2025 Schedule

From Gray Area Drinker to Sober Dad - Author of the book “I Didn’t Believe It Either” - One Dad’s Discovery That Everything Is Better Without Alcohol

Todd was a classic gray area drinker who looked like he had it all together on the outside. But on the inside, he was tormented by his relationship with alcohol. Giving up alcohol was scary and overwhelming. Even though Todd knew it was the right decision, he also thought life without alcohol would be a little dull and boring, a bit like a prison sentence for not being able to “drink like a normal person.” What he discovered, however, was that giving it up was the farthest thing from a prison sentence. “I Didn’t Believe it Either” is the raw, honest, vulnerable and sometimes funny story of Todd’s journey to quitting the one thing he thought he couldn’t live without and his discovery that sobriety is better than he ever imagined.

Todd is an attorney and author who lives in Omaha, NE with his wife, four kids and three wiener dogs. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, golf, hanging out with his family (when they let him) and spending an unhealthy amount of time and money supporting the Iowa Hawkeyes. He quit drinking in 2019 and considers it the best thing he’s ever done for himself or his family.

Anatomy and Physiology Program Director

Department of Kinesiology, School of Education

University of Wisconsin-Madison

How Substances Affect the Brain & Body

Dr. Lokuta is a kinesiology professor with a large enrollment of undergraduate courses (now totaling 1200 students per year). He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Saint Francis University (Loretto, PA) in 1988, and his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Maryland Medical School (Baltimore, MD) in 1993. Andrew entered the University of Wisconsin-Madison in July 1994 as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in the Laboratory of Dr. Hector Valdivia. After completing a series of successful research projects that explored controversial topics in cardiovascular physiology and heart failure, he transitioned to full-time teaching in 2001. 

The continual preparation for effective teaching of human physiology has led him to a great deal of discovery and conversation about the effects of alcohol and other addictive substances on the brains and bodies of our youth. He considers the dissemination of this information to be a vital part of what we should all do regularly.

Owner

The Difference Performance Training

Madison, WI

Recognizing and Dealing with Stressful Situations

A talented athlete from DeForest, WI, had a decorated basketball and soccer career, earning numerous accolades in high school and college while struggling with managing emotions on the court. 

She pursued law, excelling academically and professionally, earning multiple honors as a business attorney before realizing her true passion lay in coaching athletes on emotional resilience as a mental performance trainer. 

Now certified in Neurolinguistic Programming and Skill Enhancement Training, she uses her personal experiences and education to help athletes harness their emotions and maximize their potential.

District Administrator of the School District of Maple

Generational Trauma

Karl Morrin, a proud member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and native of Washburn, Wisconsin, grew up in a military family, with his father serving as a Major in the U.S. Army. After relocating frequently during his childhood, Karl’s family eventually settled in northwestern Wisconsin. A 1995 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Superior, Karl earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical and Health Education and later received his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Marian University in 2006.

With 29 years in education—13 as a teacher and 16 as an administrator—Karl has led with compassion and cultural awareness. His work with the Menominee Indian School District deeply influenced his trauma-informed approach, especially in understanding and supporting students affected by historical trauma. Currently serving as District Administrator for the School District of Maple, Karl also holds appointments to the WIAA Board of Control, the Teacher Retirement Board, and the Employees Trust Fund Board.

Author, Speaker, Teacher & Fountain of Inspiration

Waunakee, WI

Let's D.R.I.V.E

What's your mindset? In this session Laura shares her story about living with a chronic disease for 25+ years. She offers her “D.R.I.V.E. keys,” an acronym that illustrates a way of being, thinking, and doing for self-empowerment, and, in turn, making her stronger to serve others. Participants will leave with practical, easy-to-use strategies and fresh perspectives.

After stepping away from her career working as a Spanish teacher and school principal for nearly two decades, Laura authored and self-published a book to highlight various strategies for making the best of circumstances. She’s an advocate, a multiple sclerosis peer ambassador, an active care partner for her geriatric mother, an involved parent and spouse, a motivational speaker, and a lifelong learner. Laura proclaims, “I do what I can, and I do it with joy.” 

Real Estate Broker, Elevating People, Elevating Property, Visionary, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur

Madison, WI

Athletic & Academic Pressures of a Parent

A child basketball prodigy, Charlie would grow 15 inches from a 5'5" twelve-year-old into a 6'8" thirteen-year-old. That height and hard work would lead to a full scholarship offer from the University of Wisconsin.

