2025 Rhode Island Trans Health Conference

Providence, RI US
May 31, 2025

REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 17, 2025 - WALK-INS CANNOT BE ACCOMMODATED 

This is the 8th Rhode Island Trans Health Conference dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of the transgender and gender diverse (TGD) community. The conference will provide interactive, evidence-based learning for interdisciplinary professionals across the care continuum to increase confidence in providing quality care for all TGD individuals. In addition to didactic presentations, attendees will have opportunities to learn from practitioners with lived experience and expertise in TGD health and wellness. Running concurrently to the Provider Track, the Community Track will hold space for the TGD community and their families to learn about available resources and build affirming space to intentionally connect, learn, and embrace joy.

Target Audience

This conference is designed for physicians, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, psychologists, physician assistants, social workers, medical students, residents, fellows, public health workers, community health workers, educators, licensed mental health care providers, and allied members of the healthcare team who care for transgender and gender diverse patients.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, healthcare professionals will be better able to:

  • Apply evidence-based practice guidelines and updated standards of care in their work with transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients across the lifespan
  • Identify specific challenges and barriers unique to TGD patients and ways to advocate for the TGD population  in the healthcare system and beyond
  • Develop an integrated practice that understands both medical and behavioral health needs and available resources for TGD patients

Conference Fees

General Rate


Tiers

$250.00

Midwives, Nurse Practitioners, Physicians, Physician Assistants

$225.00

Nurses, Mental Health Counselors, Social Workers, Psychologists, Other Behavioral Health Providers, Public Health Professionals, Fellows 

$75.00

Community Health Workers, Residents, Students, School teachers

 

Scholarships to attend the conference are awarded in exchange for volunteering on the conference day. This is a limited opportunity reserved for current students.  
For scholarship opportunities to help cover the cost of registration, please click the link below.

Scholarship Application

 

The Rhode Island Trans Health Conference is jointly sponsored by 

The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University   |   Rhode Island School of Social Work   |   Rhode Island School of Nursing 

 
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 5.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • 5.50 Attendance
    Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance stating this program is designated for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. This credit is accepted by the AAPA and AANP.
  • 5.50 Participation
Course opens: 
03/24/2025
Course expires: 
05/31/2025
Event starts: 
05/31/2025 - 8:00am EDT
Event ends: 
05/31/2025 - 5:00pm EDT
Cost:
$250.00
*Note: Exhibit Hall with resource tables will be held in the Quad from 12:00 pm-2:00 pm. You are welcome to visit the tables during breaks and lunch to learn about local resources in RI for TGD individuals. 
 

8:30 - 9:00

Registration & Coffee
 

Keynote Address

9:00 - 9:45

Welcome & Keynote Address
From Crisis to Power: Transforming Trans Health for the Future
Dallas Ducar, MSN, RN, NP, CNL, FAAN (she/her)
 
 

 

9:45 - 10:00

15 minute break
  

Session One

10:00 - 11:00

Using a Harm Reduction Framework to Address the Unique Challenges Faced by Unhoused Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals who Engage in Substance Use
 
Pam Klein, MSN, RN (she/her)
Sabel Flynn, BSN, RN, ACRN (he/him, ze/hir)

 

Roll for Initiative: The Role of Gaming in Trans Youth Identity Formation

Logan England, LICSW (he/him)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Gentle Gynecology: Prioritizing Comfort for Gender-Diverse Patients during Reproductive Health Procedures

Cailey Indech, DO (she/her)
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Introductory

Intermediate to Advanced 

Intermediate to Advanced 

  

11:00 - 11:15

15 minute break
  

Session Two

11:15 - 12:15

The Zebra in the Room: Exploring the Prevalence of Hypermobility and Chronic Pelvic Pain in the Gender Diverse Community
 
Kay Mastrocola, PT, DPT (she/her)

 

Supporting Trans Sex Workers and Trafficking Survivors in Healthcare Settings

Yash Rivera (it/its/he/him/fae/faer)
Bella Robinson (she/her)

