Every Connection Matters
32nd Annual Conference
Keynote Speakers





Pricing & Registration
Full (in person) Conference Registration includes both pre-conference virtual deep dives and the sessions detailed below. Virtual Conference Registration includes both pre-conference virtual deep dives and all the sessions highlighted in blue in the schedule below. All virtual sessions will be recorded and available for ALL conference registrants until Friday, July 8th, 4:00 p.m. EST.
Registration will close on Friday, May 27 for the in-person event and Friday, June 10 for the virtual event.
Scholarships & Registration Instructions
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer scholarships this year. We are grateful to provide a virtual option for those who aren't able or can't travel at this time.
This year we are hosting both in-person and virtual options and they require separate registrations. Please consider registering early for the conference as we are going to cap the number of in-person attendees.
Please review our COVID-19 and Cancellation policies before registering. To review and download the full conference registration details and instructions, please go HERE.
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Enjoy significant savings by becoming a CPA Member or renewing your old membership.
Pre-Conference Deep Dives
The following pre-conference sessions are virtual and included in both Full and Virtual Conference Registrations. They will also be recorded and available to view through July 8th.

Presenter: Andy Duran, CEO, LEAD
Dates:
- Part I: June 14
- Part II: June 16
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 am
Join in this session for a deep dive into what type of prevention messaging works and what type doesn't. We will discuss how coalitions, prevention organizations, and community non-profits can take advantage of social media marketing opportunities in an effort to make our communities safer and healthier.
- Optimize your organic and targeted reach on social media platforms
- Understand best practices in effective prevention messaging
- Use built-in analytics to realize greatest ROI (return on investment)

Presenter: Aaron Weiner, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Bridge Forward Group
Date: June 15
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 pm
- Describe how exposure to on-screen smoking impacts youth nicotine use behavior
- Describe how media exposure to sexual messaging impacts perceptions of descriptive and injunctive norms
- List at least three discussion topics to help prepare teens to be exposed to mature themes in popular media.
Full Conference Main Event
Tuesday, June 21 (blue highlighted columns are the sessions available virtually)

Presenter: Craig Bowman, President, Common Ground Consulting, LLC
Date: June 21
Time: 12:00 - 3:30 pm
And yet, we are also in a moment when bringing people together across differences is fraught with difficulties. The last two years of the pandemic have wrought tremendous losses—of life, family, businesses, wages, and community. When we meet—virtually or in person—and work to build and support prevention projects together; or work to secure our health or recovery; or promote equity and inclusion practices in our work—we do so in perhaps an unprecedented moment of both exhaustion and alienation. People who have worked long and hard in our communities may be worn out and demoralized. People who are just coming to the table to get involved may feel daunted by the needs of those most vulnerable and intimidated by a lack of experience with navigating differences in language, embodiment, religious beliefs, geography, and values.
During this pre-conference training, three seasoned community organizers—with more than 60 years of practice in building communities and supporting recovery, having led trainings all over the world in youth development, LGBTQI+ equity, racial justice, dismantling oppression, fighting for health equity, and more—will share their expertise facilitating for transformation.
- Define best practices for welcoming and affirming workshop participants
- Facilitate intense story sharing activities to encourage communication amongst diverse groups
- Identify unique challenges in facilitating equity and justice conversations, and describe how to overcome them

Presenter: Craig Bowman, President, Common Ground Consulting, LLC
Date: June 21
Time: 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Date: June 21
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Whether attending the In-person Tuesday
pre-conference sessions or traveling into State College for the Wed-Fri full conference, join us at the Arboretum at Penn State for an evening reception and gathering. It’s been so long since we've been able to meet in person and this is just that chance to casually talk with others and stroll through the beautiful Arboretum. We will have heavy hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, great conversations, and prizes! And, the Penn State Creamery is only a few blocks away. The reception is part of your conference registration so there is not an additional charge. When registering, please check the box to attend this event so we have a good estimate for food and refreshments.

