Conference Agenda

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4 - Welcome!

11:00 a.m. CONFERENCE REGISTRATION BEGINS AND EXHIBIT AREA OPENS
11:30 a.m. BUFFET LUNCH SERVICE BEGINS WITH NAMI-NYS HIGHLIGHT PRESENTATION

Begin your conference experience by enjoying a delicious lunch buffet. Lunch seating will take place in the King Street ballroom, where there will be a continuously running video presentation which will include; highlights of themany accomplishments of NAMI-NYS; an offering of inspirational quotes from famous people who experienced mental illness; information on mental health; and the “History of Mental Illness” presentation designed by NAMI member Linda Manzo. You can also use this time to visit and learn from our exhibitors.

12:10 p.m. WELCOME

Sherry Janowitz Grenz, President, Donald Capone, Executive Director

12:15-12:55 PRESENTATION OF THE NAMI-NYS JUSTICE AWARD TO JUDGE SOL WACHTLER

NAMI-NYS is delighted to begin the criminal justice portion of the conference by presenting Judge Sol Wachtler,Chief Judge, New York State Court of Appeals (ret) with the NAMI-NYS Justice Award. Judge Wactler is responsible for many landmark decisions advancing the rights of those with both mental and physical disabilities during his two decades in New York State’s highest court. During his retirement, Judge Wachtler has remained a staunch advocate for those with mental illness. He helped establish the Mental Health Court in Suffolk County and is currently advocating for the creation of a Veteran’s Mental Health Court in Suffolk County. Judge Wachtler will share his experiences presiding over New York’s top court, recount his own battle with and triumph over mental illness and detail the importance of comprehending mental illness in the criminal justice system and the unique needs of veterans in the system.
The Honorable Sol Wachtler, Chief Judge, New York State Court of Appeals (Ret.)

1:00-2:30 p.m. THE COLLABORATION OF NAMI AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM – ADAPTING THE NAMI ROCHESTER MODEL TO ADVOCATE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

One of the most important roles of NAMI-NYS’s local affiliate members is to be effective grassroots advocates. NAMI-NYS’s advocacy voice can play a major role in reforming the criminal justice system to make it more comprehensive to the unique needs of those with mental illness that enter the system. This plenary session will explore the unique relationship created between our NAMI Rochester affiliate and the key players in the criminal justice system in the city of Rochester as well as Monroe and Wayne counties. This session will feature both member of the NAMI Rochester Criminal Justice Advocacy Committee and members of their criminal justice system and will educate both NAMI-NYS members and those in the criminal justice system on how the beneficial relationship forged by NAMI Rochester and their local criminal justice officials can be replicated in communities across New York State. Sergeant Steve Boily, Head, Rochester Police Department Emotionally Disturbed Persons Response Team (EDPRT),Rochester’s CIT Timothy Donaher, Public Defender Monroe County Don Kamin,PhD, Chief, Clinical & Forensic Services Monroe County Office of Mental Health Donna Leigh-Estes, Chair, Criminal Justice Advocacy, NAMI Rochester The Honorable Patricia Marks, Creator, Monroe County Veterans Court,Judicial Diversion Court,Presiding Judge, Mental Health Court (Retired) Barry Virts, Sherriff, Wayne County

2:45-4:15 p.m. OUTREACH AND SUPPORT TO OUR VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES

Outreaching and meeting the needs of our service veterans and military families is a responsibility of the utmost importance to NAMI-NYS. NAMI-NYS is dedicated to extending a supportive hand to meet the unique mental health needs of our returning service veterans and supporting our military families and making them a part of our NAMI-NYS family. This panel will feature Post Traumatic Stress Disorder expert, Dr. Patrick Welch, who also runs the Center for Veterans and Veteran Family Services at Daemen College. Nancy Hollinshead, a member of and Family to Family Educator for NAMI of Central Suffolk, will explain how she was able to lead NAMI of Central Suffolk’s efforts to reach out to veterans and military families and how she established the Family-to-Family course at the Northport VA in Long Island. Rocio Galarza, will present on Sesame Workshop’s exceptional Listen, Talk, Connect series designed to help children of military families cope with the myriad of emotions associated with a loved one’s deployment, the potential physical and psychological changes of their loved one upon returning home and in the most tragic cases, the loss of a loved one.
Rocio Galarza, Director of Content and Outreach, Sesame Workshop Nancy Hollinshead, Family-to-Family Teacher, NAMI of Central Suffolk Patrick Welch, PhD, Director of the Center for Veterans and Veteran Family Services, Daemen College

