Conference Schedule

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2026 PEER CONFERENCE AGENDA

April 1 – April 3, 2026

Wednesday – April 1, 2026

8:00 – 8:45 AM

Registration

 

8:45 – 9:00 AM

Welcome

9:15 – 10:15 AM
Plenary: Trauma and SUD – Dr. Sonja Williams, 
  • Understand the neurobiological intersection of Trauma and SUD
  • Understand screening for trauma
  • Understand trauma-informed care
  • Understand treatment options

10:15 – 10:30 AM

Break

Breakout Groups

10:30 – 11:30 AM
WAM 1 – A Spiritual Awakening – Helene Loper

This workshop introduces spirituality topics for SUD treatment based on 12-step principles (non-religious).

  • Understanding faith development
  • Discuss spirituality without religion
  • Creativity in treatment contexts
10:30 – 11:30 AM
WAM 2 – Criminal Justice – Carla Bugg
  • Justice-involved peer support
  • Updated language
  • Stigma reduction
  • Re-entry challenges
  • Lived experience benefits
10:30 – 11:30 AM
WAM 3 – Teens Suffering in Silence – Sharon Jackson
  • Teen drug use realities
  • Sources of help
  • Suicide & overdose statistics
10:30 – 11:30 AM
WAM 4 – Emotional Intelligence in Recovery – Jerrod Smith
  • Define emotional intelligence
  • Emotion management tools
  • Burnout prevention strategies
11:30 AM – 1:00 PMLunch
  • Club Sandwich
  • Turkey Sandwich
  • Roast Beef
  • Vegetarian
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Plenary: Suicide Prevention – Isaac Pena
  • Recognize suicide risk
  • Question, Persuade, Refer
  • Access referral resources
  • Offer hope and save lives

2:00 – 2:15 PM

Break

Breakout Groups

2:15 – 3:15 PM
WAF 1 – Public Health Perspective on SUD – Melissa Beck
  • Public health approach
  • Evidence-based strategies
  • Reduce stigma & improve access
2:15 – 3:15 PM
WAF 2 – Everyday Advocacy – Jennifer Moreno
  • Support rights & dignity
  • Amplify peer voices
  • Ethical advocacy
2:15 – 3:15 PM
WAF 3 – Strategic Planning for Recovery Events – Elana Merriweather
2:15 – 3:15 PM
WAF 4 – Pathways & Peer Support – Amanda Rose

3:15 – 3:30 PM

Break

Breakout Groups

3:30 – 4:30 PM
WPM 1 – Couples in Recovery – Charles Dent
3:30 – 4:30 PM
WPM 2 – CRSS & Court Diversion – Deborah Currington
3:30 – 4:30 PM
WPM 3 – HEO Mindfulness for CRSS – John Vereen
3:30 – 4:30 PM
WPM 4 – Reach Them Young – Catrina Stephens

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Multiple Support Groups

No Registration Needed

Thursday – April 2, 2026

8:00 – 8:45 AM

Registration

8:45 – 9:00 AM

Meet Your Advocate

9:15 – 10:15 AM
CRSS Code of Ethics – Lisa Teggart & Amanda Gray

10:15 – 10:30 AM

Break

Breakout Groups

10:30 – 11:30 AM
THAM 1 – Best Practices for Recovery Housing – Curt Lindsley
10:30 – 11:30 AM
THAM 2 – We Are Sober… What Now?
10:30 – 11:30 AM
THAM 3 – Treatment Within the Justice System – Rebecca Bensema
10:30 – 11:30 AM
THAM 4 – Understanding Domestic Violence – Vicki Seavy
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Lunch 
  • Barbecue Pork
  • Barbecue Chicken
  • Vegetarian
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Leveraging Media to Advance Your Mission

2:00 – 2:15 PM

Break

3:30 – 4:30 PM
Making Multiple Pathways of Recovery a Reality in Alabama

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Awards Dinner

Must Register to Attend

Friday – April 3, 2026

8:00 – 9:00 AM

Registration

9:00 – 10:00 AM
Self-Care – Tajuan McCarty
10:15 – 11:15 AM
Trauma-Informed Care – Mark Litvine
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Energizing Change – Jesse Mogle

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