Event Description:  The second annual Growing Well Conference will offer inspiration, education, and connection for those working to support children and youth with special health care needs in rural western North Carolina. This year’s theme, “Moving Mountains for People with Special Health Care Needs,” highlights the resilience, innovation, and collaboration needed to improve outcomes for families navigating complex health and social systems. The conference features a dynamic mix of individual and group presentations, expert panel discussions, and hands-on demonstrations. Sessions will be led by health care providers, researchers, government leaders, educators, and individuals with lived experience—offering a wide range of perspectives.

Topics will include:
• Medical management of children with complex health conditions
• Evidence-based behavioral therapies
• Cross-system collaboration in child welfare and mental health
• Supporting youth through transitions from school to adulthood including employment and other opportunities

Recommended Hotel Information:

Holiday Inn Express
1943 Blowing Rock Rd., Boone, NC
Book by 9/10/26. Reservations should be made by calling 828-264-2451 and mentioning Growing Well Conference.

Mast Farm Inn
2543 Broadstone Rd., Banner Elk, NC
Book here
Receive a 10% discount on the Best Available Rate (BAR) for October 3 - 6, 2026.

Rhode’s Motor Lodge
1377 Blowing Rock Rd., Boone, NC
Book here
Receive a 15% discount on the Best Available Rate (BAR) for October 3 - 6, 2026.

Community Members and Families

Scholarships for North Carolina families and people with lived experience are available. If you are interested in receiving a scholarship, please email Diane Coffey at coffeyd68@gmail.com.

• Select the “Register” button located under the event title.
• Sign in using your NC AHEC login credentials (Your preferred email address and password).
• If you do not have an existing NC AHEC account, you will need to create one using your preferred email address by clicking “Create account” link on the sign in page and complete the steps to set one up. Re-enter the link to the event and complete all required parts of the electronic registration form.
• You will receive a confirmation via email. Save this receipt as your proof of registration.
• IMPORTANT: Verify your contact information is current by clicking your name in the upper right-hand corner of the page (your dashboard will open) and going to the “Profile” section. Click on “Contact Information”. Be sure we have an up-to-date email address.
• For assistance with creating a NC AHEC account, activity registration and/or receiving certificate, contact Samantha Garvens at Samantha.Garvens@Advocatehealth.org.

Speech-Language Pathologists: Northwest AHEC will issue Certificates of Completion only; the participant must self-track and record the certificate for ASHA Certification documentation.

Occupational Therapists/Assistants: As of July 1, 2018, the NCBOT no longer accepts applications for pre-approval of CCAs. OT practitioners need to make sure they are completing activities that comply with Section .0800 of the NCBOT Rules. 14.0 CCAs. (if attending preconference + full conference).