2024 Co-Responder Outreach Alliance Retreat

CROA and the University of Washington School of Social Work are holding their second annual co-response retreat at the Center for Urban Horticulture in Seattle. We’ll be hosting fire and police co-response teams from throughout the state, along with policymakers and providers who champion these programs. The retreat will feature classes, discussions, and networking opportunities to shape the future of co-response and encourage professional development.

Please find the detailed agenda and speaker information below. Presentation slides will be available, here, by April 18. We look forward to an incredible day of learning, networking, and collective action!

Date & Time

Friday April 19th, 2024
8:00am – 5:00pm PDT

Location

Center for Urban Horticulture
3501 NE 41st St Seattle, WA 98105

Please be aware that photography will be taking place throughout the duration of our event. These images may be used by CROA for marketing and promotional purposes in print, media, and online. If you prefer not to be photographed, please reach out to one of our event staff members for assistance. Thank you for your cooperation and enjoy the event!

Our Speakers

Robert Almada, MPS

Robert Almada, MPS

Chief, Lacey Police Department

Chief Almada joined the Lacey Police Department in 2019 after serving with the Santa Monica Police Department for over 28 years. He has served a variety of field, investigative, and administrative assignments including emergency management, communication center (911) management, and patrol operations supervision and command. Chief Almada received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and earned a post graduate certificate in Leadership from the Drucker Institute. He is a graduate of the Executive Leadership Institute presented by the California Police Chiefs Association, as well as the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute.
Zee Andrignis, LICSW, SUDP

Zee Andrignis, LICSW, SUDP

Mental Health Professional Supervisor, Seattle Police Department

Zee (they/them) is the Mental Health Professional Supervisor for the Seattle Police Department’s Crisis Response Team, a co-responder collaboration with DESC. They are an LICSW and SUDP who has worked in co-response for 7 years. They have a passion for working with LGBTQ+ populations and supporting community service providers in understanding how to work with first responders.
Joe Avalos, MA, SUDP, MHP

Joe Avalos, MA, SUDP, MHP

Administrator, Olympic Health & Recovery Services

Joe is the Administrator for Olympic Health & Recovery Services (OHRS), a licensed behavioral health agency headquartered in Lacey that is focused on providing behavioral health crisis services, hospital diversion, and jail diversion services for Thurston and Mason counties. After completing his service in the US Navy, Joe worked as a behavioral health clinician in a substance use disorder inpatient facility, then worked for several years in a crisis services unit. He is currently also serving as the Chief Operating Officer for the Thurston Mason BH-ASO. Joe holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Saint Martin’s University and is a Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Professional in Washington State.
Maureen Bailey, BSW, CPC

Maureen Bailey, BSW, CPC

Recovery Support Services Section Manager, WA State HCA

Maureen is the Recovery Support Services Section Manager with the Washington State Health Care Authority within the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery. Maureen has worked in the field of peer support for the past 12 years. She has experience providing direct peer support services, provided program support for Youth and Family CPC, Ombuds, and Operationalizing Peer Support trainings, and held the Consumer Partnership Coordinator position for the Great Rivers BHO.

As a person with lived experience in behavioral health, Maureen is passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding those with behavioral health challenges. Her commitment is to continue expanding recovery support opportunities and educating others in hopes of reducing the stigma that keeps individuals from seeking treatment and recovery.

Rep. Dan Bronoske

Rep. Dan Bronoske

Washington State House of Representatives, 28th Legislative District

Born and raised in Pierce County, Dan served six years with the Washington Army National Guard. He is also a 21-year firefighter and 22-year EMT working to help keep the communities of Lakewood, University Place, and Steilacoom safe.

These past two years, Dan, alongside his fellow first responders and healthcare workers, has been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. He has seen firsthand the effects this virus continues to have on the community, but is committed to working diligently in the legislature to help all of us get through this difficult time.

Dan and his wife Megan currently live in Lakewood with their dog Pepper.

