Over a blue sky and puffy white clouds we see the text Positive Change Virtual Conference. Foundations for the Future: Integrative Behavioral Health Solutions. April 2 and 3, 2025. Out of a patch of green grass a navy-blue hand rises with fingers outstretched. Pretty gold leaves grow out of the hand. It looks like a tree.

Positive Change Virtual Conference

Foundations for the Future: Integrative Behavioral Health Solutions

April 2 & 3, 2025 | 8:00am to 12:30pm

Event Partners

LCDAC
Millersville University

April 2025 Event

The Positive Change Virtual Conference is an annual event designed to offer practical tools, as well as inspiration and encouragement, to those working in helping professions where addiction & mental health disorders are present.

This year’s theme was Foundations for the Future: Integrative Behavioral Health Solutions. Speakers built on evidence-based practices in addiction and mental health prevention, treatment, and recovery, while offering holistic interventions which support the whole person. The conference brought together:

  • 312 attendees
  • 13 speakers
  • 12 vendors, and produced:
  • 1,465 message exchanges
  • 7,241 workshop views
  • 2,092 workshop chats

We sincerely thank everyone who attended the April 2 & 3 conference for making it an energizing and worthwhile educational event!

Conference Info

Overview

Speakers & Workshops

Agenda

Cost & CEUs

Planning Committee

Sponsors

Speakers & Workshops

Click on each speaker name to read their bio and workshop description.

Crystal Collier, PhD, LPC-S

Crystal Collier, PhD, LPC-S

Therapist, Prevention Researcher, Educator

Crystal Collier, PhD, LPC-S is a therapist, prevention researcher, and educator who is an expert in adolescent brain development, prevention programming, parent coaching, addiction, family-of-origin work, and training new counselors.

She created a free online, plug-n-play prevention program called KnowYourNeuro.org which teaches the neurodevelopmental effects of risky behavior to students, parents, and staff.

Her published works include her neurodevelopmental prevention book, The NeuroWhereAbouts Guide, for parents and families who want to prevent youth high-risk behavior; a therapy workbook, FOO Mapping, for people who want to change their family-of-origin patterns that no longer serve them; and a children’s book series entitled Know Your Neuro: Adventures of a Growing Brain for kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade.

Keynote – The Neuroscience of High-Risk Behavior: Protecting & Growing Executive Functioning Skills

This keynote by Dr. Crystal Collier teaches educators, counselors, and other helping professionals how factors such as alcohol & drug use, emotional eating, depression & anxiety, and technology overuse affect healthy brain development.

Participants learn how to protect brain development and prevent children and adolescents from engaging in behaviors that may harm their health.

Dr. Collier will address the role of genetics and environmental factors and their implications for prevention and treatment. Prevention, assessment, treatment, family-of-origin, and group tools will be included.

Workshop – Stages of Change & Motivational Interviewing

The two things people hate the most are: 1) Change and 2) The way things are. Skillful communicators accept this fact and work with students and clients to navigate through the stages of change, incrementally increasing motivation while going with resistance.

This breakout workshop will utilize examples of how to teach and talk with students or clients about change.

Grace Kindt, MPH, CPH

Grace Kindt, MPH, CPH

Prevention Section Chief, PA Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

Grace Kindt, MPH, CPH, joined the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) in 2010 as a drug & alcohol program analyst. Since 2014, she has served as the Prevention Section chief, helping to oversee DDAP’s prevention efforts and providing support to Single County Authorities- county offices which provide prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services & funding.

Grace has collaborated with numerous other stakeholders through involvement in groups such as DDAP’s Prevention Workgroup, the PA Network for Student Assistance Services, the PA Youth Survey Advisory Group, the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance, and the National Prevention Network.

Grace has a Master of Public Health degree and is certified in public health. She is passionate about public health and the work being done to prevent substance use and problem gambling across the Commonwealth.

Workshop – What Works in Prevention? Avoiding Ineffective Prevention Strategies

As the science behind the prevention field grows, we’ve learned that not all prevention strategies are effective. Some strategies have been found to be ineffective or have very mixed or limited evidence that make their effectiveness unlikely or unclear.

Join us to explore seven commonly used prevention strategies to avoid. Learn why they should be avoided and effective alternatives. This interactive session with Grace Kindt & Laura Suits-Dolan encourages open conversation and collaborative brainstorming, offering a unique opportunity to share insights and foster a collective understanding of successful prevention strategies.

Kayla “Bird” Kressler, MA, MHP

Kayla “Bird” Kressler, MA, MHP

Founder, The Kindred Way Wellness Collective

Kayla “Bird” Kressler, MA, MPH, is a dedicated clinician, educator, and advocate whose work bridges professional expertise and lived experience to support those in helping professions.

