Mental Health Awareness
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SESSION INFO

Monday, February 6, 2023
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Session Type: Workshop
The workshop will promote life skills to reduce stigmas of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Including Alcohol. Mental Health is a person's condition, psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Also, it helps us determine how we handle stress and relate to others; as well as make healthy choices. Mental Health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Substance Abuse is the dependence on or overindulgence of an addictive substance, especially alcohol or drugs. Often an excessive use of psychoactive drugs, such as alcohol, pain medication, or illegal drugs, which can lead to physical, emotional, or social harm. Alcohol Abuse is called alcoholism, alcohol dependence, or alcohol addiction. It is a chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with alcohol. Additionally, alcoholism is the inability to control drinking due to both a physical and emotional dependence on alcohol.

SESSION PRESENTERS
Michele Kennedy
Supervising Deputy Probation Officer, Los Angeles County Probation


For the past 16 years, I have served the Los Angeles County Probation Department as a Supervising Deputy Probation Officer, assigned to the Training & Development Department known as the Staff Training Office. For the other 9 years I was working my way up the ranks, so a total of 25 years serving Los Angeles County Probation. I know corrections and I possess a comprehensive knowledge of the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), and I understand the role of facilitator in the classroom. I have taught Elementary School, High School, and Junior College levels in various subjects. I am proud to be an American Probation, Parole Association (APPA) member and speaker for this year’s Winter Conference. My educational background is in Business holding an AA degree; a Business Management Degree (BSBM), and I hold a master’s degree in Organization Management (MAOM). In sum, I want to realize the mission of the American Probation, and Parole Association (APPA), at this year’s Winter Conference and invests in innovative practices to promote professionalism and dedication by providing an educational atmosphere where student participants have the opportunity to fulfill their potential for intellectual growth. Lastly, I seek to advocate for issues vital to corrections, but most importantly provide a supportive environment for our membership in (APPA).