2026
Presenters
Ali Webb, C-IAYT, 500 E-RYT, YACEP
Certified Yoga Therapist
Ali Webb is a certified yoga therapist, trauma-informed yoga teacher and Yoga Alliance continued education provider whose work sits at the intersection of somatic healing, nervous system science, and addiction recovery. Specializing in body-focused approaches for trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress, Ali supports clients in recovery by helping them reconnect with and feel safe in their bodies, often for the first time. Drawing on a nervous system-focused framework, Ali uses breathwork, mindful somatic movement, and interoceptive awareness practices to help clients down-regulate threat responses, rebuild embodied safety, and develop the self-regulation skills essential to sustained recovery. Her work is grounded in neuroscience and trauma-informed principles, recognizing that addiction is deeply rooted in the body’s survival adaptations and that lasting healing must address the nervous system directly. Ali’s programs integrate accessible, evidence-based tools designed for real-world application, empowering individuals in recovery to build resilience, cultivate self-compassion, and move from a state of survival into one of safety, groundedness, and lasting change.
Session
S08 – Somatic Yoga Therapy: Nervous System Regulation for Addiction Recovery (.5 Ethics included)
Andrew Waller MD, FASAM
Addiction Medicine Specialist
I am a full time addiction medicine specialist with board certification in both Addiction and Internal Medicine. I work in the Appalachian mountain area of Abingdon, Virginia. I have been working in the field part time then full time since 2014, and have been practicing Internal Medicine since 1989. I was previously the medical director for ReVIDA Recovery Centers in Virginia, now I am part of Crossroads Treatment Centers, which now have 14 offices in Virginia serving our addicted community. Most of our patients have opioid use disorders, though we also treat other addictive illnesses as well. Our practice includes an emphasis on counseling and care coordination as well as medical treatment, with a strong harm reduction orientation.c
Session
S12 – KEYNOTE: Medical Treatment of Addiction and Update on Emerging Drugs (.5 Ethics included)
Caitlin O’Connell, Supervisee in Social Work
Therapist II
Caitlin O’Connell is a supervisee in social work for Prince William County Community Services working with the Comprehensive Outpatient Recovery Program (CORP). She graduated from University of Louisville with her MSSW in 2023. Caitlin fell into focusing on substance use and the impacts on the individual, their natural supports, and their communities through her practicum placement in a long-term residential program for co-occurring disorders. She later moved to outpatient substance use treatment where her current interest is working with teams developing a full DBT program for Community Services in Prince William County. Being a proud mother of 3 boys, at least one of which has a formal ADHD diagnosis, she is consistently working to improve her knowledge about ADHD and impacts on processing and understanding in daily living.
Session
S05 – ADHD in Substance Use Treatment: Practical Skills for Clinicians (.5 Ethics included)
Carmen Greiner, LPC, LSATP
Director, Lighthouse Counseling
Carmen Greiner is a Master’s prepared therapist who is licensed in the state of Virginia as both a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner. She is also certified as a Master Addiction Counselor by the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC). Ms. Greiner has over 30 years of experience. She first worked in community mental health for 15 years before opening her own private practice in 2008. Her specialties include Co-occurring Disorders, working with those in the 2SLGBTQIA+ population and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Her teaching experience includes providing training on a wide variety of topics in those areas as well as ethics, substance pharmacology, harm reduction and motivational interviewing.
Session
S02 – KEYNOTE: Ethical considerations in the use of Artificial Intelligence in Psychotherapy
Erin Berthold, PhD in Pharmaceutics
Founder of Planted in Science Consulting LLC, FL
Erin Berthold earned her PhD in Pharmaceutics from the University of Florida in 2022, where her research examined interactions between mitragynine and cannabidiol as alternatives for individuals with substance use disorders. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in History from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Erin brings years of experience manufacturing, quality control, engineering, and quality assurance in industries, including pharmaceuticals and medical devices. She previously served as Research and Development Director, building a quality control laboratory and leading scientific teams. Erin is passionate about advancing natural products through innovation, science, and regulatory expertise.
Session
S09 – Kratom education (.5 Ethics included)
Hannah Hayden, LCSW
Founder/Clinical Director of Sapphire Counseling
I’m Hannah, the owner and founder of Sapphire Counseling and I absolutely love being a therapist. I have enjoyed being able to grow a practice of counselors that can authentically support our community. Since 2016, I’ve worked with diverse individuals in a variety of settings, and I opened this practice to offer authentic and “no-fluff” therapy. We get into the real, gritty parts of life here and do the hard work, together. I primarily use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), teaching practical strategies clients can apply in real life. While these approaches ground my work, I ultimately use a person-centered, integrative lens to make sure each client feels seen and supported. I’m passionate about helping clients reach their full potential, and learn to set and maintain healthy boundaries.
