Speaker Information

Dr. Shané P. Teran is an Organizational Development Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Social Work therapist, trainer, and author who enjoys helping Christian leaders and business owners establish a bold and purpose-driven lifestyle. She is the Founder of consulting firm SP Consulting Group, LLC where she serves as the Senior Executive Wellness Coach and Organizational Development (OD) Strategist for Christian leaders seeking to align their purpose with bold Christ-centered business strategies. With a span of over 17 years in the Social Worker field, Dr. Shané has 11 years in federal healthcare where she last served as the Local Recovery Coordinator and Section Chief, Mental Health Recovery & Rehabilitations services for the Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. As a faith-based leader, Dr. Shané has maintained global influence as a contracted researcher, leadership & team development trainer, Organizational Development strategist, consultant, speaker, and Executive Wellness Coach for Christian leaders within top performing organizations, e.g., Amazon, Netflix, Puma NA, UCLA and Facebook to name a few. She also provides customer peer reviews for Harvard Business Review Press (HBR) publications and serves as Adjunct Faculty at Azusa Pacific University, Azusa CA and full-time Assistant Professor at California Baptist University.

Speaker Information

Mrs. Christa J. Courtenay, M.A. is a passionate Mental Health Therapist and esteemed Trainer/ Speaker dedicated to fostering mental wellness and resilience. With over 12 years of experience in the field, Christa has earned recognition for her genuine, direct and disarming approach and comprehensive understanding of diverse therapeutic modalities. After obtaining her Master’s in Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of South Florida, Christa embarked on a mission to widen the reach of quality mental health services and interventions. She has worked extensively with individuals, couples, and families, specializing in trauma recovery, anxiety disorders, and interpersonal relationships to name a few. As an engaging Conference Speaker, Christa combines her clinical expertise with a dynamic speaking style to engage diverse audiences. Her presentations blend practical strategies with relatable experiences, empowering attendees to enhance their mental well-being and cultivate healthier relationships. Christa Courtenay is also a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness and destigmatization through her service on two boards, she is currently the President for the Mental Health Association, and a Founding Board Member and Vice-President of Mind Health Connect Belize. Christa also is the Managing Director for Monarch Counseling & Consulting, the largest group practice for Mental Health Services in the country. Whether in the therapy room or while presenting to various audiences, she remains committed to empowering individuals to navigate life’s challenges with courage and resilience.

Speaker Information

Azalia Larrieu is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Belize with the Ministry of Health and a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist with Trauma Institute International. She has proudly been a dedicated educator for over 6 years at the University of Belize, lecturing in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Social Work Department. She has provided clinical and administrative supervision to social work students, interns, and professionals. Her passion lies in helping others reach their full potential.

She is currently completing her Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Trauma-Informed Leadership and Practice at Barry University. Azalia completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Western Kentucky University, in the United States of America. She has a broad range of clinical experience working with individuals and groups across the lifespan. She utilizes a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychoeducation, Behavior Modification, Treatments of Traumatic Stress, Mindfulness and Relaxation, and Trauma Informed Practice.

Her accomplishments supersede her as she has had experience working with Victim Advocates in the execution of Kentucky’s Victims Assistance Academy, as the assistant project manager, she was also involved as a trainer and presenter at the academy focusing on Vicarious Trauma.

Her experience working with the Department of Public Advocacy (DPA), Bowling Green, Trial Office, and providing alternative sentencing has prepared her to better understand the effects of drugs and alcohol on individuals and families.

Her true passion continues to be set in her home country, Belize, where she has planned and executed Social Work Conferences, including training on Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care. She is the founder of META Belize, dedicated to offering continued education and counseling in the field of Clinical Social Work and Mental Health.

Working in partnership with clients, focusing on client’s strengths to help them with challenges they face and achieving their goals is pivotal to her therapeutic relationship. Azalia’s therapeutic focus is based on a holistic approach taking into consideration all aspects of an individual’s life that impact their well-being including their physical health, support systems (family, friends), work or school environment, and faith/spirituality in this process.

