IN-PERSON CONFERENCE

Approaches to Assessment, Treatment, Response, and Prevention

October 22, 2025 | Best Western Royal Plaza, Marlborough, MA

Our in-person conference day offers specialized workshops on a variety of topics relating to problem sexual behavior in children and youth. This day is designed for clinicians and professionals who already work in or specialize in this field.

Contact registration@masoc.net with any questions.

Registration Information

Registration for the in-person day is closed as of Friday, Oct. 17. Sign up for email updates to be notified for future educational events. 

Hotel information: Discount room rates are available at the conference hotel from Monday, October 20 to Thursday, October 23.

Regular Rate

$200
Applies after Oct. 6

Student Rate

$50
For current students. Email registration@masoc.net from your .edu email for the student discount code.

Group Rate (5+)

Agencies or organizations registering 5+ people receive 10% off. Email registration@masoc.net with your group members’ names to receive your group discount code.

Registration for the in-person day is closed as of Friday, Oct. 17. Sign up for email updates to be notified for future educational events. 

Agenda: Wednesday, October 22

8:30 – 9:00

REGISTRATION AND BREAKFAST

9:00 – 9:15

WELCOME

9:15 – 10:15

KEYNOTE
Furthering Justice Reform through Accessible Neuroscience
Stephanie Tabashneck, Psy.D., Esq.

This keynote explores how general principles of adolescent neuroscience can and should inform our understanding of youth with problematic sexual behavior. Dr. Stephanie Tabashneck explains how key brain developments shape adolescent behavior and challenge adult-oriented legal responses. She examines why this science has not yet permeated judicial thinking and what changes when it does. Dr. Tabashneck makes a compelling case for developmentally-informed justice, judicial education, and initiatives like the Center for Law, Brain and Behavior’s NeuroLaw Library that center science, not stigma, in responding to youth.

About Dr. Tabashneck
Stephanie Tabashneck, Psy.D., Esq., is a forensic psychologist and attorney. She is a Senior Fellow in Law and Applied Neuroscience at the Center for Law, Brain and Behavior at Massachusetts General Hospital at Harvard Medical School and the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Harvard Law School. She is the Director of the CLBB NeuroLaw Library. Dr. Tabashneck presents nationally on psychology and law topics, including at events organized by the Federal Judicial Center, the Massachusetts Trial Courts, the New York Office of Attorneys for Children, the American Bar Association, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Tabashneck is the editor of the book Substance Use and Parenting: Best Practices for Family Court Practitioners. She is co-first author of the White Paper on the Science of Late Adolescence: A Guide for Judges, Attorneys, and Policy Makers.

10:15 – 10:45

BREAK

10:45 – 12:15

WORKSHOP SERIES A

A1: Sexual Aggression in Context: The Role of Masculinities
Alejandro Leguizamo, Ph.D.

Sexually abusive behavior has many precipitants and occurs in various contexts. Although sexual offenses are committed mostly by males, we have tended to ignore how societal norms with respect to masculinity contribute to sexual aggression. In this workshop, we will explore masculine ideologies, the impact of societal norms and expectations on individuals, and how they may facilitate sexual aggression. We will also consider ways to counter these norms so children, adolescents, and adults can develop healthier and more adaptive masculine attitudes and practices.

About Dr. Leguízamo

Alejandro Leguízamo, Ph.D., is a Clinical/Forensic Psychologist who for over 25 years has been involved, in various forms, in the evaluation, treatment, and study of juveniles and adults who have engaged in sexual aggression. He joined the Psychology Department at Roger Williams University in 2008, where he currently serves as the Graduate Program Director. He is a member of the ATSA’s Board of Directors and an ATSA Fellow.

A2: Six Strategies for Improving Your Therapeutic Alliance Skills
David Prescott, LICSW, ATSA-F

This workshop focuses on specific skills involved in engaging people who have sexually abused in treatment. Few workshops focus on directly applicable clinical skills, and so this workshop accomplishes this through multi-modal means, including experiential exercises, didactic lecture, clinical demonstration, and videos. It includes elements of motivational interviewing, feedback-informed treatment, and more.

About David Prescott, LICSW
A mental health practitioner of 40 years, David Prescott, LICSW is the Director of the Safer Society Continuing Education Center. He is the author and editor of 25 books in the areas of understanding and improving services to at-risk clients. He is best known for his work in the areas of understanding, assessing, and treating sexual violence and trauma. Mr. Prescott currently lectures around the world and is the recipient of three lifetime achievement awards for his work on the prevention and treatment of sexual abuse from international professional organizations.

A3: Introduction to Immigration: Know Your Rights & Best Practices for Working with Immigrant Families and Youth
Javier Luengo-Garrido

Almost by definition, much PSB work involves working with children and families who are or will be system-involved in various ways. In the current landscape of immigration law, this can be a confusing and terrifying prospect for immigrant youth and their families. This workshop will specifically focus on updates on the immigration landscape, rights during interactions with law enforcement and systems in different settings, and what professionals in this space should understand to better support and advocate for their clients.

