2025 Collegiate Recovery Conference at SJU

8:30AM-8:45AM

Registration & Light Breakfast (Doyle Banquet Hall, Campion Student Center, 2nd Floor)

8:45AM 

Welcome & Opening Remarks (Doyle Banquet Hall, Campion Student Center)

Sponsor Spotlight - Hazelden Betty Ford

Introduction of Keynote Speaker by Greg Giancola, Outreach Manager, Mid-Atlantic, Hazelden Betty Ford

9:00AM-10:30AM

Morning Keynote Speaker (1.5 NBCC CE Available)

HARRY LEVANT, LP.D, MA PCC, ICGC-I, JD

Gambling Addiction, College Students, and Mental Health: A Looming Crisis and the Public Health Response  (Doyle Banquet Hall)

10:40AM-11:30AM

BREAKOUT SESSION #1  

Best Practices for Collegiate Recovery for Neurodivergent Students  (1 NBCC CE Available)

(North Lounge)

• Presenters: Alli MacNamara, Director of College Support, Kinney Center, Saint Joseph’s University and Michelle Kamin, Assistant Director of College Support, Kinney Center, Saint Joseph’s University

Using Creative Expression to Support Students Across the Recovery Spectrum (1 NBCC CE Available)

(Sunroom 1) 

• Presenters: Stephanie Shiffler, Staff Psychologist/AOD Specialist, Drexel University and Teagan Schirmbeck, Student Employee, Drexel University

Supporting Students in Recovery: Lessons Learned by a Faculty Mentor 

(Sunroom 2)

• Presenter:   Yvonne McCarthy, Collegiate Assistant Professor, Ursinus College

Rewiring the Brain: The Science of Addiction and Neurorestorative Healing (President's Lounge)

• Presenter: Eric Rodriguez, Corporate Director, Caron Treatment Centers

11:40AM-12:30PM

BREAKOUT SESSION #2  

PA CARES Act 110: Building a Supportive Community 

(President's Lounge)

• Presenters:   Meghan O'Meara, Clinician for House Staff, Jefferson University and Andrew Lee, Director of Tuttleman Counseling Services, Temple University 

Harm Reduction, Drug Trends, Overdose Prevention & Reversal (1 NBCC CE Available)

(North Lounge) 

• Presenter: Sarah Laurel, Founder, Executive Director, Savage Sisters

From Receptors to Recovery (1 NBCC CE Available)

 (Sunroom 1)

• Presenter: Peter DeMaria, Coordinator of Psychiatric Services, Tuttleman Counseling Services, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University

Understanding Our Assets: Examining Strengths-based Approaches to Collegiate Recovery  (1 NBCC CE Available)

(Room: Sunroom 2)

• Presenter: Dylan Dunn, Senior Director of SAFE Campuses, SAFE Project

12:30PM-1:15PM

Networking Lunch (Doyle Banquet Hall)

12:55PM

Sponsor Spotlight - SAFE Project, Dylan Dunn, MS, Senior Director of SAFE Campuses

Introduction of Student Scholarship Recipient/s 

Sponsorship Spotlight - Belmont Behavioral Health, Dave Mauermann, MS, Director of Business Development, Belmont

Afternoon Keynote Panel

“Prevention in Practice:  Holistic Approaches for Mental Health, Well-being, and Substance Use Prevention on Campus”  (Doyle Banquet Hall)

• Moderator: Katie Bean, Director Health Promotion, Ursinus College
• Aimee LaPointe Terosky, Ed.D., Associate Dean, School of Education & Human Development, Saint Joseph's University
• Marqus Hunter, Associate Athletic Director, Ursinus College
• Dr. Mallory Everett, Psy.D, LPC, Associate Director CAPS, Rutgers University 

2:10PM-3:00PM

BREAKOUT SESSION #3 

Reimagining The Collegiate Recovery Paradigm for Community College Students Via Partnerships and Online Solutions  (1 NBCC CE Available)

(Sunroom 1)

