Love Doesn’t Hurt: Relationship Violence Awareness Seminar
October 21, 2023 Boutwell Auditorium 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
AGENDA
Opening Remarks (10 minutes)
Council President Pro Tem Crystal Smitherman
Self-Defense Session by Kennan Walay
Kennan Walay hails from Mobile, AL, where he was introduced to Martial Arts by his Foster Father, a seasoned Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor and Dojo owner. Beginning kickboxing at the tender age of 4, Kennan later pursued rigorous training with Shogun MMA and Shotokan. With 20 years of expertise in Muay Thai since age 9 and a Black Belt in Krav Maga under Grand Master Welch, Kennan’s prowess in the martial world is underscored by his undefeated tenure as a WKF Pro Kickboxer. In 2015, Kennan transitioned to Birmingham as a Self-Defense and Kickboxing instructor. Concurrently, he delved into academia, obtaining his Master’s in Sociology. Founder of a social impact firm, Kennan has spent the past 11 years imparting knowledge on self-defense, threat neutralization, and situational awareness across the U.S.
Presentation by Cleola Callahan of YWCA of Central Alabama
Relationship Violence 101
Topics: Impact of relationship violence on children and families. Vicarious Trauma & Self Care.
Cleola A. Callahan, born and raised in Birmingham, is Executive Director of Domestic Violence Services for YWCA Central Alabama, whose mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. She worked many years as an educator in the Birmingham city and Montgomery County school systems. After deciding it was time for a career change, she earned her second bachelor’s degree from Miles College and a master’s in social work from The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. She then transitioned to her 9 ½-year career in nonprofits. She has been with YWCA Central Alabama since 2016, and previously served as the Stabilization and Permanency Social Worker, Shelter Services Coordinator, Shelter Director and Sr. Director of Domestic Violence and Shelter Services. During the course of this work, Callahan learned that developing strong relationships in the community is the key to building a solid foundation within an organization. Working with victims and survivors of domestic violence, helped her develop a trauma-informed approach that integrates knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures and practices. Her goal is to ensure survivors of domestic violence have access to advocacy services in an environment that is inclusive, welcoming, destigmatizing, and non-traumatizing. Callahan, is a wife and mother of one beautiful daughter, and a proud member of Psi Xi Omega chapter of, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Speak Up & Speak Out Sessions
Speaker: Susann Montgomery-Clark, Megan’s Foundation
Susann, her husband Rod Clark and daughter Meredith Montgomery-Price are Founders of Megan’s Foundation. She volunteers full-time to prevent relationship violence BEFORE it starts. The 2019 murder of their youngest daughter and baby sister Megan, changed their family’s lives forever and shook our local community. Susann retired after serving 34 years as a nonprofit fundraising executive for United Way and St. Vincent’s. In its first two years, Megan’s Foundation’s innovative grantmaking has distributed more than $104,000 to Alabama schools and nonprofits for early intervention of relationship violence. In this session, you will learn:
- How to recognize escalating unhealthy behavior in a relationship
- How to help a friend or loved one
- How to hold offenders accountable
- Grants available to schools
Presentation by Meagan Lyman of One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center
Meagan Lyman helps manage the day-to-day operations of One Place Family Justice Center, which provides support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, while fostering an environment that enhances team development among staff and onsite partners. Meagan has a BS in Psychology and a Mental Health Certification from the University of Alabama at Birmingham which allows her to facilitate collaboration between onsite partners, staff, and community members with a profound emphasis on compassion and confidentiality.
Topics: How to be an advocate and how to connect survivors with One Place’s partners and resources
Closing Remarks
Council President Pro Tem Crystal Smitherman
Note: Continental Breakfast, Orange Juice, Apple Juice, and Water will be provided. During the seminar, snacks will be provided too.
