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Thursday, October 15
 

8:15am CDT

Pre-Conference Check-In Opens
Thursday October 15, 2026 8:15am - 8:45am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church

Thursday October 15, 2026 8:15am - 8:45am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Check-In

8:45am CDT

Welcome Announcement
Thursday October 15, 2026 8:45am - 8:55am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church

Thursday October 15, 2026 8:45am - 8:55am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Conference Info

9:00am CDT

Workshop #1: Challenging Cases Workshop for Therapists
Thursday October 15, 2026 9:00am - 11:45am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:This half-day workshop will be a highly interactive opportunity to delve more deeply intochallenging cases. In small groups, participants will present cases and get feedback from peers to help break what can seem like an impasse in the treatment. It may also be helpful in situations when the therapist notices being activated themselves by the case. The treatment approaches...
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Speakers
avatar for Jeffrey Axelbank

Jeffrey Axelbank

PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Jeffrey Axelbank was trained as a clinical psychologist at the Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, and he has specialized in group therapy and treating people with chronic pain and other enduring neuroplastic symptoms.  While he is a licensed... Read More →
Thursday October 15, 2026 9:00am - 11:45am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Pre-Conference

9:00am CDT

Workshop #2: The Central Role of People-Pleasing in Neuroplastic Pain | Teaching the Brain Safety Through the Body: Using Movement, Sensory Input, and Graded Motor Imagery to Reduce Threat
Thursday October 15, 2026 9:00am - 11:45am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
The Central Role of People-Pleasing in Neuroplastic Pain  Workshop Summary:People with neuroplastic pain often identify as people-pleasers. The thesis of this talk is that people-pleasing is more than just a common personality trait among people with neuroplastic pain; rather, it can be the central contributor to pain which has significant implications for healing. This talk will explore the...
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Speakers
avatar for Beth Winkler

Beth Winkler

PT, FAAOMPT, Magnolia Physical Therapy
Beth Winkler is a licensed physical therapist, co-founder of Magnolia Physical Therapy, and creator of the H.E.A.L. Method for chronic pain. She has been helping people heal in the New Orleans area for over 20 years and has more than 30 years of experience as a physical therapist.More... Read More →
avatar for Justin Barker

Justin Barker

PsyD, Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Justin Barker is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a private practice in Los Angeles, California. He is the co-author of The MindBody Workbook, Volume Two and the co-creator of The MindBody Healing Journey online video course, both with Dr. David Schechter. Dr. Barker is a regular contributor to Curable. He has led neuroplastic pain healing groups and provides individual treatment. Dr. Barker experienced four years of chronic back pain and was subsequently healed utilizing a mindbody ap... Read More →
Thursday October 15, 2026 9:00am - 11:45am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Pre-Conference

9:00am CDT

Workshop #3: Experiencing Empathy through Movement:
Thursday October 15, 2026 9:00am - 11:45am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:Empathy, the ability to understand another person’s thoughts, feelings and emotions, is central to connection and to a supportive therapeutic relationship. Research suggests a supportive relational approach is essential to a successful outcome in the treatment of neuroplastic symptoms. Traditional medical training tends to focus on technical and factual learning, and health care...
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Speakers
avatar for Mags Clark-Smith

Mags Clark-Smith

MA, PGCE, BCPT, BMC Dip, Lecturer & Researcher in Movement and Psychology
Mags currently works in private practice as a pain relief movement specialist with a relational approach. Using her experience with a large and diverse caseload, she teaches resolving chronic pain in consultation, delivers guest lectures internationally and runs teacher-training and... Read More →
Thursday October 15, 2026 9:00am - 11:45am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Pre-Conference

12:00pm CDT

Conference Check-In Opens
Thursday October 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church

Thursday October 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Check-In

1:00pm CDT

Welcome Announcement
Thursday October 15, 2026 1:00pm - 1:15pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church

Speakers
avatar for David Clarke

David Clarke

MD, ATNS President, Gastroenterologist
David D. Clarke, MD is President of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology Emeritus at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. He is board-certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine... Read More →
Thursday October 15, 2026 1:00pm - 1:15pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Conference Info

