June 18, 2026 - Central Ohio Mental Health Professionals CEU Luncheon

A Learning Luncheon and social / networking event for Central Ohio Mental Health Professionals, hosted by Kaela Rae Vance LPCC-S, spotlighting featured presenter, Dr. Cole Upton, DNP, PMHNP from Upton Wellness. At this luncheon, Cole will be providing us with a presentation entitled "The Dopamine Dilemma".

About the Luncheon Presenter - Dr. Cole Upton, DNP, PMHNP:

Cole is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and founder of Upton Wellness, a Columbus-based practice dedicated to holistic, whole-person mental health care. Drawing on experience in psychiatric emergency services, inpatient treatment, and innovative interventions such as ketamine therapy, TMS, and ECT, Dr. Upton combines evidence-based psychiatry with lifestyle medicine and personalized care. He earned both his undergraduate and doctoral degrees from the University of Cincinnati and specializes in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other complex mental health concerns. Passionate about addressing the root causes of emotional distress, Dr. Upton helps individuals build lasting resilience, clarity, and well-being through an integrated approach that considers the mind, body, and spirit.

About the Luncheon Host - Kaela Rae Vance, LPCC-S:

Kaela is a Central Ohio Therapist whose clinical focus areas are grief and trauma. As a result, Kaela often sees patients also struggling with Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD. Kaela is trained in numerous modalities, including CTG, TF-CBT, and EMDR. Kaela honed her skills in grief and trauma counseling through her experience at the Family Support Program within Nationwide Children's Hospital Big Lots Behavioral Health Services as a Pediatric Trauma Therapist. Prior to her tenure at NCH, Kaela gained valuable experience at Columbus Springs, as an In-Patient Clinical Counselor. In spring of 2022, Kaela launched and grew her private counseling practice in Dublin, Ohio, which in January 2024 evolved into Teal Saguaro Wellness.

About the CEU Provider - Strongblossom, Inc.:

Strongblossom, Inc. is an approved provider of continuing education by the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board for counselors, social workers, and marriage/family therapists. Approval #: RCST112403. Strongblossom is a Michelle Risser company. Michelle has been a therapist for over 20 years, certified in EMDR through EMDRIA, with advanced training in perinatal mental health through Postpartum Support International. In addition to counseling, Michelle provides clinical and business consulting, burnout coaching, and continuing education.

Luncheon Itinerary:

• 10:45am - Check-In:

  • Brief social time as people arrive.

  • Brief welcome and introduction.

  • Pickup lunch to eat during presentation.

• 11:00am - CEU Presentation: "The Dopamine Dilemma"

  • Introduction.

  • Presentation

  • Brief Q&A time with the presenter (Come prepared with a couple brief questions for the presenter!).

• 1pm, Sign-Out and Event conclusion.

CEU Event Description:

Modern life is filled with technologies, habits, and reward-driven behaviors that can significantly influence brain function, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. This presentation explores the role of dopamine in motivation, reward processing, and behavioral reinforcement, while examining how overstimulation and instant gratification patterns contribute to anxiety, burnout, attention difficulties, and mood instability. Participants will gain practical strategies for promoting healthier dopamine regulation and supporting long-term emotional wellness in both clinical and everyday settings.

CEU Event Objectives:

• Explain the role of dopamine in motivation, reward processing, and behavioral reinforcement, and its impact on emotional and behavioral functioning.

• Identify how technology use, overstimulation, compulsive behaviors, and instant gratification patterns can contribute to mental health concerns such as anxiety, burnout, attention difficulties, and addiction-related behaviors.

• Apply evidence-informed strategies that support healthy dopamine regulation, including mindfulness, behavioral awareness, intentional habit formation, delayed gratification, and lifestyle modifications.

CEU Event Credits:

At the completion of this event and a brief CEU evaluation, attendee will receive a certificate of completion for 1.0 CEU credits. CEU credits can only be awarded to individuals who pre-purchase the CEU option when RSVPing for the event, check-in prior to the event beginning, check-out at the conclusion of the event, and complete the required CEU evaluation.

Food & Beverage:

A light snack and bottled water will be provided to attendees, and McAlisters Deli (you may make an entrée selection when you RSVP) will be provided to those who choose the lunch option when RSVP-ing.

Event location:

Dublin, Ohio. Specific location shared at time of RSVP. Be sure to check your email after submitting your RSVP. If you do not receive your confirmation email with additional event details, please email info@tealsaguaro.com

RSVP Cancellation:

Please note, event space is limited. So please only register if you are committing to attend. Obviously things come up, so if you discover after registration that you're unable to be present, please email info@tealsaguaro.com so that we can release your spot to anyone else who would like to attend. Failing to let us know may result in you being unable to attend future events.

Registration Prerequisites:

Please note, RSVP is required for this event, we're unable to accommodate walk-in guests due to seating and catering limitations. Unless otherwise approved, attendance is contingent upon attendee being employed in the mental health field. If an registrant is found to not meet these prerequisites for this event, the registrant will be contacted and asked not to attend. Future events are being organized for additional topics and be offered to a broader audience. Full event policy can be found here.

Questions about this event?

Reach out via email at info@tealsaguaro.com

Event Sponsorship or Presenter Opportunities:

If you would like to help host future events or be considered as a presenter at a future event, please reach out via email at info@tealsaguaro.com