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OKLAHOMA pSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

Mission: The Oklahoma Psychological Association's mission is to promote human welfare in Oklahoma by advancing psychology as a science and profession.

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SCHEDULE & SPEAKERS

Get a Preview of What's Ahead:

OPA 2026 is taking shape, and we're excited to share an early look at the conversations, learning opportunities, and expert voices that will help us explore this year's theme, Elevate Your Voice: The Collective Practice of Care. The information below represents general topics and featured speakers currently planned for the conference. As proposals are finalized and details continue to develop, session titles, descriptions, presenters, times, and CE offerings may change.

Friday, November 13, 2026

Elevate Your Voice: The Collective Practice of Care

Conference Program

8:00–9:30 AM

Opening Keynote: Connection, Community & Trauma Recovery

Explore how connection, creativity, and collective healing support trauma recovery and psychological well-being. This keynote examines resilience, belonging, and community-centered approaches to care.

Speaker: Endelia Sauceda, Ph.D.
CE: 1.0 Hour
10:00–11:45 AM

Trauma-Informed Creative Interventions

Examine the role of music, emotion, and expressive approaches in trauma treatment. Participants will explore how creative modalities can strengthen safety, engagement, and therapeutic connection.

Presenters: Joaquin Laws-Rodriguez, Ph.D.; Tyler G. Grant, M.Div.; Christine Hrubik; Stephanie Owens; Julie Sondag; Meredith Ziegler
CE: 1.75 Hours
12:00–1:30 PM

Psychology Advocacy & Public Policy

Learn how psychologists can engage in advocacy efforts, influence public policy, and help shape the future of mental health services and psychological practice.

Presenters: Senator Mary Boren; J'Dene Rogers, Ph.D.; Kyla Molina, Psy.D.
Moderator: Glenna Stumblingbear-Riddle, Ph.D.
CE: 1.0 Ethics Hour
2:00–3:30 PM

Integrated Behavioral Health & Community Collaboration

Explore interdisciplinary approaches to treatment planning, collaboration with community providers, referral pathways, and coordinated models of care that support positive client outcomes.

Presenters: Alexi Colen, OT; Jeanie Tallbear, APRN; Laura Castrop, School Counselor; Raymond McCaffrey, Ph.D.
CE: 1.5 Ethics Hours
3:45–5:15 PM

Resilience, Movement & Somatic Well-Being

An experiential session exploring movement-based approaches to resilience, self-regulation, embodiment, and psychological wellness.

Presenters: Cristina Conrad, LPC-S, SEP; Kyla Molina, Psy.D.; Jennifer Engleman, RYT; Jayme Kelton, LPC
CE: 1.5 Hours
4:30–5:30 PM

Artificial Intelligence in Psychology

Explore emerging AI technologies, practical applications in psychology, ethical considerations, opportunities, and future implications for clinical practice, education, and research.

Speaker: TBD
CE: 1.0 Hour
6:15–8:00 PM

Division Dinners & Networking

Connect with colleagues during informal networking and division gatherings focused on professional relationships, shared interests, and community building.

Participating Divisions: HSP, RxP, Diversity

Student & Early Career Track

OPA is committed to supporting the next generation of psychologists through dedicated programming focused on education, professional development, mentorship, and career readiness.

10:00–11:00 AM

Navigating the Licensure Process

Guidance for students and early-career psychologists on licensure requirements, supervision, timelines, and preparing for professional practice.

Speaker: Kurt Choate, Ph.D.
10:00–11:00 AM

Preparing for Graduate School

Strategies for selecting programs, strengthening applications, and preparing for the graduate admissions process.

Speaker: Doug Knutson, Ph.D.
10:00–11:00 AM

Internship Preparation

Practical guidance on internship applications, site selection, and preparation for successful placement experiences.

Speaker: Melissa Hakman, Ph.D.
11:00 AM–12:00 PM

Interviewing & Career Readiness

An interactive workshop focused on interviewing skills, professional presentation, networking, and preparing for future educational and employment opportunities.

