The Great Lakes Addiction Technology Transfer Center (Great Lakes ATTC) is located at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies (CHESS).
We are funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to provide evidence-based technical assistance, training, and resources addressing the needs of the behavioral health workforce in Health and Human Services (HHS) Region 5: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
We work closely with the Great Lakes PTTC, which is also based out of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, CHESS.
Recent News
From the Great Lakes ATTC
May. 28, 2026
Honoring a Pioneer: Nell Hurley and the Legacy of Peer Recovery in Minnesota
Nell Hurley (photo credit: minnpost.com) The Great Lakes Addiction Technology Transfer Center (Great Lakes ATTC) joins the broader recovery community in honoring the life and legacy of Nell Hurley (1969–2026), a founding mother of Minnesota's peer recovery movement whose impact continues to shape recovery-oriented systems of care across the region and beyond. Nell Hurley stepped […]
Apr. 24, 2026
Drug overdose deaths drop sharply in the U.S. even as new street drugs emerge
Read the recent NPR article discussing how SUD treatment and prevention efforts have greatly impacted the decrease in overdose deaths in the U.S. Read the article or listen to it as reported by NPR.
Dec. 19, 2025
20 Tips for Recovery During the Holidays
Americans celebrate many events with the use of alcohol and other drugs. Alcohol has a prominent place at weddings, anniversaries, graduations, birthdays, holidays, and even funerals! The holiday season between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s creates a challenge for individuals working to maintain their recovery for multiple reasons. Seeing loved ones drinking can trigger drinking […]
Upcoming Events
Hosted by the Great Lakes ATTC
Webinar/Virtual Training
We’re excited to announce a new evolution in the NIATx Change Leader Academy (CLA) that now includes a dynamic, self-paced eLearning course along with 6 hours of live virtual sessions with one of our NIATx experts! The enhanced NIATx CLA combines interactive guided learning and 12 short eLearning modules to give you the tools and support needed to successfully lead change and implement the NIATx model in your organization.
Learning Objectives:
1.5 hours of self-paced eLearning modules (videos) that you can watch at your own pace between the live, virtual sessions.
6 hours of live learning sessions via Zoom, which includes expert-led interactive dialogue, hands-on activities, and peer learning to deepen your understanding and application of the NIATx model.
Optional: Free 1-on-1 technical assistance with a NIATx expert after successfully completing the NIATx CLA. This individualized support will be tailored to your specific change project and implementation needs.
Series Schedule
Aug. 5, 9:30 AM–11:00 AM CT
Aug. 19, 9:30 AM–11:00 AM CT
Aug. 26. 9:30 AM–11:00 AM CT
Sept. 2, 9:30 AM–11:00 AM CT
Continuing Education: Participants who fully attend all sessions in this series will receive 7.5 certified continuing education (CE) hours. CE certificates will be distributed via email to qualifying participants within two weeks after the conclusion of the series.
TRAINER:
Mat Roosa was a founding member of NIATx and has been a NIATx coach for a wide range of projects. He works as a consultant in the areas of quality improvement, organizational development, and planning, evidence-based practice implementation. His experience includes direct clinical practice in mental health and substance use services, teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and human service agency administration.
The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders
Webinar/Virtual Training
This 6-hour stimulant training developed by multiple ATTCs, will provide an overview of the impact of stimulant drugs, and current treatment options. The training will include content regarding the impact of stimulants on the brain and body, and a range of data regarding national and regional trends related to stimulant use.
TRAINING DATES:
September 1st, 2026 from 1PM - 2:30PM CST / 2PM - 3:30PM EST
September 8th, 2026 from 1PM - 2:30PM CST / 2PM - 3:30PM EST
September 15th, 2026 from 1PM - 2:30PM CST / 2PM - 3:30PM EST
September 22nd, 2026 from 1PM - 2:30PM CST / 2PM - 3:30PM EST
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Participants will understand national and regional trends in stimulant use.
Participants will understand the impact of stimulants se on the brain and body.
Participants will understand current best practices in treatment for stimulant use disorders.
Participants will understand stimulant use in specific communities (e.g. rural & communities of color).
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
Registrants who attend all 4 sessions in full will receive a certificate with 6 NAADAC CEs . Partial credit will not be offered.
TRAINER:
Mat Roosa, LCSW-R
Mat Roosa was a founding member of NIATx and has been a NIATx coach for a wide range of projects. He works as a consultant in the areas of quality improvement, organizational development, and planning, evidence-based practice implementation. His experience includes direct clinical practice in mental health and substance use services, teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and human service agency administration.
The Great Lakes ATTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.
