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Brooke Kochanski

Marketing & Communications Specialist at Northwest AHEC
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๐ŸŽ“ 27th Annual Diabetes Management Conference

Aug 14, 2025 8:30:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in conference, diabetes

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November 14, 2025 | In-Person Only
Wake Forest University โ€“ Benson University Center, Winston-Salem, NC

Registration is NOW OPEN!

Diabetes2025Healthcare professionals, mark your calendars! The 27th Annual Diabetes Management Conference returns this fall with a full day of expert-led sessions, practical insights, and the latest in diabetes care. This in-person event is your opportunity to deepen your knowledge, connect with peers, and explore innovative strategies to improve patient outcomes.


๐Ÿฉบ Why Attend?

This conference is designed to equip healthcare providers with best practices in diabetes management, covering both clinical and behavioral aspects of care. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned expert, you'll find sessions tailored to your professional goals and interests.

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๐ŸŒŸ Upcoming Programs Spotlight: Northwest AHEC & Office of CME of WFUSM

Aug 12, 2025 3:53:53 PM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Webinar, Wake Forest School of Medicine, conference, continuing education, interprofessional

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Northwest AHEC and the Office of Continuing Medical Education at Wake Forest University School of Medicine are proud to present a dynamic lineup of educational programs designed to support healthcare professionals across disciplines. Whether you're looking to deepen your clinical expertise, explore emerging technologies, or connect with peers in your field, there's something here for everyone.

jpeg (3)Whether you're looking for in-person training or the convenience of live webinars, we've got something for everyone in the healthcare field. Check out our upcoming events and register today!

Featured Programs

August 2025

September 2025

October 2025

November 2025

2026 Preview

๐Ÿ“š Explore More

Looking for additional learning opportunities? Browse our full Course Catalog to discover even more programs tailored to your interests and professional goals.

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A Collaborative Path to Better Pediatric Behavioral Health: How Twin City Pediatrics Transformed Care with Support from Northwest AHEC

Aug 7, 2025 1:15:49 PM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in mental health, behavioral health, Pediatric, practice support, collaborative care

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In the face of rising pediatric mental health needs, Novant Health Twin City Pediatrics found itself at a crossroads. As adolescent mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety became more prevalent, clinicians found themselves increasingly fielding complex and time-consuming questions. These mild to moderate conditions required consistent follow-up and oversight, yet the surge in demand for mental health services made it difficult for patients to access timely care, particularly from providers who accepted their insurance. Many adolescents went without necessary treatment. 

Thanks to a powerful partnership with Northwest AHEC and the guidance of Lara Dickerson, MHA, Senior Quality Improvement Specialist, the practice chose a different pathโ€”one of innovation, collaboration, and compassion.

IMG_2293

Adair Stewart, Dr. Elizabeth Allen, Dr. Gretchen Hoyle, Lara Dickerson, Jennifer Cleland Green, Lauren Stokes

The Challenge

Primary care pediatricians face a dilemma. Mental health visits are longer, emotionally taxing, and historically under-reimbursed. Yet the need is undeniable. Twin City Pediatrics chose to lean inโ€”embracing the challenge rather than deflecting it.

The question became: Can mental health care in pediatrics be both impactful and financially viable? The answer, it turns out, is yes.

The Solution: Collaborative Care Model (CoCM)

With coaching from Lara Dickerson and guidance from AHEC Practice Support Services, Twin City Pediatrics implemented the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM).  A practice which emphasizes collaboration between primary care physicians, care managers, and psychiatric consultants to improve access, outcomes, and patient satisfaction within the pediatric medical home. 

Key components of the model include:

  • A Behavioral Health Care Manager (BHCM) providing core services like parent coaching, brief therapeutic interventions, and referral coordination.
  • A Psychiatric Consultant offering oversight and subspecialty advice..
  • A Primary Care Provider trained in pediatric physical health.
  • Validated clinical tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7, Vanderbilt, etc.) for measurement-based care.
  • Customized EHR workflows and a patient registry to track progress and enable billing for behavioral health services within the primary care practice.

Practice Support Team Impact

The journey began with a conversation at the 2023 NC Pediatric Society Meeting, leading to a partnership with Northwest AHEC. Practice coach Lara Dickerson became a key ally, meeting monthly with the team for two years. Her support included:

  • Coordinated with internal Novant departments (HR, billing, IT, compliance).
  • Billing guidance and documentation templates.
  • Consultation with NC Medicaid on psychiatric consultant roles.
  • Staff training modules.
  • Troubleshooting billing issues.
  • Setting BHCM workload benchmarks.
  • Secured a $50,000 Capacity Building Fund grant from Community Care of NC to support BHCM staffing.

Thanks to this comprehensive support, the program not only launched - it thrived.

The Results

By June 2025, the program became revenue-positive, six months ahead of schedule. With monthly BHCM costs of $5,400 and over $13,000 billed in June alone, the practice expects $6,500 in revenueโ€”exceeding expenses by more than $1,100 per month. Today, the program includes a growing number of enrolled patients - many with complex needs - and is delivering tangible improvements in the lives of children and their families.

