CEAP

·         Define a subject that you know and want to share

·         What is your motivation for writing?

·         Who is your target audience?

·         Write an outline and start

·         Get feedback from others

·         Determine your publisher

·         Can try a professional publisher(very hard to get published)

·         John chose to self publish his book through www.lulu.com for a cost of around $700 for the set up and  $150 for an ISBN.  It takes 200-250 books sold to break even. 

6.      The  publisher sells the books and prints on demand (1 copy to any number).

7.      Congratulations on his first  published book:

Escaping from the Bondage of Addiction

Employee Relations Group, Lulu Press

Edwards, John O., (2009)

ISBN 978-0-615-23358-1 www.lulu.com

8.       NEXT MEETING:  June  18, 2009 Effective Use of Spirituality in Crisis Intervention presented by Jonathan McElhaney, LPC  at Centerstone on Thompson Lane.

Minutes Respectfully Submitted by Jim Kendall, LCSW

February 19, 2009

MIDDLE TENNESSEE CHAPTER OF THE EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION 

PRESENT: John Edwards, Gilbert Roth, Karen Durick, Laura Gatrell, Tamara Gremillion, Harriett Stewart.

and Jim Kendall.

REGRETS: Susan Gillpatrick, Jonathan McElhaney, Stephanie Dean, Hugh Nash  and Ted Rice

GUESTS: Matt Eggstone from Foundations

 The meeting was called to order by John Edwards, Chair.

2.       The minutes from 12/11/2008 were approved.

3.       LADAC has meetings on alternate months and offer a 2 hour educational activity on Friday afternoons. Is there any interest in sharing information, partnering on conferences, etc?. Theirs in September.

4.       PROGRAM:  Suicide Prevention- QPR: Ask a Question; Save a Life

Laura Gatrell, MA, Exec Dir of TLAP

 http://www.qprinstitute.com

The QPR method teaches people to Question; Persuade and Refer

·         The suicide rate in Tennessee is 14.5 vs the national average of 10.8. 

o   The rate in Shelby County is much lower. 

o   The African American population has a lower suicide rate due to their faith base.

·         1 suicide every 17 minutes; 84 suicides every day- its like a plan crash every day

·         Bad combination: Stress; Substance abuse and Depression

·         There are 25  attempts for each documented death/completed suicide.

·         31,00 suicides is equivalent to 775,000 attempts each year

·         Suicides impact a wide circle of people (family, friends, co-workers, etc) 

·         Impacts folks for a lifetime

Thanks to Laura for a clear and well done presentation that has applicability for our EAP practices

April 16, 2009 Sharing Expertise through Publishing.  Presenter: John Edwards, CEAP        June 18, 2009 Effective use of Spirituality in Crisis ntervention.  Presenter: Jonathan   McElhaney , LPC         August 20, 2009 Parenting with Integrity.  Presenter: Gilbert J. Roth, D.Min.,          October 15, 2009 Ethics in EAP: Reviewing the EAPA Code of Ethics – Part II, Presenter: Jim Kendall, LCSW

NEXT MEETING:  April  16,  2009 at Centerstone on Thompson Lane.

 Jim Kendall,LCSW

MINUTES

December 11, 2008

MIDDLE TENNESSEE CHAPTER OF THE EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL HOLIDAY MEETING at Cracker Barrel EAP

PRESENT: Tamara Gremillion, Susan Gillpatrick, John Edwards, Stephanie Dean, Gilbert Roth, Elaine Webb, Michael Mott, Jack Freckman, Jonathan McElhaney Ann Doak, Glynn Dilbeck, Harriet Stewart, Daniel Hoyle, Hugh Nash, John Blount,  Stefanie Kibler, Sarah Fyhr and Jim Kendall.

GUESTS: Martin and Connie Bass of Chaplain On-Call

1.       The meeting was called to order by Stephanie Dean, Chair.

2.       Many thanks go to Tamara Gremillion, Elaine Webb, Michael Mott and  the many EAP Counselors at the Cracker Barrel for hosting the 4rth Annual Holiday Middle Tennessee EAPA Chapter meeting.  The food was wonderful and the Mitchell House provided a festive setting for the gathering.

