National Conference of Bankruptcy Clerks
Annual Education Conference
Fort Worth, TX
Breakout Sessions
Accountability Through Crucial Conversations
Presented by: Ken Gardner
Have you ever been frustrated by a conversation you have had with someone else who didn't deliver the agreed upon action? This is commonplace in both the work environment and at home. Using the expert guidance created by the Crucial Learning enterprise, this course will focus on the needed tools to hold a crucial conversation and deliver accountable results. Be prepared to practice the skills outlined in this course in a hands-on, safe environment so when you have the next crucial conversation, you will be properly prepared for a successful discussion!
Active Threats and You
Presented by: Ryan Thompson and Daryl Weiland
What you do before, during, and after a critical incident to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your co-workers.
Alright, Alright, Alright. Soft Skills for Today, Tomorrow, and the Future.
Presented by: Seth Bowe
In this engaging presentation, we will explore the importance of soft skills in personal and professional development, through the eyes and actions of Texas native, Matthew McConaughey. Communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem solving are essential in today’s dynamic workplace. Attendees will learn practical strategies to enhance these skills and improve their effectiveness both in the office and in everyday life, as we learn by clips of some of Matthew’s most famous films. By the end of the session, participants will understand how to integrate soft skills into their daily routines to foster better collaboration, leadership, and conflict resolution, ultimately leading to a more successful and fulfilling career.
Audits, Internal Controls, and the Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Programs
Presented by: Veleda Henderson, Michelle Spidell, Chris Junjulas, and Ruby Krajick
An hour-long conversation on how audits, internal controls, fraud, waste, and abuse programs work together to ensure the good stewardship of resources entrusted to the courts and the federal judiciary. Each area listed (audits, IC and FWA) will have a presenter who will provide a 10-minute overview of the functions performed (at the court level and the AO) along with the resources available to the bankruptcy courts. From the presentation, bankruptcy staff will learn about each program and how we work with one another to help court units adhere to the practices and statutes that govern the federal judiciary. With half of the hour taken up with the presentation, the other 30 minutes will be used to field questions, and to pose questions and scenarios for the attendees to answer.
Building Blocks of Emergency Preparedness
Presented by: Lindsay Kuck
Emergency Preparedness is the process of being ready to respond to emergencies, disasters, or other incidents and requires a continuous cycle of planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating, and implementing corrective actions. This session will discuss how courts can use a building block system to work toward a holistic emergency preparedness program and highlight resources available to support them.
Building Wealth to Achieve Financial Freedom
Presented by: FedAdvantage
This seminar explores key strategies for growing wealth and achieving long-term financial independence. Attendees will learn about smart saving, investing, and financial planning techniques to build a strong financial foundation. The session covers practical steps to manage debt, maximize income, and leverage assets, helping participants create a roadmap to financial freedom.
Cash Management, Understanding the Psychology of Money
Presented by: FedAdvantage
This seminar explores the challenges of managing money and the psychology behind financial decisions. Using the Money Habitudes Workshop and an interactive game, participants will discover how their money habits and attitudes shape their financial choices. Attendees will gain practical strategies to take control of their cash, improve financial behaviors, and create a clear path forward
The Change Agent: Embrace, Adapt, and Lead Through Change
Presented by: Tasha German
Maya Angelou wisely said, "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." The goal of this session is to empower participants with the mindset, tools, and strategies to not only navigate change but to use it as a catalyst for innovation and growth. We will explore the landscape of change, the role of transformative leadership, the core components of resilience, strategies for turning challenges into opportunities, emotional agility, and the importance of providing the right resources and training to ensure successful change.
CMAssist User Group Roundtable
Presented by: Aimee Stafford, Scott Bellingham, and Sue Frisch
A general round-table discussion for CMAssist users to exchange ideas, procedures, and collaborate with their peers on the implementation and use of CMAssist in the Bankruptcy Courts. Come ready with your questions, concerns, and advice to share with your peers regarding CMAssist from a user or supervisory perspective.
