Claudia Black brings decades of pioneering work in trauma, family systems, and addiction to a powerful and clinically grounded presentation. Drawing on her extensive research and experience, she explores how unresolved trauma—particularly adverse childhood experiences—shapes emotional dysregulation and fuels substance use and mental health challenges. Her work has been foundational in advancing the understanding of how family systems and early experiences impact long-term recovery outcomes.

In this session, Dr. Black unpacks the dynamics of traumatic stress, including the role of fight, flight, and freeze responses, and how shame-based defenses emerge as barriers to healing. She offers a clear framework for understanding these patterns while outlining essential clinical considerations that support more effective, trauma-informed care. Attendees will gain practical insight into recognizing underlying trauma and integrating approaches that promote lasting recovery and resilience.

About Claudia Black, Ph.D

Claudia Black, Ph.D., is a renowned author, clinician, and educator whose pioneering work has transformed the understanding of family systems, trauma, and addiction. Recognized as a leading expert in the impact of substance use disorders on families and children, Dr. Black has spent more than four decades advancing trauma-informed care and reshaping the way professionals approach recovery and healing.

She is best known for her groundbreaking book, It Will Never Happen to Me, which brought national attention to the experiences of children raised in families affected by addiction. Her extensive body of work also includes influential titles such as Changing Course and Unspoken Legacy. Through her writing, teaching, and speaking, Dr. Black has helped countless professionals and families better understand the lasting effects of trauma, shame, and adverse childhood experiences.

A Senior Fellow and Clinical Architect with The Meadows, Dr. Black continues to educate clinicians and organizations worldwide. Her compassionate, research-informed approach has made her one of the most respected voices in behavioral health, inspiring generations of professionals dedicated to supporting healing, resilience, and recovery.

Tom Farley shares a powerful and deeply personal story of his lifelong journey with his brother, the late actor and comedian Chris Farley. Through heartfelt reflection, Tom explores the impact of addiction on his family, the lessons he learned from Chris, and his own path to recovery. His presentation addresses trauma, emotional resilience, and the importance of authenticity, while emphasizing the role we all play as first responders to loved ones facing addiction and mental health challenges.

Tom also highlights how the post-pandemic world has reshaped our understanding of connection and belonging—calling on audiences to prioritize meaningful relationships and renew efforts to eliminate stigma surrounding these diseases.

About Tom

Tom Farley is a nationally recognized speaker, advocate, and author. A graduate of Georgetown University, he began his career in banking and finance before founding and leading The Chris Farley Foundation from 1999 to 2012. The organization became known for its innovative, humor-based substance abuse prevention programs designed to engage and educate youth.

In 2008, Tom co-authored The Chris Farley Show, a New York Times Bestseller. He has been featured on major media outlets including The Today Show, Good Morning America, Larry King Live, The View, and Fox News, as well as in People Magazine, USA Today, and CNN special reports.

Now in recovery, Tom is a passionate advocate for mental health and addiction treatment. He serves as Community Outreach Director at Recovery.com and continues to inspire audiences nationwide as a motivational speaker. He resides in Madison, Wisconsin.

COMING SOON!!!

About Brian K. Ahmedani, Ph.D., LMSW

Dr. Brian Ahmedani is a nationally recognized leader in behavioral health research, specializing in suicide prevention, mental health outcomes, health equity, and the integration of behavioral health into healthcare systems. With a career dedicated to advancing evidence-based practices, his work focuses on improving access to care, enhancing patient safety, and reducing stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorders.

Dr. Ahmedani serves as the Director of Research and Evaluation for Behavioral Health Services at Henry Ford Health, where he leads groundbreaking studies that inform clinical practices and shape national policy. His research has been funded by leading institutions, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and has been widely published in prestigious peer-reviewed journals.

A respected speaker and educator, Dr. Ahmedani collaborates with healthcare leaders, policymakers, and academic institutions across the country to advance innovative, data-driven solutions that improve mental health outcomes. His work continues to influence best practices nationwide, strengthening systems of care and promoting a more equitable and compassionate approach to behavioral health.