REGISTRATION IS SOLD OUT!
REGISTRATION IS SOLD OUT for The Power of Hope: Transforming Lives & Communities. We will maintain a waiting list that will be filled on first-come, first-served basis. To be placed on the waiting list or to transfer your current registration to another person, please email us at [email protected]. Other questions, please contact the Event Team directly at 614-740-2633.
Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available. To visit the sponsorship website CLICK HERE.
Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available. To visit the sponsorship website CLICK HERE.
About OhioPro
Ohio Peer Recovery Organizations (OhioPRO) is a statewide leader dedicated to advancing recovery supports, uplifting peer-run organizations, and empowering certified peer recovery supporters who provide these essential services. We are committed to elevating the voices of individuals with lived experience of mental illness, substance use disorder, and co-occurring conditions, and to strengthening the recovery support system across Ohio.
OhioPRO is proud to host the third annual Ohio Peer Recovery Summit—a signature event that brings together peer recovery supporters, leaders of peer-run organizations, recovery advocates, and community stakeholders from across Ohio and beyond. With an anticipated attendance of nearly 600 participants, the Summit offers a vibrant space for connection, professional development, and inspiration. National and local presenters will lead impactful sessions designed to energize and equip recovery leaders and peer supporters with fresh perspectives and practical tools to support the recovery journeys of Ohioans.
The theme of the 2025 Peer Recovery Summit is The Power of Hope: Transforming Lives & Communities. Through the courageous sharing of lived experience, peer recovery supporters embody and spread hope—demonstrating that healing, growth, and a fulfilling life are possible in recovery.
2025 Conference Cost
Conference Fee: $100/per participant
Refund Deadline: July 7, 2025
Registrations are non-transferable on-site. If you’re unable to attend and want someone else to come in your place, you must notify us at least 5 business days before the Summit so we can update the registration and name badge.
Please email us at [email protected] with the name and contact info of the person attending in your place.
Please email us at [email protected] with the name and contact info of the person attending in your place.
Location
Hotel Information
Hilton Columbus Polaris
8700 Lyra Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43240
8700 Lyra Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43240
THE HILTON AND THE HYATT BLOCKS ARE FULL!
Please book at nearby hotel locations.
Due to the popularity of the Summit a secondary hotel has been arranged at the Hyatt Place Columbus/Polaris. This hotel is less than a mile away from the conference location and the deadline to make sleeping room reservations is July 12th, 2025.
CLICK HEREto make a hotel reservation at this alternate site.
Please book at nearby hotel locations.
CLICK HERE
IMPORTANT - Please Read
If you’re traveling more than 50 miles to attend the Summit, you might qualify for one free hotel night.
Here’s how it works:
- You book your hotel room as normal.
- After registration closes, OhioPRO will review travel distances.
- If you qualify, we may cover one night's room and tax.
- You will be notified by OhioPRO if your free night is approved.
Eligibility Criteria for Complimentary Hotel Stay:
- You must live more than 50 miles from the event location.
- You must be a certified Peer Recovery Supporter in the state of Ohio.
- You must book your own hotel room with a valid credit card.
- Free rooms are subject to availability and funding and cannot be guaranteed.
- Sponsors and vendors are not eligible for complimentary hotel accommodations.
This offer is not available to sponsors, vendors, or OhioMHAS employees.
Here’s how it works:
- You book your hotel room as normal.
- After registration closes, OhioPRO will review travel distances.
- If you qualify, we may cover one night's room and tax.
- You will be notified by OhioPRO if your free night is approved.
Eligibility Criteria for Complimentary Hotel Stay:
- You must live more than 50 miles from the event location.
- You must be a certified Peer Recovery Supporter in the state of Ohio.
- You must book your own hotel room with a valid credit card.
- Free rooms are subject to availability and funding and cannot be guaranteed.
- Sponsors and vendors are not eligible for complimentary hotel accommodations.
This offer is not available to sponsors, vendors, or OhioMHAS employees.
Meet Our Keynote Presenters!
Ken Nwadike, Jr.
