Out of Control — Daniel Krasner

Daniel Krasner is the Clinical Solutions Provider with the Ranch at Dove Tree and Texas Tech University, a residential treatment center for drug and alcohol addictions. Daniel was born in Atlanta, GA. and grew up in the East Cobb area with a loving family. Life was normal until he was 14 years old and started to use drugs and alcohol. For 4.5 years his life spiraled out of control. At age 18, Daniel got sober and started a life of recovery in Mississippi. Daniel will share his story and give hope to parents as you hear his journey to a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Reflecting Beauty from Brokenness — Cynthia Spell

Cynthia is a counselor in private practice in Marietta, GA and author of "Deceived By Shame, Desired By God." She is also a professional speaker and teacher. Cynthia will be speaking on "Reflecting Beauty from Brokenness." Shame convinces us that we are irreparably broken at our very core. But God wants us to know there is nothing about our past that cannot be redeemed through His healing, unconditional love.

Over and Over Again — Jennifer Angier

Executive director of Foundations Recovery network in Roswell, GA. Jennifer will be speaking on How can a parent of an addict best respond or react to a child who continues to relapse over and over again? She will address the issues of....What kind of help should a parent offer? When is enough, enough? How can we love the addict without enabling? I have spent all my money on treatment and they continue to use and abuse, what do I do now?

Break the Code of Silence — Penny Whipps

Our guest Speaker will be Penny Whipps. Penny is a speaker and author who lives in Sisters, Oregon and began a non-profit organization called Just 1x (Just One Time). Just 1 X was founded in direct response to her son's untimely death in 2008. After speaking with his friends that were with him the night he died and knew that Kyle was doing something dangerous, but none of them talked to him about it, Penny felt she needed to take action. Penny goes into schools and talks to all kids—the academic, the athlete, the artist—great kids that are living dangerously and losing their lives. She challenges the students to "break the code of silence" around their friend's dangerous and risky behaviors with drugs, alcohol, pills, and cutting and seek help for them. 

What Exactly is a Drug Problem and What can we do About It — Marcos Sanchez

Marcos is a certified addiction counselor and an expert in drug and alcohol recovery and has worked with adolescents and young adults with substance abuse since 1993.

The Latest Drug Trends and Paraphernalia - Officer Mark

Mark has been in the field of Law enforcement for many years and also served with the Drug Enforcement Administration and is dedicated to helping families in crisis. Mark will educate families on the latest drug trends and paraphernalia, as well as methods of concealment used by many of today's teens and adult drug users. Mark not only runs a safe transport service, but he also will bring a team into your home to search for hidden drugs.

Path of Destruction — Conrad Santamaria

Hear Conrad Santamaria share his powerful testimony. Conrad started down a path of destruction at age 11 yrs. He became involved in a life of fighting, drug dealing, and gangs. This lifestyle ultimately led him to serving 3 1/2 years at a maximum security prison. In prison, Conrad accepted Christ . Conrad now is married and has two children. They continue to pursue all that God requires of them for His glory!

The Call for Transformation in Adolescence and Young Adults — Mary Flora

Mary is a dually licensed Professional counselor and Clinical addiction specialist presently working at Trails Carolina. Mary will speak on "The Call for Transformation in Adolescence and Young Adults". She will discuss how parents can balance the tension in the home and also practice self care by setting healthy boundaries. Mary will discuss barriers to development and emotional growth and how parents can support their child during setbacks and provide appropriate boundaries through open and honest communication.

Breaking the Silence on Sexual Addiction — Mitzi Walters and Georgia Nickles

Mitzi Walters is a licensed Professional counselor, certified substance abuse and anger management evaluator, and sex addiction counselor. Mitzi assisted in the implementation of the first Family Dependency Treatment Court Program for Cobb County Juvenile Court. We will also hear from Gerogia Nickles, a sex therapist in the Alpharetta area with 20 years of experience. Mitzi and Georgia will be speaking on "Breaking the Silence" on sexual addiction and pornography attacking our world today. Many of you have asked to have someone speak on this topic so don't miss, as this is taking over our country today with teens and adults.

Panel of Former Prodigals

This meeting will be a "Panel of Prodigals" that will be sharing their story and answering questions that most parents of prodigals want to know. This is always a highlight each year and you won't want to miss! This is the time of the year that we all need some HOPE and encouragement. You will be blessed to hear these powerful stories of how God brought these four young men and women from a life of despair to a life of purpose and hope.

Barry and Linda Wheeler

Barry and Linda lost a son 2 years ago to addiction. They share the struggles they lived with having a prodigal son with an addiction that developed as a young adult. Linda and Barry tell about the amazing "gift" that their son left them before he died.

Jesse Quam

Jesse Quam, clinical director of SUWS of Carolinas/Pheonix Outdoors, shares why wilderness therapy works with teen and young adults and explains what they do in a wilderness program. This is a very popular topic.