Coming Together Conference

Early Bird Registration Opens on September 1st!

Early Bird Pricing – $120 | General Pricing – $150

Integrative Approaches to Recovery: Acupuncture for Substance Use Disorders
Mandi Schupbach, MS, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM) | Wellspring Acupuncture
Jennifer Yanchula | Willow Tree Reiki and Meditation

   
As part of an integrative care model, acupuncture can provide meaningful support for individuals navigating
the challenges of Substance Use Disorders and mental health recovery. Research shows acupuncture may
help regulate the autonomic nervous system, reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and improve
sleep and emotional stability. This session will explore both the physiological mechanisms and practical
applications of acupuncture, including a demonstration of the National Acupuncture Detoxification
Association (NADA) protocol, to show how acupuncture can be incorporated into collaborative treatment
plans to support long-term recovery outcomes.

Promoting the use of recovery-oriented language: Why words matter
Kristen DeVall, Co-Director of the National Treatment Court Resource Center

The question of why/how language is important to the work that is done within treatment courts and the
larger criminal legal system is an emerging area of focus. Sociologists, linguists, and others have examined
the role of language within our society and the influence it has on thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. This
presentation will begin with an overview of this work and answer the question of “what is language?”
Second, the goals of both the criminal legal system and treatment courts will be outlined. Next, an overview
of how language can serve as a vehicle by which we do/do not achieve these goals will be provided. Finally,
a historical account of how language has changed over time will be reviewed. Specific attention will be paid
to terminology practitioners and researchers should avoid using, as well as alternative words/phrases that
promote recovery, healing, and wellness.

Celebrating Multiple Pathways to Recovery
Kara Trainor, Peer Recovery Coach
Elisha A.
Rachel J.

In recognizing that individuals are best served by honoring a person-centered approach towards SUD
recovery, it is important to value one’s autonomy to choose what pathway resonates with them the most.
Traditionally, twelve-step fellowships like AA or NA have been the mainstay as far as providing vital tools,
connection and building one’s recovery capital. Yet, other groups and programs do exist. This break-out
session and panel will explore the concept of multiple pathways and preview a few community-based
recovery support groups that may be a possibility for individuals preferring an alternative resource for
support.

Integrated Perinatal Care for Birthing People with Substance Use Disorder
Dr. Maria Muzik, University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare & Policy Innovation

This break-out session will discuss the epidemiology of OUD/SUD among perinatal population, and the effects of substance use in pregnancy and postpartum on birthing people and their children. We will discuss barriers to care, stigma, and social drivers of health and recovery. We will discuss how to provide state-of-the art, effective patient-centered, trauma-informed perinatal care that addresses obstetrical, addiction, mental health and social aspects of care and recovery.

Prevention Has Purpose
Katie Newby, Community Healing Centers Prevention Specialist

Prevention services are something that most people participate in during their lives. D.A.R.E. – a popular universal program – incorporating scare tactics and police involvement. The field of prevention was reexamined and given new focus. High-risk youth who are predisposed or who may already be using a selective or indicated program is more appropriate. This session participants will learn what participation in services can look like for youth in all stages of use and how to engage with them effectively, how prevention and harm reduction go hand in hand, and how selective and indicated prevention services differ from universal services.

Re-entry with HOPE
Gwendolyn Hooker, CEO/Founder of HOPE Thru Navigation

This session will highlight the ongoing work of Helping Other People Exceed (HOPE) thru Navigation’s work in navigating returning citizens to Housing, Recovery Services, Education, and Self-Sufficiency. We will showcase the Continuum of Care we have created with intentionality, compassion, and most importantly hope. Join us in learning the best practices we have developed, Tiny Houses of HOPE Updates, and are newest BIG Deal!

Navigating SUD on the Streets of Kalamazoo
Sravani Alluri, Director, Street Medicine Kalamazoo; Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine
Nic Helmstetter, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Associate Professor of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Associate Director of Street Medicine Kalamazoo
   
Treating substance use disorder is challenging in any setting—but ensuring access to treatment for those who are unsheltered unhoused or precariously housed requires creativity, persistence, and trust. This session shares Street Medicine Kalamazoo’s experience providing addiction care to unsheltered and precariously housed individuals. We’ll discuss how we engage patients outside traditional settings and utilize a harm reduction approach to meet patients where they are at. We’ll offer practical, street-tested strategies that can enhance addiction care in both clinical and outreach environments.

The Treatment of Substance Use Disorders and Behavioral Addictions within the VA: Current Approaches and Future Directions
Taylor R. Weststrate Ph.D. LP, Clinical Psychologist, Battle Creek VA Medical Center

This presentation seeks to provide the audience with a brief overview of Substance Use and Behavioral addictions and their relationship with co-occurring mental health disorders within the Veteran population. Current evidence-based approaches, limitations within the field of substance use disorder treatment, and directions for new and progressive treatment approaches will be discussed.

“Why Am I Here? This Is Sus.” Engaging Adolescents in the Pre-contemplative Stage of Substance Use TreatmentYouth in the Pre-contemplative Stage of Change
Youth Panel accompanied by Victoria Orbe, LMSW, CAADC, Clinical Director of Community Healing Centers
Chandelle Johnson, LLMSW, Outpatient Clinical Director at Community Healing Centers

   
Adolescents in the pre-contemplative stage of substance use treatment often enter services with low
motivation and high skepticism—cue the classic “Why am I here?” This skills-based session explores
developmentally appropriate strategies for connecting with youth who aren’t yet considering change.
Participants will learn how to build rapport, introduce harm reduction, and define realistic treatment goals.
Designed for interdisciplinary professionals—treatment providers, legal staff, educators, and medical
personnel—this workshop offers practical tools for engaging “resistant” teens. Attendees will leave with
fresh insights and more confidence in meeting adolescents where they are (even when where they are is
“this is sus”).