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Bad River Youth Drum Circle - Hybrid 

Presenter: Bad River Youth

“In our culture the drum is the grandfather and is the way we start our gatherings in a good way. It is grounding for most people and brings an inner peace as the drum is like a heartbeat.” - Lynn Maday-Bigboy

Welcoming Remarks - Hybrid 

Taking Care of Me - Reducing Burnout and Turnover while Supporting Workplace Mental Health - ​Hybrid 

​Presenter: Adi Jaffe, Ph.D. in Psychology, UCLA

1) In My Recovery Coach Era: A Recovery Coach Panel's Version - Hybrid ​Session Option

Presenter: Megan Barnett, PS, CHES

                   Christina Garcia, RCP, RCP-F

Learning Objectives:

1. Define the role of a Recovery Coach. 

2. Learn how Recovery Coaches serve as a vital resource to rural communities. 

3. Advocate for lived experience partners to be part of the solution amongst Wisconsin communities fighting addiction.

2) Clinical Supervision​

Presenter: Dan Bizjak, MSW, LCSW, ICS, CSAC​ 

3) ​​Emerging Leaders; A Replicable Program to Transform Leadership​

​Presenters: Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC

 ​Felicia Behnke Shaw, CSAC, ICS

 ​Byron Thompson, Senior Community Engagement Manager with The Phoenix 

Lawanda Chambers, Licensed Professional Counselor, Trauma Yoga Instructor, and the Founder and CEO of LIFE Wellness and Counseling Services LLC

Lakesha Jones, Licensed Professional Counselor, a Trauma Yoga Instructor, and the Founder and CEO of LIFE Wellness and Counseling  Services LLC ​

A Panel discussion about the Emerging Leaders Program that will explain the benefits of this program as a replicable program to transform leadership through community building, peer support, and authentically showing up, to support marginalized communities.

Learning Objectives:​

4) Breaking the Stigma: Navigating Substance Abuse Disorder at the Community Level - Hybrid ​Session Option​

Presenter: Lisa Hall, Masters from Moody Bible Institute

5) Voices of Parents in Recovery: Barriers to Connection and Belonging in the Community - Hybrid ​Session Option

Presenters: Madeline Breager, MPH

​                    Danielle Florence, BS

​                    Marissa Meagher, MPH

Parents in recovery face a unique set of challenges. Recovery is a journey with constantly changing dynamics and its own necessary supports. Parenting is an ongoing, ever-changing challenge. When a person finds themselves walking both paths simultaneously, it can increase isolation, decrease connection, and bring specific challenges to the forefront. Presenters will share findings from the Connection & Belonging: Voices of Parents in Recovery Report, highlighting lessons learned and practices to center people in recovery by lifting voices, shifting decision-making power, and encouraging resources for recovery communities to take the lead.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to understand the impact systems (basic needs, CPS, and legal) have on parents in the recovery community.

2. Participants will have learned options for policies and initiatives to implement in their communities to best foster a sense of connection and belonging for parents in recovery. 

3. Participants will be able to evaluate public health practice in substance use related efforts to effectively communicate with, engage with, and center people in recovery. 

6) Tapping into your Health- Discovering Empowerment with Emotional Freedom Techniques​

Presenter: Sheri Severson, LPC, NCC

This session will offer participants information on stress as well as the stress response cycle, with a specific emphasis on the role of the amygdala. All of that groundwork will pave the way for an introduction to Emotional Freedom Techniques or "tapping".  Participants will receive an overview of what tapping is, the research that has offered an understanding of the way in which tapping on acupressure points impacts areas of the brain and helps regulate the nervous system, and additional scientific resources to validate the efficacy of the technique.  Participants will be invited to engage in two experiential opportunities to become familiar with the technique and feel empowered to use it following the session.  Please note: this session is meant for self-care only and is not training in how to do the technique with clients or others. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the impact of chronic stress and the role of the stress response on our whole selves.

2. Become familiar with Emotional Freedom Techniques and what science has offered to support the efficacy of the technique.

