A Reflection on National EAP at the Hudson Valley SHRM Conference

The sun rose gently over Middletown, NY, casting a warm glow across the Hudson Valley SHRM Conference as HR leaders and wellness advocates gathered for a day filled with conversation, curiosity, and connection. Among the bustling energy of attendees moving between sessions and exhibits, the National EAP table quickly became a welcoming hub of engagement.

Julie Prisco, MFT, CEAP, greeted visitors with her signature warmth, sharing insights about the transformative impact of EAP partnerships. HR professionals paused between workshops to discuss their organizations’ needs, swap stories about workplace challenges, and discover how National EAP could help support both leaders and employees.

But the true highlight of the day came at 2:15pm, when Erin McKown took the stage for her session on Empathetic Leadership. The room quieted as she began—inviting everyone to consider not just the role of leaders in shaping culture, but the power of empathy in shaping people. Her examples resonated deeply, sparking nods, note-taking, and even a few emotional moments. By the end, attendees lingered to ask questions, reflect, and share how they planned to bring these principles back to their teams.

As the conference wound down, the National EAP team left with full hearts and renewed inspiration. The conversations they shared throughout the day reaffirmed their belief in the power of human connection—and in the importance of supporting organizations that value workplace well-being.

It was more than a conference; it was a reminder of why this work matters. National EAP looks forward to continuing those conversations and building meaningful partnerships long after the last booth banner was packed away.

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