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Dr. Jared P. Dempsey

Dr. Jared P. Dempsey serves as Chief Scientist at Trac9 Informatics. He is actively involved in neurological and physiological research on addiction. Recent publications include preliminary evidence for a biological marker of addiction recovery, non-conscious emotional response to drug stimuli, and the influence of social anxiety on addiction treatment. Dr. Dempsey was also actively involved in the development of a comprehensive symptom-tracking and outcome data collection tool for addiction treatment, Trac9.

Dr. Brian Samford, PhD, LMFT, LCDC

Dr. Brian Samford began his journey of recovery in 1990 when he entered a treatment program. At the time, his life was marked by pain and struggle. During treatment, he was profoundly influenced by his counselor's dedication and compassion, inspiring him to pursue a career in counseling once he had established stability in his own life.

Dr. Samford is a graduate of the Center for the Study of Addiction at Texas Tech University and earned his Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2006. Throughout his career, he has served in various roles, including therapist, clinical director, executive director, and owner. He currently holds the position of Chief Clinical Officer at The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare in Georgetown, TX.

Dr. Samford is deeply committed to the belief that addiction impacts not only the individual but also the entire family system, altering brain function through the neurological effects of stress, fear, and pain. His work has centered on developing effective family based treatment approaches and fostering ethical, supportive work environments where employees feel a sense of purpose and belonging.

Todd Bridges

Todd Bridges, born May 27, 1965, in San Francisco, is a veteran actor whose career helped shape television history. Best known for his role as Willis Jackson on the iconic sitcom Diff'rent Strokes, Bridges was one of the first African-American child actors to land recurring roles on major TV shows, including The Waltons and Little House on the Prairie. His early success made him a household name and a trailblazer for representation in Hollywood.

Following the height of his fame, Bridges faced well-publicized struggles with addiction and legal issues, including an attempted murder charge in 1989 for which he was acquitted. His 2010 memoir, Killing Willis, details his journey from child stardom through addiction and into lasting recovery.

Now sober for more than 32 years, Bridges is a passionate advocate for sobriety and second chances, using his story to uplift others facing similar challenges. In recent years, Bridges has continued acting, directing, and producing, with appearances in Everybody Hates Chris, Treasure in the Hood, and The Daily Show. He also co-hosts the podcast DANG! with his wife Bettijo, where they share candid conversations about love, family, addiction, and growth.

Today, Bridges is not just remembered for his iconic roles—but celebrated for his resilience, advocacy, and ongoing impact in and beyond the entertainment world.

Dr. Andrew Huhn

Dr. Huhn is the Director of the Bayview Clinical Research Unit and an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His training spans psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral pharmacology and his research is aimed at identifying risk factors for illicit drug relapse and medication strategies to improve opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment outcomes. These studies cover the continuum of care, including supervised opioid withdrawal and sustained recovery using medications for OUD. Topics of interest include sleep disturbances, drug craving, and diurnal measures of stress and mood. His lab employs diverse methodological approaches to better understand opioid use and OUD, including neuroimaging, ecological momentary assessments, wearable technologies, human laboratory studies, and survey research. Taken together, this research is aimed at improving treatment outcomes directly and evaluating and strategizing macro-level changes to improve healthcare for substance use and related disorders.

Dr. Lisa Connors

Dr. Lisa Connors is the Associate Pastor of In His Image International Ministry in Maryland. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania, a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Board-Certified Coach (BCC), a Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), and a Fellow in Thanatology (FT).

Dr. Connors works tirelessly to help others reach their fullest potential in life, helping and supporting others who have been oppressed, stigmatized, marginalized, and victimized. Because of her lived experiences, grief/loss, and trauma, she gives back with her greatest passion, working with individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use and mental health disorders, violence/abuse/trauma, grief and loss, and racial and social injustices. What Dr. Connors has gained and learned in her life is what she desires to offer others. Knowing she has impacted someone's life is her aspiration. Her motto is: "God has blessed her to be a blessing to others."

In addition to her pastoral, clinical, and coaching work, Dr. Connors is a college professor, a member of many local, state, and national organizations, and a trainer consultant.

Dr. Connors earned her Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Professional Counseling, and PhD in Psychology.

Scott J. Lee

Certified Deep Anger Management Coach | Certified Grief & Bereavement Counselor | Certified Peer Recovery Specialist

Scott J. Lee brings over four decades of lived recovery and professional insight to the stage. Clean and sober since June 28, 1984, he has devoted his life to helping others confront the pain beneath addiction — and transform it into lasting healing.

A graduate of The University of the South with a degree in Psychology, Scott spent five years as a U.S. Air Force pilot and was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain. He went on to become a Certified Grief & Bereavement Counselor and Certified Deep Anger Management Coach — credentials that reflect both his clinical expertise and personal understanding of what it takes to move through life's most difficult seasons.

Scott has served as a counselor at an alcohol and drug treatment center for the past ten years, walking alongside individuals and families through the raw realities of recovery. He is also the author of Anger and Grief Relief, a widely respected guide that blends therapeutic insight with the authenticity of lived experience.

Having spoken at more than 500 conferences across the country, Scott delivers a message that is equal parts practical, compassionate, and inspiring. Whether addressing clinicians, peers, or family members, he reminds us all: healing is possible — and it starts with the courage to feel, to face the truth, and to fight for something better.