Ken Nwadike Jr. is a peace activist, motivational speaker and video journalist. Well-known as the Free Hugs Guy online, Ken uses video and live performance to spread love, inspire change and raise awareness of social issues. His postings have reached hundreds of millions of people on Facebook and YouTube.
From homeless young adult to world-class sprinter to founder of a PPE company during the pandemic, Ken’s story is one of resilience and the harnessing of his superpower; softness. His engagements foster belonging by developing positive connections and human interaction. He teamed up with Sherriff Chris Swanson to create the Black and Blue Podcast in 2020, engaging students in the civil discourse necessary for progress. In response to the bombing of the Boston Marathon in 2014, Nwadike launched the Free Hugs Project. Within a short time, he was appearing on major news outlets to promote peace-keeping efforts and to de-escalate violent protests and heated political rallies. He was featured in Google’s Year in Search video as one of 2016’s most defining moments and has appeared on CNN, USA Today, Good Morning Britain and BBC News as well as at hundreds of colleges, universities, high schools and corporate events.
From homeless young adult to world-class sprinter to founder of a PPE company during the pandemic, Ken’s story is one of resilience and the harnessing of his superpower; softness. His engagements foster belonging by developing positive connections and human interaction. He teamed up with Sherriff Chris Swanson to create the Black and Blue Podcast in 2020, engaging students in the civil discourse necessary for progress. In response to the bombing of the Boston Marathon in 2014, Nwadike launched the Free Hugs Project. Within a short time, he was appearing on major news outlets to promote peace-keeping efforts and to de-escalate violent protests and heated political rallies. He was featured in Google’s Year in Search video as one of 2016’s most defining moments and has appeared on CNN, USA Today, Good Morning Britain and BBC News as well as at hundreds of colleges, universities, high schools and corporate events.
Director LeeAnne Cornyn
Throughout her career LeeAnne Cornyn has worked tirelessly on behalf of Ohio’s most vulnerable populations — children and those living with mental illness and substance use disorder.
She was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine in December 2023 to serve as Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS).
Prior to her appointment, Cornyn served as Governor DeWine’s Deputy Chief of Staff where her responsibilities included oversight of the health, mental health, human services, education, and children’s issues policy portfolio. Cornyn also served as the Director of Cabinet Affairs, where she acted as a liaison between the Governor and his 26 state agency directors.
She originally joined the DeWine-Husted Administration as the first Director of Children’s Initiatives where she focused on coordinating efforts between agencies to improve outcomes in maternal and child health, early childhood education, and foster care. She was instrumental in the creation of OhioRISE, which is a DeWine-Husted Administration initiative to keep kids with severe mental health issues in state and ensures that they receive coordinated care services under Medicaid.
Cornyn began working on behalf of Governor DeWine when he was Ohio Attorney General. At the Attorney General’s office, she served as an Assistant Attorney General as well as the Director of Children’s Initiatives.
Also, an educator, Cornyn taught 8th grade science in Los Angeles as a Teach for America corps member. She is a graduate of Miami University and holds a law degree from Ohio State University.
She was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine in December 2023 to serve as Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS).
Prior to her appointment, Cornyn served as Governor DeWine’s Deputy Chief of Staff where her responsibilities included oversight of the health, mental health, human services, education, and children’s issues policy portfolio. Cornyn also served as the Director of Cabinet Affairs, where she acted as a liaison between the Governor and his 26 state agency directors.
She originally joined the DeWine-Husted Administration as the first Director of Children’s Initiatives where she focused on coordinating efforts between agencies to improve outcomes in maternal and child health, early childhood education, and foster care. She was instrumental in the creation of OhioRISE, which is a DeWine-Husted Administration initiative to keep kids with severe mental health issues in state and ensures that they receive coordinated care services under Medicaid.
Cornyn began working on behalf of Governor DeWine when he was Ohio Attorney General. At the Attorney General’s office, she served as an Assistant Attorney General as well as the Director of Children’s Initiatives.
