Kristina Kuzmic is a cheerleader for her fellow humans. It’s not something she ever anticipated doing, but after immigrating to America from Croatia during the war in her homeland and later facing more challenges (divorce, single parenting, poverty, depression…), Kristina wanted to be for others what she wished someone had been for her during her darkest hours.
Now, with over one billion video views, Kristina is providing her audience with encouragement, hope and humor in a role she never expected to fill. In 2011, when Oprah crowned Kristina the winner of Mark Burnett’s reality TV competition “Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star,” Oprah said, “What is that thing? That’s so charming and charismatic and connected to the audience that makes you feel like, ‘I know her, I want to be her, I’m like her’… Kristina has all of that. She is an ‘IT PLUS’ girl… I wanna watch her!”
Since working with Oprah, Kristina has branched out on her own, creating parent-centric videos about juggling all of life’s challenges. She has quickly become a viral sensation with well over 2.8 million Facebook followers. Kristina has a voice and personality that has proven to be a hit with a massive audience (from young millennials through Gen-Xers and even Baby Boomers).
The Huffington Post referred to Kristina’s videos as “Parenting comedy at its finest,” and The Inquisitr has praised her “witty charm.” People, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Us Weekly, Parents, Good Housekeeping, and many more have posted articles on her creative parenting advice and unique humor, and media outlets across the country are picking up her videos and re-posting them. Kristina has quickly made a name for herself as a creative, yet unpretentious parent, as well as a world-renowned motivational speaker and comedian. She is currently touring the country with her “Hope & Humor” tour. Her first book, Hold On, But Don’t Hold Still, was released through Penguin Random House in February 2020, and made the Publishers Weekly Best-Sellers list.
Kristina and her husband live in Southern California, where her most important, rewarding, and exhausting roles include being a sanitation engineer, chef, chauffer, conflict resolution guru, and cheerleader for her three (mostly satisfied) clients – her children.

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Carlo DiClemente completed his doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Rhode Island in 1978. He joined the faculty at UMBC as Professor of Psychology and Department Chair in 1995 after several years as an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Houston and at the University of Texas Medical School and the Texas Research Institute of Mental Sciences. Dr. DiClemente’s research examines the stages of the process of human intentional behavior change particularly as related to health and addictive behaviors. He is the co-developer of the Transtheoretical Model of change which has been used by researchers in the areas of cancer prevention, HIV risk reduction, dietary change, exercise, occupational safety, and rehabilitation of health and addictive behaviors. He has co-authored several books, The Transtheoretical Model and Changing for Good as well as numerous articles and book chapters. Dr. DiClemente serves as a consultant to several institutions and research projects and has an active grant funded program of research in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Maryland at Baltimore and at University of Maryland College Park, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, University of Houston and other institutions.

My mission is simple: Help people have more fun in life and a work. I help you shift your mindset to help you increase confidence while permanently, yes forever, removing fears and limiting beliefs holding you back in your career. Joy and play at work is not about foosball tables or external things in the environment. It's having a playful attitude and mindset that helps you be more creative, productive, and happy at work.
In my work I blend positive psychology, neuroscience, humor, and NLP to achieve extraordinary results. In my corporate career in HR and L&D I've helped create happier workplace with much success. It is possible to help you learn how to be happier, healthier, and more productive at work and in life. Join me in creating a happier world that is more resilient, creative, and capable of achieving greatness together.

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Carmichael Finn MA, LAMFT, LADC, ADCR-MN, known as "Finn," is the current Executive Director at Recovering Hope Treatment Center in Mora, Minnesota. With over two decades of experience, Finn holds licenses as an alcohol and drug counselor in the State of Minnesota and a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. In addition to their leadership role, Finn serves as Adjunct Faculty at Metropolitan State University and Minneapolis College, where they teach in Alcohol and Drug Counseling programs. They are also the owner of Carmichael Finn LLC, specializing in team-building, training, and quality consultation for behavioral health organizations. Finn serves on the Board of Directors of Thrive Family Recovery Resources a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to fostering positive change in the lives of families navigating the journey of healing and hope amidst the challenges of addiction. Finn also serves as the President of the Minnesota Alliance of Rural Addiction Treatment Programs (MARATP) Ethics Committee. Finn's professional interests encompass advanced ethics, supervision, organizational and systems change, research, relational theories, and addiction and family dynamics. For more information, you can visit their website at www.carmichaelfinn.com.

