Registration is currently closed.
E-mail Debbie and Kristin if you need to register
Debbie: mca-mn@hotmail.com  Kristin: KLueken.MCA@gmail.com

MCA Monthly Workshop:

 Autism in Criminal Justice, Forensic Mental Health,
and Legal Settings

 August 12, 2026
9:00 a.m. - Noon

Via Zoom

Certificates of attendance available for this workshop

  

About this Workshop: 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex, multifaceted, neurodevelopmental disorder impacting several domains of functioning. Core deficits associated with autism include social communication deficits and impairments in reciprocal social-emotional interactions across multiple settings and repetitive and restricted patterns of interests, activities, and behaviors. It is important to note that the expression of these core deficits can vary significantly in terms of presence and severity from person to person depending on a host of factors. Although most individuals on the autism spectrum are law abiding citizens, a small subset of individuals diagnosed with this disorder engage in problematic and criminal-related behaviors. This training will examine the potential causes and contributing factors related to when someone with autism becomes involved in the criminal justice and legal systems. Implications for interviewing, screening, and intervention will also be discussed. A primary goal of this training is to learn why criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal professionals should become autism-informed. Empirically based research findings and case study examples will be highlighted throughout this training.

 

Workshop Goal/Objectives:

• Define autism.
• Identify common signs and symptoms of autism.
• Learn about the impact autism has on criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings.
• Identify intake, screening, intervention, management, communication, and accommodation strategies that professionals can implement with people on the autism spectrum who are involved in criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings.  

About our Presenter - Jerrod Brown:

Jerrod Brown, PhD, MA, MS, MS, MS, MS, MS, CTTS, EFC, CFNC, CZT, CART, GCPain is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS) and founder and co-editor-in-chief of Forensic Scholars Today. Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed six separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Pain Management, Applied Pediatric Nutrition, Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dyslexia, Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs. 

*Please add admin@ourmca.org to your e-mail safe sender list

*If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail immediately
after you register, please contact us at:
Debbie: mca-mn@hotmail.com
Kristin:  KLueken.MCA@gmail.com 

Register for This Workshop Today!  
Registration will close at 5:00 p.m. 2 days before event

     

Registration now Open!

Join us for this Safety Summit
Being Hosted by
MCA and MACPO

August 26-27, 2026
Camp Ripley, MN

If your agency is sending multiple staff, contact the Kristin or Debbie for a consolidated invoice for payment procesing
after all your staff have registered.
Kristin: KLueken.MCA@gmail.com
Debbie: mca-mn@hotmail.com

Tactical Mastery – Level Up Your Safety 

We know you’ve seen it all, but the game is changing, and "standard procedure" isn't the ceiling anymore.  We’re hosting a Safety Summit specifically for those of you who have the miles behind you but are ready to sharpen the edge.  Forget the dry, checked-box lectures of the past; we’re rolling out a suite of all- new, fully interactive sessions designed to pressure-test your instincts and elevate your tactics. This isn’t a refresher; it’s a high-level recalibration aimed at moving you to the absolute next level of operational excellence. You’ve got the foundation—now come build the masterclass.

Class You Don't Want to Miss!

• Search and Seizure Expert
• Dog Encounters & Attacks
• Knife Defense Exposure
• Mental Health Response
• Stop the Bleed
• Health & Readiness

Wednesday Evening there will be a Social Hour at the Hangers Viking Club.  

Registration includes: training sessions; lunch and dinner on August 26th; lodging the evening of August 26th; breakfast and lunch on August 27th. 

Registration Cancellations:  Request for cancellation and refund must be emailed to mca-mn@hotmail.com.
100% refund if requested by 7/24/26; 50% Refund 7/25/26-8/03/26; No refund 08/4/26 or after. May send replacement in lieu of refund prior to 8/4/26

Alternate Lodging-Not included in Registration:
There is a block of lodging rooms (not included with registration) at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Little Falls for anyone needing lodging on August 25th or does not want to stay overnight at Camp Ripley on August 26th.
This is NOT included in the Safety Summit Registration and must be paid for separately by the attendee or their employer.
Country Inn & Suite by Radisson
209 16th St NE
Little Falls, MN 56345
1-320-201-7087 - Must mention MCA Safety Summit
$135 per night plus taxes
Includes Continental Breakfast
Block closes July 25th

MCA Monthly Workshop:
Safety in the Field:
Best Practices for Community Based Workers

 9:00 a.m. - Noon

Via Zoom

Certificates of attendance available for this workshop

Monthly Workshop

 

About our Monthly Workshop - Safety in the Field: Best Practices for Community Based Workers:

The goal of this workshop is to equip community-based professionals with the situational awareness and practical tools necessary to identify, assess, and mitigate risks during home visits.

