College of DuPage Human Services Spring 2026 Recovery Symposium

Join us for an elite gathering of world-renowned experts and forward-thinking practitioners dedicated to transforming addiction and behavioral health care. We are honored to spotlight recognized leaders including:

Claudia Black (Keynote Speaker) – Renowned specialist in addiction and family trauma invites participants to look beneath the armor. Claudia examines the forces that keep young adults stuck in crisis, with an emphasis on trauma, the overlay of a generation of young people influenced by smartphones, and internalized beliefs that reinforce emotional isolation. She explores how shame-based thinking distorts self-worth and identity and undermines trust in both self and others. Participants will gain insight into how trauma fuels shame and how, when trauma goes unaddressed, it can undermine even the most well-intentioned treatment efforts. Dr. Black concludes by outlining the core elements of a healthy, effective treatment process that supports emerging young people in developing authentic strength beyond their fragile armor.

Cece Sykes – Founding trainer with IFS Institute with over 40 years of clinical experience with trauma and addiction recovery who will provide an introduction to Internal Family Systems and compassion-based, trauma-informed therapy for addiction.

Chris Mazzarella – Clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience in resilience, performance psychology, and leadership development presenting on a bottom-up framework for strengthening resilience in emerging adults.

Michal Kocum - Seasoned clnician and mental health speaker with expertise in Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) who specializes in treating and managing complex and attachment trauma, dissociation, alcohol and substance use, mood-related difficulties , eating disorders, and relational suffering.

Carly Kloubec and Becky Day – Manager of Substance Use and Justice Programming with the DuPage County Health Department and Assistant Director of Crisis Services at the DuPage County Health Department who will discuss trends, challenges, and pathways forward in their work with emerging adults in crisis from the DuPage County Crisis Recovery Center.

Info: Fragile Armor: Treating the Emerging Young Adult in Crisis

Info: Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS): Compassion-Based, Trauma-Informed Therapy for Addiction

Info: Resilient From the Inside Out: A Bottom-Up Framework for Strengthening Emerging Adults

Info: Listening: Skills and strategies for building community, managing crises, and growing deeper

Info: Meeting Emerging Adults in Crisis: Trends, Challenges, and Pathways Forward from the Crisis Recovery Center

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Host or Publisher Human Services Program