the HEALING ARTS: MassDMH 2026 Trauma and Resilience Symposium

MassDMH Western Mass Area Presents,

The Healing Arts

Thursday, June 11th, 2026, at Greenfield Community College
Time: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Annual Trauma & Resiliency Symposium

About This Year

The Western Mass DMH Annual Trauma & Resiliency Symposium is an annual early summer event, and this is our eighth year. This year’s theme is titled “The Healing Arts” and is an exploration of the many ways that the arts support expression and resiliency for both practitioners and for people who receive supports. Participants have the option of selecting from morning and afternoon workshops, connecting with resource tables on low-barrier community services, a complementary lunch, and enjoying artwork selections from community members across services.

Keynote Speaker: Jess Miller

Jess Miller is an award-winning comedian and founder of FunnyRaising Comedy Shows, a model that uses humor to raise funds for nonprofits and community causes. She is also the founder of the Kind Squad, a grassroots movement that has mobilized thousands to support individuals and families in need. A 2026 Difference Making honoree, Jess has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars while spreading kindness, connection, and resilience. Through her work, she brings a powerful blend of humor, authenticity, and lived experience to conversations about trauma, healing, and community impact.

Workshops

Morning:

Implementing Creative and Artistic Occupations to Foster Connection, Hope, and Healing: Tina Champagne
Listening for What Data Misses: Storytelling, Harm Reduction, and Systems Change: Kyle Harrington, Alexi Guzman, and Cailin Young
Self-care in the Healing Arts: Shelly Bathe Lenn
Your Experience, Your Voice: What Lived Experience Teaches Us About Coercion, Choice, and Healing Through Peer Support: WFQ Site Board

Afternoon:

Follow Their Lead: Using Play Therapeutically with Children: Amanda Harrison and Alice Barber
Expressive Arts and the Principles of Multimodal Practices: Gina Krosoczka
Movement Through Grace: Earl Miller and Matty Holland
Copper Hammered Cuffs with LaunchSpace Social RX: Julie Hendrickson

Some of this year's resources tables include:

Attendees are encouraged to visit the resource tables throughout the day to connect with local organizations, learn about community supports, and explore low-barrier services available across the region.

This year's resource tables include:

Launch Space
Wildflower Alliance
JS Bryant
Cutchins
Tapestry
Salasin
Community Justice Support Centers
Artspace

LUNCH

Back by popular demand, a complimentary build-your-own taco bar will be provided for Symposium attendees. Attendees can enjoy creating their own lunch while taking time to gather, connect, visit resource tables, and view the artwork displayed throughout the Symposium. Attendees are also welcome to bring their own food or purchase lunch from the on-site café.

RAFFLE

As in previous years, the Symposium will conclude with a raffle for attendees. Participants are encouraged to stay through the end of the day for a chance to win and to help close out the event with a fun, celebratory moment together.

ART INSTALLATIONS

In connection with this year’s theme, “The Healing Arts,” local artists and community members have generously loaned selected pieces for display throughout the Symposium. These works highlight the many ways art can support expression, healing, connection, and resiliency for both practitioners and people receiving services. Each piece will be displayed alongside the artist’s statement, offering participants an opportunity to engage more deeply with the meaning, lived experience, and creative process behind the artwork.

Save Your Spot

Questions?

For questions, please email Resa Brandfonbrener at resa.brandfonbrener@mass.gov