A Panel Discussion Presented by WMCHealth
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Big Anne Room, MidHudson Regional Hospital
241 North Road Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Format: Hybrid (In Person & Virtual)
This program is complimentary. Registration is required.
About the Program
Domestic violence is a significant public health issue that affects individuals, families, workplaces, healthcare settings, and communities. Through the SAAVE Advocacy Program, WMCHealth provides trauma-informed, victim-centered services across the Hudson Valley.
Presented in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this discussion brings together leaders in healthcare, victim advocacy, and community support, alongside a survivor advocate, to strengthen awareness, response, and access to resources.
Attendees will leave with practical knowledge to recognize warning signs, respond using trauma-informed approaches, and connect patients, colleagues, and community members with available support services.
Participants Will
- Increase awareness of the dynamics of domestic violence and its impact on individuals, families, workplaces, healthcare settings, and communities.
- Recognize lethality factors and high-risk indicators, including strangulation.
- Explore resources and support services available through WMCHealth Victim Services.
- Strengthen trauma-informed approaches to support and intervention.
- Gain insight from clinical, advocacy, and lived-experience perspectives.
Domestic Violence: Recognition, Response and Resources flyer
Program Agenda
11:30 – 12:00 p.m. – Check-In, Lunch & Networking
12:00 – 12:45 p.m. – Panel Discussion: Understanding, Recognizing & Responding
12:40 – 12:55 p.m. – Workforce Q&A & Resource Awareness
12:55 – 1:00 p.m. – Closing Reflections & Adjournment
Moderator
Elissa Chessari, Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, WMCHealth Northern Region
Elissa Chessari oversees WMCHealth’s Northern Region, including MidHudson Regional Hospital, HealthAlliance Hospital, Margaretville Memorial Hospital, and Mountainside Residential Care Center. A Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, she is recognized for advancing operational excellence, innovation, and patient-centered care throughout the Hudson Valley.
Featured Panelists
Alicia K. Sandberg, Esq. (she/her/hers) Vice President, Victim Services & Community Outreach, WMCHealth
Alicia Sandberg leads WMCHealth’s Victim Services and Community Outreach programs, advancing trauma-informed and victim-centered care across the Hudson Valley through advocacy, education, and prevention initiatives. She serves in leadership roles with the New York State Office of Victim Services, the New York State Department of Health Sexual Violence Prevention Working Group, and the Westchester County Domestic Violence Council.
Ivan T. Miller, MD, FACEP Chair, Emergency Medicine, WMCHealth
Dr. Miller serves as Chair of Emergency Medicine for WMCHealth. Since joining Westchester Medical Center in 2005, he has helped expand the network’s Emergency Medicine service line from one emergency department to eight, serving more than 225,000 patients annually. His work focuses on developing systems of care that meet the diverse needs of patients and communities throughout the region.
Reese Survivor Advocate
Reese is a survivor advocate, peer-support leader, and community educator dedicated to improving awareness, resources, and support for individuals affected by domestic violence. She serves on the Board of Directors of the New Dawn Family Resource Center, facilitates survivor support groups, and is a member of the Westchester County Domestic Violence Council and Domestic Violence High Risk Team.
Registration
The event is complimentary; however, registration is required
Submit an Anonymous Question
For those who may prefer, we are also offering an opportunity to submit questions anonymously in advance through the form below