About our Monthly Workshop Presenter, Jesse LeBlanc:

Jesse LeBlanc is a Safety Administrator dedicated to elevating organizational security and excellence. With a unique foundation of 6 years in the safety industry and 13 years in law enforcement, Jesse specializes in rigorous hazard mitigation, regulatory compliance, and data-driven risk management. He is a proven leader recognized for fostering proactive safety cultures and driving team growth through statistical research and expert training. Jesse’s reputation is built on solving complex problems with high-impact performance. Outside the office, he enjoys hiking mountain peaks, shredding fresh snow, and traveling the world on new adventures.

Work experience:

• Safety Professional, Dept. of Correction, Private Sector 
  2019 – PRESENT
  Received DOC Cost Savings & Efficiency Award, Safety Award, Team member of Silver MN Safety Council Award. Lowered safety metrics from 2022 to 2024 of TRC 3.6 to 1.2, DART 2.8 to .02.
• Police Officer, Walker PD, Dept. of Veteran Affairs
  2006 – 2019
  SWAT Team Operator & EMT Specialized. Organized departments first community National Night Out. Managed Top Third in class at LETC. Started Bike Patrol Program. Acted as Field Training Officer for new officers.
• Military, Army National Guard, MN1999 – 2006
  Attended Professional Leadership Development Course, Recruit Officer Training Course, National Advance Leadership Course, and Adjutant General Officer Basic Course. Finished all schools “top blocked” in class.

Education: 

• MBA Degree - Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
• BS Degree Criminal Justice / Minor Military Science  - Minnesota State University
• Police Academy - Law Enforcement Training Center
• Emergency Medical Tech. (EMT) - Walker Ambulance Department
• Certified Personal Trainer - International Sports & Science Association (ISSA) and University of Health and Performance (UHP)

Skills:

• Risk & Safety Management
• Leadership & Operations
• Administration & Analytics

Instructor: 

• OSHA 30 & 10 Instructor (GLEC)
• Use of Force Instructor (S.P.E.A.R.)
• Chemical Irritant Instructor (DOC)
• BLS/H.S.-First Aid-AED-CPR Instructor (AHA)
• Stop The Bleed Instructor (ACS)
• Scenario Based Training Instructor (DOC)
• Situational Awareness (DOC)

 

Volunteer: 

Peer Advocate, Ambassador, Event Director, Videographer, Treasurer

*Please add admin@ourmca.org to your e-mail safe sender list

*If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail immediately
after you register, please contact us at:
Debbie: mca-mn@hotmail.com
Kristin:  KLueken.MCA@gmail.com 

Register for This Workshop Today!  
Registration will close at 5:00 p.m. 2 days before event

MCA Monthly Workshop:

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in
Criminal Justice, Forensic Mental Health,
and Legal Settings

 9:00 a.m. - Noon

Via Zoom

Certificates of attendance available for this workshop

About this Workshop: 
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopment disorder caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. This spectrum of disorders is characterized by deficits in cognitive (e.g., inhibition, information processing, and memory) and adaptive functioning (e.g., communication skills, problem-solving, and decision-making). These symptoms place some individuals with FASD at risk for involvement in the criminal justice system. Once involved, individuals with FASD usually struggle to make legal decisions, participate in their legal defense, and conform to conditions of incarceration or community supervision. Designed for professionals working in criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings, this training broadens awareness of FASD and identifies practices and techniques designed to improve outcomes when working with persons with suspected or confirmed FASD. Other topics discussed in this training include executive dysfunction, suggestibility, confabulation, gullibility, auditory processing deficits, alexithymia, theory of mind (ToM), sluggish cognitive tempo, comprehension deficits, sleep disturbances and fatigue, information processing deficits, choice-making deficits, abstract reasoning deficits, memory confusion, self-regulation deficits, and sensory processing limitations to name a few. Empirically based research findings and case study examples will be highlighted throughout this training.

Workshop Goal/Objectives:

• Define FASD.
• Identify common signs and symptoms of FASD.
• Learn about the impact FASD has on criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings.
• Identify intake, screening, intervention, management, communication, and accommodation strategies that professionals can implement with people with FASD who are involved in criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings.  

