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

The 2023 Because We Care workshop will ask the questions “Do you remember why you chose healthcare; Do you remember the importance of laughter; and Do you remember what resources are available to you, your patients and their families?” Oftentimes we become so wrapped up in the daily tasks we lose sight of the reason we’re here and struggle to survive. We will discuss how important laughter is, what resources are available and how to support staff and families when loss occurs.

Wake Forest School of Medicine and Northwest AHEC would like to invite you to Save The Date July 25-27 for Beach Week 2022! Beach Week will take place at Kingston Plantation / Embassy Suites in Myrtle Beach, SC. Sign up to be added to the list to receive more information.

One of my favorite things to do it sit, listen, and talk with interesting people. For almost two years now I have had the pleasure of sitting down with some beautiful humans and recording these conversations for our Healthcare Insights in Northwest North Carolina podcast https://soundcloud.com/nwahecwebmaster

The Northwest AHEC Practice Support Team is committed to promote understanding and improve the orientation of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) for North Carolinians. In order to support these goals, we will share a publication on SDOH each month on our Practice Support Blog.