Behavioral Health’s Most Unique Conference.
Emergence 2026
WELCOME TO THE SIXTH ANNUAL EMERGENCE CONFERENCE
Tuesday, October 20th and Wednesday, October 21st
Are you ready to connect with the true paradigm shifters in behavioral health? Emergence is more than a conference, it’s a movement built on two powerful forces: groundbreaking innovation and authentic community connection. Over two transformative days, you’ll be inspired to take bold action, rediscover your purpose, and reignite your passion for both your work and your life. Year after year, attendees return not only for the dynamic content, but also for the lasting relationships they form with colleagues who share their values and vision.
Our 2026 Theme:
“From Pathology to Possibility”
Tuesday, October 20th and Wednesday, October 21st
Marina del Rey Marriott: 4100 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA
Ticket Prices:
Both Days: $399.95 – One Day: $249.95 – At the Door: $500
CONFERENCE AGENDA: DAY ONE - Hosted by Amy Van Linge and TJ Woodward
8:30: Registration Table Opens
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Coffee, Pastries, and Networking/Connection
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM: Welcome: Amy Van Linge and TJ Woodward
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM: Opening Talk: Mell McCracken, National Chemsex and LGBTQ+ Director, No Matter What Recovery
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM: 15-Minute Networking/Connection Time
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Talk: "Worthy Suffering" by Dano Goldman, Founder and CEO of Alchemy House
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: 30-Minute Networking/Connection Time
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM: Musical Performance by Heather Powers
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM: Panel Discussion: "When Clinical Pathology Isn't the Whole Story" - Facilitated by Jeremy Miller
Dr. Angela Chanter, Chief Clinical Officer, Sierra Health and Wellness
Dr. Patrick Lockwood, Psy.D, Co-Founder of Conscious Recovery Institute
Janae Borrego, LMFT, Founder of JB Psychotherapy, Coaching
Dr. Olivia Ratcliff-Totty, Primary Therapist at Element Q Healing Center
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch Served
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Keynote Talk: “The Alchemy of Leadership” by Dr. Krista Gilbert, Board Advisor, Top-Tier Behavioral Healthcare Exec.
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: 30-Minute Dessert/Networking/Connection
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Closing Keynote Talk: “When Healing Becomes Remembering: The Space Beyond Diagnosis” by TJ Woodward, Co-Founder of Emergence, Founder of Conscious Recovery
4:00 PM: Closing, Appreciation and Raffle: Amy Van Linge and TJ Woodward
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Sound Healing with Michele Garcia: A process circle to close with sharing experiences at end of day one to bring love and light connection
CONFERENCE AGENDA: DAY TWO - Hosted by Amy Van Linge and Jeremy Miller
8:30: Registration Table Opens
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Coffee, Pastries, and Networking/Connection
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM: Welcome: Amy Van Linge and Jeremy Miller
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM: Opening Talk: "The Possibility of Peace: Why Your Body is Trying to Save You, Not Hurt You" by Melissa Stevenson
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM: 15-Minute Networking/Connection Time
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Talk: Cheree Ashley, Founder/Director of Bright Future Recovery Detox, Certified Intervention Professional
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: 30-Minute Networking/Connection Time
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM: Musical Performance by Heather Powers
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM: Panel Discussion: "How Conscious Leaders Are Transforming Behavioral Health" - Facilitated by TJ Woodward
Molly Maddocks, COO, Monima Behavioral Health
Jen Carvalho, Behavioral Healthcare Executive, COO of Harlow Gardens
Christina Simos, CEO, Friendly House Los Angeles
Cameron Bolish, Vice President of Operations, Sierra Health
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch Served
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Keynote Talk: “Title Announced Soon” by Mel Pol, MD, Chief Medical Officer of The Pointe Malibu Recovery Center.
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: 30-Minute Networking/Connection Time
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Closing Keynote Talk: “Title Announced Soon” by Dr. Cali Estes, High-Performance Mindset Coach, Entrepreneur, and Globally Recognized Addiction and Mental-Health Expert
4:00 PM: Closing, Appreciation: Amy Van Linge, Jeremy Miller, and TJ Woodward
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM: After Party! (Light food and drinks provided) An inspiring time of connection, conversation, and community, where we come together to deepen relationships.
A Message From Our Founders:
Our 2026 Presenters
Your Hosts:
Keynote Speakers:
Speakers:
Panelists:
What to Expect
300 participants from across California and beyond
30 sponsoring organizations with 50+ representatives
16 thought-provoking presenters leading cutting-edge conversations
No PowerPoints
No Breakout Sessions
Everyone in One Room Having One Conversation
This is a rare opportunity for clinicians, researchers, wellness professionals, and seekers alike to exchange ideas, expand their knowledge, and explore innovative approaches to mental health, addiction recovery, and whole-person wellness.
Step into a space where thought leaders, change-makers, and passionate advocates gather to shape the future of behavioral health.
Sponsors:
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
MORE COMING SOON
BRONZE SPONSORS