Jeff VanVonderen is a highly sought after speaker and consultant both nationally and internationally. For over 35 years, individuals, families, and organizations have benefited from his skills and understanding in the areas of addiction, family systems, and recovery. 

Jeff is one of the featured interventionists on the A&E Network’s Emmy-winning documentary series about intervention. The show has won two Emmy’s: Outstanding Reality Program and Outstanding Cinematography For Reality Programming. For more information about this series visit the A&E Network. 

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He is the author of six books and several magazines and journals have featured Jeff’s work. He has been a featured guest on radio and television shows across the country. Jeff’s services as an expert witness in cases involving various abuse issues have been utilized in Minnesota, Alabama, Wyoming, Washington, and Hawaii.
His works have been published in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hungarian, Indonesian, Korean, Portuguese, Slovakian, and Spanish.

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“Quite often people try, with the best of intentions, to help themselves or their loved ones through a problem or crisis, only to discover that the help is not helpful, or even harmful,” Jeff says. “They find themselves supporting and helping to prolong on the outside, the very thing they do not support on the inside.” He goes on to say that “individuals and families become dysfunctional by accident. But they get well on purpose and this is what I’m about, helping them do that.”

Jesse Heffernan is a person in long-term substance use and mental health recovery for over 18 years. Through his volunteerism and professional career, he has helped develop several mental health and substance use community programs and served as the program director for one of Wisconsin's three mental health peer-run mental health respite facilities. As the co-owner of Helios recovery services, he has been providing recovery coach training for the last 5 years throughout the Midwest as well as suicide prevention training and mental health awareness campaigns. He lives in WI with his wife and 4 children, enjoying all things in geek culture, disc golf, and coffee. It is his belief that Recovery is a process of moving from surviving to thriving as a whole person. 

RISE UP is a participatory mural arts project in Central Wisconsin with the main goal to build a team of artists, service providers, program participants and other community and city-wide stakeholders to collaborate on transformative public art projects.  These connections are powerful forces in making our communities vibrant, healthy and strong.  The program strives to catalyze positive changes in the community, improve the physical environment, create opportunities for social connectedness, develop skills to enhance resilience and promote community and social inclusion.  RISE UP works closely with communities through a three step process - engage, create and generate - to uplift public art as a vehicle of community and personal healing.  

RISE UP started as a grassroots collaboration of individuals and organizations in the community that believe that participatory community-driven art can foster resiliency, recovery and health promotion.  Partnering with Lakeside Recovery Center in North Central Health Care, RISE UP has been working with individuals in inpatient substance abuse treatment since January 2018.  Since this time RISE UP artists have offered weekly art projects for over 230 participants.  While the clients used these art groups for therapeutic benefits, RISE UP artists were tasked with learning about the themes and visualization of each person's unique experience.  The artists quickly learned that there were themes to understanding a life in the darkness of addiction and the stark contrasts for the beauty of life in recovery.  The artists then used their inspiration to begin creating the design for the mural entitled "Now I See in Color" that is set to be installed on a 40x80 foot canvas on the Frontier Building in downtown Wausau in September 2019.  

Kelly Keyser-Millar has been studying complementary health for 20 years.  She blends herbal medicine, aroma and flower essence therapies to create comprehensive wellness plans. Balancing traditional medicine making methods with continuing research; Kelly brings folk medicine to the modern age.  Her whole health philosophy encourages integrating allopathic medicine with alternative practices, mindfulness, exercise and emotional healing work. 

Kelly holds certifications as a Master Herbalist and Master Aromatherapist and owns a complementary health company, Mortar & Pestle Herbal, LLC which is headquartered in northern Wisconsin.  You can find her unique formulations and wellness tools at her store in downtown Antigo, WI.  Kelly spends her time with her husband and 2 dogs in the outdoors.  You can find her in the woods foraging native medicinal plants and mushrooms, kayaking, hiking, gardening, or reading on a rainy day.

When I was a young wife and mother raising my family, I experienced major life-changing events that catapulted me to journey deep within the core of my being.  At that time in my healing process, I discovered a sacred threshold bridging the gap between ego-centric life and soul-inspired ease.  Employed part time as a RN and a self employed wellness coach/consultant, I pursued a path of self-discovery.  There was an unquenched thirst and restlessness within my spirit. 

•  I studied Eastern Wisdom and Oneness in South India with Sri Amma Bhagavan.

• Mayan Tradition and Shamanic Studies in Mexico/Central America.

• Meditation Mind/Body Medicine and Ayurveda with Deepak Chopra (in the 90's before he was the international guru he is today!).  Deepak is the one who taught me how to meditate and to this day it is the personal mantra I received from him I use in my daily meditation and personal mindfulness practice.

• Energy and Intuition with best-selling author Caroline Myss. 