As the founder of The Kindred Way Wellness Collective, Bird provides trauma-informed peer support and resources for first responders, nurses, educators, and crisis personnel.

An awarded academic and clinician, Bird leverages her own journey through addiction recovery and the challenges of navigating mental healthcare systems to inspire systemic change and champion equity for disenfranchised professionals.

Her keynote speeches, workshops, and essays reflect her commitment to fostering resilience, compassion, and community for society’s healers and helpers.

Workshop – The Ripple Effect: Transforming Human Services Through Resilience, Collaboration & Advocacy

In a time when the demands on helping professionals have never been greater, it is critical to reflect on the resilience, collaboration, and advocacy required to sustain and grow the human services workforce.

Drawing on personal narratives and professional experience, this keynote will inspire attendees to embrace innovative strategies for fostering workforce development and strengthening coalitions. With a focus on the lived realities of professional helpers, we will explore how compassion fatigue, burnout, and systemic challenges impact the workforce and the communities they serve.

Participants will leave empowered with insights and actionable strategies for building resilient teams, fostering intentional collaboration, and advocating for the support helping professionals need to thrive.

Harry Levant, LPD, MA, PCC, ICGC-I

Harry Levant, LPD, MA, PCC, ICGC-I

Counselor, ETHOS Treatment LLC and Director of Gambling Policy, Public Health Advocacy Institute

Harry Levant, LPD, MA, PCC, ICGC-I, is the Director of Gambling Policy with the Public Health Advocacy Institute at Northeastern University School of Law.

He is also an Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor (ICGC-I) and mental health therapist in private practice, and directs the gambling treatment program with ETHOS Treatment LLC in Philadelphia.

Harry holds a doctorate in law and public policy from Northeastern University where his research focuses on developing a public health approach to prevent gambling-related harms and gambling disorder.

He has spoken about these topics on CNN and 60 Minutes, and has testified before congress to advocate for regulation of the gambling industry. Find him at harrylevant.com.

Keynote – Gambling Disorder & Mental Health: From Prevention to Treatment & Recovery

Gambling is highly accessible with constant action and rapid play available on every phone, tablet, and computer.

With the use of celebrity influencers, misleading offers, enticing promotions, and powerful sports partnerships, online gambling has become increasingly normalized. This presents additional risk to people struggling with a gambling problem.

Since gambling is an addictive product, prevention of harm must become a public health issue.

This opening keynote will address the high number of people with co-occurring gambling & mental health disorders, and how public health policy can support prevention, treatment and recovery.

Ken Martz, PsyD

Ken Martz, PsyD

President, PA Association of Addictions Professionals

Kenneth J. Martz, PsyD, MBA, is a licensed psychologist who has worked in the treatment and management of addiction (including gambling disorders) for the past 30 years in outpatient, residential, and hospital settings.

He was formerly the Special Assistant to the Secretary for the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, and Policy Director in Substance Use Disorders of the Governor’s Policy Office.

He currently serves as the president of the Pennsylvania Association of Addiction Professionals, an affiliate of NAADAC.

Dr. Martz has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Argosy University. He has authored a dozen publications, and six bestsellers, including the international bestseller Manage My Emotions, translated into multiple languages.

He has offered 100+ local, national, and international presentations in the addiction treatment field.

Workshop – The Power of Plasticity: Paving New Neural Pathways for Recovery

Step beyond traditional counseling techniques and discover how to work with the incredible functions of the brain to unlock your clients’ full potential.

By harnessing the power of neuroplasticity, we can learn to apply change in the same way that the brain learns, creating new neural pathways and enhancing the learning process.

With this innovative approach, you can grow your counseling practice and help your clients achieve even greater success on their journey to recovery.

Experience inspiring talks and clear insights that will challenge your thinking and broaden your skills. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover new ways to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve on the pathway to recovery!

Alexis Matthews, CPT, ENS, PPCES

Alexis Matthews, CPT, ENS, PPCES

Founder, Health & Wellness Specialist at Alexis Paige Made

Alexis Matthews, CPT, ENS, PPCES, is a Certified Personal Trainer, Precision Nutrition Coach, and Functional Medicine Health Coach Candidate who’s spent the last decade helping people reach their health and wellness goals through sustainable lifestyle modification.

While she specializes in body composition optimization, her mission is to empower every person with the skills they need to gain control of their health and maximize their quality of life.

Workshop – Thriving by Design: A Holistic Blueprint for Maximizing Healthspan

This breakout workshop will focus on how your daily habits directly impact your wellbeing by exploring three pillars of health: movement, nutrition, and stress management.