Also, an educator, Cornyn taught 8th grade science in Los Angeles as a Teach for America corps member. She is a graduate of Miami University and holds a law degree from Ohio State University.
Cherene Caraco
Cherene is a psychiatric, trauma and suicide attempt survivor who has made the last 32 years her personal and professional mission to understand how services and systems can either foster wellness, healing and a high quality of life or can harm the process of recovery.
She was first introduced to mental health services at the age of 13 when she was given the first of 8 mental health diagnoses along with a label of “severe and persistent mental illness.” Cherene had to recover from the impact of pathology-based mental health services along with the trauma that led her to becoming a service recipient.
In 2005/2006, Cherene started Promise Resource Network (PRN), a peer-operated and staffed non-profit organization serving people that are uninsured who experience complex combinations of mental health, substance use challenges, houselessness and incarceration.
Then in 2019 started Peer Voice NC, a statewide movement of people directly impacted by mental health issues to organize and mobilize around legislative and practice change.
Cherene is honored to have been named the 2021 Innovator of the Year by the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law.
She was first introduced to mental health services at the age of 13 when she was given the first of 8 mental health diagnoses along with a label of “severe and persistent mental illness.” Cherene had to recover from the impact of pathology-based mental health services along with the trauma that led her to becoming a service recipient.
In 2005/2006, Cherene started Promise Resource Network (PRN), a peer-operated and staffed non-profit organization serving people that are uninsured who experience complex combinations of mental health, substance use challenges, houselessness and incarceration.
Then in 2019 started Peer Voice NC, a statewide movement of people directly impacted by mental health issues to organize and mobilize around legislative and practice change.
Cherene is honored to have been named the 2021 Innovator of the Year by the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law.
Dr. Ashley Stewart
Dr. Ashley E. Stewart received her Ph.D. from The Ohio State University, College of Social Work and her Master’s at Columbia University. She is the Director of Strategic Transformation and is an equity and trauma subject matter expert (SME) at C4 Innovations. In this role, she provides technical assistance, training, and organizational support to national organizations, boards of directors, and behavioral health organizations on implementing equitable services and supporting staff and provider wellness. She is an Assistant Professor at Temple University College of Public Health, where she trains interdisciplinary students about theories, frameworks, and translational skills for macro-level change practice.
Schedule
Monday, July 21, 2025
8:00-10:00 AM
Registration
10:00-10:15 PM
Welcome
Michael J. Krause, Executive Director, Ohio Peer Recovery Organizations (OhioPRO)
10:15-10:30 AM
Opening Remarks
LeeAnne Cornyn, Director, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS)
10:30-11:00 AM
The State of Recovery in Ohio - The Power of Peers
Michael J. Krause, Executive Director, Ohio Peer Recovery Organizations (OhioPRO)
Kristen Paquette, Chief Executive Officer, C4 Innovations
Kristen Paquette, Chief Executive Officer, C4 Innovations
11:00-11:30 aM
Break
11:30AM-12:30 PM
Breakout Sessions - A
1. Beyond Grants: Diversifying Funding Streams for Sustainable Impact in Human Services
Shannon Higbee, Chief Strategy Officer, The Alliance for Rights and Recovery
2. The Blinged Out Gas Mask: New Strategies for Peer Specialists to Prioritize Their Own Wellbeing
Dana Foglesong, MSW, CRPS, Hope Influencer, LLC.
Amy Brinkley, CRS/CHW, CAPRCII, Executive Director, Paul Plan Ministries
3. Peer Support Utilization in the Ohio Prisons – Learn about what has changed
Olivia Winegardner, MSW, LSW, LICDC, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Traci Brown, LCDC III, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
John Helms, LCDC III, CPRS, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
4. The Ripple Effect of Recovery on the Whole Family
Kristi Horner, Executive Director, Courage to Caregivers
Tameika Wright, Family Peer Support Training Coordinator, NAMI Ohio
5. The Foster Experience
Patti Heffernan, Executive Director, Helios Heuristic
6. Certified Older Adult Peer Support (COAPS)
Jim Klasen, Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist (COAPS) trainer & Advanced Level WRAP Facilitator, University of Pennsylvania Center for Mental Health
Hilary Cantiello, Project Manager & Instructor, University of Pennsylvania Center for Mental Health
Shannon Higbee, Chief Strategy Officer, The Alliance for Rights and Recovery
2. The Blinged Out Gas Mask: New Strategies for Peer Specialists to Prioritize Their Own Wellbeing
Dana Foglesong, MSW, CRPS, Hope Influencer, LLC.
