* * * THERE IS NO PARTIAL CREDIT * * *
You MUST attend sessions in their entirety.
Certificates will be emailed approx. 4-6 weeks after the School.
Presenter: Jesse Battle
Description: We are aware of the national impact of substance use disorders, an increased focus is being directed on aspects of treatment and recovery. However, a significant portion of clients fail to complete a planned treatment program. This session will focus on the implication of a person-centered approach on the improvement of treatment engagement and retention. Research has indicated that the longer a person remains in treatment, increases their ability to sustain recovery. Additionally, the session will focus on the relationship between a person-centered approach and traditional treatment approaches. The session will explore barriers to implementing a person-centered approach. I am justice-involved (i.e., jail, probation, incarceration, treatment). My personal journey will serve as a guide in exploring the impact of a person centered approach on treatment engagement and developing recovery capital. Recovery capital is described as an individual’s ability to draw on internal and external resources to promote and sustain recovery.
Presenter: George Braucht
Description: This seminar highlights the genetic and environmental factors that combine to produce alcohol and other drug use’s impact on the brain, body (mind) and behavior. Over 50 years of clinical neuroscience research shows that recovery or resilience is due to neuroplasticity, our brain’s ability to adapt and heal. Polyvagal Theory informs an essential element of progressive wellness – sustained engagements in co-regulating social supports. These vital connections are also known as the social model of recovery.
Presenter: Tishina Carroll
Description: Substance dependence is a chronic, but treatable brain disease. Substance dependence/ abuse is closely related to occurrences of domestic violence. There is a correlation between the two: It’s trauma. Epigenetics has shown that individuals that develop a substance use disorder have a vulnerability due to: genetics, environmental, social and biological factors. The same can be said of the vulnerability of victims of DV. According to the National Library of Medicine: “Domestic violence is the use of intentional emotional, psychological, sexual, or physical force by one family member or intimate partner to control another. Violent acts include verbal, emotional, and physical intimidation; destruction of the victim’s possessions; maiming or killing pets; threats; forced sex; and slapping, punching, kicking, choking, burning, stabbing, shooting, and killing victims”. Although a large percentage of DV related crimes are reported crimes are by females, there is a percentage of males that choose not to report due to stigma.
Presenter: Suzy Vaille
Description: This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the most commonly used substances for students and offer practical guidance on navigating difficult conversations about substance use with students. Participants will learn effective ways to build presence and engage with students while fostering a supportive environment that encourages resilience and positive outcomes.
Presenter: Captain Garrett Biss
Description: By addressing a root cause of addiction—disconnection and loss of authenticity—this presentation provides a proactive framework for substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery. Attendees will leave equipped to foster resilience and support individuals on their path to authentic living, thereby reducing the risk of substance use and behavioral addiction. This approach emphasizes holistic well-being, aligning with the prevention field’s goals of promoting healthy, thriving communities. This session will blend lecture-style insights with interactive activities to provide an immersive learning experience. Participants will engage in self-reflection exercises, group discussions, and demonstrations of tools that can be applied in peer coaching, mentorship, and professional settings. The presentation will include real-world examples and evidence-based practices to ensure actionable takeaways.