|
Resilience within the Workplace: How to Build It
SESSION INFO
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Session Type: Workshop
This session introduces participants to the core principles of workplace resilience and the ways individuals and organizations can strengthen their ability to adapt to challenges. Using the American Psychological Association’s definition, the session explores resilience as the mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility needed to navigate stress, from everyday frustrations to major life events. Participants will learn why resilience matters for overall health, communication, creativity, decision-making, and long-term well-being. The session outlines practical strategies to build resilience, including identifying personal strengths, practicing self-care, stepping outside comfort zones, and managing stress effectively. It also emphasizes the importance of organizational support, such as proactive training, peer programs, routine mental-health check-ins, and access to ongoing wellness resources. By the end, attendees will understand how to reduce stigma, normalize struggle, and help create a workplace culture that encourages growth, compassion, and continuous wellness.
|
|
|
SESSION PRESENTERS
Dr. Tania Yvette Appling
Director of Professional Development, GA Department of Juvenile Justice
Dr. Tania Appling serves as the Director of the Office of Professional Development for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), where she leads statewide professional development initiatives and oversees the agency’s comprehensive training programs. A dedicated DJJ professional since 1997, she has been instrumental in developing and launching leadership, core, and specialized training curricula, as well as implementing DJJ’s modern learning management system and eLearning platform.
Dr. Appling is an active member of the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA), where she serves on the Executive Board of Directors as Board Treasurer. Her APPA service includes roles as Board Member at Large, Leadership Institute Mentor, and Program Chair/Co‑Chair for two Winter Training Institutes. She also serves as the Council Training Chair for the Central Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America and as a Board Member for the Georgia School of Addiction Studies.
She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Walden University and dual master's degrees in educational psychology (M.Ed.) and Public Administration (MPA) from the State University of West Georgia. Dr. Appling is a Master POST Instructor and a John Maxwell–Certified Coach, Teacher, and Speaker. She is also an active member of the American Counseling Association, American Correctional Association, and The Association of Women Executives in Corrections.
A passionate educator and presenter, Dr. Appling often speaks at national and state conferences on leadership, wellness, and juvenile justice topics. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved Pebbles.
Kimberly Stevens
Training Program Supervisor, GA Department of Juvenile Justice
Kimberly Stevens is a Public Safety Training Supervisor with the Department of Juvenile Justice. She started her career with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice in 2010 and has served as a Juvenile Probation/Parole Specialist II, Juvenile Program Manager, and Volunteer Resource Coordinator. Ms. Stevens has served as an FTO, she is a Post Certified Senior Instructor, Master Resiliency Trainer and a Peer Support Counselor. Ms. Stevens earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Columbus State University and her master’s degree in Public Administration from South University. She has certificate degrees from Capella University in Diversity Studies and Contemporary Theory of Mental Health Services. Ms. Stevens is the author of the book titled Tested Faith. She is breast cancer survivor and a advocate for breast cancer initiatives.
|
|
|
|
|
|