The MMHM Symposium is a two-day event organized by Macon Mental Health Matters and partners, aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of creating a trauma-informed community, particularly focusing on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their long-term impact. This event is designed to engage various stakeholders from Macon-Bibb and beyond—educators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community members—to collaborate and discover innovative solutions for building resilience while addressing community mental health concerns.
Who Should Attend?
The "From Trauma to Transformation: Building Advocacy and Resilience in Georgia" symposium is designed for a diverse group of participants who are directly or indirectly involved with mental health and community well-being. This event is ideal for:
Healthcare Professionals
Psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, and nurses looking to deepen their understanding of trauma-informed care and ACEs.
Educators and School Administrators
​Individuals involved in K-12 to higher education who wish to integrate more supportive mental health practices in educational settings.
Policymakers and Government Officials
Elected officials, policy advisors, and staff from government agencies who are instrumental in shaping health and education policies.
Community and Nonprofit Leaders
Those leading organizations that deal with health, family services, youth programs, and community development.
Law Enforcement Personnel
Officers, community liaison officers, and staff interested in understanding how mental health affects community interactions and how to engage positively.
Faith Leaders and Spiritual Counselors
Individuals who provide spiritual guidance and support and are key stakeholders in community mental health.
Corporate HR and Wellness Coordinators
Professionals responsible for employee wellness programs who are looking to enhance their approach to mental health in the workplace.
Families and Caregivers
Those caring for individuals with mental health needs and who wish to learn more about resources and support networks.
General Public
Residents of Macon-Bibb and surrounding areas interested in learning about mental health, community advocacy, and building resilience in their communities.
From Trauma to Transformation
Building Advocacy and Resilience in Georgia
2025 Symposium
Friday, May 23 - Saturday, May 24, 2025
The Agenda
Meet Our Speakers
A powerhouse lineup of community leaders, experts, and changemakers guiding the conversations at this year’s symposium.
Andrea Cooke
Macon Mental Health Matters
Director of Macon Mental Health Matters, leading trauma-informed community initiatives across Macon-Bibb.
Mayor Lester Miller
Macon-Bibb County
Changemakers who are actively involved in creating positive changes in the mental health landscape.
Dr. Gloria Cisse
Southern Center for Choice Theory
CEO of the Southern Center for Choice Theory, specializing in ACEs, trauma recovery, and culturally responsive counseling.
Cass Hatcher
River Edge Behavioral Health
CEO of River Edge Behavioral Health, pioneering innovative housing and behavioral health centers across Georgia.
Miriam Paris
Georgia House of Representatives
State Representative with a passion for equitable public policy and access to community-based mental health.
DA Anita Howard
District Attorney of Macon Judicial Circuit
District Attorney of Macon Judicial Circuit, known for launching restorative justice and trauma-informed youth initiatives.
Kemberlie Sanderson
Crescent House Atrium Health Navicent
Mandated reporter trainer with over 25 years of experience in child advocacy and forensic interviewing.
Deandre Hall
Macon-Bibb County Sheriff's Office
Community advocate and Violent Crimes Investigator, focused on wellness and healing through food and conversation.
Amanda Juarez
Resilient Middle GA
Resilient Middle GA Manager, leading trauma-informed strategies for ACEs prevention and collaborative policy change.
Takeelah Pleas
Family Counseling Center of Central Georgia
Therapist and founder of Bridging Generational Gaps, committed to holistic emotional wellness and family healing.
Minal Agrawal
Macon Mental Health Matters
Rising junior at Wesleyan College, double majoring in Psychology and Marketing Communication. Originally from India, she is passionate about fostering cultural exchange, promoting mental health awareness, and giving back to the community
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Tamaya Morrison
Macon Mental Health Matters
Rising senior history major at Mercer University and a proud Middle Georgia native, is eager to use her skills to make a positive difference in the area she deeply loves.
Quintessa Hardy
River Edge Behavioral Health
Licensed clinician and RiverEdge supervisor, passionate about early intervention and youth-focused psychosis care.
Martika Thomas
Southern Center for Choice Theory
Office assistant at SCCT and licensed cosmetologist, connecting community members to healing spaces and self-care.
Rebecca Richard
Pace Center for Girls
Program Director at Pace Center for Girls and licensed clinical social worker, specializing in trauma-informed teen therapy.
