11th Annual Who is Jay? Mental Health Symposium
In Focus: Reframing the Conversation, Improving Care
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Ocean Center, Daytona Beach
The 11th Annual Who is Jay? Mental Health Symposium, a full day of learning, connection, and professional development dedicated to advancing mental health awareness and care is just around the corner- and registration is now closed. If you didn’t get registered and were planning to attend, please email Cyndi Hines, PR & Events Manager, chines@smahealthcare.org to see if seats are available.
The day begins with a morning keynote by Dr. Xavier Amador, an internationally recognized psychologist, author, and expert on serious mental illness and treatment engagement, sharing powerful insights and practical strategies for supporting individuals and families.
Attendees will also enjoy a keynote presentation during lunch. We look forward to having an inspiring fireside chat between Dese’Rae L. Stage and Christina Watkins. Dese’Rae is a photographer, suicide awareness activist, and creator of Live Through This, a multimedia series of portraits and stories of nearly 200 suicide attempt survivors in the U.S. Christina is a WESH 2 news anchor/reporter, children’s author, and mental health advocate.
Participants may choose from six breakout sessions—three in the morning and three in the afternoon —covering a variety of timely mental health topics led by experienced professionals.
Morning Breakout Presenters/Topics
Tracy Riley, PsyD, LCSW (Hypnotherapy)
James Munro, ND (Food the Mood – Part II)
Salvatore Gintoli, MA and Melissa Eugley, LMHC, CBHCMS (Innovating Hope: Advancing Suicide Prevention Through Collaboration and Compassion)
Afternoon Breakout Presenters/Topics
Tracy Riley, PsyD, LCSW (Social Media and Mental Health)
Aaron Brinen, PsyD (Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy)
Nicole King, LMHC (Hidden Grief, Ongoing Loss: Caregiver Stress, Ambiguous Grief, and Sustainable Coping)
NOTE: More information such as presentation descriptions, presenter bios, etc. are included below
Registration Fees: REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
Up to 4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available (Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and/or Mental Health Counseling)
For more information, please contact Cyndi Hines, PR & Events Manager, chines@smahealthcare.org or 386-254-1136
SPEAKER & PRESENTATION INFORMATION
Morning Keynote
Dr. Xavier Amador
Keynote Title – I Am Not Sick I Don’t Need Help: How to Help Someone Accept Treatment
Keynote Description – Research on the prevalence, etiology, and clinical significance of poor insight of persons with serious mental illness will be presented. Evidence that poor insight is a symptom of these disorders rather than denial will be discussed. Strategies for helping such persons will be summarized.
Bio
Dr. Xavier Amador is an internationally renowned clinical psychologist, forensic expert, author, and leader in his field. His published clinical research, books, and extensive work in schizophrenia, bipolar, and other mental illness disorders have been translated into 30 languages.
Dr. Amador is Founder of the LEAP Institute, which has trained tens of thousands professionals and families on LEAP (Listen-Empathize-
Agree-Partner®), a communication approach that creates trusting relationships with people who have serious mental illness and anosognosia. He is also a family caregiver of two close relatives with schizophrenia and another with bipolar disorder.
Author of 9 books including I Am Right, You’re Wrong, Now What?; I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help! ®; and When Someone You Love is Depressed: How to help without losing yourself – Dr. Amador draws on 30 years of experience as a therapist, his personal story, and scientific research when giving advice. His psychotherapy, coaching, and consulting work as a leading individual, family, child, and couples’ therapist has been featured on PBS NOVA, ABC Prime Time Live, and NBC Bravo.
Additionally, he authored over 130 peer-reviewed scientific papersand served as a section Co-Chair of the only peer-reviewed text revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM), the authoritative diagnostic manual used by mental health professionals world-wide.
He is an Adjunct Professor at the Psychiatry and Psychology at University of Utah, a Visiting Professor of Psychology at the State University of New York, and over the course of two decades he was Professor of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology at Columbia University and Director of Psychology at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. He served as co-chair of the Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders section of the DSM-IV-TR.
From 1989 to 2002, Dr. Amador was a faculty member at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. In 2002, he resigned from Columbia and as a Director of Psychology at the New York State Psychiatric Institute to honor his commitment to educate caregivers and practitioners about anosognosia and science-based approaches proven to help people with mental illness live more fulfilling lives. He then served as Director at National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), founding the Scientific Council and launching Family to Family, Peer to Peer, In Our Own Voices, and Assertive Community Treatment (ACT).
Dr. Amador has worked on over 80 death penalty casesin the United States and his expertise continues
to be called on by government, industry and media, where he has appeared as a frequent expert for CNN, ABC News, NBC News, Fox News, CBS 60 Minutes, New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and other national and international news outlets.