Presenter: Alicia Kline, Prevention Specialist, Council on Chemical Abuse, Berks County
Date: June 21
Time: 1:00 - 2:15 pm
Today we rely on technology more than ever. While we recognize the positives in technology we must also understand the negatives to protect ourselves and our youth. However, rather than attempt to deny youth the use of their technology we need to assure we are raising positive digital citizens. A positive digital citizen is someone who uses technology responsibly to learn, create, and participate. This program discusses:
- Defining Digital Citizenship
- Creating safe spaces on line
- Warning signs of scams and inappropriate contact
- On line dating abuse
- Cyberbullying
- Skills to maintain an on and offline balance
- Define Digital Citizenship
- Identify skills needed to strengthen and create positive digital citizens
- Develop strategies to help youth build the skills needed to become positive digital citizens
We are very excited to offer the Tuesday Pre-Conference sessions as part of the overall conference registration fee! If you're unable to join us in-person on Tuesday, but are traveling into State College for the Wed-Fri sessions, please consider joining us at the Arboretum for a reception. Just remember to check this box when registering.
Wednesday, June 22 (blue highlighted columns are the sessions available virtually)
Welcome (9:00 - 9:30 am)

Presenter: Jennifer Smith, Secretary Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs
Date: June 22
Time: 9:00 - 9:30 am
Keynote (9:30 - 10:30 am)

Presenter: Carlton Hall, Founder & CEO, Carlton Hall Consulting
Date: June 22
Time: 9:30 - 10:30 am
This session will discuss poly-drug misuse, racial disparities, and other social factors. The implications of creating an inequity among those who misuse, seek recovery and are exposed to the emerging commercialism
The presenter will reframe perceived “gaps in the national conversation” as opportunities to change the conversation and offer “strategies” as critical skills required to specifically impact population-level reductions in polysubstance misuse and abuse with scale and scope in diverse communities.
- Understand the importance of addressing vulnerable populations
- Define behavioral Health Disparities
- Understand the relationship between commercialization and marijuana myths/dangers
Workshop Options (11:00 am - noon)

Presenter: Eric Webber, CCPG Director, Legal Professionals Program, and Senior Clinician of Specialty Services, Caron Treatment Center
Date: June 22
Time: 11:00 am - noon
- Identify the six types of gambler, as well as the two types of gambler
- List specific ways in which both chemical and behavioral addictions have increased during the pandemic
- Identify and describe 4-6 different types of addiction interaction disorders and how they relate to gambling

Presenter: Dr. Sean Fogler, Co-Founder, Elevyst
Date: June 22
Time: 11:00 am - noon
- Discuss the foundational philosophy and practice of harm reduction
- Discuss and analyze current Pennsylvania specific initiatives and legislation
- Discuss the strengths of the harm reduction approach and advocate for its integration into the continuum of care

Presenters: Matt Weaver, Program Manager Compass Mark & Jeff Hanley, Executive Director, CPA
Date: June 22
Time: 11:00 am - noon
In January 2019, Jeff Hanley was named the first executive director of the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance (CPA), a statewide organization that supports drug and alcohol prevention professionals in eliminating substance misuse/abuse and other risk related behaviors. Jeff is not new to the world of prevention; after graduating from the University of Mount Union in Ohio, he was employed by the American Red Cross and then journeyed into the prevention field, in 2004, with Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission. Jeff and his wife, Carrie then moved to Colorado where he was hired as Special Projects Administrator of Opioid Programs, at the Jefferson County Public Health Department with a focus on Provider Education Programming and Coalition Development.
Lunch (12:15 - 1:45 pm)
Workshop Options (2:00 - 3:00 pm)
Presenter: David S. Anderson, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Education and Human Development, George Mason University
Date: June 22
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 pm
- To gain a renewed understanding of leadership for prevention professionals, affiliates and alcohol abuse, its root causes, and helpful strategies.
- To provide new perspectives regarding leading organized and sustained efforts at the individual and organizational levels.
- To enhance the competence, confidence and commitment of participants and those reached by them.

