CASAT Conversations

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we are honored to welcome Dr. Arielle Schwartz, a clinical psychologist, somatic psychotherapist, and internationally recognized teacher whose work integrates the science of the nervous system with the art of embodied healing.

Arielle’s journey into the healing arts began with a deep curiosity about the mind-body connection and the intelligence of the nervous system. With a background in yoga, body-centered psychotherapy, and trauma treatment, she has spent her career bridging traditional talk therapy with somatic practices rooted in neuroscience, compassion, and resilience.

Through her writing, teaching, and clinical work, Dr. Schwartz brings warmth, clarity, and grounded expertise to topics like polyvagal theory, complex trauma, and post-traumatic growth. She is the author of numerous books, including The Complex PTSD Workbook and Applied Polyvagal Theory in Therapy, which have helped thousands of clinicians and clients around the world access tools for deeper healing.

In this episode, Dr. Schwartz shares:

• Why co-regulation is essential for therapeutic safety and healing

• How polyvagal theory offers a roadmap for understanding trauma responses

• Ways to cultivate nervous system flexibility through breath, movement, and attunement

• The importance of embodiment for mental health providers—and how to reconnect with your own body

• A critical perspective on the medicalization of psychotherapy and the need to honor our biological wisdom

• Practical strategies for helping clients access a felt sense of safety

• How somatic practices can support both clients and clinicians in staying grounded, open, and resilient

Join us for a rich and empowering conversation that invites you to tune into the wisdom of your body, embrace the power of presence, and remember that healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in relationship, with a co-regulator by your side.

Key words: somatic therapy, polyvagal theory, mental health, co-regulation, neuroscience of trauma, body-mind integration

Resources: https://drarielleschwartz.com/

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we are honored to welcome Mary Dunn, a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose decades-long career has been grounded in compassion, cultural awareness, and the power of human connection.
Mary’s professional path began in an unexpected place—the casinos of Lake Tahoe—where her early experiences observing human behavior planted the seeds for a lifelong career in service. With degrees in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology, she brought a deep understanding of systems and stories into her work across Nevada.
Her career included vital roles in child welfare and mental health, including time in Elko working in Child Protective Services, serving as a Psychiatric Case Worker at Douglas Mental Health Clinic, and taking on leadership as the Deputy Compact Administrator for the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.
Mary spent 2009 through 2012 as a Clinical Intern at West Hills Hospital, where she gained valuable experience but did not complete the required hours of supervision for licensure at that site. She later received her Clinical license while working at Family Counseling Service of Northern Nevada, where she provided direct care to individuals and families navigating complex challenges. She concluded her career as a Clinical Social Worker at Well Care, retiring in 2020.
Throughout her journey, Mary championed the importance of destigmatizing mental illness, using laughter as a bridge, and—most of all—empowering people to make meaningful, lasting change. With warmth, humility, and hard-earned wisdom, she reflects on the moments that defined her career and the lessons she hopes to pass on to the next generation.
In this episode, Mary shares:

• How her own personal traumatic experience sparked her interest in social work
• What she learned from her time in Elko CPS
• How humor helped her build rapport and foster healing
• A breakthrough moment that reminded her why client empowerment matters
• What sustained her through decades of emotionally demanding work
• Why second-order change—supporting deep, systemic transformation—is the heart of the work
• Her advice for new mental health professionals entering the field
  

Join us for an engaging and heartfelt conversation with a social worker who never lost sight of the human being behind the diagnosis—and whose career reminds us that healing starts with empowerment, trust, and a little bit of laughter.