Presenters: Doug Knutson, Ph.D.; Melissa Hakman, Ph.D.; Kathryn Jeter, Ph.D.
2:00–2:45 PM

Graduate Programs & Training Opportunities Networking Session

Meet representatives from graduate programs, internship sites, and training organizations to learn about educational pathways and career opportunities.

2:45–3:30 PM

DRAT Division Meeting

Join student leaders and members for updates, networking, professional development discussions, and division activities.

3:45–4:30 PM

Lightning Thesis Competition

Watch emerging scholars present their research in a fast-paced, engaging format designed to showcase innovation, communication skills, and the future of psychological science.

Hosted By: DRAT
CE: 0.75 Hour



Saturday, November 14, 2026

Elevate Your Voice: The Collective Practice of Care

Schedule Preview: The sessions, speakers, and topic areas listed below are intended to provide a preview of the educational programming planned for OPA 2026. These general topics and featured speakers offer a taste of the schedule and learning opportunities currently in development. Session titles, presenters, descriptions, times, and CE offerings are subject to change as planning continues. Please stay tuned for the final event schedule coming soon!

Saturday Conference Program

8:00–10:00 AM

Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics

An in-depth session exploring neurodevelopmental and trauma-informed approaches to understanding behavior, therapeutic engagement, and clinical care.

Speaker: Megan Zappitelli, Ph.D.
CE: 2.0 Hours
10:30–11:30 AM

Gender-Affirming Care

A focused session on affirming, ethical, and responsive care for gender-diverse clients and communities.

Speaker: Lisa Frey
CE: 1.0 Hour
10:30–11:30 AM

Women’s Mental Health

A discussion of clinical considerations, lived experiences, and care approaches related to women’s mental health.

Presenters: Vicki Perkins, Ph.D.; Christina Conrad; Dianne Chambers
CE: 1.0 Hour
10:30–11:30 AM

Neurodiversity, Trauma, and Safe Connection

Explores how neurodiversity and trauma intersect, with attention to creating safe, supportive, and connection-centered therapeutic spaces.

Presenters: Eileen Parker; Juliana Vandenburg; Le Zheng; Melissa Hakman, Ph.D.
CE: 1.0 Hour
11:30 AM–1:00 PM

OPA Board Meeting & Awards Luncheon

Join OPA leadership for organizational updates, recognition, awards, and lunch with colleagues.

Presented By: OPA Leadership
CE: 1.0 Hour
1:00–2:00 PM

Healthy Minds

A session focused on mental wellness, prevention, and strategies that support healthier individuals, families, and communities.

Speaker: Zack
CE: 1.0 Hour
2:15–3:15 PM

Evidence-Based Trauma Treatment

Examines evidence-based approaches to trauma treatment with attention to context, client needs, and clinical application.

Speaker: Kimberly Burdine, Ph.D.
CE: 1.5 Hours
2:15–3:15 PM

Integrated Neurodevelopmental Evaluation Models

Explores neurodevelopmental assessment and integrated evaluation models that support treatment planning and care coordination.

Speaker: Raymond McCaffrey, Ph.D.
CE: 1.0 Hour
2:15–3:15 PM

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy & Emerging Policy

A timely session examining psychedelic-assisted therapy, current policy discussions, and implications for psychological practice.

Speaker: Chad Johnson, Ph.D.
CE: 1.0 Hour
3:30–4:30 PM

Systems-Level Engagement and Ethical Advocacy in Psychological Practice

Learn how psychologists can advocate effectively within systems, strengthen ethical practice, and support meaningful change across communities and institutions.

Presenters: J’Dene Rogers, Ph.D.; Kimberly Burdine, Ph.D.; Deidra Edwards; Lisa Frey; Kyla Molina, Psy.D.
CE: 1.0 Ethics Hour






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The Oklahoma Psychological Association's mission is to promote human welfare in Oklahoma by advancing psychology as a science and profession


 

Call or Email Us:  
(405) 664-0270
okpsychassociation@gmail.com

Address:
P.O. Box 1585
Norman, OK 73070

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