About Javier Luengo-Garrido

Javier Luengo-Garrido is the ACLU of Massachusetts Deputy Field Director for Regional Engagement. He joined the ACLU in 2017, coordinating the Immigrant Protection Project, where his role was to support immigrant families and coordinate access to regional resources and family preparedness documents. During this time, he and a team of local attorneys also worked on Parole and Bond cases locally and at the southern border. Currently, Javier’s work focuses on multiple issues across the organization, spanning Immigration, Racial Justice, Police Accountability, Technology and Civil Rights. He also works on municipal and statewide advocacy and campaigns.

A4: The Power of Language: Exploring Our Written Clinical Words
Melissa Santoro, LICSW

This workshop will explore the power of language as it pertains to the clinical documentation of our treatment and support for the clients we serve. Participants will explore the potential impacts of our written word choices and increase their knowledge regarding the core concepts of trauma informed care and language. In an effort to reduce risk & liability, an overview of “do’s & don’t’s” for clinical documentation is provided. This workshop would benefit service providers and therapists working with children, teens, adults, and families.
About Melissa Santoro, LICSW
Melissa Santoro, LICSW has specialized in providing sexual abuse-specific treatment, training and clinical supervision since May 2004. She has held various leadership positions for non-profit agencies, focusing on outpatient services for children, teens and adults impacted by trauma. She is the co-founder of Pathway to Resilience, LLC providing high quality training and consultation, specific to topics regarding trauma informed and best practices.

12:15 – 1:15

LUNCH

1:15 – 2:45

WORKSHOP SERIES B

B1: Reports of Child Sexual Abuse: Case Trajectories, Case Outcomes, and Caregivers
Stephanie Block, Ph.D.

This talk will review a study of 500 reported cases of child sexual abuse in 4 counties in one New England State. Research about how cases move through the system after a report, prosecutorial outcomes, and other case outcomes besides/beyond prosecution will be discussed. Findings related to disclosure and non-offending caregivers will also be explored.
About Stephanie Block, Ph.D.
Dr. Stephanie Block is a developmental psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology at UMass-Lowell. Dr. Block’s research has broadly focused on children in the legal system, the effect of trauma on children’s wellbeing and memory for emotional events, and the prevention of child maltreatment. Guided by a social-ecological perspective and interdisciplinary training, she conducts research that generates knowledge and informs public policy relevant to children in the child welfare and legal systems. Her research has been funded by the National Institute of Justice and supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Health.

B2: Using Popular Media with Clients and in the Classroom
Steph Trilling, LICSW and Riley Kavanagh

As educators and practitioners, we are always looking for relevant, engaging media we can use to forge connection and accomplish our clinical and educational goals. This session will look at both the opportunities for pop culture moments to create conversation opportunities on topics that can be hard to bring up and the complex clinical and pedagogical questions that come from using popular media for conversation. We’ll discuss how to effectively use media in a developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed way in prevention settings, as well as how to leverage our professional expertise for effective moments of community education and advocacy.

About Steph Trilling, LICSW
Steph Trilling, LICSW is the Director of Implementation & Special Projects for the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health. Prior to assuming that role, Steph has worked for nearly 2 decades in the field of youth violence prevention and response, in both clinical and classroom settings ranging from the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center to Wake Forest University. She received her MSW from Salem State University.
About Riley Kavanagh
Riley Kavanagh is the Training and Resources Coordinator for the NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, where she supports programs statewide in bringing best practices in their outreach and education to communities. Prior to that role, she was the Violence Prevention Coordinator at Williams College, designing and implementing sexual violence prevention and healthy relationships education programs for college students of all identities.

B3: Queering Your Therapeutic Approach: Practitioner Self-Development for Client Empowerment
Jay Herman, LCSW

Integrating queer theory, a lens that challenges binary thinking and expands possibilities, supports clients in self-actualization. With curiosity, we’ll explore ways biological sex, gender, and sexuality have been defined and changed across time to understand how modern day concepts developed on both social and personal levels. This workshop will provide an orientation toward therapeutic practice as well as tangible tools. Nuanced application in sexual violence prevention and with clients who are cisgender, heterosexual and LGBTQIA+ will be provided.

While this workshop will be primarily lecture based, this is an interactive workshop that encourages curiosity, exploration, self-reflection, and imagination.

About Jay Herman, LCSW

Jay Herman, LCSW (they/them) is a silly, linguistic-loving nerd, therapist and practice owner of Birdsong Psychotherapy. They provide therapy to queer and trans teens, adults, and parents. Jay has worked in violence prevention since 2013 in primary prevention, policy development, economic justice, and therapy. Jay joined the team of KB Forensics in 2020, working with youth and adults who have engaged in problematic sexual behavior, providing therapy and conducting court evaluations.

