2025 Conference
Thank you to our sponsors!
Platinum Sponsors
Steel Sponsors
Iron Sponsors
Ore Sponsors
- Anwari Counseling Services LLC
- Clubhouse of Lehigh County
- Ethos Clinic
- Foundations Behavioral Health
- Fuel the Fire
- Haven Behavioral Health
- Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems
- KidsPeace
- Merakey
- NAMI of the Lehigh Valley
- New Leaf Supports
- Pyramid Healthcare
- The Calm Space LLC
- Tower Behavioral Health
Workshop Presentations
Healthy Aging Starts Today
Plenary Session, Magellan Behavioral Health
This plenary session will bring together a diverse group of panelists to explore healthy aging across the adult lifespan. Panelists will share practical strategies, success stories, and local resources to support wellness at every stage of adulthood from early planning and midlife health to thriving in later years. Topics will include wellness activities, intentional life planning, building a strong support system, and behavioral health practices to enhance quality of life.
Peer Support is My Superpower: Utilizing the Power of Peer Support to Bridge Gaps in the Mental Health System
Nicholas Emeigh of NAMI Bucks County PA
*Sponsored by Northampton County Mental Health*
This presentation explores the transformative role of peer support in strengthening the mental health system. Participants will learn how lived experience can bridge gaps in care, foster trust, and empower both individuals and communities.
The Intersection of Addiction and Grief
William M. (Bill) Arnold, MARS
Guide participants through a point and counterpoint presentation of how addiction and grief though born of different origins lead us through similarly difficult terrain.
Dual Diagnosis: Navigating the Intersection of Addiction and Mental Health
Brooke Mendelson, St. Luke’s University Hospital
This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of dual diagnosis, highlighting the complex interplay between addiction and mental health disorders. It emphasizes the importance of integrated, multidisciplinary approaches supported by evidence based practices to improve patient outcomes. Practical strategies, emerging research, and clinical guidelines are explored to equip healthcare professionals and community members with tools for effective management of co occurring conditions.
Family Matters: From Lived Experience to a More Family Inclusive Adult Behavioral Health System
Steven Burkitt, Horizon House
Family inclusion in the behavioral health system is associated with improved outcomes for people living with mental illness. However, family inclusion has not always been standard practice for provider organizations. This workshop will address the benefits of family inclusion for adults in recovery, family members and service providers. It will summarize core topics for recovery oriented family inclusion training for providers in order to support a culture of family inclusive practices in our services and organizations.
Acute Mental Health Partial Hospitalization Programs: Role in the Continuum of Care
Zeeshan Javid, Lehigh Valley Health Network
The Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) at LVHN Jefferson are a highly effective resource for those struggling with a variety of mental health concerns. This presentation will review what a PHP is and how it differs from traditional outpatient therapy, when it may be time to consider a referral to a PHP, and what clients can expect during their course of treatment.
The Power of Employment on Recovery
Chris Stout, Goodwill Keystone Area
*Sponsored by Lehigh County Mental Health*
LUNCH AND LEARN - The Power of Employment on Recovery explores how meaningful work serves as a cornerstone of healing and personal growth for individuals living with mental illness. Employment not only provides financial stability but also fosters purpose, self worth, and social connection critical elements in the recovery journey. This presentation highlights real world examples and evidence based practices that demonstrate how access to work opportunities empowers individuals to rebuild their lives, strengthens community inclusion, and creates pathways toward long term wellness and independence
What We Say, What They Hear: Suicide Risk, Relational Attunement, and Clinical Judgment
Laura Foster and Ezri Lutz, New Vitae
Suicide risk and assessment are examined through a trauma informed, identity conscious lens, preparing participants to approach this work with both compassion and clinical precision. The session highlights key risk factors and warning signs, then brings the material to life with a live role play simulating a real world mobile crisis encounter. Through guided reflection and interactive dialogue, participants will strengthen their capacity for attunement, cultural responsiveness, and human centered decision making in clinical practice.
A Journey to Wellness: Stories, Skills & Strategies
Alyssa Durnien and Aimee Santee, Step by Step
We've all heard talk about Wellness. We may have been to a presentation on Wellness
or been given wellness tools at a counseling session. But what happens after the
presentation? In this interactive session, we'll be guided by those with lived experience
with mental health challenges and find out what wellness can look like in the "real
world." We will have an opportunity to hear real life stories and practical tips to live our
best life facilitated by Alyssa Durnien and Aimee Santee from Step by Step.