2026 Speakers - Conference Site

Kevin Ambrose

Kevin Ambrose Ph.D. has a broad background in psychology, with training and expertise in key areas relevant to gambling, including directing several youth-focused prevention and intervention projects. Kevis has proficiency in developing technology products, certification in data science from the University of Pennsylvania, and is completing training in the development of complex machine learning models as a fellow at Carnegie Mellon University. Kevin's current work includes research in adolescent substance use prevention as part of a Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute grant, and Kevin also works developing curriculum, webinars, and online, self-paced trainings for clinicians and addiction professionals that treat adolescents and individuals with substance use disorders.

Richard Anemone

Richard Anemone, MPS, LMHC, has a master’s degree in psychology and is licensed as a mental health counselor in New York State. He owns a private practice, Behavioral Mental Health Counseling PLLC, in which he provides counseling as well as training, presentations, and technical support to individuals, families, groups, and organizations with a specialty in gambling addiction, anger management, intellectual developmental disabilities, and psychiatric disorders. Richard is also the Senior Vice President of the IDD division at ICL. ICL helps New Yorkers with behavioral health challenges live healthy and fulfilling lives by providing comprehensive housing, health care, and recovery services.

Shane Ash

Shane is a caregiver advocate, spiritual care practitioner, and founder of Restwork—an inner-development service for healthcare workers and professional caregivers. With a background in healthcare chaplaincy, he helps individuals and teams navigate burnout, moral distress, and the daily tolls of caregiving. His work explores the intersection of spirituality and well-being via the lens of contemplative science, the modality of Spiritual Accompaniment, and the development of virtue-based practices. Through research-informed insights and honest, hope-filled stories, Shane invites caregivers to tend to their inner life—as the wellspring of healing presence.

Chris Assini, FOR-NY

Christopher is a person in long-term recovery and currently serves as the Director of Policy at Friends of Recovery – New York (FOR-NY), the statewide recovery community organization. In this role, he serves as a conduit between policymakers and the recovery community, working to elevate the voices of individuals with lived experience to effectuate change at the local, state, and federal levels. He leads efforts to advance recovery-oriented policies and strengthen support systems that empower individuals and families impacted by addiction. Prior to joining FOR-NY, Christopher served in the New York State Senate, where he played a key role in verifying, analyzing, and advancing legislation. His work was instrumental in shaping state budgetary policy and providing strategic support to Senate members on a wide range of legislative matters.

Isabel Barbosa

Isabel Barbosa is the Special Populations Coordinator and Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) Notary at the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG). She works closely with communities to raise awareness about gambling prevention and to support populations most impacted by gambling-related harm, including AAPI communities, young adults, and BIPOC communities. Isabel holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and brings a strong background in community-based data collection and analysis from the AAPI project. Her work focuses on using community voices and data to inform culturally responsive programs and policies in partnership with OASAS and regional organizations.

Dr. James Broussard

Dr. James Broussard is a clinical psychologist specializing in addictive disorders, with extensive experience in the treatment of problem gambling. He is an expert in the integration of Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and co-author of the treatment manual for Cognitive Motivational Behavior Therapy for gambling disorder (CMBT). His development of the Brief Digital Accelerator Treatment (BDAT) for gambling grew out of his experience as a protocol therapist for a multi-site randomized clinical trial to test CMBT where he observed that gamblers were often resistant to cognitive correction, necessitating the use of digital therapeutics to have them experience the long-term adverse outcomes of gambling and, thus, modify their beliefs and behavior. Dr. Broussard's research and clinical work are driven by a commitment to expanding access to effective behavioral health interventions for underserved populations.

Dr. M. Dolores Cimini

Dr. M. Dolores Cimini is a licensed psychologist and the Founding Director of the Center for Behavioral Health Promotion and Applied Research at the University at Albany, SUNY. Over her 30-year career, she has led major research-to-practice initiatives supported by more than $15 million in grants. She developed the STEPS Comprehensive Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention Program, which has received 13 national awards for innovation in behavioral health care. Dr. Cimini has co-edited two books on college student health and substance use. She is passionate about advancing prevention and intervention strategies to address gambling and related concerns, with the goal of improving health and quality of life.

Shevanie Clark

Shevanie Clark is the Project Director of the CUSE Recovery Community & Outreach Center, where she leads innovative programming focused on recovery, reentry, and culturally responsive care. She has over a decade of experience supporting individuals affected by addiction, trauma, and systemic inequities. Passionate about social justice and mental health equity, Shevanie works to bridge clinical care and community wisdom to better serve populations often overlooked in traditional treatment settings.

Dr. Chinazo Cunningham

Since being appointed Commissioner of the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) by Governor Kathy Hochul in December 2021, Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, M.D. has firmly established data-driven decision-making, harm reduction, and equity as the agency’s guiding principles across its continuum of services and supports to reduce gambling-related harms through prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery.

Marcus Daugherty

Marcus is a licensed and credentialed mental health and addiction professional with over 30 years of experience working in both outpatient and residential settings with diverse populations. The diversity of my professional experience includes working with individuals and families impacted by homelessness, co-occurring disorders, and addiction challenges. Presently, I serve as Senior Vice President for Behavioral Health Partnerships & Innovation at Partnership to End Addiction, a national addiction advocacy, policy, research and training organization. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), a New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor- Master level, a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), a Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), and an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS).

Martina Deeb

Martina Deeb is a CASAC-certified professional with over a decade of experience in substance use treatment, problem gambling, and family systems support. She currently serves as the Reintegration Clinical Director at Perrin House of New Choices Recovery Center, where she leads trauma-informed, person-centered programming. Martina is deeply committed to equity in behavioral health care, with a strong background in advocacy, community engagement, and support for underserved populations, including women and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. Her work emphasizes recovery-oriented systems of care, family involvement, and evidence-based culturally responsive practices.

Jim Huh

Jim is the customer success person at GamFin, where he works with people and organizations within the problematic and disordered gambling space. Prior to working at GamFIn he worked in the non-profit workforce development space, where his main focus of his work was to show employers that supporting their employees' mental and financial well-being reduces turnover, creates a happier and more loyal workforce, and improves the bottom line. Jim also brings his experience, strength, and hope as a person in recovery to the GamFIn/MoneyStack team. He is a big believer in therapy and has been involved in Gamblers Anonymous for more than 20 years.

Ashley Huie

Ashley Huie serves as the Supervisor of Social Work Services, bringing a wealth of experience in supporting vulnerable populations through compassionate, client-centered care. Her leadership is grounded in a strong commitment to addressing health disparities, particularly those affecting women and minority communities. Ashley’s passion for social work is driven by a belief in equity, advocacy, and the power of culturally responsive services to create lasting impact. Her work reflects both strategic insight and a deep dedication to empowering those often underserved by traditional systems.

Ambus Hunter

Ambus Hunter is an Accredited Financial Counselor ® with GamFin, that specializes in the financial and behavioral impacts of problem gambling. Informed by both professional training and lived experience, his work focuses on helping individuals and families reduce harm, rebuild stability, gain clarity on their financial values, and replace secrecy with practical financial structure. Ambus has supported individuals across a wide range of gambling-related financial situations and has been featured in national conversations, publications, and education campaigns such as “Know Your Play” focused on gambling awareness, financial literacy, and wellbeing.   

Theresa Knorr

Theresa Knorr, CARC RCP-F is the Senior Director of Recovery Education and Training for Friends of Recovery – New York.  She is a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach and Recovery Coach Professional Facilitator.  She has been credentialed as an addiction counselor in both NY (former CASAC) and Arizona (former CADAC).  Theresa has over 30 years of professional experience in addiction recovery, providing counseling, coaching, clinical supervision, and education. She is an InUnity-NYCB registered trainer and curriculum developer. As owner of BALANCE Recovery Consultation | “Tai Chi for Recovery,” Theresa teaches movement, meditation and personal growth in the community. Most importantly, she brings her own lived experience to her work, as a family member in recovery, family member of loss, trauma survivor, and process addiction recoveree. She has had the privilege to speak locally, across the state and nation, and internationally.

Kym Laube

Kym Laube, Executive Director of HUGS, Inc. in Westhampton Beach, NY, brings over 35 years of expertise in substance prevention. Since 2002, she has led the organization in delivering comprehensive prevention services and recovery supports. A nationally recognized trainer and speaker, Kym works alongside leading organizations such as CADCA and various state and corporate entities to strengthen prevention efforts across the continuum of care. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to advocacy, innovation, and empowerment in the field.

Rachel Lauria

Rachel Lauria is the current Director of Treatment and Recovery at the New York Council on Problem Gambling, a role she has served for over 7 years. Rachel is a social worker at heart and has over 20 years' experience working in different aspects of social work and social needs to help people find their potential and to create programs and services that meet their needs and live well. Rachel lives in upstate New York with her husband and four children.

Deborah Lavaud

Deborah Lavaud is the Team Leader at the Brooklyn Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC), a program of the New York Council on Problem Gambling. Born and raised in Queens, Deborah holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Touro College. With over 16 years of experience working with individuals impacted by developmental disabilities (OPWDD), mental health conditions, and substance misuse, Deborah brings a deep passion for helping individuals access the care and support they need. Her work has included assisting clients in securing treatment services and locating stable, long-term housing solutions. Deborah combines strategic communication skills with a grassroots, community-centered approach to raise awareness about problem gambling and its impact. She is committed to connecting individuals and families to vital prevention, treatment, and recovery resources. Dedicated to promoting equity in access to care, Deborah focuses her outreach on underserved and underrepresented communities throughout Brooklyn. Her work centers on building strong partnerships, reducing stigma, and creating space.

Dr. Laura Longo

Dr. Laura M. Longo is a New York State licensed psychologist, and the Interim Associate Director of the Center for Behavioral Health Promotion and Applied Research in the School of Education at the University at Albany. She is a translational researcher specializing in the development, implementation, and evaluation of health communication campaigns, as well as prevention and early intervention services targeting substance misuse, problem gambling, and suicide prevention. Her research also examines how the secondhand effects of alcohol use and other addictive behaviors influence mental health and well-being. Dr. Longo serves as principal investigator on grant projects funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). She is recognized for her expertise in Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) and Motivational Interviewing, and provides training to clinicians and graduate students in these evidence-based practices.

Paul Lavella

Paul Lavella is a Licensed Professional Counselor & Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor, specializing in treating the needs of adolescents, young adults & families, Substance Use Disorders, process addictions, and the LGBTQ+ community. For over 20 years Paul has collaborated with both clients and professionals alike to educate and enrich lives, advocating for ongoing, sustainable wellness and recovery.

Tracy Little

Tracey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and certified trauma professional with over 30 years of experience in addiction treatment, specializing in chemical dependence and behavioral health. For more than a decade, she has provided gambling counseling and led community education initiatives focused on prevention, family impact, and recovery. Tracey facilitates a dedicated support group for parents of adult children who gamble, offering tools for emotional clarity, role reframing, and boundary-setting. Her trainings blend clinical insight with lived experience, empowering providers to engage families with trauma-informed, culturally responsive care.

Dr. Jessica L. Martin

Dr. Jessica L. Martin is a licensed psychologist and Interim Director of the Center for Behavioral Health Promotion and Applied Research in the School of Education at the University at Albany, as well as a Senior Research Associate for the Research Foundation for SUNY. Passionate about facilitating behavioral change to prevent problematic gambling, and substance use, Dr. Martin’s research focuses on identifying risk and protective factors to focus on in developing novel prevention and intervention efforts for substance use and other health-risk behaviors among young adults and college students. She has published over 50 journal articles, several book chapters, an edited book, and received more than $7.5 million in federal funding to support her work. As an accomplished researcher, educator, and trainer, Dr. Martin brings expertise in integrating evidence-based practices into campus prevention and intervention efforts.

Scott Meyer

Scott Meyer is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in peer support, financial management, and business development. He is a husband of 36 years, a father of five, and a proud grandfather of three. In sustained recovery from problem gambling for over 12 years, Scott is passionate about supporting individuals on their recovery journey. As Peer Manager at Vibrant Emotional Health in New York, NY, he leads a team of Peer Supervisors and Specialists, fostering efficiency and performance through innovative coaching tools. Scott holds multiple credentials, including the Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) with a focus on problem gambling, the International Gambling Recovery Specialist (IGRS), the Board Approved Recovery Advisory (BARA) credential, and the Peer Supervisor Professional (PSP) certification. Actively engaged in legislative advocacy since 2021, he has supported initiatives such as the Safe Bet Act and the GRIT Act to promote responsible gambling practices. Before transitioning to peer recovery services, Scott built a successful career in finance as a former CPA and financial advisor. His background in strategic planning, risk assessment, and budget management has strengthened his approach to program development and resource optimization. Since 1999, he has worked as a consultant, leveraging his expertise in relationship-building and business strategy. Scott is known for his strategic leadership, public speaking, and unwavering commitment to advocacy. His unique blend of financial acumen and lived experience allows him to empower individuals and their families, providing them with the tools needed to build a solid foundation for recovery.

Venus Moore

Venus Moore has a Master's in Public Administration from Metropolitan College of New York '2007' and a B.A. in Psychology from College of New Rochelle '2005'. Born in the Bronx and raised in both the Bronx and Harlem, Venus has developed a passion for working with the public. The genesis of her advocacy begins when she had to see her mother who had sickle cell in pain daily and not getting the treatment that she deserved. Venus felt she was speaking for the unheard and the disabled community. Her work passion started at the New Mt. Zion Baptist Church at a very young age when she learned how to become a leader and was later appointed as a Trustee at 14 years of age. Venus has 20 years of experience of working with non-profit organizations and she has had the opportunity to collaborate with The Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. The Pillars Recovery Center, NYPD, TNCAP and other Bronx Coalitions to name a few. She has a background in Youth development, Community development, and Drug Prevention. Venus is also a certified trained facilitator for SAPST and Ethics in Prevention. She is currently the Team Leader for the Bronx Problem Gambling Resource Center, and she educates the Bronx community on the spectrums of gambling.

Evan E. Ozmat

Evan E. Ozmat, MS, is a doctoral candidate in Counseling Psychology and Senior Research Support Specialist in the Center for Behavioral Health Promotion and Applied Research at UAlbany. His work bridges substance use, gambling, and mental health research with artificial intelligence to improve the early detection and treatment of mental health and substance use concerns among college students, particularly those from underserved backgrounds. An IBM Certified Machine Learning Professional, Evan has developed and validated innovative AI models for predicting mental health trajectories, as well as digital tools for prevention and screening. He is passionate about leveraging technology to expand access to culturally responsive mental health care and has presented nationally on AI-driven approaches to prevention, intervention, and health equity, including problem gambling.

Steven Perdek

Steven Perdek is a dynamic leader, licensed and certified mental health professional, and staunch advocate for the mental health counseling profession. With a background that bridges clinical expertise and organizational leadership, Steven brings a unique perspective to behavioral health systems. Steven has a masters degree in mental health counseling from the State University of New York at Oswego and a masters of business administration, with a concentration in healthcare leadership, from Le Moyne College. A frequent speaker and thought leader, Steven is known for blending practical insights with systems thinking, empowering fellow professionals to not only serve but shape the field of mental health.

Danielle Piatkowsky

Danielle Piatkowsky brings extensive experience as a Director of Behavioral Health, where she has led initiatives focused on improving mental health outcomes across diverse populations. Her career has been rooted in advancing integrated care models, supporting clinical teams, and driving strategic improvements in behavioral health services. Danielle’s passion for the field stems from a deep commitment to equity, access, and the belief that compassionate, evidence-based care can transform lives. Her leadership is informed by both operational expertise and a heartfelt dedication to the communities she serves.

Keven Poore

Keven Poore, MA, CDI, CASAC II, is the Director of Substance and Addiction Intervention Services for the Deaf (SAISD) at NTID in Rochester, NY. With over 30 years of experience, he has provided mental health and chemical dependency services to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Keven is also a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) and has worked extensively in the field of interpreting, particularly in Behavioral Health Interpreting, Deaf Interpreting, and Deaf/Hearing Interpreting Teams. He regularly conducts workshops on these topics to enhance the skills of interpreters in mental health and addiction-related settings. As a content expert, Keven contributed to two online modules, including the CATIE Center’s Introduction to Addiction and Recovery Interpreting, which aim to improve understanding and best practices in addiction-related interpreting.

Additionally, Keven is the co-chair of the Test Development Committee under the Center for Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation (CASLI), where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the standards for certification in the interpreting profession. Keven holds a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Gallaudet University and continues to be a leader in bridging the gap between interpreting, mental health, and addiction services for the Deaf community.

Elizabeth Shoots

Elizabeth Shoots is a Community Educator & Outreach Specialist with United Way of Seneca County, where she develops and delivers programs focused on financial wellness and gambling prevention. She has extensive experience designing workshops that turn community stories and survey data into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders and donors. Currently an M.S. Candidate in Applied Data Science at Syracuse University, Elizabeth combines her hands-on prevention work with analytical expertise to show how measurable impact can drive funding and advocacy. She is passionate about empowering communities to see the real-world value of prevention and equipping professionals with tools to make data-driven decisions that protect and support individuals at risk.

Robin Singh

Robin Singh is the Team Leader for the Queens Problem Gambling Resource Center, part of the New York Council on Problem Gambling. Born and raised in Queens, Robin brings a deep understanding of the borough’s diversity and unique challenges to his work. Drawing on his former career in sales, he combines strategic communication skills with a community-driven approach to raise awareness about problem gambling and connect individuals and families to critical prevention, treatment, and recovery resources. Committed to promoting equity in access to care, Robin focuses much of his outreach on under-served and under-represented communities throughout Queens. His work centers on building partnerships, reducing stigma, and fostering conversations that highlight the intersection between mental health and gambling-related harms.

Dr. Angelina Smith-Wilson

Dr. Smith-Wilson brings over 20 years of human service and addiction experience to Friends of Recovery-New York. Angelia’s career spans across working with human service agencies that have served individuals with mental health, substance use, residential, and homeless issues. She has worked as an intensive case manager, a primary therapist, a director of client services and eventually progressing to level of vice president throughout the greater Rochester and Albany NY area. Angelia has centered her career around improving recovery and treatment outcomes for those in recovery, as well as exploring research designed at substance use counselor development. Her doctoral dissertation, entitled, “Examining the Relationship between the Substance Abuse Counselor Knowledge of the Models of Disability and their self-assessment of cultural competence working with the Deaf Sign Language User,” afforded her the opportunity to learn and study addictions from the counselor’s perspective. Her research further led her to develop trainings centered around cultural humility and its application to working with individuals in recovery. Dr. Smith-Wilson has a B.S. in Psychology from SUNY Brockport, Master of Social Work from Roberts Wesleyan College and a Doctorate in Education from St. John Fisher College. Dr. Smith-Wilson is adjunct faculty at the School of Social Welfare, Graduate MSW Program, University of Albany, where she teaches Macro Practice Social Work in the MSW program and a variety of undergraduate courses. Angelia is currently a member of Black Faces, Black Voices, and on the CAPRRS Advisory Committee for Faces and Voices of Recovery, and a founding board member of Girls Beyond Inc.

Ruiqi Zhu

Ruiqi (Rikki) Zhu is a clinician with the Dual Recovery Services program at the Lower Eastside Service Center. She holds a Master of Social Work from New York University and provides bilingual (Mandarin/English) clinical services to individuals and families seeking support with gambling, substance use, and cooccurring mental health concerns. Over the past three years, she has served immigrant and underserved communities through individual therapy, group counseling, and crisis intervention. Grounded in person centered and relational approaches, she views the therapeutic relationship as the core of healing — a reflective and supportive ground for rebuilding selftrust, resilience, and the capacity to meet daily stressors in healthier and more sustainable ways. She is currently completing certificate level training in couples and family therapy, recognizing that many individuals impacted by addiction also face complex relational histories, trust ruptures, and interpersonal challenges. She believes that relationships are not only affected by addiction but are also central to the recovery process. As a clinician, she sees herself as a fellow traveler walking alongside clients as they explore, practice, and grow together.

Dr. Edelgard (Elga) Wulfert

Dr. Edelgard (Elga) Wulfert is a Distinguished Service Professor of Psychology at SUNY Albany and a licensed clinical psychologist. With more than 30 years of experience in teaching and research on addictive behaviors particularly gambling and gaming disorders. She has authored over 70 journal articles and book chapters that are widely cited. Her research has attracted nearly $4 million in federal funding and led to the development of Cognitive Motivational Behavior Therapy (CMBT), a proven treatment that rivals both Gamblers Anonymous and traditional CBT. She has received awards for excellence in teaching, research, and service and was SUNY Albany's Academic Citizen Laureate in 2024.