The mission of the Staff Advisory Council's Crossroads Conference is to educate, inform and provide choices to all University of Arizona Staff on balancing life in our careers, families, social lives, education and health.

Sharon Michaels makes a difference in the lives of thousands through speaking appearances, audio programs, books and articles.  She energetically and expertly shares common-sense skills that give audiences the POWER to succeed.  Degrees in education and law help her speak from “I’ve been there” experience. Sharon considers overcoming self-sabotaging behavior to be one of her greatest accomplishments. She, her husband Oleg and their mini-dachshund Oscar live in NW Tucson.

Morning Keynote Speaker—Dr. Robert Shelton

Training Workshops/Session I

Navigating the Employee Resource Maze - Leslie Porter, Human Resources

Personal Fitness - Jenny Anchondo, KOLD News 13 This Morning Anchor

Organizing the Fun Way! - Pam Laubscher, Comprehensive Organizing

30 Minute Meals - Nancy Rogers, Life & Work Connections

Break Time!

Training Workshops/Session II

The 'Art' in the Heart of Caregiving - Jan Sturges, Life & Work Connections

Personal Safety and You - James Ogden, Pima County Sheriff's Department

Chair Yoga - Kat Williams

Estate Planning - Traci M. Smith, Snell & Wilmer, L.L.P.

Lunch

Training Workshops/Session III

Get Organized & Be Free! - Jean Slagel, Let's Get Organized!

Small Steps to Increasing Your Wealth - Linda Block, Family & Consumer Sciences

Recognizing What Drives You & Making the Right Choices for YOU! - Dr. L. René Corrales, Department of Chemistry

Living Green - M. Scott Johnson, Defenders of Wildlife

 

How To Give Yourself The POWER To Succeed - Afternoon Keynote Speaker—Sharon Michaels

4:00     Evaluations/Door Prizes/Adjournment

A special thank you to Lili Schwartz for all her hard work organizing this year's conference
 

Navigating the Employee Resource Maze

The University can be a challenging and intimidating place to navigate. No wonder it is offered referred to as “a city, within a city”. During the course of your “career life” with the University, you will encounter different challenges and opportunities and maybe even some unforeseen events. You might be looking for greater career challenges, but don’t know where to start. Or you could be confused about your rights under the FMLA. Maybe you’re unsure if you should report that fall you took last week (it’s just a small bump) or you need help figuring out how to care for an ailing parent. You might be thinking that it’s time to ask for a new job title and raise in pay or you’re simply having problems at work and don’t know where to turn.  If you have ever asked yourself these or similar questions, you won’t want to miss this session! Not only will you gain a better understanding of how the Human Resources Department can support you throughout your career life, but you’ll also be introduced to resources and services you may never have known existed!

Speaker: Leslie Porter, Human Resources

Leslie D. Porter, SPHR, has worked as a human resources professional at the University of Arizona for 17 years, and currently serves as Director of Recruitment and Employee Advising. Her responsibilities include oversight for recruitment, employment and employee and career advising functions. Leslie is the President of the Society of Human Resources Management-Greater Tucson chapter and serves on the board of the Saguaro Girl Scouts Council, Pima Community College’s Training and Workforce Committee and the United Way HR Advisory Board. She is an alumnus of the University of Arizona who played on the women’s basketball team and currently works as a high school and middle school basketball and volleyball official. Her husband, Donald Porter, is also a UA alum and serves as Head Team Physician for the University of Arizona’s athletic program.

Personal Fitness

• Find the time to fit a workout into your schedule. (Yes, working moms and dads and students, that includes you!)
• Learn about the internal value of personal fitness.
• Set personal goals and find out what changes you need to make TODAY.
• Learn financially friendly fitness ideas that we can ALL use.
• Figure out how to life-proof your fitness plans so that your goals aren’t derailed by day-to-day life challenges.

Speaker: Jenny Anchondo, KOLD News 13 This Morning Anchor

Jenny Anchondo is a personal trainer and group fitness instructor at Miraval Resort and Spa and at LA Fitness in Tucson. She is certified through the American Council on Exercise and has training with a number of other organizations.  Since age 18, she has been teaching group fitness classes like Kickboxing, Spinning, Urban Rebounding, Senior Aerobics, Step Aerobics, Aerobic Dance, Group Strength Training and Campus Community Wellness. Most recently, her passion for fitness transitioned her into personal training. Over the years she has taught in a campus situation, at the University of Idaho and at several fitness centers and gyms.  She specializes in life-proofing fitness routines and helping people to make fitness cohesive with their busy work and family schedules.

