Skills at the Intersection of Spiritual and Mental Wellbeing
October 24, 2025 | 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM CT
Fondren Hall at St. Paul’s UMC
5501 Main Street
Houston, Texas 77004
Continuing Education: 5 CEUs available
The Institute for Spirituality and Health is delighted to announce that the annual Conference on Spirituality in Nursing will resume this year! This conference is tailored to the goals and experiences of nurses who prioritize spirituality as a key aspect of patient health, as well as a foundation for their own sense of meaning and professional service. At this year's conference, we will focus on "Skills at the Intersection of Spiritual & Mental Wellbeing."
Our guest presenters will provide a practical introduction to Mental Health First Aid and share the story of developing one of the largest peer support networks in the US. Conference participants will also enjoy experiential group activities for accessing compassionate feelings and motivations, even when facing inner distress. We will hold the conference in Fondren Hall at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Houston, TX. Registration includes a light breakfast, boxed lunch, free parking, and CE credits.
Conference Registration Rates:
Early Bird Registration:
General Attendees: $100
Nursing Students: $25
*Early bird pricing ends Sept 30, 2025
Regular registration beginning October 1, 2025:
General Attendees (including those needing CEUs): $150
Nursing Students: $50.00
Speakers:
“Mental Health First Aid” | Co-Presenters
Michelle B. Calhoun, LPC, PSC
Michelle Calhoun has over 18 years of experience in working with students of various ages, backgrounds and academic levels as a former school counselor, special education teacher, and in private practice. She currently serves as a School Climate and Culture Specialist, providing a mental health perspective on topics such as restorative practices, social emotional learning, youth mental health, educator self-care, emotional intelligence, relationship building, and conflict resolution. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and a certified professional school counselor. Additionally, she has been trained in Advanced Trauma for Children, Trauma-Focused CBT, Cognitive Behavior Interventions for Trauma in Schools, and restorative practices. Michelle holds a B.A. in Political Science, an M.A. in Counseling, and is a doctoral candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision.
Dr. Tiffany Chaney, LPC, PSC
Tiffany is a native Houstonian with 30 years of experience in education and mental health. She is a Licensed Professional School Counselor, Mental Health & SEL Coordinator, and LPC Supervisor supporting middle and high school students, families with special needs, individuals, couples, groups, and athletes, among others. She has trained in and practices Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to address an array of mental and behavioral health concerns. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Sam Houston State University, an M.Ed. in Counseling from the University of Houston-Victoria, and an Ed.D. in Counseling from Texas Southern University.
“Lessons from the Development of Code Lilac Peer Support” | Presenter
Azariah Terrell, MDiv, BCC
Azariah is a board-certified chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains and Manager of Code Lilac at Memorial Hermann Health System. He has a decade of service as an Air Force Reserve Chaplain and over eight years of experience providing compassionate care as a healthcare chaplain. He holds a Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Global Leadership from Troy University, where he also earned his Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and Leadership. He brings a unique blend of communication and leadership skills to his roles. Additionally, Azariah is trained in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), enhancing his ability to provide critical support during moments of crisis. Known for his dedication and leadership in supporting healthcare professionals, Azariah is passionate about fostering resilience and well-being in high-stress environments.
“Identifying and Overcoming Obstacles to Compassion” | Co-Presenters
Pritha Bhattacharyya, PhD, MFA
Pritha Bhattacharyya is a fiction writer, teacher, and reader. She is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow and Writer-in-Residence in the Center for Humanities and Ethics at McGovern Medical School. She received her PhD in Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Houston and her MFA from Boston University. Her work has appeared in prestigious literary reviews and has been supported by numerous awards and fellowships. As a writer-in-residence, Pritha excels at teaching healthcare professionals and students the skills of creative writing.
Marianne Florian, PhD, MTS, MA
Marianne Parrish Florian works as a post-doctoral fellow in religion and medicine, a post shared between McGovern Medical School and the Institute for Spirituality and Health. Dr. Florian’s academic background spans religious studies, cognitive sciences, and contemplative studies. She received her master of Theological Studies degree from Candler School of Theology and her PhD from Emory University. Marianne’s interdisciplinary research focuses on the ways healthcare professionals integrate compassion, ethics, and spiritual practices within healthcare settings. She teaches ethics and humanities courses for undergraduate medical students through the McGovern Center for Humanities and Ethics. As a program leader for ISH’s Rabbi Samuel E. Karff Center for Healthcare Professionals, she also develops spirituality and health courses and curricula, mentors student researchers, and helps plan and host health professions conferences.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this conference, participants will be better able to:
Identify mental health problems that may be rooted in disorders of mood or thinking, in trauma, and in substance abuse.
Intervene early in mental health and substance abuse issues to promote wellbeing.
Describe the steps undertaken to develop and grow a sophisticated peer support network in a modern hospital system.
Practice offering nonjudgmental peer support to colleagues experiencing deficits in their sense of professional purpose and wellbeing.
Identify patterns in our own minds and lives that can interrupt or prevent the progress of compassionate emotions and motivations
Practice thought exercises for overcoming obstacles to compassion in order to allow it to arise more naturally and spontaneously in response to suffering. The purpose of this is to enhance personal wellbeing by aligning our emotions and motivations with our highly trained professional behaviors that are designed to prevent and relieve suffering.