Breakout Session Presenters
Breakout Session #1 11:00 A.M. - 12:15 P.M.
Core Competencies for Addiction Pastoral Care
Rev. Jan Brown, Founding/Executive Director - Spiritworks
Recent events (COVID-19, rising fatal overdoses, domestic violence, increase in alcohol related deaths) indicate and demonstrate a need for competency across all orders of church ministry on addiction and other substance related problems. As a response an updated version of the Core Competencies for Clergy and Pastoral Leaders in Addressing Alcohol and Substance Misuse was developed and is now in use in seminary curriculum and across The Episcopal Church (TEC). The core competencies provide a specific guide to the basic knowledge, attitudes, and skills essential to the ability of clergy and pastoral leaders to meet the needs of persons with alcohol or drug related problems and their families. These core competencies provide a general framework and have application to diverse pastoral situations. They are modeled after the Core Competencies for Clergy and Other Pastoral Ministers in Addressing Alcohol and Drug Dependence and the Impact On Family Members and include updated information specific to opioids, children and families, impairment and recovery pathways. This workshop will provide an overview of the core competencies with a discussion of specific opportunities to gain the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes required to equip clergy and pastoral leaders.
Rev. Jan Brown, Founding/Executive Director - Spiritworks
Recent events (COVID-19, rising fatal overdoses, domestic violence, increase in alcohol related deaths) indicate and demonstrate a need for competency across all orders of church ministry on addiction and other substance related problems. As a response an updated version of the Core Competencies for Clergy and Pastoral Leaders in Addressing Alcohol and Substance Misuse was developed and is now in use in seminary curriculum and across The Episcopal Church (TEC). The core competencies provide a specific guide to the basic knowledge, attitudes, and skills essential to the ability of clergy and pastoral leaders to meet the needs of persons with alcohol or drug related problems and their families. These core competencies provide a general framework and have application to diverse pastoral situations. They are modeled after the Core Competencies for Clergy and Other Pastoral Ministers in Addressing Alcohol and Drug Dependence and the Impact On Family Members and include updated information specific to opioids, children and families, impairment and recovery pathways. This workshop will provide an overview of the core competencies with a discussion of specific opportunities to gain the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes required to equip clergy and pastoral leaders.
Grief Relief-Roadmap to Restoration
Ms. Kelli Nielsen, Founder - The Grief Guru
Learn the framework for recovering from grief and learn to love your life again. Healing isn't instant, and it isn't easy, but it possible and it is worth it. Kelli shares her personal journey of dealing with grief after losing her mother to suicide and her son to an accidental overdose. She also shares the 5 step process she created through study and prayer that helped heal her heart and allow her the room to design a life she truly loves. The Grief Relief process is helping people find hope and healing and is built on practical tools and Biblical principles.
Ms. Kelli Nielsen, Founder - The Grief Guru
Learn the framework for recovering from grief and learn to love your life again. Healing isn't instant, and it isn't easy, but it possible and it is worth it. Kelli shares her personal journey of dealing with grief after losing her mother to suicide and her son to an accidental overdose. She also shares the 5 step process she created through study and prayer that helped heal her heart and allow her the room to design a life she truly loves. The Grief Relief process is helping people find hope and healing and is built on practical tools and Biblical principles.
Harm Reduction Saves
Ms. Erica Poellot, Director of Faith and Community Partnerships - Faith in Harm Reduction
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. (Matthew 10:5-8) As Christians, we are called to be a resurrection people. In 2020 over 82,000 people died of an overdose. How does our faith call us to respond? This worship/workshop will focus on overdose prevention through a Christian lens. Together through music, ritual, and a message, we will grieve those we’ve lost, lift up those who remain, and bless our ability to live into the power of resurrection.
Ms. Erica Poellot, Director of Faith and Community Partnerships - Faith in Harm Reduction
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. (Matthew 10:5-8) As Christians, we are called to be a resurrection people. In 2020 over 82,000 people died of an overdose. How does our faith call us to respond? This worship/workshop will focus on overdose prevention through a Christian lens. Together through music, ritual, and a message, we will grieve those we’ve lost, lift up those who remain, and bless our ability to live into the power of resurrection.