• Presenters: Kristine De Jesus, Executive Director, Students Recover and Eric Klein, Adjunct Professor

Is This a Moral Issue?: Navigating Moral Development of Students, Staff, and Programs in Recovery Spaces  (1 NBCC CE Available)

(President's Lounge)

• Presenter: Dylan Dunn, Senior Director of SAFE Campuses, SAFE Project

How to Create an Allies of Recovery Program at Your University  (1 NBCC CE Available)

(North Lounge)

• Presenters: Aimee Della Porta, CAPS Therapist / Clinical Advisor to the Collegiate Recovery Program, Saint Joseph’s University and Mairead Young, Assistant Director of Substance Use Prevention, Education & Support, Saint Joseph’s University 

Pixels & Peer Support: Building Recovery Spaces for the Next Generation 

(Sunroom 2)

• Presenters: Adam Sledd, National Recovery Support Services Director, UNITY Recovery, Elijah Vasinda, Peer Recovery Support Specialist, UNITY Recovery, and Pat Purdie , Supervisor of Reentry Support Services, UNITY Recovery

3:10PM-4:00PM

BREAKOUT SESSION #4  

Identifying and Treating Problem Gambling Among College Students 

(President's Lounge) 

• Presenter: Ryan DiMeglio, Co-Director Addiction Counselor Training Certificate Program/Teaching Instructor, Rutgers University

Addiction and Recovery Resources for Health Care Professionals: A Campus and Community Partnership Model (1 NBCC CE Available)

(North Lounge) 

• Presenter: John Woodruff, Senior Director, Accessibility & ADA Coordinator, Rowan University 

Cultivating Psychological Flexibility Through Music 

(Sunroom #1)

• Presenter: Beth Killian, MSW , Co-founder and Lead Facilitator, Sonic Connections

4:00PM-4:30PM

Conference Closing Session (Doyle Banquet Hall)

Teagan Annesly (They/She) 

MA in Art Therapy and Counseling Candidate at Drexel University

Teagan is an MA in Arts Therapy and Counseling candidate. They integrate artistic conceptualization and visual exploration within a relational, person-centered, disabled, and queer lens. Teagan integrates understanding of the intrinsic internal artist in order to encourage creative existing, self-expression, and idiosyncratic empowerment. As an autistic and gender queer individual, Teagan emphasizes personhood autonomy and a commitment to accessibility, equity, and inclusion advocacy. Within their practice, they utilize hands-on art-making processes as a means to support sensorial embodiment, skill development, release & catharsis, materiality exploration, world-building, self-conducted project maturation, and collaborative care to support individual and group mental health and healing. Their use of the arts within mental health broadens alternative approaches to healing through belief in reimagined, unique, and creative therapeutic care.

Currently, Teagan assists Drexel University’s Counseling Center outreach as well as the development and facilitation of programming for the Alcohol and Other Drugs Resources. They collaborate often with various Drexel departments and organizations to distribute resources, art therapy experiences, and mental health supports campus-wide. As an artist, Teagan is passionate about all things textiles, so you will often find them weaving, embroidering, spinning yarn, sewing, papermaking, among many other techniques. Her husky/malamute dog, Lemon, is her greatest companion and does not underestimate the power of a good puppy cuddle to recharge at the end of the day.

Session: Using Creative Expression to Support Students Across the Recovery Spectrum

Katie Bean (she/her)

Director, Health Promotion, Ursinus College

Katie Bean is the first Director of Health Promotion at Ursinus College. She drives systems-based strategies to enhance well-being for all and led the efforts for Ursinus to become the first liberal arts college to adopt the Okanagan Charter, making a commitment to enhance the well-being of people, places, and the planet. Katie also spearheads the efforts to maintain the certification as the first, and still the only, college in the nation that is a Recovery-Friendly Workplace.