Charlie would turn his experiences in college into a successful real estate career at the Charlie Wills Real Estate Team. 

His father, Bill, would be the driving force in Charlie's early years. Parenting with the attitude of "Do the best you can, or do it over" led to a great high school career at Angola High School in Indiana. The pressure that his dad placed on Charlie would lead to a strained relationship that would last for years.

Charlie would make peace with his dad during the final months of his dad's life.

Ho-Chunk Nation Family Physician

Baraboo, WI

Children and Adolescents Are Resilient

Dr. Amy DeLong is a Ho-Chunk family physician who works for the Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Health and has for nearly nineteen years. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan, completed medical school at the University of Minnesota, and completed her training in family medicine at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN. She earned her Master’s in Public Health in the maternal child health track while completing an adolescent health fellowship through the University of Minnesota Department of Pediatrics.

Dr. Amy DeLong was appointed as the Chief Clinical Consultant for Family Medicine in the Indian Health Service in 2021. She was appointed to the Governor’s Health Equity Council in 2020. Her passions include public health efforts to prevent chronic disease like obesity, especially in childhood, promoting healthy pregnancy outcomes, adolesent health care, and being outdoors with her family.

Former Superintendent of Baraboo Schools

Baraboo, WI

When Things Get Personal, Don't Take it Personally

Dr. Rainey L. Briggs brings a wealth of educational leadership experience and a deep commitment to ensuring success for all students. Recently served as Superintendent of Baraboo Schools, Dr. Briggs has built his career on the foundation of "Every kid, Every day, Whatever it Takes" 

Recognized as one of Wisconsin's 48 Most Influential Black Leaders in 2021, Dr. Briggs has served in various educational roles prior to becoming a superintendent including teacher, principal, and Director of Elementary Education. His journey from growing up in challenging circumstances to earning his doctorate from Edgewood College has shaped his passion for educational equity and student advocacy. His doctoral research focused on factors promoting or impeding the success of students, reflecting his commitment to understanding and addressing educational disparities. 

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Briggs is a family man who understands the importance of strong community connections. He and his wife Julie, also an educator, are proud parents of three daughters. When not working to improve educational outcomes, you can find Dr. Briggs supporting youth sports, enjoying outdoor activities with his family, or perfecting his barbecue techniques. 

Dr. Briggs brings not only his professional expertise but also his personal commitment to creating educational environments where every student can thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. 

Grief Yoga® Instructor, Healing Hearts Through Movement, Breath & Love, Founder of Shining Light Grief Support

Madison, WI

Grief Educator

After spending decades building community through media, arts, and wellness, my life took a profound turn in November 2021 when I lost my son, Cade Reddington, to fentanyl poisoning. That unimaginable grief became the catalyst for a new calling: to help others navigate loss, heal through movement, and feel less alone. 

I am the founder of Shining Light Grief Support, where I offer Grief Yoga® classes, workshops, and retreats designed to help individuals process pain, release emotions, and reconnect with compassion and resilience. 

Grief Yoga® combines breath, movement, and sound in a supportive space where people can honor their grief and begin to heal—whether the loss is recent or carried for years.  These experiences taught me how to lead with heart, build authentic relationships, and create spaces where people feel seen and supported.

Retired Athletic Director, Teacher & Coach

Madison, WI

Situational Anxiety

Chris, a veteran teacher and coach with over four decades of experience, has spent his career impacting the lives of students and athletes. However, nothing could have prepared him for the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world shut down, Chris was overcome with fear and anxiety by the constant images of hospitalizations and death caused by the virus. His world began to close around him fearing he would contract the illness and succumb to what he was witnessing.

Chris reached a breaking point in July 2020. Pacing his home and sleepless nights spent would lead to several visits to the emergency room and suicide hotline calls with no relief. Dark days would start to open up for Chris as he found light by opening up to those close to him. He shared his struggles with his family and close friends. Many of those same people shared similar stories. He started realizing that he wasn’t alone. Seeking medical advice and counseling and leaning on the support of his loved ones—especially his wife—assisted Chris immensely.

Today, Chris is stronger, more educated about situational anxiety, and grateful for the experiences he’s learned about being open and sharing his story.