How Churches can Seek Healing and Justice in Ending the War on Drugs
Rev. Alexander Sharp, Executive Director - Clergy for a New Drug Policy
The so-called War on Drugs is the longest war in the history of our nation. This Drug War is theologically and morally wrong. It calls for punishment in the form of jail and prison for individuals using drugs, including those who are addicted. It continues to devastate especially communities of color. Churches have an obligation to seek healing rather than incarceration in response to drug use, and to bring this tragic war to an end. This workshop will make clear why it is our responsibility to end the War on Drugs, identify the targets of advocacy toward this end, and describe the ways in which you can bring forth voices for justice within your congregation.
Rev. Alexander Sharp, Executive Director - Clergy for a New Drug Policy
The so-called War on Drugs is the longest war in the history of our nation. This Drug War is theologically and morally wrong. It calls for punishment in the form of jail and prison for individuals using drugs, including those who are addicted. It continues to devastate especially communities of color. Churches have an obligation to seek healing rather than incarceration in response to drug use, and to bring this tragic war to an end. This workshop will make clear why it is our responsibility to end the War on Drugs, identify the targets of advocacy toward this end, and describe the ways in which you can bring forth voices for justice within your congregation.
Native American Addiction discussion
Mr. Richard Wright, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor - Indian Health Board
TBD
Mr. Richard Wright, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor - Indian Health Board
TBD
Breakout Session #2 1:30-2:45 P.M.
Co-Dependence? Decoding the Family System Dynamics of Addiction | Breakout Session #2 1:30-2:45 P.M.
Mr. Micheal Borowiak, MSW, LICSW - Traverse Counseling & Consulting
Decoding the Family System Dynamics of Addiction. There is a lot more going on in the dynamics of a family in which substance use is present than can be articulated with the term 'codepedence'. The experienced therapists at Traverse Counseling & Consulting will help to explore the deeper mysteries of the family patters and dysfunction within these family systems and describing the role that substance use plays within the family system.
Mr. Micheal Borowiak, MSW, LICSW - Traverse Counseling & Consulting
Decoding the Family System Dynamics of Addiction. There is a lot more going on in the dynamics of a family in which substance use is present than can be articulated with the term 'codepedence'. The experienced therapists at Traverse Counseling & Consulting will help to explore the deeper mysteries of the family patters and dysfunction within these family systems and describing the role that substance use plays within the family system.
Developing Transformational Leaders for Addiction Ministry | Breakout Session #2 1:30-2:45 P.M.
Mr. Drew Brooks, Executive Director - Faith Partners, Inc.
Many of us have witnessed how addiction has destroyed families and communities – a needed respond was magnified with the uncertainty and isolation of the pandemic. The opportunity to help someone struggling with these issues are often no farther away than the person sitting next to us in a worship service. People whose lives are silently unraveling and who need us to reach out with an open heart. This interactive workshop describes the Faith Partners’ evidence-based model of congregational readiness and capacity-building that moves faith leaders from rare conversations about behavioral health to active involvement in community prevention and recovery support activities. Participants will receive tools, strategies, and a spiritual basis to initiate an effective, sustainable ministry in their congregational communities.
Mr. Drew Brooks, Executive Director - Faith Partners, Inc.
Many of us have witnessed how addiction has destroyed families and communities – a needed respond was magnified with the uncertainty and isolation of the pandemic. The opportunity to help someone struggling with these issues are often no farther away than the person sitting next to us in a worship service. People whose lives are silently unraveling and who need us to reach out with an open heart. This interactive workshop describes the Faith Partners’ evidence-based model of congregational readiness and capacity-building that moves faith leaders from rare conversations about behavioral health to active involvement in community prevention and recovery support activities. Participants will receive tools, strategies, and a spiritual basis to initiate an effective, sustainable ministry in their congregational communities.
Ministering to Members of the Armed Forces | Breakout Session #2 1:30-2:45 P.M.
