Thank You to our attendees
and sponsors!
The revival of the Willson-Johnson Lecture Series in conjunction with the 2025 Coalition of Residential Excellence (CORE) National Conference in Waco, Texas, was an incredible success. A special note of gratitude to keynote speakers, Dr. Robert Anda, co-founder and co-principal investigator of the Landmark ACEs Study, and Shenandoah Chefalo, founder and lead strategist for Chefalo Consulting.
Thank you also to all panelists, moderators, workshop session speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, staff and volunteers for the tremendous work in fostering spaces for connection, learning and community.
Join us in 2026 for the next Willson-Johnson Lecture Series!
PHOTOS
VIDEOS
History of the Willson-Johnson Lectures
Established in 1957 through a gift from Dr. J.M. and Dr. Mavis Terry Willson, the Willson-Johnson Lectures have reflected a long-standing commitment at Methodist Children’s Home to foster excellence among child welfare professionals. Launched initially to provide in-service staff training, the lectures expanded to include nationally recognized leaders sharing best practices and emerging research for MCH staff and like-minded peers. Renamed in 1967 to honor longtime administrator Dr. Hubert Johnson, the series inspired and equipped countless professionals dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of children and families.
The series was paused many years ago, and was relaunched in 2025 as part of a goal in our “Imagine 2028” strategic plan to “increase investment of resources in collaboration with like-minded, transformative organizations.” Read more of the conversation with MCH leadership about the Willson-Johnson Lecture Series and CORE Conference in the 2025 summer Sunshine Magazine here.
Thank you to our Event Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Live Oak Sponsors
Pecan Sponsors
Maple Sponsors
Cypress Sponsors
