The CNS Board is delighted to announce our virtual program for the annual Fall Conference.
Our program this year features outstanding speakers Dr. Lynette M. Abrams-Silva and Dr. K. Wortman.
These are intermediate-level presentations appropriate for neuropsychologists,
neuropsychology trainees, and similar professionals.
Special pricing for CNS members is available!
Featured Speakers
Session 1
Culture, Construct Validity, & Cognitive Profiles:
Rethinking Assessment in Indigenous Populations of the Southwest
Lynette M. Abrams-Silva, Ph.D. ABPP-Clinical Neuropsychology
Director of Clinical Training and Neuropsychologist,
University of New Mexico Hospital and Health Sciences Center
Clinical Assistant Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences,
University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Brain & Behavioral Associates, PC
A brief review of historical factors affecting Tribes of the Southwest
provides a necessary foundation for evaluating the clinical utility of
standard neuropsychological measures in this population. Ongoing research
at the University of New Mexico Hospital & Health Sciences Center
suggests that traditional concepts of “premorbid functioning” and
“intelligence” require fundamental re-evaluation when assessing Indigenous
patients. This presentation explores these psychometric nuances through an
illustrative clinical case of a Navajo patient with severe TBI, highlighting
the diagnostic complexities of disentangling brain injury from PTSD using
imperfect tools. Caution is advised as science continues to evolve,
illustrated through the case of an older Navajo adult misdiagnosed with
dementia based on an English cognitive screen and AD biomarkers, who
demonstrated intact cognitive functioning when evaluated in his native
Navajo. Clinical recommendations for culturally and linguistically valid
assessments with Indigenous populations, along with clinical navigation
of biomarkers, will be provided.
Learning Objectives
-
Identify at least two factors that impact the construct validity of
standard neuropsychological measures when used with Indigenous
populations of the Southwest.
-
Evaluate the diagnostic limitations and potential dangers of relying
on imperfect tools when assessing for cognitive changes in Indigenous
patients.
-
Apply culturally and linguistically adapted assessment strategies to
clinical practice to minimize diagnostic errors when working with
Indigenous patients.
Session 2
Trans Affirmative Assessment: Fostering Optimal Performance
and Informed Decision-Making in Gender Diverse Populations
K. Wortman, Ph.D.
Neuropsychologist and Owner, Next Steps Neuropsychology, Oakland, CA
As neuropsychologists practice within integrated healthcare models,
providing competent, affirming care for gender diverse adults is a
clinical necessity. This presentation moves beyond "Trans 101" basics
to address the practical, day-to-day clinical decisions required to
conduct high-quality, valid evaluations. We will explore how to bridge
gaps in clinical knowledge and build an affirmative testing environment
that actively mitigates minority stress, making space for clients to
perform at their true cognitive baseline and fully engage in the
evaluation process.
Learning Objectives
-
Identify key medical and physiological factors in record reviews
for clients undergoing gender-affirming medical treatments.
-
Navigate psychometric decision-making, including the ethical
considerations of norm selection and demographic corrections
for trans and gender diverse individuals.
-
Establish an affirmative testing environment that reduces
evaluation-related anxiety to optimize cognitive performance
and diagnostic validity.
Agenda
-
Session 1: Dr. Abrams-Silva:
12:00PM–1:30PM (MDT)
-
Session 2: Dr. Wortman:
1:30PM–3:00PM (MDT)
Cost
CNS Professional Member: $45
CNS Student Member: FREE
Nonmember Professional: $55
Nonmember Student: $30
* Active CNS members must be logged in to the website to obtain the member discount.
Registration
Register at
coloradoneuropsych.org
via the Events > Event Calendar section.
Fees must be paid through the registration options above;
checks will not be accepted!
Registration Deadline:
October 22, 2026, 11 AM
Live Event Access
The livestream link will be sent to registered attendees via email
24 hours before the event start.
You do not need to log in to view the livestream.
If you have not received your link, please contact us at
coneuropsych@gmail.com.
Cancellation Policy
Refunds are available until the registration deadline.
Continuing Education
This program includes 3.0 CE credits. The University of Denver,
Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP), is approved by
the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education
for psychologists. GSPP maintains responsibility for this program and
its content.
Event Sponsor
We appreciate the support of our sponsor in helping make this conference possible.
Disclosure of Commercial Support/Relationships
Dr. Abrams-Silva has no disclosures to report.
Dr. Wortman has no disclosures to report.
Compliance Statement
CNS will comply with all legal and ethical responsibilities to be
non-discriminatory in promotional activities, program content and in
the treatment of program participants. The monitoring and assessment
of compliance with these standards will be the responsibility of the
President serving as the education Chair for the conference in
consultation with the members of the CNS Board.
Contact
For additional information, questions, or grievance procedures,
contact Heather Snead, Psy.D., coneuropsych@gmail.com