Maj. John Donovan, Maj. John G. Donovan, U. S. Army, Ret. - Recovery Community Network
Maj. Donovan is the director of the Recovery Community Network (RCN) in St. Cloud, MN. The RCN is a Recovery Community Organization devoted to advocacy, education and providing peer to peer recovery services in Central Minnesota. As a combat veteran of two tours to Iraq, Maj. Donovan shares about his transition difficulties and the lessons learned therefrom. He draws heavily on his military training, tactics and techniques to help others build resiliency and recovery capitol. His book on recovery was recently released and is entitled: “A Soldier’s Recovery Journey”. This session is ideal for Faith Leaders who wish to connect with veterans and service-members within their faith community.
Maj. John Donovan, Maj. John G. Donovan, U. S. Army, Ret. - Recovery Community Network
Maj. Donovan is the director of the Recovery Community Network (RCN) in St. Cloud, MN. The RCN is a Recovery Community Organization devoted to advocacy, education and providing peer to peer recovery services in Central Minnesota. As a combat veteran of two tours to Iraq, Maj. Donovan shares about his transition difficulties and the lessons learned therefrom. He draws heavily on his military training, tactics and techniques to help others build resiliency and recovery capitol. His book on recovery was recently released and is entitled: “A Soldier’s Recovery Journey”. This session is ideal for Faith Leaders who wish to connect with veterans and service-members within their faith community.
Collaborative Faith Community Model-Changing the Story | Breakout Session #2 1:30-2:45 P.M.
Ms. Vicki Elliott, Executive Director - Mental Health Connect
How can we provide mental health preventative care? How can we change the story around mental health and substance use? How can we let people know we care and will walk with them? How can we work together, share ideas and grow? Mental Health Connect is a non-profit collaborative model for faith communities, working together to support all people on their journey in life. I'll talk about how MHC began, what the goals are, how we bring people together, the critical systems in place, how we're making progress and reaching people right where they're at.
Ms. Vicki Elliott, Executive Director - Mental Health Connect
How can we provide mental health preventative care? How can we change the story around mental health and substance use? How can we let people know we care and will walk with them? How can we work together, share ideas and grow? Mental Health Connect is a non-profit collaborative model for faith communities, working together to support all people on their journey in life. I'll talk about how MHC began, what the goals are, how we bring people together, the critical systems in place, how we're making progress and reaching people right where they're at.
Youth & Family
Mr. Dan Gibson, Primary Counselor, Teen Program, Thelma McMillen Recovery Center | Breakout Session #2 1:30-2:45 P.M.
The panel will include family members who have had one or more family member who struggled from addiction. The panel will discuss what it was like; what happened; and what it’s like now; and how they came out on the other side.
Mr. Dan Gibson, Primary Counselor, Teen Program, Thelma McMillen Recovery Center | Breakout Session #2 1:30-2:45 P.M.
The panel will include family members who have had one or more family member who struggled from addiction. The panel will discuss what it was like; what happened; and what it’s like now; and how they came out on the other side.
Drug Related Stigma | Breakout Session #2 1:30-2:45 P.M.
Ms. Erica Poellot, Director of Faith and Community Partnerships - Faith in Harm Reduction
The training will give participants a distinct set of knowledge and skills to help them identify and address drug-related stigma. It will examine the social context that creates & reinforces drug-related stigma in order to develop strategies for building more authentic and more productive relationships with people who use drugs.
Ms. Erica Poellot, Director of Faith and Community Partnerships - Faith in Harm Reduction
The training will give participants a distinct set of knowledge and skills to help them identify and address drug-related stigma. It will examine the social context that creates & reinforces drug-related stigma in order to develop strategies for building more authentic and more productive relationships with people who use drugs.
Eating Addiction | Breakout Session #2 1:30-2:45 P.M.
TBD
TBD
Breakout Session #3 3:15 - 4:30 P.M.
Creating a Ministry Ready Church | Breakout Session #3 3:15 - 4:30 P.M.
Rev. Jan Brown, Founding/Executive Director - SpiritWorks
TBD
Rev. Jan Brown, Founding/Executive Director - SpiritWorks
TBD
Making Matthew 25 Relevant in your Community | Breakout Session #3 3:15 - 4:30 P.M.