Organizing the Fun Way!

Organizing the Fun Way! In this fun and interactive workshop you will:

• Learn the easy steps of getting organized and staying organized
• Explore how to bring fun and humor to your organizing
• Discover tips to make purging quick and easy for you

Speaker: Pam Laubscher, Comprehensive Organizing

Pam Laubscher, "The Clutter Buster," is owner of Comprehensive Organizing and a member of the Tucson Professional Organizers. Pam has been a Professional Organizer for 5 years and specializes in organizing for small business owners and families. In addition to doing presentations for the Arizona Small Business Association, Catalina Foothills Community Schools, and Oasis she has been on the radio. Pam hosted the radio talk show Don't Agonize, Organize! from December 2006 until October 2007 on KJLL 1330AM The Jolt. Educated as an Osteopathic Family Medicine Physician "Dr. Pam" trained at Tucson General Hospital and practiced medicine on the southwest side until 1998. Instead of helping people with their bodies she now assists people with the healing of their environments and transforms their relationship with their stuff. Clients appreciate Pam "The Clutter Bust er's" quick results, creative ideas, and enthusiasm for getting organized and staying organized.

30 Minute Meals

After working a full day at the UA, how can you get a healthy supper on the table in 30 minutes? Nancy will outline some practical ways to provide quick, easy, nutritious meals that you and your family will enjoy.

Speaker: Nancy Rogers

Nancy has worn many hats in the fields of nutrition and health. After completing her Master of Science Degree in Human Nutrition here at the University of Arizona, and completing her dietetic internship and exam to become a Registered Dietitian, she worked in the areas of clinical dietetics, relief and development, teaching, and community nutrition. She is now the coordinator for the UA Worksite Wellness Program and part of the Life & Work Connections team, whose mission is to promote health of the whole person through work/life balance here on the University of Arizona campus.

The 'Art' in the Heart of Caregiving

The ‘art’ of caregiving can be both challenging and rewarding. Gain a better awareness of caregiver issues, and how to maintain positive relationships using a “whole person” approach to caregiving. In addition, learn about resources at the U of A and in the community for caregivers and the older adult needing assistance. Most importantly, refine your skills for taking care of yourself as well as the person who depends upon you.

Speaker: Jan Sturges, Life & Work Connections

Jan E. Sturges, M.Ed., LPC, is the Caregiving Coordinator for The University of Arizona’s Life & Work Connections, Elder Care and Life Cycle Resources. In this capacity, she provides resource and educational information as well as individualized consultation services to support UA employees, undergraduate and graduate students who are caring for dependent older adults. Ms. Sturges also conducts workshops on campus in Tucson, at other U of A locations and in the community to educate individuals about caregiving and dependent care issues.  Jan has an extensive management career in healthcare administration and gerontology. She developed and managed a 22,000-member wellness program for older adults at Tucson Medical Center, and is co-founder and board member of the Caregiver Consortium, a local not-for-profit organization that fosters collaboration and partnerships with business leaders and professionals from the private and public sector to enhance services for caregivers. Ms. Sturges received her Master’s of Education Degree in Counseling and Guidance from The University of Arizona in 1986, and is a licensed professional counselor. She also was the primary caregiver of her aging parents for more than 12 years.

Personal Safety and You

In this session, we will develop an action plan to deter lawbreakers and recognize situations, activities and conditions that can open the door for crime. Attendees are given safety recommendations on protecting themselves and their homes and vehicles.

Speaker: James Ogden, Pima County Sheriff's Department

Sgt. James Ogden, deputy sheriff since 1990, supervises the agency's Community Resource Team and was formerly the Pima Regional SWAT Negotiations Team supervisor. Ogden began his career with the law enforcement agency in 1983 as a "jailer" at the old Pima County Jail. His experience includes patrol deputy, DARE officer, hostage negotiator, public information officer and crime prevention instructor.

