Registration: Annual Conference

The Science of Change: How Brain Plasticity Supports Recovery and Well-Being

Our brains are constantly changing and adapting based upon our thought patterns, experiences, and lifestyle. This adaptability of the human brain—known as neuroplasticity—has profound implications for individuals living with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Drawing from neuroscience, clinical insights, and recovery frameworks, this year’s keynote presentation will highlight:

• How brain plasticity influences the development and persistence of co-occurring disorders.
• The role of environment, experiences, and thought patterns in shaping neural pathways.
• Evidence-based strategies that harness brain plasticity to support recovery, healing, and long-term wellness.

By connecting theory with practice, conference attendees will gain an understanding of how brain plasticity enables both vulnerability and resilience in the face of trauma, addiction, and mental illness. Simple examples and practical ideas will demonstrate how understanding brain plasticity can provide hope, support recovery, and help people build healthier lives.

About Kristen Gilliland, PhD

Kristen earned her Ph.D. at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She later served as an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo where she taught Organic Chemistry, Neurochemistry, and the Chemistry of Drugs and Poisons. After Kristen’s 17-year-old son, Anders, developed schizophrenia – which was most likely associated with his cannabis use in his early teens – Kristen joined the Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery at Vanderbilt University (2018). At Vanderbilt, she researched new antipsychotic treatments for schizophrenia. During that same year, Kristen delivered a TEDx presentation titled Rewiring Revolution: Neuroplasticity’s Impact on Wellbeing. Tragically, Kristen lost her son to an accidental overdose in 2019 after his mental health severely declined, and he became addicted to opioids and stimulants. Two years after her devastating loss, Kristen changed the trajectory of her life to utilize her scientific teaching, presentation, and research skills to educate adolescent-aged children and their parents on mental health challenges and how it can lead to substance use and self-harm.

As the Director of Outreach and Advocacy Programs and Assistant Professor of Research at the Warren Center, Kristen delivered presentations nationwide to youth, parents, law enforcement, legislators, prevention coalitions, and recovery programs. In addition, she developed a multi award-winning educational documentary aimed at youth titled “Speaking Through Me” that was released August 2023. In April of 2024, Kristen appeared on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt as part of a Kate Snow
interview regarding increased psychosis risk with high-potency cannabis use during adolescence. The overwhelming desire to reach more youth called Kristen to start the non-profit 22 Forever” in memory of her son, Anders. As the President and Executive Director of 22 Forever, Kristen delivers adolescent brain health presentations both nationally and internationally. 22 Forever’s focus also includes the development of a middle school brain health curriculum as a means of adolescent mental health and substance use disorder prevention.

Presented by: Richard Washington, LCSW, CCTP Berks Counseling Center & Lynn Novakoski, Training Specialist, Berks Counseling Center

This workshop aims to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to recognize signs and symptoms of various mental health and substance use challenges. Participants will learn how to approach difficult conversations, reduce stigma and promote wellbeing in the workplace and community. It will also connect them with professionals or organizations that offer mental health and substance use services.

This workshop is ideal for non-clinical staff, including prevention specialists, certified recovery and peer support specialists, college students, faith-based organizations, family members, and community members who interact with the public and are interested in enhancing their ability to support individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges.

Presented by Kristen Gilliland, PhD, Vanderbilt University

Adolescence is a critical stage of brain development, particularly in regions that govern reward processing, cognitive function, and emotional regulation. Increasing scientific and clinical evidence links high-potency and/or frequent marijuana use during this time to psychiatric conditions including addiction, depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Brain imaging studies have found greater prefrontal cortex thinning in adolescents aged 14–19 who use marijuana compared to their non-using peers. Despite these risks, the growing legalization of recreational and medicinal marijuana in the United States has lowered public perception of harm—even as cannabis potency has risen dramatically over the past decade.

This workshop will equip participants with the knowledge to recognize and understand the risks of high-potency cannabis products and their potentially harmful effects on the developing adolescent brain.

Presented by: Rikki Barton, CPS, Onward Consulting

Social media is a permanent fixture in our world and while there are positive aspects to it, there are also negative effects related to substance use, mental health, and online exploitation. These intersections are particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including youth, and individuals with co-occurring disorder diagnosis. Emerging data related to the intersection of these topics, risk factors, and best practices to encourage protective factors can improve an individual’s choices, mental health and well-being.

Presented by: Berks County Detective Sgt. Todd Harris

Over the counter products, which include designer drugs and new psychoactive substances, are substances that have appeared or become more popular in the drug market in recent years. Vape shops, gas stations and local corner stores are making available products that can mimic other substances, such as opioids, and have the potential for harm.

This workshop examines the newest patterns in substance use and their impact on individuals in our communities. Participants will learn about emerging drugs, changing use patterns, and the social, cultural, and technological factors driving these trends.

Moderator Yvonne Stroman

In the evolving landscape of behavioral health and services, successful outcomes depend on more than clinical expertise—they require meaningful, sustained engagement with clients. Evidence-based strategies for fostering trust, building therapeutic alliances, and maintaining client commitment throughout the treatment process is essential to achieving positive treatment outcomes. This dynamic panel will bring together experienced clinicians, program directors, and client advocates to explore practical strategies for engaging clients from the first point of contact through the full continuum of care.

Panelists 

• Jorge Acevedo, BA,CAC, Pennsylvania Counseling Services
• Richard Washington, LCSW, CCTP, Berks Counseling Center
• Dr. Ramona Roberts, CCTP-II, CET, CCS, Caron Outpatient Counseling Services
• Marlelle Fromouth, Reading Hospital Soft Landing