3. Apply the technique after receiving instruction through being invited to participate in two experiential exercises to regulate the nervous system. 

7) The Art of Connection: Community Building Skills in Uncivil Times

Presenters: Kenneth Ryback, BA, Certified T4C facilitator, Certified Senior CBW Facilitator, Master Level Reiki

 ​​ Karole Kimble, BA, MBA, Member of National Association of Black Journalists, Certified Re-evaluation Counselor, Certified Senior    CBST Facilitator, Certified CBW Facilitator 1

​Dr. Brene Brown speaks of vulnerability as "the first thing I look for in you, but it is the last thing I want to show you in me."  Dr. M. Scott Peck said, "The greatest give we can give our community is the gift of vulnerability.  Being vulnerable involves taking a risk.  Community Building has been shown to enhance already existing programs and enhances an individual's skills in Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and Emotional Intelligence. Community Building skills and principles lead to increases in empathy, active listening, cultural competence, self-care, and patience while decreasing compassion fatigue. This session provides basic information about Community Building and Community Building Milwaukee through dyad exercises and some facilitator mini lectures.  In this session, one of our 12 guidelines will be learned and discussed though exercise and debrief.  Change often involves taking a risk.  This session's exercise is designed to introduce Community Building and create a group discussion about personal obstacles and barriers that can be ways to avoid taking a risk and being vulnerable.  Knowing oneself and acknowledging one's own obstacles expands empathy toward others and their resistance to change.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn the 4 Stages of Relationships as described by Dr. M. Scott Peck.

2. Enhance TIC, MI, and SEL skillsets by experiencing, on a personal and professional level, the difficulties, risk, and vulnerability of change. 

3. Experience a taste of the renewal, connection, and peace of True Community.​
   

8) ​How can Non-fitness Professionals Confidently Prescribe Exercise for Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment 

Presenters: Maria Kelly, MPH, Personal Trainer

​                     Geoff Brown, MA, LPC, SUDS

There is a general understanding that exercise can benefit those going through substance use and mental health treatment, but what is the best form of exercise that can have the biggest impact? This session will go over the different forms of exercise and which has the most benefit for mental health treatment. One will also learn how to confidently prescribe this form of exercise to their client so they can have a plan and program to start working towards recovery.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the different types of exercise modalities and their impacts on the client's mental and physical health. 

2. Learn which exercise modality is recommended to provide the best treatment for substance use and mental health treatment. 

3. Learn tools, terminology, and basic programming to confidently prescribe an individualized exercise program to their clients to aid in their substance use and/or mental health recovery.
   

9) Coping with Burnout: Less Talk, More Action - Hybrid ​Session Option

Presenter: Tim Bautch, LPC, CSAC

Supporting others can be rewarding and challenging.  In order to show up in a way to be supportive to others, we need to recognize signs of burnout and ways to engage in self-care.  This experiential session will focus less on talking about burnout and focus more on providing participants an opportunity to learn and practice activities that can keep us fresh. Activities may include breathwork, movement, writing, and connecting in smaller groups. Give yourself permission to focus on you this session and take action to cope with burnout in a healthy way.  Activities may include breathwork, movement, writing, and connecting in smaller groups.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to identify new self-care skills to use in the office and at home. 

2. Participants will be able to identify signs that they can use extra self-care. 

3. Participants will be able to connect with others for support.
   

10) Clinical Supervision​

Presenter: Dan Bizjak, MSW, LCSW, ICS, CSAC

11) Peers in Wisconsin: 2023 DHS Peer Crisis Work Survey Review and Insights

​Presenters: Katie Sparks, Peer Coordinator, WI Department of Health Services

​​​​ Greg Arnold, MA LPC, Mental Health Community Programs Specialist, WI Department of Health Services

In the fall of 2023, The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Bureau of Prevention Treatment and Recovery conducted the Peer Crisis Work Survey. This session will provide a review of the survey data collected and insights into the peer workforce within Wisconsin, specifically in crisis systems.