Key words: clinical social work, mental health, social work stories, empowerment in therapy, healing through connection, human-centered healing

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we are honored to welcome Saul, a seasoned Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor with more than five decades of experience working at the intersection of addiction, mental health, and family systems.
Throughout his career, Saul has worked with clients others deemed “resistant” or “impossible”—individuals often mandated into services or marginalized by systems that failed to see their humanity. What he learned, and now passionately teaches, is this: the most powerful lessons don’t come from textbooks or treatment manuals—they come from clients themselves.
Drawing from decades in private practice and systems work across juvenile justice, child welfare, and addiction treatment, Saul shares how he moved away from model-driven care and toward a client-need driven approach grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and respect. He reflects on what it means to be a “tourist in the client’s country,” how client scapegoating became his professional pet peeve, and why believing in the capacity for change—no matter the client—is non-negotiable.
With humility and deep conviction, Saul challenges the field to stop blaming clients and start reimagining engagement, starting with one powerful belief: there are no throwaway clients.
In this episode, Saul discusses:

• Why clients are often our most powerful teachers
• How he shifted from model-driven therapy to client-need driven care
• The dangers of labeling clients as “resistant” or “non-compliant”
• What it means to truly engage a client on their terms
• His approach to working with “difficult” clients and coercive systems
• The importance of clinical humility, curiosity, and collaboration
• Why he wrote his legacy book to share these lessons with the next generation

Join us for a candid and inspiring conversation about what happens when we let go of rigid models and start listening—really listening—to the people we serve.Key words: addiction treatment, mental health, systems, client-centered therapy

Resources:

https://www.amazon.com/Therapy-Clients-Challenging-Unique-Issues/dp/1032492422

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we welcome Dr. Meri Shadley, a Marriage and Family Therapist, educator, and emeritus faculty member at the University of Nevada, Reno. With over 40 years of experience in addiction recovery and family systems work, Dr. Shadley reflects on what it means to grow—both as a human and a helper.

From the early days of launching adolescent and collegiate recovery programs to decades spent mentoring future counselors, Dr. Shadley’s story is one of learning, service, and deep belief in the human capacity for change. She shares insights on knowing yourself before you serve others, how healing happens in community, and why staying open—to growth, education, and connection—is essential for this work.

In this episode, Dr. Shadley discusses:

• The power of walking alongside others instead of going it alone

• How personal growth shapes professional practice

• What she’s learned from working with youth, families, and communities

• Why things often “come back around” in unexpected and meaningful ways

• Her enduring belief in humanity, hope, and lifelong learning

Key words: addiction recovery, counselor education, family systems, community healing, human growth and development, professional growth

Resources:

NRAP: https://nvrap.com/

CASAT minor/certificate: https://casat.org/academic/undergraduate-minor-18/

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we are honored to welcome Dr. Steven C. Hayes, a pioneering clinical psychologist and the originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). With decades of groundbreaking work that has transformed the field of psychotherapy, Dr. Hayes brings a deep understanding of how we build resilience, move through suffering, and live with purpose.

Drawing from tribal traditions, spiritual wisdom, and cutting-edge behavioral science, Dr. Hayes shares how ACT helps people willingly take on their own history, turn toward their pain, and connect with what matters most. He reflects on pivotal moments in his career—including his TEDx Talk, Turning Pain into Purpose—and emphasizes the importance of developing mental flexibility in a post-COVID world where "5 out of 5 of us" need resilience.

Dr. Hayes also critiques the systemic challenges facing the mental health field today, including the limitations of the DSM, the influence of pharmaceutical companies, and the reduction of individuals to data points in normative science. With humility and fierce compassion, he calls for a culture shift in psychotherapy—one where practitioners are empowered to trust their intuition, meet clients with curiosity, and reject categorical thinking in favor of wholeness and integration.

In this episode, Dr. Hayes discusses:

• The role of acceptance in healing and transformation

• ACT’s connection to tribal traditions and human resilience

• How personal pain can become a path to purpose

• His critique of the current mental health system and the DSM

• The power of integrating all parts of ourselves

• A vision for bottom-up change in psychotherapy through practitioner wisdom

Join us for a compelling and candid conversation about how we can reimagine mental health care—from the inside out—and reconnect with the core of what makes us human.

