Driving Community Solutions for the Opioid Crisis

Austin, TX -  Friday, February 17, 2017 at 11am – 1pm (CT)
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Panelists

Brad Kennedy, MRC, CRC
Executive Director, Driftwood Recovery
 
Brad has been working in the mental health field for the past 17 years, developing and delivering innovative programming in a variety of settings.
Brad grew up in the Adirondack mountains in New York, where he developed a passion for all things outdoors. After relocating to Texas, Brad went on to earn an undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of Texas at San Antonio.  Brad began his career at St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation Center back home in the Adirondack mountains. He was exposed to the addiction process and learned about experiential therapies and adventure-based counseling. He received the opportunity to move to Topeka, Kansas, to join the Menninger Clinic, where he delivered a variety of individual and group therapies while developing programs to help individuals reach optimal wellness. Brad has instructed students in psychiatric rehabilitation at the University of North Texas as an adjunct instructor. He is a founding Board Member of the Association for Community Integration Programs (A4CIP), an organization that assembles experts in the field to share perspectives on how to help individuals with mental illness and addiction live healthy lives. Brad is a frequent presenter to local and national audiences on topics of mental health, dual diagnosis issues, work/school, and psychiatric rehabilitation interventions. Brad continues to be driven to develop innovative programming at Driftwood focusing on evidence-based techniques that help individuals turn clinical insight into actions that define a life worth loving.
Dr. Ashish “Ash” Bhatt, MD
Physician, Sovereign Health
 
Dr. Ashish “Ash” Bhatt, MD, is a Triple Board (TB) certified physician, recognized as a leading psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both Child and Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry. He is also board certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine. Dr. Bhatt completed his fellowship at the University of Miami through Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida, where he also served as assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and as chief and medical director of child and adolescent acute inpatient and emergency crisis services. He has been involved in the academic training of multiple medical and psychiatric fellows, residents and medical students as well as psychology interns and pharmacy interns at the University of Miami. Dr. Bhatt has extensive experience working in substance abuse, psychiatric and dual diagnosis programs for adults and adolescents. With experience in both medical and administrative leadership positions in multiple inpatient, detox, residential and outpatient settings, Dr. Bhatt is highly recognized for his thorough and comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and assessment processes, using the latest in evidence-based treatment approaches to address the needs of patients.
Jennifer Holbrook MA, LCDC
Clinical Director, Recovery Unplugged
 
Jennifer has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Chemical Dependency Counseling. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2004, completed her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology in 2006, Cum Laude, and completed an internship in 1994 obtaining her QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional). She has also been appointed as a trainer with TAAP and NAADAC. Ms. Holbrook continues to stay updated on the latest research and education regarding addiction treatment modalities and is currently enrolled in advanced skills training to facilitate the Emotional Freedom Technique and to obtain a national certification in herbal studies and consultation. She specializes in REBT and Dual Diagnosis and has an extensive history working with clients dealing with trauma. She has also developed treatment programs that work with the family has a whole. Ms. Holbrook has spent the last 10 years involved in treatment with chronic relapse populations in the role of Clinical Director of inpatient treatment and prior to that 8 years of her career was spent in education working as the Director of Programs and Clinical Director for the Institute of Chemical Dependency Studies in Austin TX. Ms. Holbrook has 5 years of experience in Prevention and Intervention, including designing and implementing Alternative Activity Programs for youth in rural communities. Ms. Holbrook in known for her dedication and commitment to all facilities that she has interacted with throughout her career and currently is now working again in conjunction with the Institute of Chemical Dependency Studies in the role of Consulting Director. Jennifer was elected President of TAPNET the Texas Addiction Professionals, Peer Assistance Network in 2008. This non-profit organization offers peer assistance to LCDC’s, interns and Certified Counselors in the State of Texas. She is actively involved with TAAP including the Annual State Conference. In 2010, Mrs. Holbrook was elected the TAAP Addiction Counselor of the year. In 2013, she was nominated to serve as co-chair of the 4 Winds Inter-tribal Council of Texas involved in Native Traditions and Recovery Efforts.