Deputy Nicole Feldt graduated from the University of Arizona and in 1996 became a member of the Pima County Sheriff's Department. She has worked as a patrol officer, coordinator for the Sheriff's Auxiliary Volunteers, and a crime prevention officer. She is a certified Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) instructor and teaches women how to defend themselves against abduction. As a member of the Community Resources Team she travels around Pima County instructing adults and children on how to be safe. She is also responsible for the Department's newsletter and other publications.

Chair Yoga

Chairobics is a chair based exercise program for those new to exercise or rehabilitating an injury and needing a bridge to standing or walking exercise. Chairobics is both cardiovascular and strength and endurance building in a non-impact format. This class offers breathing techniques, challenging cardio combinations, muscle toning/strengthening and stretching positions while focusing on the core of the body. Right/left brain skills are sharpened as memory and coordination skills are developed. Exercises are easily translated to on the job benefits for those who are both seated and active while performing job duties. Abdominal and back strengthening are at the core of this program - any age or fitness level can perform Chairobics and get positive benefits.

Speaker: Kat Williams

Kat Williams, a 1986 graduate of the University of Arizona, BFA, minor Dance Exercise, has worked in the fitness field in Tucson since 1987 teaching both Cardiac Pulmonary and Orthopedic rehab maintenance and a variety of Dance Exercise and Aqua classes for all ages and fitness levels. Kat's video "Chairobics" is ranked the top chair exercise video on Amazon and has been distributed worldwide. She has currently developed an exciting non-impact program called the MINI TRAMPOLINE TOTAL BODY BLAST, and is seeing really fast results in body reshaping! Kat has taught fitness and dance at Tucson Jewish Community Center for the past 17 years and is available for group and private dance and personal training classes.

Estate Planning

This session will discuss issues surrounding incapacity & death, what estate planning entails, estate planning options, basic estate planning techniques including discussions of powers of attorney and wills & trusts.

Speaker: Traci M. Smith, Snell & Wilmer, L.L.P.

Ms. Smith is an associate attorney in the estate planning practice group with the law firm of Snell & Wilmer, L.L.P.. She previously practiced with the estate planning law of Morris, Hall & Kinghorn.  She earned a leadership scholarship to Millsaps College where, with studies in Costa Rica, she received her Bachelor of Science degree cum laude with a dual major in Biology and Spanish. After studies at Florida State University and the University of Queensland in Australia, she received a Master of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology. Upon graduation from Florida State University she accepted a position at the University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona. Soon after, Ms. Smith returned to school and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Arizona.  She is a member of the State Bar of Arizona.

Get Organized & Be Free!

Getting organized will empower you to take control of your present circumstances and improve your future. It will save you money, time and energy. This workshop will focus on the freedom that comes with organization and how you can achieve it. You'll get insights from years of experience, and ideas you can incorporate into your life today.

Speaker: Jean Slagel, Let's Get Organized!

Jean Slagel has been organizing people, spaces and things for more than 20 years. A graduate of Rincon High School and Multnomah Seminary's Bible Certificate Program in Portland OR, she now teaches organizing classes for Pima Community College in Tucson and Green Valley. A former Toastmaster, Jean speaks to groups throughout our community about the value and benefits of taking control of your environment - at work and at home. She writes about organizing and has recently published a kitchen tips booklet titled, "Organize and Love Your Kitchen! 89 Tips & Ideas." Jean owns LET'S GET ORGANIZED! a local company working with businesses and individuals to organize paper and possessions - creating order out of chaos. Her passion is to help clients develop systems to maintain that order. Jean serves on the board of Tucson Professional Organizers and is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers.

Small Steps to Increasing Your Wealth

Participants will be motivated to improve both their health and their finances by setting a health and/or wealth goal and then taking action to achieve their goals by identifying small progress steps. Information will be provided on similarities between health and personal finance issues and 10 suggested behavior change strategies that can be applied to either area of life. Attendees will be encouraged to choose no more than 3 or 4 behavior change strategies to get started. The program will conclude with a planning worksheet for participants to set personal goals and action plans and a list of online health and personal finance resources. The companion workbook will be available for purchase ($15) at the conference.

