Meet the Keynote speakers
Chris Paulson, M.A.
Chris Paulson has been working in the substance abuse treatment field since 2005. With over eleven years of experience, ranging from admissions, intake, operations, and administration, he decided to focus on one, if not the most important elements of the treatment experience – clinical work. Chris earned a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles, and applies a humanistic approach towards therapy and recovery, with an understanding of all facets and constituent elements of the process.
Chris does not subscribe to the belief that treatment and therapy are a one size fits all approach, with an understanding that each client presents with a unique set of circumstances and challenges s/he must explore and process as a means to overcome the tribulations of substance use disorders. He understands that, for many, the treatment episode can offer a client a corrective emotional experience, an opportunity to feel heard, to feel valued and most importantly, to experience feeling understood.
Chris graduated with high honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara. His work history ranges from large national treatment providers to start ups. His experience in the field, coupled with active participation in the recovery community makes him an expert in the field of substance use and other mental disorders. Chris lives in Los Angeles, California and currently works as the Program Director for Alo House Recovery Centers, a leader in the compassionate care model of substance use disorder treatment. He also has a private practice where he provides individual and family therapy.
Chris does not subscribe to the belief that treatment and therapy are a one size fits all approach, with an understanding that each client presents with a unique set of circumstances and challenges s/he must explore and process as a means to overcome the tribulations of substance use disorders. He understands that, for many, the treatment episode can offer a client a corrective emotional experience, an opportunity to feel heard, to feel valued and most importantly, to experience feeling understood.
Chris graduated with high honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara. His work history ranges from large national treatment providers to start ups. His experience in the field, coupled with active participation in the recovery community makes him an expert in the field of substance use and other mental disorders. Chris lives in Los Angeles, California and currently works as the Program Director for Alo House Recovery Centers, a leader in the compassionate care model of substance use disorder treatment. He also has a private practice where he provides individual and family therapy.
April Rovero
After a 30-year telecommunications career, in June, 2010 April founded the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse (NCAPDA), which is based in San Ramon, CA. NCAPDA’s mission is to prevent prescription drug related overdose deaths and addiction, through community education, policy change and legislative advocacy, with education being the primary focus.
In addition to her work with NCAPDA, April either leads, or is a member of, various other prevention coalitions in California, and is an executive committee member with the FED UP! Coalition that works at the national level to combat prescription drug abuse. April has also appeared in multiple documentaries, local and national television news segments and programs, and in numerous newspaper and magazine articles. She has received numerous recognition awards for her work, from the American Red Cross and most recently from the California Society of Addiction Medicine (CSAM).
In addition to her work with NCAPDA, April either leads, or is a member of, various other prevention coalitions in California, and is an executive committee member with the FED UP! Coalition that works at the national level to combat prescription drug abuse. April has also appeared in multiple documentaries, local and national television news segments and programs, and in numerous newspaper and magazine articles. She has received numerous recognition awards for her work, from the American Red Cross and most recently from the California Society of Addiction Medicine (CSAM).
ty pearce
Ty Pearce, Executive Chef of Sunrise Bistro & Catering, and owner of Ty's Eatery Pop Ups & Catering.
Ty has no typical run of the mill story by being born female, yet identifying as male inside. He grew up bouncing around from Santa Cruz, East Bay, and Europe surrounded by addiction in his family. As the oldest of four siblings in his home, he had immense responsibility to care for his family from a very young age. Ty transitioned to female from male with no coping mechanisms and started really battling his own additions. He documented his transition on Oprahs OWN Network and Our America with Lisa Ling. Life sped up very fast and Ty crashed and burned. His world became small and lonely. With finding recovery in May of 2012, Ty began to turn his life around. Ty finds fulfillment in his own recovery by doing service and sharing his story, in hopes to help others that are struggling from addiction, transitioning, or just feeling helpless and alone. Life is good today!
Ty has no typical run of the mill story by being born female, yet identifying as male inside. He grew up bouncing around from Santa Cruz, East Bay, and Europe surrounded by addiction in his family. As the oldest of four siblings in his home, he had immense responsibility to care for his family from a very young age. Ty transitioned to female from male with no coping mechanisms and started really battling his own additions. He documented his transition on Oprahs OWN Network and Our America with Lisa Ling. Life sped up very fast and Ty crashed and burned. His world became small and lonely. With finding recovery in May of 2012, Ty began to turn his life around. Ty finds fulfillment in his own recovery by doing service and sharing his story, in hopes to help others that are struggling from addiction, transitioning, or just feeling helpless and alone. Life is good today!