โ€œThe Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model has empowered our practice to provide meaningful, evidence-based mental health care for our pediatric patients. Our success is replicable, sustainable, and deeply impactful.โ€
โ€” Gretchen S. Hoyle, MD - Twin City Pediatrics

โ€œIt was amazing to see how this model enables primary care practices to spend adequate time with each patient on physical and mental health concerns, developing treatment plans collaboratively with specialists and making a significant difference for kids in our community.โ€
โ€” Christopher Jones, DrPH, MHA - Northwest AHEC

From Patients & Families

โ€œIโ€™m so glad heโ€™s finally going to get the help he needs.โ€
โ€œIโ€™ve felt so alone for so long. Having someone to talk to means everything.โ€
โ€œShe is so much better. I canโ€™t thank you enough.โ€

Read the full Report from Twin City Pediatrics & Gretchen S. Hoyle, MD

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Join Us for the 43rd Annual Perinatal Conference: Gravidas at Risk

Aug 7, 2025 9:30:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Perinatal, Pregnancy, gravidas

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November 5โ€“6, 2025 | Hickory Metro Convention Center, Hickory, NC

Calling all perinatal care professionals! Weโ€™re thrilled to invite you to the 43rd Annual Gravidas at Risk Conference, a premier two-day statewide event dedicated to advancing the care of high-risk pregnant individuals. Whether you work in inpatient or outpatient settings, this conference is your opportunity to gain cutting-edge insights, connect with peers, and earn continuing education credits. Register NOW!

๐ŸŒŸ Why Attend?

This yearโ€™s conference is packed with evidence-based sessions and expert-led discussions designed to elevate your clinical practice and improve outcomes for mothers and babies. Topics include:

  • Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM): Understand the pathophysiology, risk factors, and diagnostic criteria, and explore nutritional and lifestyle interventions to support glycemic control.
  • Perinatal Mental Health: Learn effective screening and assessment strategies to promote awareness and early intervention.
  • Birth Equity: Examine disparities in birth outcomes and discover how culturally responsive care can build trust and improve access.
  • Community Health Workers (CHWs): Explore the vital role CHWs play in addressing social determinants of health across the perinatal continuum.
  • Clinical Case Studies: Apply clinical reasoning to real-world obstetric scenarios.
  • Prenatal Marijuana Use: Review current research, risks, and strategies for patient-centered counseling.
  • Medication Safety in Pregnancy: Assess common medications and learn how to guide patients through risk-benefit conversations.
  • Radical Self-Care: Define what it means, identify barriers, and create a personalized plan to support your own well-being.

๐Ÿ“ Event Details

Dates: Wednesday, November 5 โ€“ Thursday, November 6, 2025
Location: Hickory Metro Convention Center
1960 13th Avenue Drive SE, Hickory, NC

๐Ÿ’ผ Registration

Limited to 175 participants โ€” Register early to secure your spot!

  • Two-Day Registration: $265
  • One-Day Registration: $140
  • Group Rate: $250 per person (for groups of 3+ registering together)

๐Ÿ‘‰ Click here to view more information and register now

๐ŸŽ“ Continuing Education Credits

Earn up to 10.0 Contact Hours (5.0 per day) from Northwest AHEC, including Nursing Contact Hours approved by the North Carolina Nurses Association and the American Nurses Credentialing Centerโ€™s Commission on Accreditation.


This is more than a conference โ€” itโ€™s a community of passionate professionals committed to improving perinatal care. We canโ€™t wait to see you in Hickory this November!

Gravidas at Risk (3)-1

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New Fetal Monitoring Course for Perinatal Nurses: Fall 2025

Aug 6, 2025 7:30:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Nursing, childbearing, fetal monitoring

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๐Ÿ“š Learn Over the Summer with These Online Programs!

Jul 30, 2025 9:37:02 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in online learning, podcast, continuing education

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Summer is the perfect time to sharpen your skills, explore new topics, and earn continuing education credits - all from the comfort of your home. Whether you're a healthcare professional looking to deepen your expertise or simply passionate about improving patient care, our self-paced online programs are here to support your growth.

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๐Ÿšจ Donโ€™t Miss the Southeastern Shock Symposium โ€“ A Must-Attend Event for Cardiogenic Shock Care Providers!

Jul 30, 2025 9:00:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in conference, cardiovascular, continuing education

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๐Ÿ“… Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
๐Ÿ•– Time: 7:00 AM โ€“ 4:00 PM
๐Ÿ“ Location: Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, Charlotte, NC
๐Ÿ’ก Format: In-Person (limited to 150) or Live Stream
๐Ÿ’ต Cost: FREE (Pre-registration required)
๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Bonus: Pre-Conference Dinner on Friday, September 26

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Become the Expert in Pediatric Obesity Management with Brenner FITยฎโ€™s Online Learning Series

Jul 29, 2025 9:00:00 AM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Pediatric, obesity, brenner fit

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Are you a healthcare professional looking to better support children and families dealing with weight-related health concerns? Brenner FITยฎ invites you to take the lead in your clinic with our comprehensive, self-guided online course:
Pediatric Obesity Management: Become the Expert in Your Clinic.