Court Services Office Update for Clerks and Chief Deputies
Presented by: Jason Edwards, Melissa Monroe, Jason Spencer
Bankruptcy clerks and chief deputies are invited to attend a session with Court Services Office (CSO) staff to discuss and engage in conversation on current issues impacting the bankruptcy courts.
Efficiency, Efficiency, Efficiency: Time Management, CHAPWeb and WorkFlow
Presented by: Kent Crockett and Natalee Wilding
Do you ever feel like there’s not enough hours in your workday? Is it time to examine and update your processes? CHAPWeb 6.0 and WorkFlow are here to help you streamline, simplify, and shorten the work you do every day. This session will guide participants through features of CHAPWeb and WorkFlow designed to save time and automate processes. Bring your laptops and questions!
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Orientation
Presented by: Fatima Griffin
Employee Orientation: We Care, Just Call. This orientation provides an overview of services and program benefits available to employees and focuses on the nature of the EAP as a voluntary, confidential, and free benefit to employees. Also available on-demand at FOH4You.com.
FERS Retirement Overview (Two-part session)
Presented by: Jill Porrazzo
In this two-part presentation, you will learn more about the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), understand how to prepare for retirement, learn how to calculate your benefit, and get information about benefits into retirement and for survivors. We will also cover how social security and TSP also play a role in your retirement income.
The Five Years Before You Retire
Presented by: FedAdvantage
This seminar guides you through the essential steps to ensure a smooth and fulfilling transition into retirement. Focusing on practical, easy-to-follow strategies, it covers every key aspect of retirement planning to help you maximize your final working years. While this workshop does not delve into the specifics of federal retirement programs, it takes a comprehensive, big-picture approach to financial security, lifestyle planning, and long-term well-being, offering a step-by-step roadmap for those nearing retirement
The Four Aims of Life: Achieving Professional and Personal Fulfillment
Presented by: Keisha Hargett
Success is often measured by professional achievements, financial stability, or personal happiness—but true fulfillment comes from balancing all aspects of life. This presentation explores the Four Aims of Life (Purusharthas)—a time-tested framework for aligning purpose, prosperity, joy, and personal freedom. Attendees will gain practical insights on how to cultivate a well-rounded approach to success while maintaining harmony in their professional and personal lives.
Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
Presented by: Ruby Krajick
***Need course description
Government Personal Property Policy and Compliance Best Practice
Presented by: Christopher Smith
The Government Personal Property Policy can be challenging to implement and manage. This session will provide an overview of the policy, changes that have occurred over the past few years, and best practices for effective property management and successfully passing audits.
How Health Can Affect Your Wealth in Retirement
Presented by: FedAdvantage
Healthcare is one of the biggest expenses in retirement. As a federal employee, FEHB may not be enough. This seminar helps attendees estimate potential healthcare costs and develop a plan to manage them. It covers rising medical expenses, key cost factors, and available resources to ensure financial stability in retirement.
How to Avoid Audit Finding and Keep Your Inventory in Line
Presented by: Jeffery Dingman and Matt Canavan
Don't cringe when you're due for an audit. JICS, the Judiciary Inventory Control System, is easy to use, integrates with JIFMS, reduces workload on court personnel, and best of all, aligns with the Guide to Judiciary Procedure, Vol 16, Ch 5: Personal Property. Come see how the JICS Team can reduce your stress level and get you on the path to a perfect audit.
How to Make Money in the TSP
Presented by: FedAdvantage
This seminar explores the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and how to build an effective investment strategy. Attendees will learn about the different TSP funds, how they operate, and key investment decisions, including buying, selling, and holding. The session also covers the Roth option, loans, and inter-fund transfers, helping participants make informed choices to maximize their TSP growth.