Learning Objectives:

1. Better understand backgrounds of lived and work experience of peers in Wisconsin. 
   

2. Gain insight into peer interest and experience in Wisconsin crisis system services. 

12) Hoofbeats for your Heartbeats: A Primer on Integrating Equine-Assisted Services into Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery - Hybrid ​Session Option​

Presenters: Melanie Ripley, DO

​​  Brigid Ripley, MA, PhD

Picture this: A journey to recovery where the hoofbeats of a horse echo the rhythm of healing, guiding individuals through the transformative path of addiction treatment. Equine Assisted Services offer a unique and powerful approach to addiction recovery, where the wisdom and connection of these majestic animals become essential partners in the journey to lasting sobriety.

1. Understand how ACE's affect health (mental, physical) and contribute to the incidence of addiction.

2. Understand the importance of using patient centered, trauma informed care and how EAS provides a unique opportunity/approach to recovery.

3. Leave the session with specific tools for integrating EAS into recovery.

13) Non-traditional Services for People Experiencing Homelessness - Hybrid ​Session Option

Presenters: Sara Allee-Jatta

​  ​Lamin Jatta

  ​Munroe Whitlock

Program review for the state's only city sanctioned urban campground, including statistics, harm reduction information, and services provided.  

Learning Objectives:

1. Increased understanding of city sanctioned urban campground program.

2. Identify 3 examples of creative solutions for providing services to people experiencing homelessness.

3. Increased understanding of low barrier services.

14) SCAODA Not Just Another Acronym - How it can Help you and your Consumers​

Presenters: Christine Ullstrup, LCSW, CSAC

​ Jennifer Stegall, SCAODA Vice Chair

​ Kevin Florek, President and CEO of Telleriun Behavioral Health

This workshop will introduce you to the State Council on Alcohol Other Drug Abuse (SCAODA). The Council was created in the Office of the Governor and has been in existence since 1970. Learn about the mission, statutory membership, and purpose of the Council as well as how your participation can help influence funding streams, state policies, regulations, and statutes.

Learning Objectives:

15) HATCH - Healing Adversity & Trauma through Conversation & Hope - Hybrid ​Session Option

Presenters: Conor Williams, Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Economics 

  ​Dr. Ed de St. Aubin, Ph.D. Northwestern University 

  ​Dr. James "Dimitri" Topitzes, PhD, LCSW​

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain insight into three different trauma healing models.
   

2. Understand how the three different models are implemented in an integrated way. 

3. Determine if these models have relevance to other communities and regions.

16) The Fast Life of a Working Mom: A not so Pretty Memoir - Hybrid ​Session Option​

​Presenters: Rachel Belanger, Parent Partners with Rock County Parent Supporting Parents Program

  ​Amber Czech, Parent Partner

​​  Brontae Hibbler, Parent Partner  

Moms have a lot to juggle on a day-to-day basis. Between mental health and substance use disorders, this alone can be a full time job. Hear from moms that are working full time on their mental health and recovery from substances, all while managing a full house, school, and everything in between. All these moms come with experience in different systems that are not limited to Child Protective Services (CPS), Department of Corrections, Social Services, courts, juvenile and more. Hear how these moms make it work daily to bring hope and awareness to their own families and those that they work with that are going through the CPS system. Their individual struggles and achievements are far greater than the eye can see. Most are invisible but underneath the surface they are warriors and every day is a battle that they are not willing to give up. Even though life is that much more challenging for them they don’t want accolades, only to bring hope and knowledge to other woman and parents that may have similar struggles. If they can show that life is manageable with the aftermath of trauma and living in recovery, then maybe someone who is getting it wrong can finally start getting it right and not feel so alone. What works for one person might not work for another person because we are not a “one size fits all” human race!

