Leslie's CE Cruise 2025
Embark from Miami, FL
Feb 16, 5:30pm

Join us for a unique and enriching experience aboard the luxurious NCL Encore. This 7-day cruise offers mental health professionals the perfect blend of education and relaxation, providing an opportunity to earn 9 continuing education credits while exploring the stunning Caribbean.


Fly in a day or two before the cruise to enjoy Miami's amazing medley of cultures and flashy urban settings. Visit the trendy Art Deco district of South Beach, Calle Ocho in Little Havana, the super-upscale neighborhoods of Coconut Grove and Coral Gables and the unique ecosystem of the Everglades.

Day At Sea
Feb 17: Cruising

First day of the workshop. Details and agenda below.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Feb 18, 7am - 4pm

Puerto Plata (officially known as San Felipe de Puerto Plata) is the ninth largest city in the Dominican Republic and the capital of the province of Puerto Plata. For spectacular city views, take a ride up the Pico Isabel de Torres mountain which stands over 2,600 feet high. If you're a history buff, visit Fortaleza San Felipe, which was built in the 16th century and served as a prison under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. Or head to the Amber Museum, a museum filled with a unique collection of valuable Dominican amber which is semiprecious tree sap that has hardened for millions of years capturing many fossils of plant and insect life.

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Feb 19: 11am - 7pm

The town of Charlotte Amalie has one of the most breathtaking harbors in the world. Once home to pirates of long ago, today visitors find treasures of a different kind, for now beautiful beaches and bountiful duty-free shopping are truly its claim to fame.

Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Feb 20: 6am - 1pm

This exotic, peaceful island is home to both towering mahogany trees and white-sand beaches. The region offers a challenging hike that extends 1,780 feet up Sage Mountain. A great spot for great birdwatching and breathtaking views of Tortola and neighboring islands.

Day At Sea
Feb 21: Cruising

Second day of the workshop. Details and agenda below.

Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
Feb 22: 10am - 7pm (tendered port)

All Norwegian cruises to the Bahamas feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved just for Norwegian guests. Stroll along soft, white-sand beaches and enjoy the many activities the island has to offer. Snorkel and see underwater delights, kayak in crystal-clear water, then get revved up on a WaveRunner® adventure. The fun is endless here. Grab a bite at the new 8,500- square foot beach buffet and simply relax.

Disembark Miami, FL
Feb 23: 7am

Welcome back to Miami! You're welcome to extend your trip in this amazing city or make your way home.


Workshop Agenda


Monday February 17, 2025

  • 8:00: Neuroanatomy and Mental Health
  • 11:00:  Ethical Decision Making for Mental Health Providers 
  • 12:30: Lunch
  • 1:00: Continue Ethical Decision Making for Mental Health Providers 
  • 2:30: Conclude for day


Thursday February 20, 2025 

  • 1:00: Mental health Practice and Legal demands: What you need to know and do to help manage challenges, maintain your ethics, and be successful if asked to testify
  • 4:00: Conclude conference and award CE certificates.
You'll need to register separately for the CE Workshop and the Cruise.

Space is limited!

Featured Courses

1. Neuroanatomy and Mental Health
Speaker: Leslie Russell-Martin, MS, LMFT, PhD, LP
Course Description:
Demystify the complex structure and function of the brain and its connection to everyday mental health practices. Through engaging lectures, interactive discussions, and practical case studies, this course explores essential neuroanatomy concepts, the latest research, and their implications for diagnosis and treatment. Ideal for therapists, counselors, and psychiatric nurses, this course enhances your understanding of the biological underpinnings of mental health disorders and equips you with practical knowledge to improve patient care.


2. Ethical Decision Making for Mental Health Providers
Speaker: Leslie Russell-Martin, MS, LMFT, PhD, LP
Course Description:
Navigate the challenging ethical dilemmas in mental health practice with a sound decision-making framework. This course combines theoretical exploration, case studies, and interactive discussions to cover key ethical concepts, principles, and professional codes of ethics (APA and AAMFT). Topics include confidentiality, informed consent, dual relationships, cultural competence, and digital ethics. Enhance your critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical reasoning skills to apply in diverse clinical settings.


3. Mental Health Practice and Legal Demands: What You Need to Know and Do
Speaker: Kendra Sherwood PhD LP
Course Description:
Equip yourself with the skills and knowledge to navigate forensic/legal requests, courtrooms, ethical dilemmas, and unexpected challenges in mental health practice. This course provides real-world insights and practical scenarios to handle the "WTF" moments that arise both inside and outside the courtroom. Learn to approach and respond to forensic/legal requests with confidence and clarity, ensuring ethical practice and successful outcomes.


Register Today!

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to combine professional development with a relaxing vacation. Secure your spot today and embark on a journey of growth, learning, and rejuvenation.


This course is approved by the MN Board of Marriage and Family Therapy for 9 continuing education credits (including 6 hours of ethics!) (CE:2024-273)


To register, visit our website here: CE Workshop Registration

Why Attend?


