Eleversity

WORKPLACE WELLNESS CONFERENCE 2026 

Beyond Burnout: Building Workplaces Where People Thrive

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE: 

8:30–9 a.m. Registration and networking

9-9:10 a.m. Welcome by Deborah Campbell, director of  Eleversity, a division of Heritage Christian Services 

9:10–10:15 a.m. Keynote by Dr. Wanda Cooper, workplace wellness consultant

With the World Health Organization officially recognizing workplace burnout as an occupational phenomenon, organizations can no longer afford to treat chronic exhaustion as a badge of honor. In this dynamic and highly actionable keynote, Dr. C shifts the paradigm from simple stress management to sustainable high performance.

10:25–11:25 a.m. The “Second Victim” in the Office: Building Peer Support Systems for High-Stakes Workplace Stress presented by Dr. Brian Watkins, MD, MS FACS  

This session explores the hidden impact of toxic workplace stress, often described as the “second victim” phenomenon, in which anxiety, guilt and emotional exhaustion following high-stakes setbacks contribute to burnout and turnover. Participants will learn how chronic stress affects decision-making and performance, examine the financial cost of losing key talent and discover how peer-led support programs and emotionally informed leadership practices can improve retention, well-being and organizational success. 

11:35 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Quality from the Inside Out: The Other Side of You presented by Jona Wright, vice president of people operations at Heritage Christian Services 

We are all leaders, but what does it feel like to be on the other side of your leadership?  Psychological safety isn’t created by policies—it’s created by everyday leadership behaviors. Through reflection, discussion and practical tools, participants will examine their leadership through the eyes of those they lead and learn simple, intentional behaviors that build trust, strengthen psychological safety and create teams where people are willing to learn, contribute and challenge ideas. 

12:35–1:15 p.m. Lunch 

1:25–2:25 p.m. Breakout Workshops 

Option 1: The Conversations Good Managers Don’t Avoid: Practical Leadership Tools for Engagement and Retention presented by Wende Knapp, partner and head of employment law practice group at Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP 

Many workplace problems escalate not because managers do not care, but because they wait too long to address issues. This session focuses on the real conversations managers often avoid: burnout concerns, performance shifts, workload challenges, communication breakdowns and disengagement. Through practical examples and real-world scenarios, participants will learn how effective communication and earlier intervention can improve team performance, strengthen engagement and reduce turnover.  

Option 2: Beyond Burnout: A Guide to Trauma-Informed Leadership for Employee Wellness, presented by Davne McGee, director of programs for the Penfield Central School District 

Burnout is often viewed as an individual challenge, yet it is frequently shaped by workplace culture, chronic stress, and organizational systems. In this session, Dr. McGee explores the intersection of burnout, toxic stress and trauma through a trauma-informed leadership lens. Drawing upon her experience as a social worker, therapist and organizational leader, she examines how leaders can recognize signs of burnout, respond with empathy and accountability, and create psychologically safe environments that support employee well-being. Participants will also explore the impact of invisible labor and the additional emotional and cognitive demands often experienced by employees from historically marginalized groups, including those affected by race, gender, disability, refugee experiences and other intersecting identities. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for supporting employees, strengthening resilience and building workplace cultures where people can thrive rather than merely survive. 

2:30–2:45 p.m. Closing remarks by Deborah Campbell, director of  Eleversity, a division of Heritage Christian Services  

Thank you to our sponsors