Pictured above from left to right; Christy Fisher and Kaitie Hart, MHRS; Michael Bugary, keynote speaker; and Bridget Sherman and Melissa Fields, MHRS.
PART Conference Celebrates 15 Years of Education, Connection, and Recovery!
The 15th Annual PART Conference was held on October 16, 2026, at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, welcoming 215 attendees for a day of education, connection, and inspiration focused on prevention, awareness, recovery, and treatment.
The day began with keynote speaker Michael Bugary, who shared his powerful story, “The Disease of Me.” He reflected on his collegiate and professional baseball career, his struggles with substance use disorder, and his journey of surviving brain cancer. Through his personal experiences, Michael reminded attendees that meaningful change starts with us and the choices we make within ourselves.
Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to choose from a variety of breakout sessions addressing important topics affecting individuals, families, and professionals in our community. Sessions included Understanding and Treating Helping Professionals with SUD; Custody and Guardianship: Know Your Rights; Mobile Response and Stabilization Services; An Upstream Approach to Problem Gambling; Recovery Friendly Workplace in Ashtabula County; and The Weight We Carry: Understanding Provider Grief. These sessions offered valuable information, practical knowledge, and opportunities for continued learning.
The conference concluded with a powerful Recovery Panel focused on Breaking the Cycle and Intergenerational Recovery. Multiple families courageously shared their personal stories of recovery, opening up about their experiences in a vulnerable and meaningful way. Their willingness to share helped highlight the impact of substance use across generations and the hope, strength, and healing that recovery can bring.
Along with the day's educational opportunities, attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch and numerous opportunities to network, build relationships, and connect with others who share a commitment to strengthening our community.
The success of the 15th Annual PART Conference would not have been possible without the continued support of our wonderful sponsors. Their generosity and commitment help make this annual event possible and support important education surrounding prevention, awareness, recovery, and treatment throughout Ashtabula County. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, speakers, presenters, and everyone who participated in making this another successful year for PART!
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