Connecting the Dots Conference

Save the Dates

The 21st annual Connecting the Dots virtual conference is scheduled for October 27, 28, and 29, 2026!

20th Annual Connecting the Dots Conference

Six Zoom webinars were held on October 28, 29, and 30, 2025. These sessions were presented at no charge to U-M staff, faculty, students, and retirees, with over 3,000 live webinar views!

A Brief CTD History

2025 marks the 20th Connecting the Dots conference. The conference began in the early aughts, produced by the U-M Work-Life Resource Center (now U-M Child and Family Care) as a one-day in-person event for 300 people. In 2020, the conference pivoted to Zoom sessions. This made it possible for thousands more in the U-M community to virtually attend practical and helpful information sessions each year.

2025 Connecting the Dots Virtual Conference

October 28 at 10:00 a.m. | Nature & You: Reconnect, Recharge, Renew

Tuesday, October 28, 10:00 - 11:15 a.m. | Nature & You: Reconnect, Recharge, Renew

Presenter: Katie Stannard, Behavioral Health Project Coordinator, Health and Well-being Services, MHealthy

In this session, explore the growing field of nature-based interventions and their benefits for mental and physical health. Topics include outdoor exercise, gardening, and the Nature Rx app. The session will highlight the positive impacts of nature on reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing overall wellness (as well as physical activity).

October 28 at 2:00 p.m. | Financial Well-Being: Tools and Strategies for Resilience

Tuesday, October 28, 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. | Financial Well-Being: Tools and Strategies for Resilience

Presenters: Mark Munzenberger, AFC, Financial Education Manager, University of Michigan Credit Union (UMCU), and Robbyn Hoffman, Resource Coach, MHealthy

This session offers tools and strategies for managing personal finances to reduce stress and increase resilience. It will cover budgeting, saving, debt management, and building emergency funds. You will learn how to use financial planning as a tool for emotional and mental well-being, helping you navigate life’s challenges with greater peace of mind.

October 29 at 10:00 a.m. | Influencing Change at Any Level

Wednesday, October 29, 10:00 - 11:15 a.m. | Influencing Change at Any Level

Presenters: Amanda Ruud, M.A., Senior Training Specialist, and Krista Stelmaczek, MSHROD, Performance Consultant, Organizational Learning, U-M

You don’t need a title to make a difference. In this interactive session, you’ll discover how trust, relationships, and small actions can create real change, regardless of your role. With tools like the Circle of Influence and Small Wins Theory, you’ll find where you can make a difference. Then, you’ll leave with a clear plan to get started.

You will learn to:

Recognize the difference between influence and authority
Focus your energy using the Circle of Influence
Design small, achievable actions that build momentum
Navigate common barriers to change

You will benefit by:

Gaining confidence in your ability to shape positive change
Learning how to lead at any level
Creating a personalized action plan

October 29 at 2:00 p.m. | Feeling Sandwiched? Tools for Navigating Family Caregiving

Wednesday, October 29, 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. | Feeling Sandwiched? Tools for Navigating Family Caregiving

Presenter: Jodie Eckleberry-Hunt, Ph.D., Program Manager for Workplace Resilience and Well-being, Michigan Medicine Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience (OCWR)

The sandwich generation historically refers to people who are responsible for the care of minor children and aging parents. These days, the sandwich has even more layers as our parents live longer and our adult children have greater financial need. Navigating the emotional and financial demands of family caregiving can be fulfilling and extraordinarily challenging. This educational session will give caregivers practical strategies and resources to lighten a bit of the load.

Related resources:

NPR link: A Caregiver's Survival Guide
Area Agencies on Aging (nationwide network of offices)
- AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services (serving Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, and Washtenaw counties in Michigan)
- Search for other Area Agencies on Aging offices in Michigan
- National helpline: 1-800-677-1116
U-M Geriatrics Center Social Work and Community Programs including the Turner Senior Wellness Program
Elder Care and other Child and Family Care resources including adult, elder, and child backup care for U-M students and eligible employees

October 30 at 10:00 a.m. | Improving Your Well-Being through Optimizing Sleep

Thursday, October 30, 10:00–11:15 a.m. | Improving Your Well-Being through Optimizing Sleep

Presenter: Deirdre Conroy, Ph.D., Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Clinical Director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Clinic, U-M

This session highlights the critical role of sleep in maintaining productivity and mental health. Join Dr. Conroy to learn about the science of sleep, the impacts of sleep deprivation, and practical tips for improving your sleep hygiene. You'll get strategies for prioritizing sleep in your busy life, managing stress for better rest, and creating a sleep-friendly environment.

October 30 at 2:00 p.m. | The Retirement Mosaic

Thursday, October 30, 2:00–3:15 pm | The Retirement Mosaic

Presenter: Mark Saine, M.A., M.S., Managing Director, Strategic Leadership Solutions, TIAA Institute

Retirement planning is about more than just saving money – it's about your future lifestyle and purpose. This workshop explores the non-financial aspects of retirement and presents a model that helps you consider a fuller view. This hands-on session will help you think through retirement’s big picture and give you tools to optimize your retirement experience.

Related U-M Resources:

Child and Family Care