A Conversation with Rhonda Stewart-Jones, LICSW-C
For the 27th International Families & Fathers Conference Blog Series

Introduction: A Conference Rooted in Purpose, Humanity, and Professional Excellence

For twenty-seven years, the International Families & Fathers Conference has served as a national and global convening space for professionals committed to strengthening families, advancing mental health, and elevating parent and practitioner engagement. What began in Arizona, when only two of ninety-five fatherhood caseworkers were men, evolved into a multidisciplinary gathering grounded in purpose, humanity, and professional excellence. From its earliest days, the conference has welcomed early childhood specialists, mental health clinicians, Head Start and Early Head Start staff, home-visiting professionals, child welfare and family preservation workers, youth justice and reentry advocates, educators, community development leaders, researchers, supervisors, executive directors, and policy leaders. While father engagement remains a core pillar, the conference has never been limited to fatherhood alone. Its enduring focus has always been family well-being, whole-person development, and supporting the professionals who serve children and communities every day. In December of 2025, I conducted a reflective interview with Rhonda Stewart-Jones, LICSW-C, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of About Face Counseling & Consulting, LLC. Rhonda is a respected mental health professional serving the Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Virginia region. She joined FFCA as a consultant and speaker during the 2025 International Families & Fathers Conference—her first time attending the event in decades. Our December conversation offered a practitioner-centered reflection on the conference experience and why it continues to resonate across disciplines.

A Dialogue on Learning, Depth, and Transformational Professional Development
When asked about her impressions of the conference, Rhonda responded without hesitation. “I was amazed by the programming.” She explained that what stood out immediately was the breadth and intentionality of the content. “The programming was not just around fatherhood. It focused on families, mental health, trauma, identity, early childhood, and whole-person wellness. It was filled with excellent information.” For Rhonda, the conference was not about moving quickly from one workshop to another. It was about depth, reflection, and meaningful engagement. The learning environment was designed to support real professional growth rather than surface-level participation.

Experiencing Diversity and Inclusion in Practice
One of the most persistent misconceptions about the International Families & Fathers Conference is that it primarily attracts men. Rhonda’s experience challenged that assumption immediately. “It was diverse in every way. There were many women and men, of different ages, and substantial ethnic diversity. It felt balanced and inclusive.” She recalled a moment that remained with her throughout the conference. A woman staying at the hotel, who had not planned to attend, observed the sessions, recognized their quality, and registered on the spot. “That alone says so much about the impact and inclusivity of the event.”

Learning Across Disciplines and Applying It to Practice
During the conference, Rhonda attended general sessions, leadership discussions, and multiple workshops. What struck her most was the range of professionals learning side by side. “I connected with mental health providers, child support staff, caseworkers, professors, and researchers. It was eye-opening to see all these sectors learning together.” She shared that she left the conference with a new clinical tool that she now uses in her practice, along with expanded insights that strengthened both her therapeutic work and leadership approach.

The Women2Women Café: Creating Space for Honest Dialogue
One of the most impactful experiences for Rhonda was facilitating the Women2Women Café. Her session focused on the impact of father absence on a woman’s life and quickly opened deep emotional and reflective space among participants. “It was powerful. Women were engaged, open, and reflective.” Women shared personal stories, asked meaningful questions, and continued approaching Rhonda throughout the week. “That experience stayed with me.”

Why the Conference Has Never Been Just About Dads
Although father engagement remains a critical focus, FFCA has always been committed to a broader mission. The conference exists to help systems serve whole families, equip practitioners with trauma-informed tools, strengthen relationships between children and both parents, support the mental health of providers and families, and build bridges across disciplines. Fatherhood is one door into the work, but behind that door exists an entire ecosystem of family well-being. This holistic approach positions the conference to support leaders, managers, clinicians, early childhood educators, policy administrators, and frontline practitioners seeking to deepen their skills.

What First-Time Participants Can Expect
When asked what new attendees should anticipate, Rhonda offered a clear and honest response. “A rich, transformative experience. You will learn things you didn’t even know you needed.” She emphasized the multidisciplinary nature of the conference and its impact. “As a clinician, the breadth of information was incredible. You cannot leave this conference without being deeply impacted.”

Men’s Mental Health, Stigma, and the Role of Practitioners
During our December 2025 interview, I asked Rhonda why so many men are struggling with mental health today. Her response was immediate. “Stigma. Men have been conditioned not to ask for help. That isolation is a major reason they struggle.” She explained that practitioners must understand the cultural, relational, and psychological barriers that prevent men from seeking support. Reflecting on the conference, she added, “This conference helps practitioners understand men more deeply—and respond with compassion, competency, and hope.”

A Reflection for Practitioners, Leaders, and Students
As our conversation concluded, Rhonda reflected on the broader impact of her experience. “This conference is a rich experience. I learned so much while I was there. There were aspects of fatherhood and family engagement I had never even considered. As a clinician, it opened my eyes to the breadth of everything that can be included in this work.”

Closing Reflection: A Professional Home for Those Who Serve Families
The International Families & Fathers Conference is not just an event. It is a community of learning, a space for renewal, and a professional home for those committed to strengthening families across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Australia, and beyond. Whether you are a leader, practitioner, student, or partner agency, you leave inspired, encouraged, professionally strengthened, personally renewed, and better equipped to serve children and families with excellence. For those seeking professional development that truly transforms, this is where the work comes alive.