Presenters & Facilitators
CHECK OUT OUR EXCLUSIVE LINEUP
Our Mainstage Friday Presenters
These presenters will provide 1-hour CEU-eligible lectures on Friday, June 13th, 2025.
Dr. Sharnell Myles, PsyD
Embark Behavioral Health, Chief Clinical Officer
Dr. Sharnell Myles, a seasoned psychotherapist and trauma expert, specializes in treating complex trauma in children, youth, and adults. As the Executive Director of JoyUs Beginnings and The Urban Trauma Positive Impact Center, she provides trauma-informed therapies, assessments, and advocacy services. Dr. Myles is a sought-after trainer, consultant, and advocate, having worked with various organizations to implement trauma-informed practices and policies. She is a leader in the field of trauma and human trafficking, particularly in the areas of prevention, intervention, and survivor support.
Dr. Karlyn Pleasants, PsyD
Anew Treatment Center, Chief Clinical Advisor
For over 25 years, Dr. Pleasants has helped create thriving therapeutic environments that have supported thousands of individuals and their families successfully build a life of self-management, health, and independence beyond the bounds of psychiatric diagnoses. She began her career as a therapist at Hanbleceya, a small therapeutic community in Southern California before going on to acquire the program in 2005 and co-found the Hanbleceya Treatment Center and Hanbleceya Recovery Network. In 2022, she and a group of equally dedicated professionals took the model and culture to Arizona and founded the Anew Treatment Center. Dr. Pleasants has dedicated herself to cultivating programs rooted in a culture of belonging, hope, and a belief in sustainable change. She is considered one of the nation’s leading authorities on working with severe mental illness at the individual, sibling, and whole-family levels to support generational healing and change.
Dr. Claudia Black, PhD
The Meadows, Senior Fellow
Claudia Black’s seminal work with children impacted by substance abuse in the late 1970s created the foundation for the adult child movement. Today Claudia is a renowned author and trainer internationally recognized for her pioneering and contemporary work with family systems and addictive disorders. Claudia Black, Ph.D., designs and presents training workshops and seminars to professional audiences in the field of family service, mental health, and addictive disorders. She Senior Fellow and Clinical Architect of the Claudia Black Young Adult Center at The Meadows in Arizona. She serves on the Advisory Board for the National Association of Children of Addiction, and the Advisory Council of the Eluna Foundation. Claudia is the author of several well-known books; the latest titles being Undaunted Hope: Stories of Healing from Trauma, Depression and Addictions and Your Recovery Your Life for Teens.
Dr. Michael Groat, PhD
The Lindner Center of HOPE, Chief Clinical Officer & Interim CEO
Dr. Michael Groat is the Interim CEO and Chief Clinical Officer at Lindner Center of Hope. With over 16 years of experience in mental health and addiction treatment, he has held leadership roles at renowned institutions like CooperRiis, Silver Hill Hospital, and the Menninger Clinic. Dr. Groat is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care, fostering a culture of excellence, and driving innovation in the field. He is also a skilled clinician and educator, with expertise in psychotherapeutic treatments, personality assessment, and recovery.
Dr. Neil Puri, MD
The Menninger Clinic, Medical Director for Center for Brain Stimulation
The medical director of Menninger’s Outpatient Division, Neil Puri, MD, is also the medical director of our Center for Brain Stimulation. In addition, he is an assistant professor in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine. Board certified in psychiatry, Dr. Puri earned both his bachelor’s degree and medical degree from Northwestern University in Chicago. He completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh and a fellowship at George Washington University in Washington, DC.
Our Workshop Facilitators
These facilitators will provide 1-to-2-hour, experiential workshops on Wednesday, June 11 and Thursday, June 12, 2025.
Todd Weatherly, M.Ed., QMHP, QSAPP
Stucker, Smith & Weatherly, Co-Founder & President
Todd Weatherly is a seasoned mental health professional with over three decades of experience. Living in the serene mountains of Western North Carolina, he draws inspiration from nature and applies it to his work. With degrees in Psychology and Outdoor Education, he is a qualified mental health and substance abuse prevention professional. Todd is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Therapeutic Consulting Association and the National Behavioral Health Association of Providers. He has served as an Executive Director and CEO, gaining extensive experience in the treatment industry. Beyond his clinical work, Todd is a passionate advocate for mental health. He hosts the Mental Health Matters podcast, speaks at conferences, and shares his photography. As President of Stucker, Smith & Weatherly, he provides consulting services to organizations, families, and individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges.
Jaime Vinck, LPC
Meadows Behavioral Health, President
Jaime Vinck, MC, LPC, has been named President of Meadows Behavioral Healthcare (MBH), a leading provider of comprehensive treatment for trauma, substance use disorders, mental health issues, eating disorders, and sex addiction. Vinck brings over 20 years of clinical and leadership experience, most recently serving as CEO of CPF Recovery Ways and previously holding leadership roles at Acadia Healthcare, including CEO of The Sierra Tucson Group. A recognized advocate for the behavioral health field, she serves as Vice Chair of the NAATP Board of Directors. Vinck’s expertise in clinical leadership, program development, and treatment operations will support MBH’s continued growth and commitment to clinical excellence as they expand to meet the rising need for mental health and substance use treatment. Her accomplishments have earned her recognition as a mentor for women in leadership and accolades such as being named one of Arizona’s Most Influential Women.
