The Diagnosis 2 Recovery Conferences
Our annual conference focuses on improving care for individuals with substance use disorders through practical, evidence-based education. This free event is open to all healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, behavioral health providers, and anyone with an interest in substance use care.
Last Years Conference:
Last year, we welcomed over 100 attendees both online and in person for a full-day program featuring keynote speakers, expert panels, and interactive roundtable discussions. Sessions explored administrative and treatment challenges, innovative recovery approaches, the role of AI in healthcare, and strategies for supporting individuals, families, and healthcare professionals affected by substance use disorders. Attendees also participated in Q&A discussions, networking opportunities, and lunch for in-person participants. Each year, participants gain valuable tools for assessment, treatment, and recovery-focused approaches to better support patients and communities.
This year's conference: "Systems of Care, Voices of Change"
Our annual Diagnosis 2 Recovery Conference will be held on Wednesday, June 24th from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM at University Hall at Montclair State University. This event is free to attend, and food will be provided.
This year’s theme, “Systems of Care, Voices of Change,” will focus on policy and legislative writing within the substance use field. The conference will feature keynote and featured presentations from leaders including Nancy Muñoz, Suzanne Drake, David Awadalla, Lewis W. Marshall, Rashmi Jain, and Judy Schmidt. Attendees will also participate in moderated discussions, Q&A sessions, networking opportunities, and an interactive advocacy workshop led by Tonia Ahern and Nikki Tierney.
Meet Our Speakers :)
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8:30 – 9:00 AM | Registration & Continental Breakfast
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9:00 – 9:30 AM | Introductions: President Koppel, Provost Mili, and Dean Smolowitz
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Open welcome statements
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9:30 – 11:00 AM | Opening Plenary: Leadership, Policy, and Systems Change
Assemblywoman Nancy Muñoz, RN
Suzanne Drake, PMHNP
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9:30 – 10:15 AM | Opening Keynote Address
Nancy Muñoz, RN, New Jersey General Assembly
Answering the Call: Leadership and Policy in Transforming Systems of Care
Examines the critical role of healthcare professionals in shaping public policy and advancing systems of care for individuals with substance use and mental health challenges. Drawing on her dual experience as a nurse and legislator, Assemblywoman Muñoz highlights how clinical insight, public service, and policy leadership intersect to drive meaningful, system-level change.
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10:15 – 10:45 AM | Featured Address
Suzanne Drake, Ph.D., PMHNP, Founder & Clinical Director, The Wellness Group of NJ, LLC
From Practice to Policy: Elevating the Voice of Healthcare Professionals in Systems Change
Explores how healthcare professionals can influence policy, advocate for equitable systems of care, and translate frontline clinical experience into legislative and organizational impact, with an emphasis on practical pathways for engagement.
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10:45 – 11:00 AM | Moderated Discussion & Q&A
A joint discussion with Assemblywoman Muñoz and Dr. Drake, focusing on the intersection of policy and practice, opportunities for healthcare professionals to engage in systems-level change, and audience questions.
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11:00 – 11:15 AM | Dean Smolowitz - Community Award Presentation
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11:15 – 11:30 AM | Network Break
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11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Special Guest Address
David Awadalla, Recovery Advocate & Policy Contributor, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
From Survival to Service: A Recovery Story Transforming Systems of Care
Shares a powerful lived experience of recovery and the journey from personal survival to professional service. The presentation highlights how individuals with lived experience are shaping policy, strengthening systems of care, and advancing more responsive and compassionate approaches to treatment and recovery at the national level.
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12:15 – 12:30 PM | Q&A
Audience discussion with David Awadalla, focusing on the role of lived experience in informing policy, improving care delivery, and driving systems-level change.
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12:30 – 1:15 PM | Lunch
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1:15 – 2:45 PM | Afternoon Plenary: Advancing Systems Change Through Clinical, Legal, and Organizational Leadership
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1:15 – 2:00 PM | Keynote Address
Lewis W. Marshall, MD, JD, MBA, CMO, Lincoln Medical Center
From Clinical Expertise to Legislative Impact
Examines how clinical experience can inform and shape legislative and policy decisions that strengthen systems of care. Drawing on expertise in medicine, law, and leadership, Dr. Marshall highlights the intersection of clinical practice, regulatory frameworks, and advocacy in advancing more effective and equitable approaches to substance use and mental health care.
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2:00 – 2:30 PM | Featured Presentation
Rashmi Jain, PhD Professor, Feliciano School of Business
Systems Thinking and Innovation in Healthcare Delivery
Explores how systems thinking, organizational strategy, and innovation frameworks can be applied to improve healthcare delivery and expand access to care. The session focuses on how cross-sector collaboration and business-informed approaches can strengthen systems of care and support the development of sustainable, scalable solutions.
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2:30 – 2:45 PM | Moderated Discussion & Q&A
Joint discussion with Dr. Marshall and Dr. Jain, focusing on aligning clinical expertise, policy, and organizational strategy to drive systems-level change
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2:45 – 3:00 PM | Network Break
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3:00 – 4:45 PM | Skills-Building Session: Advocacy, Policy, and Systems Change
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3:00 – 3:45 PM | Featured Address
Judy Schmidt, DHA, CEO, New Jersey State Nurses Association
From Advocacy to Impact: How Healthcare Professionals’ Voices Shape the Future of Healthcare Policy
Explores how healthcare professionals can engage in advocacy to influence policy and strengthen systems of care. The session highlights pathways for translating clinical expertise into policy impact, with a focus on leadership, professional responsibility, and strategic engagement at the local and state levels.
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3:45 – 4:45 PM | Interactive Workshop
Tonia Ahern and Nikki Tierney, National Center for Advocacy and Recovery
From Lived Experience to Legislative Power: Writing Briefs That Change Systems
Engages participants in a hands-on session focused on translating lived experience and professional insight into effective policy briefs. Participants will learn practical strategies for crafting compelling narratives, framing policy recommendations, and influencing decision-makers to advance systems-level change in substance use and mental health care.
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4:45 – 5:00 PM | Conclusion & Wrap-up
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Provision of certificates of attendance
NJSNA – Nursing CEs
NCHEC – Certified Health Education Specialists CEs
QR code for evaluation survey
THIS YEAR'S Agenda