 

 

 

Getting to the Heart of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy

Joseph Nardollilo, PharmD, BCACP (he/him)

 

 

 

  
Introductory
Intermediate to Advanced Intermediate to Advanced   

12:15 - 1:00

Exhibit Hall, Resource Tabling, Free Yoga & Stretch Session
  
 

 

1:00 - 1:45

Lunch including a Trans Providers Networking Lunch 
  
 

 

Session Three

2:00 - 3:00

Transcending Fear: Cultivating Gender Euphoria in Gender Affirming Care
 
Cassidy Dallas, LICSW (they/he)
Will Cole, PhD (he/they)

 

What Does My Gender Look Like?: Expressive Arts Therapies Interventions for Gender Exploration

Sage Phoenix, LMHC (they/them)

 

 

Advances in Transgender Reproductive Health

Frances Grimstead, MD (she/her)

Lauren Abern, MD (she/her)

 

  
Introductory

Intermediate to Advanced

Intermediate to Advanced   

3:00 - 3:15

15 minute break
  

Session Four

3:15 - 4:15

Update on Legal Issues in Transgender Health Care Access
 
Lisa Rodrigues, GLAD Law (she/her/ella)
 

 

"Learning How to Love Me More": Gender Diversity and Intersections with Disordered Eating and Body Image Issues

Annie Crossman, LMHC (they/them)
Joy Lochelt, LICSW (any pronouns)

 
Gender, Hypermobility, and Neurodiversity:
Updates in Research and Practice
 
Marisa Bergfield, MA, PsyD (she/they)
 
 
  
Introductory
Intermediate to Advanced Intermediate to Advanced   

4:15 - 4:30

15 minute break
  

Town Hall

4:30 - 5:15

Provider Track Town Hall & Closing
  
 

 

 

Rhode Island College
600 Mount Pleasant Avenue
Roberts Hall
Providence, RI 02908
United States
Free parking available in Campus Parking Lots A, B, C, & D. Conference Registration will take place in the Roberts Hall Lobby.
 
Accessibility FAQ
  • How much walking will I need to do?
    • The conference is held on a College campus, which can be rather spread out. An interactive map can be found here and a printable map can be found here, and will be printed in the brochure you receive at the conference. Walking between each session can take 2 to 5 minutes.
  • Who can I ask for help if I need assistance?
    • Conference Volunteers and Rhode Island College Security will be available to assist at all times. To contact security to ask for transportation between buildings, please call 401-456-8888. To report an accessibility concern or discuss accessibility issues that are not related to transportation between buildings, please contact Brown CME at [email protected]
  • What are the bathrooms like?
    • On the day of the conference, all bathrooms will be labeled as “All Gender Restrooms.” There are both single stall and multi stall bathrooms across the campus. Many restrooms are accessible to those who use mobility supports such as wheelchairs and walkers; however, there are no adult-sized hygiene tables at Rhode Island College. Participants who need support with hygiene should plan with this in mind.
  • Will I need to climb stairs?
    • There are elevators wherever stairs are required to get between locations.
  • Where can I find water?
    • Rhode Island College has water-bottle filling stations across the campus. There will also be water bottles available throughout the day.
  • What is the food like?
    • There will be coffee and snacks in the morning, a hot lunch, and cookies in the afternoon. Lunch will include gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options. 
  • What are the transportation options to get to the event?
    • Rhode Island College has ample free parking and is accessible via RIPTA bus. The conference is able to provide RIPTA bus passes for Community Track attendees who are unable to obtain their own transportation. Please complete the questions on registration about this and we will contact you.
  • Is interpretation available?
    • ASL interpretation will be available. Any conference participants who will need ASL interpretation are encouraged to arrive at the beginning of registration to facilitate easy creation of a plan for the day with the interpretation team. It is vital that participants who know they will need ASL communicate this need during sign-up, so that we can find enough interpreters to match the need.
  • Are printed materials available?
    • Printed versions of presentation slides are available upon request, in notes-format, large print, high-contrast, or any combination of those options. Please indicate this need upon sign-up. 
  • Can I use my screen reader to access presentation slides?
    • Electronic copies of presentation slides will also be made available via shareable link and thumb drive for participants who use screen readers. It is vital this need is communicated at sign-up in order to ensure we have the correct number of copies of the format you need. These slides will not be shared until the morning of the conference, and participants who need this support are encouraged to arrive at the beginning of registration time to ensure they have adequate download and set-up time.
  • Can I bring my service animal?
    • Service animals are welcome at the conference. Service animals are expected to follow all commands of their handlers while on Rhode Island College property, and to wear appropriate gear relevant to the service performed. Service animals may be relieved in grassy areas and should be cleaned up after appropriately. In the event of severe weather, please contact Brown CME at [email protected] for support in planning how to most easily manage the needs of both service animal and handler.
  • Where can I go if I need to pump?
    • It is our goal to ensure a safe and comfortable place for people who are lactating to pump. While we are not yet sure where this space will be located, there will be a pre-identified lactation room. Please follow up with any conference volunteer for support locating and accessing this space.

