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Course Detail: LECT-8819 - Barriers and Pathways to Belonging in Our Communities

This continuing education program provides an opportunity for professionals to reflect on how personal and organizational values influence their interactions with patients, clients, and colleagues. Participants will examine how implicit bias, bias language, and discrimination can interfere with effective communication, trust-building, and care outcomes. Through guided discussion and case-based reflection, the course explores practical strategies to recognize, reduce, and respond to bias while fostering dignity, respect, and belonging in professional and community settings. Participants will leave empowered to make a positive impact in their workplace and community.

Learning Objectives:

Define and describe implicit bias and its effects on communication, relationships, and outcomes in professional settings.

Identify the origins and manifestations of bias and discriminatory behavior in the workplace.

Explain how bias and bias language can impact interactions with patients, clients, and colleagues.

Apply strategies to recognize and interrupt bias and discriminatory behavior in real-world scenarios.

Demonstrate ways to align daily professional practice with values that promote equity, dignity, and respect for all individuals.

Continuing education hours: 3 contact hours awarded upon successful completion to nurses, nursing home administrators, social workers, counselors, respiratory technicians, occupational therapists, COTAs, physical therapists and PTAs.

3 PDs awarded upon successful completion to teachers.

A significant portion of this workshop is being covered by a grant from the Illinois Community College Board, reducing the cost from $149 to just $10/person.

Session Information: 2026SP.LECT-8819.001

Schedule:

Every day, starting on 04/17/26 and ending on 04/17/26

Times:

09:00am-12:00pm CDT

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Price:

Regular registration fee : $10.00

Instructors

Name

Additional Resources

Heather Imrie

Biography: Heather Imrie has over twenty years of experience teaching violence prevention and social justice. For fifteen years, she worked with and advocated for survivors of violence at the University of Illinois at Chicago Campus Advocacy Network. She also spent nearly a decade at Catharsis Productions as the Director of Program Development and Efficacy, where she developed research-driven training and educational programs with measurable results. Heather is a co-founder of the Equitable Solutions Group, a growing collective of trainers, coaches, and consultants dedicated to driving change. Her background in working with survivors, writing policy, and creating prevention education has given her a unique perspective on designing interactive, relevant programs that inspire transformation.

Heather is skilled in creating and delivering engaging trainings on topics such as sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment, systems of oppression, victim-blaming, and bystander intervention. Over the course of her career, she has developed dozens of educational programs that incorporate the latest research, real-life scenarios, and facilitated dialogue to encourage critical thinking among participants.

With a deep commitment to healthy relationships, violence prevention, and social justice, Heather has had the privilege of presenting to colleges, universities, crisis centers, government agencies, and military installations worldwide. She is eager to bring her expertise and passion to new collaborations.

Sharyon Culberson

Biography:

Sharyon Culberson is a filmmaker, actor, writer, and educator whose work is rooted in artistry, diversity, and equity. With over 15 years of experience leading workshops and creating content that amplifies underrepresented voices, she views storytelling as a powerful tool for cultural reflection and social change. Her first feature, Black Joy Always Wins, celebrates Black resilience and joy, while her short films Space is the Place and Daughters explore themes of identity, family, and community from unique perspectives, earning festival screenings and media recognition.

A dedicated advocate for equity, Sharyon has designed and facilitated DE&I, anti-bias, and sexual violence reduction programming for universities, corporations, and the U.S. House of Representatives. She has led discussions on microaggressions and systemic inequities, creating spaces where marginalized voices can be heard and amplified.

Her media company prioritizes hiring BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and women creatives to ensure authentic representation and inclusive storytelling. Drawing from her experiences as a military contractor in over 39 countries and acting in nationally recognized shows like The Chi and Chicago PD, Sharyon brings a global perspective to her work.

Whether producing films or facilitating leadership workshops, Sharyon is committed to creating art that provokes dialogue, fosters understanding, and inspires meaningful change.

Facility Detail

Riverfront Campus

WDC*D152

100 College Drive

Kankakee, IL 60901

Course Detail: LECT-8819 - Barriers and Pathways to Belonging in Our Communities

Session Information: 2026SP.LECT-8819.001

Instructors

Facility Detail

continuinged.kcc.edu