Addiction and eating disorders have a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities around the world. While much effort has been focused on treatment, effective prevention efforts are urgently needed to address the root causes that lead individuals to fall into these patterns in the first place and sabotage long-term recovery. 

In this eye-opening opening address, symposium co-chairs Nikki Myers and Chelsea Roff explore the mental health epidemic not just as an isolated problem but one deeply intertwined with our emotional lives and societal values.

Drawing from their extensive experience supporting individuals on the path to recovery, they offer a fresh perspective on how yoga can help heal individuals and our culture at large.

Presented by: 

Nikki Myers – Founder and Director, Yoga of 12-Step Recovery
Nikki Myers is the Founder of Yoga of 12-Step Recovery. An accomplished speaker and teacher, she is an MBA, E-RYT500, Yoga Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Addictions Recovery Specialist, and Ayurvedic Specialist. Born from her struggles with addiction and work with countless students, Nikki is the founder of Y12SR, Yoga of 12-Step Recovery. Based on its theme ‘the issues live in the tissues’, Y12SR is a relapse prevention program that weaves the art & science of yoga with the practical tools of 12-step programs. Y12SR meetings are available internationally and the curriculum has rapidly become a feature of addiction recovery treatment centers. Nikki’s work has been featured in the New York Times, Black Enterprise, The Huffington Post, Origin Magazine, CBSnews.com and countless podcasts.

Chelsea Roff, C-IAYT  – Founder of Eat Breathe Thrive and Co-Executive Director of Give Back Yoga Foundation
Chelsea Roff, C-IAYT, is the Founder and Director of Eat Breathe Thrive, a nonprofit organization that helps people recover from eating disorders. A yoga therapist, educator, and research collaborator, she has spent the better part of a decade working to make integrative health programs available to people with mental health challenges.

Addiction is a widespread problem, affecting many lives and families. Traditional Western medicine often isolates addiction from social and economic challenges, viewing it as an individual issue rather than one connected to the broader context of a person’s life.  But far from being just a personal predisposition or habit, addiction is closely intertwined with social determinants like class, gender, economic status, and race.

In this insightful interview, Dr. Gabor Mate and Nikki Myers will discuss how a society that prioritizes material pursuits over genuine human needs and spiritual values contributes to the development of addiction. Join them in this enlightening conversation as they present emerging insights on addiction and explore what it truly means to create cultures of prevention.

Presented by: 

Dr. Gabor Maté – Physician and Author of Myth of Normal
Gabor Maté (pronunciation: GAH-bor MAH-tay) is a retired physician who, after 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, worked for over a decade in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. The bestselling author of four books published in thirty languages, including the award-winning In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction, Gabor is an internationally renowned speaker highly sought after for his expertise on addiction, trauma, childhood development, and the relationship of stress and illness. For his groundbreaking medical work and writing he has been awarded the Order of Canada, his country’s highest civilian distinction, and the Civic Merit Award from his hometown, Vancouver. His latest book The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture is now available.

Nikki Myers – Founder and Director, Yoga of 12-Step Recovery
Nikki Myers is the Founder of Yoga of 12-Step Recovery. An accomplished speaker and teacher, she is an MBA, E-RYT500, Yoga Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Addictions Recovery Specialist, and Ayurvedic Specialist. Born from her struggles with addiction and work with countless students, Nikki is the founder of Y12SR, Yoga of 12-Step Recovery. Based on its theme ‘the issues live in the tissues’, Y12SR is a relapse prevention program that weaves the art & science of yoga with the practical tools of 12-step programs. Y12SR meetings are available internationally and the curriculum has rapidly become a feature of addiction recovery treatment centers. Nikki’s work has been featured in the New York Times, Black Enterprise, The Huffington Post, Origin Magazine, CBSnews.com and countless podcasts.

We couldn’t be more excited to have James Downs join this years symposium, guiding a community yoga practice that promises to be transformative

Presented by: 

James Downs

James is a mental health campaigner, researcher and expert by experience in mental health and eating disorders. He holds various roles at the Royal College of Psychiatrists and NHS England aimed at improving support for those experiencing mental health problems and eating disorders and their carers. He is the founder of the Cambridge Yoga Project, an accessible space for movement, community and wellbeing.