Learning Objectives:

17) Leading The Charge For Change: Transformation Leadership in a Post-COVID-19 Mental Health World

​Presenter: Adi Jaffe, Ph.D. in Psychology, UCLA

In the wake of the global pandemic, the mental health and addiction industries have faced unprecedented challenges. As we emerge into a post-COVID-19 world, it is crucial for leaders in these fields to embrace a new paradigm of transformational leadership that is emotional, humane, and vulnerability-focused. This keynote presentation delves into the importance of this leadership approach, exploring the importance of empowering all key participants in the helping professions to lead. Drawing upon research and real-world experiences, Dr. Jaffe underscores the need for transformational and shared leadership. This style of leadership goes beyond traditional approaches, empowering individuals and organizations to adapt, thrive and effect positive change. Transformational leaders inspire others by fostering emotional intelligence, vulnerability and authenticity. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Become informed about ways in which COVID-19 has altered workforce and patient expectations.

2. Learn the basic components of transformational leadership and the 5-step transformation flywheel.

3. Identify ways to create change and serve as leaders regardless of title and position.​
   

18) Effective Supervision and Program Management Strategies for Peer Providers

​Presenters: Tanya Kraege, LCSW, MSW, CSAC, CPS, WI CPS Trainer

  ​​​Kristina Vaccaro, BS

"Peer providers (Certified Peer Specialists/Recovery Coaches) play a crucial role in providing support and guidance to individuals struggling with mental health and/or substance use challenges. As the demand for peer services continues to grow, it is essential for supervisors to possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage and support this unique group of professionals. This workshop will explore the key components of supervising peer providers, including effective communication strategies, setting clear expectations, providing ongoing feedback and support, managing conflicts, and promoting self-care and burnout prevention. Participants will have the opportunity to learn best practices in supervision, engage in discussions with experienced supervisors, and gain practical tools to enhance their supervisory skills. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of how to create a supportive and empowering work environment for peer providers, ultimately improving the quality of care provided to individuals in need."

​Learning Objectives:​

1. Understand the role and importance of supervision for peer support specialists. 
   

2. Identify effective strategies for supervising peer providers and organizing programs. 

3. Explore how to embrace a harm reduction approach in peer supervision.
   

19) "Money, That's What I (Don't) Want to Talk About" - Hybrid ​Session Option​

​Presenter: Andrew Schreier, ICS, CSAC, LPC, ICGC I/Clinical Coordinator

Money is an essential part of our lives, and it can also become a source of distress. While this is something that can happen to everyone it is particularly important to address when it comes to substance use, mental health, gambling, marriages, and families. Addressing finances comes with difficult conversations, addressing debt-related issues, money management, and understanding the relationship between some behaviors and finances. One barrier to addressing finances is a professional's own discomfort.  It is a necessity and opportunity for growth for professionals to address their comfort with the topic of money and assisting patients in addressing financial issues for their recovery and journey. 

​Learning Objectives:​ 

1. Discover the impact money and finances have when it comes to substance use, mental health, gambling, marriages, and families.

2. Conduct ways to self-evaluate own comfort with addressing money with people helping professionals serve and identify ways to professionally grow in financial recovery. 

3. ​List different resources and tools available to help people when it comes to money and finances. 

20) TBD

​Presenter: Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC

​21) DCTS 75 DHS​

​Presenter:​ Heather Carlson

                Bridget Plautz

                Jessica Cwirla

DHS Listening Session 

​Leaders from the DHS Division of Care and Treatment Services will host a listening session that follows a question-and-answer format. Share your thoughts about current programs and service needs. People in recovery, service providers, tribal nation and county health and human services staff are welcome.​

This meeting is for anyone in recovery and will be chaired by a person in recovery to offer and provide the opportunity for support. This meeting is an informal gathering of all forms of recovery and not specific to any single support or fellowship group. Out of respect to everyone’s anonymity this meeting is not open for observation from individuals not in recovery.

22) The 5 Ws of Antidepressants

Presenter: Aaron Owen, MD

This presentation will focus on the oral medications used to treat major depressive disorder (aka antidepressants). We will discuss biomedical aspects of clinical depression, the history of medications to treat depression, and the relationship between antidepressant use and suicide risk. 

