About Scars to STARs Day 2025

Scars to STARs Day (STARs Day) is STAR Network’s annual global event for Mental Health Awareness Month. Our 2025 Keynote, the Hon. Patrick J. Kennedy II reminds us that our STARsSurvivors of Toxic Abusive Relationships, and all Mental Health Communities are emblematic of Profiles in Mental Health Courage.

The vital focus of trauma-informed recovery in the areas of attachment disorders & narcissistic abuse this month inspires all to find the courage to Transform Pain into Purpose. Mr. Kennedy joins our International STAR Ambassador Richard Grannon and a host of powerful leaders and influencers to inspire all men, women, teens & tweens, and workers/managers worldwide.

Who should attend?

Speakers

See Bio

Hon. Patrick J. Kennedy II

The Kennedy Forum
Co-Founder
See Bio

Marjorie Morrison, LMFT, LPCC

SHRM
Executive in Residence for Mental Health
See Bio

Jennifer Libby, MSW, LCSW

Promly
Psychotherapist, Founder, Speaker and Changemaker
See Bio

Richard Grannon

STAR Network Foundation
International Ambassador
See Bio

Doug Tieman

STAR Network Foundation
Chairman of the Board
See Bio

Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW

STAR Network Foundation
Founder, Executive Director
Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally triggered? Visit TAR Anon – a safe, supportive fellowship for healing from Toxic Abusive Relationships.

Agenda

Agenda

time iconMay 16, 2025 08:00 am to
08:45 am

Networking and Virtual Expo Hall Opens

This is a great opportunity to explore the expo hall’s exhibitor booths and connect to sponsors with valuable resources. Learn from industry leaders’ innovative programs to inspire collaboration and action through the day.


Use this opportunity to reset your neuro-system.

time iconMay 16, 2025 08:45 am to
09:00 am

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Kicking off the second Annual Scars to STARs Day,  Dr. Jamie Huysman will set the stage with an overview of the day’s schedule, event goals, and key themes. This welcome address will highlight the power of resilience, connection, and transformation, ensuring attendees are prepared for an inspiring and impactful day ahead.

speaker headshot Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW
STAR Network Foundation
Founder, Executive Director

time iconMay 16, 2025 09:00 am to
09:45 am

A Cult of One - Reclaiming Your Identity After Trauma

Trauma strips away our sense of self, leaving us lost, powerless, and disconnected. Richard Grannon guides attendees toward reclaiming personal identity and authenticity after trauma through psychological insights and practical strategies. Learn skills to break free from limiting narratives, rebuild self-trust, and step you’re your own power.

speaker headshot Richard Grannon
STAR Network Foundation
International Ambassador

time iconMay 16, 2025 09:45 am to
10:00 am

Networking Break and Virtual Exhibit Hall Open

Re-energize and decompress with your fellow attendees by grabbing a snack, visiting our virtual exhibitor booths, connecting with sponsors, exploring available resources, or resetting your neuro-system. Come back refreshed and renewed! 


Use this opportunity to reset your neuro-system.

time iconMay 16, 2025 10:00 am to
10:45 am

Reimagine Mental Health: Bridging Innovation, Education, and Access

Mental health care is evolving, but are we keeping up? Marjorie Morrison explores innovative, educational, and digital solutions to bridge the gap between access and treatment. Drawing from her career as a clinician, entrepreneur, and advocate, her strategies for transforming the mental health landscape in support of individuals and communities.

speaker headshot Marjorie Morrison, LMFT, LPCC
SHRM
Executive in Residence for Mental Health

time iconMay 16, 2025 10:45 am to
11:00 am

Sip and Shine Break

Take this opportunity to refresh your body, soul, and mind. Have a cup of coffee, take a walk, engage in a meditative exercise, or read something inspirational. Shine brightly when you return – there is a lot more to experience today!


Use this opportunity to reset your neuro-system.

time iconMay 16, 2025 11:00 am to
11:15 am

A Legacy of Courage

Doug Tieman, STAR Network Board Chair and leader in addiction recovery and behavioral health, introduces this year’s keynote speaker – The Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy II. Drawing on decades of experience in treatment advocacy and policy reform, Tieman will set the stage for Kennedy’s powerful address on transforming mental health treatment.

speaker headshot Doug Tieman
STAR Network Foundation
Chairman of the Board

time iconMay 16, 2025 11:15 am to
12:15 pm

Keynote Address – Profiles in Mental Health Courage

Our Scars to STARs Day keynote speaker, Patrick J. Kennedy, will deliver a moving trauma-informed message of resilience, hope, and transformation. Drawing from Profiles in Mental Health Courage, he will share inspiring stories of people emerging from addiction and mental illness – turning pain into purpose, hell into heaven, and victims into STARs in a fragmented healthcare world.

speaker headshot Hon. Patrick J. Kennedy II
The Kennedy Forum
Co-Founder

time iconMay 16, 2025 12:15 pm to
01:00 pm

Lunch Break and Networking - Virtual Expo Hall Open

Relax, grab lunch, and enjoy this networking opportunity! Visit exhibitor booths, connect with sponsors, explore resources, engage in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas, and build connections that will extend beyond the day.


