2025 Annual Meeting and Training Recap

March 18, 2025

On Friday, March 14, 2025, the Virginia Association of Addiction Professionals (VAAP) hosted its Annual Meeting and Training (AMT) at the Richmond Marriott Short Pump. This year’s event provided a vital opportunity for members to engage with organizational updates and the future direction of VAAP. Attendees also participated in a Recovery Ally Training & Train-the-Trainer session, led by Tom Bannard, CADC, CPRSS-T, MBA, and Rev. Jan Brown, equipping them with tools to better support individuals in recovery and empower their communities.

VAAP’s mission is to unify, empower, promote, mentor, train, and advocate for our members; develop and maximize opportunities for treatment and recovery professionals; and lead Virginia’s treatment and recovery professionals in their efforts to provide excellent care, fight stigma, and grow and develop professionally.This year’s Annual Meeting and Training embodied that mission, offering members the chance to expand their professional development, and shape the future of VAAP.

This year’s meeting was particularly significant as Jessica Swan, MCJ, MAC, LSATP officially stepped into her role as VAAP President, following David Semanco. Jessica, a nationally recognized leader in addiction recovery, brings a wealth of expertise in clinical counseling, training, and program development.

I'm honored to lead VAAP at such a critical time for our field. Our focus is on increasing training opportunities, improving accessibility for members, and facilitating collaborative environments for addiction professionals.

Jessica Swan

VAAP Board President

Former VAAP President David Semanco reflected on the transition, It has been a privilege to serve as VAAP’s president. I have full confidence in Jessica’s leadership and know she will bring fresh energy and direction to our organization.”

During the business portion of the AMT, members engaged in discussions about organizational priorities, the approval of the 2025 budget, and key updates on VAAP’s advocacy efforts and upcoming initiatives. Notably, VAAP’s amended bylaws were officially adopted, ensuring alignment with its evolving mission.

One recurring theme in member discussions was the need for training that addresses the intersection of recovery and business. Jessica acknowledged this feedback, stating, “We hear you. There’s a strong desire for training that bridges clinical expertise with the business aspects of the field, helping organizations run effectively while maintaining high-quality care. VAAP is committed to delivering those opportunities.”

The Recovery Ally Training & Train-the-Trainer session was a major highlight, providing attendees with practical skills to combat stigma, engage individuals in recovery, and apply motivational interviewing techniques. This session also allowed participants to become trainers themselves, expanding the reach of this vital education.

“This training wasn’t just informative—it was transformative,” said Monique Runge, a PRS and VAAP Individual Member as well as a Community Partner with Farley. “I feel more equipped to support individuals in recovery and advocate for better treatment approaches within my organization.”

Participants earned six Continuing Education (CE) hours, enhancing their professional development and furthering VAAP’s commitment to high-quality, evidence-based training.

Eighteen VAAP Community Partners participated in the exhibit hall, offering attendees a chance to network and explore resources from treatment providers across the state. The exhibit space served as a hub for collaboration, allowing professionals to connect through their work in addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery across the continuum of care.

A key moment of the event was the awarding of five full scholarships to the Virginia Summer Institute for Addiction Studies (VSIAS), taking place July 20–23, 2025, in Williamsburg, VA. The scholarship recipients were:

Gene Smith
Emon Ambers
Sonya Lee
Cassius Murphy
Desire’e Lewis-Nelson

As the official conference sponsor for VSIAS 2025, VAAP continues its mission to expand access to professional training and development in the addiction field. For more information about the 2025 training, visit www.vsias.org.

The 2025 VAAP Annual Meeting & Training set the tone for the future, emphasizing collaboration, education, and leadership development. With Jessica Swan at the helm, VAAP is poised to enhance its impact, increase training accessibility, and continue advocating for addiction professionals across Virginia.

“We’re excited for the road ahead and grateful for our incredible members and partners who make this work possible,” Jessica concluded. “Together, we are building a stronger, more unified community of addiction professionals.”

For more information about Individual Memberships or Community Partnerships, visit www.vaaddictionpros.org.

2025 Annual Meeting and Training Recap

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