• Spiritual Healing and Interfaith Ordination with the late Ron Roth and Celebrating Life Ministries since 1998. We are active in Service on the West Coast, East Coast and Chicagoland area.

• Spiritual Coach/Mentor 20+ years of service.

• At a  sacred women's retreat in Corfu, Greece I emerged a "Yoginisister" with Master Feminine Pioneer Chameli Ardargh and Awakening Women Institute  -- study and practice of archetypical feminine spirituality.

• Third Degree Masters Level Reiki Master in Usui Tradition.

• Registered Nurse with the University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine for many years until "retiring" to self employment.

Debbie Moellendorf has been an educator with the University of Wisconsin-Extension and now UW-Madison Division of Extension for over 30 years based in Lincoln County. She is a Professor in the Department of Youth Development. Her programming focuses on empowering youth and adults through education and resources to support their health and well-being.

During this abbreviated “Taking Care of You: Body, Mind, Spirit”, participants will increase their awareness of how stress affects our body, thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Managing life’s challenges in healthy ways allows participants to take better care of themselves and their overall health. Participants will learn about other opportunities in this area to participate in the full Taking Care of You program.

Steph, Sonja and Ashlie of 401 Flow Yoga LLC believe that movement is a form of self care. They cultivate an empowering environment in their classes and encourage students to be their best selves in all walks of life. Connecting to self through breath-based movement helps in turn connect to others, creating a local yoga community that many call home. 

These yoga flows by certified instructors are provided to give you a movement break during your day - be sure to wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in. All levels welcome. 

Want to feel better, more relaxed and invigorated all at the same time? This class will be taught from chairs, will be accessible for all bodies and will help you learn a bit about how to stretch and feel great. Jane is a 200-hour certified yoga instructor.

Meet Alvin (Therapy Golden Doodle) and Daniel Shine (Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor and Behavioral Health Manager). Alvin and Daniel work in Behavioral Health Services and Lakeside Recovery at the North Central Health Care Wausau Campus. Alvin has a unique skillset as a therapy dog and people of all ages can benefit from his authentic interactions. Alvin's presence provides calming therapy to those who may be anxious, nervous, or experiencing excalated behaviors. Therapy dogs can sense when a person may be in distress and can offer companionship and comfort. 

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Therapy dogs have been proven to: lower a person's blood pressure, reduce physical pain, alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, and cause the human body to release calming endorphins, which is especially beneficial in mental and behavioral health crisis situations. 

Dr. David Mays, M.D., Ph.D., is a licensed physician in the state of Wisconsin. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has a dual appointment as a clinical adjunct assistant professor in the University of Wisc. Dept. of Psychiatry and Department of Professional Development and Applied Studies.

He is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, member the Wisconsin Psychiatric Association, and a member of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law. Over his career, Dr. Mays has practiced psychiatry in a variety of settings, including an HMO, an assertive community treatment program, private clinical and forensic practice, and as the clinical director of the forensic program at the Mendota Mental Health Institute.

Dr. Mays has received numerous awards for his teaching and clinical work, including the Distinguished Service Award from the Alliance on Mental Illness in Dane County, the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Exceptional Performance Award from the Wisconsin Health and Family Services, the Outstanding Professional Award from the Wisconsin Association on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, and the Outstanding Mental Health Professional Award from the Wisconsin National Alliance on Mental Illness. He is a highly sought after presenter on numerous topics in mental health, including psychiatric diagnosis and treatment, personality disorders, suicide and aggression risk management, mainstream and alternative treatments in psychiatry, and the biology of ethics.

Mia Croyle, MA has experience as a clinical mental health counselor in a variety of settings including inpatient, community mental health and primary care. She been training and coaching Motivational Interviewing for over 10 years, is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), and has facilitated learning workshops for diverse groups of professionals across the country. Mia is a Behavioral Health Project Specialist at MetaStar. 

Laura A. Saunders, MSSW, is the Great Lakes Addictions, Mental Health and Prevention Technology Centers: State Project Manager for the State of Wisconsin. Her position is housed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she’s worked since 1988. Since 2001, Laura has provided SBIRT and Motivational interviewing training to physicians, nurses, medical students, psychologists, specialty addiction treatment providers, social workers, physical therapists, health educators and staff who work in correctional settings. She has provided feedback and coaching to hundreds of social workers, correctional staff and other human service providers who are interested in using EBP’s fidelity. She joined the International group of Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) in 2006 (Sophia, Bulgaria) and is an active member of the Wisconsin MINT group.

A clinical psychologist in Pain Management, Dr. Michael Larson conducts comprehensive evaluations and provides pain management education and psychological treatment. He has a special interest in painhealth psychology, depression and anxiety in the context of health or pain problems, psychology of weight management, sleep difficulties and opioid medication management.

