Michael Palladini, author of Spellbound and Sensationless, and Drugs of Abuse: From Doctors to Dealers, Users and Healers, received his BA in Psychology from the Penn State University, BS in Pharmacy from Virginia Commonwealth University, and MBA from Robert Morris University. He has been dedicated to exploring drug trends of psychoactive medications and presenting that information in the form of live presentations, discussions, and training, as well as the written word. His career has allowed him to work with fascinating people that share his enthusiasm for bringing a greater understanding of drug use to the forefront. Through both scientific and objective data, to imaginative storytelling, Michael attempts to share this information with compassion, care, and understanding.

Michael’s website, books, speaking engagements and the  “Addiction Pharmacy” Podcast can be accessed at his website.

Co-founder of the Advocacy Against Stigma Conference.

Raven is a medical cannabis expert, consultant, and educator. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science & Therapeutics from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, where he served as Director of Education of the Medical Cannabis Student Association. With hands-on experience in medical cannabis testing labs, cultivation facilities, and dispensaries, he is well-versed in the emerging industry.

As a dedicated advocate for responsible legislation, patient rights, harm reduction, and education, Raven is passionate about addressing the stigma surrounding medical cannabis and promoting an understanding of its therapeutic potential.

Raven teaches Cannabis Agricultural Science at PennWest University, Cannabis Extractions at the Harrington Institute for Cannabis Education, and hosts the patient-centered podcast “Plants Saved My Life” He currently serves as an educator, consultant, and scientific advisor, working to bridge the gap in education and drive positive change in the industry with his company Entheo Wellness, LLC.

Julia Hilbert, MSW is an Overdose Prevention Specialist at Prevention Point Pittsburgh. Julia has extensive experience with Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), having founded both the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) chapter and Pittsburgh Community chapter of SSDP, and serving on the national SSDP Board of Directors for two years. Currently, Julia is in leadership with the Pittsburgh Community chapter of SSDP.

Alice Bell, L.C.S.W. is the Overdose Prevention Project Coordinator for Prevention Point Pittsburgh. She has distributed naloxone at PPP’s syringe service sites, since 2005 and coordinates PPP’s naloxone distribution and data collection. She is an educator and advocate for Harm Reduction Strategies to Reduce Overdose and for rational drug policy reform. She works to promote harm reduction practices at the local, state and national level and is co-
facilitator for the Opiate Safety with Naloxone Network (OSNN).

KP heads the recovery department and oversees recovery initiatives  and peer services for Western Psychiatric Hospital of UPMC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  KP educates and trains Hospital and ambulatory staff members on recovery values and principles, integration and utilization of peer specialists, stigma reduction, recovery planning, and the importance of self-care and wellness tools. KP helps to recruit peer and recovery specialists to support  positive, strength-based, individualized recovery throughout the UPMC system. KP is one of the founding fathers of Peer Navigation, and provides various recovery and peer trainings to UPMC, national conferences, and the community at large.  KP continues to evaluate recovery services at WPH and look for opportunities for positive growth and change.

Raagini Jawa is an Assistant Professor and Clinician Investigator at the Center for Research on Health Care at the University of Pittsburgh who studies harm reduction implementation in health settings. Clinically she is an Infectious Disease, and Addiction Medicine physician and a wound care provider at Prevention Point Pittsburgh.

Finding Hope in Chaos: Melissa is empowering families through out In this empowering speech, loved ones of people in active use will learn practical communication strategies to navigate the challenges they face in their relationship. This talk offers valuable guidance and tools to rebuild connections, foster understanding, and provide much-needed support on the path to recovery.

With a Master’s Degree in communication, along with certificates in both Conflict Resolution and Leadership & Human Relations, Melissa possesses a solid academic foundation that underpins her extensive knowledge in the field. Her thesis, “Overcoming Stigma with Dialogue: My Experiences as a Parent of an Opiate Addict,” showcases her commitment to breaking down barriers of this stigmatized condition and fostering understanding. Loved ones of people with substance-use disorder can feel like they’re struggling to keep their head above water. They say when drowning, the best practice is to slow down and inhale enough of a breath to keep yourself afloat. This is extremely challenging to do when there is so much at stake, but Melissa offers a haven to do just that.

Jules Mackenzie Hughes is the Founder and Executive Director of Metamorphosis Begins. This organization is based on her own life experiences as a trans woman who struggled with substance abuse disorder. Ms. Hughes knew at the age of five that she is transgender and was unable to address this until the age of forty-seven when she entered in-patient treatment.

Lance Harrell, a native of Pittsburgh, brings a dynamic blend of community development, entrepreneurship, and advocacy to the as Director of Workforce Development, Diversity Equity, and Inclusion at the Master Builders’ Association of Western PA (MBA).
A graduate of Point Park University, Lance’s passion for community development led him to the Hill Community Development Corporation, where he played a pivotal role in implementing the Community Collaboration and Implementation Plan (CCIP) for the historic Lower Hill site. His dedication to revitalizing distressed neighborhoods in Pittsburgh led him to spearhead renovation projects for single-family and multi-unit properties, providing quality housing for families through programs like Section 8 and Community Human Services.

Lance’s commitment to community service is evident through his involvement as a board member for Operation Better Block, the Young Preservationists Association in Pittsburgh, Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, the Industrial Arts Workshop, and the Sheraden Housing Advisory Committee/URA. This extensive engagement underscores his deep-rooted connection to the Pittsburgh community and his drive to effect positive change.

In his role at MBA, Lance will leverage his diverse background and expertise to lead efforts in developing, implementing, and expanding business initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion within the construction industry. With MBA’s membership comprising over 260 top general contractors, specialty contractors, and service and supplier companies in Western PA, Lance’s strategic leadership will play a crucial role in driving impactful change and fostering a more inclusive construction landscape.