Use this opportunity to reset your neuro-system.

time iconMay 16, 2025 01:00 pm to
01:45 pm

From Crisis to Change: Rethinking Social Media for the Next Generation

Social media plays a powerful role in shaping young minds – but at what cost? Jennifer Libby – seasoned trauma informed psychotherapist and youth advocate – explores the urgent need for healthier, and more responsible digital spaces. Jen will also talk about social media effects on teen mental health, harmful online content, and prioritizing well-being for future generations from a neuro-safe perspective.

speaker headshot Jennifer Libby, MSW, LCSW
Promly
Psychotherapist, Founder, Speaker and Changemaker

time iconMay 16, 2025 01:45 pm to
02:00 pm

Hydrate and Elevate – A Moment to Rise, Refresh, and Reach for the STARs

Pause, stretch, and recharge as we prepare for our final sessions. Grab paper and pen – you won’t want to miss the insights and takeaways from our Q&A session and closing remarks with our own Dr. Jamie, reflecting on today’s discussions.

time iconMay 16, 2025 02:00 pm to
02:45 pm

Q&A Session – Candid Responses on Mental Health, Addiction, and the Role of Trauma Recovery

Questions posed from attendees from our STARs Day event provide the impetus for an engaging and insightful fireside chat where Richard Grannon, Doug Tieman, and Dr. Jamie Huysman will answer with trauma-informed honesty, expertise, and real-world experience.

speaker headshot Richard Grannon
STAR Network Foundation
International Ambassador

speaker headshot Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW
STAR Network Foundation
Founder, Executive Director

speaker headshot Doug Tieman
STAR Network Foundation
Chairman of the Board

time iconMay 16, 2025 02:45 pm to
03:15 pm

From Scars to STARs - A Roadmap and a Global Call for Healing and Advocacy

To conclude STARs Day, Dr. Jamie will weave together our speakers’ powerful insights around themes of identity, innovation, digital responsibility, education, and policy advocacy. He will show how to turn knowledge into action, trauma into triumph, and pain into purpose. This session will leave you inspired and empowered to continue your healing journey and recovery to break the cycles of intergenerational trauma.

speaker headshot Jamie Huysman, PsyD, LCSW
STAR Network Foundation
Founder, Executive Director

time iconMay 16, 2025 03:15 pm to
04:15 pm

Networking and Exhibit Hall

Take advantage of this final opportunity to visit exhibitor booths, connect with sponsors, and engage with fellow attendees. Explore valuable resources, foster meaningful connections, and continue the conversations that will inspire action beyond today.


Use this opportunity to reset your neuro-system.

Your Path to STARdom Starts Here!

Walk the Red Carpet of  Awareness, Transformation and Self Love!

Organizers and partners

Brought to you by

Become an exhibitor

We are pleased to invite you to engage with our attendees on their healing journey through our virtual exhibition hall, which will be open throughout STARs Day. Take this opportunity to showcase your trauma-informed services in support of our recovering STARs.

Become an Exhibitor

Become a Sponsor

Sponsoring Scars to STARs Day tells the world that your organization strongly supports STAR Network’s mission of education, empowerment, and support for trauma survivors. Your sponsorship gift benefits STAR Network Foundation – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit – is fully tax deductible.

Become a Sponsor

Donate to STAR Network

STAR Network’s annual gift to you for mental health awareness month is STARs Day 2025.

No one will be turned away

As you register, the ripple effect of paying it forward is a genuine act of kindness benefitting everyone on a healing journey, creating a wave of positive change worldwide. This event is only possible because of your generosity.

Your gift of at least $25 will help us present this transformative experience and continue TAR Anon, our free Virtual Recovery Program for people trying to heal from transgenerational trauma and toxic abuse. Only through your generosity can we bring healing, hope, and lasting global change all around us – creating a less toxic world for our children and our children’s children.

If you do not break the family trauma, the family trauma will break you.

-- Dr. Jamie

Frequently Asked Questions

Scars to STARS Day is a global virtual event dedicated to resilience, healing, and transformation for those who have experienced trauma. Through powerful survivor stories, expert presentations, interactive Q&A sessions, and the Scars to STARS Expo, attendees will gain insights, resources, and connections to support their journey. This safe, empowering space fosters growth, community, and hope—because every scar has a story, and every story has the power to shine. Register now to turn challenges into strength and scars into stars.
  • Date: Friday, May 16, 2025
  • Location: 100% Virtual (Online Only)
  • Mental Health Exhibit Opens: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time
  • Main Platform Time: 9:45 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time
No. The event is come and go as you please, but you must pre-register to gain access.
  1. Visit the Scars to STARs Day registration homepage. (scarstostars.org)
  2. Click on the Virtual Meeting in the Events section.
  3. Complete the registration form.
Yes, registration is required to access the platform. There is no deadline to register, but early registration is recommended to ensure a smooth login process.