3.       Change in Bylaws: The Chapter Bylaws were amended as follows:

Term limits will not apply for the following Offices:  Communications Coordinator/WebMaster; CEAP Advisor and Membership

4.       Chapter Nominations and Election:

The following slate of 2009-2010 Chapter Officers were nominated and unanimously elected by the membership.

President: John O. Edwards

Vice President: Gilbert Roth

Secretary: Jim Kendall (second term)

Treasurer: Jonathan McElhaney

Communications/WebMistress: Susan Gillpatrick

CEAP Advisor: Ann Doak

Membership: Hugh Nash

Immediate Past President: Stephanie Dean

They will assume office January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2010

5.       PROGRAM:  Our Members- Our Chapter: Embrace the Resource

UPDATES

·         Dan Hoyle- Pathfinders in Lebanon/A&D Treatment Center: Theya re building an addition to add 30 beds to the facility with anticipated completion in July 2009. TN Care outcomes suggest a 76% sobriety rate 6 months post discharge.

·         John Blount - New Life Lodge /A & D Treatment: New Life is expanding and continues to provide A/D services in Burns TN.

·         Hugh Nash- Cumberland Heights – Middle Tennessee A& D Treatment: Continues to expand and provide full array of services to a range of ages with multiple specialty programs. Several regional OP programs throughout Middle Tennessee. 

·         Marion Bass- Chaplain on Call- Has begun the REST program-Ministering to Ministers . There is a Compassion Fatigue workshop on January 17.  http://agapenashville.org/content.asp?CID=110458

·         Harriet Stewart- Williamson Medical Center EAP and Private Practice in Mt. Juliet.

·         Jonathan McElhaney -Centerstone Crisis Management Strategies

·         Susan Gillpatrick- Centerstone Crisis Management Strategies and regular guest on WSMV Channel 4's More at Midday.

·         Ann Doak- 22 years on EAP practice –Now focusing on interventions and SAP/EAP work.

·         John O. Edwards, CEAP- Recovery Coaching practice and author of “Escaping frm the Bondage of Addictions” which is scheduled to be published in January.

·         Gilbert Roth, PhD – Provides EAP and clinical services at  The Roth Center in Hendersonville.

·         Tamara Gremillion, EAP Counselor at Cracker Barrel EAP- Thanks for being a great hostess!

·         Stefanie Kibler, EAP Counselor at Cracker Barrel EAP

·         Sarah Fyhr, EAP Counselor at Cracker Barrel EAP

·         Glynn Dilbeck, - EAP Counselor Cracker Barrel EAP and Private practice in Nashville with focus on treatment of sexual addictions

·         Elaine Webb,– Manager for  Cracker Barrel EAP

·         Mike Mott, ,  Director HO HR, EAP, & HRIS at Cracker Barrel-

·         Stephanie Dean-MTEAPA President 2007-2008 and recently promoted to Assistant Manager at Vanderbilt Work/Life Connections-EAP

·         Jack Freckman- President of Freckman and Associates- In his 24 year as an EAP. Past president of MTEAPA.  Jack’s business is now in 25 states.   

·         Jim Kendall MT EAPA Secretary and Manager at Vanderbilt Work/Life Connections-EAP

6.       BEST WISHES for a HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!

7.       NEXT MEETING:  February 19,  2009 at 8:30 AM Centerstone on Thompson Lane. We are cancelling the every other month Leadership meetings at Panera.

Minutes Submitted by,

Jim

Jim Kendall

October 16, 2008

MIDDLE TENNESSEE CHAPTER OF THE EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION 

PRESENT: Susan Gillpatrick, John Edwards, Stephanie Dean, Gilbert Roth, and Jim Kendall.

REGRETS: Susi Willis, Carole Boone, Ted Rice, Jonathan McElhaney and Laura Gatrell

1.       The meeting was called to order by Stephanie Dean, Chair at 8:37AM.

2.       The August minutes were approved.

a.       The group was reminded to review the web site under “ Find a Provider” to be sure that the information about you is correct.

b.      The group acknowledged the kindness of Centerstone for hosting the group and allowing us to use their conference room.

3.       PROGRAM:  Chad Buck PhD from the Renfrew Center in Cool Springs spoke on “Assessment and Treatment of Eating Disorders”

a.       Assessment

                                                              i.      Chad shared the 18 page comprehensive assessment used by Renfrew.

                                                            ii.      He discussed the component so f treatment.

