Webinar Objectives: 

Objectives: 

• Understand the overview of the Facilitating Attuned iNteractions (FAN) model and its origin.  

• Identify a tool that supports attunement, provides a structure for engagement, and guides reflective practice in the helping field. 

• Practice Mindful Self-Regulation (MSR) as tool for intentional entrance into our work.  

• Identify the purpose of reflection for the worker as well as the client.  

Our Presenters: 

Amaris Gibson 

Amaris Gibson comes to SCIMHA after eight years of serving children and families in different capacities throughout the Upstate. Amaris has a passion for community cohesiveness, trauma-informed education and wraparound services that help children and families achieve optimal health. She holds a master's degree in community counseling and is currently working to become a licensed professional counselor. Her dedication to helping families has led her to serve as an administrative coordinator for Empower Oconee, a community impact program, as well as a group leader for the Strengthening Families Program, an evidence-based program that teaches family skills to children and parents. Amaris' greatest joy is loving on her own family of her husband and two children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling and writing. 

Michelle Hammack

Michelle Hammack is excited to serve with SCIMHA as the Partners for Early Attuned Relationships (PEAR) Network Manager. Although Michelle has experience working with individuals throughout the lifespan, she has a strong passion serving mothers, infants and young children. She worked with children for as long as she can remember —all the way back to the days of babysitting the neighborhood children and high school Child Development classes. Because of this passion, she earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of Maryland at Baltimore with a specialization in Child, Adolescent, and Family Health. Through her schooling, she gained experience working with youth in an emergency domestic violence shelter and counseling high school students. Michelle then served as a case manager for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health diagnoses. Through this work, she grew an affinity for the strength-base perspective and process of team collaboration, which became a staple part of her practice. Her most recent work was a as a Maternal-Child Social Worker in an inner-city Baltimore hospital. In this position, she fostered programs to increase the well-being of mothers and families during pregnancy and postpartum period. All of these experiences intensified her passion to work with diverse populations and awareness of the importance to incorporate culturally sensitive practices. Michelle continues this youth work as a help in her church's childcare. Although born and raised in Maryland, Michelle and her family are excited to transition to South Carolina's Lowcountry. She loves to be active outdoors and looks forward to getting in the sun any chance she gets! 

Sheniqua Scott 

With years of experience working in direct service with young children and their families, Sheniqua brings passion and dedication to the mission of SCIMHA. She joins the SCIMHA team as the intake and training coordinator. Sheniqua is a native of Due West, South Carolina where she attended Dixie High School. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Arts at Spartanburg Methodist College. She later went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a minor in Social Work from the University of South Carolina. Sheniqua takes pride in helping build healthier families, she has worked as a family advocate and case manager through South Carolina Head Start programs. Sheniqua's most recent work experience includes her role with Prevent Child Abuse where she served as a home visitor and community outreach coordinator offering services of support to at risk mothers and their babies. She takes dignity in her ability to work with diverse groups of people. While serving as a home visitor, Sheniqua was able to establish a support group for Spanish speaking families enrolled in the Prevent Child Abuse program creating a sense of community and belonging amongst Hispanic families. She also works very closely with the South Carolina evidence-based Strengthening Families Program where she serves as adult group leader teaching positive parenting skills. Sheniqua enjoys being a first-time mom to her baby girl and watching her grow more and more each day.

*Time spent at this event counts toward IMH-E® and ECMH-E® training or renewal requirements. We recommend consulting the Competency Guidelines associated with your Endorsement® category to confirm. Contact SCIMHA Endorsement Coordinator Jean Cimino with questions.