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This presentation will review definitions of Neurodivergence, how colonialism and ableism effect modalities of care, and ways to decolonize/modify care for those who identify with neurodivergence. Madison Kaa'yis'taan Truitt (she/they/her) is an Autistic, ADHD, Lingit (Tlingit) person. Born and raised in Juneau, Alaska, Madison is a graduate of the University of Washington holding a degree in Psychology B.A. and minor in Law, Society, and Justice focusing on Disability and Indigenous peoples advocacy and traumas. Currently, her line of work and focus of care encompasses Inclusive Design, Somatic Exploration, Gender and Neuro-affirmative care to name a few. Madison is passionate about holistic wellness (mind, body, spirit, and soul) and the blending of Western and Indigenous practices to uplift individuals while gaining preventative practices along the way. They believe healing should be accessible and approachable, whereas an individual’s unique journey should be respected with care, guidance, and trust.

Inside Passages #4 January, 2024 This presentation explores individual and community approaches to substance use and harm reduction strategies. We will talk together about initiatives and ideas that have bolstered support for individuals and families in Alaska, as well as resources and ideas for the present and future. Claire Suzanne Geldhof is a lifelong Alaskan that is fueled with inspiration from nature and communities around her. Claire works as an itinerant public health nurse, supporting six remote communities in the Southeast region. Embarking on her lucky 13th year as a nurse, she draws on experiences and partnerships that explore complex social and health problems, breathing light and thoughtfulness into these endeavors. Claire Suzanne Geldhof really likes bats and working on art work in free time.

This presentation will provide information and resources on knowing how to confidently provide culturally-competent support to trans clients throughout their medical transition. She will give an overview of the most common types of medical interventions for trans people and identify the role of the therapist in supporting and aiding their transition. She will also review suggestions of books, trainings, journals, and other educational resources for clinicians for further learning. Lastly, she will discuss the WPATH Standards of Care and how to write a "WPATH letter" for medical interventions. Amelia Hanrahan (she/her) LPC, NCC, is a psychotherapist working in private practice in Juneau, Alaska. A queer and trans woman, her professional work has been focused on queer and trans mental health, as well as suicide prevention, and childhood and religious trauma. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She was awarded the 2023 Mildred Boesser Civil Rights Award for her work with trans teens and their families. She is the author of the upcoming book The Transfeminine Guide to Physical Transition from Microcosm Press. When not at work she is normally found at the hockey rink.

In the last episode of this series of Inside Passages Aaron Surma, Kara Nelson, and John Drips discuss peer support. Meet our presenters: Aaron has received mental health services for over twenty years. During this time, he has experienced first-hand the power of peer support. In particular, the role of peer support in helping people find their voice as it relates to their own recovery. His goal is for people in Juneau to feel the confidence to make decisions about their mental health care while making sure the proper resources are available to them. Before joining NAMI Juneau in 2020, Aaron worked for the Juneau Suicide Prevention Coalition and a variety of community mental health providers. He also has a degree in social work. ​Meet John Drips, a 36-year-old man with a passion for helping others and making a positive impact in his community. Recently completing a paralegal certificate program, Mr. Drips is now volunteering with Alaska Legal Services Corporation and AWARE in Juneau, Alaska to provide much-needed legal assistance to those in need. But John's dedication to helping others doesn't stop there. He also facilitates a Peer Support Group called NAMI Connections, providing a safe and supportive space for individuals struggling with mental health challenges throughout the state. John's commitment to serving others is further evidenced by his recent (April 2023) completion of a Peer Support Specialist Certification course offered by NAMI Juneau, as he works towards a Behavioral Health Occupational Endorsement through UAS. With his combination of legal and peer support expertise, John is well-equipped to make a positive impact in Juneau and beyond. Kara Nelson is an advocate, activist, and entrepreneur and currently the Chief Operating Officer at True North Recovery (TNR). Kara is a lifelong Alaskan, a mother of three adult children, a woman in recovery and formerly incarcerated; this all contributes to her fierce dedication in transforming our criminal legal system and recovery support services across Alaska and throughout the country.

This session will be primarily directed toward therapists, service providers, counselors and case managers who are interested in becoming more gender affirming and work toward competence in working with the gender expansive folx in your practice, agency or life. We will discuss the necessity and importance of a gender affirming approach when working with clients and discuss the many ways people may transition to become more authentic. We will touch on the practical ways to become more gender affirming and break down barriers for those seeking mental health and related services. Resources will be provided, as well. Margie Thomson (she/her) is a cisgender queer LCSW who has focused on affirming gender therapy for the past 10 years. She works in private practice, Koru Counseling, and works primarily with folx who are transgender, nonbinary and gender expansive; as well as with their partners, and families. She also provides supervision to other social workers and counselors interested in gender therapy and provides consultations to agencies, groups and businesses. Margie currently has 4 support groups happening for gender expansive people : T-Group-monthly support group for all genders TransFeminine-biweekly support group for those who identify as transfeminine TransFamilies-monthly group for parents in Alaska with transgender children Gender Youth Support Group-monthly for ages 13-19 with NAMI and Zach Gordon