Key words: acceptance and commitment therapy, ACT therapy, resilience, mental health, healing, wisdom

Resources:

TEDTalk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o79_gmO5ppg

Institute for Better health: https://www.ibh.com/

Books by Steven C. Hayes, PhD

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we sit down with Beverly Kyer, best-selling author, clinical social worker, and nationally recognized speaker on compassion fatigue. With more than three decades of experience in trauma recovery and emotional well-being, Beverly has dedicated her life to supporting those who serve others, particularly professionals working in high-stress environments.
Her career spans pediatric oncology, psychiatry, foster care, and veteran support, most notably with Vietnam veterans through the VA in Bronx, New York. She’s also spent years providing guidance as a high school counselor, helping students and staff navigate emotional challenges. After experiencing two serious health crises, Beverly shifted from full-time work to self-employment, using her voice to advocate for awareness and healing around secondary and vicarious trauma.
Today, Beverly educates, coaches, and inspires others to recognize the toll of caregiving and build strategies for sustainable service. Her work emphasizes the importance of boundaries, resilience, and reconnecting with a deeper sense of purpose.

In this episode, Beverly discusses:
The personal and professional experiences that shaped her path

• Lessons she wishes she had learned earlier in her career
• A career-defining breakthrough that continues to guide her work
• How she cultivated resilience while supporting others through trauma
• What continues to make this work deeply meaningful
• Her advice for those entering the field of mental health and human services
  

Join us for a powerful conversation on purpose, perseverance, and the vital importance of caring for the caregiver.

Key words: compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, mental health professionals, boundaries, healing, recovery, education

Resources:

Surviving Compassion Fatigue: Help for Those Who Help by Beverly Kyer

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we welcome Mark Disselkoen, a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) with over three decades of experience in the field of substance use and mental health treatment. As a Senior Project Manager at the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT) at the University of Nevada, Reno, Mark oversees the CCBHC project, certification efforts, and several key training and technical assistance initiatives across Nevada. Throughout his career, he has been deeply committed to improving clinical practice, expanding access to integrated care, and advancing the professional development of clinicians.

Mark’s influence extends across multiple areas of the behavioral health field. From providing high-level technical assistance to delivering hands-on clinical training, he has helped shape better assessment practices, person-centered care approaches, and more effective treatment recommendations. His leadership emphasizes the importance of adapting to change, fostering a culture of learning, and encouraging peer collaboration to support mental health initiatives.

In this episode, Mark discusses:

• The importance of confidentiality and recent updates to ASAM Criteria (ASAM 4)
• Best practices in training and mentoring clinicians
• The role of better assessment in improving treatment outcomes
• Lessons learned in delivering person-centered and integrative care
• The value of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) in improving access to comprehensive services
• How peer collaboration and "teachable moments" promote a culture of mental wellness
• Strategies for adapting to changing environments and remaining current with evolving policies and practices

Join us for an insightful conversation with Mark Disselkoen as he shares practical wisdom, leadership lessons, and inspiring advice for anyone dedicated to advancing the fields of substance use, mental health treatment, and integrative care.

Key words: substance use treatment, mental health, integrated care, best practices, confidentiality, professional development, education

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we welcome Denise Quirk, a seasoned addiction counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, and nationally recognized advocate in the field of problem gambling. With over three decades of experience, Denise has played a pivotal role in shaping treatment, education, and policy for those affected by gambling disorder. From founding Red Hawk Counseling to serving as the CEO and Clinical Director of the Reno Problem Gambling Center, she has dedicated her career to ensuring individuals and families receive the support they need.

Denise’s influence extends far beyond clinical practice—she was instrumental in establishing the highest standards for Certified Problem Gambling Counselors in Nevada and advocated for legislation that allows treatment diversion for individuals in the legal system. She co-authored the Gambling Patient Placement Criteria (GPPC) handbook, continues to educate future professionals through her university course, and provides expert testimony in Nevada’s courts. Through her ongoing work as a therapist, educator, and consultant, Denise remains committed to advocating for better access to care and breaking down barriers in the field.