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Paul Little
Bibb Mount Zion
Lead Pastor at Bibb Mount Zion and leadership strategist dedicated to youth mentorship and systemic community change.
Tajalyn Woodruff
Project A.W.A.R.E
Equity-focused public health and education leader, advancing trauma-informed school support statewide.
Courtney Howard
Fort Valley State University
Mental health advocate and higher ed professional working to increase digital equity and emotional support for students.
Rena Canady Laster
Central Georgia Tech
Educator, chaplain, and published author using resilience coaching to empower underserved communities.
Dr. Anastasia Kerr German
Mercer University
Mercer University professor and child neurodevelopment expert, researching early indicators of ADHD.
Jeremy Grissom
Macon Violence Prevention
Macon Violence Prevention Coordinator supporting fathers and community-led safety strategies.
Sheriff David Davis
Bibb County Sheriff
Bibb County Sheriff known for championing youth safety and law enforcement reform.
TaiRhe Turner
Reflect Heal Elevate
Committed to promoting health, fitness, and overall wellness.
Margaret Peth
Macon-Bibb County
Urban planner passionate about how childhood development and public spaces impact mental well-being.
Weston Stroud
Macon-Bibb County
Macon-Bibb Reimagine Civic Commons.
Monica Miller
Mental Health Advocate
Community garden organizer and mental health advocate dedicated to cultivating safe, sustainable neighborhoods.
Najiva Timothe
Girls Dig Deeper
Founder of Girls Dig Deeper and Maxwell Leadership Coach empowering teen girls through mentorship and advocacy.
Jamice Terry
Chic Culture
Chic Culture CEO and women's wellness advocate focused on empowerment and healing through sisterhood.
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Shira Lawrence
Teens to Queens
Founder of Teens to Queens, working to empower young women through storytelling, leadership, and mentorship.
Maiesha Lashae
beU=P.I.E
Founder of beU=P.I.E., uplifting youth and families through purpose-driven mentoring and grief support.
Daniel Charles
United Way of Central GA
Licensed therapist and faith leader using counseling and community programs to support families across Georgia.
Chris Floore
Macon-Bibb County
Chief Communications Officer for Macon-Bibb, committed to transparent communication and family-centered leadership.
Aaron Buzza
Visit Macon
Senior VP of Visit Macon and Macon Film Commission lead, supporting tourism and community training programs.
Dr. Dominique Johnson
Urban CEO
CEO of Urban CEO, advancing trauma-informed fatherhood programs and community equity solutions.
Dr. Jimmy Smith
Department of Health
Public health leader focused on systems change and mental health equity in Georgia’s health infrastructure.
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Tammy
Homegrown Yoga
Yoga and sound healing practitioner offering restorative wellness experiences for community relaxation and recovery.
Kate Aultman
Middle Georgia Regional Library
Head of Washington Memorial Library and trauma-informed service advocate championing literacy and safe community spaces.
Seth Clark
Macon Bibb County
Mayor Pro Tem and Executive Director of Ocmulgee National Park Initiative, uniting conservation with civic leadership.
Scott Mitchell
Bohemian Den/ Sweet Eleanor's
LGBTQ+ advocate and entrepreneur dedicated to inclusive community engagement and trauma-informed storytelling.
Judy Gordon
Neighborhood Watch Coordinator
Neighborhood Watch Coordinator with decades of experience in community crime prevention and youth support.
Paula
Mental Health Advocate
A certified yoga and Zumba instructor with Macon Mental Health Matters, Paula creates inclusive, movement-based wellness spaces that foster community healing, mindfulness, and emotional well-being.
Posie Smith III
Southern Center for Choice Theory
A U.S. Air Force veteran and Jeet Kune Do Master Instructor, Posie now serves as a Therapist Assistant and case manager at The Southern Center for Choice Theory, where he also leads Empowering Peace self-defense workshops to promote emotional and physical resilience.
Anthony Smith
Mental Health Advocate
Commander at Georgia’s Officer Training Site, CPT Smith brings over 15 years of decorated military service. He also mentors at-risk youth in Middle Georgia and is active with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and I AM King, championing community engagement and veteran support.
Katrina Cohens
Cohens Consulting Services, LLC
Founder of Cohens Consulting Services, a master life coach, and a passionate advocate for women's leadership and financial wellness. With over 20 years of experience in financial management and community development, she empowers others through coaching, public speaking, and strategic service on multiple boards in Middle Georgia.