1:15pm CDT

Session #1A: Neuroplastic Symptoms in the United States –  A Deeper Dive
Thursday October 15, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:There are many surprising  and harmful myths among medical clinicians about people with neuroplastic symptoms. Today research evidence shows us the reality making this an excellent time to enlighten our colleagues and the public.Learning Objectives:Understand the myths and false assumptions prevalent among medical cliniciansBecome familiar with the research evidence that...
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Speakers
avatar for David Clarke

David Clarke

MD, ATNS President, Gastroenterologist
David D. Clarke, MD is President of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology Emeritus at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. He is board-certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine... Read More →
Thursday October 15, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Keynote

1:45pm CDT

Session #1B: AI Pain Mechanism Analysis Tool
Thursday October 15, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:


Learning Objectives:
  1. Learn to use technology like AI chatbot
  2. See how pain mechanisms can be elucidated by questions
  3. See how a reassuring printout may be educational for patients.

Speakers
avatar for David Schechter

David Schechter

MD, Family/Sports Medicine Physician
Dr. David Schechter is a physician who practices in West Los Angeles, California. With over 35 years of experience as a family and sports medicine physician, Dr. Schechter specializes in mind-body medicine and chronic pain.Dr. Schechter attended Princeton University, received his... Read More →
Thursday October 15, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Keynote

2:15pm CDT

Session #2: Safety is a Privilege: What Neuroplastic Pain Care Must Understand About Race, Trust, and Threat
Thursday October 15, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:This session explores how race-related stress, medical invalidation, and microaggressions shape the brain’s threat response and influence neuroplastic symptom recovery. Attendees will learn clinician skills that increase psychological safety, credibility, and trust for clients of color without minimizing lived context. We’ll cover common rupture moments, repair, and culturally...
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Speakers
avatar for Vanessa Blackstone

Vanessa Blackstone

MSW, Therapist, Pain Psychology Centre UK
Vanessa Blackstone, MSW is a therapist, speaker, author, and educator specializing in Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), chronic pain, neuroplastic symptoms, and mind-body recovery. After years of leadership at the Pain Psychology Center, she is now the Founder and Executive Director of Pain Psychology Centre... Read More →
Thursday October 15, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Keynote

3:15pm CDT

15 Minute Break
Thursday October 15, 2026 3:15pm - 3:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church

Thursday October 15, 2026 3:15pm - 3:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Break

3:30pm CDT

Session #3: Communicating the Paradigm Shift – to Patients, the Public…and Skeptical Colleagues
Thursday October 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
A no-holds barred, interactive workshop for promoting the neuroplastic approach to any audience. Workshop Summary:The neuroplastic approach is "an idea whose time has come", with the potential to improve the lives of millions and transform the way medicine is practiced today and for generations to come. Yet far too few patients and professionals know about it. And far too few practitioners...
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Speakers
avatar for Joel Roberts

Joel Roberts

Former KABC LA prime time talk show host and communication consultant to Fortune 100 companies and over half a million professionals worldwide., President, Roberts Global
Joel Roberts is a former prime time talk show host on KABC Radio, Los Angeles, the radio capital of the world. Prior to KABC, he hosted The Best of Health Radio Program, a syndicated forum featuring medical luminaries of every stripe, from Surgeons General to Deepak Chopra, Bernie... Read More →
Thursday October 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Keynote

5:00pm CDT

Closing Remarks
Thursday October 15, 2026 5:00pm - 5:15pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church

Speakers
avatar for David Clarke

David Clarke

MD, ATNS President, Gastroenterologist
David D. Clarke, MD is President of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology Emeritus at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. He is board-certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine... Read More →
Thursday October 15, 2026 5:00pm - 5:15pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Conference Info

5:15pm CDT

Welcome Networking Reception
Thursday October 15, 2026 5:15pm - 6:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church

Thursday October 15, 2026 5:15pm - 6:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Networking
 
Friday, October 16
 

8:00am CDT

Breakfast & Interest Group Session
Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Breakfast Conversation

