I absolutely gained new insights and perspectives on addicton and family recovery. I learned how to approach situations differntly, put limits on enabling, and stand firm. Yes I would recommend this program to others.

This past Saturday, here at Hagaman, we invited yoga teacher and Family Recovery Support Specialist Karen Bernetti to come and do a presentation called "Breaking the Chains of Addiction: Empowering Families and Communities." Her presentation focuses on particular topics such as the current addiction crisis and its impact on communities and families, the ways in which we as a society are (unconsciously) contributing to the problem, and what we can all do as a community to be part of the solution. She shares lots of books and resources, and she also brings in mindfulness concepts and exercises to help find peace and calm regardless of what's going on around us. We had a small group who attended. I found the program to be very well rounded and it covers topics that are very important such as the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction and the negative effect this has on those suffering and their families. The presentation reframes the issues and suggests important ways that we can change the language we use to address these problems and focus on compassion and treatment rather than punishment and ridicule.

The information presented was extremely helpful. It's a difficult topic. I found great value in the content.

Karen, I just want to say an enormous thank you to you for embracing me into your little world, and for introducing me to other people who have loved ones with alcohol and drug addictions. I've actually come home to a husband. I didn't know I could ever come home to. He's come out of the cloud of all sorts of trauma and things that he's been through and he's actually noticing me for being me. I don't know where our relationship as husband and wife is going from here, but we had a wonderful weekend together. Discussing things that I wish I could have talked to him about back in 1999. Thank you thank you thank you thank you from the bottom of my heart and all through my body and the big smile on my face right now. Thank you very much!

I learned a lot of new insights. I really liked the discussion at the end. I'm excited to learn more about Recovery Yoga for families.

I thought the presentation was great! I was captivated and many of your opinions/expressions of content I can relate to. I think you should be presenting this to middle school and high school families. Thank you Karen!

I learned so much at Karen's presentation on stigma. The resources she shared were amazing. I had no idea how much support is out there. Life is waiting for you on the other side of addiction.

The most valuable part of the presentation for me was Karen's openness and non-intimidating manner. The material and discussion were great. She is very knowledgeable and made the whole event flow nicely.

I appreciate the many resources that were shared tonight. I was reminded that addiction is more like an illness. There's a lot of judgment in my field. I'm looking forward to learning more about how teachers can play a more central role in helping families and children impacted by addiction. Thank you. The information presented was extremely helpful.