Speakers
Andrew McKenna – Author, Consultant, Speaker
Mr. McKenna travels the country speaking to professional organizations, colleges and universities, high schools, drug courts and more about the perils of prescription and non-prescription drug use and abuse, particularly, but not limited to, opiates, including heroin. Andrew discusses the dangers of untreated depression and anxiety and the necessity for people going through difficult times in their lives to reach out and ask for help.
Having served 5 years in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP), Andrew consults with attorneys and their clients regarding the FBOP process and how to assimilate best into the prison system, navigating the complex and dangerous prison culture, best practices for doing time, being productive, and staying safe while experiencing the most daunting reality of their client’s lives.
Andrew’s story is one of redemption and hope, having traveled the difficult road from Airman, U.S. Marine Corps Captain, JAG attorney, to Justice Department prosecutor, to opiate addict, to heroin addict, to bank robber. The descent and eventual rise as told in his memoir Sheer Madness: From Federal Prosecutor to Federal Prisoner is astonishing in its brutal honesty and candor, and is an inspiration to those struggling with life’s myriad challenges. www.andrewjamesmckenna.com
Cortney Lovell
Cortney is an emerging leader working to empower others to discover the depths of their potential. She is founder and director of WRise Consulting. She enjoyed the opportunity to consult for businesses such as Accenture Federal Services as a substance abuse prevention specialist, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration as a youth recovery expert and on various other initiatives. She has worked with Friends of Recovery – New York as the Director of Recovery Education and Training, as well as Young People in Recovery as the national Chapter Director. Cortney spent several years as a substance use clinician and helped develop recovery community organizations across the country. She has been a spokesperson for the New York State Governor’s Combat Heroin Campaign, a “Youth Voice” on youth.gov, featured on “Inside Addiction”, the documentary “Everywhere but Safe” and at various press conferences speaking out about addiction and the importance of recovery supports.
Brenda Eagle-Davis
Brenda is a recent first time Mother of a beloved baby boy. I’m a New York City native, an artist, a “retired” rugby player, as well as a music and food enthusiatist. A lover of all things beautiful with a thirst for knowledge. Most importantly, I am a survivor. I’m also in recovery and am eternally grateful for second chances, the ceaseless support of those who love me, and the lessons I continue to learn along my journey of self awareness and happiness.
Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple
http://www.craigapple.com/ Sheriff Craig Apple formed SHARP, Sheriff’s Heroin Addictions Recovery Program. Several inmates have successfully graduated since they started the program last fall.
