Upcoming Webinar

Generational Addiction: A Review of Intergenerational Disease Progression, Symptoms, and Drug Trends

August 21, 2025 @ 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Price: $30

This session will examine how substance use disorders are passed through family systems, highlighting the biological, psychological, and social/cultural factors at play within the Hispanic community. Participants will gain insight into identifying symptoms common within developmental groups, evolving drug trends and learn to recognize patterns of inherited trauma, risk, and resilience.

This webinar offers behavioral health providers tools for identifying and addressing addiction within multigenerational contexts, while also taking into account the Social Determinants of Health.

Presented By:

CASA
www.casacares.net

CASA de Consejería y Salud Integral, located in Philadelphia’s Upper Kensington and Fairhill neighborhoods, is a community-based outpatient agency that has been providing holistic substance use treatment and culturally sensitive behavioral health services for over 30 years.

Serving the diverse communities of North Philadelphia, CASA offers comprehensive care in both English and Spanish, emphasizing integrated health approaches tailored to the cultural and linguistic needs of its clients. The organization fosters community engagement and invites participation through various initiatives to support its mission of promoting recovery and wellness.

About the Presenters

Farelen Gonzalez, CEO of CASA de Consejeria
Main Presenter

Farelén Gonzalez is the CEO and Executive Director of CASA de Consejería y Salud Integral, Inc., a non-profit organization committed to delivering culturally informed recovery and behavioral health services in the Upper Kensington and Fairhill neighborhoods of North Philadelphia. Under her visionary leadership, CASA has expanded to offer four substance use and recovery treatment programs across three locations, continuing a legacy of community-rooted care.

CASA was founded by Farelén’s mother, Birma Montes, as a grassroots initiative in collaboration with neighborhood residents and professionals. In 2006, Farelén answered the call to carry this mission forward, dedicating her life to serving Latino communities with holistic, compassionate, and culturally responsive support.

She earned a degree in Psychological and Social Sciences from Pennsylvania State University and completed her Master’s in Human Services at Lincoln University, where she graduated at the top of her class as a member of Pi Gamma Mu, the international honor society in social sciences.

In addition to her work at CASA, Farelén is a licensed real estate agent and co-owner of two real estate ventures: Soul Alliance Investments, Inc. and Satinwood Circle Homes, LLC. She also serves on the boards of the Latino Behavioral Health Coalition and Emprendedores, a media and arts program dedicated to uplifting inner-city youth.

Above all, Farelén is a devoted wife and mother of two. While her impact continues to grow, her mission remains grounded: to uplift North Philadelphia by serving her community—in their language, with their customs, and within their neighborhoods.

Candice Llano-Ross, Director of OP and MAT Services at CASA de Consejeria
Presenter

Candice Llano-Ross is a seasoned behavioral health professional and executive leader with over two decades of experience in the field of substance use treatment. She began her career in 2002 as a residential assistant and, through dedication and expertise, rose to serve in key leadership roles, including Clinical Program Director, across several respected organizations such as Girard Medical Center (now known as the Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard), Eagleville Hospital, Gaudenzia, and CASA de Consejería y Salud Integral, Inc.

Candice earned her bachelor's degree in Addiction Studies from Eastern University and later received a Master’s in Human Services from Lincoln University. Known for her ability to build strong, effective clinical treatment teams, she is also a sought-after mentor, providing guidance and leadership development for emerging female executives in behavioral health.

In addition to her clinical and leadership accomplishments, Candice is a successful entrepreneur with business ventures in real estate and, more recently, early childhood education through her work in children’s daycare services.

Above all, Candice is a devoted wife, proud mother of five, and grandmother to five wonderful grandchildren. Her life’s work reflects a deep commitment to healing, empowerment, and investing in both communities and future generations.

Sasha Montes-Whitely, COO of CASA de Consejeria
Presenter

Sasha Montes-Whitely serves as the Chief Operating Officer of CASA de Consejería y Salud Integral, Inc., a culturally grounded substance use treatment program located in North Philadelphia. With a passion for holistic and community-based care, Sasha brings over 16 years of experience in the nonprofit and ministry sectors, where she has worked across micro and macro levels — providing counseling, designing health education programs, developing substance use support initiatives, and leading community-based projects.

Rooted in both faith-based and community health frameworks, Sasha is dedicated to creating services that are both clinically sound and culturally responsive. Her teaching emphasizes the integration of the body (action), soul (mind, will, emotions), spirit (divine connection), and heart (core values) to support comprehensive healing and leadership development.

A magna cum laude graduate of Eastern University with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Biblical Studies, Sasha co-founded the ENDURE Mentoring Program for students of color and later pursued Executive Leadership studies at Liberty University. She is currently pursuing a License in Professional Counseling.

Sasha and her husband are co-founders of FaithHome, Inc., a ministry committed to emotionally healthy spirituality and discipleship. In addition to her leadership roles, Sasha serves on the boards of Emprendedores and the Dominican-American Chamber of Commerce. She is a mother, wife, mentor, small business owner, and pastor whose mission is to restore Christ-centered values and emotionally intelligent leadership to the communities and churches she serves.