2026 Speakers - Conference Site

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.

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.

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.