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Meet our Speakers

Jess is passionate about addressing the needs of our community by addressing and preventing trauma for its most vulnerable population, our youth. Through MSC, Jess is able to introduce techniques and tools for organizations and communities that are trauma responsive and healing in a manner many have not been able to try before. It is her hope that through this work we may heal the children we serve, heal the child within us all, and prevent future traumas for generations of children to come. Jessica Matthewson Program Manager Youth to Adult Program Gateway Community Service Board Email: jessica.matthewson@gatewaybhs.org

Katie McFarland is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 19 years in behavioral health. Katie’s roles have included case manager, counselor, and clinic manager.Currently she’s the Director for Justice Mental Health and Community Collaboration at Advantage Behavioral Health Systems. She worked to help grow and develop the Athens-Clarke County Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Response Unit. Working alongside a police officer she co-responds to crisis calls to provide assessment and care.She also helps with program development and training officers to better deal with crisis situations. She coordinates Advantage’s involvement with Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training and sits on Georgia’s CIT advisory board.Katie also helps to provide consultation to

Court programs including Drug and Mental Health Courts, and a Family Treatment Court. Originally, from Augusta, Katie received her BS in Sociology from Georgia Southern University and her Masters in Social Work from The University of Georgia. She loves cooking, yoga, and University of Georgia Football. Katie McFarland, MSW, LCSW Director, Justice Mental Health and Community Collaboration (JMHC) Advantage Behavorial Health Systems Email: katie.mcfarland@advantagebhs.org

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