In this eye-opening presentation, Dr. Niva Piran explores the influence of societal norms and power structures on individuals’ freedom of movement and self-expression. Drawing on the stories of diverse girls over a five-year research period, she unveils how societal barriers and expectations often limit opportunities for physical safety, joyful activities, and self-care, particularly for marginalized individuals. These restrictions often lead to disconnection from one’s body and can foster disordered eating and addictions. Dr. Piran’s work emphasizes the vital role of yoga communities in creating spaces where the body is a source of equitable power, knowledge, and well-being. Attendees will gain insights into how positive transformation involves not just social activism but also building constructive communities that welcome all bodies. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how to foster inclusive yoga spaces that can aid in the prevention and healing of addiction and eating disorders.

Presented by: 

Dr. Niva Piran – award-winning author, researcher, teacher, and mentor
Niva Piran is Professor Emerita at the University of Toronto, a clinical psychologist, and a school consultant. A Fellow of the American and Canadian Psychological Associations and the Academy of Eating Disorders, Dr. Piran developed and implemented the first day hospital program for eating disorders (in 1984) and spearheaded eating disorder prevention. She is a prolific scholar, an author and co-editor of 5 books, and a frequent international speaker on embodiment, body image, and eating disorder prevention and treatment. Her book, Journeys of Embodiment at the Intersection of Body and Culture: The Developmental Theory of Embodiment (2017) won a 2018 Association for Women in Psychology Distinguished Publication Award.

In this enlightening talk, renowned journalist Ethan Watters delves into the intriguing cultural history of mental illness, shedding light on our evolving understanding of addiction and eating disorders across time. He argues that the human mind manifests distress differently across cultures and throughout history. Watters offers an insightful critique of how the global adoption of America’s psychiatric model has led to a concerning homogenization of the global mental health landscape. His work sheds light on how globalization may be erasing important cultural nuances and concealing insights into the nature of human suffering itself.

Presented by: 

Ethan Waters – New York Times Journalist and Author of Crazy Like Us: The Globalization of the American Psyche
Ethan Watters is a journalist who has spent the last two decades writing about psychiatry and social psychology. Most recently, he is the author of Crazy Like Us: The Globalization of the American Psyche. The book suggests that America is homogenizing not just the categorization and treatment of the mentally ill but the subjective experience of being mentally ill as well. Prior to that, he wrote Urban Tribes: Are Friends the New Family, an examination of the growing population of the “never marrieds.” He was the first national magazine writer to expose the excesses and mistakes of therapists who lead their patients to uncover “recovered memories” of early childhood abuse. That work culminated in a co-authorship  (with UC Berkeley social psychologist Richard Ofshe) of Making Monsters: False Memories, Psychotherapy and Sexual Hysteria, a groundbreaking indictment of the recovered memory movement. Watters is a frequent contributor to The New York Times Magazine, Discover, Men’s Journal, Details, Wired, and This American Life.

An open space to connect with fellow attendees, meet speakers and chat through the days topic!

Presented by: 

SHE RECOVERS® Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity and a global grassroots movement serving more than 325,000 women, and non-binary individuals who identify with women’s communities, who are  in or seeking recovery from mental health issues, trauma, substance use and related life challenges.  We are all recovering from something—no one should have to recover alone.

They connect women through virtual offerings and in-person community networks, provide resources and support to help women develop their own holistic recovery patchworks, and empower them to thrive.

In this engaging special address, Ms. Judd will share her insights into healing, recovery, the power of yoga and community support. 

Presented by: 

Presented by: Ashley Judd

Ashley Judd is a Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated actress, feminist and social justice humanitarian, Global Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations, and a yoga practitioner walking the recovery path. As a mental health advocate, she has traveled to 22 countries, spending time in brothels, refugee camps, hospices, and slums, learning directly from the vulnerable and resilient.

The story we’ve heard over and over in the media, is that that physical pain crisis led to the opioid crisis.  When in reality, the emotional pain crisis has always been leading to a drug crisis.  In this compelling and practical talk, Dr. Harrison explores the root causes of the emotional pain crisis and what we each must do to stop the addiction crisis we find ourselves in.

Presented by: 

Dr. Nzinga Harrison – a board-certified physician with specialties in psychiatry and addiction medicine. She is also the chief medical officer and cofounder of Eleanor Health, an innovative mental health and addiction treatment company. Dr. Harrison holds an adjunct faculty appointment at the Morehouse School of Medicine and sits on the Practice Management and Regulatory Affairs Committee for the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

We couldn’t be more excited to have Robin Blackwell join this years symposium, guiding a community yoga practice.

