2023 Abstracts and Speaker Bios
The Science of the Calm Jar - Melanie R. Fowler, Ed.D.
Abstract: Calm jars, or glitter bottles, have become popular tools aimed at reducing stress. This session examines the foundations of the nervous system responses and cognitive processes that contribute to stress and self-regulation.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Melanie Fowler has over 14 years of experience in instructional design, course development, assessment development, and mentoring in higher education. She currently teaches the social and emotional learning courses in the undergraduate education program as well as courses in the Master's of Education in Transformational Curriculum & Instruction and Doctor of Education programs. Dr. Fowler believes in hands-on learning and using activities to engage learners. She has taught courses for The Pennsylvania State University and has worked as a research associate in the Behavioral Science and Leadership Department at the United States Air Force Academy. She holds a doctorate in education from Florida Southern College and a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of Colorado in Denver. Her work has been published in the Florida Journal of Educational Research, International Journal of Selection and Assessment, and the Air & Space Power Journal. Additionally, you can find Dr. Fowler's instructional tools on APA Style formatting at https://apastyle.apa.org
Mental Health Issues Among Incarcerated Populations – Dr. Lisa Carter and Dr. Risdon Slate
Abstract: In this session, the discussants will speak on the interactions of mental health issues and incarceration. Gender differences will be a focal point.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Lisa Carter completed is an associate professor of Criminology in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Florida Southern College. She regularly teaches the Corrections and Rehabilitation and Criminology courses. Recently she created and offered a special topics course in Victimology to provide students an opportunity to explore the various causes of victimizations and needs of crime victims based on the intersections of social and environmental issues. She also teaches courses for the Women and Gender Studies program at the college. Her research interests include female criminality, corrections, and reintegration. She is the co-editor of Female Offenders and Reentry: Pathways and Barriers to Returning to Society and Punishing Gender Past and Present: Examining the Criminal Justice System across Gendered Experiences. She co-authored the second edition of The Decision-Making Network. Dr. Carter currently holds positions on the executive boards of the Southern Criminal Justice Association and Bicycling in Lakeland, an advocacy group for cycling safety, awareness, and community education. She is an advocate for victims and survivors of domestic violence.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Slate considers himself a professor who is passionate about his teaching and his research, and he is also actively engaged in college service. He is pleased to say that his teaching is influenced and informed by his scholarship, professional activities, and service. Frankly, Dr. Slate believes his research and professional interests and service activities enhance his teaching effectiveness. Having been an advocate, trainer, speaker, and consultant on a number of initiatives at the local, state and federal level aimed at ensuring better treatment for persons with mental illnesses who encounter the criminal justice system, he remains committed to de-stigmatizing mental illness. As his career indicates, Dr. Slate believes it is important to give something back to the community via service — as he has done in exploring the interface between the mental health and criminal justice systems.
Careers in Psychology: Applied Behavioral Analysis - Melody Futch
Abstract: Join Elizabeth Gennari-Crosby for a brief exploration of the science of Behavior Analysis and its applications in autism treatment as a future career/research path.
BIOGRAPHY
Melody Futch has been in the field of ABA for 6 years and working with children with autism and related disabilities for over 12 years. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Florida Gulf Coast University, a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology, and a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. As a former dancer & cheerleader, Melody loves to stay active by participating in 5Ks and yoga, and is training to become a certified yoga instructor for adults and children. She enjoys working with young children on social-emotional reciprocity, emotional behaviors, and emotion regulation and hopes to combine yoga with behavioral principles to enhance progress toward emotion regulation and overall wellness.
Supporting Student’s Emotional Health: The Role of Counseling Centers on Campus - David Aranda, LCSW
Abstract: Join David Aranda to review current college counseling center stats and services offered in efforts to support students with their emotional health.
BIOGRAPHY
David Aranda is a licensed clinical social worker, serving as the Director of the Florida Southern College Counseling Center for the past 2 ½ years. He’s been practicing in the field of social work and mental health counseling since 2004. He’s worked as a clinician in a variety of settings including public school system, therapeutic foster homes and in patient behavioral health as well as h his own private practice as a mental health therapist before arriving at FSC. David is blessed to share his life with his wife of 18 years, his 2 children ages 15 and 12 and he’s 3 canine companions including Sophie, who he gets to bring to work.