Learning Objectives:​

23) ​Sex Education: Beyond Rolling Condoms on Bananas 

Presenters: Valerie Gonsalves, PhD 

  ​Lisa Dunham, LCSW

Youth suffer from depression, anxiety, isolation and increases in thoughts of self-harm and suicidality as a result of criminal justice involvement. Therefore, implementing effective means of preventing involvement with the criminal justice system is one way to help manage mental health crises. Youth who do not receive proper sex education can have criminal justice involvement, as they may not know about consent or child pornography. This talk will provide practical strategies for professionals as to how to assist the families they work with essential components of healthy sexuality.

​Learning Objectives:​

1. Participants will be able to describe why comprehensive sexual education is essential to prevention of sex crimes. 

2. Participants will be able to discuss how to assist families with essential and unfamiliar components of healthy sexuality. 
   

3. Participants will be able to discuss how to manage youth technology and implement a technology contract.

24) Emotions & Connection: We Heal as We Feel - Hybrid ​Session Option​

Presenters: Lynn McLaughlin, Member/Owner, BA CPS

  ​Karen Iverson Riggers, Member/Owner, BA CPS

Emotions are one component of our experiences in being human. Yet they are invalidated, mocked, ridiculed, intellectualized, pathologized, minimized and dismissed daily. Big or little, emotions give us important information on the world around us and our place in it. The absence or dismissal of human emotions is an important, but often, unidentified piece in systems of oppression and a key component of the dehumanization process. Connecting with others at the level of emotion is the healing prescription our world is yearning for. Learn how reintegrating emotions into our own lives and connecting with others at the level of emotion is how it happens. 

Learning Objectives:​

1. Define social isolation and loneliness and their connection to mental health challenges, substance use, suicidal thoughts and feelings, and chronic physical health challenges.

2. Understand how the absence of emotion is a key component in systems of oppression. 
   

3. Learn how systems change and individual healing requires us to connect with our own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.

25) Beyond Hearing: The Journey to Listening for Understanding

Presenters: Scott Caldwell

  ​Marguerit Galindo, CPS

Listening for understanding is the single most important communication skill in health and human services. People's experience of feeling understood underscores engagement in services, satisfaction with services, positive change efforts, and recovery outcomes. In the spirit of the 2024 conference theme, Building Connections, we will do three things in this session. First, we'll briefly summarize 70 years of scientific research on how skillful listening powerfully creates the working alliance, builds connections, and predicts positive outcomes of services. Second, we'll walk through four simple (but not easy) steps of listening with skill building and practice activities. Then, we'll demonstrate listening for understanding with structured participant observation and debrief. Developing skillful listening is a life-long process and the session will conclude with participants identifying their own next right steps in the journey.

Learning Objectives:​

1. Identify at least two steps of skillful listening. 
   

2. Identify personal listening roadblocks and strategies for skillful listening. 

3. Reflect on session take-aways and develop a next step for continuing the journey of skillful listening.

26) Tai Chi – An Ancient Mind-Body-Spirit Intervention for Mental Health & Substance Use Recovery

​Presenter: John Burns, 

​Whole Health is an emerging trend. A major focus of the whole health model of care is to empower and equip people with self-care strategies they can use to strengthen their physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Tai Chi can arguably be considered an ancient whole health intervention as it was developed hundreds of years ago specifically for this purpose. Current research now recognizes the benefits of Tai Chi and the importance of incorporating body, mind, and spirit practices into mental health & substance use recovery programs to equip patients with self-care strategies that they can use to strengthen their sense of self-efficacy and self-esteem to improve their ability to confront and overcome their physical and mental health challenges.

Learning Objectives:​

1. Articulate how Tai Chi's empowering philosophy and practice principles can strengthen an individual's physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. 

2. Recognize the benefits of Tai Chi and the importance of incorporating body, mind, and spirit practices into mental health & substance use recovery programs. 