Speaker Information

Dr. Kendra Flores-Carter is a Published Author, California Baptist University, Professor of Social Work, and a Researcher in the social and behavioral sciences field specifically women’s and child health. Dr. Flores-Carter is currently the Co-Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Social Innovation (CESI) where she directs the research initiatives for the center within Division of Social Work. An advocate for social justice and change, she has dedicated her career to bring educational awareness to disparities/equity concerns in healthcare experiences and various other psychosocial factors impacting marginalized women and children. A former Medical Social Worker for over 10 years Dr. Flores-Carter worked to provide services to children suffering from Trauma related to Child Abuse/Neglect and women experiencing significant life crisis such as Intimate Partner Violence, Substance Abuse Complications, Incarceration, Homelessness & Mental Illness. Dr. Flores-Carter holds a BA in Psychology from California State University, Dominguez Hills, an MSW from California State University, Long Beach as well as a Doctor of Social Work degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Dr. Flores-Carter served as the past and founding President of Postpartum Support International-California Chapter. Additionally, she served six years as the Co-Chair of the Inland Empire Maternal Mental Health Collaborative. Currently, Dr. Kendra serves on the San Bernardino County Maternal Health Network leadership team and led the county wide data collection efforts for the 2021 consumer survey and will be leading the efforts again in 2024. She is currently a member of the City of Fontana Police Chief Roundtable Advisory Board where she chairs the mental health committee. Dr. Kendra played an essential role in the development of the City of Fontana Police Department Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST) and the implementation of a fulltime social worker and social work internship program. Dr. Flores-Carter is the founder of the Janet Don’t Cry Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing education, support, and resources on mental health globally.

Dr. Flores-Carter currently is a member of the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Institutional Review Board. Her current research interests include examining health equity, social determinants of health factors, adverse trauma, and reproductive health disparities that impacts health outcomes for women, children, and their families. Additional interests include exploring Minority women’s attitudes towards seeking mental health services and the use of Christian mindfulness meditation for the reduction of anxiety & depression symptoms. Dr. Flores-Carter research has been published in journals and books. Her current research includes being one of the pioneering members of the NAEBOR clinic in Rialto California. A pilot clinic created to help improve maternal health outcomes for Black women.

Dr. Flores-Carter is recognized both locally, nationally, and internationally as an expert educator in women’s and child health. Dr. Flores-Carter has presented her research at various scientific conferences, served on health expert panels, and facilitated workshops on mental health & wellness, child abuse prevention, enhancing maternal mental health care in hospitals, cultural humility, justice, equity, diversity & inclusion. Dr. Flores-Carter is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Omega Delta Omega Chapter in San Bernardino County where she formerly Chaired the Women’s Health and Wellness Committee. She’s currently an active member of the San Bernardino NAACP chapter. Dr. Flores-Carter was newly appointed as co-chair of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) African Americans and the African Diaspora Track, effective January 2024 to December 2026.

Speaker Information

Dr. Viola Lindsey is an Associate Professor of Social Work in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Division of Social Work at California Baptist University. Dr. Lindsey has an extensive background in academia. Dr. Lindsey led several initiatives including Community Academic Partners in Service (CAPS) and California Social Work Education Center while at Loma Linda University. Cal-SWEC. Her Social Work Career includes working for Riverside County Department of Public Social Services where she held various titles including supervisor and program specialist. Dr. Lindsey’s research centers on child welfare polices as well as law enforcement and social work. Dr. Lindsey has done public speaking engagements locally and nationally throughout the United States.

Speaker Information

Dr. Erica McIntosh is a licensed clinical social worker focused on research, practice and the promotion of mental and physical health equity for Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC).  Dr. McIntosh attended Ashford University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a master’s degree in Social Work from California State University, Northridge, and attended California Baptist University for her Doctorate in Social Work. 

Dr. McIntosh has extensive experience collaborating with clients to help them build wellness/coping skills in managing life transitions, setting boundaries, understanding self, and overcoming burnout. Dr. McIntosh is especially passionate about supporting individuals who experience the added stress and trauma of marginalization, racism, identity, and other -isms. Dr. McIntosh’s practice specializes in individual therapy, telemental health, couples counseling, promoting self-care, emotional intelligence, trauma-informed care, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, career issues, marriage/relationships stress, clinical supervision, and consultation for Black Indigenous People of Color.  Dr. McIntosh is currently an assistant professor at California Baptist University.