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PREVENTION
TREATMENT
PEER
DAY 1 SESSIONS
Thursday, June 12 | 12:30PM-4:30PM
Day 1 Workshops will be held in both the morning and afternoon on Thursday, June 12. Session One will take place from 1:45PM - 3:00PM and Session Two will be 3:15PM - 4:30PM.
Please note: Workshop sessions are repeated and are not split into two sections.
Day 1 - Opening Keynote | 12:30PM - 1:00PM |
Advancing Health and Wellness in New Jersey
Sarah Adelman
Day 1 Keynote Speaker
Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Human Services
This dynamic opening plenary session will feature Sarah M. Adelman, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services, who will share New Jersey’s strategic vision and key priorities for advancing health and wellness across the state. With a focus on behavioral health, Commissioner Adelman will highlight statewide efforts to prevent substance use and mental health challenges, expand access to evidence-based treatment, and strengthen peer recovery support services. Attendees will gain insights into innovative policies, collaborative initiatives, and emerging opportunities that reflect New Jersey’s commitment to building a more integrated, equitable, and person-centered system of care.
Day 1 - Opening Keynote | 1:00PM - 1:30PM |
Keeping Pace with the Evolving Tobacco Landscape
Brian King, PhD, MPH
Day 1 Keynote Speaker
Executive Vice President, U.S. Programs, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
This session will review the tobacco use and control landscape – including where we have been, where we are now, and where we can go. It will highlight the progress made in tobacco prevention and control, the challenges faced with the evolving landscape of tobacco products, and what opportunities exist to address these issues head on. Coming out of the session, attendees will gain a better understanding of what state and localities can do to continue to drive progress and counter the tobacco industry’s influence in promoting addiction among new generations.
Day 1 - Workshop | Sessions One & Two |
Sound Healing: A Holistic Approach to Recovery
Kelvin Young, RSS
Founder & Certified Sound Healer,
Soulcare Love, LLC
This workshop explores the transformative power of sound healing as a complementary approach to recovery from addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges. Participants will learn about the science behind sound healing and its profound impact on the mind and body. Through hands-on demonstrations and experiential exercises using tools like singing bowls, gongs, drums, and chimes, attendees will discover how sound vibrations can regulate emotions, reduce stress, and support lasting recovery. This workshop is ideal for individuals in recovery, recovery coaches, holistic practitioners, and anyone seeking effective tools for relaxation, healing, and personal transformation.
Day 1 - Workshop | Sessions One & Two |
Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community in Your Work
This interactive workshop provides participants with a foundational understanding of LGBTQ+ terminology, with a focus on sexual orientation and gender identity. Attendees will explore affirming practices for working with transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals, and gain insight into key risk and protective factors impacting LGBTQ+ youth. Designed for professionals seeking to foster inclusive and supportive environments, the session offers practical tools and strategies to enhance cultural competence and advocacy.
Bob Mikos
Program Developer & Training Specialist
New Jersey Prevention Network
David Rosen, DBH, LCSW
Director of Training and Education,
Hudson Pride Center
Day 1 - Workshop | Sessions One & Two |
Changing Perspectives: A New Lens on Aging, Substance Use, and Wellness
With more people living longer, healthier lives, it's time to challenge outdated views and embrace a fresh perspective on what it means to grow older. This interactive workshop brings together clinical and non-clinical participants to explore the intersection of aging, substance use risks, and overall wellness. Together, we'll rethink stereotypes, discuss real-world health challenges, and discover practical strategies to support healthy aging in an ageless society.
Janine Fabrizio, LCADC, LCSW
Program Developer & Training Specialist,
New Jersey Prevention Network
Samantha Harries
Director of Operations,
New Jersey Prevention Network
Day 1 - Workshop | Sessions One & Two |
The Spiritual Roots of Substance Use Disorder
This thought-provoking session explores how spiritual health can play a vital role in understanding and treating substance use disorders. Participants will examine how the medical field traditionally approaches addiction through the lens of brain chemistry, genetics, environment, and life experiences—and how spiritual wellness adds a transformative layer to this model. Drawing from diverse religious and philosophical traditions, this workshop will consider how different faiths understand the wellbeing of the soul and offer strategies for promoting bio-psycho-socio-spiritual healing. Attendees will leave with a deeper appreciation for the client experience and actionable practices to support holistic recovery.
Imam Dr. Muhammad Hatim, PhD, DMin, CADC, BCCC
Coordinator of Counseling Services,
Human Empowerment Institute LLC
Day 1 - Workshop | Sessions One & Two |
Poison Control Centers: A Powerful Ally in Prevention, Treatment, Recovery, and Harm Reduction Efforts
The New Jersey Poison Control Center (NJPC) is a vital resource in safeguarding public health, providing 24/7 toxicology expertise, prevention education, and data-driven insights to address poisoning-related emergencies and emerging threats. This workshop will explore how NJPC services can support the efforts of drug and alcohol coalitions, treatment facilities, harm reduction programs, and other prevention-focused organizations. Attendees will gain practical strategies to incorporate NJPC’s resources into their work, from responding to opioid overdoses and emerging contaminants to improving community education on poison prevention. The session will include case studies, interactive components, and opportunities to discuss collaborative initiatives tailored to New Jersey’s public health landscape.
