Keynote Presentations

Ginger Katz - Founder, Courage to Speak Foundation

Ginger is a nationally-recognized figure in drug prevention education, and CEO and founder of The Courage to Speak® Foundation. Following the death of her 20 year- old son Ian from a heroin and prescription drug overdose, Ginger dedicated her life to ensuring this tragedy would not happen to another family. In addition to creating her foundation, she chronicled her son’s story in the compelling book Sunny’s Story (told from the perspective of the family beagle), which serves as an outstanding tool for those working in the drug prevention field. Alongside teams of experts in the drug prevention field, Ms. Katz led the development of the Courage to Speak Drug Prevention Education Curriculum. The programs include: elementary, middle, high school and after-school programs taught by health class teachers nationwide, and Courage to Speak®-Courageous Parenting 101® a multi-session course offered in both English and Spanish. 

   

Romas Buivydas, PhD, LMHC - VP, Clinical Development, Spectrum Health Systems 

Dr. Romas Buivydas, PhD, LMHC, has more than twenty-five years of experience in the behavioral health field and is a nationally recognized expert in trauma-informed clinical services development and delivery, integrated treatment, engagement and motivation, and best practice treatment approaches. As Vice President of Clinical Development, Dr. Buivydas provides education, training, and consultation in clinical best practices throughout the country. Dr. Buivydas also provides consultation to numerous behavioral health organizations in the US and Europe, and is a national presenter/trainer at conferences/symposia across the country.

The first 50 conference registrants will receive a free copy of Ginger Katz' book, "Sunny's Story". 

Workshops

A.  Best Practices in Treating Traumatic Experiences and Opioid Use Disorder

Romas Buivydas, PhD, LMHC

VP, Clinical Development | Spectrum Health Systems 

B. The Impact of Addiction on the Family

Susan Hillis, LICSW, CADC-II, LADC-I

VP, Clincial Services | Adcare Hospital 

 C. The Impact of Caregiver Substance Use on Young Children: Strengthening Attachment

Karen Gould, LICSW

Director of Childhood Trauma Services | Institute for Health and Recovery

D. Filling Your Toolbox for Working with Grieving Youth and Their Families

Shelly Bathe Lenn, M.Ed./C.A.G.S

Bereavement Coordinator | The Garden: A Center for Grieving Children andTeens 

 E.  Human Trafficking and Its Connection to Addiction

Shaplaie Brooks

Program Director of The BUILD Program | Roxbury Youthworks, Inc.

Shanice Douglas

GIFT Life Skills Specialist | Roxbury Youthworks, Inc.