Amy Brinkley, CRS/CHW, CAPRCII, Executive Director, Paul Plan Ministries
3. Peer Support Utilization in the Ohio Prisons – Learn about what has changed
Olivia Winegardner, MSW, LSW, LICDC, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Traci Brown, LCDC III, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
John Helms, LCDC III, CPRS, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
4. The Ripple Effect of Recovery on the Whole Family
Kristi Horner, Executive Director, Courage to Caregivers
Tameika Wright, Family Peer Support Training Coordinator, NAMI Ohio
5. The Foster Experience
Patti Heffernan, Executive Director, Helios Heuristic
6. Certified Older Adult Peer Support (COAPS)
Jim Klasen, Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist (COAPS) trainer & Advanced Level WRAP Facilitator, University of Pennsylvania Center for Mental Health
Hilary Cantiello, Project Manager & Instructor, University of Pennsylvania Center for Mental Health
12:30 - 1:00 PM
Break
1:00 - 2:15 PM
Lunch and Luncheon Keynote with Cherene Caraco
Founder, Chief Global Strategist and Executive Officer, Promise Resource Network
2:15 - 2:45 PM
Break
2:45 - 3:45 PM
Breakout Sessions - B
7. Cultivating a Respectful Workplace: Addressing Workplace Bullying
Kim Ewing, President and CEO, KDE Motivates, LLC
8. Fill Your Cup: Fun & Practical Self-Care for Peer Supporters!
Heidi Barilla, Program Director, FOCUS Recovery & Wellness
CJ Boggs, Program Lead, FOCUS Recovery & Wellness
9. Transforming Re-Entry: Healing the Whole Person Through Peer Support
Dr. Sandra Smith, Chief Programs Officer, One World Recovery Network
This workshop is presented by Center for Addiction Recovery Support.
10. Strengthening Family Engagement: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Substance Use Recovery
Carston Mesnick, LPCC-S, QSTP, Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Consultant, PCSAO Ohio START
Brychelle Mullins, Director of Peer Services, Family Life Counseling
11. Creating Authentic, Youth-Led Mental Health Content on Social Media
Amanda Stoddard, CPRS, CYPS, TRCC, MHFA, Director of Communications, Recovery Center of Hamilton County
Yonnae Hobbs, Content Creator, Facilitator, Digital Peer Advocate, Hey I'm Here Ohio
12. Serving Older Adults Remotely (SOAR)
Rob Walker, CPS, External Consumer Engagement Liaison, Massachusetts Department of Health
Kim Ewing, President and CEO, KDE Motivates, LLC
8. Fill Your Cup: Fun & Practical Self-Care for Peer Supporters!
Heidi Barilla, Program Director, FOCUS Recovery & Wellness
CJ Boggs, Program Lead, FOCUS Recovery & Wellness
9. Transforming Re-Entry: Healing the Whole Person Through Peer Support
Dr. Sandra Smith, Chief Programs Officer, One World Recovery Network
This workshop is presented by Center for Addiction Recovery Support.
10. Strengthening Family Engagement: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Substance Use Recovery
Carston Mesnick, LPCC-S, QSTP, Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Consultant, PCSAO Ohio START
Brychelle Mullins, Director of Peer Services, Family Life Counseling
11. Creating Authentic, Youth-Led Mental Health Content on Social Media
Amanda Stoddard, CPRS, CYPS, TRCC, MHFA, Director of Communications, Recovery Center of Hamilton County
Yonnae Hobbs, Content Creator, Facilitator, Digital Peer Advocate, Hey I'm Here Ohio
12. Serving Older Adults Remotely (SOAR)
Rob Walker, CPS, External Consumer Engagement Liaison, Massachusetts Department of Health
3:45 - 4:00 PM
Break
4:00 - 5:00 pM
Breakout Sessions - C
13. Our Stories, Our Strength: The Heart of Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Advocacy
Evan Done, Advocacy & Public Policy Director, Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness (USARA)
This workshop is presented by Center for Addiction Recovery Support.