9:00am CDT

Session #4: Research Presentations
Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Research Presentation- Relearn Pain: Digital PRT and EAET for Chronic primary Pain. First Clinical Outcomes of the HELP Program by Antje Kallweit, MD. Workshop Summary:This talk focuses on how mind–body approaches to chronic pain can move from the margins into mainstream healthcare. It explores what is required to translate neuroscience-informed, emotionally effective pain therapy into a...
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Speakers
avatar for Eric Anderson

Eric Anderson

MD PhD MBA FAAN, Chief Medical Officer, Lin Health
Dr Anderson is a passionate problem solver and has extensive experience in personally exploring and pushing the boundaries of virtual practice models.  He has spent his professional career developing novel specialty practice models leveraging technology and focused on creating the... Read More →
avatar for Chris Echterling

Chris Echterling

MD, Medical Director for Vulnerable Populations, WellSpan Health
Like he has many of the things that truly make a difference in the health of those he strives to serve, Chris learned about neuroplastic symptoms late in his career, but is trying to make up for lost time. Chris received his BS and MD from the Pennsylvania State University.
After graduating from the York Hospital Family Medicine Residency, his career has been focused on working with those who have been made vulnerable and historically marginalized. As WellSpan Health’s Medical Director of Vulnerable Populations he helps lead efforts in southcentral... Read More →
avatar for Matthew Goldberg

Matthew Goldberg

PhD, Co-founder, XandY
Dr. Matthew Goldberg is a Research Scientist and the Director of Experimental Research at the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication at Yale University. He is also co-founder of XandY—an independent research and strategy firm that helps the world’s most important ideas and... Read More →
avatar for Ashok Gupta

Ashok Gupta

MA(Cantab), MSc,Neuroplasticity Clinician
Ashok Gupta is an internationally recognized speaker, filmmaker, and health practitioner specializing in neuroplasticity and chronic illness recovery. He is the founder of the Gupta Program, a pioneering neuroplasticity-based treatment protocol for conditions such as ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia... Read More →
avatar for Antje Kallweit

Antje Kallweit

MD, Anesthesiologist and Pain Medicine Specialist
Dr. Antje Kallweit is a German anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist with a special interest in chronic primary pain, nociplastic pain, and the role of the nervous system in persistent symptoms. She is the founder and CEO of HELP, a digital therapeutic program designed to... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Keynote

10:00am CDT

Session #5: Pain in the brain or pain in the body? An embodied cognition perspective on pain.
Friday October 16, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:There are hundreds of millions of neurons outside the brain, distributed between the enteric system, spinal cord, heart, and peripheral nerves. While the brain's role in pain is undeniable, the line between brain- and bodily-cognition is far murkier. This talk draws on perspectives ranging from contemplative traditions that have treated pain as fundamentally embodied and agentive,...
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Speakers
avatar for Max Shen

Max Shen

Research Scientist
Max Shen is a researcher focused on resolving chronic pain through computational and contemplative approaches. He holds two degrees from MIT, has published in venues including NeurIPS, PNAS, and Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Society, and has shaped international biotech safety... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Keynote

11:00am CDT

15 Minute Break
Friday October 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:15am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church

Friday October 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:15am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Break

11:15am CDT

Session #6: Expanding the Ecosystem: How collaborating with neuroplastic symptom recovery coaches improves access to care
Friday October 16, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:Chronic pain affects millions of people, yet the number of professionals formally trained in neuroplastic care remains limited. As awareness grows and demand increases, the field faces a structural challenge: how do we expand access without overburdening clinicians or diluting standards? This session introduces ATNS-Recognized Neuroplastic Symptom Recovery Coaches (NSRCs) as a...
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Speakers
avatar for Simone Holderbach

Simone Holderbach

NSRC/LMT
Simone Holderbach is a Neuroplastic Symptom Recovery Coach (NSRC), Advanced PRT practitioner, and founding member of the ATNS Coaches Advisory Council. With 15 years of neurology-focused manual therapy experience, she helps clients retrain protective responses, support nervous system... Read More →
avatar for Alec Kassin