Dion Racks is an advanced practice social worker who has worked in various social work management positions, including as a direct practice social worker. She graduated from Loyola University Chicago with her master’s degree in Social Work areas of emphasis mental health, children, and families. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2002. In her current role, she’s the Child Welfare Program Manager for the Wisconsin Child Welfare Professional Development System Milwaukee office within the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Helen Bader School of Social Work. She has over 20 years of experience training, supervising, and working in child Welfare and providing community services. Dion’s areas of expertise are trauma-informed practice, cultural humility, diversity equity and inclusion, human sex trafficking, clinical work with children and families, and the Wisconsin Safety Intervention Model.

Dr. Mishka Terplan is board certified in both obstetrics and gynecology and in addiction medicine. His primary clinical, research, public health, and advocacy interests lie along the intersections of reproductive and behavioral health.
Dr. Terplan has published extensively on health inequities, discrimination, and access to treatment and is internationally recognized as an expert in the care of pregnant and parenting people with substance use disorder. He has been central to guidance document development at the American Congress of Obstetrician Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and has participated in expert panels at Center for Disease Control, Office of the National Drug Control Policy, Office of Women’s Health, US Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime primarily on issues related to gender, reproduction, and addiction.
In addition to his work for FRI, he is adjunct faculty at the University of California, San Francisco where he is a Substance Use Warmline clinician for the National Clinician Consultation Center.

Sara Flitner, founder of Flitner Strategies, Becoming Jackson Whole (a mindful community initiative) and former mayor of Jackson, Wyoming, is an entrepreneur, communication expert, and resilient workplace strategist. She founded FSI in 1996 and has grown it to serve organizations and leaders grappling with today’s largescale challenges. She gets results using a combination of communication expertise, “soft” skills, and neuroscience. She has worked in business, local, state and federal government and most recently rolled out “workplace resilience workshops” to support organizations and employees find emotional balance and mental fitness in the chaos of burnout, uncertainty, and high turnover. She was named Entrepreneur of the Year for 2022, highlighting her partnership with Wyoming Department of Health sharing mindfulness practices and resilience tools with workers on the frontlines of the pandemic. Sara also enjoys engagements with corporations and start-ups, or as a culture change expert or keynote speaker, focusing on building resilient cultures at work. Sara lives in Jackson, Wyoming, where she enjoys skiing, hiking, biking and getting into the mountains with friends, dogs or her family.

Dr. Hilary Cuthrell, PhD, began working with incarcerated individuals and those involved in the legal justice system in 2009 while attending DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Cuthrell went on to earn her MS and PhD from the School of Human Ecology-Human Development and Family Studies program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2016. Dr. Cuthrell acted as an affiliate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center for Child and Family Well-Being, where she served for 5 years under the United States Federal Government’s Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) program with the National Institute of Corrections in Washington, DC. Dr. Cuthrell currently serves as the project manager for “Child Friendly Visiting Spaces in Jails and Prisons,” a project federally funded in partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Corrections. Dr. Cuthrell’s work has been published in academic journals, peer-reviewed articles, correctional publication platforms and most recently a book entitled “When Are You Coming Home? How Young Children Cope When Parents Go to Jail.”

Nicola Herting, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in working with children and families impacted by trauma. Dr. Herting received her MA and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND and completed her internship at VCU Health System in Richmond, VA. Dr. Herting devoted her post-doctoral training to the area of child abuse and maltreatment at the Child Advocacy Center at CHKD in Norfolk, VA. Dr. Herting is the Clinical Director of the Sanford Traumatic Stress Treatment Center, Mental Health Strategic Director at Red River Children’s Advocacy Center (RRCAC), a Clinical Scientist for Sanford Research, Clinical Director of the Treatment Collaborative for Traumatized Youth (TCTY), and Adjunct Faculty in Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dr. Herting has extensive training in trauma and child abuse and is experienced in providing evidence-based, trauma-specific screening, assessment, treatment, trainings, and consultation. Dr. Herting is involved in several statewide evidence-based trauma treatment and screening implementation initiatives in North Dakota and trains nationally on delivering trauma-focused treatment over telehealth.

