Annual Health & Wellness Conference
36th Annual
Counseling & Treating People of Colour:
An International Perspective – Conference October 11–15, 2026
Join us in beautiful San Juan, Puerto Rico At the Courtyard Marriott Isla Verde
đź“Ť7012 Boca de Cangrejos Avenue, Carolina, Puerto Rico (00979).
Join us for a powerful international gathering focused on healing, community, culture, wellness, and equity.
About the Conference
Honoring Diverse Paths to Healing & Wellness.
Counseling & Treating People of Colour is dedicated to advancing health and wellness through education, expert panels, and community connection.
Our annual conference brings together health professionals, community leaders, and wellness advocates to share resources, foster collaboration, and highlight best practices for counseling people of colour.
Expert Panels
Engage with leading voices in mental health, substance use, justice involved / justice impacted, HIV/AIDS, violence prevention, health and education.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with professionals, young adults, and advocates from across the globe.
Conference Highlights
Discover the unique opportunities and resources available at our annual event.
Comprehensive Schedule
A dynamic program featuring workshops, panels, and keynote sessions.
Easy Registration
Secure your spot at the conference and join a thriving community.
Wellness Resources
Access curated tools and information to support health and wellness.
Founders & the Vision
Our dedicated co-founders and co-chairs drive the mission of the conference, ensuring a legacy of excellence and impact.
Dr. C. Vincent Bakeman
Co-Founder
Dr. C. Vincent Bakeman,Ph.D, served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Human Resources Development Institute, Inc. (HRDI), a multi-service nonprofit, A nongovernmental health and human services agency serving individuals with substance use disorders and mental health needs on Chicago’s South Side. Together with Mrs. Doris Lomax, who helped establish the first Black-owned mental health agency in Chicago.
Dr. Frances L. Brisbane
Co-Founder
Dr. Frances L. Brisbane, Ph.D, is a nationally recognized scholar, educator, mentor, and a leader whose career has advanced health equity, workforce diversity, social work, and culturally responsive care. For more than 50 years, she served the State University of New York at Stony Brook, including as Vice President for Health Science Workforce Diversity, Dean and Professor of the School of Social Welfare.
2026 Planning Collective
Meet Our Leadership
Our dedicated co-founders and co-chairs drive the mission of the conference, ensuring a legacy of excellence and impact.
Susan James-Andrews, MS, CHTS
Co-Chair
Susan James-Andrews, MS, CHTS, assumed leadership of the CTPOC:IP Conference in 2024 following Dr. Brisbane’s announcement of her selection and retirement. Susan now serves as Executive Administrator, Program Director, and Conference Chair. Mentored by Dr. Brisbane and Bakeman, Susan has supported the conference for 30 years in various roles. She is President of James-Andrews and Associates and has provided training, technical assistance, and consulting across all 50 states, three territories, and internationally in substance use, mental health, justice-involved, focusing on families, women and youth. She also serves on multiple national boards
M. Leon Seard II, MD
Co-Chair
Dr. M. Leon Seard, was raised in Washington, D.C. and attended Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama earning his Bachelor of Science in Biology and graduating Summa Cum Laude. He then went on to receive his medical degree from Loma Linda University and complete his residency at the University of Southern California. Dr. Seard’s dedication and passion for education is highly evident with his drive for community outreach and patient health advocacy to urologic disease, particularly prostate cancer. He has attended the conference for over 25 years and was invited to co-chair the conference in 2025 as it transitions to an independent entity.
Meet the Amazing Collective
The 2026 Planning Collective for Counseling and Treating People of Colour: An International Perspective is made up of dedicated volunteers who contribute their time, experience, creativity, and leadership to the continued success of the conference.
Collective members develop forms and documents, contribute ideas, monitor communications, follow up on calls, and assist with conference planning. Each member balances this work with full-time professional responsibilities, often supporting the conference early in the morning, during lunch breaks, and on weekends.We are grateful to welcome Cherie Staples and Angela Reed back to this year’s conference and pleased to introduce Simone Cleaves as a new member of the 36th Annual Conference Planning Collective.
Collective members develop forms and documents, contribute ideas, monitor communications, follow up on calls, and assist with conference planning. Each member balances this work with full-time professional responsibilities, often supporting the conference early in the morning, during lunch breaks, and on weekends.
We are grateful to welcome Cherie Staples and Angela Reed back to this year’s conference and pleased to introduce Simone Cleaves as a new member of the 36th Annual Conference Planning Collective.