Patricia Plum, MSW, LCSW
A Place for Hannah, Co-Founder
Patricia Plum, MSW, LCSW is the owner of Imagine Therapy, PLLC. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree, along with her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Arizona State University. Prior to owning her own practice, Patricia was a Primary and Family Therapist with The Claudia Black Center at the Meadows. Patricia found her passion working in an outpatient addiction clinic and serving in a domestic violence and addiction center with mothers and children. Her other areas of training include: Post Induction Therapy, Experiential Therapy, EMDR Therapy and Auricular Acupuncture therapy. Patricia’s passion lies in helping to bring education, collaboration, and insight to both persons and families suffering through addiction and trauma, encouraging healing and hope.
Ashley Chesky, MA, LPC
AC Mental Health and Consulting Services, Owner
Ashley M. Chesky, MA, LPC is a therapist known for her relational, client centered, and creative approach to counseling. Ashley holds a dual Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology and Expressive Arts Therapy from Prescott College. She began her career at The Meadows, a world renowned private inpatient treatment facility, where she was mentored by some of the most influential leaders in the fields of trauma and addiction – including Dr. Claudia Black and Pia Mellody. Ashley has been a featured speaker at multiple national conferences in which she taught professionals in the field creative trauma informed therapeutic techniques in private and group settings. In addition, Ashley has completed professional trainings in Post Induction Therapy, Experiential Therapy, and Expressive Arts Therapy.
Jared Stewart, BCBA, M.Ed., LBA
ScenicView Academy, Program Director
Jared Stewart is a seasoned educator and behavioral therapist with over 20 years of experience at ScenicView Academy. He has also served in leadership roles at the Utah Developmental Disability Council and Utah Valley University. Jared’s expertise lies in empowering neurodivergent adults to achieve independence and fulfillment. He has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by professionals in the fields of disability, education, and mental health, including burnout, stress, and lack of support. Through his training in Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dialectic Actualization Theory, and Crucial Conversations, Jared has developed effective strategies to improve workplace culture, reduce turnover, and enhance customer service. His commitment to excellence has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, and he is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences.
Amanda Johnson, BA
The Story Oracle & Saved By Story Publishing, CEO
With more than two decades of experience partnering with people to rewrite personal and collective narratives as a friend, a mother, a teacher, a facilitator, a storyteller, a brand and content strategist, and a messenger guide, Amanda Johnson (The Story Oracle) empowers audiences ready to stop the st*ry loops and start co-authoring a truer story for themselves, their loved ones and colleagues, and the world. Her unapologetically-honest, story-driven approach awakens individuals to the st*ries that hold them back and equips them with the tools to begin taking more control of the narrative.
Mordy Gottlieb, LCSW, CSAT, ART
Clinical Social Worker/Therapist
Mordy Gottlieb, LCSW, CSAT, is a catalyst for change, empowering individuals and groups to step beyond limitations and embrace their full potential. With a playful spirit and a passion for the unexpected, Mordy integrates spontaneity and creativity into the dynamic interplay of psychodrama and sociometry. His training in playback theater and improv further enriches his therapeutic approach, cultivating a safe and vibrant space where profound healing, authentic connection, and joyful self-discovery flourish. Mordy’s expertise in sociometry enables him to foster an immediate sense of connection and safety within any group, even among strangers. His dynamic approach and innate ability to build trust quickly transform individuals into a cohesive unit, ready to explore, heal, and grow together. A native of Brooklyn, Mordy brings a unique blend of warmth, humor, and street smarts to his work, seamlessly navigating diverse personalities and backgrounds to create a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Tom Parker, LISW
The Lindner Center of HOPE, Director of External Relations
Tom Parker is an experienced Licensed Independent Social Worker with a strong background in sales, marketing, program development, and relationship building. His collaborative approach, strong communication skills, and positive attitude have allowed him to successfully connect with individuals and organizations. Tom has had the privilege of working with Lindner Center of HOPE for nearly 15 years, where he has contributed to marketing and spiritual care initiatives. He has extensive experience traveling throughout the US to meet with treatment professionals and programs. Tom is passionate about helping families find the right treatment providers and believes this aligns with his marketing role and pastoral vocation.
Kurt Garbe, MA
Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers, Clinical Outreach
Kurt’s focus is to assist families in finding the right treatment program for their loved one. His insight and advice comes from over 20 years of experience in the chemical dependency/mental-health field where he served as Director of Crisis Intervention and Admissions for the A.S.A.P. Family Treatment Program, Director of Admissions for the Discovery Adolescent Treatment Program, and Director of Intake and Referrals at Anacapa By the Sea.