Presenter: Frank Leone, Director, Comprehensive Smoking Treatment Program, University of Pennsylvania
Date: June 22
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 pm
- Describe the biological basis of overlap between tobacco use and other substance use disorders
- Describe the impact tobacco treatment may have on recovery outcomes
- Identify simple tactics for integrating tobacco dependence into SUD treatment routines

Presenter: Lisa Schneller, Director, ATOD Prevention, Child Guidance Resource Centers
Date: June 22
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 pm
The North Star is a metaphor that has been with us for thousands of years, offering hope, guidance, and connection. Participants will reflect on personal and external forces that are a constant in their life. It may be a close friend or family member. Tending to a garden. Practicing yoga. Tapping into creativity. Through journal writing and discussion, we will discuss perspective, values, and gain understanding. Participants will develop self-care strategies and learn through shared experience.
- Recognize the impacts of a pandemic and how it may contribute to stress and anxiety in individuals, families, and communities
- Reflect on who and what experiences have influenced them in a positive way and learn strategies to manage stress
- Define their own strategies for ongoing self-care
Workshop Options (3:30 - 4:30 pm)
Presenter: David S. Anderson, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Education and Human Development, George Mason University
Date: June 22
Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm
- To learn about current policies, services, and strategies of colleges and universities regarding drug and alcohol misuse prevention.
- To understand prevention overlapping and separate needs at the community and campus level.
- To learn specific strategies and opportunities for collaboration, including campus and community coalitions

Presenter: Christina Getz, Student Assistance Program Coordinator / Children & Teens Program Coordinator, Caron Treatment Centers
Date: June 22
Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm
- Better understand of how substance use impacts the family.
- Recognize the various challenges of growing up in a home with substance use
- Gain resources that can help them provide support to families impacted by substance use

Presenter: Melissa Perkins, Community Programs Manager, Persad Center in Pittsburgh, PA
Date: June 22
Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm
- Discuss name and pronouns
- Describe the fluidity of sexual and gender identity & expression
- Recognize the social bias
- Examine the health disparities
- Review assessment tools
- Identify how to be an ally
- Review best practices and resources
Thursday, June 23 (blue highlighted columns are the sessions available virtually)
Welcome (9:00 - 9:30 am)

Presenter: Geoff Kolchin, Deputy Director in PCCD's Office of Justice Programs
Date: June 23
Time: 9:00 - 9:30 am
Keynote (9:30 - 10:30 am)

Presenter: Dr. Deborah Carrera, Executive Deputy Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)
Date: June 23
Time: 9:30 - 10:30 am
She has been featured in American Educator magazine for her transformative work and engagement with community partners that included the Eagles Youth Partnership, PA Horticultural Society, and Mural Arts Program. She has received the following awards: 2020-21 Fulbright Leaders for Global School Recipients-Singapore, 2018 Schoolmen’s Club Recipient, 2017 Pennsylvania Association of Hispanic School Administrators (PAHSA) Longstanding Commitment Award, 2015 Star Alumnus EDDY Award, 2014 100 Most Influential Latino Award, and the 2012 Lindback Award for Distinguished Principal Leadership.
Dr. Carrera earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Early and Elementary Education from Temple University, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from St. Joseph’s University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Gwynedd Mercy University.
Virtual Networking (9:30 - 10:30 am)
Workshop Options (10:45 - 11:45 am)

Presenter:Dr. Stephanie Diez-Morel, Professor & Founder, Reboot & Recover
Date: June 23
Time: 10:45 - 11:45 am
- Identify the populations who are at risk and most vulnerable for problematic gambling and gaming
- Understand specific data-driven information on at-risk groups for targeted prevention efforts
- Describe risk factors that can be utilize to identify areas for prevention work

Presenter: Dr. Michael Lynch, Medical Directo, UPMC
Date: June 23
Time: 10:45 - 11:45 am
- Describe the most commonly used cannabinoids and their clinical effects
- Summarize existing medical literature on therapeutic cannabinoid use
- Discuss benefits and harms of expanded access and utilization of cannabis products