One of the greatest blessings of my life was to have been raised on a farm. My growing up years were filled with family, animals, tractors, 4-H, FFA, gravel roads, and all that comes with being a farm kid. I left for college and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling. For the past 25 years, I have worked in the rural behavioral health field both providing direct service as well as supervising programs in an administrative capacity.
In 2016, Eyes on the Horizon Consulting was created with a Mission to increase access to, and remove the stigma often attached to mental health services in rural underserved areas. I currently work as one of two Rural Mental Health Specialists in the state of MN providing mental health counseling to farmers and their families. In addition, I am honored to have the opportunity to travel the country, virtually and in person, sharing thoughts on mental wellness, resilience, rural mental health, and the unique aspects of farm/ranch stress.

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Dr. DeCoteau obtained a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology in 2003 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with specialization in the cognitive-behavioral treatment of anxiety disorders for adults, adolescents and children.
Dr. De Coteau is a Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner. TBRI is a therapeutic model that trains caregivers to provide effective support for at-risk children. She is also trained in various other trauma treatment modalities including EMDR, EFT, somatic processing, attachment intervention, NMT (neurosequential model of therapeutics), and TF-CBT. Dr. De Coteau has extensive experience working with patients who suffer from complex trauma, neurodevelopmental disorders, grief, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thinking.
Dr. DeCoteau has worked in a variety of outpatient settings and with a diverse patient population, including Veterans and Native Americans. She received the Indian Health Service 2009 Health Professional of the Year Award for outstanding service and the American Psychological Foundation 2010 Early Career Award for providing culturally competent practice techniques for Native Americans and for developing training programs in rural, underserved areas. Dr. DeCoteau was appointed by a member of the U.S. congress to serve the Commission on Native Children to help address the challenges faced by Native children.
Aside from clinical work, Dr. DeCoteau has given numerous lectures on how trauma impacts attachment and brain development, in-school strategies for working with traumatized children, and historical trauma. She is an enrolled member of the American Psychological Association, an enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation and a descendant of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.

Brandon Jones is the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health Executive Director. Born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Brandon has survived living in a home of domestic violence and various other forms of trauma. He brings a down-to-earth and compassionate attitude to Mental Health. Brandon has a consulting and therapy background in addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences, Historical and Intergenerational trauma, Social/Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, and Intercultural Development Inventory. Brandon holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Minnesota, a master’s in Community Psychology from Metropolitan State University, and a master’s in Psychotherapy (MFT) from Adler Graduate School. Brandon is also a 2013 Bush Foundation Leadership Fellow. "Helping people heal from the past, grow in the present, and build a legacy for the future."

Dr. Jermaine Jones is an Associate Professor with the Division on Substance Use Disorders at Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Jones received his Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience from American University, where his research focused on understanding the abuse potential of cocaine. He completed his post-doctoral fellowship with Columbia’s Division on Substance Use Disorders researching the pharmacological and neurobiological drivers of opioid use. As faculty, Dr. Jones’ area of focus has been to try and better understand how genetic factors influence the risk of developing substance use disorders, and the effectiveness of novel medications. More recently, Dr. Jones’ research has begun to focus on community-based efforts to reduce the harms associated with opioid and psychostimulant use. Dr. Jones’ research has been funded by NIDA, Merck Pharmaceuticals, and the Gray Matters Benefit of Columbia University. Dr. Jones has served on several NIH review groups, is currently on the Board of Directors of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence, and the chair of the American Psychological Association's Board of Scientific Affairs.

Joel Friesz has served as Executive Director of National Association of Community and Restorative Justice (NACRJ) since January 2022. Prior to this, Joel oversaw a statewide Restorative Justice program for 13 years at a non-profit agency in North Dakota. During those years, Joel and his team worked extensively with the juvenile justice system and K-12 schools across North Dakota and region. Joel has been involved with domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy for over a decade and served for three years as a Facilitator of Sexual Assault Prevention and Advocacy for North Dakota State University. Joel completed the Reducing Racial & Ethnic Disparities in Juvenile Justice Certificate Program at Georgetown University in 2016. Joel serves on several local and state committees including the North Dakota Juvenile Justice State Advisory Group, a position he has held since 2013. In 2020, Joel completed a yearlong formation process to become an Associate of Sisters of the Presentation which binds together his longstanding regard for spirituality, justice, and peace. Joel received his bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University (Fargo, ND) and holds a master’s degree in Strategic Leadership from University of Mary (Bismarck, ND). A lifelong North Dakotan, Joel has resided in Fargo for over 25 years.