14. Breathwork Can be Harmful & Helpful! A Trauma-Informed Nervous System Approach to Breathwork for All Humans
Jen Schneeman, Co-Founder & Director of Mindbody Resilience, Real Human Performance, LLC
15. A Heuristic Approach to Empowering Families Through Peer Support
Patti Heffernan, Executive Director, Helios Heuristic
16. Peer Decision Coaching: An Approach to Support Young People with Mental Health Challenges
Matthew Federici, Chief Executive Officer, Copeland Center for Wellness & Recovery
Eric Larson, Peer Support Specialist, Copeland Center for Wellness & Recovery
17. Peer Support in Specialty Court Programs
Julli Greisheimer, Executive Director, Wings Support and Recovery
Taylor Tharp, Director of Specialized Dockets, Union County Common Pleas Court
18. Leaning into Language: Confronting Discomfort in Everyday Interactions
Dr. Jonathan P. Edwards, LCSW, CPS, CPMC, PSP, Independent Consultant; Faculty, Columbia University School of Social Work
Evan Done, Advocacy & Public Policy Director, Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness (USARA)
This workshop is presented by Center for Addiction Recovery Support.
14. Breathwork Can be Harmful & Helpful! A Trauma-Informed Nervous System Approach to Breathwork for All Humans
Jen Schneeman, Co-Founder & Director of Mindbody Resilience, Real Human Performance, LLC
15. A Heuristic Approach to Empowering Families Through Peer Support
Patti Heffernan, Executive Director, Helios Heuristic
16. Peer Decision Coaching: An Approach to Support Young People with Mental Health Challenges
Matthew Federici, Chief Executive Officer, Copeland Center for Wellness & Recovery
Eric Larson, Peer Support Specialist, Copeland Center for Wellness & Recovery
17. Peer Support in Specialty Court Programs
Julli Greisheimer, Executive Director, Wings Support and Recovery
Taylor Tharp, Director of Specialized Dockets, Union County Common Pleas Court
18. Leaning into Language: Confronting Discomfort in Everyday Interactions
Dr. Jonathan P. Edwards, LCSW, CPS, CPMC, PSP, Independent Consultant; Faculty, Columbia University School of Social Work
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
8:45 - 9:15 AM
Opening Remarks
Michael J. Krause, Executive Director, Ohio Peer Recovery Organizations (OhioPRO)
9:15 - 10:15 AM
Keynote with Ken Nwadike, Jr.
Founder, Free Hugs Project
10:15 - 10:45 AM
Break
10:45AM-11:45 AM
Breakout Sessions - D
19. Implementing Peer Programming in CCBHCs: Building Effective Partnerships with Peer Run Organizations
Shannon Higbee, Chief Strategy Officer, The Alliance for Rights and Recovery
20. Recovery Support Services & AI Integration
Jesse Heffernan, Director of Strategy & Outreach, Helios Recovery Services
21. Benefits & Working: My Personal Journey
Marlaina Tucci, Employment Trainer & Consultant, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
22. Certified Peer Recovery Supporter Certification Renewal, Peer Technical Assistance Centers (PeerTACs)
Stephanie Pearson, Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley
Wendy Smith, Sandusky Artisans
Andrea McCrate, The Recovery Center of Hamilton County
Mady Shiplett, The Gathering Place
Gary Krafthefer, The PEER Center
23. Right or Wrong: The Ethics of Harm Reduction
Amanda Kantaras, Trainer, SUD Center of Excellence Case Western
24. The Peer Powerhouse: Investing in the Certified Peer Supporter Workforce
Evan Done, Advocacy & Public Policy Director, Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness (USARA)
This workshop is presented by Center for Addiction Recovery Support.