  • Exceptional Learning Experience: Participate in engaging, expert-led courses designed to enhance your professional skills and knowledge.
  • Interactive Learning: Enjoy a mix of lectures, discussions, and case studies that make complex concepts accessible and directly applicable to your practice.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow mental health professionals from around the world, share insights, and build valuable professional relationships.
  • Luxurious Environment: Experience the comfort and elegance of the NCL Encore, with world-class amenities that make learning a pleasure.
  • Balanced Itinerary: Benefit from a schedule that combines educational sessions with ample time to relax, explore, and enjoy the stunning destinations.
  • Professional Growth: Earn 9 continuing education credits, expanding your expertise and enhancing your professional credentials.
  • Scenic Destinations: Visit beautiful ports of call, including Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola, and NCL's private Great Stirrup Cay making your learning journey unforgettable.
Featured Speakers

Leslie Russell-Martin, MS LMFT PhD LP

Dr. Leslie is the founding owner of multiple mental health and wellness clinics. Dr Leslie is licensed to practice in both Minnesota and Tennessee as both a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Psychologist. Her advanced training includes advanced certifications in Autism, Play Therapy, Integrative Medicine, and Neuropsychology.As a Clinical Member and Approved Supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, she is also a recognized supervisor for the Minnesota Boards of Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, and Behavioral Health. Additionally, she is a Registered Play Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor.

Throughout her career, Dr. Leslie has led numerous conferences on children's mental health, neuropsychology, trauma, reactive attachment, therapeutic techniques, early childhood mental health, and autism, to name a few. She has also contributed academically, serving as adjunct faculty at both St. Cloud State University and Hamline University. She is a clinical neuropsychologist who completed an extensive post-doctoral training program in neuropsychology under the mentorship of Dr. Arnold Purisch and Dr. Leonard Koziol. In her spare time, Dr. Leslie enjoys working with horses, being outdoors, reading books, and traveling.


Kendra Sherwood, PhD LP

Kendra Sherwood, Ph.D. is the founding owner of Rocky Mountain Behavioral Medicine. She is a clinical neuropsychologist who completed an extended post-doctoral training program in neuropsychology under the esteemed Dr. Arnold Purisch. She also completed informal post-doctoral training in neuropsychology at the Colorado Mental Health Institute, Fort Logan, one of two state psychiatric hospitals. Her doctoral training took place under the guidance of internationally known, Dr. Henry Soper, also with the emphasis on neuropsychology. With Dr. Soper's help, she completed her dissertation titled The Relationship between Moral Reasoning and the Neuropsychological Functions of Executive and Gestaltic Processing. Dr. Sherwood's specialty areas include severe and persistent mental illness, neuropsychology, and aeromedical psychology. She holds Post-Doctoral completion in neuropsychology, a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, dual Masters in Developmental and Clinical Psychology, and dual Bachelors degrees. Dr. Sherwood is licensed in Colorado. Dr. Sherwood has practiced in a variety of settings to include psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, and correctional facilities. She enjoys time with her family, reading a good book, and trying to salvage her flower bed (often to no avail).

Important details about the cruise

REGISTER FOR THE CRUISE BY CLICKING HERE


Please call Travel Agent, Elana Christiansen, with questions: 818-643-1018

Or schedule a consult through the calendar below.


Cost based on double occupancy until we run out of staterooms:

  • Ocean Balcony: $1883.87 per person (plus gratuities of $20 per person per day)


Space is limited!


Group Amenities:

  • Premium Beverage Package not including gratuities (1st and 2nd guest only)
  • Ultimate Dining Package not including gratuities (1st and 2nd guest only): 2 Specialty meals
  • $50 USD Shore Excursion Credit (per cabin)
  • Internet Package Applicable to Guest 1 & 2 in the cabin: 150 Minutes per person

Guest is responsible for 20% gratuities on the retail value of the Beverage and Specialty Dining Package.


If you'd like pricing for a single room, please contact Elana.


Other stateroom categories may be available upon request and if there is space available.


$500 deposit per stateroom to hold the room.

Installment payments can be made once the deposit is paid.

*Final payment is due Oct. 1, 2024.


If we sell out all reserved staterooms, we will request more, but they will likely be at a different price.


Flights are not included, and I strongly recommend you fly into Miami at least 1 day ahead of the scheduled cruise departure. This will allow you to acclimate to any time zone changes and to give you a cushion if your flight is delayed for any reason. We don't want you to miss your sailing!


Elana can help with pre- and post-cruise hotels and transfers to and from the airport or cruise ship, if you'd like.


All cruise guests are required to carry a passport valid for 6 months after disembarking the ship and necessary visas. Expired passports and passport cards are not acceptable.


Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board  at least 2 hours before sailing on Day 1 of cruise.

Disembarkation usually begins 2 hours after docking on final day of cruise.


Cruise Cancellation Policy for Balcony Staterooms:

119 - 91 Days to voyage: 25%

90 - 61  Days to voyage: 50%

60 - 31  Days to voyage: 75%

30 days or less to voyage: 100%

Book a Complimentary Call

Elana Christiansen, Owner of Blue Raven Travel

818-643-1018

Independent Affiliate of A. S. A. P. Cruises Inc.

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