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Building community through reading
One of the most transformative things that we can do to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our lives is to rekindle our relationships with ourselves and with our communities, and one of the best means of doing that is through the creation of reading discussion groups or book clubs. In this talk, we will discuss the extraordinary impacts reading has on our minds and our bodies, especially when we read in the community.
About the speaker: Helen Bansen (they/them, she/her) is a graduate student and Library Instructor with University Libraries. She will be completing a Master's degree in Library Science this December. A life-long lover of literacy, Helen is the author of How to Make it Better, for which they received a Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting.
Getting and staying financially fit
This session provides important information to all who seek the answers on how to be better money managers. These are:
- Overcoming and understanding our financial challenges
- Why is creating an emergency fund so important?
- Understanding the high cost of credit
- Gaining control through budgeting
About the speaker: Dennis Dachtler has over 30 years of extensive experience in wealth management, and retirement income and distribution planning and is a Registered Investment Advisor. Dennis is a member of the Society for Financial Awareness. The Society for Financial Awareness is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation, a highly-reputable organization that works with some of the most prominent companies and organizations across America. Our educational and informational financial outreach, and years of continued success, have provided us with name recognition and a reputation of excellence.
Survival guide for debt management and unexpected financial emergencies
During this session, we’ll explore reasons why people find themselves in debt, the most common types of debt, debt management solutions, and financial strategies to consider in case of an emergency. We hope you will have confidence leaving this webinar with information about:
- Common reasons why people find themselves in debt and the most common types of debt.
- The different types of debt people can encounter.
- Examples of common signs of debt distress.
- The best utilization of your resources to help in times of financial need
- Discuss how to make the best of an unexpected situation by being prepared
Greater Nevada is proud to partner with the University of Nevada, Reno for the benefit of its employees and students!
About the speaker: Rick Kohler is the Northern Regional Manager supporting the Greater Nevada Credit Union locations in the Reno/Sparks area. He’s been working in banking and financial services for over 25 years with organizations ranging from Wells Fargo, BNP Paribas and CIBC. While his career has focused primarily on Retail Management, he has also held roles in Human Resources, Administration, Insurance and Investments. He actively participates in a variety of non-profit organizations including currently serving on the Western Nevada College Foundation Board and as the Steam Crew Chief for the Friends of the Nevada State Railroad Museum. He is a Past-Chair for the Northern Nevada Division of the March of Dimes and graduated from the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program in 2006. He has two grown kids (each of whom are University of Nevada, Reno graduates) and lives with his wife of 26 years in Douglas County.
KEYNOTE: Why psychological flexibility matters
What psychological flexibility means is to learn how to be more emotionally and cognitively open, to focus consciously on what’s present inside and out, and then to use that flexibility to focus on one’s values and the habits of values-based actions that can be applied in your life to make a difference. Flexibility processes help create modern minds for match the challenges of the modern world. They empower human resilience. and can be learned in a step-by-step fashion to virtually any highly stressful situation, integrating the painful experiences into a life worth living. Don't believe me. Believe the World Health Organization that based on results from massive randomized trials, now distributes a free self-help program worldwide based on the psychological flexibility methods I developed here at the University, recommending this approach for “anyone who experiences stress, wherever they live, and whatever their circumstances." In this talk, I will walk you through what these skills are and why they matter.
About the speaker: Steven C. Hayes (he/him) is a Nevada Foundation Professor in the Behavior Analysis program at the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada. An author of 46 books and nearly 650 scientific articles, his career has focused on an analysis of the nature of human language and cognition and the application of this to the understanding and alleviation of human suffering. He is the developer of Relational Frame Theory, an account of human higher cognition, and has guided its extension to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a popular evidence-based form of psychotherapy that uses mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based methods. Dr. Hayes has been President of Division 25 of the APA, of the American Association of Applied and Preventive Psychology, the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. He was the first Secretary-Treasurer of the Association for Psychological Science, which he helped form and has served a 5-year term on the National Advisory Council for Drug Abuse in the National Institutes of Health. In 1992 he was listed by the Institute for Scientific Information as the 30th "highest impact" psychologist in the world and Google Scholar data ranks him among the top ~1,350 most cited scholars in all areas of study, living and dead.
Let's Reduce MSDs – Workplace Ergonomic Techniques
Workplace ergonomics training. Let's reduce musculoskeletal injuries! A review of the appropriate body mechanics for lifting, pushing and pulling. Overview of workstation ergonomics and the appropriate use of equipment and tools. Reducing awkward body postures, hazard identification and hazard controls.
About the speakers: Kristi Roberson has seven years of experience utilizing ergonomic risk mitigation techniques to reduce MSDs and promote campus safety and wellness. Provides ergonomic services to BCN campuses including employee education and onsite workstation evaluations.
Brock Young provides a broad array of safety training courses for campus constituents. In his role of Training Manager for Environmental Health and Safety, he aids in accident investigation, risk mitigation, and campus safety and wellness.