Presented by: 

Robin Blackwell – Robyn Blackwell is a yoga student, a yoga teacher, a sound practitioner and a mindfulness coach.  She is committed to creating welcoming spaces that center joy and foster community, regardless of the setting. She is a Y12SR Peer Support Specialist and a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500)  and offers classes, workshops and meetings in Charlotte, North Carolina and surrounding areas. Robin holds a BS in accounting as well as an MBA, and considers herself a corporate yogi who practices at a global financial services firm. She believes that yoga can be a path to liberation and is honored to support humans seeking to create lasting and meaningful change.

Shame and stigma often prevent people from seeking support for addiction and eating disorders. The societal perception of addiction as a moral failing rather than a health issue can lead to deep-seated feelings of shame, preventing individuals from seeking help. Similarly eating disorders are often minimized or misunderstood, which can discourage those struggling from pursuing treatment when it can be most effective. Moreover the healthcare system itself is not immune to the pervasiveness of stigma and bias. These prejudices can significantly impact the quality of care.

Join us for a conversation about the social, emotional, and structural challenges that often deter individuals from seeking help for addiction and eating disorders. In this illuminating conversation, you’ll hear from three world-renowned clinicians and researchers working to break down barriers of stigma and eliminate the barriers that so often prevent people from seeking and accessing treatment.

Our distinguished panel will explore:

• The profound impact of shame and stigma on those struggling with addiction and eating disorders
• Strategies to dismantle barriers within healthcare systems that limit access to treatment
• Innovative approaches to make recovery resources more compassionate and accessible

Presented by: Dr. Erikka Dzirasa, Dr. Norman Kim, and Dr. Rachel Good

Dr. Erikka Dzirasa – MD, MPH, DFAACAP, is a double board-certified Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist who has been committed to serving individuals and families impacted by eating disorders for over 10 years. She is passionate about education, increasing mental health awareness, breaking down barriers of stigma, and addressing and eliminating health disparities that impact individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Dr. Norman Kim – Norman is a frequent, national speaker and educator, and is a passionate advocate for eating disorder awareness and translating research into clinical practice. He was the co-founder of the Reasons Eating Disorder Center and is a regular national speaker, educator, and advocate for eating disorder awareness. He is on the Board of Directors of the Eating Disorders Coalition, the Eating Disorder Advisory Council for the Joint Commission, and the Clinical Advisory Boards for Recovery Warriors, Spectrum CBT, and Tikvah V’Chizuk.

Dr. Rachel Good – Rachel W. Goode is an Assistant Professor at the School of Social Work and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Center for Eating Disorder Excellence, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Goode received her PhD, MPH, and MSW from the University of Pittsburgh. Her research interests include developing, implementing, and evaluating equitable and community-engaged interventions to treat obesity and eating disorders.

In an era where addiction and eating disorders loom large , the search for effective treatment is both vital and complex. This high-level panel discussion will explore some of the more controversial medical interventions in addiction and eating disorder treatment, including bariatric surgery, Wegovy, Ozempic, and other weight loss pharmaceuticals.

Join us for an eye-opening discussion moderated by Chelsea Roff, an acclaimed researcher in the field of eating disorders, and Nikki Myers, a renowned addiction recovery specialist. Together, they will guide a conversation that delves into the ethical dilemmas, clinical challenges, and societal implications of these treatments.

Presented by:

Dr. Kimberly Dennis – a board-certified psychiatrist, certified eating disorders specialist and board certified in addiction medicine. She specializes in treating eating disorders, addiction, trauma, and complex co-occurring psychiatric disorders. She is the co-founder, Chief Medical Officer, and CEO of SunCloud Health. Dr. Dennis obtained her medical degree from the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, and completed her psychiatry residency training at the University of Chicago Hospitals, where she served as Chief Resident.

Tennie McCarty – CEO and co-owner of Shades of Hope Treatment Center, she brings over thirty years of combined professional and personal insight to the treatment of compulsive overeating, bulimia, anorexia, and other addictive disorders. She is a licensed counselor in chemical dependency, alcohol and drug addiction, and eating disorders. She is also a Certified Addictions Specialist. In 1987, she and a partner founded Shades of Hope. Tennie speaks several times each year to professional groups throughout the country. In recovery herself and the mother of a recovering anorexic, Tennie has a unique insight into the nature of disordered eating.