We’ll discover the optimal ways to move and nourish the human body, the significance of the mind-body connection to health outcomes, the common myths that may be hindering your health aspirations, and action steps you can implement today to work towards a better tomorrow.

Leah Mundy-Maher, MSW, LSW

Leah Mundy-Maher, MSW, LSW

Clinical Training Manager, Professional Development Learning Consultant

Mundy-Maher, MSW, LSW, has worked extensively with youth and families across settings, providing crisis intervention, victim support services, and individual and group therapy to children and adolescents in outpatient settings.

She is experienced with collaboration across child-serving systems, including behavioral health, child welfare, juvenile justice, and law enforcement.

Leah’s work always prioritizes evidence-based trauma-informed care for youth and families in all settings. She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and the Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention. Leah is an experienced training and professional education developer, facilitator, and administrator.

She currently oversees clinical training and professional development for foster care and outpatient mental health employees with the National Youth Advocate Program. Leah is a licensed social worker and earned her master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Workshop – Co-Occurring Disorders & the Adolescent Brain, Body & Mind

It is essential for child-serving professionals to understand how closely-related adolescent mental health and substance use are in an effort to best serve kids with co-occurring diagnoses.

Many of these young people are first diagnosed with mental health disorders, which can impact their future development, behaviors, and risk factors.

This workshop will explore common co-occurring disorders, elevated risk concerns for kids with these diagnoses, and an introduction to young people’s unique experiences of their co-occurring disorders in their brains, bodies, and minds.

Samantha Osterlof, MS, CAADC, CRS

Samantha Osterlof, MS, CAADC, CRS

Director of Marketing, ETHOS Treatment LLC

Throughout her career in behavioral healthcare, Samantha Osterlof, MS, CAADC, CRS, has held a range of roles including behavioral health technician, co-facilitator of family programming, counselor assistant, aftercare coordinator, and various business development positions.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Elizabethtown College and her MS from Saint Joseph’s University, majoring in criminal justice with an emphasis in behavior management.

Samantha attributes her expertise not only to her academic achievements, but also to the opportunities she’s had to expand her skill set across different aspects of behavioral healthcare.

Samantha is a Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) and Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CAADC). In addition to her professional work, she has a passion for teaching and has taken on various adjunct teaching positions.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys consignment shopping, binge watching Bravo TV, and being with her family.

Workshop – Unveiling the Unspoken: Navigating the Shadows of Alcohol Use Disorder

This workshop will highlight the ubiquitous nature of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in our society and its impacts across the domains of individuals, families, communities, and treatment concerns. Despite alcohol retaining its position as one of the most-used substances with measurable negative impacts on numerous lives, its significance has diminished in the current landscape of health and treatment priorities.

This lack of attention and treatment focus results in limiting the treatment dollars and attention deemed necessary to assist those who suffer from AUD’s effects. Exploring the reasons for this change in focus are central to the goals of this training.

Additionally, we will identify elements that contribute to the development and risk factors of AUD and patterns that contribute to the complexity of its treatment.

We will also examine and discuss the evidence-based intervention techniques that assist in recovery for the individual and family seeking support and intervention and how re-prioritizing alcoholism should be central to the mission of treatment.

David Reyher, MSW, CAADC

David Reyher, MSW, CAADC

Addictions & Mental Health Treatment Program Director, Alvernia University

David Reyher, MSW, CAADC, is a full-time faculty member at Alvernia University and serves as the Director of Alvernia’s Addictions & Mental Health Treatment Program. He has taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses in social work, psychology, sociology and behavioral health for nearly 20 years.

Mr. Reyher continues to serve as a part-time consultant and trainer in the behavioral health field, specializing in addictions and co-occurring disorders. His clinical background of 25+ years includes counseling positions in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings.

Mr. Reyher was also the executive director of a non-profit organization providing transitional housing, case management and recovery support services for homeless, chemically dependent and dually-diagnosed individuals.

He has served on numerous boards, committees and task forces supporting behavioral health treatment and recovery.

Mr. Reyher holds a Master of Social Work degree from Marywood University and is a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

Workshop- Group Facilitation: Process, Content and Context

This breakout workshop will explore the universal aspects of group facilitation, including group dynamics, beneficial factors of groups, and stages of group development.

These areas will be discussed in terms of three important elements which take place and work together in every group session: content, process and context.