3. Experience the mindful and meditative movements of Tai Chi to reduce stress and improve self-esteem.

27) Revolutionizing Rural Mental Wellness: Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Reality - Hybrid ​Session Option

Presenters: Jason Haglund, MS, CADC

  ​Renee Schultee

This session will shed light on the pressing challenges faced by rural, remote, and frontier America in addressing behavioral health issues. Through engaging discussions and expert insights, we will explore the unique hurdles in system readiness, workforce development, and care coordination. Also, the session will uncover the discrepancies between well-intentioned policies and their implementation and identify potential solutions.

Learning Objectives:​

1. Understand the unique challenges faced by rural, remote, and frontier communities in addressing behavioral health issues: Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the specific difficulties and complexities associated with providing effective behavioral health services in rural areas, including issues related to system readiness, workforce development, and care coordination. 

2. Explore the impact of the growing epidemic of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse on rural communities: Attendees will examine the prevalence and consequences of mental health disorders and substance abuse in rural areas, and how these issues compound the challenges faced by rural healthcare systems. They will also gain insights into the interplay between mental health and overall healthcare in rural communities. 

3. Analyze the gaps between policy intentions and implementation in rural behavioral health: Participants will delve into the disconnect between well-intentioned policy designs and the realities of implementing effective behavioral health services in rural areas. They will examine the barriers and limitations that hinder successful implementation and explore strategies to bridge the gap between policy and practice.
   

28) I'm a Sober Harm Reductionist!​ - Hybrid ​Session Option

Presenter: Dennis Radloff, Harm Reduction Response Team Coordinator – Harm Reduction Unit / Bureau of Communicable Disease – Division of Public Health​

1. Understand and identify harm reduction principles. 

2. Identify approaches to incorporate harm reductions principles and practice into traditional substance use systems. 

3. Understand and identify language that increases or decreases human dignity for people who use drugs.​​

29) Garbage In, Garbage Out: Effective Facilitation Skills to Ensure Quality

Presenter: Leanne Delsart

​Have you ever walked away from a meeting wondering what just happened?  Facilitation is a critical skill that undergirds the success of most required case management and clinical activities. How we facilitate a conversation dictates the quality and quantity of information offered, how we facilitate a treatment plan process drives the feasibility of progress, and how we facilitate a meeting's result in clarity or confusion, buy-in or push-back. As the saying goes, "if it's not written down, it didn't happen", well, we can also only write what did happen. Skilled facilitation moves this along and makes things happen. Participants will learn practical facilitation strategies to help them better perform assessments, needs identification, treatment planning, and running effective meetings.

Learning Objectives:​

1. Explore the connection between facilitation and outcomes. 

2. Learn facilitation tools to support engagement. 

3. Develop facilitation skills to support high quality work.

30) Developing Resilience: Stemming Moral Injury and Compassion Fatigue - Hybrid ​Session Option

Presenter: Ritu Bhatnagar

Burnout, compassion fatigue and moral injury can be construed as segments on a continuum of impact of providing effective health care in the current climate. This session will delineate the differences between these phenomena and describe how the challenges have magnified and the toll on providers has increased. This talk will describe how to monitor the self for this impact and share strategies for developing resilience in the face of many competing demands. Appropriate for all healthcare professionals involved in the care of people with substance use disorders who notice the impact of providing compassionate care on themselves and their colleagues.

Learning Objectives:​

1. ​Differentiate between burnout, compassion fatigue and moral injury. 

2. Describe approaches to develop and nurture resilience while undertaking challenging work. 

3. Evaluate and experience the practice of Mindfulness Meditation in caring for the self. 

31) Leveling Up Recovery - Hybrid ​Session Option

Presenters: Connie Calderon

  ​Andron Lane

32) Psychosocial Pain Management Strategies for the Person with Substance Use Disorder​ 

Presenter: Lindy Lewis, PhD, LCSW-C

Chronic pain affects 24% to 67% of persons with substance use disorders.  Chronic pain has also been demonstrated to affect the participation and outcomes of those individuals in substance abuse treatment.  Providing treatment of pain for those in substance abuse treatment is also challenging, given the abuse potential of opioid analgesics and other pharmacological intervention typically used.  The concurrent opioid epidemic and overreliance on opioids for pain treatment has exacerbated this problem. Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of psychosocial approaches, especially those from the cognitive behavioral and acceptance-based approaches in reducing levels of pain and improving overall functioning.  This presentation will provide an overview of the psychosocial approach to pain management and approaches to treat pain. Specific strategies that can be readily incorporated into practice with clients being treated for comorbid substance use disorder and chronic pain will be demonstrated. 