Alec Kassin

Neuroplastic Symptom Recovery Coach
Alec Kassin is a Certified Neuroplastic Symptom Recovery Coach, international speaker,
Co-Founder of Pain Free Comeback, and founding member of the ATNS Coaches Advisory
Council. A former semi-pro cyclist, Alec’s athletic career was cut short at 18 when a diagnosis of
a ruptured s... Read More →
avatar for Isabel Benatar

Isabel Benatar

Neuroplastic Symptom Recovery Coach
Isabel Benatar is a Neuroplastic Symptom Recovery Coach (NSRC) with a passion for helping
people find freedom from persistent symptoms and deeper transformation in their lives. After
suffering from debilitating pain, she read Healing Back Pain by Dr. John Sarno and experienced
drama... Read More →
avatar for Karen Ash

Karen Ash

ACC, Neuroplastic Symptom Recovery Coach
Karen Ash, ACC is an ICF-certified Neuroplastic Symptom Recovery Coach (NSRC) and
founding member of the ATNS Coaches Advisory Council. After 34 years living with chronic
migraine, a 2020 burnout forced a five-month medical leave — and introduced her to the
mindbody approach to he... Read More →
avatar for Monica Lia Setti

Monica Lia Setti

M.Ed., Neuroplastic Symptom Recovery Coach
Monica Lia Setti, M.Ed., is a Neuroplastic Symptom Recovery Coach, educator, and member of
the Coaches Advisory Council for the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms
(ATNS). She also serves as a Board Member of the ATNS Oregon Chapter and is trained in
Pain Reproces... Read More →
avatar for Chelsea Angilella

Chelsea Angilella

Bachelor of Arts, NSRC (Neuroplastic Symptom Recovery Coach)
Chelsea Angilella is a Neuroplastic Symptom Recovery Coach, a founding member of the ATNS Coaches Advisory Council, and founder of Transcending Pain, where she helps individuals find freedom from neuroplastic symptoms through a mindbody approach. Her work is deeply rooted in her own... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Keynote

12:15pm CDT

Lunch
Friday October 16, 2026 12:15pm - 1:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church

Friday October 16, 2026 12:15pm - 1:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Lunch Table Discussants

1:30pm CDT

Session #7A: Neuroplastic Symptoms and Parenting: Going Upstream.
Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:In this work, we focus a lot on how our childhood experiences influence the development of neuroplastic symptoms. But we don’t really talk about the role that parenting plays. In this talk two providers in this field will share their own unique parenting experiences with their children with special needs, and how this has influenced their care. We will also discuss parenting...
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Speakers
avatar for Anne Hampson

Anne Hampson

MSW RSW, Social Worker
Anne Hampson, MSW, RSW, is a therapist and co-founder of Pain Psychotherapy Canada and MBody Community, where she supports individuals healing from chronic neuroplastic pain and symptoms. In her work, Anne has witnessed significant symptom reduction in clients living with long-standing... Read More →
avatar for Marcia Dewey

Marcia Dewey

Aud, CCC/A, Audiologist
Dr. Marcia Dewey obtained her B.A. in communication sciences from Michigan State University, her M.A. in audiology from Western Michigan University and her doctorate in audiology from Salus University in Pennsylvania. She has been with the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Breakout

1:30pm CDT

Session #7B: Understanding the Fear-Avoidance Model with Neuroplastic Symptoms
Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:The fear-avoidance model has been studied extensively and understanding and addressing the components of it can be useful for patients struggling with fear and specifically fear of symptoms, movement, injury, postures, activities, etc. Working through this model can help patients reduce fear, regain confidence, and restore agency, as well as reduce symptoms. The fear-avoidance...
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Speakers
avatar for Jim Prussack Jr

Jim Prussack Jr

MPT MMT
Jim Prussack is a licensed physical therapist based in San Diego, CA. Jim has been practicing PT for 28 years and for the last 10 years he has been running a private online coaching practice called The PainPT, which specializes in assessing and treating chronic pain and other neuroplastic... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Breakout

1:30pm CDT

Session #7C: Beyond the Negativity Bias: Pleasure, Embodied Safety, and Neuroplastic Change
Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:The brain has a built-in negativity bias designed for survival: to detect threat, avoid danger, and protect us from harm. While this system is adaptive in acute danger, many individuals living with chronic pain, mind-body symptoms, trauma-related conditions, and neural circuit disorders become stuck in persistent protective states long after the original threat has passed. In...
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Speakers
avatar for Christine Yarosh