Moderated by Clarence E. Jordan, NAMI Board of Directors

4:30-5:45 p.m. CONCURRENT SESSIONS
1-ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON CIT

The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Model was first developed and implemented in 1988 by the Memphis, TN Police Department. The team was developed to address the special challenges to law enforcement posed by persons with mental illness and to better serve the community. Since its introduction officer injuries have dropped by 85%, and reported injuries to mentally ill individuals have dropped by 40 % in Memphis. Now, less than 25 years later, nearly every state has at least one CIT. This roundtable discussion about the merits of CIT and how NAMI leaders can work with local officials to bring CIT to more local communities, will be led by NAMI board member David Lushbaugh and Joseph P. Mucenski-a retired Detective from the New York City Police Department who lost his son with mental illness to “Suicide-by-Cop” in 2000.This tragedy brought Joseph and his family to NAMI (where he served on the board of directors representing Arizona) and to CIT, and his current position on the board of directors of C.I.T. International. Participants in this discussion will also have the opportunity to ask questions and network with Mr. Lushbaugh and Det. Mucenski as well as members from the Rochester model panel.
David Lushbaugh, Member, Board of Directors, NAMI Detective Joseph P. Mucenski (Ret.), Board of Directors, C.I.T. International

2-SCREENING OF OPERATION EMOTIONAL FREEDOM

This groundbreaking documentary is a hard hitting look at the current state of health care for combat veterans in America diagnosed with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder.) The film sets about examining the myths and misconceptions surrounding the medical/chemical approach to treating PTSD and why drugs are not the only treatment options. The film follows a group of volunteer vets and their families on a journey through a newer vision of health and healing for PTSD and trauma.

6:00-6:45 p.m. COMMITTEE MEETINGS

MULTICULTURAL COMMITTEE MEETING CONSUMER COUNCIL MEETING

6:00-6:45 p.m. AFFILIATE LEADERS RECEPTION

A reception to honor the hard work and dedication of our grassroots leaders. The reception is open only to affiliate leaders and a ticket is required for entry.

6:45-8:00 p.m. DINNER AND AWARDS

Senator Roy McDonald, Chair, NYS Senate Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee and Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, Chair, NYS Assembly Mental Health Committee, have been invited to present the Veterans Appreciation Golden Heart Award to NAMI-NYS’s Veterans Committee Chair, Max A. Gabriel.

The NAMI-NYS Health and Welfare Award will also be presented to Congressman Eliot Engel. NAMI- NYS will honor Representative Engel for his years of work both in the NYS Assembly and in the U.S House of representatives on a wide array of health issues, including advancing the understanding of co-occurring disorders and his advocacy on behalf of patients at the Bronx Psychiatric Center.

8:00-9:30 p.m. KEYNOTE ADDRESS: THE NEW FRONTIER-ONE MIND ON BRAIN RESEARCH

NAMI-NYS is honored to have America’s leading voice on mental health reform and research joining us this year. Congressman Kennedy is a constant champion advocating for the understanding of mental health issues, parity for mental illness and research of the brain, both in his time in Congress and since his retirement earlier this year.

During his 16 years in Congress, he was the author and chief House sponsor of the Wellstone-Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, which expanded access to mental health services to more than 100 million Americans. He has also authored and co-sponsored dozens of bills to increase the understanding and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Since leaving office in January 2011, Patrick Kennedy has devoted his effort to promoting research into neuroscience. He has created an initiative called One Mind for Brain Research, a united public and private research campaign to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure all major brain disorders that afflict close to 100 million Americans. Patrick Kennedy, Former U.S. Congressman, Founder One Mind on Brain Research

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

8:00 a.m. CONFERENCE REGISTRATION BEGINS AND EXHIBIT AREA OPENS
8:00-9:30 a.m. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
8:00-8:45 a.m. ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS AND NETWORKING

Tables will be arranged by topics so you can discuss specific issues and concerns with other conference attendees.