Rev. Joy Gonnerman, Certified Prevention Specialist, International Gaming Disorder Specialist - Rosecrance Jackson Centers, Sioux City, Iowa
Substance Use Disorder and process disorders are issues of community health. We know that 90% of adults with substance use disordered started using in their teens so the youth around us need our help. Addiction is not a moral failing but rather a disease of the brain so our concern is not one of morality but of brain health. We also know that there are factors that put a young person at greater risk for substance use disorder. Communities of faith are ideally situated for providing protective factors for individuals, communities and systems all by holding Matthew 25 as our guide. How better for communities gathered in faith to reach out to neighbors? There is both a science and a passion for this work. Expect to learn of the continuum of care, the cycle of addiction, risk factors and protective factors that you can use as individuals and as faith leaders.
Rev. Joy Gonnerman, Certified Prevention Specialist, International Gaming Disorder Specialist - Rosecrance Jackson Centers, Sioux City, Iowa
Substance Use Disorder and process disorders are issues of community health. We know that 90% of adults with substance use disordered started using in their teens so the youth around us need our help. Addiction is not a moral failing but rather a disease of the brain so our concern is not one of morality but of brain health. We also know that there are factors that put a young person at greater risk for substance use disorder. Communities of faith are ideally situated for providing protective factors for individuals, communities and systems all by holding Matthew 25 as our guide. How better for communities gathered in faith to reach out to neighbors? There is both a science and a passion for this work. Expect to learn of the continuum of care, the cycle of addiction, risk factors and protective factors that you can use as individuals and as faith leaders.
HELP! Technology is taking control of our communities! How do we respond as people of faith? | Breakout Session #3 3:15 - 4:30 P.M.
Mr. Matthew Meyers, Owner and Therapist, Traverse Counseling & Consulting
Mr. Matthew Meyers, Owner and Therapist, Traverse Counseling & Consulting
Faith in Harm Reduction | Breakout Session #3 3:15 - 4:30 P.M.
Ms. Erica Poellot, Director of Faith and Community Partnerships - Faith in Harm Reduction
“Harm reduction is holy, faith-full resistance, rooted in love and unapologetically insistent on justice. It is the expression of radical welcome, the welcoming of all stories and paths. Harm reduction calls people by name, and attends to and cherishes the particularities. It is a hospitality that seeks people out, meets them where they are and invites them into loving community. Harm reduction is love that stands with people, in awe of the hardships they carry and without judgment for how they get through.” Harm Reduction is an approach to substance use that centers the dignity and health of people who use drugs. It meets people where they are at and supports them in keeping themselves as safe, healthy, and connected as possible. Harm Reduction understands that we must acknowledge the vulnerabilities of people who are most susceptible to drug related harm, and we must center those same people at the helm of the response. Join us as we examine the principles of harm reduction and their spiritual impact. Together we will illustrate the gospel of harm reduction, the power of language in shaping liberation, and make connections with harm reduction movements for social, racial, and economic justice.
Ms. Erica Poellot, Director of Faith and Community Partnerships - Faith in Harm Reduction
“Harm reduction is holy, faith-full resistance, rooted in love and unapologetically insistent on justice. It is the expression of radical welcome, the welcoming of all stories and paths. Harm reduction calls people by name, and attends to and cherishes the particularities. It is a hospitality that seeks people out, meets them where they are and invites them into loving community. Harm reduction is love that stands with people, in awe of the hardships they carry and without judgment for how they get through.” Harm Reduction is an approach to substance use that centers the dignity and health of people who use drugs. It meets people where they are at and supports them in keeping themselves as safe, healthy, and connected as possible. Harm Reduction understands that we must acknowledge the vulnerabilities of people who are most susceptible to drug related harm, and we must center those same people at the helm of the response. Join us as we examine the principles of harm reduction and their spiritual impact. Together we will illustrate the gospel of harm reduction, the power of language in shaping liberation, and make connections with harm reduction movements for social, racial, and economic justice.
Called from Darkness | Breakout Session #3 3:15 - 4:30 P.M.
