This presentation will explore ethical considerations involved in clinical documentation for mental health professionals. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of best practices for maintaining accurate, confidential, and legally sound records using the “golden thread.” Key areas of focus will include assessments, progress notes, and treatment planning that are “audit proof.” Additionally, the talk will address common pitfalls in documentation and provide practical guidance on how to mitigate risk and ensure ethical accountability in record-keeping practices.

Kelly Kennedy, PhD, LMFT/S, RPT/S
Kelly Kennedy is the owner of an insurance-based group practice, Modern Wellness Family Counseling, and a counselor who works with children, adolescents, and adults. She is trained in couples and family therapy, medical family therapy, premarital counseling, and play therapy. She is a registered play therapist, licensed supervisor, and is rostered as a Child Parent Psychotherapist.

She also enjoys working with women in leadership positions who struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, and time management. Before opening Modern Wellness Family Counseling, she enjoyed working as a department chair, supervisor, and program director of a Master’s counseling program and still teaches part time.

This presentation will offer an inside look at how horses and certified therapists work together to assist individuals build confidence, overcome physical, emotional, and behavioral challenges through the evidence-based practice of equine-assisted partnerships.

Diane Prewitt, Founder, Executive Director & Lead Facilitator of Guiding Reins
Diane Prewitt, Lead Facilitator, is certified as an EAGALA Equine Specialist. She volunteered for 12 years with TROT (Therapeutic Riding of Tryon) and served as a Board member for FETA (Foothills Equestrian Trail Association). In addition to her role as the Founder and Executive Director of Guiding Reins, she also serves as the vice-chair of the Polk County Health and Wellness Coalition and is certified in Mental Health First Aid and QPR training.

Born and raised in South Carolina, Diane took her first riding lesson at Lawton Stables on Hilton Head Island when she was seven years old, and the spell was cast. She continued to work and show horses through her college years and was a member of the University of South Carolina Equestrian Team from 1984-1988. She then pursued a graduate degree and profession as a Paralegal, and established her own freelance business, Paralegal Resources, LLC. 

This presentation offers participants the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the physical and mental health impacts of menopause, including over 40 recognized symptoms across the stages of perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. The session will explore current research linking hormonal changes to cognitive issues, mood disorders, sleep disruptions, and appetite changes—especially highlighting disparities experienced by Black women, who often begin menopause earlier and face more severe symptoms with less access to care. Attendees will learn the importance of advocacy, education, and proactive healthcare conversations, as well as available assessment, treatment, and natural support options to make these life transitions more manageable and informed.

Michelle Evans, LPC-S
Michelle Evans is a native of Winnsboro, SC, and lives in Columbia, SC. Michelle is a National Board-Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the states of NC and SC. Currently, Michelle is the Director of Behavioral Health for Family Health Centers, Inc. Additionally, she has a part-time private practice: A New Beginning Counseling Services, LLC since 2009. Michelle began her work in the Mental Health field in 2002, after earning her MA degree in Counseling from Webster University located in Greenville, SC. Over the years, Michelle has used her talents, gifts, and education to work within local, state, and federal agencies and organizations. In addition to therapy, Michelle became a Yoga instructor in 2020 and volunteers her time with the American Red Cross-Armed Forces division as a Yoga instructor and Resiliency Workshop Facilitator. Throughout her career, Michelle has been recognized as a Speaker/Presenter, EAP Consultant and Mind & Body Coach. When Michelle is not working, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, fiancé, her dog Bear, family, friends, and traveling internationally.

This training provides clinicians with an evidence-based and practical framework for adapting mental health services to better support autistic individuals and their families. With autism diagnoses rising across age groups, mental health professionals must be equipped to offer neuro-affirming, regulation-centered, and sensory-informed interventions. This presentation highlights the ethical imperative to bridge gaps in neurodiverse care.

Tosha D. Rollins, MA, LPC, ASDCS
Tosha Rollins is a licensed professional counselor, autism specialist, and co-founder of Upstate Carolina Autism Associates. A clinician since 2015, she integrates over 25 years of personal and professional experience as a caregiver and mental health advocate. Tosha is the published author of “AUTISMOLOGY: An Autism Dictionary” and host of the Autism in Action Podcast. She leads neuro-affirming clinical services, executive functioning coaching, and professional training to improve access to autism mental health care across South Carolina and beyond.

Licensed Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Psycho Educational Specialists may utilize this training for 5.0 contact hours.

Social Worker CE credit has been applied for and is expected to be available.