Dr. Joanne Cacciatore is a Professor of Social Work at Arizona State University and the Director of the Graduate Certificate in Trauma and Bereavement. She is renowned for her compassionate expertise in grief counseling. Her presentation focuses on redefining how we approach and support individuals experiencing profound loss.

With decades of experience working with bereaved families, Dr. Cacciatore challenges common misconceptions about grief and emphasizes the importance of presence over platitudes. She shares practical tools for offering authentic, nonjudgmental support that fosters healing without forcing premature closure. Her approach highlights the lasting impact of unprocessed grief on emotional and mental health, substance use, and overall wellbeing.

Attendees can expect to gain a deeper understanding of how grief manifests differently in each individual, as well as how trauma-informed care can be implemented in community and clinical settings. Through personal stories and clinical insight, she illustrates the powerful ripple effects of compassionately walking alongside those in mourning. Her work invites medical professionals, educators, and support workers to expand their emotional literacy around loss. Dr. Cacciatore's session aims to empower attendees to better serve grieving individuals with empathy and dignity.

Dr. Steven Karp presents on the crucial topic of psychiatric treatment of addictions including trauma assessment, therapy and proper use of medication as well as their improper use. Many people with addictions are misidentified with mental illness and common conditions will be discussed.

Accurate assessments are difficult due to substances confusing the clinical picture. Many substances can mimic various diagnoses and accurate diagnoses of a mental condition is critical for good outcomes with both therapy and medication. A conservative approach is necessary to not misdiagnose an addiction for a mental illness. Also, several drugs can cause permanent brain damage that can also be misdiagnosed as a primary mental illness.

As an example, the most over-diagnosed mental disorder that is wrongly diagnosed is bipolar disorder because stimulants can mimic mania and sedating substances can look like depression. If patients are using both it takes time to tease this out as an example of the complexity of coming to an accurate diagnosis. Diagnosis must be correct for treatment to be effective.

Stigma remains in mental illness and addiction. These are brain diseases and the discussion will address the need to move away from the idea they are caused by weak individuals or bad behavior to brain-driven disorders that lead to dysfunctional behaviors. The discussion will also include newer medications that can be used to support recovery but have their limitations (Medication Assisted Treatment). This will be an interactive session so bring your questions!

Shawna Bowen, MA, offers a heartfelt and hopeful perspective for families and loved ones affected by addiction. Her talk focuses on how to maintain boundaries, compassion, and personal wellbeing while supporting someone in active addiction or recovery.

Drawing from both professional training and lived experience, Shawna shares insights into the emotional toll addiction takes on families—often referred to as "secondhand trauma." She emphasizes the importance of shifting from codependency toward empowered support. Participants will learn practical communication strategies, self-care tools, and mindset shifts to avoid burnout and enable genuine connection.

Shawna reminds the audience that healing is a parallel process for both the person struggling and their support system. Her presentation inspires resilience, breaks down shame, and reinforces that recovery is possible not just for the addict, but for the entire family unit. She also highlights community resources and support networks that can provide ongoing help. Shawna's message is one of unconditional love balanced with accountability and self-respect.

James Tobin, MPA, delivers a powerful and practical session on "Building Resiliency: The 5 Keys"—an Evidence Based Training developed at University of Arizona by Dr. Michael Marx. With a background in public administration and years of experience in behavioral health programming, Tobin breaks down what it takes to bounce back from adversity—whether it's trauma, addiction, mental illness, or life's everyday stressors.

The "5 Keys" model offers a structured, relatable roadmap for cultivating inner strength and long-term recovery. Attendees will explore concepts like self-awareness, purpose, support systems, emotional regulation, and accountability. Tobin incorporates real-world stories and interactive elements to keep the session engaging and grounded in lived reality.

He encourages attendees to reflect on their own resilience and recognize how community, mindset, and personal choices can shift outcomes. The presentation is suitable for both professionals and those in recovery, as it bridges theory with action. His message resonates with anyone striving to overcome challenges and support others in doing the same. James Tobin's session leaves attendees not only inspired but equipped with clear, actionable tools to build resilience in their personal and professional lives.