Article from Watauga Democrat:
BOONE — The Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness will host its inaugural Growing Well Conference from Oct. 12–14 at Appalachian State University’s Levine Hall of Health Sciences in Boone.
With the theme “Moving Mountains and Community,” the conference will bring together health and medical professionals, educators, researchers, policymakers and families to explore innovative ways to support children and youth with special health care needs in rural Western North Carolina. Health and medical professionals can earn up to 17.25 in-person continuing education credits, and scholarships are available for community members to attend.
The Growing Well Conference is sponsored by Vaya Health, the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Northwest Area Health Education Center.
The event begins on Oct. 12 with a pre-conference workshop, followed by two days of interactive programming from Oct. 13–14. Attendees will hear from speakers with diverse expertise and lived experience navigating complex health and social systems.
Conference sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Medical management of children with complex health conditions
- Advances in tone management for children with complex needs
- Communication supports for children with autism and other developmental conditions
- Functional interventions designed to improve participation in daily life
- Evidence-based behavioral therapies
- Cross-system collaboration in child welfare and mental health
- Supporting youth in transitions from school to adulthood, including employment and community engagement opportunities
Organizers say the conference aims to provide professional development as well as opportunities for networking, resource sharing and collaboration among those who serve children and families in the region.
The retreat opened with a mindful movement session, encouraging participants to engage in breathwork and gentle stretching to foster relaxation. This grounding experience set the tone for the day, gently reminding participants of the importance of turning inward and honoring their own well-being.
Following a refreshing break, participants engaged in a hands-on writing workshop centered around resilience. Through thoughtful prompts and guided reflection, they explored the power of expressive writing as a tool for processing emotions, fostering gratitude, and enhancing emotional resilience.
