Keynote Presentations

Wednesday Welcome & Keynote

Pamela S. Hyde, J.D., Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Click here for bio. 

David Sofferin, Assistant secretary for Substance Abuse and Mental Health, Florida Department of Children and Families

Click here for bio. 

Thursday Keynote/Entertainment

Kinike Bermudez is a founding member of the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA), National Alliance of Multi-Ethnic Behavioral Health Associations (NAMBHA), and National People of Color Client, Consumer, Survivors, Ex-Patients Network. She serves as a consumer advocate and representative for all of these organizations. She served as a peer reviewer for the Surgeon General’s report entitled Mental Health: Culture, Race, and Ethnicity. (This report was a supplement to Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General.)

Friday Keynote

Timothy Ranney‐Blake describes himself as “a gay African-American Viet Nam-era military veteran in recovery from insomnia, depression and suicidal ideation.” He is an accomplished group facilitator and experienced classroom educator, consultant, and program trainer; co-facilitates a twice-monthly trauma-informed support group for military veterans; has counseled helpline callers on issues relating to sexual abuse of children; and wrote, scheduled and presented public health classes and workshops for adolescents and adults in a wide variety of community settings. He has been a performance artist and has been involved in amateur theater.

Saturday Youth Plenary

Youth are agents of change, not just kids receiving services! Through personal stories, videos, music and performances, this presentation will highlight the great work being done by the nation’s leading youth advocates – representing MY LIFE, Youth ’N Action!, Youth MOVE National, Active Minds, and YOUTH POWER! – to improve systems, reduce stigma and discrimination, and help other young people experiencing mental health challenges. These young leaders will also provide insight and information related to engaging youth, starting youth groups, and building successful youth and adult peer partnerships.