A graduate of Drexel University School of Medicine, Dr. Kevin McCauley has served as a Senior Fellow with Meadows Behavioral Healthcare since 2016.

His interest in substance use disorder treatment began during his time as a naval flight surgeon, where he observed the Navy's approach of treating addiction as a safety issue rather than a moral failing.

Following his own experience with opioid addiction, Dr. McCauley dedicated himself to studying addiction and has maintained over 15 years of sobriety. He is a former recovery residence director and association president, and he has worked in non-clinical roles at several treatment centers, delivering more than 2,000 lectures on addiction neuroscience and recovery management.

He wrote and directed two films, Memo to Self and Pleasure Unwoven, the latter of which won the 2010 Michael Q. Ford Award for journalism from the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers.

Dr. McCauley currently lives in Sedona, Arizona, with his wife, Kristine, and recently earned a Master of Public Health at the University of Arizona. 

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.

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.