Christine Yarosh

PhD, Clinical Psychologist
Christine Yarosh, PhD has been a licensed clinical psychologist (PSY 16325) in private practice for more than 25 years and is located in the San Francisco Bay Area. She earned her BS in Psychology from SUNY Stony Brook, an MEd in Counseling Psychology from The College of William and... Read More →
avatar for Elizabeth Jensen

Elizabeth Jensen

Physical Therapist, Pain Reprocessing Coach, Host of “Unstoppable Body and Mind” Podcast
Elle Jensen is a licensed Physical Therapist in Utah with more than 20 years experience and has coached pain reprocessing online since 2020.  She hosts "Unstoppable Body and Mind Podcast", where she interviews experts and shares insights on neuroplastic healing, emotional awareness... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Breakout

1:30pm CDT

Session #7D: Expanding Your Reach: The Power and Potential of Groups
Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:With an estimated 20% of the global population suffering from chronic pain, one of the primary challenges for providers is finding ways to expand our reach (without also expanding our work hours and burnout risk) in a manner that allows more individuals to have access to much- needed care. Our presentation will focus on an effective and rewarding way to meet this challenge:...
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Speakers
avatar for Cheryl Lane

Cheryl Lane

PsyD, AMFT
Dr. Cheryl Lane is a psychotherapist and health coach based in Portland, OR. She
specializes in the treatment of chronic neuroplastic symptoms using PRT, EAET, and
other evidence-based approaches. Her fascination with understanding the human
psyche and a passion for helping others l... Read More →
avatar for Jonathan Takahashi

Jonathan Takahashi

MD, MPH
Jonathan Takahashi, MD, MPH is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health and the Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. He is a graduate of Harvard Medical School... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Breakout

2:30pm CDT

20 Minute Break
Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 2:50pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 2:50pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Break

2:50pm CDT

Session #8A: Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy in Neuroplastic Pain Treatment
Friday October 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:This session explores how personal spirituality can serve as a powerful resource in the treatment of neuroplastic pain. Drawing from research on meaning-making, existential coherence, and spiritually integrated psychotherapy, we will examine how connection to purpose, values, and personal spirituality may reduce neural threat signaling, enhance emotional regulation, and support...
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Speakers
avatar for Danielle Porto

Danielle Porto

Holistic Psychotherapist, LCSW-R, CASAC, CGP
Danielle Porto, LCSW-R, CASAC, CGP, is a psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and educator who has spent more than 15 years exploring the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and healing. As a founding clinician and supervisor of a young adult substance use treatment program... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Breakout

2:50pm CDT

Session #8B: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: A Neuroplastic and Neuroimmune Perspective
Friday October 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a complex multisystem condition increasingly recognized in both Long COVID and as a standalone condition. This workshop explores MCAS through a neuroplastic and neuroimmune lens, integrating emerging science on mast cells, stress physiology, autonomic regulation, and nervous system function. Drawing on both scientific evidence and lived...
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Speakers
avatar for Naila Makhani

Naila Makhani

MD, MPH, Associate Professor at the Yale School of Medicine
Naila Makhani, MD, MPH is a clinician, researcher, writer, and Associate Professor at the Yale School of Medicine whose work spans the prevention of chronic illness across the lifespan, neuroimmunology, nervous system health, and integrative approaches to healing. Drawing from both... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Breakout

2:50pm CDT

Session #8C: Letting Go Into Flow: Somatic Movement for Embodied Expression
Friday October 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:In this experiential session, you will be guided through simple somatic movement practices that can deepen emotional awareness and expression, and provide the brain with direct experiences of safety, freedom, and wellbeing.Movement becomes more than exercise—it becomes a way of cultivating a kinder, more curious relationship with ourselves. You will leave with an embodied...
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Speakers
avatar for Campbell Miller