Danielle Bartsche, MPH, CHES
Epidemiology and Community Outreach Specialist,
New Jersey Poison Control Center
DAY 2 SESSIONS
Friday, June 13 | 9:00AM-4:00PM
Day 2 Workshops will be held in both the morning and afternoon on Friday, June 13. Session One will take place from 10:30AM - 11:45AM and Session Two will be 1:15PM - 2:30PM.
Please note: Workshop sessions are repeated and are not split into two sections.
Day 2 - Opening Keynote | 9:00AM - 10:00AM |
Navigating Change: Solutions for the Road Ahead
Join this dialogue featuring national and state leaders as they discuss the evolving landscape impacting our field in New Jersey and across the U.S. Navigating change through these shifting priorities takes a measured approach, requiring guidance from thought leaders across the continuum of care. Hear our guest keynote presenters share their unique insights and innovative approaches to address mental health, addiction, and other chronic disease at the 2025 NJPN Annual Conference. This discussion will offer critical and timely insights into rapidly changing policies and focuses on the federal level and how NJ can navigate these changes to support people in need.
Phillip W. Graham, DrPH,
Day 2 Keynote Speaker
Principal Scientist,
RTI International
Renee C. Burawski, LCSW
Day 2 Keynote Speaker
Assistant Commissioner,
Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, NJ Department of Human Services
Michele Calvo, MPH
Day 2 Keynote Speaker
Executive Director,
Office of Opioid Response and Policy
Day 2 - Workshop | Sessions One & Two |
Thrive in the Challenge: Self-Care Practices for Addiction Counselors
Rebecka Green, LCSW, LCADC, CCS, ACS, CSC
Therapist, Private Practice
Working in the addiction counseling field can be both rewarding and emotionally taxing. Counselors are exposed to the challenges faced by individuals struggling with addiction, which can lead to emotional burnout, compassion fatigue, and overall well-being deterioration. This workshop is designed to provide addiction counselors with practical, evidence-based self-care tools and strategies to help them maintain personal wellness while delivering high-quality care to their clients. The session will focus on self-care planning, understanding the impact of secondary trauma, and exploring mindfulness and resilience practices that can be incorporated into daily routines. Participants will engage in interactive exercises, group discussions, and guided activities to develop personalized self-care strategies tailored to the demanding nature of their work. The goal is to empower counselors to care for themselves as effectively as they care for their clients.
Day 2 - Workshop | Sessions One & Two |
Addressing the National & State Drug Landscape
John Bardunias
Detective Sergeant,
New Jersey State Police
This workshop will explore the most recently available reporting from law enforcement, intelligence, and public health agencies and identify the current trends related to the drug environment and impacted populations. Attendees will receive an overview of the most pressing drug threats facing the nation and New Jersey to address the overdose epidemic, inform counterdrug policies, establish priorities, and allocate resources to drive community-led prevention and intervention strategies.
Jennifer Austin, MA will share the most recently available national reporting from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and NJ State Police Detective Sergeant Bardunias will present the status of the overdose epidemic in New Jersey and share Drug Monitoring Initiative data, the New Jersey State Police collects and analyzes near real-time from many different sources to develop a comprehensive understanding of the drug environment.
Jennifer Austin
Field Intelligence Manager,
Drug Enforcement Agency
Day 2 - Workshop | Sessions One & Two |
Empowering Families: An Introduction to the CRAFT Model
Addiction is widely recognized as a family disease, and for good reason—family members of individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) often experience increased anxiety, depression, and health challenges. Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) is the strongest empirically based program designed for concerned significant others (CSOs). It equips them with skills to help reduce their loved one’s substance use, encourage treatment engagement, and improve their own well-being. This session will introduce participants to the CRAFT protocol, examine key research supporting its role in early intervention and recovery and review a research-backed online approach to making CRAFT more accessible for families and professionals. Attendees will also engage in demonstrations and interactive exercises to understand the practical application of CRAFT.
Jane Macky, MHC-LP
CEO & Founder,
We The Village
Angie Scott, MA
Training and Services Manager,
We The Village
Day 2 - Workshop | Sessions One & Two |
Advocacy and Lobbying: The Rules of the Road
Public policy advocacy and lobbying are an essential part of nonprofit missions, but there are some important rules that 501(c)(3) charities need to follow to engage in this work safely and effectively. We’ll cover why this work matters; the difference between advocacy and lobbying; some important rules you need to know; and other tips, dos and don’ts so that you can use your voice for your organization and the communities you serve. This workshop will share real life examples and actionable tips for advocating in prevention, treatment, and recovery spaces.
