Conference News
March 25, 2016
NAMI California Annual Conference
August 26 & 27, 2016
Burlingame, CA
Professor Cyndi Shannon Weickert

Keynote Speaker: Professor Cyndi Shannon Weickert
 
Professor Cyndi Shannon Weickert will reveal the latest findings of her groundbreaking research in schizophrenia at the 2016 NAMI California Annual Conference

After her twin brother was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 17, Professor Shannon Weickert began her quest to find the causes and a cure for this debilitating disorder. She currently   leads a translational research program in Australia that uses insights from the molecular and cellular neurodevelopment of schizophrenia to design and test novel treatments for people with the condition.

Professor Shannon Weickert has made pivotal contributions to the conceptualization of schizophrenia as a neurodevelopmental disorder, and is best known for her pioneering work on brain-derived neurotropic factor and estrogen receptor.  Recently, she and her team identified immune activation in the brains of people with schizophrenia, suggesting anti-inflammatory agents may be of therapeutic benefit to those suffering with psychosis.

Professor Shannon Weickert is the Macquarie Group Foundation Chair of Schizophrenia Research, a joint position between the Schizophrenia Research Institute, the University of New South Wales and Neuroscience Research Australia.  She obtained a BA in Biology and Psychology from Keuka College in upstate New York, a PhD in Biomedical Science from Mount Sinai Medical School in New York City, and spent 11 years in the Intramural Research program at the National Institute of Mental Health in Washington, D.C. In 2006, she became a Professor at the University of New South Wales in Australia.  She has written a total of 164 papers and lectures worldwide.
Why Wait?  Be An Early Bird & Save

Learn the latest news, research and breakthroughs in mental health at
the 2016 NAMI California Annual Conference. Register now to take advantage of our 
early bird pricing! What are you waiting for? 


Interested in participating in the Color Guard, singing the National Anthem or volunteering at the conference? Contact Erik at  [email protected]. Conference scholarships for adults and young adults ages 18-24 are also available:
 
 
 (deadline: 5/6/16)
Great Rates For Groups!

We are now offering discounted Group Rates for the NAMI California Annual Conference! For a limited time, groups of four or more registering at the same time will receive our lowest Super Early Bird pricing. Just download and fill out the form below and mail along with your check. If you wish to pay with a credit card, please email the form to  [email protected] and w e will set up a time to call you to take your payment. Group rates are not available on our web portal.

Hotel Information


The San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront is located in Burlingame, California, overlooking the San Francisco Bay. The hotel is just 10 minutes from the San Francisco International Airport and 
offers complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to and from the airport and BART. Rooms are available for the special rate of $154 (plus tax and fees) per night (parking available for $12 per day). Make your reservations early, as space is limited and rooms fill up fast!

Click here to reserve your room or call (888) 236-2427 or (650) 692-9100 and ask for the NAMI California group rate.

Exhibitor Form
Conference Sessions

Families & Consumers
Learn from families and individuals living with mental illness about how to strengthen our voice, create awareness, and promote wellness and recovery.

Criminal Justice
Learn about strategies in law enforcement and the justice system to reduce stigma and the criminalization of mental illness.

Advocacy
Learn about current policies, your rights, and how to advocate for mental health reform at the local, state and national level.

Transitional Age Youth
Learn about how young adults are engaging in the discussion of mental illness, advocacy, and reducing stigma and discrimination.

Strengthening NAMI
Learn from successful NAMI affiliates about how to grow your local NAMI to better serve your community.

Multicultural Engagement
Learn how to engage diverse communities, provide education about mental illness, and improve access to mental health services.
Keynote Speakers
Father Greg Boyle
Founder, Homeboy Industries
Professor Cyndi Shannon Weickert
Schizophrenia Researcher

Workshop Deadline Proposal Extended

By popular request, the deadline for workshop proposals for the  NAMI California Annual Conference has been extended to  Thursday, March 31. We're interested in engaging workshops addressing families and consumers, transitional age youth, advocacy, strengthening NAMI, criminal justice, and multicultural engagement. If you have a great idea for a workshop, please download the form at the link below.  Questions? Contact us at (916) 567-0163 or  [email protected] .
 
(new deadline: 3/31/16)

Award Nominations
 
Do you know of someone who deserves to be recognized for his or her efforts to improve the lives of people living with mental illness? Please fill out our award nomination form and return by April 29, 2016. Awards will be presented at the Annual Conference.

Award Categories
Don & Peggy Richardson Memorial Award
Outstanding Clergy Award
Family-to-Family Award
Media Award
Outstanding Criminal Justice Advocate Award
Outstanding Criminal Justice Professional Award
Veteran's Award
Recovery Practitioner Award
Zero Tolerance of Seclusion and Restraints Award
Outstanding Youth Advocate Award
Outstanding Mental Health Director Award
Outstanding Treatment Provider Award
Multicultural Outreach Excellence Award
Candidates  For Board Of Directors
 
NAMI California is now accepting nominations for our Board of Directors. Board candidates will be voted on by members at the Annual Conference and serve three-year terms. We are seeking qualified candidates who have experience as an individual or family member living with mental illness, knowledge of mental health policy, insight into nonprofit organizational structure, and/or legal, financial or fundraising experience. Board candidates must share a commitment to help all those affected by mental illness and a passion for NAMI California's mission.

Check Out Previous Conference Highlights

Did you miss a previous NAMI California Conference  or are you interested in seeing a speaker or workshop again? You can purchase CDs or MP3s or d ownload the PowerPoint presentations at the links below:


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