Breaking the Chains of Mental Health Challenges | Maryland Addiction and Behavioral-health Professionals Certification Board

Overview

Join us for an empowering day of connection, learning, and transformation at the Breaking the Chains of Mental Health Challenges Conference. This inspiring event features a keynote address offering practical tools to build resilience and foster personal growth. Dive deeper with engaging breakout sessions focused on the 8 Dimensions of Wellness, Cognitive Reframing & Strength-based Approaches, Practical Tools for Finding Balance & Embracing Vulnerability, and Emotional Intelligence. Come ready to be encouraged, equipped, and empowered to break free and thrive!

Training Hours by Domain

Advocacy 1.50 hrs

Recovery / Wellness 5.00 hrs

Total Hours 6.50

Applies to Certifications

Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)
Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional
Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor (CCDC)

Location: United States
Total Hours: 7 CEU Hours
Dates: Apr 23, 2025
Price: Free
Instructor(s): Matt Runnalls, CEO
Matt Runnalls is an award-winning mental health advocate, international speaker, and best-selling author of Nobody Can Save Me. Renowned for his powerful story and dedication to mental health well-being, he is one of Australia’s leading voices in the behavioral health field. Through his work in education, leadership, and coaching, Matt provides practical tools to build resilience, emotional intelligence, and personal growth.

Katie Rouse & Reesheemah D. Partyka of On Our Own of Maryland
Katie Rouse (she/her) is the Executive Director of On Our Own of Maryland. With over a decade in nonprofit management, she has held key roles in the behavioral health field, including launching the Consumer Quality Team at the Mental Health Association of Maryland and serving as Operations Director at Main Street Housing. A person with lived experience in behavioral health and recovery, Katie actively participates in statewide committees and coalitions. She is passionate about empowering teams to achieve bold goals through thoughtful strategies.

Reesheemah D. Partyka (she/her) is the Peer Network and WRO Coordinator at On Our Own of Maryland. She supports the statewide network of peer-operated Wellness & Recovery Organizations through technical assistance, training, and peer networking. With over 20 years in corporate operational risk roles and 27 years of lived experience in substance use recovery, Reesheemah brings strong skills in project management, facilitation, and peer support.

Kawana Webb, LCSW-C
Kawana Webb, a native of Cambridge, MD, is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience. She holds dual degrees in Social Work and Sociology. With her Master’s in Social Work, Kawana is the owner of Perennial Counseling and Consulting Services, LLC, where she delivers fun, creative, and practical strategies to support professional growth. Her engaging trainings leave participants with valuable tools for their social work practice.

Diamond Petty
As founder of Humanatech, she leads trauma-informed leadership trainings focused on emotional and digital intelligence. Known as the Traumatized Humanitarian, Diamond is a certified transformational leadership coach and EI trainer with over 20 years of experience in government, sales, and community empowerment. She created the state-approved Mastering Emotional Intelligence Curriculum and holds multiple certifications in mental health, finance, cybersecurity, and AI.