Date	Speaker
January 8	Philip T. Ninan, MD--Dr. Ninan is Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Director of the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2003, he received the Psychiatrist of the Year Award from the Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Association. Dr. Ninan will present "Update on Depression".
February 12	Jan Ligon, PhD, LCSW-- Dr. Ligon is associate Professor of Social Work at Georgia State University and the family member of a deceased son who had substance abuse problems and bipolar disorder. Jan's topic, "Families: The Silent Majority," will address the benefits of their involvement both inside and outside the family.
March 11	Christopher Carlton, Chaplain--Christopher is Chaplain of Mental Health Services at Wesley Woods Center, Emory University.  Christopher, who himself deals with bipolar disorder, will speak on "Role of Spirituality in the Healing Process." People with mental illness may have very few "complete cures"; therefore, the search for healing--be it mental, physical or spiritual in nature--is an ongoing process.
April 8	Julie Ward--Julie is president of Georgia Childhood Bipolar Foundation, a parent-run organization that supports, educates and advocates for children who have or are at risk for early onset bipolar disorder. Julie will talk about her organization's work and discuss how childhood bipolar disorder compares and contrasts with the adult illness.
May 13	Emile Risby, MD--Dr. Risby is an Associate Professor at Emory University School of Medicine and Medical Director of Psychiatric Community Outreach Services at Grady Hospital. He is also Medical Director of the Drug Dependency Unit at Grady. Dr. Risby always has an informative, educational topic, and you'll have a chance to ask questions as well.
June-Aug	No speakers in June, July or August. Regular support groups held 2nd and 4th Thursday nights. Speaker series will continue in September.
September 9	Loretta LaRoche's "Life is Short--Wear Your Party Pants" Video--Come see this delightful, insightful, hilarious and irreverent commentary on the various daily "sitcoms" of life. Loretta LaRoche is an internationally known stress-management consultant who advocates humor as a coping mechanism. Her wit, wisdom and humor will leave you inspired, motivated and roaring with laughter. Join us for this wonderful video.