Linda Czipo
President & CEO,
New Jersey Center for Nonprofits
Day 2 - Workshop | Sessions One & Two |
Beyond SUD: Understanding Compulsivity Across the Behavioral Addiction Spectrum
Paul Lavella, MA, LPC, LCADC, ICGC-II, CSAT, ACS, CCS
Founder & Director,
NJ Recovery & Wellness
In clinical settings, individuals seeking help for mental health or substance use disorders may also experience co-occurring compulsive behaviors that impact their overall well-being. This advanced-level workshop will explore the evolving presentations of behavioral addictions—specifically gambling disorder, internet gaming disorder, compulsive sexual behavior, and binge eating disorder. Participants will learn to recognize these conditions, utilize psychometric tools for assessment, and better understand how these co-morbid behaviors interact with primary diagnoses to inform more effective treatment strategies.
Day 2 - Workshop | Sessions One & Two |
Rising from the Ashes: The Healing Power of Self-Compassion in Recovery
Roseann Cervelli, MS, LCADC, CCS, CPS
Perinatal Addiction Specialist, Central Jersey Family Health Consortium
Emerging research in neuroscience and Compassion-Focused Therapy shows that practicing mindful self-compassion can profoundly impact physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being—especially for those navigating recovery. Based on the work of Dr. Kristin Neff, this workshop explores how self-kindness, mindfulness, and a sense of shared humanity can counteract harmful patterns like self-criticism, anxiety, and isolation—often at the root of substance use, disordered eating, and other at-risk behaviors. Participants will gain practical strategies for using self-compassion to regulate emotions, manage grief and trauma, and build resilience and recovery capital for lasting healing and personal growth.
Day 2 - Workshop | Sessions One & Two |
Professional Perspectives from 50 States: Devastation, Inspiration, and Innovation in SUD Treatment
Chris Langley
Host & Founder,
Addiction Recovery Place Podcast
Join Chris Langley, host of the Addiction Recovery Place Podcast, for an overview of current devastating trends in substance use (such as xylazine), innovative practices in addiction recovery (such as recovery-friendly workplaces), and inspirational activities (such as Save-a-Life Stations). This workshop session is aimed at shining a light on the current challenges SUD professionals are facing across the country and highlights innovative solutions to inspire action. The workshop will conclude with small group sessions to choose an idea from a list of projects being operated around the country and discuss what would be needed to implement them in New Jersey.
Day 2 - Workshop | Sessions One & Two |
Playing with Risk: Understanding Youth Gambling and Gaming Addiction
Luis Del Orbe, MPA, CSW
Executive Director,
Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
"Playing with Risk: Understanding Youth Gambling and Gaming Addiction" delves into the growing concern of gambling and gaming addiction among youth. As video games increasingly incorporate gambling-like mechanics, young players are at risk of developing harmful behaviors that can lead to addiction. This workshop will explore the connection between gaming and gambling, highlighting popular games that exhibit these features. Participants will learn to recognize the signs of problem gambling in youth, effective prevention techniques, and available resources for support. Join us for an insightful discussion aimed at equipping parents, educators, and health professionals with the knowledge to foster healthier gaming habits and minimize risks associated with youth gambling.
Day 2 - Workshop | Sessions One & Two |
Trauma-Informed Supervision in Substance Use Counseling
Burnout, vicarious trauma, and secondary traumatic stress are common—yet often overlooked—realities for substance use counselors. This workshop introduces Trauma-Informed Supervision (TIS) as a proactive model to support the well-being of supervisees. Participants will explore how integrating Trauma-Informed Practices (TIP), as outlined by Jones & Branco (2020), can reduce counselor turnover, enhance supervisory relationships, and create a more sustainable and supportive work environment. Ideal for clinical supervisors and leadership staff, this session emphasizes the critical role supervision plays in protecting the mental health of those on the front lines of addiction care.
Lisa Gavin, MA, LPC, LCADC, ACS
Clinical Specialist,
Department of Counseling, Montclair State University
Kaitlin Deitz, PhD, LCADC
Professor,
Rutgers University
Day 2 - Workshop | Sessions One & Two |
Navigating Dual Recovery: The Power of Peer Support in Managing Co-Occurring Disorders
Kyra Gil, LAC
Site Supervisor/Early Relational Health Clinician,
Center For Great Expectations
Individuals living with both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition—known as co-occurring disorders—face unique challenges that require integrated, compassionate care. This session explores how peer recovery support plays a critical role in dual recovery by creating a safe space rooted in shared experience, empathy, and empowerment. Participants will learn how peers help reduce stigma, promote connection, and support recovery plans that address both mental health and substance use. Through real-world examples and practical tools, this workshop will highlight how peer-led strategies such as group discussions, goal setting, and resource sharing can lead to lasting, holistic recovery.
Day 2 - Closing Plenary | 3:00PM- 4:00PM |
ContraADDICTION: Understanding, Preventing, and Addressing Youth Addiction
Ray Lozano
Founder & Owner, Prevention Plus
Dive into the fascinating science of addiction and discover actionable strategies to make a difference in the lives of young people. This dynamic and interactive workshop unpacks the physical, mental, and emotional effects of addiction, the allure of risk-taking to youth, and the powerful connection between brain development and substance use. Learn how to identify signs of addiction, effectively communicate with youth, and integrate this knowledge into your programs or personal life. Delivered with humor and energy, this session ensures you leave inspired, informed, and equipped to help youth thrive.