The five languages of appreciation
The Five Languages of Love was developed by Gary Chapman, Ph.D. to address romantic relationships and appreciation. In 2009 Dr. Chapman began researching how the five love languages: Words of Affirmation; Quality Time; Acts of Service; Tangible Gifts; and Physical Touch can be used in the workplace to increase employee feelings of appreciation. Based on the book "The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace" by Dr. Chapman and Paul White, Ph.D., this presentation will review the Motivation by Appreciation (MBA) index and review how each love language can be used by managers and peers in the workplace.
About the speaker: Since graduating from the University of Nevada with her Master’s in Education in 2014, Ashley Anderson has worked for a charter school, a large education company, and now the University School of Medicine as a Learning Specialist, where she teaches students how to learn more effectively and achieve a work/life balance. She is currently working on her Ph.D. in STEM education with a focus on student wellbeing. As part of this work, she is investigating appreciation in professional environments, which has led her to the 5 languages of appreciation.
Brown bag lunch: Relational wellness
Romantic, family, friendship, and peer relationships are central to our personal well-being, but they can be complicated. Come join Chi Sigma Iota for an interactive presentation focused on relationships and their role in personal wellness. Learn the skills for maximizing the relationships in your life and recognizing the signs that some may be causing harm. In this workshop, we will talk about John and Julie Gottman's research on what makes relationships work and how we can apply their principles to our own lives. Feel free to bring your own lunch if attending in person, or to enjoy your lunch while watching the session on Zoom.
About the speakers: Chi Sigma Iota is a counseling honors society dedicated to educating our campus and improving mental health efforts and initiatives. Members presenting from Chi Sig are Jamie Harney, Daniella Myers, Kelly Smith, and Raven Tipton from the Marriage and Family Counseling Program and Boonyarit Gorsakul from the Clinic Mental Health Counseling Program.
KEYNOTE: Teaming up to combat burnout
Have you noticed your employees or colleagues struggling with motivation or work-life balance, lately? Or maybe you, yourself, have been struggling? This keynote event is for you!
Paula Davis, the author of "Beating burnout at work: Why teams hold the secret to well-being and resilience" will share her science-backed toolkit that takes a holistic approach to burnout prevention by helping individuals, teams, and leaders build resilience and thrive at work. Beating Burnout at Work was nominated for best Spring 2021 book by the Next Big Idea Club. The Next Big Idea Club is curated by Adam Grant, Daniel Pink, Susan Cain, & Malcolm Gladwell.
About the speaker: As the founder of the Stress & Resilience Institute, Paula Davis is uniquely qualified to teach resilience skills within high-stress professions. She is one of only three lawyers in the world to have graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Applied Positive Psychology program and has been trained to teach resilience skills and tools to Army personnel as part of Penn’s Army Resilience Program. Using a train-the-trainer model, the Penn team has trained resilience skills to more than 40,000 soldiers and their families.
Paths to fitness through pain, chronic illness and disability
Mena Spodobalski, owner of Evoke Fitness in Reno, will talk about the Evoke Warriors program for men and women with (or in recovery from) cancer. She will also share how modified exercise can improve your health, mindset, and quality of life, even if you have chronic pain, illness, or a disability. Based on audience questions, she can share resources and answer any questions you might have about starting your own fitness journey.
An increasing amount of research confirms exercise can improve physical and mental health during every phase of cancer, including after cancer survival. Experts suggest that following an exercise plan during and after treatment may reduce the risk of depression and anxiety, lower the chance of having physical side effects, and may even improve survival rates for certain cancers.
About the speaker: Mena Spodobalski is a successful business owner, philanthropist, wife and mother. Learn more about what drives her and her fitness philosophy on the Evoke Fitness website.
Unlocking your potential through plant power
Feeling tired, not sleeping well, having constant heart burn? Have you considering a whole food plant based way of eating? A whole food plant based diet can fuel your body, help improve and/or reverse many medical conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well and support your mood. Come and learn the basics of what a whole food plant based diet is, how it might help you reach untapped energy, and help you just plain feel better.
About the speaker: Dr. Bailey Cannon (she/her/hers) is a proud graduate of UNR. She received her BS and MS in engineering and then went on to medical school at the School of medicine. After completion of her residency program at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, she continued to practice just outside of Washington DC for 5.5 years. She has now returned home and works at UNR Med in the OB/GYN department. She recently became certified in lifestyle medicine, which is the practice of using lifestyle changes to maximize your health. Dr. Cannon completely changed the way she enjoyed food just over four years ago and has reaped so many benefits she is excited to share some of the things she learned with you today!
Mindfulness: How to live in the moment and reduce stress
This presentation will focus on mindfulness and the benefits of practicing a mindfulness routine. Mindfulness exercises will be introduced and you will be guided through select exercises, including "leaves on the stream." We will also talk about the challenges of practicing mindfulness and some resources to help you live a more mindful life.