Brook Buettner, LICSW, MPA

Brook Buettner, LICSW, MPA

Executive Director, Regional Crisis Response Academy

Brook is the inaugural Executive Director of the groundbreaking Regional Crisis Response Agency, which is transforming the first response system in North King County by deploying crisis clinicians to people experiencing behavioral health emergencies. She is an experienced human services professional with a focus on policy advocacy and program implementation for high-needs populations. Throughout her career, Brook has consistently served populations experiencing chronic homelessness, substance use disorder, and severe and persistent mental illness. She is passionate about diversion and about transforming systems to better meet the needs of individuals in crisis. Brook holds Masters Degrees in Public Administration and Social Work from the University of Washington, and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.
Stephanie Butler, MSW, LICSW

Stephanie Butler, MSW, LICSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker – Supervisor, City of Snoqualmie

Stephanie is a Co-Responder Mental Health Professional for the City of Snoqualmie with expertise in crisis intervention and suicide prevention. She has extensive experience in training on brief screening for suicide and crisis planning with a focus on equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively identify individuals at risk of suicide and provide appropriate intervention and support. Stephanie’s goal is to emphasize the importance of collaboration between mental health professionals, fire and law enforcement, along with other crisis first responders.
Susan Cherry, BA, SUDP, NCAC 1, SAP

Susan Cherry, BA, SUDP, NCAC 1, SAP

Director of Patient Access & Outreach, Lakeside-Milam Recovery

As Director of Patient Access and Outreach, Susan plays a critical role in facilitating the admission process for patients while also spearheading outreach efforts for Lakeside Milam. In addition to identifying and mimizing barriers that patients may encounter during the admission process, Susan also manages Lakeside Milam’s Drug and Alcohol Consulting Service (DACS) and develops partnerships within the community to enhance outreach efforts. Overall, Susan’s role is multifaceted, combining administrative oversight with community engagement to ensure that Lakeside Milam effectively serves its patients and the broader community in their recovery efforts.

Gwendolyn Christensen, BHCM, CPC

Gwendolyn Christensen, BHCM, CPC

Behavioral Health Case Manager, Tacoma Fire HOPE Team

Gwendolyn is currently the Behavioral Health Case Manager for the Tacoma Fire Dept Holistic Outreach Promoting Engagement (HOPE) Team. She provides soft-touch Case Management for clients referred to her by the HOPE field team, the Tacoma Fire Department, and the Tacoma Police Department. Case management includes connecting clients with individualized resources in the community; i.e., resource provision, MH services, SUD services, support groups, housing, etc. Additionally, she is a Certified Peer Counselor with lived experience in many areas to include substance use, sexual trauma, PTSD, homelessness, and incarceration, with 21 years of recovery and 15 years of volunteer and work experience in the industry providing peer support and Trauma informed yoga in crisis facilities and prisons.
Cecil Cromwell, Jr, RN, BSN

Cecil Cromwell, Jr, RN, BSN

Community Health RN, Renton FD CARES

Cecil is a Community Health RN with the Renton FD CARES unit, and a Certified Geriatric Diabetic Nurse and Certified Assisted Living Nurse/RN. Prior to being a RN, he volunteered as a EMT/Firefighter and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant/Nurse Technician. Cecil has worked in long-term care, skilled nursing, assisted living, and home health nursing for 28 years in South King and Pierce Counties. He has instructed DSHS-approved classes on CPR/first aid, mental health, dementia, caregiving, nurse delegation, and substance abuse.
Rep. Lauren Davis

Rep. Lauren Davis

Washington State House of Representatives, 32nd Legislative District

Lauren represents the 32nd Legislative District in the Washington State House of Representatives. She was the founding Executive Director and is the current Strategy Director of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA). The WRA is a grassroots movement of individuals and families impacted by addiction and mental health challenges driving large-scale change in public policy and public understanding.

Prior to serving in public office, Lauren led efforts to pass 2016’s Ricky’s Law, named after her best friend, which created an unprecedented crisis treatment system for youth and adults with life-threatening addiction. In the legislature, Lauren’s work centers on behavioral health treatment and recovery and criminal legal system reform.

Jon Ehrenfeld

Jon Ehrenfeld

Mobile Integrated Health Program Manager, Seattle Fire Department

Jon manages the Mobile Integrated Health Program for the Seattle Fire Department. This program has grown from a single case manager outreach effort in 2016 to encompass multiple teams providing city-wide response through its Health One program, which ranges from crisis intervention to system navigation to overdose response.

Jon came to the Fire Department with a background in nonprofit program management and a focus on disaster preparedness and recovery. He holds a master’s degree in international relations and was a paramedic in Maryland.

Brett J. Feldman, MSPAS, PA-C

Brett J. Feldman, MSPAS, PA-C

Director, USC Street Medicine; Associate Professor of Family Medicine

Brett is the Director and co-founder of USC Street Medicine and is an Associate Professor of Family Medicine. Mr. Feldman is the outgoing Vice Chair of the Street Medicine Institute and has practiced street medicine since 2007. In Mr. Feldman’s role with USC and the Street Medicine Institute, he participated in the establishment or expansion of over 150 street medicine programs internationally. He has led advocacy efforts to integrate street medicine into mainstream healthcare while keeping its values and philosophy intact.