Mr. Paul Steinbroner, Owner, TouchPoint Productions, LLC - TouchPoint Productions
Preview and Discussion Called from Darkness is a series of film's produced to share with the world the message of hope in the face of addiction. Addiction the isolating disease that it is robs people of their meaning and purpose. Here are five short documentaries I share the wisdom and hope that comes from community and connection.
Mr. Paul Steinbroner, Owner, TouchPoint Productions, LLC - TouchPoint Productions
Preview and Discussion Called from Darkness is a series of film's produced to share with the world the message of hope in the face of addiction. Addiction the isolating disease that it is robs people of their meaning and purpose. Here are five short documentaries I share the wisdom and hope that comes from community and connection.
2021Breakout Speakers
Drew Brooks, CEO
Faith Partner |
Drew Brooks is the Executive Director of Faith Partners, a non-profit organization providing leadership, training, and consultation for a congregational addiction team ministry model. The Faith Partners (FP) team approach is an evidence-based intervention with nearly a thousand trained congregational teams from 23 different faith traditions in 29 states. He has worked with Faith Partners since 1999 in the roles of Program Manager and Minnesota Area Coordinator as well. He also has been involved with congregational lay leadership in music, youth, caring, small group, and addiction ministries. |
Maj. John G. Donovan,
M.Ed., C.P.R.S., U.S. Army, Ret. |
Maj. John G. Donovan is a person in long-term recovery with over 40 years of sobriety. He is passionate about recovery and speaks and lectures frequently to audiences on substance use disorder and recovery therefrom. He frequently blogs on recovery; he is a certified peer recovery specialist; and he serves as an advisor to St. Cloud State University’s Recovery Community. Additionally, John co-founded and directs the Recovery Community Network (RCN) in St. Cloud, MN. The RCN is a Recovery Community Organization devoted to advocacy, education and providing peer to peer recovery services in Central Minnesota. |
Micheal Borowiak, MSW, LICSW
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Michael has been in private practice since 1997. He specializes in helping individuals and families out of stressful and challenging dynamics, such as divorce, trauma, substance abuse, depression, anxiety and significant medical conditions. Michael has an MSW (Masters of Social Work) and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). He is trained in family systems therapy, chemical dependency and child and adolescent therapy, with an undergraduate degree in psychology. Michael has been working with couples, families and children his entire career. |
Callie Albaugh, MA, LMFT
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Callie Albaugh, MA, LMFT
With nearly a decade of experience supporting individuals and families through challenging life obstacles, Callie recognizes that relationships anchor and influence how we interact and react with ourselves, and the world around us. She believes that each person is doing their best each day – and still has the opportunity for improvements. Her value in therapy is to provide a safe and explorative environment for clients on their journeys to becoming the best version of themselves. Callie is passionate about connecting with kids, teens, parents, and couples in their journeys to uncover barriers and discover new ways of living life individually and with others. Callie says, ““My hope is that in our work together you experience a sense of relief from the distress, an appreciation and understanding of who you are, and an empowering perspective to step out into the world”. |
Kelli Nielsen
The Grief Guru |
Kelli didn’t grow up with visions of becoming The Grief Guru, but life had other plans. After losing her mother to suicide in 2017 she found herself swept out in a sea of grief. Barely able to get through the days she looked for help and was discouraged when she didn’t find the support or tools to recover.
Thankfully an encounter with an inspiring speaker showed her that healing was available to her. She decided then and there to dedicate herself to recovering from grief. She studied, prayed, documented her process, and began to recover. Her recovery came not a moment too soon as just a year later her 20 year old son Quintin died of an accidental drug overdose. Kelli has since become a speaker, author, and coach. Her book, You’re Not Crazy, You’re Grieving, shares the process she used to heal from her tremendous losses. She also founded The Grief Guru, a company focused on helping others learn to move forward on purpose, in purpose and love their lives after loss. |
Mr. Paul Steinbroner, Touchpoint Productions, LLC
Loyola and Rev. Joy Gonnerman
Ms. Vicki Elliott, Executive Director - Mental Health Connect