How to Manage Your Relationship with the New GSA
Presented by: Christopher Smith
GSA is experiencing organizational turmoil as it deals with the requirements of the Department of Government Efficiency. Despite GSA's challenges, court operations must continue, so it's critical to understand how GSA's new structure can support your court unit and how you can access services and get questions answered. This session will help you understand how to effectively manage your relationship with the Judiciary's landlord.
How to Reinvent Yourself
Presented by: Betty Yu
Do you want to make positive changes to become the best version of yourself? Is your fear of losing what you have greater than what you may gain? Know that it is never too late! The only thing we need is a willingness to lean into the possibility. Learn to work through your fear by applying actionable and measurable steps to start living the life you have always dreamed of. Change is a quick step away! Through attending this course, participants will be able to take incremental steps to make positive changes in their life and concepts will be reinforced through experiential learning. Anyone who wants to make positive change but too apprehensive or too overwhelmed to take the necessary steps will benefit most from the course. Here is a draft outline for the course: I. Introduction II. Personal Experiences III. Assessment IV. 8 Techniques A. Changing your identity B. Releasing fear C. Good social support D. Networking E. Baby steps F. Accountability G. Self-care H. Build community V. Application VI. Final thoughts.
Human Resources Updates Overview
Presented by: Michael Bork
An update will be provided on recent activities and initiatives in the Human Resources Office (HRO), including those related to recruitment modernization efforts, enhancing workforce development opportunities, and strengthening human resource policies.
Leading (Not Managing)
Presented by: David Concepcion
This course will discuss leading to build a High Performing Team by focusing on avoiding burnout with high performers and sharing actions we can take to build high performing teams.
Lessons from the Field: Talking Through Difficult Workplace Issues
Presented by: Michael Henry and Rebecca Coman
Join Michael Henry, Judicial Integrity Officer, and Rebecca Coman, Director of Workplace Relations for the Fifth Circuit for three breakout sessions – two for non-managers and one tailored for managers – featuring a candid discussion on how to address challenging workplace issues. We will discuss nuanced workplace dynamics and situations, including workplace misconduct, communication styles, and addressing work/life friction.
Let Us Help You Help Yourself: Exploring the FJC’s Professional Development Resources
Presented by: Brandon Howard
Are you curious about the Federal Judicial Center (FJC) and the educational opportunities we offer federal judicial employees? If so, then this session is for you! Come and discover how the FJC’s training offerings and resources can enhance your productivity, efficiency, and job satisfaction. Join us for a one-hour conversation outlining: our role in judicial education (Judicial & Legal Education, Probation and Pretrial Services Education, Executive Education, and Management & Professional Development Education); the competencies-based approach we take towards court education; our popular and new programs and offerings; and how to navigate the FJC.dcn to find what you need.
Living Your Legacy
Presented by: Dana McWay
Do you have any idea what people say about you? If someone were to prepare your obituary or eulogy, would they speak about you in the way you would want them to? Most of us go about our daily lives without consciously thinking about what values are important to us, how we live out those values, and how we present those values to others. We just get through the day so that we can do it all over again. This presentation focuses on how to identify your values so that you can consciously live them every day and someday, have others speak about you in a way that aligns with what you would want them to say.
Navigating Mental Health and Promoting Wellness in the Workplace
Presented by: Jamie Giani
"Wellness" has become a popular buzz word in recent years, with an increased focus on mental health and wellness particularly after COVID brought to light issues like burnout and isolation. Yet discussing mental health issues at work is still largely seen as awkward and taboo. This session will be focused on helping participants navigate through mental health issues at work, whether as someone with mental health concerns for themselves or a coworker or as someone addressing burnout or other issues as a manager. The session will also provide tips on proactively promoting mental wellness to prevent burnout by building a culture of transparency and understanding.
New CMAssist Preview
Presented by: Aimee Stafford and Scott Bellingham
We're updating CMAssist and rolling out a brand-new look and feel. Join us as we provide a preview of the New CMA. We welcome your questions and feedback.