Campbell Miller

BS, Neuroplastic Symptom Recovery Coach
Campbell Miller is a Mind-Body Coach, Mindfulness Trainer, and Somatic Movement Educator based in Bellingham, WA. At the heart of her approach is befriending body and mind. Campbell’s firsthand experience recovering from years of headaches, fatigue, and brain fog following a concussion... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Breakout

2:50pm CDT

Session #8D: Simplifying Mind-Body Symptom Recovery: A Practical Framework for Teaching the Brain Safety
Friday October 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:Many people struggling with chronic pain and symptoms understand the theory of mind-body recovery but remain stuck when it comes to implementation. Likewise, practitioners often find themselves overwhelmed by complex explanations, competing approaches, and uncertainty about where to focus treatment.This presentation offers a simple, practical framework for understanding and...
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Speakers
avatar for Dan Buglio

Dan Buglio

Mind-Body Coach
Dan Buglio is an author and content creator originally from New Jersey, now living in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Dan’s introduction to chronic pain began with a thirteen-year episode of back pain and sciatica in his early thirties. Ever since, he has been fascinated with learning... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Breakout

3:50pm CDT

15 Minute Break
Friday October 16, 2026 3:50pm - 4:05pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church

Friday October 16, 2026 3:50pm - 4:05pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Break

4:05pm CDT

Session #9: Pilot study of virtually-delivered pain reprocessing therapy and emotional awareness and expression therapy for young adults with chronic headache from concussion
Friday October 16, 2026 4:05pm - 5:05pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:Our focus is on adapting neuroplastic approaches—specifically pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) and emotional awareness and expression therapy (EAET)—to treat individuals experiencing post-traumatic headache months or years after a concussion. We have created a brief 6-session protocol and conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial with qualitative and quantitative outcomes....
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Speakers
avatar for Bethany Pester

Bethany Pester

Assistant Professor, University of Washington Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Bethany Pester is an assistant professor and pain psychologist in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at the University of Washington. She earned her PhD in clinical psychology from Wayne State University and completed her predoctoral clinical internship at the Charleston... Read More →
avatar for Sara PD Chrisman

Sara PD Chrisman

Professor, Seattle Children’s Research Institute and University of Washington Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics

Friday October 16, 2026 4:05pm - 5:05pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Keynote

5:05pm CDT

Closing Remarks
Friday October 16, 2026 5:05pm - 5:15pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church

Speakers
avatar for David Clarke

David Clarke

MD, ATNS President, Gastroenterologist
David D. Clarke, MD is President of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology Emeritus at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. He is board-certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 5:05pm - 5:15pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Conference Info

5:30pm CDT

Happy Hour Gathering
Friday October 16, 2026 5:30pm - 7:00pm CDT
TBD

Friday October 16, 2026 5:30pm - 7:00pm CDT
TBD
 
Saturday, October 17
 

8:00am CDT

Breakfast & Interest Group Session
Saturday October 17, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Breakfast Conversation

9:00am CDT

Session #10:Toxic Masculinity and Neuroplastic Symptoms
Saturday October 17, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:When treating males with neuroplasic symptoms it is not uncommon to see various patterns of emotional restriction. Toxic masculinity provides a title to the group of patterns observed relative to emotional presentation, relational capacity, and self-identity. Key components that are often contributing to psychosomatic responses such as back pain often include emotional...
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Speakers
avatar for Ted Howard

Ted Howard

Psychotherapist
Ted Howard is a mind-body therapist and health coach with a passion for helping sufferers of chronic pain and illness address the emotional causes of their symptoms in order to restart living a comfortable-pain free life. Ted finished his own personal journey with chronic pain by... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Keynote

10:00am CDT

Session #11: Are We Too Gentle? Behavioral Boldness and Accommodation Reduction in Neuroplastic Treatment
Saturday October 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:As neuroplastic approaches gain wider acceptance, many clinicians face a difficult question: Arewe sometimes too gentle? While validation and emotional safety are essential, excessiveaccommodation and reassurance can inadvertently reinforce fragility, avoidance, andsymptom-related threat signaling. This presentation explores how behavioral boldness, gradedexposure, and...
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Speakers
avatar for Daniel Lyman

