MICHAEL WAYNE ALLISON, MBA
Breaking the Stigma: Unveiling the Power of Mental Health Wellness
Michael Allison, a decorated U.S. Marine Corps Purple Heart Combat Veteran, is the driving force behind The Adversity Academy, serving as its Founder, CEO, and Executive Chairman. With over two decades of leadership experience and strategic business acumen, Michael has a proven track record of steering organizations towards seven-figure success, earning him recognition as an award-winning INC 5000 entrepreneur. Michael’s journey is marked by resilience and determination, evident in his remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. A beacon of inspiration, he shares his insights as an International Keynote Speaker, 2x TEDx Speaker, and Host of the empowering Overcoming Adversity Show.
In addition to his military service, Michael holds an MBA in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and Security. He is also the winner of the National & Global 2022 Distinguished Alumni of Indiana Wesleyan University, recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field. Michael’s literary prowess shines through as a best-selling author and his visionary leadership propels The Adversity Academy forward as a transformative force in the industry. His achievements have garnered prestigious accolades, including the INC 5000, Innovation & Excellence Award, Entrepreneur Franchise 500, and media recognition from renowned platforms such as ESPN, BET, CNN, NBC, and CBS.
At The Adversity Academy, Michael integrates cutting-edge technology and research from the realms of business, science, and psychology to illuminate the path towards resilience and success. His mission is to empower personal growth, fuel career development, and propel business expansion to their zenith. Through his own personal trials, including surviving a 2004 car bomb explosion in Iraq, Michael discovered the profound art of “BREAKING THE BOTTLE™” and “The 3-D Method™.” Now, his unwavering purpose is to guide others on their journey of liberation, teaching them to dismantle barriers and seize authority in their lives and businesses through The Adversity Academy’s transformative Leadership Programs and Services.
CARRIE ANN CARR, MA, LCPC, LPC-S, LPC-MHSP
Effective Leadership in Mental Health Practices
Carrie Carr is a licensed clinical professional counselor and clinical supervisor in the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Mississippi with over 30 years of experience in the mental health field. She is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of the Hope Enrichment Center. In 2004, she established the Hope Enrichment Center to inspire positive change in the community and contribute to building up and supporting mental health professionals. Since its inception, the Hope Enrichment Center has grown from its original location in Palos Heights, Illinois to five locations (and counting) in Illinois, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
Carrie has presented at many professional conferences and conducted training for mental health professionals around the country on the topics of EMDR Therapy, mindfulness, Ego State Therapy, Addiction, and the treatment of trauma.
She began the South Cook County Trauma and Addiction Conference for mental health practitioners in 2021 and will be bringing this same conference to the Memphis, Tennessee area in April, 2025. Carrie served on the board of directors of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) from 2012 to 2016 (one year as secretary). She currently serves on the board of directors for the Tennessee First Responder’s Foundation as the acting secretary. In this role, Carrie is creating training materials for mental health professionals who desire to work with first responders, as well as advanced training for EMDR and trauma focus.
ANGELA R. CLACK, PSY.D., LPC
Unfinished Business: Owning Our Therapeutic Process as Helper
Dr. Angela R. Clack brings a wealth of experience and expertise as a licensed psychotherapist and workshop leader. As the founder of Clack Associates, LLC, a group counseling private practice in New Jersey, she holds certification as a Woman and Minority Owned business. Dr. Clack has dedicated her career to serving underserved and marginalized communities, particularly focusing on addressing mental health disparities influenced by social determinants. With a strong commitment to education and training, she is recognized for her ability to teach, supervise, consult, and provide training in various areas related to adolescent, adult, and juvenile mental health care, as well as addressing race-based and workplace trauma. Dr. Clack’s impactful contributions include reducing stigma around mental health treatment for people of color and fostering culturally competent clinicians through her supervision of pre-licensed individuals. She specializes in treating Black and brown women experiencing acute and chronic trauma, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, Dr. Clack serves as a speaker, author, influencer, and thought leader in mental health and well-being. Recently, she has taken on the role of mental health content creator for a community college, aiming to engage students and faculty in supporting and educating about mental and emotional well-being.
