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.
Connected to Heal: How a Sense of Belonging Transforms
The path toward healing and recovery is rarely a solitary journey; 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. Throughout this process, the sense of belonging not only strengthens the will to heal but also awakens the capacity to grow, rediscover oneself, and build a fuller, more authentic identity. Because when we feel truly connected, we do not simply survive, we thrive.
Session Highlight
Carlos O. Texidor Maldonado, PhD, MBA, LPC-S, CADC III, CGAC II, CCMHC, CIMHP, MAC, NCC, ACS
Come Meet Bestcare’s Next CEO!
Melissa Thompson is a behavioral health executive with 26 years of experience serving individuals and communities across Oregon. She currently serves as 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 an experienced 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.
As a subject matter expert in behavioral health policy and care delivery, 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 lives in Bend, Oregon with her husband of 22 years and their three children.
Melissa is supportive of the advocacy and awareness that Latinos Unidos brings to the state of Oregon. She inspired by the amazing work that is done to support the Latino community and is incredibly humbled by the opportunity to open this incredible conference. Together, we are better.
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. Beyond mere motivation, this message invites deep reflection, inner work, and connection with others as fundamental pillars for living with freedom and purpose.
Creative Group Movement
Ofelia Sánchez, Therapist
It is an experience of conscious movement and group exploration where, through interaction, music, and experiential dynamics, participants can foster self-observation, creativity, authenticity, and connection with others, within a space that is both dynamic and fun. This space will be 100% experiential and participatory, focusing on direct practice rather than theory, inviting people to explore their experience through the body, expression, and presence.
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 just motivation; it needs tools for real transformation. This presentation offers a practical framework for turning moments of survival into opportunities for growth. Participants will learn to identify their internal resources, strengthen their networks, and develop leadership that impacts entire families, gaining tools that are applicable to any crisis we may face. This moves us from victimhood to becoming agents of change in our own lives.
Better 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:
