Healing Trauma
UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM:
A Daylong symposium with Survivor, Legal and BIPP Professionals at a Family Violence Agency
Join us for a daylong conversation with family violence professionals from SafeHaven of Tarrant County to explore critical issues facing survivors, offenders, and those who work with them. Sessions will address both upstream and downstream facets of responding to community-based intimate partner violence. This symposium is geared toward BIPP facilitators, family violence shelter staff, leaders in the field of IPV, DFPS and probation staff, police officers and clinical staff who work with IPV survivors and/or offenders.
This training provides TDCJ-CJAD Approved Hours (4 Family Violence) (2 BIPP).
Symposium itinerary
9 - 9:10 AM
Introduction
Kineret Yardena, Director of Partner Abuse Intervention and Prevention (PAIP)
Session Five: Understanding and Addressing Domestic Violence: Perspectives from Professionals and Victims (1 FV Hour)
Shana Whitfield, Director of Crisis Services
1:50 - 2:50 PM
Session Two: Trauma and the Effects on Children (1 FV Hour)
LaTesha Van, Director of Shelter Services - Arlington
Ronna Huckaby, Chief of Mission
10:10 - 11:10 AM
Session Three: Domestic Violence Shelter Panel Discussion - Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic and Staff Experiences (1 FV Hour)
Moderated by Ronna Huckaby, Chief of Mission
Panel of Directors of Shelter Services and Crisis Services
11:10 AM - 12:10 PM
12:10 - 12:45 PM: Lunch Break
Afternoon Introductions
Kineret Yardena, Director of Partner Abuse Intervention and Prevention (PAIP)
12:45 - 12:50 PM
Session Four: Family Law Landscape: TROs, POs, and Why They Matter (1 FV Hour)
John Passmore, Attorney, SafeHaven Legal Services
12:50 - 1:50 PM
Session One: BIPP Client Intakes and Orientation: Meeting Clients Where They’re At (1 BIPP Hour)
Yezzy Hernandez, PAIP Intake Specialist
9:10 - 10:10 AM
Session Six: BIPP Panel Discussion: Co-Facilitation Challenges and Opportunities (1 BIPP Hour)
Moderated By Kineret Yardena, Director of Partner Abuse Intervention and Prevention (PAIP)
Panel of PAIP Staff
2:50 - 3:50 PM
Housekeeping and Closing Remarks
Kineret Yardena, Director of Partner Abuse Intervention and Prevention (PAIP)
3:50 - 4 PM
meet our speakers
Delisia Dunbar
Director of Shelter Services - Arlington
Delisia Dunbar serves as the Vice President of Residential Services for SafeHaven, where she passionately oversees advocacy and intervention services for survivors of gender-based violence and their children. In her current role, Delisia manages two emergency shelters and the SafeLiving Housing Program, ensuring that those seeking refuge find a safe and supportive environment.
Delisia's commitment to end gender-based violence began nine years ago when she joined SafeHaven as a housing director, overseeing multiple subsidized housing programs. Delisia holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Trauma and Crisis Counseling. Bringing a wealth of experience to the field, Delisia Dunbar continues to be a driving force in the movement to end gender-based violence.
yezzy hernandez
Yezzy Hernandez (she/her/hers) is SafeHaven’s Intake Specialist and Facilitator for the Partner Abuse Intervention & Prevention (PAIP) program. Yezzy conducts Biopsychosocial Assessments and uses motivational interviewing to create individualized goal-oriented action plans with a range of diverse clients. Additionally, she facilitates a group of 15-18 men to explore non-violent and non-threatening behavioral alternatives to promote safe conflict within intimate relationships. She brings a wealth of knowledge and deep sense of calling to this work. She is bilingual and is inspired to advocate, spread awareness, and educate the community on social injustices. Yezzy is a first-generation graduate from the University of Texas at Arlington with her Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and Criminology and Master’s in Social Work. She is currently studying for her LMSW exam. In her free time, Yezzy enjoys traveling, sports, concerts, and spending time with her friends and family.
PAIP Intake Specialist/Facilitator
John R. Passmore
Director of legal services
John Passmore, J.D., is the Director of Legal Services at SafeHaven of Tarrant County.
Mr. Passmore represents survivors of domestic violence in family law matters, including protective order applications, suits affecting the parent-child relationship, and petitions for divorce. Mr. Passmore has represented SafeHaven clients since June of 2022. Prior to his time at SafeHaven, Mr. Passmore served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Texas Office of the Attorney General – Child Support Division.
He received his B.A. from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, and his J.D. from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law in Washington, D.C. Mr. Passmore has been licensed to practice law in the State of Texas since 2013.
Latesha van
Director of Crisis Services
LaTesha Van, a dynamic leader and Shelter Director at SafeHaven of Tarrant County, brings over 15 years of Social Service and Leadership expertise.
With a decade-long tenure at SafeHaven, LaTesha has been a driving force, currently serving as Director of Shelter. She has demonstrated adept leadership in building strong teams, enhancing the client experience, and advocating for individuals escaping domestic violence. LaTesha is deeply committed to developing others and employs a coaching leadership style to empower her team members. Beyond her professional achievements, LaTesha prioritizes personal well-being through activities like cycling and walks near water, showcasing her commitment to self-care. Her love for brunch with friends underscores the significance she places on community and relationships in both her personal and professional life.
Shana whitfield-moore
VP of Residential Services
Shana Whitfield-Moore is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in social services and community advocacy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development Family Studies from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership from Webster University. Shana's career began at Arkansas Children's Hospital, where she provided patient care as part of the STAT TEAM. She then transitioned to roles within governmental agencies, focusing on safeguarding children and families affected by domestic violence and child abuse. Shana's roles included Program Eligibility Specialist and Family Services Worker Supervisor, where she investigated cases, intervened in crises, and developed comprehensive case plans. In 2021, Shana joined SafeHaven of Tarrant County as a Crisis Intervention Coordinator, later becoming the Director of Crisis Services. In this role, she oversees support services, supervises staff and interns, and collaborates with other victim services directors. Outside of work, Shana enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering, and advocating for social justice causes.
Kineret Yardena
Director of partner abuse intervention and prevention
Kineret Yardena (she/her/hers) is SafeHaven’s Director of Partner Abuse Intervention & Prevention (PAIP), where she oversees the BIPP program. Kineret brings a wealth of knowledge and deep sense of calling to this work, along with 20 years of experience in designing and facilitating transformational group experiences for men, women, and at-risk youth in the U.S. and abroad. This is her second year at SafeHaven. Kineret has a graduate degree in education from the University of Auckland, she and is currently completing her Masters in Social Work at University of Texas at Arlington, where she is conducting research on the transformational journey into elderhood. Kineret is a published author and artist, and she lives in East Dallas with her partner, three bonus kids, and the sweetest dog in the whole wide world.
Questions?
lzehentbauer@safehaventc.org
Ronna quimby Huckaby
Ronna Quimby Huckaby has 36 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and a lifelong passion to end domestic violence. She began her career at the Women’s Haven (later merged to become SafeHaven) in 1988 as an undergraduate intern and spent the next nine years working as a counselor, program coordinator, and the Director of Program Services. She also worked as a Batterers’ Intervention Counselor and served as an expert court witness. From 2000-2005, Ronna worked as Director of Client Services at the Women’s Shelter (merged with the Women’s Haven to create SafeHaven). She also served as the Executive Director of a domestic violence shelter in rural Texas.
Ronna is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Approved Supervisor. She earned her Master’s Degree in Education in Counseling from the University of North Texas, with an emphasis in Women’s Studies.