Webinar/Virtual Training
Data is critical to understanding almost everything we do. We use data to maintain the status quo, assess risk, review progress, and make improvement. And yet, too often human service programs and systems find themselves without access to the data they need, or without the tools to use the data that is available to them. While a high level of statistical and data knowledge is not necessary for effective data driven decision making, a few data elements are critical to ensuring key.
This 3 part series (three 60-min training sessions) will provide supervisors and managers with essential tools and mental models for using available data to lead teams. Both quantitative and qualitative data sources will be considered to support participants toward the use of simple data dashboards of critical metrics to support mission success. Participants will also explore ways to cultivate additional data sources with limited resources.
TRAINING DATES:
September 14th, 2026 from 10AM - 11AM CST / 11AM - 12PM EST
September 21st, 2026 from 10AM - 11AM CST / 11AM - 12PM EST
September 28th, 2026 from 10AM - 11AM CST / 11AM - 12PM EST
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Participants will learn how to engage teams and support more effective team work using data tools.
Participants will learn how to select metrics to track service quality that are meaningful, measurable, and manageable.
Participants will learn how to take concrete steps toward constructing or improving a data dashboard to steer quality improvement efforts.
CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE:
Participants who attend this training will receive a certificate of attendance via email. This session does NOT offer NAADAC CEs.
TRAINER:
Mat Roosa, LCSW-R
Mat Roosa was a founding member of NIATx and has been a NIATx coach for a wide range of projects. He works as a consultant in the areas of quality improvement, organizational development, and planning, evidence-based practice implementation. His experience includes direct clinical practice in mental health and substance use services, teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and human service agency administration.
The Great Lakes ATTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.
Products & Resources
Developed by the Great Lakes ATTC
Multimedia, Presentation Slides, Toolkit
The Seven Challenges: Foundations and Practice of Mastery Counseling
The Seven Challenges is a holistic and comprehensive evidence-based counseling program developed specifically for adolescents and now also adapted and widely used with adults experiencing problems related to alcohol and other drug use. This interactive, skills-based webinar introduces participants to the core principles of the Seven Challenges and the Mastery Counseling approach that underpins the model. Participants will have opportunities to observe, practice, and apply Mastery Counseling skills commonly used in substance use treatment settings when working with adolescents. These skills not only tap clients' internal motivation but also allow counselors to exert a strong, direct influence while maintaining a client-directed framework.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Describe the core components and goals of the Seven Challenges program
Identify the foundational principles of Mastery Counseling and their role within the Seven Challenges model
Apply Mastery Counseling strategies to common challenges encountered in alcohol and other drug counseling
Observe and practice selected Mastery Counseling skills appropriate for use with adolescents
TRAINERS:
Robert Schwebel, PhD has worked in the field of mental health and drug counseling for more than 50 years and has written several books including Saying No Is Not Enough, Keep Your Kids Tobacco-Free, and Who’s on Top, Who’s on Bottom: How Couples Can Learn to Share Power. He also wrote and developed The Seven Challenges program for adolescents and young adults as well as a version for adults of all ages, which includes his most recent book, Leap of Power: Take Control of Alcohol, Drugs, and Your Life. Robert has facilitated hundreds of trainings for professionals, appeared on national shows, and regularly contributes articles to thefix.com and Psychology Today. In addition to his work, Robert most enjoys spending time with his wife, their two adult sons, and close friends. He has a wide variety of interests, including travel, hiking, running, playing sports, music, and activism pertaining to peace and social justice. He is the captain of a small inflatable fleet of kayaks.
Frank Schwebel, PhD completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center on Alcohol, Substance use, And Addictions at the University of New Mexico in 2022 and is now a Research Assistant Professor at UNM CASAA. His research focuses on designing, developing, and implementing digital health interventions to improve treatment outcomes for people struggling with addictive behaviors. This includes a focus on harm reduction approaches, mindfulness-based interventions, and machine learning. Frank has also joined the family business (Yes, Frank is Robert’s son!), making improvements to existing materials, creating new resources for our customers and their clients, and providing supervision to our training team. Outside of work, Frank enjoys hiking, camping, cycling, and playing lots and lots of soccer.
Multimedia, Other, Presentation Slides
Alcohol Use Among Adolescents: Emerging Trends, Resilience, and Effective Responses in the Midwest
Youth alcohol use continues to evolve, shaped by shifting social norms, co‑use with vaping and cannabis, and the unique vulnerabilities of the developing adolescent brain. This 1.5‑hour session offers a clear and practical overview of current national and Midwest trends in adolescent alcohol use, highlighting early initiation, binge drinking, and patterns shaped by geographic and community factors.
Participants will examine how alcohol affects adolescent brain development, how trauma and mental health challenges heighten risk, and why early drinking patterns have long‑term consequences. The session will introduce evidence‑based, developmentally appropriate screening and early‑intervention strategies, including youth‑specific SBIRT tools such as CRAFFT 2.1+N, S2BI, and BSTAD.