Amy Sagen, DSW, LSW, MSG, CPS

Amy Sagen, DSW, LSW, MSG, CPS

MyOMHSAS Program Manager

Amy Sagen, DSW, LSW, MSG, CPS, is a licensed social worker, gerontologist, and Certified Peer Specialist. She uses both her professional and personal experience to educate professionals on a variety of mental-health-related topics.

Dr. Sagen worked for the Alzheimer’s Association of Los Angeles, hospice, long term care, a social work association, and as an adjunct professor with many colleges and universities within Pennsylvania.

Her passion is to disseminate information, often via educational programs, providing professionals and Commonwealth citizens with insights into mental health issues.

Workshop – Integration of Peers into a Client’s Recovery Journey

Certified Peer Specialists are foundational in mental health interventions. Peers are persons with lived experience of a mental health issue—in recovery, and willing to share their experience.

For centuries, Peers were an integral part of walking along side of persons dealing with personal issues, albeit usually a family member, a neighbor, or a person within their community.

Peers are an invaluable resource for both practitioners and clients. Attendees of this workshop by Amy Sagen & Shyanne Trapani will be able to:

  • Recount a brief history of mental health Peers
  • Describe three benefits of Peer Support Services in crisis care within SAMSHA’s Crisis Roadmap
  • Differentiate professional vs. peer roles in a persons’ recovery journey

Marilyn Stein, MEd, CAAP-CJ

Marilyn Stein, MEd, CAAP-CJ

Owner, MGS Consulting

Marilyn Stein, MEd, CAAP-CJ, founded MGS Consulting, a training and consulting organization, upon retiring as a parole officer in 2002. Her singular goal: to bring evidence-based behavioral health advances to courtrooms, counseling spaces, prisons, and individuals struggling to figure out how to live their best lives.

While she specializes in the tangled relationship between trauma and addiction, Marilyn has spoken, trained, and developed curriculum on topics spanning motivational interviewing, cultural competence and professional ethics. Her training content is complemented by her engaging delivery, which has gained her a following that includes court systems, judges, probation officers, treatment professionals, recovery programs, private corporations, and individuals in recovery.

All appreciate her ability to reach people – and respect them while doing it.

Workshop – Boundaries Make Good Fences

When boundary issues arise, workshop speaker Marilyn Stein hears a song in her head: “Why can’t we be friends. . . why can’t we be friends” . . . (sing along)

Marilyn believes that sometimes the professional tries to do too much to prove their own worth. This can result in iatrogenic harm to the client—harm done unintentionally by the healer, to the very person they’re trying to help.

Unintended harm starts small: lending a dollar or a smoke; giving a ride. It seems harmless and it feels good to offer this small gesture. Unfortunately, it isn’t harmless.

This breakout workshop promotes developing and holding firm boundaries in all of the helping professions, and will:

  • Define both personal and professional boundaries
  • Offer reasons for the need for consistent boundaries
  • Reinforce the understanding that boundary violations harm the professional, the profession and the client
  • Introduce the priority of self care

Laura Suits-Dolan, DHSc, MPH

Laura Suits-Dolan, DHSc, MPH

Prevention Analyst, PA Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs

Laura Suits-Dolan, DHSc, MPH, is a prevention analyst with the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, demonstrating expertise in prevention and intervention.

She holds a doctorate in health sciences from East Stroudsburg University, and is renowned for her diligent research endeavors, particularly in the realm of COVID-19 vaccination and protective behaviors among university students.

With a strong foundation in collegiate prevention and wellness initiatives, Dr. Suits-Dolan brings a multifaceted perspective to her work, consistently driving advancements in public health strategies when it comes to addressing substance use prevention in various communities.

Workshop – What Works in Prevention? Avoiding Ineffective Prevention Strategies

As the science behind the prevention field grows, we’ve learned that not all prevention strategies are effective.

Some strategies have been found to be ineffective or have very mixed or limited evidence that make their effectiveness unlikely or unclear.

Join Laura Suits-Dolan & Grace Kindt to explore seven commonly-used prevention strategies to avoid. Learn why they should be avoided and effective alternatives.

This interactive session encourages open conversation and collaborative brainstorming, offering a unique opportunity to share insights and foster a collective understanding of successful prevention strategies.

Shyanne Trapani, BA, CPS

Shyanne Trapani, BA, CPS

Certified Peer Specialist, WellSpan Health

Shyanne Trapani, BA, CPS, attained her bachelor’s from Millersville University. Her experience at WellSpan Health as a Certified Peer Specialist has equipped her with the skills to provide empathetic support and guidance to individuals navigating mental health challenges.

Shyanne has successfully assisted patients in developing coping mechanisms, setting goals, and building essential life skills.