A PBS documentary featuring Brett and the street medicine program which he founded, Close to Home: Street Medicine, won an Emmy award in 2018.

Sylvia Feliciano

Sylvia Feliciano

Founder, Solace Mind

Marine Corps veteran and founder of Solace Mind, Sylvia combines her life experiences with diverse healing modalities to promote well-being and foster safe spaces. Sylvia is also the program manager for CIT King County MIDD, where she ensures the program provides consistent and high-quality training to first responders and others, teaching effective crisis intervention strategies while promoting self-care. Sylvia prioritizes the responders’ well-being and psychological safety enabling them to develop the critical skills required to navigate and respond to behavioral health crises with empathy and resilience. Sylvia’s unwavering commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion ensures all voices are heard and valued, building stronger connections between first responders and the communities they serve.

Natasha Grossman, MSW

Natasha Grossman, MSW

Program Manager, Bellevue Fire CARES

Natasha is the Program Manager for Bellevue Fire CARES, a Co-Response program in the Bellevue Fire Department that responds and provides resources to vulnerable populations served by fire and police during and after 911 calls. In addition to responding to calls in progress, CARES MHPs staff the Community Crisis Assistance Team Co-Response unit with Bellevue Police officers. Before joining Bellevue Fire CARES in 2013, Natasha was a faculty member and program director at the University of Washington School of Social Work. She has over 25 years of experience in direct service, policy advocacy, program implementation, management, and evaluation. Natasha served for two years on the Social Justice Board for the National Association of Social Workers and currently serves on the CROA board.
Kim Hendrickson

Kim Hendrickson

Housing, Health and Human Services Director; City of Poulsbo

Kim is the Director of the City of Poulsbo’s Housing, Health and Human Services Department where she works on projects increasing access to healthcare, housing, and social services. She worked with Poulsbo Fire to establish Kitsap County’s first Fire CARES team and provides project coordination for Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue CARES. In 2023, she established the North Kitsap Recovery Resource Center, the County’s first peer-focused hub for drug and alcohol recovery services. Kim served as CROA’s first Board President and was a member of Washington State’s 988 crisis response improvement committee. She currently consults with the University of Washington School of Social Work on fire-based co-response initiatives.
Matt Hickman

Matt Hickman

Community Resource Paramedic, North County Fire & EMS

Matt is a Community Resource Paramedic with North County Fire & EMS. After 14 years working in Snohomish County as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Matt now spends his time as a member of the CARES (Community Assistance Referrals & Education Services) program. This program helps connect community members with resources and education to meet their healthcare goals while reducing reliance on emergency medical services.

When he’s not at work, you can usually find him on his bicycle!

Shaughn G. Maxwell, MS

Shaughn G. Maxwell, MS

Assistant Chief of EMS / Health & Safety, South County Fire

Chief Maxwell has been in the fire service for nearly three decades, starting in 1988 at the age of 16. He began his career as a volunteer firefighter/EMT. He currently oversees EMS, Health and Safety, and Community Paramedic Operations for South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue. He has spearheaded new laws and has worked with the Governor’s Office, The White House, NASA, and the U.S. Military to enhance the way we help people through the fire service and medicine.

Chief Maxwell is a nationally known leader, speaking and writing about human factors, performance, leadership, and community paramedicine in the U.S. and Canada.

Aleesia Morales, MA, MHP, LMFTA

Aleesia Morales, MA, MHP, LMFTA

HOPE Program Co-Manager, Tacoma Fire Department

Aleesia earned her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from St. Martin’s University and has over 10 years of experience working with people within varying age groups, with differing abilities, who come from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

She brings her understanding of the important need for transparency, knowledge of the community behavioral health and criminal court systems, contract negotiation and management, stakeholder outreach, the legislative process and bill analysis, and experience with program development and continuity to her role as a co-manager with the City of Tacoma/Fire Department’s Holistic Outreach Promoting Engagement (HOPE) team, which provides in field alternative response independent of, in tandem with, and after a person has had contact with traditional first responders.

Amy Naylor

Amy Naylor

Curiosity Cultivator and Founder, Human Together

Amy devoted over two decades to policing with the Olympia Police Department. She was significantly involved in creating two nationally recognized co/alternative response programs and an experiential community academy to bridge gaps and build relationships. Amy now works in public speaking helping organizations bring the best version of themselves to their work building resilience, wellness and safety.

You can find out more at https://www.humantogether.us.

