UTSA's Social Work Alumni Group (SWAG) 2024 Annual Conference

Alumni and students: Please check your email for a coupon code or email swag@utsa.edu!

Harmonizing Care: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Well-Being Conference

UTSA Social Work Alumni Group (SWAG) provides collaboration, networking, and mentoring among UTSA social work alumni and current students. SWAG is also active in advocating for local, state, and national issues that impact social workers and the communities they serve.

The UTSA Social Work Annual Conference gathers local and statewide social workers and others working to improve lives and accessibility to services. The UTSA Social Work Annual Conference offers attendees opportunities to learn about latest trends in issues and services, share experiences, and build community through relevant keynote speakers, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and agency exhibits. The UTSA Social Work Annual Conference is also an opportunity to highlight the incredible work our alumni are providing locally and nationally.

Earn CEUs, including ethics!

Keynote Speaker:

Diego M. Bernal
State Representative, District 123

Representative Diego Bernal was born in South Texas and raised in San Antonio. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in the city's West side, he attended the University of Michigan, where he earned his undergraduate degree, Master's in Social Work, and law degree. After graduating from law school, he returned to San Antonio permanently as a MALDEF staff attorney, advocating and litigating on behalf of working people, children, and immigrant communities. In June 2011, Diego was elected to the San Antonio City Council representing District 1. Representative Bernal was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in February 2015. He represents District 123, home to downtown and north central San Antonio, parts of the city's West Side, along with the City of Castle Hills. He currently serves as a member of the House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock and the House Committee on Urban Affairs.

Presenters: click here for session details and presenter bios

• Moving mindfully, living meaningfully: An OT perspective on yoga and meditation for improving women’s pelvic floor health

          Lindsey Sutton, OTD, PhD, C-IAYT (Yoga Therapist), Crescent Pelvic Health + Wellness, Core Essentials

• Working with Marginalized Populations in Multi-Modal Therapies

           Elvia Obregon-Mendoza, LCSW, RPT ‘13,  Selah Your Life Wellness LLC

          Nancy Franklin, LCSW, RPT-S, Private Practice

• Hoarding Disorder: Let's Not Call Them Hoarders!

          Helen Flores ‘98, Law Offices of Car Bertsch, PC

• Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care and Implementing Trauma-Informed Care Principles

          Jessica Huerta, Institute for Trauma-Informed Care at University Health

• Accessing Capital and Credit in the Under-Served Markets

          Alex Herrera, Operation HOPE​

• Rental Housing Affordability in Texas: Data for Communities and Policymakers

          Monica Cruz, PhD, UTSA Institute for Demographic and Socioeconomic Research

          Salah Uddin, PhD, UTSA Institute for Demographic and Socioeconomic Research

• Nonviolent Communication for Inner Peace and Social Justice

          Dieter Cantu ‘15, Cantu Appraisers & Consultants

• Social Work Informatics: A New Specialty

          Raul Rodriguez III, LCSW-S, Ohtli Therapy, PLLC

• Navigating Ethical Issues and Commitment to Clients

           Vanessa Valles, LCSW-S, A New Start Counseling

• A Celebration of the Neurodiversity Movement

          Anna Paola Smith, LCSW, Autism Community Network

• The Neuroscience Application of Blue Zone Principles

          Dr. Sunita Punjabi, PhD, LPC-A, BCIA, Brain Coach

Thank you to our sponsors!!!