B4: Compassion Fatigue and the Art of Chronic Self-Care
Lynn Sanford, LICSW

Working with traumatized people has a profound impact on our personal lives-our thoughts, feelings, choices, relationships, physical health and spiritual beliefs. Although our clients often give us hope and restore our belief in the resiliency of human beings, the work can challenge or disrupt our sense of well-being. Too often we react to a crisis of well-being and many months later find ourselves in the same dilemma. This workshop will explore the highly individual ways the work affects us as well as offering several strategies for chronic self-care.
About Lynn Sanford, LICSW
Lynn Sanford is a licensed independent clinical social worker who began her career working with victims of sexual assault. She has also worked for twenty years with youth who have been convicted of crimes against people (homicide, attempted homicide, and multiple sexual assaults). Sanford has also taught at various graduate schools of social work in Massachusetts, achieving the rank of Professor of Practice in 2009.

2:45 – 3:00

BREAK

3:00 – 4:30

WORKSHOP SERIES C

C1: Practical Applications of Restorative Frameworks: Preventing and Responding to Harm in K-12 Schools with Restorative Justice Practices
Rachel King, Ph.D.

When schools use restorative practices to strengthen community, they prioritize relationship-building and social- emotional competency. However, even progressive schools can be less likely to embrace restorative justice over traditional discipline in response to serious harm. This interactive session reviews how, in contrast to traditional disciplinary models, restorative approaches allow those who cause harm, those directly impacted, and affected communities to collaboratively engage in decision-making that promotes accountability, reintegration and healing.

Drawing on real-life examples and highlighting current research, training, and implementation underway at K-12 schools, this session offers implications for utilizing restorative justice in response to problematic sexual behavior in schools.

About Dr. King
Dr. Rachel King is a restorative justice practitioner with RK Resolution LLC, specializing in issues of sexual harm in education. She has been facilitating restorative justice conferences in community and school-based programs for over two decades and provides training to schools around the country on how to take a restorative approach to cases of sexual misconduct through the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women campus grant program.

C2: Moving from trauma informed to trauma transformative: re-thinking how we define treatment progress
Kevin Creeden, MA, LMHC

This training offers a shift in our focus for treatment that highlights resilience and the enhancement of positive developmental experiences and skills over pathology and the “absence of bad” behavior. This perspective not only leads us to attend more actively to client strengths, but it also encourages us to recognize how our clients’ problematic behaviors have often emerged as adaptive responses to persistent experiences of adversity and maltreatment The training will define the central components of a developmental treatment approach and will discuss how to operationalize this approach in creating treatment goals, measuring progress, and engaging youth and their families.

About Kevin Creeden, MA, LMHC

Kevin Creeden, M.A., LMHC is the Director of Assessment and Research at the Whitney Academy in East Freetown, MA. He has over 40 years of clinical experience treating children, adolescents, and their families working extensively with sexually and physically aggressive youth. Kevin is a MASOC Board member and an ATSA Fellow. He trains and consults nationally and internationally to youth service, community mental health, schools and forensic service programs.

C3: Into the Storm: Navigating the Complex Challenges Faced by Families Impacted by Problematic Sexual Behaviors
Michael McGrath, LMHC

Families impacted by the problematic sexual behaviors (PSBs) of children can face profound emotional, social, and systemic challenges. These challenges include caregiver distress, disruption in family relationships, safety concerns in the home, child welfare involvement, and community stigma. This workshop will explore the circumstances in which PSB may arise, the varied impacts on families, and ways that providers may support families in reaching the most optimal outcomes. Participants will learn developmentally informed and trauma responsive strategies for assessment, caregiver and family engagement, safety planning, and intervention.

About Michael McGrath, LMHC
Michael McGrath is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 10+ years of experience working with children and families. He has worked at a variety of programs including acute residential, long term residential, in-home therapy services, and outpatient therapy services. He is experienced in supporting children and families impacted by problematic sexual behaviors, and is a trainer in the PSB-CBT model within his agency and statewide.

4:30

After the final workshop, please stop by the bookstore or visit the registration table with any questions.

Registration for the in-person day is closed as of Friday, Oct. 17. Sign up for email updates to be notified for future educational events. 

Continuing Education Credits and Certificates of Attendance

The in-person conference day has been approved for 5.5 CEs for LMHC by MaMHCA, MSW by NASW-MA, LMFT by NEAFAST, and Psyc by MPA-MA. Participants must attend and evaluate each session in order to receive CE credits. Any participants not seeking CEs will be issued a certificate of attendance after completing their evaluations.

Refund Policy

Refunds will not be given unless the conference is canceled. If you are unable to attend for any reason, you may designate a replacement. Please notify the conference coordinator as soon as possible of any changes via email at registration@masoc.net, or by phone at 413-344-0367.

Save the Date:
April 8-9, 2026

The 28th Annual MASOC/MATSA Virtual Joint Conference:
Preventing Sexual Violence Through Assessment, Treatment and Safe Management

Thank you to our sponsors