This webcast aims to inspire the creative community to write stories with authentic characters in situations that address an individual or family’s search for effective and appropriate treatment and recovery services. The webcast will center on the common denominators and age specific factors that are critical when looking for treatment and recovery services to achieve the best outcome. Using SAMHSA’s best practice findings, the panel will address key elements the writers should consider when staging a treatment-related program or in script about an individual or family members seeking help. 

Moderated By

Ivette A. Torres | MEd., M.S. | Associate Director for Consumer Affairs, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Ms. Torres is an expert in communications and organizational development and oversees the CSAT team responsible for generating and disseminating mental and substance use disorder treatment and recovery best practices to SAMHSA's mission-related constituents. She develops national public health education strategies and campaigns including the observance of the National Recovery Month, celebrated each September. 

Kimberly A. Johnson | Ph.D. | Director, Center for Substance Abuse Trea

Dr. Kimberly A. Johnson leads CSAT's activities to improve access, reduce barriers, and promote high quality, effective substance use disorder treatment and recovery services. Dr. Johnson’s extensive experience in and contributions to the behavioral health field ensure CSAT's programs are correctly focused and support SAMHSA’s mission.

Ron Pritchard | BS | CSAC | CAS | NCACII| Navy Veteran | President of the Virginia Association of Addiction Professionals | Chairperson Military/Veterans Advisory Committee, Association for Addiction Professionals
Ron Pritchard is the president of the Virginia Association of Addiction Professionals and NAADAC Chairperson of the Military/Veterans Advisory Committee. He has developed and managed a multidisciplinary program of addiction counselors, Clinical Social Workers, Art/Rec Therapists and Psychiatric Nurses/ Technicians providing seamless transition of military/veterans with SUD from acute inpatient to residential and/or intensive outpatient. 

John Kelly, Ph.D, ABPP|Elizabeth R. Spallin Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School | Director of the Recovery Research Institute and Associate Director Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital

Dr. Kelly is the Elizabeth R. Spallin Associate Professor of Psychiatry in Addiction Medicine at Harvard Medical School-the first endowed professor in addiction medicine at Harvard. His clinical and research work has focused on addiction treatment and the recovery process, mechanisms of behavior change, and in reducing stigma and discrimination among individuals suffering from addiction.

Trish Glowacki | Writer and Executive Producer for Warning | Executive Director, glow media

Trish Glowacki is a filmmaker, writer and songwriter.  She is the Executive Director of glow media, a non-profit organization using film to inform students, their educators and families about mental and behavioral health issues affecting today’s youth. Trish’s award-winning film, Warning: Take Only as Directed, about the dangers of prescription drug abuse. Trish is an individual with lived experience.