Learning Objectives:​

1. Recognize the key characteristics of the psychosocial intervention of pain.

2. Identify characteristics of pain catastrophizing in persons with pain. 

3. Identify three strategies that can be employed for pain relief among those individuals experiencing chronic pain. 

33) Healing the Soul: Ketamine-Assisted Therapy for Moral Injury - Hybrid ​Session Option

​Presenters: Laura Skinner

  ​Matt McDonell, MBA MSW

Learning Objectives:​

1. Understanding Moral Injury: Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of moral injury, particularly in the context of veterans and first responders, including its definition, impact on mental well-being, and the unique challenges it poses to traditional therapeutic approaches. 

2. Exploring Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT): Participants will learn about the pharmacological aspects of Ketamine and how it can be strategically employed in a therapeutic setting. This includes the induction of altered states of consciousness, breaking down rigid thought patterns, and promoting neuroplasticity to effectively address moral injury. 

3. Practical Implementation and Multidisciplinary Approach: The presentation will provide insights into the practical aspects of implementing KAT, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Attendees will leave with knowledge about collaborative efforts between mental health professionals, psychiatrists, and facilitators, along with an understanding of screening, dosing, and integration sessions within a comprehensive treatment framework.

34) Working with An Angry Person

​Presenter: Ron Diamond​, MD

We often work with people who are angry, or upset, or do not want to have anything to do with us  even as we are trying to help them. This workshop will re-consider why people get angry and what anger does to people, both to our clients and to ourselves. It will also consider how we react to angry people, and suggest some concrete ways to work with people who are anger. This workshop will discuss how we can work with angry people in very different ways, and approaches that will help us move from an adversarial to a collaboration relationship. This workshop starts with the premise that everyone, no matter how angry, wants something. Our job is to start with what the person wants and how we can help the person get some part of this. The workshop is about how we can become part of the solution and sidestep the pressure to continue the fight. This workshop will focus on concrete examples and situations.

​Learning Objectives:​

1. Understand what anger does to us and to our clients. Anger can be scary. Anger is tiring, blocks enjoyment, decreases creativity, decreases good problem solving and limits options. Anger can help a person "win" but at significant cost, and we often react back to angry people by trying to win as well. How can be come up with other options that might be more effective.

2. Understand how to work with people who are anger in ways that deescalate the anger. Understand how we can listen to what the angry person wants, and find ways to help them get  at least some part of it.How can we work with someone who is angry so that we are part of the solution and avoid becoming part of the problem.

3. Learn how to avoid either "winning" or "losing" when working with someone who is anger. This  workshop will focus on how to stay out of this fight when the other person is trying to draw us into it. ​
   

Getting to Know Emotions Inside & Out

​Presenters: Tom Farley, Professional Relations Coordinator​, Rosecrance Behavioral Health, Wisconsin, and motivational speaker, delivering messages on prevention                          and recovery.

​  ​​Andrew Schreier, ICS, CSAC, LPC, ICGC I/Clinical Coordinator 

Learning Objectives:​

1. Review the importance of emotions and various functions they serve. 

2. Become aware of the shortfalls in addressing emotions and the importance of practicing compassion. ​
   

3. Learn a variety of clinical, artistic, and humorous evidence-based approaches to being compassionate with emotions.

35) It Takes a Village and Other Lessons the Recovery Journey Teaches Us

Presenter: Luann Simpson, MSW,CAPSW, CPS

From multiple involuntary hospitalizations to co-owner of a successful peer run business, Luann will share her personal recovery journey. Diagnosed at age 25 with Bipolar I and Borderline Personality Disorders, at 63 Luann no longer meets criteria for either diagnosis. She has shared her story for over 20 years and having reached the sixth decade of life views her journey with a new perspective. She will discuss the individuals, inside and outside the mental health system, who fought with and for her, supported her and empowered her to save herself. The role of connection, compassion, hope and privilege will be acknowledged as part of the journey. "Curious Inquiry" is encouraged.

