Speakers Page

Dr. Kelly Olson, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist, author, and keynote speaker who believes that assessing and addressing disease requires an integrative approach.  Kelly's ability to illuminate the molecular misadventures that lead to disease is what makes her special - proving time and again that a splash of nerdy, with a big dash of passion, goes a long way.  Currently, she holds the position of Director of Clinical Affairs with one of the largest toxicology laboratories in the United States.  Here, she focuses much of her attention on mental health, particularly with an emphasis on addictions.  She thrives at taking very complex information and delivering it to audiences of all sizes and backgrounds in a way that promotes understanding and application of key concepts.  She has lectured all over the world as an invited session speaker and has authored/co-authored several peer-reviewed articles, textbook and book chapters, books, posters, and presentations, all aimed at providing a clinically applicable compendium of knowledge to ultimately help healthcare practitioners get their clients/patients well faster.

Dr. Olson received her Master of Science in exercise physiology from the University of North Dakota, and her PhD in Pharmacology & Therapeutics (with a focus on molecular neuropharmacology) from the University of Manitoba.

Erin L. Wick serves as the Executive Director of Behavioral Health and Integrated Student Supports for Capital Region Educational Service District 113 in Washington State. In this role, she leads the True North Student Assistance and Treatment Services program—a dually licensed behavioral health agency dedicated to serving children and adolescents. True North was the first school-based program of its kind in Washington and remains a model for comprehensive, multi-tiered student supports. The program has mentored other Educational Service Districts through the licensing process and gained recognition at both state and national levels. Notably, in 2022, True North's student assistance program was highlighted by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Ms. Wick also oversees the ESD’s School Safety and Wellbeing Center, where she has expanded available services to better support youth and school communities. Through her leadership, the School Safety and Wellness team launched the School Safety Consortium, a regional collaboration of 40 school districts across five counties. This Consortium facilitates county-level threat assessment services and safety supports.

With over 25 years of service at ESD 113, Ms. Wick also holds statewide leadership roles. She serves as the Behavioral Health Lead for the Washington State Association of Educational Service Districts’ Behavioral Health Student Assistance Program project, which delivers prevention and intervention services to youth across Washington. Additionally, she is a board member of the Washington State School-Based Health Alliance.

Ms. Wick earned her Bachelor of Arts from The Evergreen State College. She holds a Master of Business Administration and an Executive Certificate in Public and Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Massachusetts Global.

Janel Rodriguez and her husband suffered the loss of their 15-year-old son, Noah Rodriguez, a Hays CISD student by fentanyl poisoning on August 21, 2022. They have started an organization called the Forever 15 Project and have worked tirelessly across the nation to spread the word about the fentanyl crisis by sharing their story. Hearing from Ms. Rodriguez is a life-changing experience. 

Kym Laube is the Executive Director of Human Understanding Growth Services, Inc., HUGS, Inc., located in Westhampton Beach, NY. In this position she brings over 33 years of substance use prevention knowledge and expertise, leading the organization to provide a full array of multidimensional prevention services and recovery supports. Kym is a national trainer and speaker, working with notable leaders in prevention including CADCA.

Having participated in the HUGS, Inc. Teen Institute program in 1986 as a high school student, Kym understands firsthand, the profound impact, lifelong influence and workforce development the Teen Institute program provides to young people. From student leader to Executive Director in 2002, Kym’s mission has been to empower others to seek their full potential and become agents of change in the world. Kym offers dynamic, passionate and interactive keynotes, trainings and workshops for large and small groups with an uncanny ability to talk with and not at people.  Annually, Kym presents to over 25,000 individuals, young and old across our great country.

Kym’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of young people extends beyond her executive office and can be seen in the many leadership roles she holds. She is active on various local, state and national boards and task forces and served on the NYS Governor Opiate Task Force. Most notable is her personal recovery and commitment to push individuals to make the space better wherever they are. Her greatest joy is watching her two adult sons creating live a life of choice and forge their own course. She lives in Westhampton Beach with her husband, and way too many dogs.

Mark Baxter is a sworn police officer in his 24th year of service whose responsibilities include investigating counterfeit documents, alcohol-related violations, and alcohol-licensing enforcement. He instructs police officers and civilians nationwide– including various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies– and is considered a Subject Matter Expert by the Maryland Courts. He created the “Fake ID-Real Problem” initiative, which has led to the seizure of several thousand fake IDs to date. Drawing on his years of expertise, he established SureScan in order to attain maximum nationwide impact in combating this problem. SureScan helps guide businesses, agencies, and organizations detect counterfeit ID documents by providing proven ID authentication solutions, thereby decreasing identity fraud and reducing youth access to alcohol and other regulated products.