Retirement Planning: Let’s Look at the Numbers
Presented by: FedAdvantage
Retirement decisions can have long-term effects, some of which are irreversible. This seminar uses a case study of a fictional federal employee to explore the financial impact of key retirement choices. Through interactive analysis and financial planning software, participants will see how different decisions shape retirement income and lifestyle, providing valuable insights for making informed choices.
Self-Care: What is it, Really? (Two-part session)
Presented by: Christine Castello and Missy Cross
When your world turns upside down, everyone says it’s important to prioritize “self-care” – but what is that, really? Is it as simple as putting away your phone and turning off your television? Or taking a vacation and booking a spa day? What if these options aren’t possible for you – what can you do instead? And why is self-care so very critical for leaders? In this two-part session, we will explore these questions with brain science and the art of re-framing to provide concrete strategies for coping with stress from work and the outside world, using resources from Sara Ross, Gretchen Rubin, Ted Lasso and others.
SharePoint: Simplifying Procedures for a Better User Experience
Presented by: Seth Bowe
This training session will guide you through the simplest and most effective procedure for creating a dynamic Training SharePoint site. Learn how to streamline your procedures, organize content seamlessly, and collaborate effortlessly using SharePoint’s powerful tools. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this training will provide easy-to-follow steps to enhance your productivity and team collaboration in no time.
Time Management (Two-part session)
Presented by: Brandon Howard
Do you ever feel like there’s never enough time in your day to do the things that have to be done? Do you find yourself constantly rushing to complete tasks? One way to help lessen the frantic pace of a normal workday is effective time management. Making the most of your time using proven time management tools can improve not only your work output, but your well-being. In this program, we will explore the concept of time management and why effective time management matters. In this two-part session, participants will be guided through several useful strategies and tips that can help them make the most use of their limited time.
TSP Withdrawal Considerations
Presented by: FedAdvantage
This seminar provides an overview of the TSP program and the withdrawal options available to participants. It explores key challenges, including sustaining retirement income and managing investment risks, while reviewing common strategies for distributing TSP funds. Attendees will gain valuable insights to help them develop a withdrawal plan that supports their long-term financial goals.
Unclaimed Funds- What You Need to Know
Presented by: Dana McWay
This session will discuss what’s new, what’s tried, and what’s true in terms of processing applications for unclaimed funds. New and newer developments designed to aid court staff in evaluating applications will be explained, along with strategies and proposed strategies to respond to fraud or suspected fraud.
What Are My Options in Performing My Court’s Self-Assessment and the Future
Presented by: Chris Junjulus and Becky Brooks
Are you overwhelmed with your annual internal control assessment? Learn what options are available to your court to complete the annual internal control assessment requirement. During this session attendees will learn the different options available to complete the internal control self-assessment. As well as best practices in assisting other courts complete their self-assessment.
What Investors Really Want
Presented by: FedAdvantage
Are you ready to take control of your financial future? In this engaging and informative seminar, we’ll guide you through the process of building your own investment portfolio. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your approach, you’ll learn how to develop a strategy that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
What's Going on with Judicial Voice Recorder (JVR)?
Presented by: Daniel Wang and Jonathon Hair
Judicial Voice Recorder (JVR) has undergone continued refinement over the past year. Come and see the latest updates in this court-developed, courtroom recording application that integrates and leverages calendar related data from CM/ECF or CHAPWeb. Currently in Pilot there have been expressions of interest from 79 court units with live pilot testing at Appellate, District and Bankruptcy courts. The speech-to-text translation (STT) engine processes all audio locally and is contained within the DCN removing potential security concerns. A new archiving solution has been developed to automatically copy local files in the event the connection to the network is ever lost, even if it occurs during recording. There will be a live demonstration of JVR and a time for Q&A.
Work Measurement and Staffing Formulas
Presented by: Brad Sweet
An introduction to work measurement and staffing formulas within the Judiciary with an overview the current work measurement study including how data currently being collected will be used to develop a new staffing formula for bankruptcy clerks’ offices. The session will include time for Q & A.