Session: Panel Moderator,  “Prevention in Practice:  Holistic Approaches for Mental Health, Well-being, and Substance Use Prevention on Campus

Aimee Della Porta, LCSW (she/her)

AOD Therapist / Clinical Advisor to the Collegiate Recovery Program at Saint Joseph's University

Aimee Della Porta is a proud social worker, former Jesuit Volunteer and Philadelphia area native. Prior to coming to SJU in 2021, she had spent most of her career working with people experiencing homelessness. Aimee works in the Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) in addition to being a therapist in CAPS. In both roles, she seeks to develop authentic relationships to support students in navigating their college experience. Aimee has been a part of various iterations of SJU's Allies of Recovery training and has focused on making the training interactive and engaging for participants. She is excited to share what she has learned to support fellow colleagues in crafting a training that aims to reduce stigma and promote ally behavior on college campuses.

Session: How to Create an Allies of Recovery Program at Your University

Peter A. DeMaria, Jr., M.D., DFASAM, DFAPA (he/him)

Coordinator of Psychiatric Services, Tuttleman Counseling Services, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University

Dr. DeMaria is the Coordinator of Psychiatric Services at Tuttleman Counseling Services and a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. Board certified in psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and addiction medicine, he is a distinguished fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA). He is a graduate of Lafayette College with an AB in chemistry (with honors) and attended the Jefferson Medical College (now the Sidney Kimmel School of Medicine). After graduating, he completed his psychiatry residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital where he joined the faculty in the department of psychiatry and was the medical director of the Jefferson Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Program and a psychiatric consultant at the Jefferson Family Center Program for addicted pregnant and parenting women before moving to Temple where he has worked in the college counseling center for the past 22 years and been a faculty member in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. His areas of interest include college mental health, opioid, benzodiazepine, and marijuana use disorders, psychotherapy, and medical education. He has published a number of scholarly articles on the subjects and presented at national and local meetings.

Session: From Receptors to Recovery

Ryan DiMeglio, MSW, LCSW, LCADC (he/him) 

Co-Director, Addiction Counselor Training Certificate Program, Rutgers University School of Social Work

Ryan DiMeglio, MSW, LCSW, LCADC has worked professionally as a social worker for over 12 years, with his work focusing specifically on individuals with addictive disorders and co-occurring mental health issues. During this time, Mr. DiMeglio has worked in numerous different roles, such as a clinician, Program Coordinator, Clinical Director, and Clinical Supervisor.

Presently, Mr. DiMeglio is a Teaching Instructor at the Rutgers School of Social Work and also serves as the Co-Director of the Addiction Counselor Training Certificate Program. In these roles, Mr. DiMeglio focuses on the education of MSW students in preparation for careers in clinical practice treating addictive disorders, including gambling. Mr. DiMeglio is also a Ph.D. student at Rutgers and his research focuses on gambling, substance use disorders, addictive behaviors, and clinical treatment interventions. Through his research and dissemination, Mr. DiMeglio seeks to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice.

Session: Identifying and Treating Problem Gambling Among College Students

Dylan Dunn (he/him) 

Senior Director of SAFE Campuses, SAFE Project

Dylan Dunn is the Senior Director of SAFE Campuses at SAFE Project. He has dedicated his career to empowering students impacted by addiction and overdose. In his current role, Dylan works directly with campuses across the country to design and enact harm reduction, recovery, and stigma reduction programs. While based out of Denver, he has assisted over 550 universities. Prior to his work at SAFE Project, Dylan served as a collegiate recovery program coordinator, residence hall director, case manager, and student conduct hearing office.

Sessions: 

• Is This a Moral Issue?: Navigating Moral Development of Students, Staff, and Programs in Recovery Spaces
• Understanding Our Assets: Examining Strengths-based Approaches to Collegiate Recovery

Chris Golding, CRSS (he/him)

RSS Director, UNITY Recovery

Chris Golding is a dedicated leader with a deep commitment to Unity Recovery, having been with the organization since its grand opening. With over 8 years of personal recovery experience and 6 years in the Recovery Support Services (RSS) field, Chris has played an integral role in various capacities including peer specialist, lead peer, supervisor, and program director. Currently serving as an RSS Director, Chris leverages this diverse experience to drive meaningful change and support within the community.