Before becoming a specialist in organizational stress and trauma-exposed work, Francoise Mathieu worked as a front-line mental health provider in a variety of complex settings, including providing employee assistance to members of the Canadian military. Over the last 25 years, she has worked with law enforcement, military personnel, health care, child welfare, social services, addiction support and education, as well as with other professionals in need of psychological support.

Erin Bonitto is a nationally-known dementia educator and dementia communication coach who is the founder of Gemini Consulting in Cold Spring, MN. Erin spends most of her time in skilled nursing homes, assisted living centers and memory care neighborhoods – helping team members become the very best dementia communicators that they can be. Erin also provides impactful education and coaching to family caregivers. Erin has always cherished opportunities to connect with families, but a recent diagnosis of dementia in her own family has added a depth to her knowledge that only those who have a loved one with dementia can understand. Erin knows what it is to simultaneously grieve the person's losses while celebrating their remaining strengths. Erin is a Certified Activity Director and holds a Master’s Degree in Gerontology, but she’ll tell you that most everything she has ever learned about dementia has been in the real world.

Dr. Jon Ulven, PhD, L.P, has been a licensed clinical psychologist since 2003 and has worked for Sanford Health since 2004. He is licensed to practice psychology in Minnesota and North Dakota. Dr. Ulven completed his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Kansas in 2001. He obtained his post-doctoral training as part of an assistant professional position at St. Cloud State University from 2001 to 2004. At Sanford Health, Dr. Ulven is the department chair of Adult Psychology in the Fargo-Moorhead community since 2008. He is competent in various applications of CBT, motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy, as well as Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD and Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD. For the past 12+ years he has delivered psychological services to clinicians who are showing signs of burnout through the internal Clinician Assistance Program. Dr. Ulven is currently the first psychologist to serve on the Physician Executive Council at Sanford Health. Since 2021, Dr. Ulven is the lead clinician on a SAMHSA granted effort to provide resources and support to healthcare workers in the state of ND who have experienced increased stress due to the pandemic.

Elizabeth Medd is a mom, an architect and interior designer with 20 years of experience in the industry. She is a project architect at Craftwell Architecture & Construction she also serves as adjunct professor in NDSU’s architecture department. Elizabeth began speaking to youth, their families, coaches, teachers and mentors about mental health after her 15 year old son, Liam, died by suicide in February of 2021. She shares her lived experience in an effort to bring light to the struggles our youth are facing, that there are not always signs or symptoms and the importance of proactive regular conversations surrounding mental health. Along with her husband Todd, and in conjunction with the Dakota Medical Foundation, she created the 4-6-3 Foundation with the goal to Reduce Stigma, Build Hope, and End Suicide. Elizabeth has participated in multiple panels reaching youth and their parents, been a keynote speaker discussing mental health and goes into schools to teach about mental health. Elizabeth is dedicated to providing tools and resources to youth and teens and the community in an effort end teen suicide.

Dr. Nicola Herting, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in working with children and families impacted by trauma. Dr. Herting has extensive training in trauma and child abuse and is experienced in providing several evidence-based, trauma-specific treatments including TF-CBT, AF-CBT, CFTSI, PSB-CBT, SPARCS, and CPT. Dr. Herting has completed several advanced TF-CBT learning collaborative, including TF-CBT with Children with Developmental Disabilities, Commercially Sexually Exploited and Trafficked youth, and TF-CBT over Telehealth. Dr. Herting regularly provides training and consultation on trauma-informed care, evidence-based and trauma-informed screening, assessment, and treatment.

Jim Pavlik, MA, is a Program and Policy Analyst with the Behavioral Health & Wellness Program at the University of Colorado. Jim received a BA in International Studies, Spanish and Philosophy from Indiana University before going on to earn a Masters in International Relations at the University of Indianapolis. As a Research Services Senior Professional, he divides his time between the research and community liaison teams. Jim is one of BHWP’s lead trainers in the tobacco education space and designs, executes, and evaluates tailored communities of practice for diverse groups of professionals in public health, community behavioral health, and criminal justice.