Presenter: Courtney C. Gambrell, Counselor & Crisis Clinicia, CORA Services & Main Line Health Systems
Date: June 23
Time: 10:45 - 11:45 am
- Identify warning signs of suicidality and debunk commonly held myths
- Identify evidenced-based suicide risk assessments
- Guide individuals to appropriate crisis intervention avenues
Lunch (11:45 - 1:15 pm)
Keynote (1:30 - 2:30 pm)

Presenters: Dr. Jaime Grant, Founder, Principal, Transformations Consulting & Rev. Darlene Nipper, Chief Executive Officer, Rockwood Leadership Institute
Date: June 23
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Darlene and Jaime shared a few critical connectors: they both identified as LGBTQ+ and were fighting for the lives of people in their communities facing HIV infection. They both were struggling to stay sober.
This keynote explores the role of friendship and resistance in sustaining mental health & sobriety. In a world riven by racism, sexism, and queer and transphobias – how do we connect across difference? How do principles of recovery offer pathways to solidarity and justice? How might our practices in recovery resist the simplistic denial of differences or the recreation of violent, damaging power imbalances? How can we grow love and health, together, against all odds?
- Think critically about their own story and experiences of intergenerational, familial, and state violence and the impacts of their thinking, their relationships, and their mental health
- Apply principles embedded in recovery programs to the challenge of reckoning with violence and inequity in our relationships and larger society, forging possible pathways to solidarity and justice
- Consider friendship and solidarity as powerful medicine, perhaps rethinking where friendship-building lies in our prescriptions for wellness among people recovering from violence and addiction
Workshop Options (3:00 - 4:00 pm)

Presenter:Nicole, Baptiste, CEO, Uproot & Build
Date: June 23
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm
- Discuss the concrete experiences of people in generational poverty
- Understand that knowing a person’s strongest resources assists in determining which interventions will be effective
- Learn new strategies for improving relationships and organizational outcomes
Presenters : Jordan Joyce, Penn State EPIS, Implementation Specialist
Date: June 23
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm
- Describe at least 3 ways the COVID 19 pandemic had an impact on student mental health
- Identify Evidence-Based Programs to address student mental wellness
- Describe how Evidence-based Programs improve child and caregiver outcomes

Presenters : Chris Naylor, Legislative and Political Director for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 1776 Keystone State & Jeff Hanley, Executive Director, CPA
Date: June 23
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Naylor joined the staff of UFCW 1776 in 2011 and played a key role in developing the Union’s legislative campaign to fight back against Governor Tom Corbett’s liquor privatization plan which would eliminate 3,500 UFCW members’ jobs who work at PA’s Wine and Spirits stores. He also was responsible for leading the union’s member to member political organizing programs, legislative policy research and media strategy on political and legislative issues. He was named the full-time Legislative and Political Director in 2017 and is the in-house lobbyist on all matters related to state government on behalf of the union’s membership.
Naylor is also the lead representative for UFCW 1776 in local government advocacy – helping pass one of the nation’s strongest Fair Work Week Laws in Philadelphia and defeating the potential privatization of a county run nursing home in Berks County where UFCW 1776 represents 400 members.
Prior to 2011, Naylor was a rank and file member and union shop steward for five years with UFCW while working at Superfresh Supermarkets in Philadelphia. While as a member of the union, he attended and graduated from Temple University in 2011 with a degree in political science.
Naylor resides in Philadelphia, PA with his wife and two daughters.
In January 2019, Jeff Hanley was named the first executive director of the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance (CPA), a statewide organization that supports drug and alcohol prevention professionals in eliminating substance misuse/abuse and other risk related behaviors. Jeff is not new to the world of prevention; after graduating from the University of Mount Union in Ohio, he was employed by the American Red Cross and then journeyed into the prevention field, in 2004, with Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission. Jeff and his wife, Carrie then moved to Colorado where he was hired as Special Projects Administrator of Opioid Programs, at the Jefferson County Public Health Department with a focus on Provider Education Programming and Coalition Development.
In-Person Networking (4:15 - 5:15 pm)
Friday, June 24 (blue highlighted columns are the sessions available virtually)
Welcome (8:30 - 9:00 am)
Presenter: Corinne Dinoski, Director PLCB / Bureau of Alcohol Education
Date: June 23
Time: 8:30 - 9:00 am
Keynote (9:00 - 10:00 am)
Presenter: Clara Gibbons, Principal Strategist, FrameWorks Institute
Date: June 24
Time: 9:00 - 10:00 am
- Articulate the importance of consistent framing to narrative change efforts
- Apply knowledge of cognitive biases to review organizational messaging
- Begin to formulate a plan for upcoming high-impact framing opportunities
Workshop Option (9:00 - 10:00 am)

