Inaugural Pediatric Mental & Behavioral Health Conference Wrap Up
On May 2, 2025 WIAAP hosted Youth Canvas: Painting a Picture of Mental Wellness, focused on the arc of children and youth mental wellness, including the often-overlooked topic of mental health in emergency medicine, here in Madison, WI. This conference brought together professionals and advocates from a wide range of practice throughout Wisconsin, including:
- Pediatrics
- Family Clinicians
- Emergency Medicine
- Child Psychology & Psychiatry
- Nursing
- School Health
- Public Health
- Policy & Legislation
Shining a Light On Vicarious & Secondary Trauma for Care Professionals
We officially kicked off the conference the evening before with a powerful screening of the award-winning documentary Professional CAREgivers: Their Passion, Their Pain. This exclusive, free event welcomed community members and set the tone for the day ahead. The film, based on interviews with nurses, social workers, psychologists, doctors, and first responders, offered a rare look into the emotional toll of caregiving.
This screening was deeply moving and very well received—prompting thoughtful reflection and meaningful conversation about the emotional consequences of professional public service.
Interactive, In-Person Activities Design to Engage & Innovate
The following day, the program brought together a wide range of professionals—from primary care and behavioral health to EMS, therapists, school health staff, and public health and legislative partners—to explore what comprehensive, coordinated mental health care can look like across settings.
For the first time, WIAAP expanded beyond its typical audience of pediatricians and family physicians to welcome an intentionally broad interdisciplinary community.
Strengths-Based Education for All
The agenda featured a rich mix of didactic sessions, interactive workshops, panels, and keynote presentations. These sessions highlighted the importance of reflective practice, systems of care, and the impact of secondary trauma on providers. A key theme throughout was ensuring equitable, quality care for all children and families, and the importance of strong ties to community-based supports.
We received enthusiastic feedback about the importance of the conference topic, the robust number of exhibitors, and the high caliber of speakers. The strong turnout and engagement reinforced the urgent need to continue these critical conversations.
Thank You to All Who Joined Us!
We want to extend our gratitude to everyone who joined in making this first-time conference a success. Thank you to each attendee for committing to better pediatric mental health care, and to every vendor and supplier for working to make this conference seamless and memorable.
2025 Youth Canvas Speakers
Craig Becker, MSSW
UW Health Kids/American Family Children’s Hospital
Networks for Professionals: Vulnerability and Support
Michael Kim, MD, FAAP
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Crisis Intervention for Adolescents: From First Response to ED Care
Francisco “Paco” Bonnin
Madison Fire Dept CARES Unit
Crisis Intervention for Adolescents: From First Response to ED Care
Kris McArdle, MSW
UW Health Kids/American Family Children’s Hospital
Networks for Professionals: Vulnerability and Support
Purva Grover, MD, MBA, FACEP
Pediatric Emergency Department at Cleveland Clinic
Kids in the ER: Why, When, Where Next – and How to Help
Lance Nelson, MD, MS, MA
Lurie Children’s Hospital
Families as Allies: Rapid, Aggressive Intervention for Anorexia, Bulimia and OSFED
Linda Hall, MPA
Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health
Bridging Gaps: School Absenteeism and Equity through Collaborative Care
Elizabeth Wallis, MD, MSHP, FAAP
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
Focusing Your Trauma Lens: Examining the Approach to Trauma and Traumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents
Julie Incitti, MSW, APSW
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Bridging Gaps: School Absenteeism and Equity through Collaborative Care
Jennifer Zaspel, MD
Children’s Wisconsin/Medical College of Wisconsin
Universal Screening for Suicidality: Identifying Kids, Getting Them Help
2025 Youth Canvas Sponsors
Alexion
Chapter Sponsor
Children’s Wisconsin
Chapter Sponsor
Aspirus Health
Afternoon Snack Sponsor
Miramont Behavioral Health
Mini Desk Vacuum Sponsor
2025 Youth Canvas Exhibitors
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
GSK
Moderna
Northwest Journey
Rogers Behavioral Health
Sanofi
The American Board of Pediatrics
Wisconsin Child Psychiatry Consultation Program (WI CPCP)
Wraparound Milwaukee – Children’s Community Mental Health Services
Zarminali Pediatrics