Learning Objectives:

1. As a result of this session participants will develop insight into one individual's recovery journey.

2. As a result of this session participants will come to understand the opportunity, they have to be a part of an individual's "village" and make a positive contribution.

3. As a result of this session participants will be invited to contemplate the role of privilege on the recovery journey.​
   

36) Food Addiction Recovery - Hybrid ​Session Option

Presenters: Kelly Marzu Peterson, MS 

                    ​Steven Crossman, BS, CSAC, IDP-AT

​Have you ever wondered if your eating or food choices has ever gotten out of hand? If not for you, have it gotten out of hand for someone else? Modern-day America says that in order to get a grip on your eating or food choices, you just need to eat less and move more. Well, how well is that working for us? What is the message that we should be proposing to ourselves and the people around us to actually be healthy and live sustainably? Come learn what the real factors are behind our eating and food choices and what we can do about them. 

Learning Objectives:

1. How food and eating is addictive. 

2. How food addiction affects our physical, mental and emotional health. 

3. How to leverage support and avoid opposition to eating sustainably.
   

The 20th Annual Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery Training Conference reserves the right to deny sponsorship, booth content, and/or donations for any company, organization, or individual it deems unsuitable for the conference.

Sponsorships are non-refundable.

Exhibitor Opportunities

A limited number of scholarships will be available to consumers of mental health services and those that are peer specialists. Scholarships are considered on a first-come, first-served basis if criteria is met. Applicants will need to describe how they will share information obtained at the conference with local and/or statewide consumer groups. Other factors taken into consideration are past conference attendance, Peer Specialist status, and/or previously awarded scholarships.​ Preference is given to those who are both a consumer and a peer specialist. 

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Reservations should be made online to avoid excessive wait times and resort fees. Rooms are only available at the reduced rate for Wednesday, October 16, 2024 and Thursday, October 17, 2024. The group rate will only be available until Monday, September 16, 2024​ or until the resort is sold out. Reservations can be made with the below link. 

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UWSP Continuing Education, the Conference Planning Team, and WI DHS do not have control over Kalahari policies or room rates once the room block expires or fills to capacity. 

Important Information from the Kalahari
Per their policy, the Kalahari does not accept completed Credit Card Letter of Authorization forms, Tax Exemption forms, nor Purchase Orders at hotel check-in. They have a dedicated team that pre-approves these forms to ensure validity prior to check-in. These forms should be submitted no later than 7 days prior to check-in via email or fax 608-254-6116.

The Kalahari highly suggests attendees submit these forms at least two weeks in advance of check-in so their team can process them in a timely manner. Failure to follow this procedure may result in full room and tax charges to your personal card, since their Front Desk will not accept these forms at check-in. The Kalahari General Policy Page explains their policies in full detail.  

Additional charges for waterpark passes may apply.  

Kalahari FAQ
Additional Information about Staying at the Kalahari

UWSP Continuing Education works hard to communicate all special meal requests and allergies to the conference venue. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we cannot guarantee all special dietary needs can be met. If you have dietary needs (i.e., kosher, low salt, low carb, keto, etc.), you may wish to make alternative meal arrangements. 

Conference fees cannot be adjusted due to special dietary needs. 

Learn more about the importance of Person-First Language.

Learn more about why Pronouns Matter.

Learn more about appropriate language with respect to suicide at Prevent Suicide® Wisconsin.  

Participants are responsible for ensuring they have the minimum computer standards for participating in the virtual conference via Zoom. Zoom works best with Chrome or Firefox. UWSP is not responsible for participant technological issues, including, but not limited to, inadequate bandwidth and/or registrant equipment malfunction. 

Need help with using Zoom? Click here for our Zoom Tutorial Help page! Click here to download Zoom Client for Meetings.