Alli Spotts-De Lazzer – a Marriage and Family Therapist, LPCC, and Certified Eating Disorders Specialist with a private practice in Studio City, California. She’s the author of the book, “MeaningFULL: 23 Life-Changing Stories of Conquering Dieting, Weight, & Body Image Issues,” and a Psychology Today column also titled “MeaningFULL.” Alli has published articles in peer-reviewed journals and trade magazines; presented workshops at international conferences, graduate schools, and hospitals; co-chaired committees for AED and IAEDP; created #ShakeIt for Self-Acceptance! a movement embodying its message through dance and education; and served as faculty of and advisory for the national Certified Eating Disorders specialist curriculum.

An open space to connect with fellow attendees, meet speakers and chat through the days topic!

Presented by: 

Accessible Yoga believes that all people—regardless of ability or background—deserve equal access to yoga. Through education and advocacy, we share the teachings and benefits of yoga with those who have been marginalized.

AYA envisions a world where everyone has access to the yoga teachings that offer individual empowerment and spiritual awakening. We identify and remove barriers to access, build strong networks, and advocate for an accessible, equitable, and dynamic yoga culture.

An open space to connect with fellow attendees, meet speakers and chat through the days topic!

Presented by: 

The Minded Institute (TMI) is a world-leader in providing expert yoga therapy education and training to yoga and health professionals to work with mental and physical health conditions. The Institute is known for working at the interface between yoga therapy, mindfulness, neurophysiology, psychotherapeutic principles, and evidence-based practice. TMI is also actively involved in lobbying for the inclusion of yoga therapy and yoga in the NHS.

Presented by: 

Taryn Strong – Taryn Strong is one of the Founders of SHE RECOVERS® Foundation as well as a Coach, Herbalist and Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher. Taryn’s courageous vulnerability and passion for recovering out loud has made her an influential voice in the global recovery movement. Taryn creates and curates transformational experiences online and in person through her group and private mentorship offerings. As a certified Trauma of Money Facilitator, she currently specializes in financial empowerment & money healing. She also mentors entrepreneurs in recovery who are seeking support to take up space, find their voice and expand their business through aligned impact.

The realm of addiction treatment has historically grappled with varied approaches, often leaving individuals battling addiction without a clear roadmap to recovery. In this talk, Dr. John Kelly draws on five decades of pivotal research to shed light on the transformative paradigm shifts that have reshaped our understanding and treatment of addiction. This session delves deep into the development and significance of “recovery capital” and underscores the role of recovery support services in alleviating the biobehavioral stress that accompanies early and ongoing recovery stages. You’ll come away with invaluable insights into the myriad pathways out of addiction and knowledge to support your students in their journey towards stable remission and enduring recovery.

Presented by: 

Dr. John Kelly –Dr. Kelly has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles, reviews, chapters, and books in the field of addiction medicine, and was an author on the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health. He has won numerous state, national, and international lifetime achievements and distinguished scientist awards for his work.His clinical and research endeavors have focused on addiction treatment and the recovery process, mechanisms of behavior change, and reducing stigma and discrimination among individuals suffering from addiction.

For those navigating eating disorders or addiction, sleep can sometimes be used to push away experience and can resemble simply feeling stuck. Rest and sleep are not the same.  Restorative Yoga, Deep Relaxation, Yoga Nidra, and other forms of embodied rest can invite clients to be present and awake to whatever arises emotionally and physically through their journey. Join Octavia Raheem in this experiential presentation, as she will share wisdom and an embodied rest practice that will help participants kindly and gently reconnect and come home to their body. You will experience the power of rest to soothe, unlock wisdom, and awaken a sense of empowerment that supports recovery. Together, we will discover the role of embodied rest in recovery, and walk away with strategies to incorporate these practices into your own life.

Presented by: 

Octavia F. Raheem – is a wife, mother, and author of two books Gather and Pause, Rest, Be. She is the founder of Devoted to Rest™ a transformational rest focused mastermind for visionary leaders making high impact in their fields. She teaches high achieving individuals how to awaken their fullest potential through the power of rest. With 10,000+ hours of training and teaching experience, she is a true luminary in the areas of rest, restorative arts, wellness, and yoga.  Octavia has been featured in Yoga Journal, Well + Good, Tricycle,  and more.

Yoga recognizes the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of cultivating positive relationships with oneself, others, and the world around us.  We can all benefit from the support and guidance of others in our recovery journey.  Love and connection are the most important things that lift us out of our suffering.  These are present, even in the most divided of circumstances.  