Morning Breakouts:
Tracy Riley, PsyD, LCSW
Presentation Title: Hypnosis in Behavioral Health: Beyond the Myths
Presentation Description: Clinical hypnosis is often misunderstood, despite its longstanding use as a therapeutic tool in behavioral health treatment. Many clinicians have been exposed to misconceptions shaped by entertainment, stage hypnosis, or inaccurate portrayals of hypnosis as mind control or passive suggestion. In reality, clinical hypnosis can be a structured, collaborative, and evidence-informed intervention that supports focused attention, increased receptivity to therapeutic suggestions, and meaningful clinical change.
This workshop will introduce behavioral health professionals to the foundational principles of clinical hypnosis, including what hypnosis is, what it is not, how trance states function, and how hypnotic techniques may be incorporated into treatment in an ethical and clinically appropriate manner. Participants will explore common applications of hypnosis in behavioral health practice, such as anxiety reduction, stress management, habit change, performance enhancement, and emotional regulation.
This presentation is designed to provide a practical and accessible introduction for clinicians who are curious about hypnosis, want to better understand its therapeutic potential, or are considering whether further training may be appropriate for their practice.
Bio:
Dr. Tracy Riley, PsyD, LCSW, is a forensic social worker, mental health clinician, and founder of Tracy Riley Counseling & Hypnosis in Jacksonville, Florida. She specializes in high-conflict family dynamics, reunification work, and the intersection of psychology, technology, and modern communication. Dr. Riley is known for blending clinical expertise with practical strategies that help individuals and professionals navigate today’s fast-paced digital world while protecting emotional wellbeing. A speaker, author, and entrepreneur, she delivers engaging, thought-provoking presentations on social media, mental health, and the transformative power of hypnosis.
James Munro, ND
Presentation Title – Reframing Mental Health: Why Nutrition Matters More Than We Think
Presentation Description – Mental health care has traditionally focused on psychology and medication, but another powerful influence is often overlooked: nutrition. Growing evidence shows that diet, micronutrients, metabolic health, and inflammation can significantly shape brain function, mood, and resilience.
In this engaging session, participants will explore how nutritional factors contribute to mental and behavioral health. Attendees will leave with practical insights for recognizing when nutrition may be affecting mental health, and simple strategies to help move patient care forward.
Bio
James Munro, ND began his higher education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he earned a degree in biology with a focus on pre-medical studies. He later received his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, and completed a residency in integrative medicine at Progressive Medical in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Munro currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Paath Wellness, where he helps provide personalized clinical laboratory analysis and guidance for patients. He also serves as Medical Director and Senior Director of Innovation for Xymogen, where he helps develop professional-grade formulas and services that support healthcare practitioners and their patients.
Beyond his clinical and industry work, Dr. Munro regularly speaks at medical conferences across the country and shares his expertise with a broad online audience. Through platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, he educates and inspires hundreds of thousands of followers, driven by a passion for helping people feel better tomorrow than they do today.
Salvatore Gintoli, MA and Melissa Eugley, LMHC, CBHCMS
Presentation Title: Innovating Hope in Suicide Prevention – A Collaborative Workshop
Presentation Description – The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of novel technologies, clinical frameworks, and community-led interventions for suicide prevention. The presentation is followed by a mini-workshop during which participants will choose one of the innovations and create a plan to implement it in their own practice, at their agency, or in their community.
Presenter Bios
Salvatore “Tore” Gintoli, MA, brings over 30 years of leadership in behavioral healthcare, with expertise in crisis services, advocacy, training, and regulatory compliance. He has served with SMA Healthcare for more than 14 years, advancing from Director of Operations at Pinegrove to Vice President of Community Engagement in 2025.
During his tenure, Mr. Gintoli led major organizational improvements within Crisis Services, including restructuring management, enhancing compliance, and overseeing renovations at the Chet Bell Crisis Center. He actively represents SMA through advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels and provides education to community partners, higher education institutions, and law enforcement.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Florida and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, and has received multiple SMA leadership awards.
Melissa J. Eugley is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with extensive experience in behavioral health, forensics, and case management. She currently serves as Senior Director of Case Management Services at SMA Healthcare, where she oversees multiple outpatient programs and collaborates with community partners to support individuals with complex mental health needs.
With a strong background in forensic services, Melissa has held leadership roles supporting individuals involved in the judicial system, specializing in trauma, co-occurring disorders, and severe mental illness. She also provides telehealth therapy, focusing on areas such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and grief.
Melissa holds a Master of Science in Counseling Studies from Capella University and a Bachelor of Science in Mental Health and Human Services from the University of Maine at Augusta. She is actively involved in community initiatives addressing homelessness and behavioral health.