Session
S04 – Dismantling Depressive Core Beliefs: A Parts-Informed CBT Framework (.5 Ethics included)
John Shinholser
Advocacy Director, American Veterans for Kratom Safe
John Shinholser is the former President and current Board Member Emeritus of the McShin Foundation, Virginia’s largest recovery community organization, co-founded in 2004 with Carol McDaid. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former business owner, he has led statewide and national recovery efforts, including roles with SAARA and the Peer Recovery Center of Excellence. He has received major honors such as the America Honors Recovery Award and Virginia’s OSAS Award. Under his leadership, McShin earned national recognition. A frequent speaker and co-author of the McShin Recovery Coach manual, John retired in 2023 and now serves as Director of American Veterans for Kratom Safe.
Session
S09 – Kratom education (.5 Ethics included)
Kayla Smith, LCSW, PhD
Founder and CEO of Helen’s Project
Kayla Smith, PhD, LCSW-S, is a distinguished mental health leader, author, and national speaker dedicated to transforming access and equity in behavioral health. She is the founder and CEO of Helen’s Project, a multi-state nonprofit organization that delivers innovative, community-based services to underserved populations. Dr. Smith earned her doctorate in social work, authored two books, and is frequently invited to speak on the intersections of mental health, leadership, and social innovation. Her impact has been recognized through the United Way Social Innovation Incubator award and her acceptance into the United Way Social Innovation Accelerator, where she continues to expand her vision for sustainable, scalable change. With persistence, compassion, and a detail-oriented approach, Dr. Smith brings both expertise and heart to every space she enters, shaping policy, practice, and community initiatives that uplift voices and advance adolescent health.
Session
S15 – Access-Informed Addiction Care for Marginalized Communities (.5 Ethics included)
Kirk James, Resident in Counseling
Clinical therapist – Resident in Counseling
Kirk James, a native of Mount Vernon, NY, holds a bachelor’s degree in Family Consumer & Early Literacy from Grambling State University and a master’s in School and Mental Health Counseling from Mercy University. He is currently a Psychotherapist Resident in Virginia and has passed the NCMHCE. Kirk is passionate about supporting marginalized communities, including Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ clients, with a focus on the unique challenges faced by Black men. Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), he equips clients with practical skills to manage emotions, improve relationships, and build resilience while fostering healing, self-compassion, and lasting personal growth.
Session
S06 – Beyond Burnout: Navigating Stress As Dual Perspective on Clinicians and Patients in Substance Abuse Counseling (.5 Ethics included)
Lisa Duez, LCSW, EMDR Approved Consultant
Founder and Clinical Director of Turning Point Counseling & Consulting
Lisa Duez, LCSW, EMDR Approved Consultant, is a licensed clinical social worker, speaker, and consultant with over 20 years of experience in trauma recovery, mental health treatment, and clinical leadership. She is the founder and clinical director of Turning Point Counseling & Consulting, a trauma-informed practice in Virginia’s Hampton Roads region. Lisa specializes in trauma, complex stress, and co-occurring conditions, providing EMDR therapy, consultation, and supervision nationwide. A sought-after trainer, she presents on trauma-informed care, clinician resilience, and ethical leadership. She is also the author of Lead Without Losing Yourself (2026), focused on sustainable, trauma-informed leadership.
Session
S07 – KEYNOTE: When Trauma Drives Addiction: Trauma-Informed Strategies to Improve Engagement and Recovery
Paul Hardy
Dr. Paul Hardy
Dr. Hardy is a dynamic leader in substance use counseling, trauma recovery, and relapse prevention. An educator and sought-after keynote speaker, he earned his Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University and trained at Recovery for Life Treatment Center. He is dedicated to supporting individuals facing compulsive behaviors and trauma. Dr. Hardy teaches anger management and collaborates with organizations such as Ecare and Virginia Beach Psychiatric Hospital. He developed the PLACE method for trauma recovery, featured in Redeeming the Tears, and co-authored Stop the Madness. He has also written several practical books addressing mental health, relationships, addiction, anger, and grief.
Session
S03 – Milestones-Based Recovery: Shifting from “Addict” Mentalities to “Success-based” Recovery (.5 Ethics included)
Rachel Gilbert, LPC, PhD
Senior Clinician
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and LPC-Supervisor specializing in the treatment of substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. I currently work in community behavioral health, where I provide clinical services and supervise counselors working with adults experiencing complex substance use and mental health needs. I am also a doctoral candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of the Cumberlands, where my research explores the lived experiences of adults with co-occurring substance use disorders and ADHD. My professional interests include harm reduction, integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders, and strengthening clinical practice through supervision and evidence-based care.
