Virtual Summit
International Social Work Experience
May 4-6, 2021
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Join us online for the Jaymeyka Project's first Virtual Summit as we explore social work practices, opportunities, and international field experiences in Jamaica. Meet our partners from Jamaica, where together, we will share knowledge through workshops, discussions, and culturally immersive presentations. This is a FREE event (including CEU) and is open to licensed practitioners, faculty, and students.
Schedule At A Glance
Tuesday, May 4
1:00 pm EST - International Social Work Discussion​
Jahmeyka Project social workers along with social service partners will lead a focused discussion about the status of service delivery in Jamaica including the impact of COVID-19, current mental health crisis, and the role of social workers in international work. Come ready to engage in a fruitful discussion, social work related games, polls, and a Q&A session. Facilitated by Dr. Leslie Yaffa, Ed.D., RSW and Judy Smith MSW, LSW.
4:00 pm EST- Trauma Informed Practice
Jahmeyka Project social workers will discuss the importance of operating with a trauma informed lense. at all levels of social work, both locally and internationally.
6:00 pm EST - Jamaican Culinary Experience
Ray Henry of Ray's Catering has been serving up wholesome, healthy and affordable traditional Jamaican food since 1994. This workshop will be engaging and tasty when Ray demonstrates how to cook Jamaican food.
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Wednesday, May 5
11:00 am EST - Writing 4 Life Empowerment and Youth Literacy
Multi award winning writer, author, educator and litercy specialist, Dinijah Danijah, discusses his "edutainment" program Writing 4 Life, a creative writing workshop for young Jamaicans. Learn how to empower others through writing and education.
1:30 pm EST- Free Ethics CEU for Social Workers
Kelsey Loushin Boundaries and Ethics Need overview and bio
https://www.yourerc.com/training/presenters/kelsey-loushin
4:00 pm EST - Roots Reggae
Catch the island vibe with a private jam session hosted by
Jamaican musician and producer, Sabuki Allen and other Roots Reggae artists. Celebrate black liberation, African and African diaspora identity, Rastafarianism and Jah. The performance will be followed with a discussion about the importance of music in the Jamaican culture.
6:00 pm EST- Jahmeyka Project Intern Panel Discussion
Jahmeyka Project interns will host a guided discussion about completing field work in Jamaica and their firsthand experience with international social work. Facilitated by Stacy Smith MSW, LISW-S, Amy Scholl MSW, Meghan Delong MSW student,
PJ Rawlins, Chrisite Cooper, Shea. Dodson, Lisa Boris, LISW-S
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Thursday, May 6
10:00 am EST - Home Safety
Meghan Delong, MSW student and parent advocate, focuses on consumer product safety, specifically issues that relate to home safety. This presentation will provide an overview of common home safety issues that the average parent is unaware of and potential safety hazards associated with everyday household items.
5:00 pm EST - International Social Work Workshop & Discussion
Join us for a second workshop discussion focused on international social service delivery. Facilitated by Dr. Leslie Yaffa, Ed.D., RSW and Kim Gallagher RSW.
7:00 pm - Jamaican Social Work Overview
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Meet Some of The Presenters
Dr. Leslie Yaffa, Ed.D, RSW, founder of the Jahmeyka Project, is a university professor in the field of social work. Her studies include initiation
of strategic responses to social programs, needs assessments, clinical supervision and crisis intervention.
Judy Smith, MSW, LSW specializing in work with children and families by utilizing play based interventions. Judy is a foundeing member of the Jahmeyka Project and works with t our social service partners by conducting needs assessments and practice related interventions.
Danijah Danijah is an award winning author, educator, producer and literacy specialist. Danijah created STUDIO DAN, which specializes in the self-publishing of authentic Jamaican and afrocentric stories. As a rastafarian and member of Life Yard, he is the also the creator of WRITING 4 LIFE.
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Ray Henry is the owner and master chef at Ray's Catering .
The Jahmeka Project is a diverse group of licensed clinical social workers, students and business professionals partnering with community organizations in Jamaica to exchange ideas, share resources, and develop programming to support children and adults coping with challenging life circumstances. Learn more about us at