Annual Conference Keynote Speakers

Dr. Dannette Berksteiner
Ed.D., LPC, NCC, CCMHC, ACS
Counseling faculty member at the University of Phoenix
Friday's Opening Keynote

Dr. Berksteiner currently resides in Savannah, Georgia and is a core counseling faculty member at the University of Phoenix. Dr. Berksteiner received a Bachelor of Science degree in Workforce Education Training and Development from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, a master’s degree in counseling from Webster University, and a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision at Argosy University. 

Dr. Berksteiner is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and Choice Theory Reality Therapy Certified. Prior to entering the field of counseling, she practiced as a Licensed Practical Nurse for over 10 years. Therefore, she implements a holistic and integrative approach to client treatment. Dr. Berksteiner has over 20 years of experience as a clinical mental health provider. 

Dr. Berksteiner experience in the health care and academia industries, she is also a well sought-after speaker and trainer, she has presented at conferences and trainings at the local, regional, national, and international level.  These workshops and trainings include topics on the unique needs of the military population, integrative approaches to wellness, and multicultural awareness..  Dr. Berksteiner believes in the power of the community to heal, uplift, and empower others. This is demonstrated through her altruistic commitment to civic engagement in her local community and profession. Dr. Berksteiner has served on several national advisory council committees, that support members of the counseling profession.

Dr. Don Trahan, Jr., CDE
Associate Professor at the University of Southern California
Presentation: Do You Hear What I Hear?
Saturday's Opening Keynote

Dr. Don Trahan, Jr. is a certified diversity executive, licensed professional counselor, national certified counselor, and an associate professor at the University of Southern California. He has an extensive corporate DEI background, working with organizations globally to identify, address, and resolve matters that pertain to organizational inequities and learning. As a diversity practitioner, he utilizes a priority-based DEI implementation approach to develop, implement, and assess the change management process. Following evidence-based management techniques and empirical management research, he uses strategic diversity leadership strategies to drive change in organizations, identifying critical milestones and/or benchmarks to measure organizational change. Trahan holds a BA in psychology, an MA in clinical psychology, an MA in educational leadership, a PhD in counselor education and supervision, and a DBA specializing in management.