Latinos Unidos Conference
Latinos Unidos hosts an annual culturally and linguistically specific behavioral health conference that recruits highly experienced local, national, and international speakers. Our ultimate aim is to equip Latino providers, thereby improving culturally and linguistically specific services across Oregon.
All presentations occur or are translated to Spanish. Up to 14 CEUs are available.
Join us!
For the 9th Annual Latinos Unidos Conference on August 13th and 14th, 2026 at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, OR! Meet some of the presenters and their topics below.
Gratitude, Connection, Healing, and Resilience.
Gratitude, Connection, Healing, and Resilience are not just words; they are paths that intertwine in the human process of rebuilding oneself from the very depths. Gratitude invites us to recognize the light even in the midst of darkness, to honor each step taken, however small it may seem. Connection reminds us that we are not alone, that in the encounter with others we find strength, understanding, and belonging. Healing is a courageous journey, where we embrace our wounds with compassion and allow them to be transformed into learning. And resilience is the silent strength born from within, the ability to rise again and again, with renewed hope.
This theme seeks to open a space where every story is validated, where every voice has a place, and where together we can remember that, even after the most difficult experiences, it is possible to rebuild, reconnect, and flourish.
Sessions Highlights
Carlos O. Texidor Maldonado, PhD, MBA, LPC-S, CADC III, CGAC II, CCMHC, CIMHP, MAC, NCC, ACS
Connected to Heal: How a Sense of Belonging Transforms
The path toward healing and recovery is rarely solitary; it begins the moment a person dares to reach out and finds in another human being a reflection of their own humanity. Connection, whether with a counselor, a support group, a community, or a cultural tradition, acts as the bridge that transforms isolation into belonging and pain into purpose. The sense of belonging not only strengthens the will to heal, it also awakens the capacity to grow, rediscover oneself, and build a fuller, more authentic identity. We feel truly connected, we do not simply survive, we thrive.
Dr. Jorge Partida, Ometeotl Ancestral Inst. CEO and Founder / Chief of Psychology, Los Angeles County, Dept. of Mental Health
Connection and Gratitude as Sources of Healing, and Resilience
One of the greatest causes of addiction and mental illness is isolation. When we experience sadness, anxiety, and mental health struggles, we feel the urge to disconnect from everyone and everything. Instead of helping us, this urge causes us a great deal of harm. In this presentation, we will learn how maintaining personal and social connections, along with an attitude of gratitude, strengthens our resilience against mental health issues, providing us with the vehicle for healing.
The Promise of the Fifth Sun: Ancestral Journey of Self Discovery and other books by Dr. Partida will be available!
Haner Hernández, PhD, CPS, CADCII, LADCI
Resiliency and Lived Experience: Grounding Empathy, Compassion and Justice
This session will highlight the barriers and challenges that people living with substance use and mental health challenges and disorders experience at the community level. Participants will learn about the strengths, resiliency, and empathy that people with lived and living experience bring to developing and sustaining supportive relationships with a focus on wellness and sustained recovery. Specific strategies and techniques grounded in cultural humility, evidence, the multiple pathways of wellness and recovery, systems change, and sustainability will be highlighted.
Alfonso Ramírez, Director of Behavioral Health Equity and Community Partnerships at OHA
Behavioral Health, Equity and Community Partnership Team
Presenter will talk about the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and its Behavioral Health (BH) Equity and Community Partnership’s team, it’s purpose, accomplishments and opportunities for engagement with the team to help shape our Behavioral Health in Oregon.
Elizabeth Rodríguez Díaz, Project Coordinator, NLBHA
NLBHA: a unified voice for Latino communities
The mission and goals of the National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA). Founded to influence national behavioral health policy, eliminate disparities in funding and access to services, and improve the quality of services and treatment for Latinos, NLBHA is a unified voice for Latinos in behavioral health. Latinos Unidos participants will learn about the NLBHA’s resources advocacy work.
Heather Jefferis, MA, L-ATR, Executive Director, Oregon Council for Behavioral Health
Strengthening Partnerships
A presentation on the mission of the Oregon Council for Behavioral Health (OCBH), a trade association representing over 60 private and non-profit behavioral health providers across Oregon. As a leading organization in the sector, OCBH works to improve access to treatment and care for all Oregonians through collaboration and strategic partnerships, including its alliance with Latinos Unidos.
Dr. Luis García, PsyD
Closing Reflections
A synthesis and integration of the key topics presented throughout the event, offering a strategic vision for equity and the future of behavioral health service development for the Latino community.
Come Meet BestCare’s Next CEO!
Melissa Thompson is a behavioral health executive with 26 years serving individuals and communities across Oregon. She’s currently the Chief Behavioral Health Officer at BestCare Treatment Services, where she leads strategic initiatives to improve access, quality, and integration of care across a full continuum of behavioral health services. In October, Melissa will be appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of BestCare when long time, CEO, Rick Trelevan retires. Melissa is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), and a clinician who has worked across multiple systems—including community mental health, child welfare, crisis response, public safety, and Oregon’s Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs). She also maintains a private practice focused on supporting first responders. Melissa has contributed to statewide initiatives to improve Oregon’s civil commitment laws and competency proceedings. She served on the Oregon Chief Justice’s “Commitment to Change” Workgroup and has testified before the House Judiciary Committee. She holds a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology and brings both clinical depth and systems-level insight to her work. Melissa is supportive of the advocacy and awareness that Latinos Unidos brings to Oregon.