Daniel Lyman

LCSW, MPA
Daniel G. Lyman, LCSW, is a nationally recognized therapist, educator, and leader in the field of chronic pain and symptom recovery. A founding member of the Pain Psychology Center, where Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) was developed, he now serves as a lead presenter at the Pain... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Keynote

11:00am CDT

15 Minute Break
Saturday October 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:15am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church

Saturday October 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:15am CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Break

11:15am CDT

Session #12: When food becomes a threat: a neuroplastic and eating-disorder-informed framework for restoring food safety.
Saturday October 17, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:his session reframes food sensitivities as a nervous system mediated experience rather than a reliably testable pathology. Integrating modern pain science treatments, eating disorder informed care, and nutrition science, clinicians will learn how fear learning and symptom monitoring reinforce food-symptom loops and how to safely and ethically guide clients toward flexibility and...
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Speakers
avatar for Callie Krajcir

Callie Krajcir

MS, RD, The Bladder Dietitian®
Callie Krajcir, MS, RD, Bladder Dietitian®, is a Registered Dietitian specializing in bladder health and chronic urinary symptoms. She is the founder of Callie K Nutrition, creator of Road To Remission®, and host of the IC You Podcast. Her work focuses on interstitial cystitis... Read More →
avatar for Grace Secker

Grace Secker

LPC, C-IAYT
Grace Secker is a Licensed Professional Counselor and nervous system coach who specializes in neuroplastic symptoms. After years of cycling through chronic pain, hypermobility injuries, debilitating fatigue, and a cascade of histamine, gut, and toxicity issues that no treatment seemed... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Keynote

12:15pm CDT

Lunch
Saturday October 17, 2026 12:15pm - 1:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church

Saturday October 17, 2026 12:15pm - 1:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Lunch Table Discussants

1:30pm CDT

Session #13A: Hidden in Plain Sight: Shame as the Organizing Principle in the Cause & Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:I propose a new lens for understanding how neuroplastic symptoms are generated, perpetuated, and resolved. Because we require connection for survival from birth, the most salient source of danger is the lack of emotional safety within attachment relationships. Building on the definition of shame as “the fear of disconnection,” I argue that it is this specific relational fear...
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Speakers
avatar for Ellen Ronka

Ellen Ronka

LCMHC, Psychotherapist
Ellen Ronka, LCMHC is a licensed psychotherapist with 23 years of experience who specializes
in developmental and acute adult trauma, dissociation, and neuroplastic symptoms using a
psychodynamic and attachment-based lens. Her professional training has focused heavily on
experientia... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Breakout

1:30pm CDT

Session #13B: The Connected Adolescent Brain: Play and Attachment Approaches for Neuroplastic Symptoms
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:This session explores how adolescent neurodevelopment shapes the expression of neuroplastic symptoms—including pain, dizziness, fatigue, and OCD related patterns—and how play and attachment based interventions can restore flexibility in threat driven systems. Participants will learn developmentally attuned, nonshaming ways to help teens understand the interplay between...
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Speakers
avatar for Jessica Holzer

Jessica Holzer

LMFT, RPT-S
essica Holzer, LMFT, RPT‑S, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of Connected Care Family Counseling. She specializes in attachment‑based, play, and art therapy approaches, supporting children and families in building emotional connection, resilience, and secure... Read More →
avatar for Jamie Shafir

Jamie Shafir

Master of Social Work, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Jamie Shafir is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and coach specializing in research and evidence-based cognitive and somatic therapies for neuroplastic symptoms. Drawing upon extensive training in attachment-based and play-centered approaches, she supports young clients through developmentally... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Breakout

1:30pm CDT

Session #13C: Loneliness, Joy, and Neuroplastic Symptoms: From Isolation to Safety Practical Strategies to rebuild connection and train positive affect in recovery
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:Loneliness and disconnection amplify threat physiology and can keep neuroplastic symptoms persistent. This session expands standard fear-reduction models by teaching connection as a trainable safety signal and strategic joy as a trainable recovery catalyst. We define joy not as “toxic positivity” but as a set of practical skills (e.g., connection-building, savoring, gratitude,...
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Speakers
avatar for Jeni Quigg