Judge Everett Mitchell was elected to the Dane County Circuit Court as a juvenile court judge and presides over cases involving family reunification, juvenile delinquency, and other civil and criminal proceedings. Judge Mitchell is committed to dismantling what he describes as the “Child Welfare to Juvenile Delinquency to Adult Prison Pipeline” operating not only in Wisconsin, but also around the country. As a trauma survivor himself, Judge Mitchell approaches each case with an eye bent toward ensuring the court system doesn’t contribute to the ongoing traumatic narrative that many children and families experience. He often tells the children in his court, “I am not your judge, I am your reflection.”

Klementyna (Ky) Weyman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her work in direct practice has focused on program development and implementation of evidence- based practices for co-occurring disorders, with particular focus on young adult and veteran populations. She also has a passion for teaching, with extensive involvement in the training of other clinicians in risk assessment and crisis intervention. Her current areas of interest include finding synergy between evidence-based treatment modalities for co-occurring disorders, implementation and organizational change processes, and integration of care across providers and treatment delivery systems. She is a graduate of Tufts University, and the University of Central Florida.

Carlos Whittaker is bringing hope to humans all over the world. And he’s pretty good at it. He’s an author, podcaster, and global speaker backed by a power of a massive instafamilia, his enthusiastic social followers who tune in daily to join forces with Carlos to find connection, do good and be in community. His motto: Don’t stand on issues, walk with people.

Dr. Gretchen Marsh is a clinical psychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and depression related disorders in teens and adults. She completed her undergraduate work in psychology at the University of Michigan, followed by her Master’s Degree and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Wayne State University. Dr. Marsh also completed a Doctoral Internship in Professional Psychology at WSU Medical School in the Dept. of Psychiatry. She currently splits her time between private practice and professional speaking. Last year, Gretchen was recognized by her peers, winning the prestigious 2023 Emerging Pioneer Recognition Award from the Michigan Psychological Association for her work in bringing mental health education and workshops to organizations, schools and companies both in the domestically and world-wide. Gretchen lives in Michigan with her husband and is the mother of 3 children, ages 18, 15, 11.

TBA.

TBA.

TBA.

TBA.

Anne Mahlum is an American entrepreneur, motivational speaker, experienced CEO, investor, advisor, philanthropist and athlete. She is extremely passionate about empowering people to live life on their own terms. Born in North Dakota, there was very little in Anne's childhood that would indicate she would one day be an innovative two-time founder and thought leader who would have a remarkable impact on countless people. The beginning of Anne’s entrepreneurial journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In 2007, she found herself running by a homeless shelter in Philadelphia and had the foresight to realize that running and community could be the catalyst to truly change lives. She engaged the shelter to start a running club, which she quickly formed into a national non- profit called Back on My Feet. The organization, now with an $8M annual budget, uses running as a vehicle to help those experiencing homelessness become empowered to change their lives. Under Anne’s leadership as CEO, she grew the organization to 14 cities. Since its inception Back on My Feet has helped thousands of individuals achieve employment and more self-sufficient living. Anne has been honored many times for her leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. Most recently, she was featured by CNBC for her continued success over the years. She has also been recognized by the Washington Business Journal as a 'Women Who Mean Business' winner and was named both an ABC World News Person of the Week and a CNN Hero for her work at Back on My Feet. She has given three TEDx talks about finding your passion, letting go of your complacency, and helping others. She has also received notable media attention highlighting her talent, including articles in CNBC, The Washington Post, The Washington Business Journal and Runner's World.

Jane King is a Clinical Psychologist with close to 30 years of experience developing and directing programs and teams in integrated mental health and substance use treatment as well as homeless and housing arenas. As a Senior Consultant for the National Council, she specializes in Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) implementation for both clinics and states. Prior to coming to the National Council, Dr. King worked for the State of Minnesota – Department of Human Services on the CCBHC implementation team. She has also done clinical work and supervision in varied settings such as FQHCs, mental health clinics, substance use treatment programs, homeless shelters and housing programs. Dr. King received her Doctor of Psychology from JFK University and her bachelor’s in Psychology from Occidental College, both in California. She currently resides in Minneapolis.