Utilizing Stellate Ganglion Block to Enhance Trauma Informed Therapy

Estimated watch time: 1 hr 30 minutes

Presentation Materials:

Molly Jones, LSW

Clinical Education Coordinator for Advanced Recovery Systems

Molly Jones, LSW is a Clinical Education Coordinator for Advanced Recovery Systems. In this role, Molly is responsible for providing clinical education and training to various client populations, treatment providers, and other behavioral health stakeholders across the country. Molly provides in-person, virtual, and on-demand behavioral health education and is able to cover a wide variety of topics under the behavioral healthcare umbrella.

Molly is a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Colorado and based out of Denver, Colorado. Prior to joining the ARS Community Outreach Team in August 2019, Molly worked in a variety of social work settings. She has worked in direct practice, counseling older adults, adolescents, high acuity clients, and other populations struggling with various mental health and substance abuse related issues, as well as a Permanency Planning Worker for the Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Division in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Molly has worked in the field of Social Work since 2013, and holds the philosophy that all individuals, with proper support and awareness, possess the ability to learn, change, and grow to achieve the highest quality of life and sense of self possible.

Molly earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Family Life Education with a focus on Gerontology from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma. In her time with Advanced Recovery Systems, Molly has primarily worked with first responders and their families, as well as the International Association of Fire Fighters and various municipalities across North America. Molly is the Peer Team Clinician for the IAFF’s 9th District Peer Support Team, has been featured in news publications and mental health podcasts, and provided clinical oversight to local non-profits in Colorado.

Dr. Shauna Springer, PhD

Chief Psychologist & Psychological Advisor

Chief Psychologist for the Stella Center and lead Psychological Advisor for MagnusWorx. She is responsible for developing the Stella Center’s trauma informed approach to care across its international network of 40+ clinics and creating vision, as well as content, to support first responders through MagnusWorx. She’s a best-selling author and is widely considered to be one of the world’s leading experts on psychological trauma, military transition, suicide prevention, and close relationships.

Dr. Abby Morris, M.D.

Medical Director

A graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine, Dr. Morris is board-certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine with diverse experience in community mental health, substance abuse, inpatient and private practice settings. She is responsible for all inpatient care, training and future operations planning. She develops the individualized plan of care that will follow each client throughout their stay at the IAFF Center of Excellence.

Objectives and Summary:

This webinar will focus on a model of care designed to improve operational performance, reduce PTSD related symptoms, support career longevity, and improve the quality of relationships at home for first responders. Molly Jones, LSW and Clinical Outreach Coordinator for the IAFF Center of Excellence will be joined by Dr. Shauna Springer, PhD of the Stellate Center and Dr. Abby Morris, M.D. and Medical Director of the IAFF Center of Excellence, to discuss first responder specific challenges to positive mental health and optimal performance at work, as well identify common barriers to accessing and utilizing effective models of care. Dr. Springer will outline a model of care she’s developed to improve first responder health and wellness through the utilization of Stellate Ganglion Blocks (SGB). She will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of what SGB is, how it works, and why its effective. Dr. Morris will share her observations of members who’ve received SGB shots while in treatment at the IAFF Center of Excellence and insights she has regarding the utilization of SGB in first responders.

Presentation Materials:

Molly Jones, LSW is a Clinical Education Coordinator for Advanced Recovery Systems. In this role, Molly is responsible for providing clinical education and training to various client populations, treatment providers, and other behavioral health stakeholders across the country. Molly provides in-person, virtual, and on-demand behavioral health education and is able to cover a wide variety of topics under the behavioral healthcare umbrella.

Molly is a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Colorado and based out of Denver, Colorado. Prior to joining the ARS Community Outreach Team in August 2019, Molly worked in a variety of social work settings. She has worked in direct practice, counseling older adults, adolescents, high acuity clients, and other populations struggling with various mental health and substance abuse related issues, as well as a Permanency Planning Worker for the Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Division in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Molly has worked in the field of Social Work since 2013, and holds the philosophy that all individuals, with proper support and awareness, possess the ability to learn, change, and grow to achieve the highest quality of life and sense of self possible.

Molly earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Family Life Education with a focus on Gerontology from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma. In her time with Advanced Recovery Systems, Molly has primarily worked with first responders and their families, as well as the International Association of Fire Fighters and various municipalities across North America. Molly is the Peer Team Clinician for the IAFF’s 9th District Peer Support Team, has been featured in news publications and mental health podcasts, and provided clinical oversight to local non-profits in Colorado.