Dr. Tracy Riley, PsyD, LCSW
Presentation Title: Social Media and Mental Health
Presentation Description: In this 1 ½ hour presentation, we delve into the complex relationship between social media and mental health, exploring both the benefits and challenges presented by digital platforms in today’s interconnected world. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how social media influences mental well-being, from enhancing social connections to exacerbating feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
The presentation begins by examining the psychological mechanisms at play when individuals engage with social media, including the impact of likes, comments, and comparison on self-esteem and self-perception. We will explore research findings that highlight the correlation between excessive social media use and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, and body image concerns.
Attendees will also learn practical strategies for promoting positive mental health while using social media. This includes techniques for mindful consumption, setting healthy boundaries, and cultivating digital resilience. We will discuss the role of digital detoxes, self-care practices, and seeking support in managing the psychological effects of online interactions.
Moreover, the presentation addresses the ethical considerations of social media use, including privacy concerns, cyberbullying, and the impact on vulnerable populations such as adolescents and young adults. Participants will be encouraged to critically evaluate their digital habits and develop a personalized approach to using social media that supports their mental well-being.
By the end of the session, attendees will leave with a nuanced understanding of how social media can both positively and negatively affect mental health. They will be equipped with practical tools and strategies to navigate digital landscapes mindfully, fostering a healthier relationship with technology and promoting overall mental wellness in their lives.
Bio:
Dr. Tracy Riley, PsyD, LCSW, is a forensic social worker, mental health clinician, and founder of Tracy Riley Counseling & Hypnosis in Jacksonville, Florida. She specializes in high-conflict family dynamics, reunification work, and the intersection of psychology, technology, and modern communication. Dr. Riley is known for blending clinical expertise with practical strategies that help individuals and professionals navigate today’s fast-paced digital world while protecting emotional wellbeing. A speaker, author, and entrepreneur, she delivers engaging, thought-provoking presentations on social media, mental health, and the transformative power of hypnosis.
Aaron P. Brinen, PsyD
Presentation Title: Living Well With Psychosis: An Introduction to Recovery-Oriented CBT for Psychosis
Presentation Description – Many people have difficulties with motivation and connection (commonly referred to as “negative symptoms”) that make them the least likely to engage in psychosocial treatments. Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy for Psychosis was developed with the intent of reaching these people. Instead of focusing on symptoms or problems, it works by connecting with the person’s interests and supporting their aspirations, helping them to recover and gain the life they want. Symptoms are seen as obstacles.
In this workshop, we will review the fundamentals of recovery-oriented cognitive therapy, including the basic model and research. We will discuss clinical applications, providing a taste for providers interested in trying out the treatment now.
Bio
Aaron P. Brinen, PsyD, is a co-developer of Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R) and has been actively involved in adapting CT-R for various settings. He is the author of the recent book, “Living Well With Psychosis,” published by Guilford Press, and one of the co-authors on the original CT-R manual. Dr. Brinen is a clinical psychologist in private practice who employs evidence-based treatments to assist individuals in recovering from serious mental health conditions. He also holds the position of Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Additionally, Dr. Brinen has trained therapists from around the world in the use of CT-R. He is a blogger for Psychology Today, actively produces teaching content through Instagram (and other social media platforms) and YouTube.
Nicole King, LMHC
Presentation Title: Hidden Grief, Ongoing Loss: Caregiver Stress, Ambiguous Grief, and Sustainable Coping
Presentation Description: This engaging TED-style session explores the connection between stress and grief, especially for caregivers and those supporting others. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how ongoing responsibilities, life changes, and loss can overlap and impact well-being.
The presentation offers practical, real-life strategies to manage stress, set boundaries, and cope with grief—whether related to caregiving, illness, or major life transitions. Participants will also learn how to recognize signs of burnout, support others with compassion, and build sustainable coping skills for everyday life.
Bio
Nicole King, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor, Florida native, devoted dog mom to two rescue pups, and proud wife to her husband of 15 years, Dorian. She lives in DeLand, Florida, where she provides direct clinical services and oversees a private practice serving a diverse range of clients across the lifespan.
In addition to her clinical work, Nicole is an adjunct professor at Stetson University, where she teaches graduate-level counselor education courses and is deeply committed to mentoring and preparing the next generation of mental health professionals. Her clinical and professional interests include grief and loss, trauma-informed care, and aging-related concerns, with a particular focus on supporting caregivers of individuals living with dementia and other cognitive impairments through caregiver-centered programming and community resource coordination.
Nicole is also active in advocacy and professional outreach. She speaks with the National Coalition for the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau and presents on topics such as grief and loss, homelessness, caregiver stress, and interpersonal violence. She is proud to serve as a member of SMA’s Board of Directors, contributing her clinical insight and community-focused perspective to organizational leadership and advocacy efforts.
Her approach is collaborative and strengths-based, grounded in warmth, practicality, and deep respect for the lived experiences of those she serves. Nicole’s work centers on helping individuals and families navigate loss, stress, and life transitions with clarity, compassion, and meaningful support.