2025 National First Nations Substance Abuse and Addiction Prevention Conference

Karen Ottertail-Geerken is from Gakijwanong Anishaabe Nation, belonging to the Ojibwe/Chippawa tribe from Ontario, Canada. She is a fluent speaker of her native language and deeply rooted in her culture and traditions, having grown up in a large family of 12 children. Karen lived in her community before pursuing her college education. After earning her degree in Social Work from International Falls, Minnesota, she returned to her home community and dedicated 14 years to serving as a child welfare worker.

Since September 2018, Karen has been working with Weechi-It-Te-Win Family Services as a Cultural Treatment Specialist in their outpatient Family Healing Program. She considers herself a "Helper," a role she fulfills with compassion and dedication. Karen carries two spirit Anishaabe names, “Ogimabinesiik” and “Anishaabekwe,” and her clan is “Waasii” (Bullhead). Her story reflects a lifelong commitment to preserving her heritage and contributing to the well-being of her community.

Kieran is a Registered Psychologist who currently manages clinical services and training for all Ted Noffs Foundation programs nationwide. Kieran began his work with the Noffs Foundation in 2005 as an Alcohol and Other Drugs Worker and has held numerous positions with the foundation including Management roles of residential services.

Kieran has worked extensively with complex and vulnerable young people, including work with First Nations families and communities. As well as holding a Psychology degree, Kieran has undertaken an Advanced Diploma in Management. Kieran’s areas of interest lie in youth metal health, substance dependence, the treatment of complex trauma, and how to creatively engage vulnerable young people into treatment. Kieran utilizes his high level of clinical knowledge and experience to develop and offer training seminars to Noffs programs as well other organizations around Australia.

Kieran excels in the clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment of complex trauma and PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance dependence, family breakdown as well as a wide range of mood and personality disorders. Kieran was a key contributor to the book “Breaking the Ice”, and co-authored the Harper-Collins best seller “Addicted?”.

Emily is dedicated to reducing discrimination and stigma faced by individuals who lack access to the same positive supports and opportunities as others. She emphasizes the importance of listening to and understanding diverse perspectives, fostering a leadership style that empowers others to contribute meaningfully to shared outcomes and achieve impactful results. With a career primarily rooted in Corrections and Rehabilitation, Emily brings extensive leadership and management expertise. She is highly qualified and experienced in delivering alcohol and other drug education and rehabilitation programs. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Gender Studies, a Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling, and a Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Other Drug Studies, reflecting her commitment to advancing knowledge and driving positive change in her field

Todd Heard (BPsyc, MClinPsyc), from the Wonnarua Nation, brings two decades of experience across community and government-based services. He serves as a Conjoint Fellow with the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Newcastle, the Chief Psychologist/Clinical Manager in the Youth Justice Department within the Department of Communities and Justice, and the Deputy Chairperson of the Mindaribba Local Aboriginal and Council. Todd possesses expertise in psychology, mental health, health promotion, project management, and clinical governance. His extensive publication record highlights his contributions to research on Aboriginal social and emotional well-being and health behavior. Todd's work reflects his commitment to advancing knowledge and creating impactful change in his field

Dr. Hobden is an accomplished early-career researcher with over a decade of experience in health behavior research. She was awarded her PhD in Behavioral Science in 2018, supported by the prestigious Ian Scott Mental Health Scholarship from Australian Rotary Health. In 2021, she commenced an early career research fellowship, also funded by Australian Rotary Health. Dr. Hobden's research is dedicated to understanding mental health comorbidity, with a focus on co-occurring mental health and substance use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. To date, she has published 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and secured over $4.7 million in competitive grant funding. Since 2020, Dr. Hobden has been collaborating with Todd Heard (BPsyc, MClinPsyc) in the field of mental health and substance use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Their partnership has resulted in three peer-reviewed journal articles, and together they continue to conduct qualitative and quantitative research to build a much-needed evidence base for this critical area of study.

Anne is the biological mother of two children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder [FASD]. In 2000, she identified that her children had signs and symptoms of FASD. As she learned more about the condition online, she also learned that Australian medical and allied health professionals knew very little about FASD. At that time she was in recovery and two years’ sober. Although willing to disclose that she had used alcohol while pregnant, she could not find a doctor willing to make a diagnosis. In 2001, Anne went to Canada and met Dr Sterling Clarren from the University of Washington, who was, at the time, the world’s pre-eminent expert on FASD. He diagnosed both children. Seth, her youngest, had full Fetal Alcohol Syndrome [FAS] and Mick, Neurodevelopmental Disorder – Alcohol Exposed.

Although she now had a diagnosis for both boys, back in Australia there was no support services. In 2009, she developed the first publicly available training on FASD in Australia and has since delivered this training to families, foster organisations, and people working in the criminal justice system, child protection, education, and health. In addition, Anne has written and published two books on FASD, founded a national health promotion charity and presented on FASD around Australia and abroad [United States, Canada, New Zealand, Europe and the United Kingdom].

Erika Jourdain, from Couchiching First Nation on Agency 1 land within the Treaty 3 Territory in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, is a dedicated registered Social Service Worker. She is a mother of two boys, whom she has been raising on her own for many years, prioritizing family above all else.

Currently, Erika works at Weechi-It-Te-Win Family Services as a Youth Wellness Helper/Youth Treatment Facilitator, specializing in Youth Addiction Treatment, Prevention, and Support Services. Her professional background also includes roles as an Education Liaison for Indigenous children in care and a Youth Mental Health Counselor at Binesiwag Center for Wellness. With seven years of experience in the helping field, her expertise is deeply rooted in both professional training and community engagement.

Her education includes a Social Service Worker Diploma and a Certificate in Office Administration, complemented by hands-on learning within Indigenous communities through knowledge carriers, ceremonies, and teachings. Erika has contributed to curriculum development for First Nations Technical Institute Micro Credentials, focusing on Trauma-Informed Indigenous Learning. She has also led community consultation initiatives such as Youth Empowerment engagement sessions and the facilitation of four cycles of Youth Outpatient Wellness Treatment.

Her journey is shaped by her lived experience as a First Nation community member, guiding her professional and personal growth through education, self-exploration, and seeking traditional knowledge. She embraces the belief that knowledge carries responsibility, requiring deep understanding before sharing it with others. Through this principle, she continues to educate, support, and empower those around her, while remaining committed to lifelong learning.