Speaker: Linda Block, Family & Consumer Sciences

Linda M. Block, M.S., AFC is an Associate Agent in Family and Consumer Health Sciences with Pima County Cooperative Extension. Ms. Block has state leadership responsibilities with Cooperative Extension for Money Management Programs, serves on the Boards of Arizona Saves, Take Charge America Institute for Consumer Financial Education and Research and United Way Impact Council. The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren is another area where Ms. Block has assumed state leadership responsibilities for Cooperative Extension. She recruits and trains volunteers for the Master Consumer Advisor Program in Pima County.  Other programs over the past eleven years in collaboration with the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health have focused on Living Well, Bone Builders: Osteoporosis Prevention and Walk Across Arizona. Prior to joining the faculty at Cooperative Extension in 1997, she was Personal Financial Manager at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Ms. Block completed her B.S. in Economics at The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and her M.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences at The University of Arizona

Recognizing What Drives You & Making the Right Choices for YOU!

All too often we find ourselves at a crossroads defined by our degree of happiness and frustration due to unexpected changes in lifestyle caused by divorce, new relationships, illness, death, injury, financial hardship, loss of employment, and even changes in employment. The list is seemingly infinite and puts us at a higher risk of stress related illnesses. As overwhelming as it all is, the list of advice is just as endless. Consequently, when seeking guidance on bettering your life, you may have heard things like "Make a change for the positive," or "Take a chance in doing something you always wanted to do." How about "Go back to school," or "Do this and do that because it will make you a new and better person!" These days, we hear it coming from everywhere: TV, newspapers, magazines, Oprah, Dr. Phil, and even your grandmother or your kids has something to say! So much advice and information is available that it may cause more confusion than clarity. Is there a bottom line to help you figure it out? I will discuss how to recognize your needs to help put your situation into a perspective that can lead to making good life choices with the objective of becoming a happier, healthier person.

Speaker: Dr. L. René Corrales, Department of Chemistry

Dr. L. René Corrales received his PhD in chemical physics at the University of California, San Diego in 1988 after completing his B.S. in chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1982. He was a National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellow at the University of Texas, and then joined the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in 1991 as a senior research scientist, and was promoted to chief scientist in 1999. He also served as interim associate director supervising 40 PhDs in 2005-2006. In August 2006, Dr. Corrales joined the faculty at the University of Arizona in a joint position with the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering, and Chemistry where he is leading a computational materials chemistry effort. He serves as an active member in several professional societies, and has been invited to spend time as a visiting scientist at national and international research facilities and universities. During his career at PNNL, he mentored several students from high school to graduate students and postdoctoral associates. At Arizona, he is building a research program in theoretical materials chemistry. His research interests include developing theoretical methodologies to study the role of solid-solid and liquid-liquid interfacial structure in charge and ion transfer processes.

Living Green

Talk will focus on:

1. The sobering basics of climate science. How it works and what each of us can do about it.
2. Finding Sustainability: the Great Challenge of our Generation.
3. Understanding climate change as an opportunity to find purpose in life, harness our power, engage our innovation and begin the steps toward a better world.
4. Learning who we really are: looking beyond our time, for those that inherit this Earth creating a new and better future.

Speaker: M. Scott Johnson, Defenders of Wildlife

M. Scott "Scotty" Johnson is a writer, conservationist, counselor and the Senior Outreach Representative for Defenders of Wildlife. Scotty is a native Arizonan, former student of both state Universities who now lives in Tucson, Arizona with his wife Jannelle. Scotty was recently picked as one of a select group chosen to train with former Vice-President Al Gore and his Climate Project faculty. Johnson is now traveling throughout the state of Arizona fostering awareness about climate change.

Afternoon Keynote

How To Give Yourself The POWER To Succeed

What’s holding you back?  Learn to recognize the things you’re doing that may be keeping you from the things you want.

You’ll discover:

• How to nurture healthy self-esteem in yourself and others;
• How to give yourself more POWER to be happy, successful and prosperous;
• How to make better choices;
• How to use your mind to achieve your full potential; and
• How to recognize the self-sabotaging behaviors that may be robbing you of success.

You’ll learn, laugh and leave with the empowerment skills to be more productive and make more money, create greater excitement in your career and find balance between your personal and professional life.

Speaker: Sharon Michaels

Sharon Michaels makes a difference in the lives of thousands through speaking appearances, audio programs, books and articles. She energetically and expertly shares common-sense skills that give audiences the POWER to succeed.  Degrees in education and law help her speak from “I’ve been there” experience. Sharon considers overcoming self-sabotaging behavior to be one of her greatest accomplishments. She, her husband Oleg and their mini-dachshund Oscar live in NW Tucson.