Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC is an international speaker and consultant in behavioral health whose presentations have reached thousands throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, West Indies and Guam. He is the recipient of four lifetime achievement awards including the prestigious NAADAC Enlightenment Award. He was one of three finalists for the National Association for Addiction Professionals 50th Anniversary Legends Award. Mark is also the recipient of the Illinois Certification Board's Professional of the Year Award, The Illinois Certification Board, Jessica Hayes Lifetime Achievement Award and The Barbara Bacon Award for outstanding contributions to the social work profession as a Loyola University of Chicago alumni.

Mark is the author of five books on behavioral health recovery. Recent writings include: Slipping Through the Cracks: Intervention Strategies For Clients With Multiple

Addictions Disorders and Relationship Detox: A Counselors Guide To Helping Clients Develop Healthy Relationships In Recovery. He was lead writer on a trauma informed gun violence prevention curriculum which is being implemented in several large cities in the United States. His groundbreaking monograph Recovery Management co-

authored with historians William White and Earnest Kurtz helped shift addictions treatment and recovery from the acute care model solely towards a Recovery Oriented System of Care. Mark has had two stories published in the New York Times bestselling book series, Chicken Soup for The Soul.

Mark has also had a 30 year career as a university educator having taught at The University of Chicago, Loyola University of Chicago and Illinois State University School of Social Work. He is co-founder of Serenity Academy Chicago, a program which sponsors recovery-oriented peer groups in local high schools.

Tommy Norman is known for positive community policing. Norman’s unorthodox approach to policing includes thousands of video posts, pictures and daily interactive engagement at the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Police Athletic League with those that he protects and serves. He is credited for doing things like presenting 50 NLRSD students with backpacks and $50 gift cards from Shoe Carnival to purchase shoes, starting the “Shop with a Cop” program to help financially struggling students or just dancing with the children.

Norman has gained national and international attention for his unconventional methods of law enforcement. The national and international exposé of Tommy Norman came from a televised CNN News cable program on May 10, 2015, during an interview on Newsroom with its host Brooke Baldwin and her guest Atlanta activist and rapper Killer Mike. Killer Mike professed that Norman is “doing something right” and that is connecting with inner city youth, in particular minority communities of color.

He was also featured on The Today Show on November 8, 2015. This report featured some of the day-to-day activities he does with the neighborhood and specifically how he is well liked by children. Reporter Kerry Sanders has coined the term “Social Media Cop” for him.

Tasha Wilkerson is a distinguished authority in the fields of training and instructional design, widely recognized for her extensive expertise and impactful contributions. With a Master of Arts in Training and Instructional Design, Tasha has dedicated nearly thirty years to honing her skills as a trainer and community advocate, making her a respected figure in her field.

Her primary focus is on strategic planning and building community capacity, where she collaborates with adults and faith leaders to create safer and more resilient community environments. Tasha’s approach is deeply rooted in partnership; she works closely with local stakeholders to understand their unique needs and challenges, providing tailored training and action planning that addresses specific community dynamics. Her emphasis on key areas such as coalition development, evaluation, and cultural competence ensures that the initiatives she supports are not only effective but also inclusive and responsive to the diverse populations they serve.

What truly distinguishes Tasha is her unwavering commitment to empowering adult learners. She skillfully integrates adult learning principles into all her initiatives, recognizing that adults bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the learning process. By fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment, Tasha enables participants to take ownership of their learning journeys, ultimately leading to more sustainable outcomes for the communities they serve.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Tasha has made significant contributions to the discourse surrounding justice and personal resilience through her book, "When the Other Shoe Drops." In this compelling work, she shares her personal experiences within the justice system, offering valuable insights and resources for individuals navigating similar challenges. Her narrative not only sheds light on the complexities of the justice system but also serves as a source of inspiration and guidance for those seeking to overcome obstacles in their own lives.

Through her multifaceted work, Tasha Wilkerson continues to make a profound impact on individuals and communities alike, championing the principles of empowerment, collaboration, and lifelong learning. Her dedication to fostering safer, more equitable communities positions her as a leading figure in the realm of training and instructional design, and her ongoing efforts are sure to leave a lasting legacy.