Presenter: Nicole Wells, Implementation Specialist, Penn State EPIS
Date: June 24
Time: 9:00 - 10:00 am
Recent results from the 2021 PAYS data reflect that youth mental health concerns are on the rise. The COVID-19 pandemic caused individuals of all ages to experience uncertainty, social isolation and abrupt loss taking an emotional, social, and psychological toll on young people, especially. This 60 minute session will explore evidence-based programs that are implemented in the school setting to address mental health issues for youth. School representatives and program facilitators will share their experience with programs that improved their student outcomes, as well s how school-based interventions taught students how to effectively manage stress, reduced barriers to mental health supports, and fostered resilience.
- Describe at least 3 ways the COVID 19 pandemic had an impact on student mental health
- Identify Evidence-Based Programs to address student mental wellness
- Describe how Evidence-based Programs improve child and caregiver outcomes
Workshop Options (10:30 - 11:30 am)

Presenter:Kevin Puskaric, Program Director, Youth MOVE PA & Christopher Lunsford, Call for Change and Youth Care Coordinator, Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers' Association
Date: June 24
Time: 10:30 - 11:30 am
- Adopt the youth perspective and know how to use it
- Build effective relationships with youth and young adults
- Empower youth through leadership

Presenter: Zoe Miner, Public Health Program Manager, Office of Drug Surveillance and Misuse Prevention, Pennsylvania Department of Health
Date: June 24
Time: 10:30 - 11:30 am
- Better understand the of the role of the Office of Drug Surveillance and Misuse Prevention
- Identify the prevention programs the office administers
- Determine what programs can help constituents in their local communities

