P.A.R.T. Conference 2026

Triple crown of adversity: sports, addiction, and cancer

Lingo

Lingo is a therapy dog and part of the Petpals organization at University and Rainbow Babies Hospital in Cleveland. He is also a retired Army E-4 specialist and was stationed at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA. This is where he gets his name, Lingo, after language.

Breakout Sessions:
Opening Remarks: 9:00 am to 9:15 am

Keynote Speaker: 9:15 am to 10:45 am

Michael Bugary, BA
“The Disease of Me”

This powerful and personal presentation shares a journey through addiction, adversity, recovery, and the search for purpose. From the challenges of identity and the pressures of a baseball career to struggles with substance use and a life-changing health diagnosis, Michael offers an honest look at the realities of addiction and the road toward recovery. Through personal experiences, he explores the importance of taking responsibility, managing pain, rebuilding relationships, and finding hope in unexpected places. His story ultimately offers a message of resilience, growth, and how helping others can become an important part of healing.

Joining Michael is Lingo, a therapy dog and member of the PetPals organization at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland. Lingo is also a retired Army E-4 Specialist who was stationed at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, where he received his name from “language.” Together, Michael and Lingo bring an additional element of connection, compassion, and healing to this powerful keynote.

Michael Bugary is also celebrating a new chapter as a first-time author, with the release of his book, The Disease of Me. Copies of the book will be available for purchase in the conference lobby for attendees who would like to learn more about Michael’s journey and take his inspiring message home with them.

Morning Breakout Sessions: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Attorneys Helen Rapp and Lindsey Grdina
“Custody and Guardianship: Know Your Rights”

This presentation will provide an overview of child custody and adult guardianship in Ohio. The Child Custody 101 portion will cover common custody terms, how custody is established, the factors considered in a “Best Interest of the Child” analysis, and steps individuals can take to establish, modify, or regain custody. Guardianship 101 will explore supported decision-making options for adults, including powers of attorney and guardianships, while highlighting the differences, responsibilities, and legal considerations of each. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of these processes and practical information to help navigate custody and guardianship matters.

Natalie Smith, LISW-S and Mikenna Miller, LPCC
“Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS): Supporting Youth in Crisis Through Community-Based Intervention”

This training provides an overview of Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) and the essential role these services play in supporting children, adolescents, and families experiencing behavioral health crises. Participants will explore the goals and objectives of MRSS, the unique characteristics of crisis work with youth, and evidence-informed approaches to assessment, de-escalation, stabilization, and family engagement.

Marleah Wolfe, MA, LPCC-S, LICDC-CS, NCC, and Jessica Nelson, MA, LICDC-CS, ICADC
“Who Helps the Helpers: Understanding and Treating Helping Professionals with SUD”

Helping professionals—including healthcare providers, behavioral health clinicians, first responders, social workers, educators, and other caregivers—face unique occupational stressors that can increase vulnerability to substance use disorders (SUDs). This presentation explores the prevalence, risk factors, barriers to seeking treatment, and evidence-based approaches to supporting professionals in recovery. Participants will gain practical strategies for identifying concerns, addressing stigma, navigating ethical and professional considerations, and promoting recovery while protecting both provider well-being and public safety.

Lunch 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm

Catered by The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake

Afternoon Breakout Sessions: 1:15 pm to 2:15 pm

Stefanie Hauff, MA, OCPS, Joseph Arnett, MS, RA and Ken Holt, , LISW-S, LICDC-CS, GAMB, ICGC
“Before the Diagnosis: An Upstream Approach to Problem Gambling”

Gambling has grown exponentially over the decades in Ohio through expanded options and access. While individuals once had to travel to Las Vegas or Atlantic City, gambling is now easily accessible within Ohio’s borders. With greater physical and virtual access, there are increased concerns about multiple types of impacts from this expansion; problem gambling prevention can help mitigate some of the impacts of addiction for individuals and communities. When treatment professionals understand the risks and warning signs of gambling disorder, they are better equipped to support referrals for their clients. Collaboration between the prevention and treatment fields builds access to care through prevention screening of at-risk individuals who can then be referred to treatment professionals for formal assessment and diagnosis. Prevention can increase early intervention as well as building community safeguards to support well-being.

Julie Kalina-Hammond MSSA, LISW-S
“The Weight We Carry: Understanding Provider Grief”

Working in behavioral health means walking alongside people through some of their hardest moments. While deeply meaningful, this work can also take a toll on providers themselves. Grief, loss, and exposure to trauma don’t just affect clients, they ripple into the lives of those who care for them. Moral injury has emerged as a critical concept for behavioral, physical and allied health professionals whose work exposes them to ethically challenging, value-conflicting, or system-driven dilemmas. This training provides a comprehensive exploration of moral injury as it manifests within behavioral health and social service settings, emphasizing its distinction from burnout, compassion fatigue, and PTSD. This training addresses the profound impact of grief and trauma on providers themselves, recognizing how repeated exposure to client suffering, crisis intervention, and moral injury can erode resilience and contribute to burnout. Participants will explore the manifestations of provider grief within therapeutic relationships, the cumulative effects of secondary traumatic stress, and the organizational dynamics that shape provider well-being. This training will provide options for professionals and supervisors to consider incorporating into practice to assist one another in self-care practices to move through the process of emotional healing after a death. The Center for Evidence-Based Practices incorporates exercises and case examples specific to the unique practice settings of participants in attendance to promote knowledge transfer and skill application practice.

Bridget Sherman, MA
“Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative in Ashtabula County”

This breakout session will provide participants with the information about the Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative, the benefits to employers and employees, and how to apply for the designation. Participants will learn what the Recovery Friendly Workplace designation is, how to assess their own workplace readiness for the designation based on the 9 criteria, and how to apply for the designation.

Afternoon Recovery Panel: 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Michele Hockran, RPh, LPCC-S
“Breaking the Cycle: Intergenerational Recovery from Substance Use Disorder”

Substance use disorder often impacts more than one generation of a family, creating complex challenges, patterns, and barriers that can persist for decades. Breaking this cycle can be difficult, but recovery is possible with the right support, resources, and connections. This recovery panel will feature individuals with lived experience who will share their personal journeys through substance use, recovery, and family healing. Panelists will discuss the challenges they faced, the impact of substance use across generations, and the people, services, and supports that helped them move forward and create positive change. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of intergenerational recovery and explore how families, professionals, and communities can work together to break cycles, strengthen resilience, promote healing, and provide hope for future generations.

Additional Information: 

• Registration opens at 8:00.
• This event is open to anyone interested in expanding their knowledge around Prevention, Awareness, Recovery, and Treatment initiatives in Ashtabula County.
• There is NO FEE to attend.
• Lunch, CEs, and RCHs provided.
• Resource tables offering networking opportunities.

Have Questions? Contact cfisher@ashtabulamhrs.org for more information.