Building on regional data and real‑world cases, the session will outline effective prevention and treatment approaches, including school‑based and family‑centered models, and will address common barriers to care—from stigma and access gaps to workforce constraints. Participants will leave with practical strategies to strengthen youth engagement, support families and schools, and build resilience among diverse young people across the Midwest.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Participants will be able to describe key national and Midwest trends in adolescent alcohol use, including early initiation, binge drinking, and emerging co‑use patterns.
Participants will be able to explain how alcohol affects the developing adolescent brain, and how trauma and mental‑health challenges increase vulnerability.
Participants will be able to apply evidence‑based screening and early‑intervention strategies, including youth‑appropriate SBIRT tools (CRAFFT 2.1+N, S2BI, BSTAD).
Participants will be able to identify effective prevention and treatment approaches, including school‑based, family‑based, and culturally responsive strategies.
Participants will be able to recognize barriers to care and propose practical solutions to improve access, engagement, and resilience among diverse youth in the Midwest.
TRAINER:
Dr. De’An Roper brings over 20+ years of experience in community mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, with specialized expertise in program development, evidence‑based practice implementation, and training in complex service environments. Her clinical career includes leading the design of innovative community‑based programs for individuals with co‑occurring disorders and criminal‑justice involvement, aimed at reducing jail impact and improving care coordination. She also oversaw the redesign of Dallas County Community Corrections’ largest residential SUD treatment program, transforming it into a modern, research‑driven treatment model.
In her current academic role, at The University of Texas at Arlington, School of Social Work, Dr. Roper focuses on preparing advanced‑level SUD and mental‑health clinicians through skill‑based graduate training and fidelity‑centered clinical education. She also provides professional supervision for advanced social‑work licensure (LCSW) and maintains a small private practice. Dr. Roper’s combined leadership, clinical, and educator experience informs her commitment to high‑quality, developmentally responsive, and equity‑centered SUD treatment across systems.
The Great Lakes ATTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.
Multimedia, Toolkit
Building Sustainable DHS 72 Implementation: A Four-Part Virtual Workshop Series
This four-part virtual workshop series is designed to help Wisconsin organizations build sustainable, recovery-aligned implementation of DHS 72 administrative rules. Meeting organizations wherever they are in the process—whether just learning the framework, assessing readiness, or actively developing an implementation plan—each session offers practical guidance grounded in real-world experience.
Participants can expect a learning experience rooted in both policy expertise and recovery support services practice—equipping their organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to implement DHS 72 with fidelity and sustainability. Each session has its own registration link and is designed to stand alone, so participants may attend a single session or the full series. This series is facilitated by Helios Recovery Services.
TRAINING TOPICS AND DATES:
Workshop 1: Origins and Intent - The Story of DHS 72 on June 16th, 2026 from 10:00AM - 11:15AM CST (75 min)
Workshop 2: Are We Peer Recovery Coach Ready? - Recovery Centers, RCOs, and Peer-Led Orgs on June 23rd, 2026 from 10:00AM - 11:15AM CST (75 min)
Workshop 3: Are We Peer Recovery Coach Ready? - Providers, Treatment Centers, and Behavioral Health Clinics on July 7th, 2026 from 10:00AM - 11:15AM CST (75 min)
Workshop 4: Aligning and Implementing DHS 72 in Your Organization on July 14th, 2026 from 10:00AM - 11:15AM CST (75 min)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Understand the DHS 72 Framework and Peer Role Fidelity: Explain the legislative origins of DHS 72, identify its core components, and recognize indicators of peer role fidelity and common points of role drift in organizational and clinical settings.
Assess Organizational Readiness and Close Implementation Gaps: Use a structured self-assessment to evaluate alignment across DHS 72 domains, identify gaps in staffing, supervision, and documentation, and develop a prioritized action plan with a 90-day planning horizon.
Build a Sustainable DHS 72 Implementation Strategy: Develop an organizational alignment strategy with defined milestones and a 12-month implementation horizon, integrating cross-sector partnerships and a framework for ongoing accountability and quality improvement.
TRAINERS:
Patti Heffernan is a person with lived experience in the foster system and juvenile justice system. This experience brings a unique perspective to finding sustainable systemic solutions. Through powerful storytelling, coupled with state and federal data on the current systems in place, Patti illuminates how these systems are counterproductive to the goal we all want to achieve.
Jesse Heffernan is the Founder of Helios Recovery Services and a person in self-directed healing, recovery, and discovery. He lives in Wisconsin with his wife and four children, enjoying all things in geek culture, disc golf, and coffee. He believes that recovery is a process of moving from surviving to thriving as a whole person.
The Great Lakes ATTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.