Shannon Higbee, Chief Strategy Officer, The Alliance for Rights and Recovery
20. Recovery Support Services & AI Integration
Jesse Heffernan, Director of Strategy & Outreach, Helios Recovery Services
21. Benefits & Working: My Personal Journey
Marlaina Tucci, Employment Trainer & Consultant, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
22. Certified Peer Recovery Supporter Certification Renewal, Peer Technical Assistance Centers (PeerTACs)
Stephanie Pearson, Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley
Wendy Smith, Sandusky Artisans
Andrea McCrate, The Recovery Center of Hamilton County
Mady Shiplett, The Gathering Place
Gary Krafthefer, The PEER Center
23. Right or Wrong: The Ethics of Harm Reduction
Amanda Kantaras, Trainer, SUD Center of Excellence Case Western
24. The Peer Powerhouse: Investing in the Certified Peer Supporter Workforce
Evan Done, Advocacy & Public Policy Director, Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness (USARA)
This workshop is presented by Center for Addiction Recovery Support.
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Break
12:15 - 1:45 PM
Lunch and Luncheon Keynote with Dr. Ashley Stewart
Director, Center for Strategic Transformation, C4 Innovations
1:45 - 2:15 PM
Break
2:15 - 3:15 PM
Breakout Sessions - E
25. Supporting Your Peer Recovery Support Specialists: Best Practices in Supervision
Amelia Murphy, Director, Avenue 360 Health Wellness
This workshop is presented by Center for Addiction Recovery Support.
26. Human Trafficking and Its Intersection with Addiction, Mental Health & Homelessness
Khalila Riga, CEO & Consultant, Khalila Riga Consulting
27. Doors to Wellbeing – Taking Action for Whole Health & Wellbeing – An experiential and Evidence Based Approach to Peer Supported Wellness, Self-Management & Recovery
Matthew Federici, Chief Executive Officer, Copeland Center for Wellness & Recovery
Eric Larson, Peer Support Specialist, Copeland Center for Wellness & Recovery
28. Relink.org: The Perfect Tool to Connect Individuals in Need with Vital Community Resources
Barbara Campbell, Executive Director, Relink.org
Rachel Sobitz, Community Coordinator, Relink.org
29. Peers & Community Crisis Response: A Look at Recidivism
Katie Cannon, Manager, Hamilton County Mobile Crisis Team
30. Ohio Medicaid Billing & Documentation Essentials for Peer Support Services
Soley Hernandez, Associate Director of Community Services, The Ohio Council of Behavioral Health & Family Servies Providers
Amelia Murphy, Director, Avenue 360 Health Wellness
This workshop is presented by Center for Addiction Recovery Support.
