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

Question:  What do autism, the poorest orphans in the world, hormone replacement therapy, and insurance denials have in common?

Answer:  They are all topics discussed on the most recent episodes of the Healthcare Insights in Northwest North Carolina podcast!

Listen and learn new insights about these topics with experts in their fields:

Click the links below or search for "Healthcare Insights in Northwest North Carolina" wherever you listen to podcasts.

Amber Nelms, BCBA - Amber shares insights from her work with Autistic youth, building a growing autism therapy business, and her inspiration for personal growth. Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/nwahecwebmaster/hi-ep-132-amber-nelms-bcba-applied-behavior-analysis-for-autism

John Boswell, JD - John shares insights from his work with empowering the world's poorest children in Sub-Saharan Africa and the poorest regions of India. Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/nwahecwebmaster/hi-ep-133-john-boswell-jd-beggars-to-bosses-empowering-impoverished-youth

George Ibrahim, MD - Dr. Ibrahim shares insights on hormone replacement therapy in women and men and dispels common myths about hormones, aging, and wellness. Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/nwahecwebmaster/hi-ep-134-dr-george-ibrahim

Neal K. Shah - Neal shares insights on dealing with insurance claim denials and his work to empower patients and providers to overcome the hassles of fighting claim denials using Artificial Intelligence. Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/nwahecwebmaster/hi-ep-135-neal-k-shah-insured-to-death

Live Webinar Every Tuesday 12 - 1 PM

ECHO Autism for primary care providers bridges the care gap between primary care, behavioral health, and community health care specialists by sharing best practices as they care and support individuals with autism and their families regardless of geographic location. The participants will present cases specific to children diagnosed with autism while learning more about common medical concerns and comorbid conditions in children with autism. Participants will have a chance to discuss cases with experts and colleagues to learn about evidence based care. A brief didactic presented by an expert will accompany the case discussion.

ECHO Autism for primary care providers bridges the care gap between primary care, behavioral health, and community health care specialists by sharing best practices as they care and support individuals with autism and their families regardless of geographic location.

This webinar presents information on the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric conditions among children and adolescents with an emphasis on those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD).

Join us on May 25 for this Live Webinar! The goal of this conference is to enhance the health care professional's understanding of current management techniques in providing care to the high-risk infant.