About our Presenter - Jerrod Brown:

Jerrod Brown, PhD, MA, MS, MS, MS, MS, MS, CTTS, EFC, CFNC, CZT, CART, GCPain is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS) and founder and co-editor-in-chief of Forensic Scholars Today. Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed six separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Pain Management, Applied Pediatric Nutrition, Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dyslexia, Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs. 

*Please add admin@ourmca.org to your e-mail safe sender list

*If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail immediately
after you register, please contact us at:
Debbie: mca-mn@hotmail.com
Kristin:  KLueken.MCA@gmail.com 

Register for This Workshop Today!  
Registration will close at 5:00 p.m. 2 days before event

October 27-29, 2026
Grand View Lodge
Nisswa, MN

Tuesday Registration & Resource Fair
Opens at 8 a.m.
Opening and Awards Ceremony
begin at 10 a.m.

Be sure to bookmark and visit the
"2026 Annual Institute"
webpages for all of the
conference details and updates!!

Click the "2026 Annual Institute" link below ~
It can also be found on our webpage menu:
Point to "MCA Events" in our menu
then click on "2026 Annual Institute"

 

*2026 Annual Institute 
*Presentations
*Resource Fair
*Networking
*Lodging Information
and more.....

If your agency is interested in conference discounts by becoming a sponsor - click here for those details!

Agencies looking for a consolidated invoice to pay?
E-mail Debbie or Kristin
mca-mn@hotmail.com or KLueken.mca@gmail.com

MCA Monthly Workshop:

Anxiety!!! - What me worry - employee management 
November 18, 2026
9:00 a.m. - Noon 
Via Zoom
*Note Date is the 3rd Wednesday of November

Certificates of attendance available for this workshop

About this Workshop: 

A comprehensive training designed to educate officers, supervisors, and wellness coordinators on how anxiety manifests in law enforcement settings, its impact on performance and agency culture, and strategies for building a psychologically safe and resilient organization.

This course provides law enforcement professionals with a comprehensive understanding of anxiety and its impact within policing environments. Participants will explore the physiological, psychological, and behavioral dimensions of anxiety as it presents in officers, staff, and organizational culture. Through real-world case studies, clinical insights, and peer-driven discussions, the course addresses how anxiety manifests in high-stress roles, the barriers to seeking help, and the often-unspoken stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement.

Goal/Objectives of Workshop: 
Participants will learn to identify early warning signs of anxiety, understand its connection to performance and decision-making, and develop strategies to support officer wellness and resilience. Leadership-level content will emphasize building agency-wide awareness, integrating wellness initiatives, and promoting psychologically safe work environments.     

About our Presenter:  Dr. Matt Stiehm

Dr. Stiehm received an Educational Doctorate from Argosy University, where the focus of his research was campus safety and security.  Dr. Stiehm’s research focused on the less transit population of faculty, and their individual perceptions of safety/security as opposed to the transitional student population, which rotates every 9-12 months at least. Out of his research Dr. Stiehm has published articles and has been interviewed on topics related to campus safety, security and law enforcement.  Dr. Stiehm holds a Masters of Art’s from Saint Mary’s University in Psychological Services and Counseling, which was conferred in the Spring of 2023.  Dr. Stiehm as of 03.01.2026 is a Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.  Carrying an active LPCC Licensed 5427.

Prior to his graduation Dr. Stiehm spent time at Prairie Center treatment as an intern, working in a residential treatment facility.  Dr. Stiehm also has a Master’s Degree of Criminal Justice from Central Missouri State University, and a Bachelor’s of Science from Wayne State College, Nebraska.  Dr. Stiehm has additional attended and received a CLS designation from the Americans for the Effectiveness of Law Enforcement a non-profit organization that focuses on the legal aspect of use of force.  I have served as a police officer in three states (CA, MN and NE), and I keep current on law enforcement trends.  I review Policeone, Officer.com, Law Officer Magazine, FBI Bulletin and other magazines to maintain relevancy in law enforcement trends.  I additionally attended regular law enforcement trainings to keep my skills current.  Dr. Stiehm currently holds an valid/active Minnesota Peace Officer License and retired from service from the Clearbrook Police Department in July 2024.  Dr. Stiehm has received a LPCC license from the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health.

