Session Description: Panel discussion of parents living well in recovery.

Learning Objectives:

• Learning how to overcome barriers while balancing recovery and family.
• Learn how to discuss recovery with family, including children.

Nick Barnett
Founder, Domestic Dad Project

Nick Barnett is the Director of Sales at the nation’s largest automotive website provider and the Founder of the Domestic Dad Project, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting fathers in addiction recovery and personal growth. After overcoming his own struggles with shame and sobriety, Nick now empowers dads to become present, engaged, and resilient leaders in their families. As the host of the globally ranked podcast Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess, he shares powerful stories of transformation and faith. Above all, Nick is a devoted husband, father, and believer, passionate about helping others step into the fullness of who they were created to be.

Chad Weyland
Peer Coach, Domestic Dad Project

Chad Weyland is a devoted husband, father, and follower of Christ whose journey from addiction and incarceration to redemption is nothing short of inspiring. Once entangled in drug abuse and crime, Chad’s life took a dramatic turn when he found faith and committed to transformation. Through God’s grace, he rebuilt his relationships, embraced fatherhood, and now shares his testimony to help others break free from the chains of addiction. His story is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of faith in rebuilding a life with purpose.

Lauri Auxier
Chemical Dependency Counselor and Recovery Coach, MercyOne House of Mercy

Lauri Auxier currently serves as a Chemical Dependency Counselor and Recovery Coach at MercyOne House of Mercy, located in Des Moines, Iowa. MercyOne House of Mercy is one of Iowa’s largest and most comprehensive providers of vital behavioral health services, and the state’s largest program.

Kristin Bjornsen
Woman in Long-Term Recovery

After decades of struggling with addiction, Kristin is grateful to say she is a woman in long-term recovery from substance use disorder. Through a lot of hard work, honesty with herself and others, a 12-step program and an incredible support system, she has a found a pathway that works for her. Recovery allows her to be a proud mother, a loving wife and an advocate for recovery.