Join Durga Leela for an experiential exploration of the vital role of love, connection, and community in helping people recover from addiction, even in the most challenging circumstances. We will explore practices to recognize the positive qualities in others, cultivate a deeper sense of belonging, and transform dysfunctional relationships into opportunities for strength and resilience. You will come away with a deeper sense of the resource you are to yourself and those in the society around you.

Presented by: 

Durga Leela – Durga Leela is a person in long-term recovery, an Ayurveda practitioner, yoga teacher and yoga therapist.  Founder of Yoga of Recovery which she has shared in several Recovery Conferences over the last 20 years.  Her first book “Yoga of Recovery: Integrating Yoga and Ayurveda with Modern Recovery Tools for Addiction” was published in May 2022.

Short Description: Calling all abundant bodies and allies! As a plus size yogi and yoga instructor,  Kady of Big Body Yoga has spent years exploring the practice and learning more physically comfortable ways to access postures and flow more freely. So, let’s practice making space for abundance in curves, hips, bellies and busts together. In this mindful practice, participants will learn to adjust postures, either for themselves or their students, to make the practice more accessible and comfortable for larger bodies. Yoga students, yoga teachers and the yoga curious are welcome! 

Recommended props: 2 cork blocks, a blanket and strap. 

Presented by: 

Kady Lafferty – Kady Lafferty founded Big Body Yoga when yoga revolutionized her mind, and with that, body image. Often the only fat person taking or teaching yoga class and recognizing the inequity of representation in yoga, Kady intentionally created the BBY space to welcome and celebrate all body types with a special focus on making postures accessible for fat folks. Kady created a financially affordable online studio and offers all-levels yoga classes, teacher trainings, workshops and retreats. Above all else,  BBY is a mindfulness and movement community rooted in radical self-acceptance, equitable access and being your biggest self.

Join Vimalasara for a transformative session that intertwines somatics, mindfulness, Buddhism, and addiction recovery. In this deeply personal presentation, Vimalasara reveals how these interconnected practices have not only saved their life but have become vital tools in nurturing their ongoing recovery. Delve into the profound wisdom of Buddhist teachings and how they elegantly enhance the proven 12-step recovery model. You’ll discover the powerful connection between mindfulness, and personal transformation, gaining insights that can enrich your own path or the lives of those you support in recovery from addiction.

Presented by: 

Vimalasara – Life Coach and Addictions Coach

Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John (hon.doc) M.A. is the award winning author of 10 books including Eight Step Recovery Using The Buddha’s Teachings to Overcome Addiction, Detox Your Heart Meditations for Emotional Trauma. There are 8 step meetings in several continents, and they co founded train the trainer Mindfulness Based Addiction Recovery MBAR. They are one of the founding facilitators of Dr Gabor Maté’s.Compassionate Inquiry.. They are trained in Internal Family Systems, and also work as an international public speaker on the themes of Mindfulness approaches for addiction and Trauma.  They live between Canada, USA, England.

While yoga holds promise as a preventative intervention for eating disorders, yoga teachers and yoga therapists aren’t immune to societal pressures around body image and the pervasive influence of diet culture. In this illuminating talk, Dr. Jennifer B. Webb presents findings from her extensive research with over 600 North American yoga professionals, exploring the subtle yet pervasive influence of diet culture on the yoga community. Highlighting the relationship between weight bias, body self-consciousness, and orthorexia symptoms, Dr. Webb’s research sheds light on how those guiding yoga practices can support positive embodiment. You will come away with actionable, research-informed recommendations to help you foster truly inclusive and body-positive yoga spaces, especially in the context of addiction and eating disorder recovery.

Presented by: 

Dr. Jennifer Webb – Associate Professor of Psychology and Health Psychology at UNC Charlotte – Jennifer B. Webb is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological Science and the Health Psychology Ph.D. Program at UNC Charlotte. She is a clinical health psychologist whose research program is informed by a non-dieting, weight-neutral philosophy on health promotion in culturally- and body-diverse groups with a particular emphasis on enhancing the integration, dissemination, and accessibility of evidence-based mind-body approaches (e.g., yoga, self-compassion, mindful and intuitive eating, mindful self-care, etc.) to strengthen embodied self-regulation, positive body image, and well-being among women during the developmental transitions of young adulthood, pregnancy, and the postpartum.

A special spotlight of grassroot community leaders!