About the speaker: Cossette Canovas (she/her) is a second-year graduate student in the clinical psychology doctoral program. Cossette works with Dr. Lorraine Benuto in the DICE Lab, which focuses on the dissemination and implementation of culturally-sensitive, evidence-based psychological services. Cossette's research focuses on the negative impact of racial discrimination on mental health and cognitive well-being, and her clinical work focuses on providing evidence-based clinical services to underserved communities in both English and Spanish.
How will you measure your life?
"How will you measure your life" is a presentation about identifying meaning and purpose in life inspired by Dr. Clayton Christensen's book under the same name. I will explore Dr. Christensen's question, and discuss ways individuals can better identify their purpose and find meaning.
About the speaker: Dr. Scott Hall, MD is a Sports Medicine Specialist on campus and has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health medical school in 2002.
Adult mental health first aid
Do you want to learn skills to feel more confident in responding to signs of mental health and substance use challenges? This presentation will provide you with a brief introduction to Adult Mental Health First Aid. We'll provide an overview of the Adult Mental Health First Aid certification course where you will learn how to provide initial help and guide a person towards appropriate care.
About the speaker: Carla Franich (she/her/hers) received her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Nevada, Reno, and certification in Wellness Counseling from Cornell University. Carla has over 13 years of experience working in higher education focused on developing programming initiatives to address the stigma associated with mental health. In her work, Carla aims to improve the campus culture around help-seeking behaviors and offer support to achieve meaningful personal goals.
Mindfulness – What, why, how?
In this 90-minute session, participants will be introduced to an attention-focusing practice (mindfulness practice). Mindfulness cultivates the capacity to skillfully address uncertainty, stress, and anxiety. The session will be experiential as well as didactic. It will begin with an overview of what mindfulness is and a brief summary of the neuroscientific evidence in support of mindfulness benefits. The relationship between mindfulness and stress will be briefly covered. Participants will be guided in mindfulness exercises such as the body scan.
About the speaker: Yvonne Stedham is a 2010 Foundation Professor and Professor Emeritus at the University. Having practiced mindfulness since 2010 and knowing the peace and equanimity that mindfulness can bring, Yvonne was inspired to become a mindfulness instructor and completed her training at the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts in 2017.
How to improve your wellbeing through financial planning
This presentation will provide you with ideas on how to improve your financial planning. We will cover a range of topics from budgeting and passive income opportunities to diversifying your investments to achieve financial freedom today and in the future. We will also learn how to maintain balance between planning ahead and enjoying satisfying quality of life in the present.
About the speakers: Sheryl Verdugo, based out of Reno, NV provides a variety of mortgage solutions tailored to fit the needs of repeat home buyers, first-time home buyers, real estate investors, or homeowners who need to purchase or refinance a mortgage. Sheryl can teach you about all of the loan products All Western Mortgage provides including conventional loans, FHA home loans, VA home loans, Jumbo Loans, and USDA home loans. Visit Sheryl online to learn more or start your mortgage prequalification and see what current mortgage rates you qualify for. Get in touch today!
Hila Talgan is a customer-service-oriented Realtor and a Relocation Specialist, she holds a bachelor’s degree and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). She has a background in Human Resources and worked for the Human Resources department at University. Hila has transitioned into real estate to fulfill a lifelong passion. She offers a range of complimentary relocation assistance services tailored to the needs of individuals and corporations who relocate to the Reno/Sparks area.
Introduction to the E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center and Fitness & Recreational Sports memberships
Curious about what a fitness membership with Fitness & Recreational Sports offers? Jill Karlin will cover what's included, what to expect, how to sign up, how to set up payroll deduction, how to reserve a locker, and more. There will be a brief presentation covering the basics, and then she will open it up to questions and answers.
About the speaker: Jill Karlin is the Member Services & Programming Coordinator for Fitness & Recreational Sports.
The culture paradox: Embracing conflict for stress reduction
For many, conflict in the workplace is a source of significant stress and is actively avoided. Unfortunately, when we get into "conflict debt" (Davey, 2019), the effects of unresolved conflict get even worse. In this brief workshop, participants will learn why embracing conflict can actually improve team culture and improve well-being. Additionally, the session will provide:
- tips and exercises for determining whether the conflict can best be resolved within ourselves or with the other person(s), and
- successful methods for resolving conflict with others.
About the speaker: Carolyn Brayko, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) is director of institutional effectiveness at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med). Dr. Brayko’s primary responsibilities include leading institutional initiatives including strategic planning, action-oriented culture assessments, and providing related consultation to departments and programs. As a part of UNR Med’s recent integration with Renown Health, Dr. Brayko also supports the development of the Dean/Chief Academic Officer office and operations within the health system. Her work incorporates the principles of behavior science, specifically evidence-based methods and programs to ethically and effectively support large-scale behavior change. In 2017, she earned her doctorate from the Behavior Analysis Program at the University of Nevada, Reno.