Faculty 

Planning Committee 

Dallas Ducar, MSN, RN, NP, CNL, FAAN (she/her)
Keynote Speaker
Executive Vice President of Donor Engagement and External Relations
Fenway Health
Boston, MA
 
Lauren Abern, MD (she/her)
Assistant Professor
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Women & Infants Hospital
Providence, RI
 
Marisa Bergfield, MA, PsyD (she/they)
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Behavioral Medicine & Spine Institute
Lifespan Physicians Group
Providence, RI
 
Cassidy Dallas, LICSW (they/he)
Owner, therapist, consultant
Cass Dallas Therapy and Consulting
Westford, MA
 
Will Cole, PhD, MPH (he/they)
Owner and Consultant
Query Research Consulting
 
Annie Crossman, LMHC, MA (they/them)
Mental Health Counselor
Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professionals
Boston, MA
 
Logan England, LICSW (he/him)
Director of Youth Services
Youth Pride RI, Inc
Providence, RI
 
Sabel Flynn, BSN, RN, ACRN (he/him, ze/hir)
Registered Nurse
Boston Healthcare for the Homeless
Boston, MA
 
Frances Grimstead, MD (she/her)
Founder and Director
Transgender Reproductive Health Service, Gynecology
Boston Children's Hospital
Associate Professor, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology
Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA
 
Cailey Indech, DO (she/her)
Family Medicine Doctor
Thundermist Health Center
Woonsocket, RI
 
Pam Klein, MSN, RN (she/her)
Director, Gender Care Team
Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
Boston, MA
 
Joy Lechelt, LICSW (any pronouns)
Director, LGBTQ+ Clinical Services
Out at Home
Boston, MA
 
Kay Mastrocola, PT, DPT (she/her)
Physical Therapist
Roots Physical Therapy
Providence, RI
 
Joseph Nardolillo, PHarmD, BCACP (he/him)
Assistant Professor
University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy
Kingston, RI 
 
Sage Phoenix, LMHC (they/them)
Psychotherapist
Roslindale, MA
 
Yash Rivera, BA (it/its/he/him/fae/faer)
Intersectional Education and Research Director
COYOTE RI
Logan, UT
 
Bella Robinson (she/her)
Executive Director
COYOTE RI
Warwick, RI
 
Lisa Rodriguez-Ross (she/her)
Attorney
GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders
Boston, MA
 
Syd LaBonte, LICSW (they/them) | Conference Coordinator
Hasbro Children’s Hospital
Rhode Island College
Providence, RI
 
Wendy Becker, PhD, LICSW (she/her)
Rhode Island College School of Social Work
Providence, RI
 
Justin DiLibero, DNP, APRN, CCRN, CCNS, ACCNS-AG, CNE, FCNS
Rhode Island College School of Nursing
Providence, RI
 
