WTAADAC
To request information by Email Please click button below
Is below Conference Information
Western Region: WTAADAC
WTAADAC is the Western Regional Affilliate of The Tennessee Association for Addiction Professionals (TAADAC). We are your local connection to The National Association of Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). As a non-profit organization, we are dedicated to education, and advocacy for our members.
If you are a professional or peer supporter in West Tennessee working or volunteering in the field of substance-use treatment we invite you to connect with our organization. We are committed to serving the needs of our members as they strive to provide the best treatment, therapy, and support for individuals and families struggling with substance-use disorders and other co-occurring behavioral health challenges.
WTAADAC Regional President:
1. D.G., CPRS
Special Guest Speaker
Topic: Recovery, Faith & Second Chances – A Testimony from Within
2. Tommy Corman
Topic: 8 Domains of Counseling
The 8 Domains of Counseling are the foundation to our practice as SUD clinicians. This training will address each domain in part and address any questions. This training is designed for the novice and the expert in the 8 domains which are: clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referral, service coordination, counseling (individual and group), client/family education, documentation, and professional and ethical responsibilities.
Learning Objectives: Understand the need for the 8 domains, treatment knowledge for each domain, identify best practices, and know how to implement each domain for treatment.
3. Charles Winton
Recovery Advocate & Cultural Competency Specialist
Topic: Culturally Responsive Behavioral Health Practices
4. Todd Hickman
Topic: Motivational Interviewing and The Disease Model of Addiction
This presentation will introduce the main components of Motivational Interviewing. Participants will learn the history and development of the approach as well as the skills to effectively apply this model in the efforts to guide their clients to healthier choices around their addictive behaviors. Each participant will have an opportunity to role-play and utilize the skills during the presentation.
Learning Outcome: The Disease Model of addiction will be presented to develop practical understanding and implementation of knowledge that is supportive of early and long-term recovery. This presentation provides practical and useful terminology along with relatable examples for aiding clients in recovery.
5. Angela Quadrani, LMSW
Behavioral Health Leader, UHS
Topic: Trauma-Informed, Person-Centered Clinical Approaches
6. Doug Smith, BS, CADC II
Founder, Innovative Realities
Topic: Emotional Attachment Behavioral Therapy (EABT) and LGBTQIA2S+ Inclusion
7. Violet Newborn
Topic: Social Artistry for Mental Health
Creative Tools for Trauma Recovery and Peer Connection
This session introduces Social Artistry for Mental Health, a nonclinical, creative approach developed by Violet Newborn, founder of CYSOM. Rooted in storytelling, visual arts, and emotional literacy, this method supports healing from trauma and addiction by fostering identities, connection, and resilience. Participants will explore real outcomes from trauma circles and learn how creative expression can be a powerful tool in recovery.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Understand the core principles of Social Artistry for trauma recovery. Identify creative tools that build emotional and peer connections. Apply trauma-informed, art-based strategies in nonclinical settings.
8. Scot Brewer
Recovery Systems Specialist
Topic: Building Sustainable, Person-Centered Recovery Frameworks
9. Stacy Dodd
CEO, The Hope Center of North Mississippi
Topic: Mentoring At-Risk Youth & Restorative Nonprofit Leadership
10. John Burke & Chris Moore (will be co-presenting)
Topic: Meeting People Where They Are. The Hidden forces controlling the lives of those we serve.
This presentation explores the complex and often unseen factors influencing the lives of individuals struggling with substance use and behavioral health challenges. By understanding these hidden forces- such as trauma, social determinants of health, systematic barriers, and personal belief systems- professionals can better engage with and support individuals in their recovery journey. The session emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are, fostering trust, and providing person-centered care that respects each individual's unique circumstances and readiness for change.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation, Apply, Utilize, Recognize, and Develop, participants will be able to identify hidden forces that impact the lives of individuals in recovery.
11. David Fuller
Topic: Opioids, Stimulants & Overdose Prevention
Participants will learning aspect of Opioids, Stimulants & Overdose Prevention
Learning Objective: Participants will conclude this presentation by learning how to Save A Life by utilizing Naloxone (Narcan) medication to reverse an opioid overdose. Attendees will also learn about overdose statistics, stigma & harm reduction, fentanyl & other emerging drug trends, and stimulant overdoses. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn different ways they can help address the overdose crisis.
12. William Drury
Behavioral Health Specialist, Summit BHC
Topic: Integrated Addiction Recovery & Staff Development
13. Bishop Fredrick Gillam Jr., LPC-MHSP, LMFT, AAMFT-S
Founder, The Shepherds Care Symposium
Topic: “Trauma: The Ugly Third Party” – How Trauma Disrupts Relationships & Systems
14. Karen Morgan, NCAC II, SAP
Executive Director, Grace House of Memphis
Topic: Ethics in Recovery Practice: The Role of Self-Care for Clinicians
15. Dr. Tanjala Gibson
Topic: This presentation will focus on the neurobiology of addiction and the latest neurological research in the field.
Learning Objective: To provide a review of how addiction impacts the brain. To illustrate the clinical presentations of addiction. To discuss the impact of addiction on treatment outcomes.