Presenter: Goeff Kolchin, Deputy Director in PCCD's Office of Justice Programs
Date: June 24
Time: 10:30 - 11:30 am
- Interpret the nuances in changes in data
- Translate your new data into existing prevention priorities and strategic plans
- Plan to use PAYS tools and resources in your local work
Hotel Information
THE PENN STATER CONFERENCE CENTER HOTEL ROOM RATE
Standard Double and Standard King Rooms: $127*
*Rooms are subject to an 8.5% occupancy tax plus 6% sales tax. If your organization is tax-exempt, you must provide documentation at check-in.
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS RESERVATION PROCEDURES
There are two ways to reserve your room at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel for the room rate listed above. Reservations must be made no later than Friday, May 20, 2022 by 11:59 pm to receive this rate. Both methods require a credit card to hold your room.
1) Call the Central Reservations Department at 1-800-233-7505 and identify yourself as part of the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance (CPA) Conference. Group Code: CPAC22A.
2) Use the following secure booking link to book your room: https://thepennstaterhotel.psu.edu/
All reservations made after May 20, 2022 will be made on a space-available basis and will be booked at the hotel’s rate at the time of booking.
Cancellations received within 24 hours of arrival date AND no-shows are subject to a cancellation charge equivalents to a one-night stay, and will be charged to the credit card provided at time of reservation.
Check-in is 4:00pm and Checkout is 11:00am. Late departures must be requested and approved in advance by calling 1-800-233-7505. Failure to do so may result in an additional full-night being charged to the credit card provided at time of reservation.
COVID Policy
The Commonwealth Prevention Alliance (CPA) is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and memorable 32nd Annual CPA Conference for all in attendance. We are continuing to monitor the public health situation and the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the PA Department of Health (PADOH).
- Specifically, out of an abundance of caution and safety, CPA is requiring all 2022 Annual Conference in-person attendees and presenters to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. We consider people as fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in accordance with CDC guidelines. Proof of vaccination will be required and testing will not be an available alternative for entry to the event.
- While on-site at The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, attendees and presenters will be required to wear masks at all times, except when actively eating or drinking. (Conference presenters may remove mask while presenting.)
- We will be asking all attendees and presenters to monitor their health daily and to notify a conference representative should they feel ill at any time.
- We are not the only event at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center during our scheduled conference. Their COVID-19 guidelines may differ from the CPA’s.
- Refusal to abide by CPA's COVID-19 related procedures may result in removal from the conference and cancellation of registration, without refund.
While we respect the individual and alternative choices of our CPA members and constituents, we are not deviating from our vaccination requirement outlined above. If any prospective registrant feels uncomfortable attending an in-person, we do offer the Virtual Sessions as a separate Conference Registration option.
Creating a safe and healthy experience for conference participants is our top priority. Each participant has a personal responsibility to abide by all guidelines, instructions, and signs, and to take appropriate steps to stay safe and healthy and to keep other participants safe and healthy. By registering for the conference, each participant assumes the risk of contracting any illness and waives any claims against the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance, its staff, board, affiliates, conference contractors, and conference sponsors, and assigns relating to illness, releases them from any liability relating to illness, and will indemnify them for any third-party claims relating to illness and arising because of the participant’s actions or inactions. These obligations relating to illness supplement and do not replace any other waiver, release, indemnification, or other responsibilities that participants have with respect to Commonwealth Prevention Alliance, its staff, board, affiliates, conference contractors, and conference sponsors.
By registering for the conference, you agree and will adhere to the above policy and procedures.
Should you have any further questions, please contact Jeff Hanley: jeff.hanley@commonwealthpreventionalliance.org.
Cancellation Policy
As we approach the conference, we would like to reiterate the importance of getting tested if you develop any COVID-like symptoms. Our goal is to make our conference a safe environment for all.
If you do test positive within 10 days of the conference, your registration will be converted to a virtual registration and the difference in cost will be reimbursed to you. We will need confirmation of your laboratory-confirmed positive test (e.g., healthcare provider, pharmacies, Walmart, PA department of health, urgent centers, or hospitals).
For more information about testing sites, please visit this website: https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html
To cancel a 2022 conference registration and request a refund, you must contact Jeff Hanley, via email, at jeff.hanley@commonwealthpreventionalliance.org by Friday, May 27, 2022, 4:00 p.m. EST. For cancellations made by this date and time your registration fee will be refunded, less a $25 administrative fee.
No refunds will be given for cancellations made after May 27, 2020, 4:00 p.m. Conference no-shows will forfeit all registration fees paid to the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance.
If you switch to a virtual option (from an ‘ in person’ attendance option) after May 27, 2022 we are unable to give an adjustment in cost. While you certainly can switch to the virtual format, you must indicate this change by May 27, 2022 or you will still be charged for the full ‘in person’ rate. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes, but due to our contractual and financial obligations with the Penn Stater, we are unable to make this adjustment after May 27, 2022.
All registration payments must be received by Friday, June 10, 2022. The Commonwealth Prevention Alliance reserves the right to refuse admission if full payment is not received prior to the event.
Registrants may request to send a substitute to the in-person or virtual event up to Friday, June 10, 2022. To do so, please contact Jeff Hanley, at jeff.hanley@commonwealthpreventionalliance.org.
Conference Sponsors
CPA is incredibly grateful to our state partners who value, support, and assist in guiding the prevention efforts across Pennsylvania.
- Thank you to the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) for their conference sponsorship!
- Thank you to the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) and the Evidence-based Prevention and Intervention Support (EPIS) for their continued support of CPA's events and initiatives!


