Building Resiliency Through Community Support, Hope and Resources; Healing Trauma and Addiction
October 29, 2024 / 9am - 4pm Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Gering Civic Center, Gering, Nebraska
Please join us for an all-day training event to hear personal stories of the impact of Opioid and other drug misuse. This training will enhance support for family members suffering from trauma as a result of addiction in the family. Learn how communities can work together to provide support in the recovery process and ways to support the mental health needs of young people who may be at risk of misusing opioids or other drugs. Education regarding access to naloxone will be included.
This training is provided through a collaboration of NJJA, Panhandle Partnership, and Community Connections.
If you have any questions about registering, please email christybeckman@outlook.com
Agenda:
8:30 - 9:10 Registration and light breakfast
9:10 – 10:10 Sharing Tools for Overdose Prevention - Meghan Trevino, Assistant Executive Director for West Central District Health Department (WCDHD)
10:20 – 11:45 Overdose Lifeline - Justin Phillips, MA; Founder and Executive Director of Overdose Lifeline, Inc.
11:45 – 12:20 Lunch / Networking
12:30 – 1:30 Trauma, Addiction, and Hope: A Neuroscientific Approach to Resiliency - Miranda Stoll, MA, LIMHP, LADC; Therapist & Lead Diversion Specialist, Inner Reflections Counseling & Healing Hearts & Families
1:40 – 2:40 Healing the Wounds: Transforming Family Trauma from Addiction - Tiffany Gormley, LIMHP, LMHP, LADC, Executive Director, Northpoint Recovery
2:50 – 3:50 Substance Use Trends in Nebraska’s Region 1: A Comparative Analysis of Local and Statewide Drug and Alcohol Issues- Sergeant Dean Christiansen, Drug Sergeant - Investigative Services, WING Drug Task Force Commander, Nebraska State Patrol
3:50 – 4:00 Closing
Sharing Tools for Overdose Prevention - Meghan Trevino
This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the opioid crisis, both nationally and locally. It will focus on the role of Narcan in preventing overdose deaths, with a demonstration on how to use this life-saving tool. The presentation will also address the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and offer strategies to foster more supportive, compassionate responses to those impacted. Additionally, it will highlight local resources available for treatment and recovery, empowering attendees to take action in their own communities.
Overdose Lifeline - Justin Phillips, MA
Justin K Phillips, MA is the Founder and CEO of Overdose Lifeline. Overdose Lifeline is a non-profit based in Indiana providing hope and resources to individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use disorder and the opioid overdose crisis. Overdose Lifeline has been on the front lines of the opioid crisis since 2014 and provides education and resources across the US. Overdose Lifeline will discuss how to create a community approach to substance use disorder and how it affects all sectors. Based upon the socio-ecological model, Overdose Lifeline will present effective and proven solutions for each sector to include individuals, families, community and society. The presentation will include strategies to address substance use disorder in youth and supports for the family.
Trauma, Addiction, and Hope: A Neuroscientific Approach to Resiliency - Miranda Stoll, MA, LIMHP, LADC
Trauma, addiction, and resilience are deeply intertwined within the brain’s neurobiology. This session explores how trauma impacts brain development, the mechanisms behind opioid addiction, and the powerful role of neuroplasticity in recovery. We’ll examine how trauma-informed care and evidence-based interventions can promote healing and foster resilience, offering hope for individuals on the path to recovery. Combining neuroscience and practical strategies, this discussion provides insight into how we can support long-term resilience in those affected by both trauma and opioid addiction.
Healing the Wounds: Transforming Family Trauma from Addiction - Tiffany Gormley, LIMHP, LMHP, LADC
Overview: This presentation delves into the profound impact of addiction on families and explores effective strategies for healing and rebuilding relationships. Addiction is not just an individual struggle; it ripples through family dynamics, leaving emotional scars that can persist for generations. Participants will gain insights into the complex interplay of addiction and trauma, learning how to recognize patterns and triggers within their family systems.
Objectives:
- Understand how addiction affects family dynamics and leads to trauma.
- Identify the various roles family members may take in the context of addiction (e.g., enabler, rescuer, scapegoat).
- Learn therapeutic approaches and evidence-based practices for healing familial relationships.
- Explore the significance of communication, boundaries, and self-care in the healing process.
- Share personal stories and experiences to foster a sense of community and support among participants.
Who Should Attend: This presentation is designed for anyone affected by addiction, including family members, healthcare professionals, counselors, and support group leaders. Participants will leave with actionable tools and resources to support their journey towards healing and recovery.
Substance Use Trends in Nebraska’s Region 1: A Comparative Analysis of Local and Statewide Drug and Alcohol Issues - Sergeant Dean Christiansen, Drug Sergeant - Investigative Services, WING Drug Task Force Commander, Nebraska State Patrol
This session will explore current drug and alcohol trends in Nebraska's Region 1, focusing on issues like methamphetamine use, opioid concerns, alcohol abuse, and the influence of marijuana legalization in nearby states. Participants will learn how these regional trends compare to statewide patterns, highlighting both the unique challenges of rural areas and broader substance use issues impacting Nebraska.