๐Ÿง  What Youโ€™ll Learn

This five-part learning series is designed by Brenner FITโ€™s multidisciplinary team to empower providers with practical, evidence-based tools. The course focuses on:

  • Creating positive health habits in a safe, family-centered way
  • Using Ellyn Satterโ€™s Division of Responsibility framework for feeding and activity
  • Communicating about weight with sensitivity and confidence
  • Guiding parents to reduce mealtime pressure and build structure
  • Fostering stronger family communication and trust

Whether you're a pediatrician, nurse, dietitian, or behavioral health provider, this training will help you approach pediatric obesity with compassion, clarity, and confidence.

๐Ÿ“š Why This Course Stands Out

1747231849-pd062717-349-lgUnlike traditional weight-focused interventions, this course emphasizes behavioral change and family dynamics over numbers on a scale. Youโ€™ll gain tools to:

  • Shift the conversation from weight to wellness
  • Support families in building sustainable routines
  • Address feeding challenges without blame or shame

๐Ÿ’ป Flexible, Self-Paced Learning

The course is entirely online and self-guided, allowing you to learn at your own pace and revisit materials as needed. Itโ€™s perfect for busy professionals who want to deepen their expertise without disrupting their schedules.

โœ… Ready to Get Started?

Register today and become the go-to expert in your clinic for pediatric obesity management.
๐Ÿ‘‰ www.nwahec.org/75771

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๐Ÿ‚ Fall 2025 Behavioral Health Training Series

Jul 28, 2025 5:32:37 PM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in mental health, behavioral health, psychology, continuing education

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Untitled (20)Presented by Northwest AHEC & Wake Forest University School of Medicine

This fall, Northwest AHEC is offering a dynamic lineup of behavioral health webinars designed to equip professionals with the latest tools, strategies, and insights to support mental wellness across diverse populations. Whether you're a clinician, counselor, social worker, or behavioral health advocate, these sessions offer valuable continuing education and practical knowledge.


1. Assessments and Levels of Care: Guiding Clients to the Right Treatment

๐Ÿ“… Date: September 26, 2025
๐Ÿ•˜ Time: 9:00 AM โ€“ 11:00 AM
๐Ÿ“ Format: Live Webinar
๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿซ Speaker: Erica K. Smith, MSW, LCSW

This session provides a comprehensive overview of clinical assessments and screening tools used to determine appropriate levels of care for children, adolescents, and adults. Learn how to make informed referrals and navigate the behavioral health system effectively.

๐Ÿ”— Register Here
๐Ÿ“„ Download Brochure


2. Advanced Application of DBT Skills

๐Ÿ“… Date: October 10, 2025
๐Ÿ•˜ Time: 9:00 AM โ€“ 3:30 PM
๐Ÿ“ Format: Live Webinar
๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿซ Speaker: Rebecca Edwards-Powell, MSW, LCSW

Designed for professionals familiar with DBT, this workshop focuses on strengthening clinical application through skills training groups, behavioral strategies, and role-play techniques. 

๐Ÿ”— Register Here
๐Ÿ“„ Download Brochure


3. Identifying and Addressing Anxiety and Trauma-Related Disorders in Adolescents

๐Ÿ“… Date: October 15, 2025
๐Ÿ•˜ Time: 9:00AM-12:15PM
๐Ÿ“ Format: Live Webinar
๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿซ Speaker: Sarah E (Betsy) E. 'Betsy' Bledsoe , PhD, MPhil, MSW

This program is designed to help practitioners become more familiar with identifying the signs and symptoms of anxiety and trauma related disorders in adolescents.

๐Ÿ”— Register Here
๐Ÿ“„ Download Brochure


4. Experienced SUD Professionals Panel: Sharing Their Expertise, Wisdom, and Hope

๐Ÿ“… Date: October 22, 2025
๐Ÿ•˜ Time: 1:00PM-3:00PM
๐Ÿ“ Format: Live Webinar

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿซ Speakers: 
Jesse Battle, MSMHC, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS
Tuesday Feral, LCMCHA (they, them)
Leslie D. McCrory, Retired Counselor
Geraldine A. 'Geri' Miller , PhD, LP, LCAS, CCS
Paul D. Nagy, LCAS, LCMHC, MS
Daniel H. Wilemon, M.Ed., LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS

Join a panel of seasoned substance use disorder professionals as they share insights, lessons learned, and hopeful perspectives on recovery and treatment. This interactive session is perfect for those seeking inspiration and practical guidance.

๐Ÿ”— Register Here
๐Ÿ“„ Download Brochure


๐ŸŽ“ Continuing Education Credits

Each session offers CE hours for psychologists, social workers, counselors, and other behavioral health professionals. Details are available on each registration page.

 

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NWAHEC Re-approved by NCNA for Nursing Continuing Professional Development - With Over 28 Years of Recognition

Jul 25, 2025 3:17:29 PM / by Brooke Kochanski posted in Nursing, continuing education, ncna

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Over the last several months, the Northwest AHEC nurse educators have worked on reviewing and submitting files for the North Carolina Nurses Associationโ€™s (NCNA) re-approval.

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