The Ecology of
A Child
Children’s Mental Health Summit
July 24 – 26, 2024
Sheraton Flowood The Refuge
Hotel & Conference Center
Join us at this year’s Children’s Mental Health Summit, presented by Regions, July 24-26, at The Sheraton Flowood. This year’s theme, “The Ecology of a Child,” will explore the intricate connections within a child’s world. Join Canopy as we delve into the realms of family, community, health and wellness, education, and policy, and the way these shape a child’s wellbeing. Expanding to three days this year, the summit features keynote speakers Damon West, Dr. Zowee Shanks, panels and breakout sessions covering these areas. Together, we will nurture the growth and resilience of future generations.
Keynote Speakers
Damon West, M.S.
Bio
Damon West, M.S. Criminal Justice, college professor, internationally known keynote speaker and 3 x Wall Street Journal bestselling author. His bestselling business book, The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change, was listed by Forbes’ in the “Top Twenty Books You Need to Read to Crush 2020.”
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His autobiography, The Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life in Prison Transformed His World, vividly tells how he transformed the pot of boiling water that is a Texas maximum-security prison into a pot of coffee.
At 20 years old, he was a Division 1 starting quarterback at the University of North Texas, when he suffered a career ending injury. He turned to hardcore drugs to cope with disappointments of life. After graduation, he worked in the United States Congress, was a national fundraiser on a U.S. Presidential campaign and eventually trained to be a stockbroker for United Bank of Switzerland (UBS). One day at UBS, he was introduced to methamphetamines; he became instantly hooked—and the lives of so many innocent people would forever be changed by the choices he made in order to feed his insatiable meth habit.
After a fateful discussion during his incarceration with a seasoned convict, Damon had a spiritual awakening. He learned that, like a coffee bean changing with the application of heat and pressure, he was capable of changing the environment around him. Armed with a program of recovery, a renewed faith, and a miraculous second chance at life, Damon emerged from over seven years of prison a changed man. His story of redemption, grit and determination continues to inspire audiences today.
The Coffee Bean message has inspired thousands. Damon’s clients include hundreds of companies, such as Walmart, State Farm, Wendy’s, BD, and sports teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Timberwolves, Clemson, Alabama and Georgia. The U.S. Army has even incorporated the #BeACoffeeBean mindset into their resilience training. Damon’s story has been featured both nationally and globally.
He is passionate about the Coffee Bean message and loves sharing how it changed his life and how it can change yours, too.
Dr. Zowee Jamison-Shanks
Bio
Dr. Zowee Jamison-Shanks is an esteemed leader in the field of social services, boasting over 25 years of dedicated experience. As the Executive Director of SAFE, Inc. in Northeast Mississippi, she tirelessly works towards the organization’s mission of combatting domestic violence, sexual assault, and homelessness through education, community awareness, and comprehensive services.
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With a steadfast commitment to eliminating these societal issues and addressing their root causes, Dr. Zowee leads SAFE, Inc. in providing vital support such as shelter, counseling, case management, advocacy, and ongoing assistance to those in need. Her expertise in trauma-informed care is underpinned by her certifications as a Clinical Trauma Professional and Grief Counseling Specialist.
In addition to her impactful work at SAFE, Inc., Dr. Zowee is the visionary Founder of Zowee Shanks Ministries, a coaching and consulting enterprise dedicated to enhancing individuals’ social and emotional wellness. Through this platform, she empowers clients to navigate trauma, embrace authenticity, and cultivate confidence.
Dr. Zowee is renowned for her servant leadership ethos and her unwavering passion for aiding individuals in overcoming adversity and finding their true selves. She is a responsive presence in times of crisis, offering solace and guidance to those in need. Dr. Zowee’s profound dedication to facilitating healing and empowerment makes her an invaluable asset to her community and beyond.
CEUs & SEMIs
Educators
Up to 1.7 CEUs
SEMIs
Up to 10.0 SEMI
Social Work & DMH
Up to 17.0 CEUs
NBCC
Up to 15.0 CEUs
Sponsors, Exhibitors & Registrations
Breakout Sessions
We are eagerly anticipating the release of the full lineup of exceptional sessions and speakers on tap for this year’s Children’s Mental Health Summit. Check back soon for the full schedule