Dr. Stiehm sees all manner of clients to include those who are on felony and misdemeanor probation, and parole.  Dr. Stiehm is one of a handful of therapist with Nystrom and Associates that works with Sex Offenders, and Criminals.  Since starting working at Nystrom and Associates Dr. Stiehm has had approximately 400+ clients come through his office door, and of those he is reviewing records to determine the amount of those who are connected in some capacity to a court matter (child protection/adult protection/civil commitment or criminal) to determine the percentage of clients that sees, as well as to have a statistical understand of those clients, diagnosis, and dispositions. Of the estimated 400+ clients, Dr. Stiehm (I) would estimate he has completed approximately 80% of the diagnostic assessments on the clients mentioned above.

Dr. Stiehm is an advocate for mental health for that and of law enforcement officers. Dr. Stiehm started a boutique mental therapy firm that works specifically with those working in law enforcement/criminal justice and corrections. The firm Minnesota Blue Line Therapy is the third criminal justice related business Dr. Stiehm has started with the expressed interest of support those within the first responder community. Dr. Stiehm is listed on Pearson Assessments website as being able to get Level A, B and C assessments. Dr. Stiehm has gone through extensive research in the following juvenile areas; Mental Health as it relates to Probation Officers, Foundational Juvenile Mental Health Issues with Technology, Placement Issues and complete issues related to probation.

Dr. Stiehm also keeps research into police related mental health issues using search terms using the following Boolean terms PTSD + Police, Police + PTSD + Treatment, Police + Substance Use, and Police + Suicide within the academic realms finding around 180 publications. Dr. Stiehm has conducted research using Clinical Trials the government research site, finding around 300 related studies under Drugs, Behavioral, Medical Device, and Other techniques measured, and monitored by the federal government, and the FDA and other trials.  As part of his experiences with Minnesota Blue Line Therapy – he will be speaking on the following topics with the Justice Clearing House - Recorded Webinar Release Date: Monday, June 29: Understanding Moral Injury, Depression, and Cops, Recorded Webinar Release Date: Monday, Aug 24:  Understanding PTSD and Officers, Live Webinar: Thurs, Oct 22, 3p ET: Anxiety and Force: The Consequences, Realities and Aftermath.

*Please add admin@ourmca.org to your e-mail safe sender list

*If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail immediately
after you register, please contact us at:
Debbie: mca-mn@hotmail.com
Kristin:  KLueken.MCA@gmail.com 

Register for This Workshop Today!  
Registration will close at 5:00 p.m. 2 days before event

MCA Monthly Workshop:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in
Criminal Justice, Forensic Mental Health,
and Legal Settings: A Forensic Neuroscience and 
Neurocriminological Perspective

 9:00 a.m. - Noon

Via Zoom

Certificates of attendance available for this workshop

About this Workshop: 

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when brain function is disrupted by an external force, such as a blow to the head. Common causes of TBIs include sports collisions, traffic accidents, falls, and physical assaults. TBIs are associated with an increased risk of impulsiveness, aggressiveness, and substance use. Consequently, justice-involved individuals often present with a history of TBIs. This population may benefit from interventions that adopt a forensic neuroscience and neurocriminological approach. These interdisciplinary fields integrate methodologies and techniques from biology, neuroscience, psychology, and other fields to better understand, predict, and prevent criminal behavior. This innovative training introduces the fields of forensic neuroscience and neurocriminology and explores how their concepts can help professionals better understand the relationship between TBI and crime. Attendees will also learn how forensic neuroscience and neurocriminology research findings can inform intake and interviewing processes, screening and assessment, treatment and intervention, case management, and goal planning.

Workshop Goal/Objectives:

• Define TBI.
• Define forensic neuroscience and neurocriminology.
• Identify common signs and symptoms of TBI.
• Learn about the impact TBI has on criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings.
• Identify intake, screening, intervention, management, communication, and accommodation strategies that professionals can implement with people with TBI who are involved in criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings.  

About our Presenter - Jerrod Brown:

Jerrod Brown, PhD, MA, MS, MS, MS, MS, MS, CTTS, EFC, CFNC, CZT, CART, GCPain is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS) and founder and co-editor-in-chief of Forensic Scholars Today. Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed six separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Pain Management, Applied Pediatric Nutrition, Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dyslexia, Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs. 

*Please add admin@ourmca.org to your e-mail safe sender list

*If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail immediately
after you register, please contact us at:
Debbie: mca-mn@hotmail.com
Kristin:  KLueken.MCA@gmail.com 

Register for This Workshop Today!  
Registration will close at 5:00 p.m. 2 days before event