Inside the Sessions
From Pain to Flight: Resilience and Gratitude
Carlos Anguiano, PSS, CRN
This presentation tells an honest story about the process of personal transformation, from addiction and self-destruction to the rebuilding of a life with purpose. Through resilience and gratitude, it addresses the decisions, pain, and discipline required to break cycles and achieve real change. The book Buscando la Libertad by Carlos Anguiano will be available!
Creative Group Movement
Ofelia Sánchez, Therapist
An experience of conscious movement and group exploration. Through interaction, music, and experiential dynamics, participants foster self-observation, creativity, authenticity, and connections, within a dynamic and fun space.
From Survival to Transformation: Leadership and Well-being in Our Community
Eduardo A. Borges, Best-selling author, QPR, PWS
In times of crisis, our community needs more than motivation; it needs real transformation tools. This presentation offers a practical framework for turning moments of survival into opportunities for growth. Fortitudo and other books by Eduardo A. Borges will be available!
Gambling Harm and Healing: Strengthening Connection and Resilience
Odelia Garcia, Counselor
This presentation explores gambling-related harm through culturally responsive, community-centered lenses, emphasizing on Latino and multicultural populations. Participants will examine risk factors, stigma, and barriers to care, and learn strategies for screening, engagement, and support.
Risk Factors and Protective Factors in Our Families
Jesus Navarro Meza, CADCII, QMHA, CRM
In our Latino families, there are situations and experiences that can influence our well-being and development. Some of these can increase the likelihood of facing difficulties, others help us stay strong, healthy, and united. Understanding these factors allows us to identify strengths, prevent problems, and promote safer, healthier, and more resilient environments.
ADPC: Opening Doors, Achieving Access, Belonging and Connection for Oregon Latinos with Substance Use Needs
Annaliese Dolph, ADPC Director / Wes Rivers, ADPC Senior Policy Analyst
The Oregon Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission (ADPC) is and independent state agency tasked with improving access to substance use prevention, substance use disorder treatment and recovery support services. They ADPC returns to Latinos Unidos in 2026 to continue building and validating its strategic plan with Latino behavioral health leaders. This discussion will be in English.
Stronger than Fentanyl
Ricardo Garcia Cisneros, QMHA-R, CADC-R, CRM II, PWS
A presentation that highlights the power of gratitude and resilience as fundamental pillars in recovery. Through real-life experiences and practical tools, it explores how to transform pain into strength, rebuild identity, and move toward a life of purpose. A message of hope for those who have overcome addiction and seek to stand firm in their process of change.
Cultural and Generational Trauma: Impact of Immigration, Migration, and ICE
Rigoberto Contreras, LPC, CADC III, CGAC I
Immigration and migration have deeply marked many Latino families. On the journey toward a better life, many face challenges such as family separation, discrimination, fear, and uncertainty. We will explore how cultural and generational trauma impacts families, as well as the importance of fostering healing, resilience, and community support.
Criminogenic Factors
Ricardo Olalde, PhD, QMHPC, CADC III, CRM II-FP, CGAC-R
The focus of my presentation will be on Criminogenic Factors, recidivism, issues faced by the forensic clients, and treatment interventions.
Keeping MHACBO and OHA-THW Credentials Active: Key to Growing as Behavioral Health Leaders
Jose Luis Garcia , BA, CADC II, QMHA II, CRM II, PWS, CGRM, PSS / Ricardo Verdeguez., CADC II, QMHA II, CRM II, PWS, CGRM, PSS
Keeping credentials active is essential for growth and leadership in behavioral health. In this session, we will review current requirements and upcoming certifications available in Oregon to strengthen our professional practice.
Conference Bookstore & Author Signings
Buscando la Libertad
“This book is not only the raw testimony of a life on the brink of destruction, but also a story of hope, faith, and transformation."
Carlos Anguiano
A Week of Awakening-A Practical Guide to Personal Transformation
D. Jorge Partida
“We are unlimited potential seeking expression. We are walking through this world gathering experiences to serve our ever awakening self realization”
Fortitudo
“Fortitudo is the story of nine Latino entrepreneurs in the Pacific Northwest, told through the eyes of a narrator who set out in search of formulas for success and found something far more difficult and far more true: that character is not forged in moments of clarity, but in moments of darkness."
Eduardo A. BorgesLa Brújula del Bienestar
“This journal is the first in a four-volume collection designed to accompany you on your journey toward holistic well-being."
Eduardo A. Borges
The Promise of the Fifth Sun: Ancestral Journey of Self Discovery
Dr. Jorge Partida“Uncover the hidden messages of the past and embrace your true potential.”
Manual para una vida positiva y optimista
“This is a beautiful work, one that takes us to the depths of our Being, awakening in us a sense of responsibility to live our best version every day."
Eduardo A. BorgesLearning to Relate
“In Learning to Relate, you will find what daily life often makes us forget. The best way to relate with ourselves, the best way to relate with others, and the best way to relate with our inner self and the spiritual world."
Eduardo A. BorgesBetter together.
We invite you to join us on August 13- 14, 2026 in Redmond, OR for the opportunity to learn and connect, together. Registration is free. Meals are provided. To attend, please fill the form linked below.
A thank you to our sponsors