Mandy Owens, PhD

Mandy Owens, PhD

Assistant Professor, University of Washington

Mandy is an Assistant Professor at the Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington. Her work focuses on the intersection between substance use and the criminal legal system, including research and implementation efforts with law enforcement, jails, and prisons. Dr. Owens also is a licensed and practicing psychologist working with people with substance use disorder, and has been a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers since 2014.
Nicole Picknell

Nicole Picknell

Captain, South County Fire

Nicole has 30+ years Fire Ground experience including wildland and structural firefighting, 25 years as a Paramedic as well as 25 years in the Exercise, Fitness, and Nutrition Industry. She has spent the last 3.5 years overseeing the Community Resource Paramedic Team at South Snohomish Fire and Rescue Regional Fire Authority (South County Fire).

Nicole has a huge desire to support Firefighters, Police Officers, and first responders in health and wellness. She supports people in health and nutrition as a personal trainer, exercise instructor, nutrition coach, body builder coach, yoga instructor, Yoga for First Responder instructor, and But yoga instructor.

Tom Robey, MD, PhD

Tom Robey, MD, PhD

Emergency Physician, Providence Regional Medical Center - Everett

Dr. Robey is an emergency physician practicing at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett. He has led several initiatives to provide new treatments for emergency department patients with substance use disorder. He also is the medical director of the Snohomish County Diversion Center and is rolling out a new street medicine initiative to bring telehealth services for behavioral health and MOUD to underhoused residents of Everett.

Dr. Robey is an amateur sawyer and will try to build anything that starts with timbers. Otherwise, he enjoys supporting his kids’ hobbies and interests.

Julie Rogers, LICSW, MSW

Julie Rogers, LICSW, MSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, RISE Counsel

Julie brings a wealth of expertise as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in integrative health and mental health. With a seasoned career spanning 16 years, she has seamlessly navigated diverse roles in public mental health, educational settings with at-risk adolescents, child welfare, private therapeutic practice, crisis intervention, and co-response within emergency medical systems.

Julie’s strategic focus on de-escalation, risk and safety assessments, needs assessments, and service navigation/resource connection underscores her dedication to holistic well-being. As a certified crisis intervention team coordinator, she demonstrates leadership in fostering critical community partnerships and relationships, addressing the escalating demand for effective community responses to behavioral health crises.

Greg Rudolf, MD, DFASAM

Greg Rudolf, MD, DFASAM

Addiction/Pain Medicine Specialist, Swedish Pain Services

Dr. Rudolf has been practicing pain medicine, addiction medicine, and medical acupuncture at Swedish Pain Services in Seattle since 2004. He is the current chair of the American Society of Addiction Medicine Pain and Addiction Committee, and is the immediate past president of the WA Society of Addiction Medicine. He has won numerous awards and has been featured as one of Seattle’s Best Doctors in both addiction medicine and acupuncture numerous times between 2006 and 2023. He is a clinical associate professor at the University of WA School of Medicine.

Dr. Rudolf is an avid runner, as well as a musician, playing drum set and piano. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his family in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Rebecca Sauls, MSW

Rebecca Sauls, MSW

Mental Health Trainer, Rebecca Sauls LLC

Driven by her own lived experiences, Rebecca is deeply passionate about empowering professionals and individuals alike to navigate the complexities of mental health with respect, empathy, and a sprinkle of courage. Rebecca brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and real-world expertise to her work. She is a compassionate advocate for mental health and crisis intervention, with a wealth of experience and a heart dedicated to serving others.

At the core of her philosophy lies the belief that empathy, while essential, must be accompanied by healthy boundaries to prevent burnout and ensure sustainable support for both caregivers and those in crisis. Her favorite quote, “Empathy without boundaries is self-destruction,” encapsulates this guiding principle.

Jennifer Stuber, PhD

Jennifer Stuber, PhD

Associate Professor, University of Washington

Jenn is deeply honored to partner with CROA! She is a faculty member at the School of Social Work and the founder of Forefront Suicide Prevention. Jenn is passionate about helping people who have lost hope due to trauma and mental health challenges. She has extensive experience working on suicide prevention trainings and programs for youth and men in the middle years. She is an unwavering advocate for mental health system reform that prioritizes people-first approaches as well as transparency and accountability of government-run systems. Jenn believes that with partnership and a growth mindset, anything is possible.
Joshua Wallace

Joshua Wallace

CEO & President, PEER Washington

Joshua identifies as a person thriving in long-term recovery from co-occurring challenges. He became a member of Peer Seattle in 2005, started volunteering in 2008, joined as staff in 2009, and took over as executive director in 2011. Joshua is a co-founder of the Washington Recovery Alliance, King County Recovery Coalition, and Washington Peer Advancement Coalition. He currently serves on the King County Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Advisory Committee and co-chairs the Washington Behavioral Health Advisory Council.

