Dr. Acosta brings over 14 years of experience working with children, adults, and families across New York City. Her work at New York Presbyterian Hospital and Inwood Community Services has given her a deep understanding of the diverse challenges individuals and families face. Trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed CBT, problem-solving therapy, interpersonal therapy, crisis intervention, and bereavement, she specializes in supporting clients through grief, parenting concerns, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.

Elvira holds both a BA and MA from New York University and a PhD in Clinical Psychology. She also completed advanced post-master’s training in CBT, clinical assessment, and diagnostic practices.

Jessica has spent nearly 20 years in the early childhood education field, serving as a teacher, trainer, program specialist, and assistant director. She is Director II certified through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, qualifying her to lead classrooms for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, as well as direct early education programs. In 2015, Jessica earned her Master’s degree in Educational Studies from Wheelock College, where she focused on early childhood education, play, and policy.

Jessica is an adjunct faculty member at Fisher College, teaching child development and early education to current and future educators. She also brings a unique blend of expertise through her work with KidPowerment Yoga, where she helped create the organization’s first parenting series, and her training as both a 200-hour registered yoga teacher and a full-spectrum doula.

Based in Massachusetts, Jessica lives with her spouse, Jackie, and their cat, Margot. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys traveling, exploring Revolutionary War history, cheering on women’s soccer and basketball, spending time with her nieces and nephews, and immersing herself in all things Disney.

Photo courtesy of Jessica Geilfuss

Larry Mitchell, a compassionate leader, acclaimed chaplain, and inspiring voice on discovering purpose through service and faith. From overcoming a severe childhood stutter through his passion for music—earning a college scholarship as a gifted trumpet player—to leading congregations and serving in some of California’s most challenging correctional environments, Larry’s journey is one of transformation and grace. His chaplaincy work spans law enforcement, hospitals, and prisons, where he restored the Christmas dinner for 4,000 inmates at Pelican Bay and baptized more than 300 youth at the Northern California Youth Correctional Center. Now serving as Staff Chaplain at Adventist Health, Larry brings a message rooted in resilience, compassion, and faith—drawing from a life devoted to healing hearts and lifting others through love and service.

Virtual National Assembly

This year’s National Assembly will be held entirely online via Zoom!

Continuing Education Units

FCM is working with the presenters scheduled for the 2025 National Assembly to ensure that content fulfills requirements outlined in BCCI’s Continuing Education Hours guidelines, specifically in these areas of methodology:

• Methodology 1 – Educational Events
• Methodology 4 – Professional Self-Care

FCM will provide written confirmation of a member’s attendance in workshops designed to meet guidelines outlined by BCCI. Activities designed to meet the guidelines will be indicated on the National Assembly schedule. 

Although designed to meet the guidelines, FCM makes no guarantees or assurances that BCCI or any other accreditation agency will accept the offered experiences as verification of continuing education. FCM is responsible for the content of the offered education.