8:45-9:15 a.m. NAMI-NYS BUSINESS MEETING

Presided over by Sherry Janowitz Grenz, President, NAMI-NYS

9:15-9:45 a.m. MEET THE BOARD CANDIDATES

Voting will take place at the conference from 9-4

9:55 a.m. WELCOME & LOGISTICS

Sherry Janowitz Grenz and Deborah Mayo, Conference Committee Co-Chairs

10:00-11:15 a.m. UPDATE ON NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH FUNDED RESEARCH

As the NIMH Outreach Partner for New York State, NAMI-NYS is honored to present Dr. Phillip Wang, Deputy Director of NIMH, to update conference attendees on the latest cutting-edge research conducted through NIMH funding. Dr. Wang will also inform participants about the newest opportunities to participate in NIMH funded clinical trials.
Phillip Wang, MD, Deputy Director, National Institute of Mental Health

11:15-11:45 a.m. UPDATE ON FEDERAL ADVOCACY ISSUES

NAMI-NYS is thrilled to welcome back Andrew Sperling, NAMI’s Director of Legislative Affairs. After learning about the latest NIMH funded research from Dr. Wang, Andrew will inform conference attendees on how we, as NAMI advocates, can increase our voice in support of sustaining federal funding to NIMH and other federally funded projects including the Mental Health Block grants. Andrew will also provide attendees with the latest hot- button issues happening on the federal level.
Andrew Sperling, Director of Legislative Affairs, NAMI

11:45-12:15 p.m. BREAK AND EXHIBIT TIME

Visit our exhibitors in the exhibition area

12:15-1:15 p.m. LUNCH, AWARDS PRESENTATION AND APPEARANCE BY JENNIFER FERRIS

Saturday’s lunch will feature the presentation of NAMI-NYS Affiliate awards along with an inspirational address by Ms. New York World International, Jennifer Ferris. Jennifer will represent New York in the Miss World International Pageant in August of 2012. At the conference, she will share her story of personal triumph over depression, as well as physical and mental abuse and how this has inspired her to guide others towards a happier healthier life through encouragement and perseverance. Jennifer is a NAMI spokesperson who uses her painful battle with depression to raise awareness and remove the stigma placed on those suffering with mental illness.

1:30-2:45 p.m. WORKSHOP SESSIONS

MEMORY, LEARNING AND THE BRAIN

Renowned education and cognitive expert Dr. Pearl Solomon will explore techniques to increase memory and improve cognitive function. This workshop will be an eye-opening experience as it is designed to unlock some of the brain’s mysteries in order to maximize its full potential. This is sure to benefit consumers of mental health services as well as family members, caregivers and anyone who wants to fully utilize their mind’s potential.
Pearl Solomon, Ed.D, Professor Emeritus of Teacher Education, Columbia University.

PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS: MANIFESTATIONS AND IMPAIRMENTS, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENTS

Learn how to identify the latest recognized symptoms and manifestations of various mental illnesses along the necessary steps to achieve a proper diagnosis and the newest treatment options. This workshop will answer many questions frequently heard from consumers of mental health services, family members and caregivers.
Steven Dvorin, MD, Visiting Professor, St. John Fisher College, Associate Clinical Professor (Psychiatry), University of Rochester

CURRENT AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN DIAGNOSING AND TREATING CHILDHOOD PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

NAMI-NYS is dedicated to helping families of children diagnosed with mental illness and those parents who suspect their child may have a mental illness or developmental disease The recognition and treatment of childhood psychiatric disorders is one of the fastest evolving areas of mental health, with potential psychiatric diseases being diagnosed at earlier ages than ever before. This workshop is designed to explore mental health issues effecting children from infancy through adolescence and the most cutting edge mechanisms for diagnosing and treating childhood psychiatric disorders.
Andrew P. Gerber, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Co-director Developmental Neuropsychiatry Program, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Columbia University Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute

VOCATIONAL REHAB AND GETTING CONSUMERS OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES INTO THE WORKFORCE

One of the most common questions posed to NAMI-NYS is, “I have a loved one who has a mental illness diagnosis. He/she wants to work and be productive. How can I help him/her find a job? "Employment and the feeling of being a productive member of society play a large role in achieving and maintaining recovery from a persistent mental illness. NAMI-NYS is thrilled to be joined once again by Paul Margolies to inform participants on the latest vocational rehab models and the ways for those with mental illness to recognize their ability and talent and how those can be attractive to potential employers. Dr. Margolies will also identify the opportunities and avenues for those with mental illness to enter or reenter the workforce.
Paul J. Margolies, Ph.D., Associate Director for Practice Innovation and Implementation, Center for Practice Innovations, New York State Psychiatric Institute

SUBTLE ENERGY AND ENERGY MEDICINE IN HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Energy Medicine is the energetic and informational interactions resulting from self-regulation or brought about through other energy couplings to mind and body. In addition to various therapeutic energies which we may use, there are also energy pulses from the environment which influence humans and animals in a variety of ways. For instance, low level changes in magnetic, electric, electromagnetic, acoustic, and gravitational fields often have profound effects on both biology and psychology. In addition to energies originating in the environment, it has been documented that humans are capable of generating and controlling subtle not-yet-measurable energies that seem to influence both physiologic and physical mechanisms.
Shirley Peace, BSN, Psy.D., Eden Energy Medicine-Certified Practitioner

EMILY JORDAN MEMORIAL WORKSHOP ADDRESSING THE MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS AND ESTABLISHING NAMI ON CAMPUS CLUBS IN NEW YORK STATE

This workshop will explore how NAMI-NYS can establish itself on college campuses to address the unique mental health concerns of college students and work towards reducing the rates of suicide on college campuses. NAMI- NYS will illustrate the success of the NAMI Syracuse University campus club and demonstrate how to replicate their achievement on other New York campuses. This workshop will benefit college students and faculty members as well as parents with children in college or approaching college age. This workshop and NAMI-NYS’s ability to offer scholarships to the conference for college students was made possible through the support of the memorial fund established by NAMI-NYS to honor the life and memory of Emily Jordan. Emily’s goal in life was to be a teacher and educate others. NAMI-NYS is proud to honor and contribute to Emily’s legacy of education and helping others.
Jillian Rogers, President, NAMI Syracuse University Additional speakers, TBD

3:00-4:30 p.m. BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER AND DSM-5

The Publication of the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in May 2013 will mark one the most anticipated events in the mental health field. The publication is the culmination of a 20 year project launched by the National Institute of Mental Health and the American Psychiatric Association that will produce the definitive manual on mental illness containing input from the world’ leading psychiatric minds. Conference attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear directly from Dr. John Oldham, President of the American Psychiatric Institute who will detail some of the findings produced by DSM conferences which serve as the basis for DSM-5. Dr Oldham will also update attendees on the latest in his research specialty, borderline personality disorder.
John Oldham, MD, President, American Psychiatric Association; Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff, The Menninger Clinic; Executive Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs and Development and Professor, Menninger Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine

4:30-5:00 p.m. BREAK AND EXHIBIT TIME

Visit our exhibitors in the exhibition area

5:00 p.m. UPDATE ON THE NEW YORK STATE MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM

New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner, Michael Hogan, will update attendees on the latest developments in the Office of Mental Health. This is a crucial to time to have Commissioner Hogan join us, as New York’s health and mental health systems are in a time of transition. The is an opportunity to hear first-hand how the changes in the health care delivery system will impact you. Michael Hogan, Ph.D., Commissioner, New York State Office of Mental Health

2011 AWARDS DINNER WITH PRESENTATION OF THE LEGISLATIVE CHAMPION AWARD, THE CONNIE LIEBER RESEARCH AWARD, AND NAMI-NYS VISIONARY AWARD

This year’s dinner and award reception allows NAMI-NYS to acknowledge the work of three people who have made and are making a tremendous positive impact on the lives of consumers of mental health services and their families.

This year will see the introduction of the NAMI-NYS Legislative Champion Award. NAMI-NYS is honored to present this award to U.S. Congressman Paul Tonko. Representative Tonko has been a true hero to the mental health movement in New York beginning with his time is the NYS Assembly, where he sponsored and fought for “Timothy’s Law” establishing parity for mental health insurance coverage. Since his election to the House, Rep. Tonko has remained a strong voice advocating for those with mental illness.