                                                          iii.      Reviewed the levels of care.

b.      Discussed treatment outcomes and behaviors that create challenges.

4.       Nominations for Officers are coming up. Thanks to Jonathan and Gilbert who agreed (after being pressured) to be nominated. If you are also willing to serve or know someone who is, please contact Laura Gatrell.

5.       Next years program topics:

a.       Parenting with integrity- Gilbert Roth

b.      Spiritual Care in Crisis – Jonathan McElhaney The princess of Divorce- Gayle Powers

c.       Suicide prevention PDQ – Laura Gatrell

d.      TBA

e.      The importance of Keeping the chapter strong through networking (December)

6.       Next week is the Annual EAPA Conference in Atlanta. The 2009 EAPA Conference location will be Dallas. The 2010 EAPA Conference will be in Tampa and 2011 will be held in Denver.

7.       NEXT MEETING:  The December 11, 2008   meeting will be held at Cracker Barrel at the  Mitchell House in Lebanon.  We will need a “head” count for this event so let me know if you are planning top attend.

August 21, 2008

MIDDLE TENNESSEE CHAPTER OF THE EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION 

PRESENT: Jonathan McElhaney, Susan Gillpatrick, John Edwards, Stephanie Dean, Ann Doak, Hugh Nash, Gilbert Roth, and Jim Kendall.

GUESTS: Gayle Powers (LCSW-Private Practice) and Stan Bumgardner (Pathways)

REGRETS: Susi Willis, Ted Rice and Laura Gatrell

1.       The meeting was called to order by Stephanie Dean, Chair at 8:38AM.

2.       The June minutes were approved.

3.       The group was reminded to review the web site under “ Find a Provider” to be sure that the information about you is correct.

4.       The group acknowledged the kindness of Centerstone for hosting the group and allowing us to use their conference room.

5.       Gayle Powers informed the group about a resource for clients in the process of divorce.  It is 6 sessions, professional facilitated, only $75 for the series including dinner and childcare.  Although it is held at the Brentwood United Methodist Church, the focus is not faith based.  All are welcome including those breaking up from committed gay and lesbian relationships. 

6.       John Edwards reminded folks about his Recovery Support Couching program.

7.       Ann Doak gave an update of her focus on SAP and DOT work 3 days a week. 

8.       Gilbert Roth mentioned his “Scream-Free” 5 week parenting classes held at St. Timothy on Gallatin Pike near the YMCA beginning Sept 21.

9.       MTEAPA Officers- Per our bylaws the past president (Laura Gatrell) will convene an ad hoc task force for nominations of our next Officer Slate.  This Chapter is based upon the work of its members. PLEASE VOLUNTEER TO BE AN OFFICER for 2009-2010.

10.    PROGRAM:  Susan Gillpatrick presented on her recent trip to Beijing, China following the earthquake in Sichuan 5/12/2008 leaving countless homeless and demolishing schools killing students.  The people requested the expertise of Centerstone’s Susan Gillpatrick , Becky Stoll, David Guth and consultants  from the ICISF to be keynote presenters at an International Crisis Intervention Symposium. 

a.       Initial Challenges  (15 minutes)

                                                              i.      They had only three weeks to prepare.

                                                            ii.      Slides had to be translated into Chinese.

                                                          iii.      They had to learn some about the Chinese culture relating to mental health, etc

                                                           iv.      The goal was to train the Chinese in Stress Management, Grief, Crisis management and Psychological First Aid.

                                                             v.      They had to make passport and flight arrangements for the 12 hr flight.

b.      Dealing with Cultural issues (30 minutes) using power point slides to illustrate points

                                                              i.      Greeting customs

                                                            ii.      Accommodations

                                                          iii.      Food

                                                           iv.      Ceremonies

                                                             v.      Presenting to an audience with translators

                                                           vi.      Providing consultation for a call center with 16 phone lines  (current calls averaging 30-45 minutes each)

1.       Needs assessments

2.       Suicide assessment

3.       Managing volunteers

4.       How to close a conversation

5.       Gathering data

6.       Outcome measurement

7.       Setting up call center messages, hold messages, etc

8.       Handing off calls

9.       How to provide psychological comfort on the phone

                                                         vii.      Outlining future plans for call center operations etc

c.       Helping the school system plan for the first days of school (10 minutes)