Presenters
Justin Phillips
Justin Phillips, MA and White House Champion of Change for Advocacy, Prevention and Treatment is the Founder and Executive Director of Overdose Lifeline, Inc. (ODL) Based in Indiana, ODL is a non-profit dedicated to reducing the stigma of substance use disorder and preventing deaths resulting from opioid overdose. Operating statewide, ODL addresses the opioid public health crisis through subject matter expertise, education, advocacy, and support for affected families.
In 2013 Justin lost her middle child Aaron Sims to a preventable drug overdose death and since then has dedicated her life to creating awareness that can save other lives through the work of ODL. In 2015 she tirelessly worked to pass Aaron’s Law, named after her son, that allows for over-the-counter access to the overdose reversal drug naloxone (Narcan). Prior to ODL, Justin spent most of her career in public health and the prevention of unintentional injury and death to children and is still active in providing counseling services. Justin holds a Master’s in Clinical Addition Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Master’s degree in philanthropic studies and nonprofit management from Indiana University.
Justin is a featured speaker on the national, regional and local circuit sharing about the national opioid health crisis. Justin has received the Fairbanks Circle of Hope Award, the Drug Free Marion County Parent Advocate of the Year Award, and the Indiana Jefferson Award. The Indiana State Health Commissioner awarded Justin the Excellence in Public Health Award and in 2017 Justin testified before President’s Trump’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction. In 2021 Justin spoke on two separate occasions to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. In 2024 Justin was named USA Today’s Indiana Woman of the Year.
Meghan Trevino
Meghan Trevino is the Assistant Executive Director for West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) in North Platte, NE (serving Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Thomas, Hooker, and Arthur counties), and is an active member of the Community Connections Lincoln County Substance Abuse Prevention System Coalition. Meghan was recently named as the incoming Executive Director for WCDHD and will assume the role on January 1, 2025. With over four years of public health experience at WCDHD, Meghan has played a key role in advancing the department’s vision of Healthy People in Healthy Communities. Under her leadership, WCDHD established a partnership with CredibleMind to provide free online mental health resources, as well as launched Project S.T.O.P. – Sharing Tools for Overdose Prevention, a free online resource for accessing Narcan education and local substance use prevention and recovery resources. As one of two program managers for the department’s Overdose Data 2 Action grant, she has led efforts to combat the opioid crisis through overdose prevention education and access to life-saving resources like Narcan. Meghan is deeply committed to connecting individuals with community resources, promoting health equity, and reducing stigma around substance use disorder to create a healthier and more supportive environment for all.
Miranda Stoll
Miranda is a LIMHP, LADC therapist that works for Healing Hearts & Families, as well as Inner Reflections Counseling Center. Miranda has been fortunate enough to learn from and work with a diverse population that includes Veterans, survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and their families, drug court participants, federal parolees, and many other youth and adult populations. Before becoming a therapist, Miranda worked in many areas involving adolescents and their families. This included working at CEDAR’S Youth Services where Miranda wore many hats that included Relief Youth Specialist, Juvenile Services Officer, and Assistant Program Manager, for both TLC & Family Support Services. Miranda then expanded her work with juveniles to include therapeutic interventions at an inpatient male facility working with young men from the ages of 10-18. Miranda has continued to work in the therapeutic setting since 2011 and has continued to develop her skills and deepen her understanding of the issues that youth today are facing. Miranda has spent the past few years
obtaining certification in EMDR, Synergetic Play Therapy, and becoming a Consultant in Training for EMDR. Miranda continues to deepen her understanding through training, personal coaching, and hands on learning experiences. Miranda earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree through Doane College in 2007 & 2010. Through both agencies the service area that is covered includes 13 different counties in Nebraska. Miranda has presented at Through the Eyes of a Child Conference, NJJCA Conference, Nebraska Community Aid and Juvenile Justice Conference, to numerous high school administration and staff, to many community agencies and is always looking for opportunities to share this information.
Tiffany Gormley
Tiffany Gormley is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) with over a decade of experience in the field. She earned her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from University of Nebraska at Omaha and specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), EMDR and trauma-informed care.
Tiffany has worked various rehabilitation settings, including working with traumatic brain injury and substance use, and mental health populations. Tiffany is dedicated to providing trauma informed and evidence based treatment for all populations she works with.
A passionate advocate for mental health, Tiffany presents at national conferences and serves as a trainer in clinical services both nationally and internationally. She conducts workshops aimed at raising awareness and reducing stigma in mental health.
Sergeant Dean Christiansen
Sergeant Dean Christensen has 29 years of experience with the Nebraska State Patrol. He is currently the Drug Sergeant with Troop E and Commander of Investigative Services WING Drug Task Force. Sergeant Christensen is an active member on the Drug Court Board.
