By Tena L. Cook and Shelby Westinghouse
CHADRON, Neb. – Chadron State College hosted its annual Social Work Conference Wednesday bringing together students, faculty, local high schoolers, and regional Social Work professionals for discussions centered on domestic violence, healing and resilience.
The event was organized by senior Social Work majors Drew Whitney, Heavynne Robles-Wright, Spring Burke, Madison Clause and Zoey Wright under the guidance of Assistant Professor Becky Fernau.
Dr. Kimberly Paddock-O’Reilly, Vice President of Academic Affairs, welcomed the audience and shared several case studies of domestic violence, emphasizing the many positive ways educational efforts can prevent, reduce, or help report incidents of abuse.
Keynote speaker Mandi Pratt of Ontario, California, shared her journey as a survivor of domestic violence and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Pratt, who hosts the podcast Aware and Prepared, emphasized reclaiming self-worth and purpose through positive coping mechanisms and community support.
She described healing techniques that help survivors manage stress and trauma, such as humming, wrapping up in a soft blanket and tapping, also known as butterfly hugs.
“After a negative encounter, literally shake it off like your dog does,” Pratt said.
She encouraged attendees to use affirmations, grounding exercises, and self-compassion as part of the recovery process.
“Work on new habits, build new circles of friends, and develop a good support system,” she said. “Be satisfied with little steps, even an occasional step backward. Celebrate having your agency. The process is non-linear, but keep moving.”
Pratt shared resources for survivors, including TheMendProject.com and communication expert Jefferson Fisher’s podcast.
The conference also featured Revolution, a play performed by six high school students from Columbus, Nebraska. The production addressed adolescent issues including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and building healthy relationships.
Alliance High School counselor Shanna Muhr, who brought six students from her mental health lunch group, said Revolution added depth to the conference.
“The student cast members were knowledgeable and stayed in character through tough questions from the audience, which added a layer of authenticity,” Muhr said.
She added that attending the conference has become a tradition for her group.
“It’s great because it’s put on by college students. They get to see the next step in the educational process and experience what we adults do in our careers,” she said.
Lisa Peden with DOVES, a regional advocacy organization, spoke about recognizing and fostering healthy relationships.
“The absence of abuse doesn’t mean it’s a healthy relationship,” Peden said. “You have the freedom to be yourself and not what anyone else wants you to be.”
She compared healthy relationships to a Venn diagram, with overlapping areas representing shared experiences while maintaining individual identities.
Ashley Wasserburger, education director with Working Against Violence, Inc. in Rapid City, South Dakota, discussed trauma responses and the importance of patience and understanding when supporting survivors.
“I want to give you tools so you have them in your toolbelt,” she said, suggesting strategies such as journaling and creating safe support systems.