Chris excels in fostering a culture of empathy and accountability, ensuring that teams are equipped to deliver high-quality, consistent support services across all sites. His journey through multiple roles within Unity Recovery has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s operations and the unique challenges faced by both staff and service users. This experience allows Chris to implement innovative solutions that are both practical and aligned with Unity's strategic goals.

Known for his proactive leadership style, Chris actively engages with staff and stakeholders to ensure that national policies are effectively translated into actionable site-level practices. His ability to synthesize feedback and data into actionable plans has been instrumental in standardizing service models and improving program consistency across regions.

Chris’s dedication to professional development within Unity Recovery not only strengthens internal leadership pipelines but also ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of recovery support services, adapting to emerging trends and needs.

Session: Pixels & Peer Support: Building Recovery Spaces for the Next Generation

Michelle Kamin, LSW, ASDCS

Assistant Director of College Support, Kinney Center, Saint Joseph’s University

Michelle Kamin is a Licensed Social Worker in Pennsylvania and Maryland. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from The College of New Jersey in 2011 and her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania in 2013. 

Michelle has experience supporting children, adolescents, and young adults on the autism spectrum, as well as their families, across K-12 schools, outpatient therapy, community mental health, and higher education settings. 

She joined the Kinney Center as an Assistant Director of College Support for the ASPIRE Program, where she draws on her clinical and educational background to help students strengthen executive functioning, social and self-advocacy skills. Michelle takes a strengths-based, student-centered approach and is passionate about empowering students to thrive in college and beyond.

Session: Best Practices for Collegiate Recovery for Neurodivergent Students

Beth Killian, MSW (she/her)

Co-founder and Lead Facilitator, Sonic Connections

Beth Killian (she/her) is a clinical social worker, musician, facilitator, and project manager rooted in healing justice. With over 15 years of experience in group facilitation, counseling, curriculum design, and team leadership, she brings a grounded, creative approach to both her clinical and artistic work. Beth currently manages a national initiative with the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM), expanding peer-led healing circles across the U.S.

Compassion, curiosity, and creative expression are the core of her practice—whether she's guiding a workshop or writing a song. Based in Providence, Rhode Island, she performs with the indie folk band How’s About Charlie and the electronic pop duo Crash Space. Beth is the co-founder and Lead Facilitator of Sonic Connections, an organization that weaves together music and psychological flexibility to foster personal and collective healing.

Session: Cultivating Psychological Flexibility Through Music

Alli MacNamara, MS, LPC, NCC (she/her)

Director of College Support, Kinney Center for Autism, Saint Joseph’s University

Alli MacNamara is currently the Director of College Support at the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support, located at Saint Joseph's University. Alli oversees the ASPIRE program, a program designed for autistic college students to assist in their college success. Alli has a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from West Chester University, and is a nationally certified counselor (NCC) and licensed professional counselor (LPC) in PA. Alli is also an adjunct professor, teaching classes in the SJU clinical counseling master's program. Alli has taught classes in Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, Psychopharmacology, Practicum, Internship, and more.

Session: Best Practices for Collegiate Recovery for Neurodivergent Students

Yvonne McCarthy, EdD (she/her)

Collegiate Assistant Professor, Ursinus College

Yvonne is a faculty member in the Modern Languages Department and Transfer Advisor at Ursinus College. As a person in long-term sobriety, she has served as a mentor and resource for students and colleagues interested in expanding their recovery support network on campus.

Session: Supporting Students in Recovery: Lessons Learned by a Faculty Mentor

Charlie Nolan (he/him)

Community Healthcare Specialist, Savage Sisters

Charlie Nolan is the Community Healthcare Specialist for Savage Sisters. His duties include providing wound care for our participants, doing street outreach, and providing harm reduction education to the community at large. As a person with lived experience, he has a passion for engaging with PWUD and tirelessly advocating for their rights.