This year’s Connie Lieber Research Award will be presented to Dr. Alice Medalia. Dr. Medalia is a true pioneer and an international leader in the field of psychiatric rehabilitation, who focuses on the treatment of neuropsychological disorders in psychiatric illness. She developed the widely used NEAR (Neuropsychological and Educational Approach to Remediation) model to help people with mental illness improve their thinking skills in such areas as attention, memory, processing speed and problem solving.

This year will also see the introduction of the NAMI-NYS Visionary Award, which will be presented to Ralph Fasano, Executive Director of Concern for Independent Living. The programs Ralph has developed to assist the homeless and create beautiful new homes and supportive housing for those with mental illness serve as an inspiration and a shining model of what can be done to address the housing crisis in New York State. Mr. Fasano has spent more than 23 years developing and operating residences for formerly homeless individuals and families and has been the Executive Director of Concern for Independent Living since 1993. Concern for Independent Living currently serves approximately 550 individuals and families in more than 200 locations. Following the presentation of Mr. Fasano’s award, there will a special video presentation demonstrating how Concern for Independent Living has transformed both housing units and people’s quality of life.

NAMI-NYS is proud to present these much deserved awards and is excited to hear from the award winners to learn about the programs and activities they are conducting to improve the lives of those with mental illness .

7:30 p.m. KEYNOTE SESSION-QUO VADIS: THE FUTURE OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE

Quo Vadis-where are we heading? This is a key question as New York enters a transitional period in the delivery of mental health care. NAMI-NYS is thrilled to welcome back Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman, Chairman of the New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI) and Principal Investigator in NIMH’s Recovery After Initial Schizophrenic Episode (RAISE) study, to give his answers to where we are heading. Dr. Lieberman will also update us on the latest cutting-edge research being conducted at NYSPI and how these breakthroughs can improve the treatment of various psychological diseases. Dr. Lieberman will also offer his insights in how the changes in New York State may impact the work of NYSPI and what our role as NAMI members is in sustaining the work of NYSPI both through our advocacy voice and by participating in clinical trials conducted by NYSPI.
Jeffrey Lieberman, M.D., Chairman, New York State Psychiatric Institute

FOLLOWING DR. LIEBERMAN’S ADDRESS THE RESULTS OF THE 2011 ELECTIONS AND THE WINNERS OF OUR RAFFLE ITEMS WILL BE ANNOUNCED

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

8:00-9:30 a.m. FULL BUFFET BREAKFAST

Tables will be arranged by geographical region so you can network with other conference attendees from your area.

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS

INTERFAITH SERVICE

INFORMATION ON NAMI’S STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE

Many of our affiliate leaders and members have a plethora of questions about NAMI’s Standards of Excellence and how their implementation will impact them and their affiliate. NAMI-NYS is pleased to welcome Liz Smith, Director of NAMI’s Center for Excellence, to explain the latest in the development of the Standards of Excellence and answer the questions you have about how they will impact you.
Liz Smith, Director, NAMI Center for Excellence

STAYIN’ ALIVE: WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR HEALTH TO "SEE ANOTHER DAY"

One of the most alarming statistics associated with the mental health movement is that people with mental illness live an average of 25 years less than people without mental illness. NAMI-NYS is thrilled to present Dr. Lloyd Sederer, Medical Director of the NYS Office of Mental Health and Acting Director, Nathan Kline Institute, to discuss ways we can reverse this sobering trend. Dr. Sederer will explore how to counteract the metabolic side-effects associated with some psychiatric medications as well as introducing a wellness routine to create a healthier life both physically and mentally.
Lloyd Sederer, M.D., Medical Director NYS Office of Mental Health, Acting Director, Nathan Kline Institute

ASK THE DOCTOR

Answers to your questions about diseases, medications and care. Lewis Opler, M.D., Former Medical Director, NYS Office of Mental Health (Ret.)

CONFERENCE CONCLUDES

NAMI-NYS BOARD MEETING (open to the public)

EXHIBITOR INFORMATION

$600 - Friday & Saturday

$400 - Friday Only

$400 - Saturday Only

Includes:

10x20 exhibition space with skirted table and electricity included

Exhibitors will receive full conference registration including meals (Friday: lunch and dinner; Saturday: breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Click here to register online to become an exhibitor for the 2011 Educational Conference.

