Celebrating 50 years of service, Zepf Center remains a trusted leader in the behavioral healthcare space. To maintain this status and stay up to date on the latest industry trends, Zepf Center leaders place extra emphasis on staff development and professional growth. Through participation in national conferences and professional seminars, staff stay engaged, updated, and connected. These efforts not only enhance individual expertise but also contribute to the agency’s ongoing commitment to provide high-quality, trauma-informed care for the community.
Behavioral health is one of the fastest-moving industries, with breakthroughs and advancements happening almost daily. New client care models, treatment techniques, and technologies constantly emerge, making it critical for mental health and substance use disorder professionals to stay informed. National conferences provide a unique opportunity for employees to learn about the latest industry trends, cutting-edge research, and changes in regulations and legislation.
“Our staff are doing incredible work within the agency and are dedicated to providing innovative care for our clients,” said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. “It’s important that we encourage them to attend these events to grow their skillset and learn about the latest industry practices.”
In the past year, staff from various departments have traveled to California, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Washington D.C., and beyond. The events they attend range from program-specific workshops to industry-wide conferences, allowing each line of care—and the agency as a whole—to evolve.
Going beyond industry updates, conferences and workshops also offer hands-on training sessions that allow Zepf Center leaders to develop their clinical and non-clinical skills. Whether learning about new care techniques or how to improve communication with clients, employees are empowered to upgrade their expertise in ways that directly benefit the agency and those it serves.
“National-level conferences allow us to step back and see our industry from a bird’s eye view,” said Communications and PR Manager Claire Morrow. She had the opportunity to attend a national conference in New Orleans, Louisiana that focused on innovative communication strategies for clients and communities. “By seeing how we stack up against other providers, we can recognize the good work we are doing and better plan for future innovations.”
One of the greatest advantages of attending conferences and workshops is the opportunity to network with industry leaders from across the country. Zepf Center leaders get to connect with their peers, share ideas, and learn from the experiences of others. By exchanging knowledge, attendees not only broaden their perspectives, but also open doors for future partnerships, collaborations, and even career advancements.
“It is so important for us to be connected and represented on a state and national level because we are grant-funded, and this is the time for us to connect with our grant funders,” said Gambling Program Manager Megan Poliquin. She and her team attend both state-wide and national conferences for their field. “We always make it a priority to connect with our grant funders and discuss our progress and future goals. You never know when a conversation with someone at a conference will lead to a future project or new resource for funding!”
Beyond building important business relationships, networking at conferences helps build Zepf Center’s reputation and solidifies its standing as an industry leader. Agencies that prioritize learning and growth for their staff build a reputation of excellence, which in turn attracts clients, partners, and quality team members.
“I choose to attend conferences and submit proposals because I think it is so important to share what I’ve learned and promote the work we do at Zepf Center,” said Manager of Prevention Services Kelly Garza. Garza most recently spoke about Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) at a national conference, though she attends many annual events across the country. “It’s an incredible privilege to be at this stage of my career where I can mentor, coach, and guide others in the field.”
Participation in these opportunities not only enhances the agency’s reputation and encourages workforce growth—it also boosts employee engagement and retention. Investing in professional development shows employees they are valued members of the organization, and when staff see that their growth is a priority, they are more likely to feel engaged, motivated, and personally invested in Zepf Center’s success. This investment in professional development creates a win-win situation: staff members grow in their careers, while the organization benefits from their increased expertise and commitment.
“In June 2023, just three months into my new job, I attended my first conference,” said Business and Outreach Coordinator Andrew Hohlbein. Since then, Hohlbein has continued attending conferences and speaking about the work he does with Zepf Center’s Fatherhood Program. “I love being able to share my experiences on a national level and highlight how our Fatherhood Program positively impacted me as a dad.”
In today’s rapidly changing behavioral healthcare environment, clinical innovation and professional development are more important than ever. By encouraging employees to attend national conferences and engage in lifelong learning, organizations like Zepf Center ensure their teams remain equipped with the latest skills, knowledge, and industry practices. The result is not only better care for patients but also a more engaged and motivated workforce that drives the entire organization toward success.
If you would like to be a part of this growing organization, click here to view open positions. Job listings are being updated daily—don’t miss your chance to create Hope and Recovery throughout Northwest Ohio.