Session: Overdose Reversal, Drug Trends, and Harm Reduction

Dr. Meg O'Meara, LPC (she/her)

Assistant Professor, Jefferson University

Meg (she/her/hers) is a Clinical Assistant Professor in Jefferson’s Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior and has been a valued member of the Jefferson community since 2017, first leading the Student Counseling Center at East Falls before making the strategic move to Center City. Joining the EHWP in 2022 as a doctoral intern, she's been making a positive impact ever since. With an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Delaware (where she honed her skills as a student-athlete), a graduate degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology from La Salle University, and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Walden University, Meg is well-equipped to handle just about anything. Meg's expertise encompasses supporting individuals navigating substance use concerns, relationship dynamics, and the pursuit of life balance. She's passionate about working with college students, medical trainees, and athletes. Employing an eclectic approach, she meets clients where they are and guides them toward where they want to be. Meg enjoys family time, workouts, coffee (essential), and laughter during her downtime.

Session: PA CARES Act 110: Building a Supportive Community

Pat Purdie (he/her)

Supervisor of Reentry Support Services, UNITY Recovery

Patrick Purdie is a dedicated and state-certified Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) and Certified Family Recovery Specialist (CFRS) with a strong passion for empowering individuals through direct peer support. He started with **Unity Recovery** in August 2022 and became Supervisor of Reentry Support Services in September 2024, leading with compassion, integrity, and lived experience.

With a deep commitment to guiding others through their reentry and recovery journeys, Patrick utilizes both personal insights and professional training to foster meaningful, person-centered support. His work focuses on building trust, resilience, and pathways to sustainable recovery for justice-involved individuals and their families.

In addition to his frontline work, Patrick is also passionate about innovative approaches to healing and connection. He is especially interested in the use of **vertical reality within the metaverse** as a supplemental platform to deliver support services—pioneering new ways to reach and engage people in recovery through emerging technology.

Patrick is driven by a vision of holistic, inclusive recovery that meets people where they are—both in the real world and in virtual spaces.

Session: Pixels & Peer Support: Building Recovery Spaces for the Next Generation 

Eric Rodriguez, LMSW, CAADC

Corporate Director, Caron Treatment Centers

Eric Rodriguez is the Corporate Director at Caron Treatment Centers, where he oversees initiatives in education, training, program development, and strategic relationship management, with a focus on corporate and organizational settings.

With over nine years at Caron, Eric brings a unique combination of clinical expertise and corporate insight. His professional background spans substance use treatment, mental health, and behavioral healthcare. Prior to his work at Caron, Eric served as a heart and vascular social worker.

He holds advanced degrees in clinical psychology and clinical social work, is a trauma therapist, and is credentialed as a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). Eric’s work is driven by a deep passion for education and a commitment to supporting individuals and organizations in achieving meaningful wellness outcomes.

Session: Rewiring the Brain: The Science of Addiction and Neurorestorative Healing

Stephanie Shiffler, Ph.D. (she/her)

Psychologist/AOD Specialist, Drexel University

Stephanie Shiffler (she/her) works as a part-time staff psychologist and Alcohol and Other Drug Specialist at Drexel University Counseling Center as well as in private practice. Stephanie holds a Master's Degree in General Psychology from The New School for Social Research and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia. In addition to counseling students with substance-related concerns, Stephanie uses outreach to provide psychoeducation to students about drugs, alcohol, and recovery. Stephanie prioritizes accessibility and nonjudgment in her approach to outreach and aims to give students the tools to make informed, value-based decisions about whether or how they will interact with substances.

Session: Using Creative Expression to Support Students Across the Recovery Spectrum

Adam Sledd, MSW, CRS, CFRS, CRSS (he/him)

National Recovery Support Services Director, UNITY Recovery

Adam Sledd is a person in recovery since 2011, and has served as the National Recovery Support Services Director for Unity Recovery since 2019. Adam earned his Master's degree in Social Work with a Certificate in Nonprofit Administration at West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 2018, and has co-authored one academic paper on recovery community organizations.

