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Our American Family Documentary Panel Discussion

Linda & Bryan from Our American Family, moderated by Tonyehn Verkitus, Executive Director of the
Northeast Counties Medical Society
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Overview

Addiction is an all-encompassing force not only in the lives of the afflicted, but also those around them. Captured at a pivotal “nothing to lose” moment over the course of a year, Our American Family is a radically honest portrait of five family members grappling with the legacy of generational addiction as they fight to heal resentments and pull each other out of the deepest depths.

Learning Objectives

  • Raise awareness, and promote understanding and de-stigmatization surrounding addiction and recovery using storytelling and the lived experience of the film participants to engage diverse audiences.

Biographies

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Linda

Linda is the mother featured in Our American Family. Having had a parent who struggled with anorexia nervosa, she learned at an early age how to minimize addictive behaviors. With an ex-husband and children who have attended multiple treatment centers over a span of many years, she shares lessons learned with other parents and families. As the founder of Hummingbird Yoga and Massage, Linda teaches individuals and other instructors, trauma and recovery informed mind/body practices. She is passionate about sharing her experiences through writing and film, helping those affected by addiction, continuing to “show up” and work hard alongside her family members.

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Bryan

Bryan is the stepfather in Our American Family. Bryan married his soulmate who had three children from a previous marriage. One year later, Bryan realized that his wife’s oldest child was struggling with a substance use disorder. He shifted from saving money for vacations to finding ways to pay for rehabs and therapists. Initially resentful of his struggling family members, Bryan spent the next 15 years learning about addiction in efforts to support his wife and their children. He and his wife Linda not only support their children, but also help raise their granddaughter—who is the number one person in Bryan’s life. Bryan is a landscaper for his family business who also finds peace working with the lathe.

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