Workshop – Integration of Peers into a Client’s Recovery Journey

Certified Peer Specialists are foundational in mental health interventions. Peers are persons with lived experience of a mental health issue—in recovery, and willing to share their experience.

For centuries, Peers were an integral part of walking along side of persons dealing with personal issues, albeit usually a family member, a neighbor, or a person within their community.

Peers are an invaluable resource for both practitioners and clients. Attendees of this workshop by Shyanne Trapani & Amy Sagen will be able to:

  • Recount a brief history of mental health Peers
  • Describe three benefits of Peer Support Services in crisis care within SAMSHA’s Crisis Roadmap
  • Differentiate professional vs. peer roles in a persons’ recovery journey

Agenda

Click on each date tab below to see the schedules for April 2 & 3.

8:00 am –
8:15 am		Welcome Video
8:15 am –
8:30 am		Opening Remarks
8:30 am –
9:30 am
OPENING KEYNOTE
The Neuroscience of High-Risk Behavior: Protecting & Growing Executive Functioning Skills by Crystal Collier, PhD, LPC-S
9:30 am –
10:00 am		Break- Networking & Vendor Booths
10:00 am –
11:00 am		WORKSHOP 1
Stages of Change & Motivational Interviewing for Everyone by Crystal Collier, PhD, LPC-S

Group Facilitation: Process, Content and Context by David Reyher, MSW, CAADC
11:00 am –
11:15 am		Break & Networking
11:15 am –
12:15 pm		WORKSHOP 2
What Works in Prevention? Avoiding Inneffective Prevention Strategies by Laura Suits-Dolan, DHSc, MPH & Grace Kindt, MPH, CPH

Integration of Peers into a Client’s Recovery Journey by Amy Sagen, DSW, LSW, MSG, CPS and Shyanne Trapani

Thriving by Design: A Holistic Blueprint for Maximizing Healthspan by Alexis Matthews, NCSF CPT, PN1 ENS, FFB PPCES, FMHC (candidate)
12:15 pm –
12:30 pm		Closing Remarks & Evaluations
8:00 am –
8:15 am		Welcome Video
8:15 am –
8:30 am		Opening Remarks
8:30 am –
9:30 am
OPENING KEYNOTE
Gambling Disorder & Mental Health: From Prevention to Treatment & Recovery by Harry Levant, LPD, MA PCC, ICGC-I
9:30 am –
10:00 am		Break- Networking & Vendor Booths
10:00 am –
11:00 am		WORKSHOP 1
Co-Occurring Disorders & the Adolescent Brain, Body & Mind by Leah Mundy-Maher, MSW, LSW 

Unveiling the Unspoken: Navigating the Shadows of Alcohol Use Disorder by Samantha Osterlof, MS, CAADC, CRS
11:00 am –
11:15 am		Break & Networking
11:15 am –
12:15 pm		WORKSHOP 2
Boundaries Make Good Fences by Marilyn Stein, MEd, CAADP-CJ

The Power of Plasticity: Paving New Neural Pathways for Recovery by Ken Martz, PsyD

The Ripple Effect: Transforming Human Services Through Resilience, Collaboration & Advocacy by Kayla “Bird” Kressler
12:15 pm –
12:30 pm		Closing Remarks & Evaluations

Cost & CEUs

This year’s event was three hours per day over two days, for a total of six (6) possible credit hours. Credits* offered:

  • Act 48 for Educators
  • Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists, and Licensed Professional Counselors (LSW, LCSW, LMFT, LPC)

Certificates of attendance will be emailed to everyone who completed an evaluation form in coming weeks.

*The PA Certification Board (PCB) no longer pre-approves education for addiction professionals.

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2025 Planning Committee

Samhar Almomani, George Washington University; Sharon Czabafy, WellSpan Health; Michael Hess, Silvermist Recovery; Eric Kennel, Compass Mark; Heather Lehman, Millersville University; Deb McCoy, Compass Mark; Teri Miller-Landon, Compass Mark; Eric Rodriguez, Caron Treatment Centers; Alexander Rohrer, Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster; Amy Sechrist, Compass Mark; Lisa Starr, Lancaster County Drug & Alcohol Commission; Tim Steffen, Compass Mark; Staci Strauss, Compass Mark; Shyanne Trapani, WellSpan Health; Nick Ulmer, St. Joseph Institute; Christine Weidner, Compass Mark; Jessica Weiss-Ford, Millersville University

Be in touch to serve on the 2026 conference planning committee!e y

Event Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsor

PerformCare logo

Bronze Sponsors

Logo for the GateHouse
Logo for Mental Health America of Lancaster County

Friends of Positive Change

Blueprints for Addiction Recovery