Unleash Your Inner Hero: Empower Yourself at our
'Guardians of the System' 2025 SITH Conference!
Calling all mental health professionals! Step into your power at this year’s SITH Conference, where ethics meet advocacy, and clinicians become the guardians our systems need.
Join us for two transformative days designed to elevate your practice, deepen your understanding of complex systems, and empower your role as a culturally responsive, legally-informed, and ethically-grounded therapist. Whether you're navigating challenging family dynamics, advocating within the legal arena, or supporting clients across cultural lines, this conference will equip you with the insight and tools to protect what matters most.
Together, we rise as Guardians of the System—ready to defend the integrity of care and the dignity of every client.
Unleash the Force for Good
The SITH Conference is more than just a professional development opportunity; it is a chance to connect with the Force within yourself and your community. Whether you're a seasoned master guardian or an emerging guardian embarking on your therapeutic path, join us for a transformative experience that will elevate your practice and empower you to serve your clients with greater wisdom and compassion.
What is SITH?
Held in the heart of Las Cruces, New Mexico, our annual SITH Conference is a transformative professional development experience designed to propel you forward in your therapeutic journey.
SITH stands for Supportive Innovations for Therapeutic Heroes. This unique conference goes beyond traditional formats, offering a dynamic blend of learning, movement, and community. Immerse yourself in:
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Engaging workshops led by renowned experts in various therapeutic modalities.
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Interactive sessions that explore innovative approaches and best practices.
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Movement breaks designed to energize and connect with fellow participants.
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Opportunities to network with colleagues, share experiences, and build lasting relationships.
“You think life takes more than it gives, but not today. Today it’s giving back.”
— Yondu Udonta, Guardians of the Galaxy
Why Attend?
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Deepen your therapeutic expertise: Gain insightful knowledge and practical skills through diverse workshops and sessions.
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Discover innovative approaches: Explore cutting-edge methods and interventions to enhance your practice.
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Reignite your passion: Reconnect with your purpose and find renewed inspiration for your therapeutic journey.
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Expand your network: Build valuable connections with colleagues from across the mental health field.
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Embrace a unique learning experience: Combine educational growth with movement activities for a holistic and engaging experience.
"Sometimes the thing you’re searching for your whole life is right there by your side."
— Peter Quill, Guardians of the Galaxy
Who Should Attend?
The SITH Conference is specifically tailored for:
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Mental health therapists of all modalities and experience levels.
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Clinicians seeking to expand their skillset and knowledge base.
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Marriage and family therapists working with individuals, couples, and families.
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Play therapists specializing in child and adolescent mental health.
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Social workers committed to providing holistic support to their clients.
"Ain’t no thing like me, ’cept me."
— Rocket Raccoon
2025 SITH Conference
Details & Schedule
Dates: October 9-11th 2025
Location: Blue Door Venue - 1750 Calle de Mercado, Las Cruces, NM 88005
Daily Schedules: Click on titles for more information
Thursday, October 9th
9:00 - 12:15 MT
12:15 - 1:15 MT
1:15 - 4:30 MT
The Force Within the Family – Navigating Challenging Family Dynamics Through Play Therapy & Creative Approaches with Jen Shivey, LPC, RPT-S 9-12:15
Break for Lunch
Beyond Borders: Culturally Responsive & Ethical Care in Play Therapy and Mental Health with Liliana Baylon, LMFT-S, RPT-S
Friday, October 10th
9:00 - 1:00 MT
1:00 - 2:30 MT
2:30 - 4:30 MT
The Legal Arena: Playing by the Rules and Advocating for Clients
Through Play Therapy & Clinical Expertise with Val Bruno, LPC, RPT-S
Break for Lunch and Travel to District Courthouse
Guardians on the Stand: What Every Therapist Needs to Know Before Testifying with JoAnna Hubbard, LMHC, JD, NCC
Saturday, October 11th
9:00 - 12:15 MT
Supervising with Caution: Legal Pitfalls and Protections in Counseling and Play Therapy with Liliana Baylon, LMFT-S, RPT-S
12:15 - 1:15 MT
1:15 - 3:30 MT
Break for Lunch
Guardians’ Circle - A Reflective Gathering with Maria Laquerre-Diego, LMFT, RPT-S
Rooted & Resilient: Healing Ourselves While We Heal Systems with Maria Laquerre-Diego, LMFT, RPT-S
OR
*Presenters and topics may be subject to change
All times are posted in Mountain Standard Time. See how this translates into your timezone.
Early Bird Registration Rates
Master Guardian Professional Pass
$450 Full Conference
✓ All day Oct 9-11th (lunch included all 3 days)
$400 Thursday and Friday
✓ All day Oct 9-10th (lunch included both days)
$200 Thursday Only
✓ All day Oct 9th (lunch included)
$200 Friday Only
✓ All day Oct 10th (lunch included)
$200 Saturday Only
✓ All day Oct 11th (lunch included)
Emerging Guardian
Student Pass
$250 Full Conference
✓ All day Oct 9-11th (lunch included all 3 days)
$200 Thursday and Friday
✓ All day Oct 9-10th (lunch included both days)
$110 Thursday Only
✓ All day Oct 9th (lunch included)
$110 Friday Only
✓ All day Oct 10th (lunch included)
$110 Saturday Only
✓ All day Oct 11th (lunch included)
CE information: All listed workshops will offer CEs from the NM Counseling and Therapy Board. Some workshops may be appropriate/eligible for specialty Play Therapy CEs from APT and Culture CEs from NM Counseling and Therapy Practice Board. More information to come!
Early bird rates available until 19th September.
Please contact Maria at maria@anewhopeacademy.org if you have questions or need assistance!
Channel Your Force
This conference is not your typical conference - you are invited to come, dressed to move and learn.
Are you a geek? Have a fandom or interest? Wear your geek gear! Appropriate attire includes yoga pants or leggings or comfortable pants you can move in topped with your favorite t-shirt proudly displaying your interest - Star Wars, Harry Potter, Star Trek, Marvel, DC, Anime, Bands, Punny Ts.
*We do expect them to be appropriate in that there is no nudity, offensive messages or political affiliations. This is to ensure a comfortable environment for all.
Are you looking to make a galactic impact on the mental health community?
Our sponsorship opportunities offer you a unique chance to promote your business to thousands of mental health clinicians throughout New Mexico. Join our Sith Counsel and help us provide scholarships to support apprentice clinicians in attending this incredible event!
Traveling to Las Cruces?
We are working on securing a block of rooms close to the venue, so stay tuned for more details!