26. Human Trafficking and Its Intersection with Addiction, Mental Health & Homelessness
Khalila Riga, CEO & Consultant, Khalila Riga Consulting
27. Doors to Wellbeing – Taking Action for Whole Health & Wellbeing – An experiential and Evidence Based Approach to Peer Supported Wellness, Self-Management & Recovery
Matthew Federici, Chief Executive Officer, Copeland Center for Wellness & Recovery
Eric Larson, Peer Support Specialist, Copeland Center for Wellness & Recovery
28. Relink.org: The Perfect Tool to Connect Individuals in Need with Vital Community Resources
Barbara Campbell, Executive Director, Relink.org
Rachel Sobitz, Community Coordinator, Relink.org
29. Peers & Community Crisis Response: A Look at Recidivism
Katie Cannon, Manager, Hamilton County Mobile Crisis Team
30. Ohio Medicaid Billing & Documentation Essentials for Peer Support Services
Soley Hernandez, Associate Director of Community Services, The Ohio Council of Behavioral Health & Family Servies Providers
3:15 - 3:30 PM
Break
3:30 - 4:30 pM
Breakout Sessions - F
31. Innovating for Sustainability: Diversifying Income Streams at Hope Town
Ted St. John, CEO, Hope Town
Adam Ciganik, Program Director, Hope Town
Christopher Lattimer, Automations Supervisor, Hope Town
32. Trauma Informed Strategies for Peer Support Specialists
Katie Kurtz, Founder, Katie Kurtz, LLC
33. Building Peer Support for Problem Gambling
Jose Flores, Mental Health Administrator, Recovery Supports Bureau, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Milan Karna, Program Manager of Problem Gambling, Office of Community and Family Resiliency, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Mike Buzzelli, Director of Problem Gambling Services, Ohio Casino Control Commission
34. Prove It! Using Data to Make the Case for Deflection
Randall Carmack Community Outreach Superviser, Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County
Casey Smith, Director of Account & Project Management, Ascend Innovations
Dr. Kelly Firesheets, Vice President of Strategy & Partnership, Cordata Community Services
35. Values, Ethics, & Boundaries In Peer-to-Peer Relationships
Ellen Healion, MS.Ed, CPS, Director of Peer Bridger Services, Alliance for Rights and Recovery
36. PRS Internship Programs: Setting PRS Up for Employment Success with Hands-On Experience
Tori Ivan, Senior Education Manager, Mental Health America of Ohio
Mike Gersz, Director of Outpatient Services, Maryhaven
Kathy Legg, Peer Recovery Specialist, Addiction Services Council
Lisa Sanders, Addiction Services Council
Eric Lawson, Certified PRS, Maryhaven
Panel Moderator: Maggie Hallett, Associate Director, Mental Health America of Ohio
Ted St. John, CEO, Hope Town
Adam Ciganik, Program Director, Hope Town
Christopher Lattimer, Automations Supervisor, Hope Town
32. Trauma Informed Strategies for Peer Support Specialists
Katie Kurtz, Founder, Katie Kurtz, LLC
33. Building Peer Support for Problem Gambling
Jose Flores, Mental Health Administrator, Recovery Supports Bureau, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Milan Karna, Program Manager of Problem Gambling, Office of Community and Family Resiliency, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Mike Buzzelli, Director of Problem Gambling Services, Ohio Casino Control Commission
34. Prove It! Using Data to Make the Case for Deflection
Randall Carmack Community Outreach Superviser, Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County
Casey Smith, Director of Account & Project Management, Ascend Innovations
Dr. Kelly Firesheets, Vice President of Strategy & Partnership, Cordata Community Services
35. Values, Ethics, & Boundaries In Peer-to-Peer Relationships
Ellen Healion, MS.Ed, CPS, Director of Peer Bridger Services, Alliance for Rights and Recovery
36. PRS Internship Programs: Setting PRS Up for Employment Success with Hands-On Experience
Tori Ivan, Senior Education Manager, Mental Health America of Ohio
Mike Gersz, Director of Outpatient Services, Maryhaven
Kathy Legg, Peer Recovery Specialist, Addiction Services Council
Lisa Sanders, Addiction Services Council
Eric Lawson, Certified PRS, Maryhaven
Panel Moderator: Maggie Hallett, Associate Director, Mental Health America of Ohio
FAQ's
How do I get credit for attending the Summit?
After the event, you’ll receive an email with a link to a short form. You’ll list the sessions you attended and complete a brief survey. Once submitted, you’ll receive a Certificate of Participation based on the sessions you reported.
Important: Certificates will only be available for 3 months after the Summit. It’s your responsibility to save and keep track of your certificate if you plan to use it for certification or continuing education purposes.
Do I still need to book my own hotel if I might qualify for a free room?
Yes. Even if you’re traveling more than 50 miles and may qualify for one free night, you must still book your own hotel room and use a credit card to hold the reservation and cover any incidental charges. Here’s how it works:
- You book your hotel room as normal.
- After registration closes, OhioPRO will review travel distances.
- If you qualify, we may cover one night's room and tax.
- You will be notified by OhioPRO if your free night is approved.
Eligibility Criteria for Complimentary Hotel Stay:
- You must live more than 50 miles from the event location.
