2025 COCA Annual Conference Examines Co-Occurring Disorders

The Council on Chemical Abuse held its 2025 Annual Conference on November 17 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Reading with about 200 professionals in attendance. This year’s theme was Beyond Diagnosis: A Holistic Approach to Co-Occurring Disorders.

Attendees were welcomed by COCA’s Community Programs Specialist Yvonne Stroman as well as PA Senator Judy Schwank and County Commissioners Christian Y. Leinbach and Michael S. Rivera.

Following the welcome, an engaging keynote presentation entitled “The Science of Change: How Brain Plasticity Supports Recovery and Well-Being,” was provided by Kristen Gilliland, Ph.D, who discussed how our brains change and adapt based upon our thought patterns, experiences and lifestyle.

The conference also included a panel presentation on “From Engagement to Retention,” that explored strategies for engaging clients. Panelists included Jorge Acevedo of Pennsylvania Counseling Services, Richard Washington of Berks Counseling Center, Dr. Ramona Roberts of Caron Outpatient Counseling Services, and Marlelle Fromouth, of Reading Hospital Tower Health. It was moderated by Yvonne Stroman.

After the panel discussion, attendees visited breakout rooms for workshops on :

• Promoting Mental Wellness, presented by Richard Washington and Lynn Novakoski of Berks Counseling Center
• The Impact of Marijuana on the Developing Adolescent Brain, presented by Kristen Gilliland, Ph.D
• Social Media, Substance Use, Mental Health and Exploitation, and Emerging Drug Trends, presented by Rikki Barton, MA, CPS, Onward Consulting
• Emerging and Under-the-Radar Drug Trends, presented by Sgt. Todd Harris, Berks County Detectives

During breaks, people were able to visit exhibit tables and learn about the services offered by over 20 different agencies who provided literature and information about their organizations.

Both breakfast and lunch were provided. During lunch, an awards presentation honored people who have made significant contributions to the field of addiction and recovery.

Scroll down for award winners.

Photos

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Photo (l to r): Kathy Strain, Conference Organizer Yvonne Stroman, Jeffrey Reichart, Richard Washington, Robert Patrizio, Boyertown SADD students, and Jami Geist.

Congratulations to all our award winners!

THE ROGER S. HERTZ EDUCATION AWARD: For ongoing commitment to development and/or provision of drug and alcohol programming in a school setting.
SADD Club, Boyertown Area High School
THE JOSEPH “BUD” HAINES COMMUNITY AWARD: For ongoing commitment to preventing drug and alcohol abuse in the community.
Kathy Strain, Partnership to End Addiction
THE FRANCIS “FRAN” DREXLER PUBLIC SAFETY AWARD: For ongoing commitment to providing law enforcement-related services that prevent, combat and intervene on drug and alcohol-related problems.
Jeffrey Reichart, Resource Officer. Governor Mifflin School District
THE BETTY J. MCDONOUGH TREATMENT AWARD: For ongoing commitment to the treatment of addiction.
Richard Washington, Berks Counseling Center
THE ALGOT “AL” ECKSTROM RECOVERY AWARD: For ongoing commitment to the recovery from the disease of addiction.
Jami Geist, Reading Hospital Soft Landing Program

THE GEORGE J. VOGEL, JR. PRESIDENT’S AWARD: For overall ongoing commitment as a volunteer, leader or professional in the treatment, prevention and intervention of substance use disorder.
Robert Patrizio, Jr. CFO, County of Berks

See more photos of award winners