Adam has worked in the field of recovery support since 2013, including working with the Pennsylvania Certification Board to develop the examination for Recovery Specialists as well as the core competencies for Recovery Specialist Supervisors, and as an approved Recovery Specialist curriculum trainer. Adam enjoys training and supervising peer specialists, building programs and developing peer leaders.

Session: Pixels & Peer Support: Building Recovery Spaces for the Next Generation

Aimee LaPointe Terosky, Ed.D. (she/her)

Associate Dean, School of Education & Human Development, Saint Joseph's University

Dr. Aimee LaPointe Terosky is Associate Dean of the School of Education and Human Development and Professor of Educational Leadership at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia. She is also the university liaison to the School District of Philadelphia, leading the university’s community partnership with Gompers K-8 School. Dr. Terosky’s scholarly and practitioner expertise focuses on teaching and learning and school leader/faculty careers in K-12 and Higher Education, and urban principal career vitality.

Prior to her arriving at Saint Joseph's in January 2011, Dr. Terosky served as the assistant principal of Public School #334 in New York City and was an affiliate professor of higher and postsecondary education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Terosky received her B.S. in secondary education (social studies) from The Pennsylvania State University, her M.A. in school leadership from Villanova University, and her Ed.D. in higher and postsecondary education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her dissertation, Taking teaching seriously: A study of professors and their undergraduate teaching, won the 2005 Bobby Wright Dissertation of the Year from the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), which is considered the highest dissertation honor in the field of higher education.

Over the past five years, Dr. Terosky received Saint Joseph’s Tengelmann Award for Distinguished Research and Teaching, as well as the university’s Teaching, Research, and Justice Merit Awards The Saint Joseph’s and Gompers Partnership received Saint Joseph’s Justice Award, Community Partner Award, and the PHENND Organization’s Lindy Award for Excellence in K-12-Community-University Relations.

Session: Afternoon Panel - Prevention in Practice: Holistic Approaches to Enhance Well-being on Campus

John Woodruff (he/him)

Senior Director, Accessibility and ADA Coordinator Rowan University

John Woodruff, MS Health Education, is Senior Director of the Accessibility Services and Co-Director of the Center for Neurodiversity at Rowan University. He coordinates campus services for students with disabilities and manages transitions for students entering college. John holds an MS in Health Education from St. Joseph’s University and a BS in Business Administration from St. Francis University (Loretto, Pennsylvania). Woodruff is co-author of two books including Creating Inclusive Library Environments; and College Success for Students on the Autism Spectrum: A Neurodiversity Perspective. John’s professional career reflects over 42 years of education, training, and administration of programs for people with disabilities.

In addition, John has been clean and sober for over 42 years (11/12/82) and leads a weekly recovery program for students, faculty and staff at Rowan University.

Session: Addiction and Recovery Resources for Health Care Professionals: A Campus and Community Partnership Model

Mairead Young (she/her)

Assistant Director, Substance Use Prevention Education & Support

Office of Student Support & Well-being, Saint Joseph's University

Mairead Young has worked in education in Philadelphia since 2020, beginning in the School District of Philadelphia before moving to higher education in 2022. She joined Saint Joseph’s University in Residence Life and, in 2025, transitioned to the Office of Student Support and Well-being.

As Assistant Director of Substance Use Prevention Education & Support, Mairead engages students in harm reduction education through programming, as well as individual and group sessions. She is passionate about helping students explore their relationships with substances in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.

Mairead also co-facilitates SJU’s Allies of Recovery training, a training designed to equip campus community members with tools to support students in or seeking recovery. Drawing on research into allyship training models and engagement strategies, she hopes the session will offer practical guidance for educators looking to develop or enhance Allies of Recovery trainings at their own institutions.

Session: How to Create an Allies of Recovery Program at Your University