Quinten Foster, MS (he/they)
Accessibility Coordinator
East Bay Community Action Program
Newport, RI

DL Helfer, MDiv, LCSW (they/them)
Fundraising Coordinator
Community Care Alliance
Providence, RI
 
Maria Sullivan (she/her)
Jennifer Maloney (she/her)
Michelle King (she/her)
Brown University Continuing Medical Education Office
Providence, RI
 
Provider Track Commitee
 
Noah V. Lupica, MD (he/him)
Medical Co-Lead
Thundermist Health Center
Warwick, RI
 
Julia Schulkers, MS, APRN, FNP-C (she/her)
Medical Co-Lead
Hasbro Children’s Hospital
Providence, RI
 
Marisa Bergfield, PsyD (she/they)
Behavioral Health Co-Lead
Brown University Health Physicians Group
Providence, RI
 
Kimberly Page, RN (she/her)
Volunteer Coordinator
Thundermist Health Center
Woonsocket, RI
 
Gray Babbs, MPH, PhD Candidate (he/him)
Brown University School of Public Health
Providence, RI
 
Christopher Bayston, MD MSc (they/them)
Brown University
Providence, RI
 
Matt Boudreau (he/him)
Rhode Island Department of Health
Providence, RI
 
Samuel Diaz, MD Candidate (he/him)
The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Providence, RI
 
Liz Fayram, RD, LDN, CEDRD, RYT (she/her)
From the Heart Nutrition
Providence, RI
 
Gabe Grochowski, LMHC (he/him)
Thundermist Health Center
Woonsocket, RI
 
Antonio Reisopoulos, PA (he/they)
Open Door Health
Providence, RI
 
Micaela Weaver, DO (she/her)
The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Care New England Breast Health Center
Providence, RI
 
 

Accreditation

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the  Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and the Rhode Island College Schools of Social Work and Nursing. The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designations

Physicians: The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University designates this live activity for a maximum of 5.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 
 
Licensed Mental Health Counselors: The application has been submitted. 
  • If you are claiming LMHC credit, please select "participation" as your credit type. 

Nurses: The application for continuing education units has been submitted.

Social Workers: The application for continuing education credits has been submitted

Psychologists: The application for Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists has been submitted.

Available Credit

  • 5.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • 5.50 Attendance
    Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance stating this program is designated for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. This credit is accepted by the AAPA and AANP.
  • 5.50 Participation

Presenting Sponsors

                      

 

Premier Sponsors
 

                                                                                           

Supporting Sponsors

                                 

 

                         Brown Health Medical Group Primary Care 

                                Polaris MEP and 401 Technologies 

 

Community Sponsors

                            

 

Community Care Alliance

East Coast Mental Wellness

From the Heart Nutrition

GLAD Law

                                  

 

Price

Cost:
$250.00
Please login or register to take this course.
REGISTRATION CLOSES May 17th, 2025 - WALK-INS CANNOT BE ACCOMMODATED 

For scholarship opportunities to help cover the cost of registration, please click the link below:

Scholarship Application

Scholarships are awarded in exchange for volunteering.

General Rate


Tiers

$250.00

Midwives, Nurse Practitioners, Physicians, Physician Assistants

$225.00

Nurses, Mental Health Counselors, Social Workers, Psychologists, Other Behavioral Health Providers, Public Health Professionals, Fellows 

$75.00

Community Health Workers, Residents, Students, School teachers

 Please notify the Brown CME Office in writing at least 10 business days (5/20/25) before the conference to request reasonable accommodations.

 Please notify the Brown CME Office in writing at least 10 business days (5/20/25) before the conference of any severe allergies. 

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations/substitutions must be made in writing to the Brown CME Office at least two weeks before the conference. A $35.00 administrative fee will be charged for all refunds (no refunds for “no-shows”). There will be no additional charge for substitutions. This conference is subject to change or cancellation.

For More Information, Contact Brown Continuing Medical Education | E: [email protected] | Website: www.cme.med.brown.edu