“Whenever possible, our main objective is to find and treat the source of pain, so we can improve an individuals’ physical, emotional and occupational function,” Dr. Larson said. “An individual plan of care is developed with each patient addressing their unique needs. Our team of professionals works with patients and their families to develop and achieve goals to return patients to an active and fulfilling life.”

Dr. Larson received his psychology degree from Winona State University in Minnesota. He earned his master’s degree in clinical psychology from Mankato State University in Minnesota and his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Oklahoma State University. He completed his internship in clinical psychology at West Virginia University School of Medicine and his post-doctoral fellowship in pain psychology at Wausau Spine and Neurosciences. Dr. Larson is married with two children and lives in Woodruff. He and his wife are very involved in volunteer work through their children’s school activities. Dr. Larson also enjoys sports.

Becky Boquist has worked in social services supporting individuals and families since 2005.  She spent 10 of those years helping women with chronic substance use disorder and is now managing AmeriCorps Recovery Coaches for Marshfield Clinic Health System in northern Wisconsin.  She is a lifelong resident of the area and currently lives in Arbor Vitae with her husband and two children

Michelle has worked for Community Corner Clubhouse since 1999. Michelle has over 28 years working mental health services. She has an undergraduate degree in Social Work and also holds a Masters in Mental Health Counseling and currently holds a LPC.

Michelle’s philosophy in regards to recovery is to “help diminish barriers that exist for people so that they may lead a fulfilling life and feel connected to their communities.” Michelle considers herself lucky that she is able to be part of the necessary changes needed to promote a paradigm shift in current mental health services. “As a professional working in this field I feel a certain responsibility to uphold my discipline while promoting change and endorsing recovery efforts”.

Community Corner Clubhouse (CCC) is a part of an international Clubhouse community that assists individuals with mental illness in their recovery process. The Clubhouse program is part of North Central Health Care and provides psychosocial rehabilitation to over 1200 adults who have chronic and persistent mental illness as well as those who have substance abuse issues as well. Clubhouse recognizes that mental illness does not discriminate and can affect any individual at any time. In years past there was very little hope for recovery from mental illness but that has changed and the Clubhouse movement has been a big part in this transformation.

Judge Mitchell was elected to the Dane County Circuit Court on April 5th, 2016.  He took the bench on August 1st, 2016.  He presides over Branch 4 in Dane County.  Judge Mitchell’s current rotation is a juvenile rotation where is presides over cases of family re-unification as well as young people who commit law violations. Judge Mitchell is committed to dismantling the Child Welfare to Juvenile Delinquency to Adult Prison Pipeline operating in Dane County.  During his tenure on the bench, Judge Mitchell has worked with colleagues to change court room policy so young people are not automatically placed in restraints when entering the courtroom, worked with the Madison Metropolitan School District to create an office of Youth Engagement that will provide a bridge to kids who are disconnected from any sort of educational programming, worked to ensure that children at Lincoln Hills receive haircuts on a regular basis, connected the Black Law Students Association with our Local Detention Center so those students can eat lunch with children in detention, visited 30 schools in Dane County to talk with children about the juvenile justice system and empower them to think of themselves as judges, lectured or spoken at UW Madison school of Social Work, UW Madison Law School, Edgewood College, UW Madison School of Education, WI Detention Workers Association, NAMI conference, United Way of Dane County Leaders of Color and Law Enforcement Collaboration, 1800 Days Initiative, Stoughton School District, YU Conference for young and emerging leaders, Wisconsin Trauma and Opioid Conference, and many others; partnered with the Madison School District to create a better process for special education children and shortened school days and seeks to inspire administrations to re-think their approach of classroom management to support traumatized children.  Judge Mitchell often invites young men and women into the courtroom to learn more and gain a positive vision of courts, fairness and the hope of justice.

Over the 14 years that Judge Mitchell has been a member of the Dane County community, he has become dedicated advocate for justice for all, but especially for the underserved and disenfranchised. He has received numerous honors for his quiet and effective efforts toward improving relationships and communication between various diverse groups.

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Judge Mitchell lives by the quote:

"Do not follow the path that has been given, instead go to where there is no path and leave a trail." – Ralph Waldo Emerson”

Scott Webb is a trauma survivor himself who has worked in the behavioral health field for 32 years.  His career has included clinical, administrative and consultative work. He is currently the Trauma-Informed Care Coordinator at the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services.  He holds a Master of Science in Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and is a licensed clinical social worker.

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Since 2014, Scott has provided training and technical assistance on trauma-informed care principles to more than 8,000 clinicians statewide. His insights on trauma-informed care have been featured in articles published by Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism and Isthmus. He also has presented at numerous conferences and acted as keynote speaker for the UW-Madison School of Social Work and the National Alliance on Mental Illness Wisconsin Conference.

​Resilience is a documentary that delves into the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and a new movement to treat and prevent toxic stress.