In this episode, Denise discusses:

• The experiences that have shaped her career in addiction and problem gambling treatment

• What initially drew her to this field and how her passion has evolved
• The most surprising turns in her professional journey
• The rewards and challenges of working in gambling disorder treatment and advocacy
• How her work has influenced her personal life and identity
• Advice for those entering the field of mental health and addiction counseling

Join us for an insightful conversation on the intersection of advocacy, clinical practice, and education, and how Denise Quirk continues to lead the way in transforming problem gambling treatment.

Key words: problem gambling, mental health, recovery, counseling, leadership, education

Resources:

https://redhawkcounseling.org/about-me

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we’re joined by Agata Gawronski, Executive Director of the State of Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselors. Originally from Poland, Agata’s journey into the field of substance use and problem gambling began after earning her master’s degree in social work and immigrating to the United States. She shares the experiences that shaped her career, from her early days as a substance use disorder counselor to her 14 years of leadership at the State of Nevada licensing board.

Agata’s career has been defined by a passion for building trust, collaboration, and community. She has found tremendous reward in her work, especially in bringing people together to solve complex problems and make a lasting impact in the field. As a committed advocate, she has also dedicated her time to various nonprofit organizations, including the Katie Grace Foundation.

In this episode, Agata discusses:

• The key experiences that shaped her career path

• The most rewarding aspects of working in field

• Strategies she uses to build trust and collaboration with others

• How she stays motivated and resilient in the face of burnout

• Reflections on how to support colleagues

• Advice for young professionals entering the behavioral health field

Join us for an inspiring conversation about the power of community, resilience, and the impact of leadership in the substance use and problem gambling fields.

Key words: leadership, counseling, advocacy, mental health, burnout prevention

Resources:

• https://www.psychiatrist.com/news/surgeon-general-drafts-one-last-prescription/
• Beyond Burnout: The Hidden Cost of Sanctuary Trauma on Mental Health and Organizational Culture blog post
• Self-Care: An Important Strategy for Managing Mental Health blog post
• Embracing Self-Awareness and Reflection: Vital Practices for Behavioral Health Providers blog post

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we are honored to welcome Nancy Roget, Executive Director of CASAT, whose decades-long career has been dedicated to advancing substance use and mental health services. From her early days as a direct care provider to her leadership in workforce development and training, Nancy has remained steadfast in her mission to improve healthcare systems, challenge the status quo, and foster a culture of excellence and compassion.

Under her leadership, CASAT has grown into a multi-million dollar, grant-funded center that provides invaluable resources for academic programs, prevention services, and professional development. Beyond her impressive achievements, it is Nancy’s unwavering dedication to mentorship and innovation that has left a lasting impact. Whether supporting student-led initiatives or shaping the next generation of professionals, she continues to inspire those around her to push for meaningful change in the field.

Now, Nancy reflects on her career, sharing insights on workforce challenges, emerging trends, and the critical need for training and support in behavioral health. She also offers invaluable advice for young professionals and discusses the legacy she hopes to leave behind.

In this episode, Nancy discusses:

• The key experiences and pivotal moments that shaped her career

• Challenges and gaps in the behavioral health workforce today

• Innovations and trends that excite her for the future

• The growing importance of telehealth and hybrid service delivery

• Her advice for young professionals entering the field

• What keeps her motivated after years of dedicated service

• The lasting impact she hopes to leave on the field of substance use and mental health

Join us for an inspiring conversation about leadership, innovation, and the enduring commitment to improving lives through behavioral health services.

Key words: mental health, telehealth, healthcare leadership, prevention services, young professionals, compassion, legacy in health

Resources:

https://casat.org/academic/tele-behavioral-health-services-certificate/