2026 SDCA Conference Thursday and Friday Keynote Speakers 

Thursday April 23rd Keynote 

 David Granirer, RPC, M.S.M

Presentation Title: Stand Up For Mental Health-Recovery one laugh at a time!

Synopsis:

In this hilarious presentation, counsellor and stand-up comic David Granirer who has bipolar, looks at how comedy builds confidence and busts stigma around mental health issues. He’ll show you mental health from a totally different perspective while uplifting, inspiring and educating you. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how marginalized populations use humor to regain cognitive control and build self-esteem.
2. Learn how humor renews hope and motivation
3. Learn how people with mental health issues use comedy to reduce internal stigma and create empowerment.

Speaker Information: 
David Granirer, RPC, M.S.M. is a counselor, comedian, stand-up comic, author , and public speaker. He founded Stand Up for Mental Health, an award-winning program teaching comedy to people with mental health issues. His work is featured by media worldwide, and he has worked in partnership with various organizations in the US, Canada, and Australia to use comedy to destigmatize mental illness. 

Friday April 24th Keynote

Dr. Darryl Tonemah

Presentation Title: Trauma and Healing in our Communities

Synopsis:

This presentation explores how stress and trauma affect individuals across biological, psychological, and social levels. Participants will learn how the nervous system, brain, and stress hormones influence behavior, emotions, and health outcomes. The session also examines how family systems, culture, and social environments shape the experience of trauma and recovery. Evidence-based approaches to healing—including nervous system regulation, social connection, and trauma-informed practices—will be discussed. Attendees will gain practical insights for supporting resilience and healing in individuals, families, and communities.

Learning Objectives: 1. Describe trauma and the brain.  2. How trauma affects the individual and the community.  3. Tools for addressing trauma

Speaker Information: 

Dr. Darryl Tonemah has over 25 years clinical experience.  He has been selected as a presenter for World Trauma Conference 5 consecutive years. He not only is a singer-songwriter of multiple critically acclaimed albums; he also has a Ph.D., in Counseling Psychology and Cultural Studies, a Masters Degree in Community Counseling and three Bachelor of Science Degrees in psychology, sociology, and gerontology. He has sat on numerous state and national boards addressing disparities in education and health care among the Native community.  He has done extensive work training hospitals, clinics, Universities, corporations and schools in the U.S. and Canada on Trauma and its relationship to behavior and health. 

   The South Dakota Counseling Association has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 2042. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The South Dakota Counseling Association is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. 

This organization, South Dakota Counseling Association approval ID 1058, is approved as a provider for continuing education by the: South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.