Hosted by
The Hope Enrichment Center PC
Friday, April 17, 2026
8:00am – 5:00pm CST
Renasant Convention Center
255 N. Main Street, Memphis, TN
6.5 NBCC and 6.5 NASW Credits (applied)
Keynote Speaker: Michael Baron, MD, MPH
Topic: Avoiding Potholes – Cannabis and Medical Marijuana
This course introduces the science of cannabis with a focus on mental health implications. Participants will explore the cannabis plant, examine the risks of cannabis use in the development of mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders, and review current evidence on the potential benefits of cannabinoids in clinical practice.
Michael Baron, MD, MPH, is the Medical Director of the TMF. He previously served as medical director for The Ranch, a 120-bed residential treatment center located in Nunnelly, TN. He is Board-certified in psychiatry, anesthesiology, and addiction medicine. He has practiced in the Nashville area since 1998.
Dr. Baron had a private psychiatry practice for 12 years; he also served in various treatment settings at Parthenon Pavilion and at Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital. He is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He is the medical director and provides pro-bono psychiatry services to the Nashville - Davidson County Drug Court – DC4.
Dr. Baron specializes in treating chronic pain and addiction. In 2010, he was appointed to the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners (BME) and re-appointed in 2015. He also served as chair of TN’s Controlled Substance Monitoring Database (CSMD) Committee, and helped write the Tennessee Chronic Pain Guidelines as well as many different Department of Health rules dealing with prescription drugs, buprenorphine and chronic pain treatment. Dr. Baron resigned from both roles in 2017 to take the position as medical director of the TMF Physicians’ Health Program. Dr. Baron is open about how his own addictions led to an intervention by the Physician’s Health Program years ago and credits its former medical director, Dr. David Dodd, as one of the people who saved his life.
Dr. Baron earned his Medical Degree and a master's in Public Health and completed an internal medicine internship at Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed his first residency in anesthesiology at Washington University School of Medicine and his psychiatry training at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
He is a member of the course faculty for the "Proper Prescribing of Controlled Substances" course at the Center for Professional Health.
Sarah Moore-Hatch, MA, LPC
Topic: More Than Toys: The Power of Play Therapy in the Treatment of Child Trauma
Sarah is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of clinical experience specializing in the treatment of children and trauma. She has extensive training in play therapy and is a Certified TraumaPlay Therapist as well as a Child-Centered Play Therapy provider. Her clinical work focuses on supporting children who have experienced trauma, including sexual abuse, abuse and neglect, as well as children presenting with anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral concerns, and compulsive behaviors.
Sarah’s therapeutic approach is grounded in a deep respect for children’s innate resilience and capacity for healing. She integrates evidence-based, developmentally appropriate interventions to help children process trauma, build emotional regulation skills, and strengthen attachment and family relationships.
In addition to her work with children, Sarah has focused experience treating adolescents and adults with trauma and anxiety disorders. She is trained in EMDR therapy and utilizes a person-centered framework that honors each client’s unique experience and strengths. Sarah brings warmth, clinical curiosity, and a thoughtful use of playfulness and humor to both her clinical work and professional presentations.
Keith Hudson, PhD, LPC-S
Topic: The Family and Addiction: My Problem or Our Crisis
Keith Hudson, PhD, LPC-S, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor with over 17 years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples, and families. He is licensed in Mississippi and Texas, serves as a Board-Approved Clinical Supervisor, and is EMDR trained.
Dr. Hudson’s clinical work is grounded in evidence-based and trauma-informed practices. His integrative approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions, strengths-based therapy, ego state work, and EMDR. His professional interests include trauma recovery, clinician development, and helping individuals integrate fragmented experiences into cohesive and adaptive functioning.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Hudson is committed to professional mentorship and the advancement of ethical, culturally responsive care. He brings a collaborative and reflective perspective to both clinical work and supervision.
Outside of his professional role, he values personal wellness through travel, poetry writing, tennis, strength training, and boating—practices that support balance and sustainability in long-term clinical work.
Carrie Carr MA, LPC-MHSP, LPC- S, LCPC
Topic: Overcoming Avoidance in Therapy
Carrie Carr is an innovative and compassionate clinician with over 30 years of experience spanning community mental health, hospitals, alternative schools, universities, and private practice. She integrates contemporary, evidence-based psychotherapy approaches within a holistic framework to support clients in achieving meaningful and lasting change.
Carrie is the founder of Hope Enrichment Center, established in 2004, where she leads with a mission to help individuals reach their highest potential for health and well-being, thereby positively impacting their families and communities. She is a Certified EMDR Therapy clinician, consultant, and EMDRIA-approved trainer, with over 18 years of specialized experience utilizing EMDR Therapy in the treatment of trauma and anxiety-related disorders.
A nationally recognized speaker, Carrie has presented across the United States on topics including mindfulness, EMDR Therapy, trauma-informed care, addiction, ethics, and the treatment of anxiety disorders. She has also served as adjunct faculty at Lewis University, Argosy University, and Triton College, teaching in the field of psychology and training future mental health professionals.
Dr. Francesca Giordano, Ph.D, LCPC
Topic: The Transformational Nature of Anger: Client Anger in Trauma and Addictions
As a counseling faculty member and supervisor with over 30 years of experience, Dr. Giordano has been helping therapists evaluate their therapeutic presence and learn to use the therapeutic relationship as a powerful tool for change. As a supervisor, she is known for her ability to offer accurate and insightful feedback. Additionally, for the past several years, she has been working with her own personal coach to strengthen her social impression. The impression management workshop has been developed based on these experiences.
Dr. Giordano specializes in working with couples on relationship restoration and helping individuals feel they are living life with authenticity. She possesses 25 years of experience teaching and supervising counselors-in-training. She was involved with the Illinois Counseling Association for several years and provided continuing education on ethics and supervision of clinicians.
Interested parties can also contact Hope Enrichment Center offices directly at 708-448-7848 and speak with the event coordinator, Sarah Visvardis, or email her at [email protected].
2026 Exhibitors
