An interactive and thought-provoking workshop designed for professionals dedicated to working with families navigating complex systems.

In a world where the media rarely highlights stories of parental strengths when referring to families navigating the child welfare system, this workshop invites you to look beyond the case file when working with families. Join us in a safe, non-judgmental space to examine assumptions, reflect on your comfort level, and develop strategies grounded in a strengths-based approach. Participants will learn how to listen to families first, engage collaboratively, and transform relationships—moving from telling families what they need to partnering with them to identify what will truly help. You will also explore strategies for self-care when working with individuals experiencing trauma or when your own triggers arise, ensuring sustainability in this challenging work. In this space, we will also highlight and celebrate what you are already doing to support families. This experience is designed to help participants reflect on personal biases and comfort levels, challenge stereotypes, apply strengths-based practices, and implement self-care strategies to sustain their work.

For supervisors and managers, it also provides insight into their own needs, team training needs, strategies to support staff through reflective practice, and tools to foster a culture of empathy, learning, and collaboration within their teams.

Sofia Nivar, LMSW, is a bilingual licensed social worker, psychotherapist, and wellness strategist dedicated to promoting wellness, reflection, and joy in the workplace. With almost two decades of experience across child welfare, public defense, behavioral health, and early childhood systems, Sofia is deeply committed to supporting professionals and families through times of growth, transition, and healing. She has most recently served for 10 years as program director for at South Bronx Healthy Families at BronxCare Health System where she guided multidisciplinary teams, strengthened trauma-informed practices, and fostered cultures of collaboration and care. As the Founder, President, and CEO of S.N. Consulting Services Corp., Sofia partners with organizations to enhance staff wellness, reflective supervision, and leadership development. Known for her warmth, authenticity, and humor, she creates spaces where learning feels meaningful, empowering, and deeply human. Sofia believes that when we nurture ourselves and one another, we can create stronger teams and better serve the families and communities who depend on us.