- You must be a certified Peer Recovery Supporter in the state of Ohio.
- You must book your own hotel room with a valid credit card.
- Free rooms are subject to availability and funding and cannot be guaranteed.
- Sponsors and vendors are not eligible for complimentary hotel accommodations,
What meals are included with registration?
Light breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided on both days of the Summit. Please indicate any dietary restrictions when registering so we can accommodate your needs as best as possible.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes! The Hilton Columbus Polaris is a fully accessible venue. If you have specific accessibility needs or require accommodations, please let us know during registration or contact us directly so we can make necessary arrangements.
Are scholarships available to attend the Summit?
We do not offer scholarships for the Peer Recovery Summit. However, OhioPRO works hard to keep registration fees as low as possible to ensure the Summit remains accessible to all attendees. We believe cost should never be a barrier to participation and strive to make the event affordable for everyone.
Can I register on-site?
No. On-site registration will not be available.
All attendees must register in advance. We encourage early registration as space is limited and fills up quickly.
Can someone else attend in my place if I can’t make it?
Registrations are non-transferable on-site. If you’re unable to attend and want someone else to come in your place, you must notify us at least 5 business days before the Summit so we can update the registration and name badge.
Please email us at [email protected] with the name and contact info of the person attending in your place.
Can I bring a guest with me?
The Summit is reserved for registered attendees only. If someone wishes to attend sessions or meals, they must complete their own registration.
Who can I contact if I have questions about registration?
Please reach out to our Registration Manager, Ellen Lasure:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞Phone: 614-740-2633
After the event, you’ll receive an email with a link to a short form. You’ll list the sessions you attended and complete a brief survey. Once submitted, you’ll receive a Certificate of Participation based on the sessions you reported.
Important: Certificates will only be available for 3 months after the Summit. It’s your responsibility to save and keep track of your certificate if you plan to use it for certification or continuing education purposes.
Do I still need to book my own hotel if I might qualify for a free room?
Yes. Even if you’re traveling more than 50 miles and may qualify for one free night, you must still book your own hotel room and use a credit card to hold the reservation and cover any incidental charges. Here’s how it works:
- You book your hotel room as normal.
- After registration closes, OhioPRO will review travel distances.
- If you qualify, we may cover one night's room and tax.
- You will be notified by OhioPRO if your free night is approved.
Eligibility Criteria for Complimentary Hotel Stay:
- You must live more than 50 miles from the event location.
- You must be a certified Peer Recovery Supporter in the state of Ohio.
- You must book your own hotel room with a valid credit card.
- Free rooms are subject to availability and funding and cannot be guaranteed.
- Sponsors and vendors are not eligible for complimentary hotel accommodations,
What meals are included with registration?
Light breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided on both days of the Summit. Please indicate any dietary restrictions when registering so we can accommodate your needs as best as possible.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes! The Hilton Columbus Polaris is a fully accessible venue. If you have specific accessibility needs or require accommodations, please let us know during registration or contact us directly so we can make necessary arrangements.
Are scholarships available to attend the Summit?
We do not offer scholarships for the Peer Recovery Summit. However, OhioPRO works hard to keep registration fees as low as possible to ensure the Summit remains accessible to all attendees. We believe cost should never be a barrier to participation and strive to make the event affordable for everyone.
Can I register on-site?
No. On-site registration will not be available.
All attendees must register in advance. We encourage early registration as space is limited and fills up quickly.
Can someone else attend in my place if I can’t make it?
Registrations are non-transferable on-site. If you’re unable to attend and want someone else to come in your place, you must notify us at least 5 business days before the Summit so we can update the registration and name badge.
Please email us at [email protected] with the name and contact info of the person attending in your place.
Can I bring a guest with me?
The Summit is reserved for registered attendees only. If someone wishes to attend sessions or meals, they must complete their own registration.
Who can I contact if I have questions about registration?
Please reach out to our Registration Manager, Ellen Lasure:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞Phone: 614-740-2633