Products and Resources Catalog

  The Take 10! Transforming Care for Women with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and their Families series discusses current issues and challenges confronted by women presenting with substance use, SUDs, and who are in recovery. Women experience SUD in ways that are distinct from men. Studies show that when women begin treatment for SUDs, they frequently arrive with more severe medical, behavioral, psychological, and social struggles compared to men. For these reasons, there is a need for different treatment methods.   Series Learning Objectives This series will address: Best practices for treating women with SUDs in the United States, with a focus on the Midwest The link between trauma, substance use, and other co-morbidities in women Using trauma-informed approaches during treatment when appropriate Effective clinical strategies, interventions, and resources that help improve engagement, retention, and completion of treatment programs   Topic 7 (Overview Session): Considerations for Treating Women with SUDs Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) This 30-minute overview session will introduce participants to considerations for treating women with SUDs who have experienced IPV and/or TBI. When most people hear the terms “concussion” or “traumatic brain injury,” they think of football, military service, or unfortunate accidents. Fewer people are aware that brain injury can be caused by overdoses, head injuries while under the influence of substances, domestic violence (e.g., domestic, sexual), and strangulation or choking. Many clinicians are unaware of the role IPV can play in the lives of their clients, including how substance use and mental health coercion can affect one's overall health, including their needs and ability to participate when receiving behavioral health services. We lack awareness of the significant role TBI and IPV can play in a person’s recovery journey as well as accessing and successfully engaging with supports. We will discuss strategies to incorporate knowledge of IPV and TBI into behavioral health services so clients can continue to live the lives they deserve.    Session Learning Objectives:   Attendees will: Learn at least two tactics of substance use coercion   Identify at least two ways in which unidentified brain injuries can contribute to challenges accessing behavioral health services   Develop at least two strategies to integrate knowledge of IPV brain injury into behavioral health services     Trainers: Rachel Ramirez, LISW-S, RASS Cheryl Stahl, LPCC   The Great Lakes ATTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

  The Take 10! Transforming Care for Women with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and their Families series discusses current issues and challenges confronted by women presenting with substance use, SUDs, and who are in recovery. Women experience SUD in ways that are distinct from men. Studies show that when women begin treatment for SUDs, they frequently arrive with more severe medical, behavioral, psychological, and social struggles compared to men. For these reasons, there is a need for different treatment methods.   Series Learning Objectives This series will address: Best practices for treating women with SUDs in the United States, with a focus on the Midwest The link between trauma, substance use, and other co-morbidities in women Using trauma-informed approaches during treatment when appropriate Effective clinical strategies, interventions, and resources that help improve engagement, retention, and completion of treatment programs   Topic 5 (Training Session): SUDs Treatment for Women with Children This 2-hour training session will introduce participants to the emotional, physical, and socioeconomic factors that uniquely impact women during treatment, and especially how these factors relate to the treatment of SUDs for women with children.   Gabriela Zapata-Alma, LCSW, CADC              

  The Take 10! Transforming Care for Women with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and their Families series discusses current issues and challenges confronted by women presenting with substance use, SUDs, and who are in recovery. Women experience SUD in ways that are distinct from men. Studies show that when women begin treatment for SUDs, they frequently arrive with more severe medical, behavioral, psychological, and social struggles compared to men. For these reasons, there is a need for different treatment methods.   Series Learning Objectives This series will address: Best practices for treating women with SUDs in the United States, with a focus on the Midwest The link between trauma, substance use, and other co-morbidities in women Using trauma-informed approaches during treatment when appropriate Effective clinical strategies, interventions, and resources that help improve engagement, retention, and completion of treatment programs   Topic 4 (Overview Session): Intersections of SUDs and Trauma This 30-minute overview session will introduce participants to the emotional, physical, and socioeconomic factors that uniquely impact women during treatment, and especially how these factors relate to the intersections of SUDs and trauma.   Trainer: Gabriela Zapata-Alma, LCSW, CADC                 The Great Lakes ATTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

The Take 10! Transforming Care for Women with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and their Families series discusses current issues and challenges confronted by women presenting with substance use, SUDs, and who are in recovery. Women experience SUD in ways that are distinct from men. Studies show that when women begin treatment for SUDs, they frequently arrive with more severe medical, behavioral, psychological, and social struggles compared to men. For these reasons, there is a need for different treatment methods.   Trainer: Tim Devitt, Psy.D., LCPC, CADC, is a clinician, trainer, consultant, researcher and executive leader with a 35+ year commitment to providing recovery-oriented services to individuals, families and organizations. He currently operates a clinical therapy and consultation practice in the Chicago Metropolitan Area with a specialization in integrated mental health and substance use care for adolescents and adults. His past programmatic development work has included leading the integration of mental health and substance use treatment in assertive outreach, residential and center-based outpatient and intensive outpatient programing. Tim has presented nationally and co-authored 20 peer-reviewed articles and a book chapter on the integration of evidence-based practices to best meet the comprehensive needs of people with substance use and mental health conditions. Tim is the proud recipient of the 2022 William White. Lifetime Achievement Award (awarded by the IL Chapter of The National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Counselors, NAADAC), a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), a lecturer at the University of Chicago, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice, a senior adjunct faculty at Adler University (MA in Military Psychology and MA in Applied Psychology), and serves as board member for Serenity Academy of Chicago, a start-up 501(c)(3) organization committed to the formation of alternative peer groups and a recovery high school for youth and families struggling with addiction and Edna’s Circle, a start-up recovery home and comprehensive recovery services program on the Westside of Chicago. The Great Lakes ATTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

The Take 10! Transforming Care for Women with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and their Families series discusses current issues and challenges confronted by women presenting with substance use, SUDs, and who are in recovery. Women experience SUD in ways that are distinct from men. Studies show that when women begin treatment for SUDs, they frequently arrive with more severe medical, behavioral, psychological, and social struggles compared to men. For these reasons, there is a need for different treatment methods.     Presenter: Carmela J. DeCandia, PsyD Carmela J. DeCandia, PsyD, is a licensed clinical child psychologist who has dedicated her career to advancing best practices and policies to support vulnerable children and families, and to improve the systems which serve them. In practice for nearly 30 years, her primary work focuses on building trauma-informed systems of care. Her specialties include: child and adolescent development, family homelessness,  addressing the impact of traumatic stress, program development and systems change, neurodevelopmental testing and family assessment. A compassionate clinician and effective leader, she is nationally recognized as a writer, advocate, and public speaker. She has led direct service and national agencies including St. Mary’s Women and Children’s Center and The National Center on Family Homelessness. Currently, Dr. DeCandia is the Owner and President of Artemis Associates, LLC where she provides training and consultation to organizations  to enhance resilience for children, families, and their providers. In addition, she maintains a clinical practice in neurodevelopmental and psychological testing of children at Strong Roots Counseling center, and is the Principal Investigator on a NICHD funded project to develop the screening instrument - NEST Early Childhood. Dr. DeCandia has published extensively in academic journals and educational reports, and lectures on lifespan development and psychological testing at Boston College Graduate school in Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology. For her work, she was named the recipient of the 2016 Hor ace Mann Spirit of Service Award by Antioch University.   The Great Lakes ATTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

DESCRIPTION Cannabis is one of the most widely used psychoactive substance globally. The harm perception towards cannabis use is at its lowest in 40 years, especially in pregnancy individuals who may use it for a variety of pregnancy related symptoms. The webinar will elaborate on some of the risks associated with cannabis use in pregnancy.   To view the recorded webinar, click the View Resource button on the right hand side. The accompanying fact sheet will be available soon. GUEST SPEAKER Vishesh Agarwal, MD Dr. Vishesh Agarwal is an award winning board-certified general adult psychiatrist, with additional board certification in addiction psychiatry and obesity medicine. He received the Delaware Today Top doctors award in 2022. Along with his clinical work, Dr. Agarwal supervises and mentors trainee physicians and student learners. He is an invited speaker at regional, and national conferences, and has published in peer-reviewed journals.

  The Take 10! Transforming Care for Women with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and their Families series discusses current issues and challenges confronted by women presenting with substance use, SUDs, and who are in recovery. Women experience SUD in ways that are distinct from men. Studies show that when women begin treatment for SUDs, they frequently arrive with more severe medical, behavioral, psychological, and social struggles compared to men. For these reasons, there is a need for different treatment methods.     TRAINER: Ashley brings a wealth of experience and education across the nonprofit, for-profit, and government sectors. She has held various leadership roles in behavioral health and excels in project management, task execution, and organizational improvement. As primary consultant of Ashley Ryan Consulting LLC (ARC LLC), Ashley is known for her ability to grasp larger organizational strategies while meticulously delving into the details of processes and procedures to ensure programs meet their missions and comply with all regulatory requirements. ARC LLC is a social service-focused consulting to satisfy your CARF accreditation, organizational development and evaluation, and project management needs. Based in Cleveland, Ohio. Previously, Ashley was the executive director at the Women’s Recovery Center (WRC) in Cleveland, Ohio, where she and her team successfully increased revenue by 40% from 2018 to 2022, growing the budget from $700,000 to $1.2 million. Under her leadership, the organization also achieved Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation in 2021. Ashley is a Chemical Dependency Counseling Assistant and plans to achieve her Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure (LCDC) II by the end of 2024. Ashley as substance use disorder couseling experience at Catholic Charities Matt Talbot and May Dugan, both located in the greater Cleveland area. A part of her master’s degree, Ashley’s capstone project focused on women’s substance use disorder treatment in women and has conducted several trainings based on this research. In addition to her work in behavioral health, Ashley has extensive experience in health and welfare benefit plan compliance and human resources consulting. She has managed HIPAA compliance projects for large corporations nationwide and is credentialed as a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS). Ashley earned her Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of North Carolina in August 2022, followed by her Project Management Professional (PMP) credential in February 2023. Ashley also holds a bachelor's degree in actuarial science/mathematics from The Ohio State University     The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

  The Take 10! Transforming Care for Women with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and their Families series discusses current issues and challenges confronted by women presenting with substance use, SUDs, and who are in recovery. Women experience SUD in ways that are distinct from men. Studies show that when women begin treatment for SUDs, they frequently arrive with more severe medical, behavioral, psychological, and social struggles compared to men. For these reasons, there is a need for different treatment methods.   TRAINER: Ashley brings a wealth of experience and education across the nonprofit, for-profit, and government sectors. She has held various leadership roles in behavioral health and excels in project management, task execution, and organizational improvement. As primary consultant of Ashley Ryan Consulting LLC (ARC LLC), Ashley is known for her ability to grasp larger organizational strategies while meticulously delving into the details of processes and procedures to ensure programs meet their missions and comply with all regulatory requirements. ARC LLC is a social service-focused consulting to satisfy your CARF accreditation, organizational development and evaluation, and project management needs. Based in Cleveland, Ohio. Previously, Ashley was the executive director at the Women’s Recovery Center (WRC) in Cleveland, Ohio, where she and her team successfully increased revenue by 40% from 2018 to 2022, growing the budget from $700,000 to $1.2 million. Under her leadership, the organization also achieved Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation in 2021. Ashley is a Chemical Dependency Counseling Assistant and plans to achieve her Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure (LCDC) II by the end of 2024. Ashley as substance use disorder couseling experience at Catholic Charities Matt Talbot and May Dugan, both located in the greater Cleveland area. A part of her master’s degree, Ashley’s capstone project focused on women’s substance use disorder treatment in women and has conducted several trainings based on this research. In addition to her work in behavioral health, Ashley has extensive experience in health and welfare benefit plan compliance and human resources consulting. She has managed HIPAA compliance projects for large corporations nationwide and is credentialed as a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS). Ashley earned her Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of North Carolina in August 2022, followed by her Project Management Professional (PMP) credential in February 2023. Ashley also holds a bachelor's degree in actuarial science/mathematics from The Ohio State University     The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

  Humor is a part of daily living that has been shown to improve mental, physical, and emotional health. Laughter can bring us through some of the darkest times when hope seems glim. Despite the benefits and need for laughter and humor, helping professionals are taught very little about the therapeutic benefits of humor in treatment and recovery. In fact, it is sometimes discouraged in the helping professions. In this presentation you will learn strategies to incorporate humor in your work with clients.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: By the end of this presentation, you will be able to: Understand the research on the benefits of using humor to improve physical, mental and emotional health Use humor more effectively in your work with clients Use humor to improve rapport with clients and to help clients grow in recovery Use humor to help reduce burnout and increase organizational morale   PRESENTERS: Tom Farley Tom Farley grew up in Madison, WI and graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in Marketing.  He began his career in banking and finance, living and working in the New York City area.  From 1999 to 2012, he ran The Chris Farley Foundation, a nationally recognized non-profit dedicated to substance abuse prevention. Like his brother, Tom was successful in opening the “eyes and ears” of youth audiences through the powerful and effective use of humor.  In 2008 he wrote “The Chris Farley Show”, a New York Time bestselling biography of his late brother, the actor and comedian Chris Farley.  He has been interviewed on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Larry King Live, Fox News and The View. He has also been featured in People Magazine, USA Today and several national and regional newspapers and publications. Tom has served on the Dane County Human Services board and several non-profit boards. Tom works for Rosecrance Behavioral Health as the Professional Relations Coordinator for Wisconsin. He is also a motivational speaker, delivering messages on prevention and recovery. Tom lives in Madison, WI.   Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC, is the Illinois state project manager for the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC. He is an international speaker and behavioral health consultant whose presentations and publications have reached thousands throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, West Indies, Lithuania, and Guam. He is the recipient of four lifetime achievement awards, including NAADAC’s prestigious Enlightenment Award, the National Association for Addiction Professionals’ 50th Anniversary Legends Award, the Illinois Certification Board's Professional of the Year Award and Jessica Hayes Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Barbara Bacon Award for outstanding contributions to the social work profession as an alumnus of Loyola University of Chicago.  Mark is the author of five books on behavioral health recovery. Recent writings include Slipping Through the Cracks: Intervention Strategies for Clients with Multiple Addictions Disorders and Relationship Detox: A Counselors Guide To Helping Clients Develop Healthy Relationships In Recovery. His groundbreaking monograph, Recovery Management, co-authored with historians William White and Earnest Kurtz, helped shift substance use disorders treatment and recovery from the acute care model towards a recovery-oriented system of care. Mark is the primary contributing author of a trauma-informed gun violence prevention curriculum which is now being implemented in several large cities throughout the U.S., and he authored two stories published in the New York Times bestselling Chicken Soup for The Soul book series. In addition to his behavioral healthcare work, Mark has a 30-year career as a university educator, having taught at The University of Chicago, Loyola University of Chicago, and Illinois State University School of Social Work. He is also the co-founder of Serenity Academy Chicago, a program which sponsors recovery-oriented peer groups in local high schools.   The Great Lakes A/MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term that refers to a wide range of life-long physical, cognitive, and behavioral effects that can occur as a result of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE).  Additionally, individuals with FASD often struggle with co-occurring substance use and mental health challenges and may benefit from modifications to treatment that take into consideration the cognitive, behavioral and adaptive functioning challenges that are common across the spectrum.  This presentation will provide the attendee with a brief overview of FASD, information regarding assessment and diagnosis, and suggestions for ways to tailor treatment/intervention to support success. Presenter Dr. Joanne Sparrow is a clinical psychologist in private practice currently licensed in Washington and Colorado; she works primarily with adults who present with histories of complex trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder, mood and anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. View recording Download handouts: Common Messages: Guidelines for Talking and Writing About FASD (CanFASD.ca) Language Guide: Promoting Dignity for Those Impacted by FASD (Canada NW FASD Partnership) FASD: Preferred UK Language Guide (National Organisation for FASD) Life History Screen (Grant T et al. 2013) Moving Towards FASD-Informed Care in Substance Use Treatment (CanFASD.ca) Safety Plan (TherapistAid.com)        

DESCRIPTION: These resources are being developed from an ongoing learning collaborative for supervisors and mentors of pregnant and parenting women (PPW) programs. Although the application deadline to attend the live learning collaborative sessions has closed, the Great Lakes ATTC is making the content and recordings from these sessions publicly available so those working in PPW programs can benefit from the information and best practices being shared. New materials will be added to this page after the conclusion of each session, so don't forget to check back throughout the summer! This free learning collaborative is funded by the Great Lakes ATTC.     LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Develop and hone the skills that foster well-being across teams. Explore interpersonal micro-moments you can leverage in staff meetings, supervision, and day-to-day interactions to create an enabling context for well-being among team members.   RECORDINGS AND HANDOUTS: June 8, 2023 Session 1 - Well-being in the Workplace Starts with You: Core Components of Sustaining Your Own Self-care and Fostering Work–Life Harmony as a Team     July 13, 2023 Session 2: Leading from the Inside Out: Lean Into Your Strengths and Values   August 10, 2023 Session 3: Being a Beacon of Belonging: Build Spaces That Enable Psychological Safety   September 14, 2023 Session 4: Activating Agency: Help Each Team Member Succeed by Fostering Intentionality, Anticipation, Action, and Self-reflection     TRAINERS: Tara Fischer, MSW, LICSW   Tiffany Malone, MA   Chantal Laperle, MA, CPHQ, PCMH, CCE, CTL   Linzi A. Jack, MA   The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.  

The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.     Great Lakes ATTC Spring Webinar Series: Reaching and Retaining Pregnant & Parenting Teens & Young Adults Recording     DESCRIPTION: Adolescence and young adulthood are fraught with complexities.  When pregnancy, parenting, and substance use concerns are layered on, the combination can be overwhelming for the young person—and for you! This session focuses on understanding risk factors for substance use, leveraging resiliency factors, and using creative engagement strategies to reach and retain pregnant and parenting teens and young adults, as well as their families.     LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Identify three resiliency factors for pregnant and parenting adolescents and young adults with SUDs. Identify three considerations for addressing the dual needs of parenting teens or young adults with SUDs and the needs of their children. Explain how co-parenting, teen dating violence, and foster care involvement impacts pregnant and parenting adolescents with SUDs.         TRAINERS: Euna Ra-Smith, LCSW Veronica Welch, MS

The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders. Great Lakes ATTC Spring Webinar Series: Pregnant Women and Marijuana–Special Considerations Recording     DESCRIPTION: This session focuses on navigating conversations with pregnant women about the growing trends of cannabis and e-cigarette use. Health risks will be examined, and participants will learn about the research on the perceived risks of cannabis and tobacco use. Best practices in screening for cannabis and e-cigarette use will be explored and strategies for educating pregnant women and addressing cannabis use will be shared.     LEARNING OBJECTIVES: • Differentiate known and perceived risks • List predictors of cannabis use in pregnancy • Describe how perceived risk can impact cannabis and tobacco use by pregnant women • Identify key factors for educating pregnant women about cannabis use       TRAINERS: Linda Frazier, MA, RN, MCHES   Elizabeth Carla Lemos, CADC

  Podcast hosts will discuss how alcohol use and the risk for alcohol-related problems change over women’s lifespan from adolescence to college-age, early careers, pregnancy, parenting, empty-nest, retirement and aging. The podcast episodes will feature conversations with the hosts and guest speakers on topics such as: Women, Alcohol and Health Disparities Social and Cultural Contexts of Alcohol Use Media Messages about Women and Alcohol Use Women’s Alcohol Use during the Pandemic Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and more  

The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.   Alcohol is STILL a Drug: An Exploratory Webinar Series (May 3, 2022) Recording   DESCRIPTION Alcohol is STILL a drug.  The opioid crisis, increase in stimulant misuse, and marijuana legalization dominate the news— yet alcohol remains the number one substance causing health, social, legal, and financial problems throughout the US. While this series will focus on the hopefulness of recovery from alcohol use disorder, we’ll also take a deep dive into what we know about the full impact of alcohol overuse and the ways it affects every person in the US. SERIES LEARNING OBJECTIVES These are the overall learning objectives for the full 10-session series: Summarize the current impacts of problematic alcohol use in various populations, including pregnant women, youth, and rural populations. Assess and prioritize alcohol reduction efforts in targeted settings. Describe the current efforts to curb problematic alcohol use, including best practices in providing treatment.   SPEAKER Gabriela Zapata-Alma, LCSW, CADC  

The New England ATTC co-hosted the Recovery Science and Harm Reduction (RSHR) Reading Group meeting on March 09, 2022 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. This discussion reviewed the article, “Hoots and harm reduction: a qualitative study identifying gaps in overdose prevention among women who smoke drugs.”  View the March 2022 RSHR Reading group meeting summary that includes a brief article summary and key themes that arose in discussion with the participants.

The Mid-America Addiction Technology Transfer Center (Mid-America ATTC) and the Missouri Credentialing Board in Region 7 are sponsoring a 2-part training for peer specialists/recovery coaches and supervisors of peer specialists who want to develop expertise in serving pregnant and parenting families impacted by substance use and/or opioid dependence. The training will include the following: Two, full day virtual training sessions; Six, 1.5-hour virtual Peer-to-Peer Learning Collaborative sessions. The training will be September 9th and 10th and the Learning Collaborative will be held twice monthly following the completion of the training. Download the application to learn more. 

View the resources from the 2nd session of the 3-part series Embracing Pregnant & Parenting Families Challenged with Substance Use Disorder. After the session, participants will be able to: Describe evidence-based treatment for pregnant women with an opioid use disorder Recognize the impact of parent involvement in the care of newborns experiencing Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome Develop skills and strategies to positively impact the parent-child relationship among parents with a substance use disorder   Presenter Information: Sharon Hesseltine, BSW, is President and CEO of Intentional Development, providing consultation, facilitation and training to strengthen services for pregnant and parenting families who have substance use disorders, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma. For over 30 years Sharon has worked in Public Health and specialized in early childhood development, women’s health, substance use disorder and recovery.     Click here to watch the presentation

This is the first session of the 3-part series Embracing Pregnant & Parenting Families Challenged with Substance Use Disorder. This session addresses addiction as a chronic brain disease, the brain changes inherent to addiction and the mechanisms contributing to both the brain’s vulnerability as well as how substances themselves impact the brain.  The session strives to connect neurobiological changes to common behavior of individuals with a substance use disorder. The session also explores the overlap neurobiologically between early parenting behavior and addiction while creating an opportunity for discussion of the implications for patient care during the antepartum period After the session, participants will be able to: Recognize addiction as a chronic brain disease Understand the connection between ACE’s and vulnerability for addiction Discuss the role of the reward system in driving parenting behavior Click here to watch the video presentation Presenter Information: Sharon Hesseltine, BSW, is President and CEO of Intentional Development, providing consultation, facilitation and training to strengthen services for pregnant and parenting families who have substance use disorders, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma. For over 30 years Sharon has worked in Public Health and specialized in early childhood development, women’s health, substance use disorder and recovery.     Continuing Education: Continuing Medical Education (CME), American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on  Accreditation (CNE), Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES), Iowa Credentialing Board, Missouri Board of Certification are pending approval. The series will be accepted by the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board and is deemed alcohol and drug specific and will be accepted for continuing education for licensed alcohol and drug counselors in Nebraska.   

The purpose of this FREE series is to spark a shift in perspective among health care staff as it relates to pregnant and parenting families experiencing substance use disorder. The ultimate goal is that families experiencing SUD will be met with compassion and understanding and receive care that is grounded in recovery-oriented values and principles. Download the training flyer to learn more about this 3-session learning series and to register!

The Kansas City Perinatal Recovery Collaborative (KCPRC) was formed in June 2018 by Mid-America ATTC in response to the growing impact of substance use on families in the bi-state metropolitan area.  The KCPRC works to develop, grow, and nurture a coordinated, multi-system network of services and programs to support pregnant and parenting mothers as they navigate the dual journey of parenting and recovery. KCPRC is a collective of professionals from child development, child welfare, housing, social services, health care, criminal justice, and substance use disorder treatment and recovery.  The group focuses on evidence-based ways care can be improved from pregnancy and throughout a woman’s continuum of care. 

Stigma associated with substance use disorders (SUDs) is a significant barrier to identification and treatment efforts. Persons with SUDs who are pregnant and/or parenting are particularly impacted by stigma and may be subject to adverse encounters when seeking healthcare services. The MPATTC developed clinician-focused and client-focused posters to help address barriers associated with perinatal stigma. It is recommended the posters be displayed in locations visible to both clients and clinicians. The third poster in the series, "We've talked a lot... Now do you have questions?", is aimed at helping address stigma-related barriers by incorporating a tear-off sheet that clients can use to request more information from their clinician/provider on questions they might have (i.e., "I would like to know how alcohol and drugs may affect a baby during pregnancy" and "I would like to know which alcohol and drugs should be avoided during breastfeeding").   Please note: to maximize the impact of these products, display the 11x17 posters in a location most visible and accessible to clinicians.   To Download:  The Perinatal Stigma Prompt/Reminder Posters were designed for display as 11x17 sized posters. However, we have also created 8.5x11 desk copies for in-house printing. These packages can be downloaded and printed by clicking  above and selecting either the Perinatal Stigma Posters Package 11x17 or Perinatal Stigma Posters Package 8.5x11.   In addition to the poster packages, you can download the “Perinatal Stigma Poster Description” which includes the intent and how to use these posters.   To request 11x17 MI Prompt/Reminder Posters to be mailed directly to you, please click "Request a Hard Copy Now".   The MPATTC is available to answer questions and interested in any feedback you have regarding the posters. Please contact us anytime!

Part 1 of our 3-Part Series on Pregnant/Parenting Women and Substance Use Disorders Presenter: Dan Dubovsky, MSW When an individual has behaviors that cause difficulty in treatment settings, we often label the person as being non-compliant, unmotivated, or disruptive. When they are back in treatment numerous times, we say that they are not ready for sobriety. However, their behavior may well be due to brain damage caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, which is much more common than most people suspect. Due to this damage, which spans the intellectual spectrum, evidence based practices that rely on verbal interactions and reward and consequence systems are often not successful with them and set them up to fail. This presentation addresses the importance of recognizing an FASD in those with whom we work or live. The brain damage seen in FASD is examined, along with common behaviors that result from this damage. A method of identifying those with an FASD is identified and how to modify treatment is touched on. Download slides | Watch recording Webinar category: Specific populations, Treatment - General

        S2 Ep3: Parenting Through Your Recovery Journey In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Technology Transfer Specialist and President and CEO of Inentional Begginnings, LLC, Sharon Hesseltine. We turn our attention to the stigma and barriers that women face while parenting or pregnant while being challenged with substance use disorder (SUD). Sharon highlights her personal journey as a mother while plowing through her road to recovery. She also debunks some common myths of being pregnant with a SUD.  Listeners will get an overview of her newest project, "Providing Peer-Based Recovery Support Services for Pregnant and Parenting Families".        Sharon Hesseltine, BSW is the President and CEO of Intentional Beginnings Consulting & Training, a small non-profit with the mission of strengthening organizations and individuals serving those who experience substance use disorders, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and trauma. Sharon received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Southern Illinois University in 1981, and in 2011 completed a two-year post-graduate Certificate in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health from the University of Minnesota. For over 30 years Sharon has worked in Public Health and specialized in early childhood development, women’s health, and addiction. Her career has ranged from providing direct services to women through managing two sober living residences to designing and facilitating statewide and local collaborative initiatives that call on her skills in public policy, strategic planning, cross-sector collaboration, program assessment, and marketing. She is a national trainer, Technology Transfer Specialist, and facilitator for multiple organizations including the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, the Addiction Technology Transfer Centers (ATTC), and the Opioid Response Network. In 2018, Sharon took the lead in developing SUD specific training for Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Sharon is passionate about reducing the stigma associated with addiction and developing the capacity of communities, organizations, and individuals to better meet the needs of individuals with substance use disorders. With her husband, Scott Hesseltine, she currently resides in Louisville, KY.   Sponsorships: off for this episode