Jeni Quigg

LMHC, Psychotherapist
Jeni Quigg, LMHC, is a trauma-informed psychotherapist and chronic symptom recovery specialist whose healing path started in her own body. After 23 years of chronic pain, 20+ diagnoses, and trying every conventional and unconventional treatment available, everything changed when she... Read More →
avatar for Simone Holderbach

Simone Holderbach

NSRC/LMT
Simone Holderbach is a Neuroplastic Symptom Recovery Coach (NSRC), Advanced PRT practitioner, and founding member of the ATNS Coaches Advisory Council. With 15 years of neurology-focused manual therapy experience, she helps clients retrain protective responses, support nervous system... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Breakout

1:30pm CDT

Session #13D: Expanding the Umbrella: What We Can Learn from Those with Structural Conditions
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:It is clear that the skills and methods coming out of mind body medicine are transformative for those with neuroplastic symptoms. What is less acknowledged is the way in which our field can both help and learn from those with ongoing structural conditions.Neuroplastic and structural are not the binary they have often been presented as. My personal and professional experience bears...
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Speakers
avatar for Lara Birk

Lara Birk

PhD, MindBody Empowerment Coach
Lara Birk, PhD, is the founder of The Sage Practice, where she provides 1-1 and small group mindbody empowerment coaching, courses, and additional resources for people living with persistent pain or other chronic symptoms.  She is also a frequent contributor to the Curable app and... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Breakout

2:30pm CDT

15 Minute Break
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church

Saturday October 17, 2026 2:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Break

2:45pm CDT

Session #14: A Unifying Theory of Neuroplastic Recovery Therapy
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:This talk presents an integrative approach to neuroplastic pain treatment that combines Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET). While both modalities have demonstrated efficacy, many patients fail to achieve full recovery when treated with a single approach. This presentation introduces a unified framework centered on...
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Speakers
avatar for John Gasienica

John Gasienica

LCSW, Therapist
John Gasienica, LCSW, is a therapist, clinical researcher, and health technology leader specializing in chronic pain, neuroplastic symptoms, and Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT). He has worked with organizations including the Mount Sinai Health System, the University of Colorado... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Keynote

3:45pm CDT

Session #15: Why Play Matters in Neuroplastic Symptom Recovery: Don’t Just Tell Yourself You’re Safe – Experience It!
Saturday October 17, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Workshop Summary:Patients with neuroplastic symptoms often present with vigilance, intensity, and persistent self- monitoring—patterns that can interfere with engagement in mindbody treatment. This session explores play as an overlooked but clinically relevant pathway for increasing nervous system flexibility in both patients and clinicians. Through the lens of predictive processing,...
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Speakers
avatar for Rachel Mooers

Rachel Mooers

LMFT, Psychotherapist & Chronic Pain Coach
Rachel Mooers (she/they) is a psychotherapist and pain coach based in Las Vegas, Nevada who specializes in the treatment of neuroplastic pain and other conditions, anxiety, depression and trauma. She earned her masters degree in Couple & Family Therapy from the University of Nevada-Las... Read More →
avatar for Lauren Garchow

Lauren Garchow

LCSW Psychotherapist & Mind-body Coach
Lauren Garchow, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and mind-body coach based in Los Angeles, California. Her own chronic pain healing journey revealed the mind’s powerful ability to change and adapt, inspiring her to dedicate her career to helping others overcome chronic symptoms.As the... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Keynote

4:45pm CDT

Closing Remarks
Saturday October 17, 2026 4:45pm - 5:15pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church

Speakers
avatar for David Clarke

David Clarke

MD, ATNS President, Gastroenterologist
David D. Clarke, MD is President of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology Emeritus at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. He is board-certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 4:45pm - 5:15pm CDT
King of Glory Lutheran Church
  Conference Info

5:15pm CDT

Happy Hour Gathering
Saturday October 17, 2026 5:15pm - 7:00pm CDT
TBD

Saturday October 17, 2026 5:15pm - 7:00pm CDT
TBD
  Networking
 

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Thursday, October 15
Friday, October 16
Saturday, October 17
King of Glory Lutheran Church
TBD
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