Hosted by Appalachian State University in partnership with Northwest AHEC

October 12–14, 2025

The inaugural 2025 Growing Well "Moving Mountains and Community" Conference brought together a diverse and passionate group of professionals, caregivers, and advocates to advance care for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). Held at the Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, the event was a vibrant celebration of collaboration, innovation, and community-driven care.

This year’s conference three-day conference welcomed 64 participants to the preconference workshop on October 12^th, and 141 attendees at the October 13-14th main sessions, reflecting strong engagement across healthcare, education, and family support sectors.

Preconference Workshop: Laying the Groundwork for Change

On October 12^th, the conference began with a dedicated preconference day focused on skill-building and foundational strategies. Participants engaged in interactive workshops and training sessions designed to enhance trauma-informed care, communication support, and early identification of developmental delays.

Main Conference: Interdisciplinary Innovation in Action

Held October 13^th–14^th, the main conference featured expert-led lectures, case-based discussions, simulations, and panel conversations. Topics included:

• Medical management of children with complex health conditions
• Communication support for children with autism and developmental challenges
• Evidence-based behavioral therapies
• Cross-system collaboration in child welfare and mental health
• Transition planning from school to adulthood

The conference emphasized equitable, coordinated, and family-centered approaches, with a strong focus on addressing social determinants of health such as food insecurity, housing instability, and access to education.

A Space Where All Belong

In keeping with its theme, “Moving Mountains and Community,” the conference created an inclusive space for professionals and families alike. Attendees included physicians, nurses, therapists, educators, public health professionals, and caregivers—each contributing unique perspectives and lived experiences.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Growing Well Conference marked a powerful beginning for what promises to be an ongoing movement toward better care and outcomes for CYSHCN. Northwest AHEC, Appalachian State University, and the Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness extend their gratitude to all who participated and helped make this event a success.

We look forward to continuing this journey together—moving mountains, building community, and growing well.

Missed the Conference in 2025?
You can still experience the energy and insights of the inaugural Growing Well “Moving Mountains and Community” Conference—now available online! From November 10, 2025 through February 10, 2026, access 14 recorded lectures from the main event.
👉 Click here to view all available lectures

On January 24, 2025, Atrium Health, Wake Forest University School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education and Northwest AHEC hosted the 19^th Annual Breast Cancer Symposium at Benton Convention Center in downtown Winston-Salem.

94 participants attended this year’s conference to learn the latest data in the treatment of breast cancer through multidisciplinary presentations by breast cancer specialists in medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, surgical oncology, pathology, genetics, and plastic surgery.

A clear theme throughout the conference was considering the patient’s experience as they go through their breast cancer treatment. Activity Director, Dr. Marissa Howard-McNatt, led a survivorship panel with 2 patients who were treated at the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Breast Care Center. Both patients shared their breast cancer journey from diagnosis to treatment, and now survivorship. Both patients spoke highly of their care and dedicated their survival to their care teams at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Breast Care Center. Dr. Hadley Sharp, radiation oncologist at Atrium Health Charlotte, spoke on the patient experience during radiation treatments.

Dr. Howard-McNatt also led a case presentation panel in which she presented 2 cases to Atrium Health’s Dr. Edward Levine, Dr. Doris Brown, and Dr. Susan Melin. This real-time discussion allowed attendees to hear the experts' thought processes, assess how the latest data and guidelines influence treatment decisions, and gain insights into the collaborative decision-making process that ensures the best outcomes for patients.

The multidisciplinary presentations were truly representative of the teams that collectively impact the patient experience. This year’s conference combined expertise from oncology, surgery, radiology, nursing, and supportive care to ensure comprehensive and personalized treatment for every breast cancer patient.

Thank you to this year’s speakers for a successful symposium!

On November 8, 2024, Atrium Health, Wake Forest University School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education and Northwest AHEC organized an innovative educational conference centered on Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic (HPB) and Gastrointestinal (GI) oncology. Featuring multidisciplinary presentations by HPB cancer specialists in medical oncology, surgical oncology, transplant hepatology, and interventional radiology, the event showcased the latest data on HPB malignancy treatments through clinical case studies and interactive audience engagement. This conference brought together healthcare professionals, experts, and leaders to explore the latest advancements in the field of cancer treatment.

With 56 participants and 12 expert speakers, the conference provided an invaluable opportunity for medical professionals to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration.