Afton L. Hassett, PsYD sitting near a cluster of colorful balloons watching a large digital screen displaying a line graph inside a human head outline, in a modern room with wooden wall panels.

CPR | EVENTS

CPR | EVENTS



Closing Keynote | National Scleroderma Foundation Conference
Book Signing
St. Louis, MO | Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark



July 18-20, 2025



Who Gets Scleroderma?

It’s estimated that about 300,000 Americans have scleroderma. About one third of those people have the systemic form of scleroderma. Since scleroderma presents with symptoms similar to other autoimmune diseases, diagnosis can be difficult. There may be many misdiagnosed or undiagnosed cases.

Localized scleroderma is more common in children, whereas systemic scleroderma is more common in adults. Overall, females with scleroderma outnumber males about 4-to-1. Other factors such as race and ethnic background, may determine the risk of getting scleroderma, the age of onset, and the pattern or severity of internal organ involvement. The reasons for this are not clear. Although scleroderma is not directly inherited, some scientists feel there is a slight predisposition to it in families with a history of rheumatic diseases.

Scleroderma can develop in every age group from infants to the elderly, but its onset is most frequent between the ages of 25 to 55. When doctors say “usually” or “for the most part,” the reader should understand that variations frequently occur. Many people get alarmed when they read medical information that seems to contradict their own experiences, and conclude that what has happened to them is not supposed to happen. There are many exceptions to the rules in scleroderma, perhaps more so than in other diseases. Each case is different, and information should be discussed with your own doctor.

In African American individuals, the incidence of systemic sclerosis is higher than it is in non-African Americans. Among all African Americans, 23.7 people per million are diagnosed with systemic sclerosis, while the comparable rate among non-African Americans is 18.3 people per million diagnosed. We see a similar pattern when looking at the prevalence of systemic sclerosis among African-Americans contrasted with non-African-Americans.

The progression of the disease in African Americans can be different than in non-African Americans due to differences in autoantibodies. Generally speaking, African American are diagnosed at a younger age than non-African Americans are diagnosed. Additionally, African Americans far more frequently have the diffuse cutaneous form of systemic sclerosis and are more likely to have lung and other organ involvement than occurs among non-African Americans.

Logo of the National Scleroderma Foundation with a circular design, blue and green colors, and text indicating research and treatment center.


Rejoice in the messages of optimism, resilience & hope!

Afton L. Hassett, PsYD in a white blazer and glasses shaking hands with a man in a blue shirt on stage, smiling at each other. There is a podium with microphones and a sign with a logo on it.
A conference room filled with a diverse group of people attending a presentation. Afton L. Hassett, PsYD is speaking on stage near a large screen that displays a slide, and there are tables with beverages and personal items in the foreground.
Afton L. Hassett, PsYD in a white blazer speaking at a podium during a conference in front of a large screen that says 'Closing Keynote' and the logo of the event.
Afton L. Hassett, PsYD is wearing a white coat sitting at a table, signing a book, with stacks of books nearby and a person handing her a card.
"Chronic Pain Reset" by Afton L. Hassett, PsYD signing the book at a conference table with a man and another woman smiling at her, in a conference room with stacks of books and attendees in the background.
People attending a conference, some wearing orange shirts, standing and engaging in conversations, with one person holding a book titled 'Chronic Pain Reset' in focus.


Invited Speaker | Title: Stress RX,  
Have a Little Fun

Annual Member Conference
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI


Bold text with the word 'BIG', where 'B' is black, 'I' is blue, and 'G' is blue at a conference to discuss the book "Chronic Pain Reset" by Afton L. Hassett, PsYD.

August 5-7, 2025

32nd Annual

Logo for B.I.G Retirees Association with bold black and blue text at a conference to discuss the book "Chronic Pain Reset" by Afton L. Hassett, PsYD.

Retiree Organizations:
Surviving vs Thriving

Retiree organization leadership focuses too much on surviving and not enough on thriving, i.e., keeping the ship afloat rather than reaching a destination. Put another way, retiree organization leadership focuses on “doing well” perhaps at the expense of “doing good.” The distinction lies mostly on impact on membership.

Doing well refers to the organization’s ability to survive, maintain operations, and stay financially stable. This involves covering costs, securing funding, and ensuring that the organization can continue to exist. A retiree organization that is doing well may have effective management and enough resources to meet its basic needs. However, this approach is more about sustainability than impact. The organization might fulfill its mission minimally, ensuring its survival without necessarily creating significant change or value for its constituent.

Doing good, on the other hand, emphasizes the positive impact the organization has on its members. It goes beyond mere survival, focusing on fulfilling its mission in a way that genuinely improves lives, meets the needs of those it serves, and creates meaningful change. A retiree organization that is doing good invests in programs and initiatives that make a real difference, prioritizes the well-being of its members, and strives to achieve its goals with passion and commitment

In essence, doing well is about the organization’s internal success, while doing good is about its external impact and the positive outcomes it creates.

It is hoped that this conference encourages retiree organization leadership to spend more time thinking about thriving and not just surviving.


October 24-29, 2025

Promotional banner for the ACR Convergence conference in Chicago, Illinois, from October 24 to 29, 2025, featuring a cityscape of Chicago with tall buildings, a bridge, and a river with boats at a conference to discuss the book "Chronic Pain Reset".

Invited Speaker | American College of Rheumatology
ACR Convergence 2025
Chicago, IL | McCormick Place


ACR Convergence 2025

ACR Convergence is an in-person event, showcasing cutting-edge and timely topics in rheumatology, as well as the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of rheumatic diseases and related comorbid conditions. ACR Convergence offers hundreds of sessions to educate professionals in every segment of rheumatology. Clinicians, researchers, academicians, practice managers, pediatric rheumatologists, fellows in training, advance practice nurses, physician assistants, physical or occupational therapists: Whatever your role, ACR Convergence is the place to expand your knowledge and skills and pique your curiosity.

Target Audience
Rheumatologists, physicians, and healthcare providers who care for patients with rheumatic diseases, and those interested in or engaged in rheumatology research.

Global Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

  • Assess their knowledge and competence in various rheumatic diseases and conditions.

  • Support their skills in evaluating and diagnosing patients with rheumatic diseases.

  • Discuss and collaborate on challenging cases with peers.

  • Analyze emerging trends and technologies in rheumatology.

  • Employ evidence-based approaches for managing rheumatic conditions.

  • Identify new approaches and strategies for patient management.

  • Interpret recent clinical trial and research findings.

  • Apply new information from basic and clinical science to improve the care of people with rheumatologic illness.


November 7-8, 2025

Invited Speaker | Society for Academic Associations of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
SAAAPM Conference 2025
Chicago, IL | Swissôtel - Chicago

Logo of the Society of Academic Associations of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine (SAAPM) with a geometric flower design and text.

Saturday November 8, 2025 10:50am
Invited Speaker Presentation:

Building Resilience
SESSION - The Power of Resilience & Awe
Pathways to Healing & Growth

Keynotes & Events

Dr. Afton Hassett, Keynote speaker at the NIH podium with two microphones in front of her. Behind her, there are two flags, one American flag and one blue flag with a gold emblem. The podium has a sign that reads 'National Institutes of Health'.


NIH | NATIONAL INSTITUTES
of HEALTH

18th Annual Pain Consortium Symposium on Advances in
Pain Research

KEYNOTE ADDRESS
June 7, 2023

Slide showing research on PTSD in US Army soldiers, including assessment numbers, pain reporting statistics, and analysis comparing optimism levels with pain reports. Top right corner has photos of three people and a circular logo for Research Facilitation Laboratory. Bottom right has a photo of a soldier in camouflage holding a young child, both smiling, outdoors with a blue sky.
A presentation slide titled "Theory 1: Broaden & Build Theory of Positive Emotion" with a diagram showing increasing positive emotions and decreased stress up a spiral pathway on the right side. The slide lists four points on the left about buffering negative emotions, broadening thought and behavioral repertoires, building social support networks, and promoting self-care practices like exercise, sleep, diet, and following prescriptions. A small portrait photo of a woman smiling is in the top right corner. The slide background is blue with a white section for text.
Dr. Afton Hassett with brown hair and glasses giving a speech at a podium, smiling and gesturing with her right hand.

RESEARCH:
Resilience and
Pathways to Recovery

Dr. Afton Hassett sitting on a high chair, holding a microphone, wearing a pink blazer and black pants, with balloons and a flower arrangement in the background.

CHRONIC PAIN RESET
BOOK LAUNCH

Venue By 4M
Ann Arbor, MI

September 5, 2023




Dr. Afton Hassett and Ari Weinzweig co-founder of Zingerman's, sitting at a table, one speaking into a microphone and the other smiling, with balloons and a large digital screen in the background.


Afton, with Ari Weinzweig, American Entrepreneur, Author, Co-Founding Partner of ZingTrain, Zingerman's Community of Businesses make for a fun evening with the audience while creating the essence of celebrating the launch of the Chronic Pain Reset and the CPR Podcast!

Dr. Afton Hassett and Ari Weinzweig seated indoors, one man talking with hand gestures and holding a booklet, and a woman looking down, in front of a table with a flower arrangement, microphone, and a laptop, with colorful balloons in the background.
People socializing at a lively indoor gathering, with some holding drinks, in a modern venue with colorful lighting and bar area in the background.

Colleagues, friends, family, special guests
and memories to treasure

Will Hassett wearing glasses, a beard, and mustache, wearing a dark suit and a white shirt, is standing at a microphone, holding a piece of paper, and smiling. There is a table with a colorful flower arrangement and a book "Chronic Pain Reset nearby.
Audience members listening at the book launch of Chronic Pain Reset, some engaged and some reflecting, with a man speaking or asking a question in the foreground.
People gathered around a table with stacks of books, registering for an event, with event materials and bags on the table featuring the book Chronic Pain Reset launch.
Dr. Afton Hassett at a registration table, smiling and talking to a woman standing in front of her, at a conference or event. Multiple people are in the background, some engaged in conversation, in a room decorated with a colorful balloon arch.
Book cover titled 'Chronic Pain Reset' with subtitle '30 Days of Activities, Practices, and Skills to Help You Thrive' by Afton L. Hassett Psyd, featuring colorful swirl design.
Podcast cover image featuring a portrait of Dr. Afton Hassett with a background of a stylized tree and the text 'Chronic UZ Reset Podcast with Dr. Afton Hassett'.

Invited | Keynote Speaker:
Topic Options

  • Grateful learning. A large group of people attending a concert or event, with many raising their hands, in a darkened indoor space.

    KEYNOTES TO INSPIRE

    Set the tone at scientific meetings, business conferences and other large gatherings of people using the power of behavioral science to motivate, affirm, and inspire. Despite this wide array of potential settings, there are simple underlying truths explaining human behavior. People are motivated by a finite number of processes, mostly these boil down to feeling both capable and connected. Work with Dr. Hassett to craft a keynote address that taps into the human potential of your unique audience. A talk that culminates with practical ideas to foster a more positive culture, happier individuals, and a shared vision of purpose that will spark joy, enrich relationships, and motivate people to excel.

  • Exercise. Group fitness class doing stretches with resistance bands in an indoor gym

    THE CHRONIC PAIN RESET

    Set the tone at scientific meetings, business conferences and other large gatherings of people using the power of behavioral science to motivate, affirm, and inspire. Despite this wide array of potential settings, there are simple underlying truths explaining human behavior. People are motivated by a finite number of processes, mostly these boil down to feeling both capable and connected. Work with Dr. Hassett to craft a keynote address that taps into the human potential of your unique audience. A talk that culminates with practical ideas to foster a more positive culture, happier individuals, and a shared vision of purpose that will spark joy, enrich relationships, and motivate people to excel.

  • Joy. Person jumping on the beach during sunset with the ocean in the background.

    THE HEALING POWER OF JOY

    The Healing Power of Joy Positive emotions like joy, gratitude, and love not only improve your sense of well-being but they are also associated with surprising health benefits. These pleasant states are associated with better health outcomes in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic pain, among many other diseases and conditions. This session explores the science of positive emotions in an engaging way with stories and examples of research studies guaranteed to inspire smiles and surprise. The audience members will take away a toolbox of simple strategies that are often fun to do and easy to incorporate into everyday life. Happiness is a habit worth establishing and sharing

  • A group of six people having a meeting in a modern, cozy living room with a kitchen in the background. They are sitting on chairs and a sofa, engaged in conversation.

    KINDNESS IN THE WORKPLACE IS GOOD BUSINESS

    Studies in medicine typically focus on what is true for the average person evaluated. This is true despite our knowing that each patient brings a unique history - a set of physiological, psychological, and social attributes that can impact medical outcomes. Explore ways to consider each patient as an individual and make our practices, hospitals and other clinical settings more personal and personalized experiences. Further, when we focus on humanizing our environments for patients, we often find that the people who care for them benefit, too.

  • A healthcare professional, a woman wearing glasses and a white coat with a stethoscope around her neck, smiling and talking to a woman with red hair and a colorful striped sweater, standing in a medical office with files and a sign labeled 'KARDEX' in the background.

    PERSONALIZED MEDICINE MAKING ROOM FOR THE HUMAN (ASPIRE)

    Studies in medicine typically focus on what is true for the average person evaluated. This is true despite our knowing that each patient brings a unique history - a set of physiological, psychological, and social attributes that can impact medical outcomes. Explore ways to consider each patient as an individual and make our practices, hospitals and other clinical settings more personal and personalized experiences. Further, when we focus on humanizing our environments for patients, we often find that the people who care for them benefit, too.

  • A male healthcare professional in blue scrubs, a surgical mask, and hairnet sitting on a bench with his hands clasped and head down in a hospital or clinic setting.

    CARING FOR CAREGIVERS MEDICINE ACHILLIES' HEEL

    The COVID-19 pandemic shot healthcare worker burnout into broad social awareness, but emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and having a low sense personal accomplishment are common in medical settings, even in the best of times. Healthcare professionals are exposed to numerous stressors in the workplace that lead to stress, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and physical symptoms including chronic pain. These symptoms are the hallmarks of burnout – a state making efficient and empathic care difficult. Yet, there are small, meaningful changes that can be implemented at the institutional and personal level to mitigate stress and decrease burnout. Learn about these changes and how they can lead to a healthier workforce.Description goes here