ADVERTISING RATES

Full Page Ad (71/2” by 10”)…$850
Half Page Ad (7 1/2” by 5”)…$475
Quarter Page Ad (3 ¾” by 5”)…$300
Eighth Page Ad (3 ¾” by 2 ½”)…$200
Biz Card Size (3 ½” by 2”)…$100

Any questions, please contact Matthew Shapiro at matthew@naminys.org or 518-462-2000.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Platinum Level-$15,000:

Sponsors will receive: Well-placed full page ad in the Conference Journal. Your logo, with a link to your website, will get top billing in the sponsor section of all conference emails and on the sponsor section of the conference website. Free conference registrations for seven people. A table in the exhibition area. Promotional materials (if supplied) included in the conference bags. Public thanks at both the conference welcome and awards dinner.

Gold Level-$5,000:

Sponsors will receive: Well-placed full page ad in Conference Journal. Your logo, with a link to your website, will get second level billing in the sponsor section of all conference emails and on the sponsor section of the conference website. Free conference registrations for five people. A table in the exhibition area. Promotional materials (if supplied) included in the conference bags. Public thanks at both the conference welcome and awards dinner.

Silver Level-$2,000:

Sponsors will receive: Well-placed full page ad in Conference Journal. Your logo, with a link to your website, will get third level billing in the sponsor section of all conference emails and on the sponsor section of the conference website. Free conference registrations for two people. A table in the exhibition area. Promotional materials (if supplied) included in the conference bags. Public thanks at both the conference welcome and awards dinner.

For more information contact Matthew Shapiro: matthew@naminys.org or 518-462-2000

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4 - Welcome!

11:00 a.m. CONFERENCE REGISTRATION BEGINS AND EXHIBIT AREA OPENS
11:30 a.m. BUFFET LUNCH SERVICE BEGINS WITH NAMI-NYS HIGHLIGHT PRESENTATION

12:10 p.m. WELCOME

Sherry Janowitz Grenz, President, Donald Capone, Executive Director

12:15-12:55 PRESENTATION OF THE NAMI-NYS JUSTICE AWARD TO JUDGE SOL WACHTLER

CONGRESSMAN PATRICK KENNEDY

Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy served 16 years in the United States House of Representatives, representing Rhode Island’s first congressional district. He distinguished himself as a leader in Congress on issues of health care, science, veterans, technology, civil rights, and mental health.

Click here to read his full bio

DR. PHILIP WANG

Dr. Wang presently, serves as the Deputy Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). In that role, he assists the Director in overseeing 1300 NIMH staff and $1.4 billion spent annually on basic and clinical research that will help pave the way for prevention, recovery and cure of mental illnesses.

Click here to read his full bio

JOHN M. OLDHAM, M.D., M.S.

John M. Oldham, M.D. is currently Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff of the Menninger Clinic, and Professor and Executive Vice Chair of the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Baylor College of Medicine.

Click here to read his full bio

JEFFREY A. LIEBERMAN, MD

Jeffrey A. Lieberman, MD, is a physician and scientist who has spent his career of over 25 years caring for patients and studying the nature and treatment of mental illness.

Click here to read his full bio

MICHAEL F. HOGAN, PhD

Dr. Michael Hogan was confirmed in March 2007 as Commissioner of Mental Health in New York. He served as Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Heath from 1991 to 2007 and led Ohio to the top ranking in the 2006 rating of the state mental health systems by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Click here to read his full bio

LEWIS A. OPLER, MD, PhD

Lewis A. Opler, M.D., Ph.D. is Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center; Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at New York University School of Medicine; and Special Adjunct Research Professor in the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program at Long Island University.

Click here to read his full bio

LLOYD I. SEDERER, MD

Lloyd I. Sederer, M.D., is Medical Director of the New York State Office of Mental Health, the nation’s largest state mental health system. As New York’s “chief psychiatrist”, he provides medical leadership for this $4 billion per year mental health system which serves more than 650,000 people every year and includes 26 hospitals, two research institutes, and community services throughout a state of 20 million people.

Click here to read his full bio