NATASHA D’ARCANGELO, QS, LMHC, NCC, CCTP, CCFP
Sustainable Clinical Practice: Combating Compassion Fatigue
Natasha is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the states of Florida, Oregon, and Washington, a Florida Qualified Supervisor, a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP), a Compassion Fatigue Educator, and a Certified Forward Facing Professional Resilience Coach and Consultant. She received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University. Natasha is the Clinical Director of Lakewood Residential Treatment Center and the owner of D’Arcangelo Counseling & Consulting, LLC. Her previous experience includes 15 years as an educator and work in an inpatient psychiatric setting, community mental health, private practice and as a mental health tech. Natasha is an international speaker that has presented on various topics including Destigmatizing Mental Health Care, Compassion Fatigue and Effective Techniques for Working with Teens. She operates from a cultural humility perspective and is an ally of the LGTBQIA+ community. Natasha is especially passionate about working with clients who are struggling with trauma and anxiety.
NIDHI GUPTA, MD
Empowering Mental Health Providers to Diagnose and Treat Digital Addiction
Dr. Nidhi Gupta is a pediatric endocrinologist and an award-winning researcher. She has been a featured speaker on several podcasts, including The BMJ, Switch4good, The Daily Huddle, and How It’s Done. Dr. Gupta has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters and essays.
Dr. Gupta completed medical school at Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India. She completed her pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit and pediatric endocrinology fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Upon graduating, she was an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center for 4 years, where she was the director of the Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes Clinic.
DR. TIFFANY JENKINS, EdD, LPC, LCPC, LCADC, ACS, CCTP-II, SAE, SAP
Killing Time: Creating Meaningful Supervision Experiences
Dr. Tiffany M. Jenkins (affectionately known as “Dr. J”) is the founder and Executive Director of Awakening Change LLC. As a licensed therapist, Dr. Jenkins’ work centers around individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and/or substance use. She blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Enhancement Therapy to create safe spaces for individuals and teams to share, learn, and grow.
Dr. Jenkins enjoys working with supervisors and managers to improve leadership outcomes through her innovative coaching curriculum when not in the therapist’s seat. She also consults on cultural sensitivity, practice building, and organizational leadership issues. Dr. Jenkins identifies her most fulfilling roles as Darryl’s wife, David and Raymond’s mom, and Xavier’s TiTi.
FRANCISCA MIX, LPC, BC-DMT, ACS
The Imposter Syndrome Antidote: How to support supervisees/clinical interns and enhance your skill as a clinical supervisor
Francisca Mix, LPC, BC-DMT, ACS is a seasoned helping professionals’ consultant with nearly 20 years experience. Her rich tapestry of professional experiences encompasses roles as a private practice/leadership consultant, an esteemed educator/trainer, a clinical supervisor, and a trauma-informed movement therapist. Francisca is a trusted leader in the mental health field. Championing the journey of future professionals, Francisca stands as a guiding force in their talent development and skill deepening, especially in the realm of leadership. Francisca has supported hundreds of professionals in the mental health field through clinical internship programming and the Approved Clinical Supervisor advanced training, Additionally, she is one of the featured trainers in The Colorado Counseling Association (CCA) Clinical Supervision Training Series to support the enhancement of clinical supervision and client care in the state of Colorado. Recently, Francisca was featured in the ACA Counseling Today’s Publication on Imposter Syndrome in the mental health profession. She continues to consult with leadership teams and individuals in the field supporting company programming/operations, compliance, training development, change management, business growth, clinical supervision and more.
KAREN ROBINSON, MSW, ACSW, LCSW, CCTP-II
6 Pillars of Trauma Healing
Karen Robinson, MSW, ACSW, LCSW, CCTP-II, is a best-selling author, speaker, therapist, transformational coach, and trauma recovery expert. Karen has been a professional therapist for 25 years. Karen is also the Founder and CEO of Heal Thrive Dream, LLC, a mother-daughter company with a mission to serve trauma survivors by healing from past wounds, thriving in their relationships, and creating dreams for their futures. Karen has been trained in all evidenced-based trauma modalities and utilizes an eclectic approach with her clients based on where each individual client is at in their healing journey.
Karen is also certified in Complex Trauma.
ERICA TROCINO, MC, LPC-S, CEDS-C
Food and Mood Concerns in Youth
Veiled Struggles: The Cost of Professional Ignorance in Eating Disorder Recovery
Erica Trocino is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor in Arizona. As a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Consultant, Erica’s professional background developed as a therapist, Clinical Director and then Executive Director at world renowned residential trauma treatment centers. Currently, Erica owns and operates a virtual private practice offering trauma-based therapies. In her free time, Erica wrote a children’s book with the message of self-acceptance and enjoys creative outlets like painting and nature. Erica is a wife, mother of two children and four pets and an Arizona State University alumni. (Go Sun Devils!)