Keynote speaker and Best Selling Author, Brandon Novak and Plenary Speaker Monica Smith from The Clear Mind Project will be in attendance along with Yoga, Medication, Nutrition, Narcan Training, an Introduction to Peer Support, and Family Support Program Workshops. This is an event you won’t want to miss! Lunch will be provided free of charge thanks to the sponsorship of local treatment providers and community partners.

This event is for adults 18 and over. Children are unable to attend. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Keynote Speaker: Brandon Novak

Brandon Novak travels the country for Banyan Treatment Center as an addiction and recovery speaker, in an effort to raise awareness and help addicts find treatment. His testimonial is a powerful statement for his commitment to the recovery community.

Brandon Novak was born in Baltimore, MD and rose to fame at a young age as a professional skateboarder with the renowned Powell-Peralta team. At 15 years old, Brandon was discovered by Tony Hawk, endorsed by Gatorade, and starring in commercials alongside Michael Jordan. He later went on to star in the hit MTV shows Viva La Bam and Bam’s Unholy Union. As part of the crew, Novak appeared in the movie Jackass.

Brandon’s story took a dark turn, leading him into the depths of despair as a result of a heroin addiction. Brandon lost everything, eventually even finding himself homeless on the streets of Baltimore. Police found Brandon passed out on the streets, took him to his mother’s home, and helped him into Banyan Treatment Center. It was at this treatment center that Novak learned that his mentality created the reality in which he lived and if he could change his perception then he could change his world.

With 3 years of sobriety, Brandon has changed his world. He has become a living example that recovery is possible. Spending his days traveling around the country for speaking engagements, Brandon’s message is simple: “If I can recover, so can you. The disease of addiction is not a death sentence. Your history does not have to dictate your future, and as long as you’re breathing it’s never too late.”

Plenary Speaker: Monica J. Smith

We all know a lot about the Variety of risk factors in addiction and recovery; but what about the protective factors? This presentation will discuss how applying the science of positive psychology to build a life of thriving can create a hostile environment for addiction and therefore protect and sustain recovery. Learn about the latest well-being research and tools, consider a new mindset about addiction and recovery, and discover the unlimited potential that truly exists.

Monica J. Smith, MA, BCC, CPC, CAPP, is a Board Certified Recovery Coach, Certified Positive Psychology Practitioner, and Certified Resilience Trainer. She received her Master’s in Forensic Psychology from Marymount University in 2008, and Completed post-graduate advanced study in counseling at Loyola University Maryland in 2013.

Monica’s own recovery journey inspired her to launch The Clear Mind Project, a mission aimed at bringing the science of well-being and resilience to those in recovery, their loved ones, and their support teams. Monica’s passion is helping others discover that they are capable of more than they think and that everyone deserves to lead a thriving and flourishing life. Her approach is based on the PERMA-V© Model, which incorporates the six core pathways of psychological well-being according to research; Positive Emotion, Engagement, Positive Relationships, Meaning, Achievement, and Vitality.

Monica offers individual and couples coaching as well as group coaching programs and topic workshops. Her signature program – A Twist on the 12 Steps TM – was designed as a well-being version of the traditional twelve steps of recovery and includes the latest research, tools and techniques for building wellness and flourishing. Her goal in delivering this program, among other workshops, is to carry the message that we all have light inside just waiting to be uncovered.