Joshua is a fierce advocate for peer services in Washington state because he knows firsthand the incredible impact that a community of peers connected by shared experience makes on increasing the success of long-term recovery.

Agenda

Thursday, April 18th

(Pre-conference reception), The Graduate Hotel

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4:00 – 6:00pm

Julota User Session

Hosted by Julota 

All retreat ticketholders welcome but requires rsvp

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6:00 – 8:00pm

Evening Pre-Conference Reception

All retreat ticketholders welcome but requires rsvp

Friday, April 19th

Retreat – The Center for Urban Horticulture

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7:30 – 7:45am

Registration Begins for Yoga Attendees 

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8:00 – 8:45am

Yoga for First Responders 

Captain Nicole Picknell | South County Fire

Bring yourself; we will provide the yoga mats.

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8:30 – 10:00am

Registration for All Other Attendees

Light Breakfast Available

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9:00 – 10:00am

Morning Keynote: The Growth and Sustainability of Co-Response

Download Presentation
Moderated by CROA President Brook Buettner

Featuring:

Lauren Davis | Representative, 32nd Legislative District
Dan Bronoske | Representative, 28th Legislative District
Shaughn Maxwell | Assistant Chief of South County Fire
Robert Almada | Chief of Lacey Police Department

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10:15am – 12:15pm

AM Breakout Sessions – select one

Improving Responses to Overdose Calls

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Mandy Owens | Assistant Professor at University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute (ADAI)
Amy Naylor | Human Together LLC and former Lieutenant, Olympia Police Department
Matt Hickman| Community Resource Paramedic, North Kitsap Regional Fire Authority

Brief Screening for Suicide & Crisis Planning: Intervention for Co-Response

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Jenn Stuber | Associate Professor, University of Washington School of Social Work
Stephanie Butler | Social Worker, Snoqualmie Police Department
Julie Rogers | Social Worker, Poulsbo Fire & Rescue

Exchanging Ideas for Follow-up Service Delivery: Insights from Street Medicine and Co-Response

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Professor Brett Feldman | Director and Co-Founder of Street Medicine Institute at Keck School of Medicine, USC
Cecil Cromwell | Community Health Nurse, Renton FD CARES
Natasha Grossman | Program Manager, Bellevue Fire CARES

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12:15-1:00pm

Hosted Lunch

Lunch provided by Carelon and Eccovia

   

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1:00 – 1:45pm

Quick takes – select one
Perspectives on Developing Effective Internal Peer Support Programs

Joshua Wallace | CEO & President, Peer Washington
Lauren Davis | Representative, 32nd Legislative District

Embracing Resilience in the Face of Fatigue: One Helper’s Account

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Rebecca Sauls | Owner, Rebecca Sauls LLC

Humility and Outreach to Unsheltered Populations

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Professor Brett Feldman | Director and Co-Founder of Street Medicine Institute at Keck School of Medicine, USC

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2:00 - 4:00pm

PM Breakout Sessions – select one
Improving Responses to Overdose Calls

Download Presentation

Mandy Owens | Assistant Professor at University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute (ADAI)
Amy Naylor | Human Together LLC and former Lieutenant, Olympia Police Department
Matt Hickman| Community Resource Paramedic, North Kitsap Regional Fire Authority

Working with Peers and Professionals with Lived Experience
Moderator: Aleesia Morales

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Aleesia Morales | Hope Team, Tacoma Fire Department
Gwendolyn Christensen|peer, case manager, Hope Team, Tacoma Fire Department
Joe Avalos | Administrator, Olympic Health and Recovery Services
Joshua Wallace | CEO & President, Peer Washington

Maureen Bailey| HCA
Robert Almada | Chief of Lacey Police Department

Short- and Long-term Support for Alcohol Dependence: Implications for Co-Response Moderated by Jon Ehrenfeld, Program Manager, Health One

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Dr. Gregory Rudolf | Swedish Medical Center
Dr. Tom Robey | Providence Regional Medical Center
Susan Cherry | Substance Use Disorder Professional, Lakeside-Milam Recovery Center

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4:15 – 4:30pm

Closing Wellness Exercise

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4:30-5:30pm

Celebration of Fire-Based Co-Response Grant Recipients

Fruit & Cheese Reception, all are invited to attend!

Questions? Contact CROA for information about sponsorships or registration at croawa@gmail.com.