Morning Keynote
Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter, Psy.D.
Psychologist, Author, Podcaster
Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with those struggling with co-occurring mental health concerns, such as trauma and drug addiction. Dr. Utter’s motivation for choosing this field was personal. As a child, she frequently witnessed the familial turmoil and violence that arise from such issues. These experiences gave her a rare insight into how our life experiences and the way we see ourselves impacts our mental health, both positively and negatively
Afternoon Plenary
Dr. Victoria Sanders, Ph.D, LMFT
CEO, Marriage and Family Therapist, Leadership Coach, Educator
Fresno, CA
Dr. Victoria Sanders is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, licensed in the states of California and Utah, with a PhD in Psychology. Dr. Vicki maintains a private practice in Fresno, California, with a staff of eight other therapists and also provides training for resource/foster parents in Fresno County. Dr. Vicki is passionate about how relational trauma impacts each individual differently, and the role that avoidant behaviors play in an individual’s desire to ensure that they do not have to accept or acknowledge the things that they are feeling, particularly violent behavior and the use of substances. Dr. Vicki is passionate about education, enjoys speaking, writing, and providing clinical treatment and ardently believes that when people know better, they do better!
Closing Session
Pete Rubinas
Executive Director
SMART Recovery
Chapel Hill, NC
Pete Rubinas has been a SMART Recovery participant, facilitator, and Regional Coordinator. He comes to his current position with a diverse set of experiences that he plans to use to help SMART Recovery USA thrive. Pete believes that SMART Recovery should be available in every community and to individuals from all walks of life. He passionately believes that empowerment is the ultimate goal in supporting those with addictive behaviors and those who love them.
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Pete has worked hard to build a balanced life that includes time for his family, birding, native pollinator gardening, and running. He continues to facilitate a local SMART Recovery meeting and an online Family & Friends meeting in Chapel Hill, NC on a volunteer basis. His mantra is “You are enough.”