                                                              i.      Ensuring a psychologically safe environment

                                                            ii.      Helping teachers and administrators plan for the reintegration of teachers and students who experienced a horrific experience in May with reentry into a new school

                                                          iii.      Planning for the mental health needs of the student and faculty

d.      Questions and Answers (10 minutes)

11.   Reminded members about the Annual EAPA Conference in Atlanta.

12.   NEXT MEETING:  October 2008 – Speaker Chad Buck, PhD from the Renfrew Center in Cool Springs – Topic: Assessment and Treatment of Eating Disorders

June 19, 2008

1. The meeting was called to order by Stephanie Dean, Chair.

2.        The meeting was held at Centerstone Mental Health Center 633 Thompson Lane Nashville, TN 37204-0406   (615) 460-4479 http://www.centerstone.org/library/pdfs/Davidson_Thompson_Lane.pdf (map)

3.        Many thanks to our gracious hosts Susan Gillpatrick, Jonathan McElhaney and Becky Stoll for providing space, coffee and food.

4. Announcements:

a.        The next Bi-Monthly Middle TN EAPA held the 3rd Thursday of every other month- August 19, 2008 8:30 - 10:00 am, Centerstone Conference room. 

Topic:  QPR- Suicide Prevention

Suicidal clients represent risk and anxiety for the EAP provider.  Proper assessment and response is imperative.  

Presenter: Laura Gatrell, MA, LEAP, s the Executive Director of the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program and certified trainer for QPR.

Learning Objectives:

1.        What are the red flag signs and symptoms that indicate an employee is suicidal?

2.        Learn the QPR model of assessment and intervention

b.       The July EAPA Support & Committee Meeting – has been cancelled.

3. Don’t forget to update your information on our website-http://www.mteapa.org/first.html    The information on the work and addresses for members John Allen, Martha Austin-White, Lawrence Clark, Pat Hutchinson, Ted Rice, Kim Roberts, Lynn Vaughn and Barbara Willoughby need updating. There may be some updates that you need to do on yours.  Please look it over and let Susan know about needed corrections.

d.       Our local Chapter members have been effected by the decision made by St. Thomas, Middle Tennessee Medical Center and Baptist Hospitals to outsource EAP services from an Internal one to the national Ceridian EAP. Our colleagues, John, Lawrence and Pat were significantly impacted by this decision.

5.        EAP: Thriving and Surviving in Changing Times A facilitated discussion concerning the changes we have seen in the EAP field over the years, how the profession has developed and adapted, expected directions, how to keep the profession relevant, and what we need from our national EAPA organization to help us thrive.

1. How EAP work changed during your career has and what kinds of clients/functions did you do when you began in the field compared to what you do now?

                                                               i.      Morphed from substance abuse include mental health, risk assessment, CISM, organizational development, etc

2. What kinds of outcomes are organizations interested in today compared to years past?

                                                               i.      Utilization used to be the only metric

                                                              ii.      Now we need to show how we add value to the company

                                                            iii.      How can we improve Presenteesim? Absenteeism? Productivity?

                                                            iv.      How do we know we are being effective beyond client satisfaction

                                                             v.      EAPA might be helpful in suggesting standards for outcome tools/measures to help the profession

3. What are the greatest obstacles for EAP as a profession?

                                                               i.      Being viewed as valued and relevant to an employer

                                                              ii.      We are not the mental health benefit

                                                            iii.      Internal EAPs are being outsourced to national companies who provide as different product

4. How can the national EAPA organization support us better?

                                                               i.      National EAPA needs to work on becoming customer friendly- we are their customers.

                                                              ii.      EPA training offerings need to have a designation of  Basic or Advanced.  Many in the field are seasoned and would appreciate trainings that are geared for the experience professional in order to be more valuable.

5. What will EAP look like in ten years? How can we continue to be a viable profession?

                                                               i.      Our goal is to not become obsolete.

                                                              ii.      We must educate and market. What we do is valuable to an employer and its employees.

6. Congratulations to Hugh Nash on his promotion as the Director of Admissions at Cumberland Heights.
7. Kudos to Susan Gillpatrick and Becky Stoll who are sharing their expertise in disaster management and Critical Incident Stress Management internationally. 

Minutes submitted by Jim Kendall, Chapter Secretary.