Session
S05 – ADHD in Substance Use Treatment: Practical Skills for Clinicians (.5 Ethics included)
Saulo Ortiz, LCSW
Founder of Life Change Institute
Saulo Ortiz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with troubled youth and adults. As a bilingual therapist able to provide services in both Spanish and English, Mr. Ortiz utilizes a broad array of approaches to treat the whole person, and not just the problem. He has an extensive history in substance use and mental health care and advocacy, and has proven to be effective in working with resistant teens and adults. Mr. Ortiz guarantees to connect by using his experiences and a variety of methods to bring attention to the core issues while keeping you engaged. As a dynamic and passionate public speaker and activist, Mr. Ortiz is able to treat and speak on topics from a variety of areas. Mr. Ortiz is the founder of Life Change Institute, where he is committed to “Transforming Lives To What They Were Meant To Be”.
Session
S10 – B.E.D.S. Protocol©: Real Life Tools For Real Life Treatment (.5 Ethics included)
Dr. Sdhari King, DSW, LCSW, NPT-C
Adjunct Instructor and Field Liaison at Virginia Commonwealth University
Dr. Sdhari A. King, DSW, LCSW, NPT-C is a licensed clinical social worker, educator, and behavioral health leader with more than twenty years of experience in community mental health, substance use treatment, managed care, telehealth, and justice-involved systems. She has extensive expertise in trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care, clinical supervision, and program development. Dr. King has held senior leadership roles overseeing multidisciplinary teams, intensive outpatient services, case management, peer support programs, and jail-based behavioral health services, with an emphasis on quality outcomes and ethical, system-level improvement. She currently serves as an Adjunct Instructor and Field Liaison at Virginia Commonwealth University, supporting BSW and MSW students in applied learning. Her work emphasizes constructivist learning, andragogy, and preparing future social workers for culturally responsive, evidence-based practice.
Session
S14 – TRANSFORMING SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT THROUGH TRAUMA INFORMED SERVANT LEADERSHIP (.5 Ethics included)
Stephanie Davis, LCADC, LPC
Trauma Therapist
Stephanie Davis, LCADC, LPC, is an addiction and mental health clinician specializing in substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Her work focuses on trauma-informed care, prevention strategies, and strengthening clinician resilience within behavioral health systems. She is particularly interested in addressing compassion fatigue among addiction professionals and promoting sustainable clinical practices that support recovery-oriented systems of care.
Session
S11 – Strengthening the Addiction Workforce: Preventing Compassion Fatigue Through Clinical Skills, Prevention, and Ethical Practice (.5 Ethics included)
Thomas A. Jackson, R-CPRS-T, COAPS-T, QMHP
Co-Lead Organizer, Masters Candidate
Tom is a dynamic educator and presenter recently retired from peer recovery programs at Western State Hospital to pursue an MA in Counseling at Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School and serve as Co-Lead Organizer with the Virginia Recovery Advocacy Project, advocating for integrated, silo-free recovery systems. He was elected 2026 Co-chair of the Virginia Recovery Professionals and Community Partners Roundtable and is a founding member of the DBHDS Peer Ethics Committee, a certified Peer Specialist and Peer Ethics Instructor whose advocacy spans civil rights, anti-war, HIV/AIDS, and LGBTQIA+ movements, and who promotes recovery-oriented systems of care and peer-led transformation efforts.
Session
S16 – Peer Ethics and Supervision. Can’t We All Just Get Along? (.5 Ethics included)
Tiffinee Yancey, Ph.D., LPC, ACS, HS-BCP, BC-TMH
CEO, Virtual Peace of Mind
Dr. Tiffinee Yancey is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, and Board Certified Telemental Health Provider with more than 30 years of experience in the mental health field. She is the founder and CEO of Virtual Peace of Mind, a multi-state tele-mental health organization providing counseling services and school-based mental health programs. Dr. Yancey holds a Ph.D. in Counseling, Education, and Supervision and is passionate about expanding access to care, developing the behavioral health workforce, and creating innovative systems that connect communities with mental health support. Her work focuses on clinical leadership, telehealth delivery models, and building sustainable pathways for future mental health professionals.
Session
S13 – Expanding Access: Telehealth and Workforce Solutions for Behavioral Health (.5 Ethics included)
Sharon Craddock, MSN, ACNP, PMHNP
