2025
Presenters
Elizabeth Childress, QMHP-A, RPRS, CPRS-PG-T & Matthew Britt, CPRS, I-FPRS-tot, CPRSG-tot, ADS
“Pathways Addressing Problem Gambling: Peer Support, Resources, and Recovery Strategies”
Elizabeth is a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP-A) and a Registered and Certified Peer Support Specialist (R-CPRS) with a Problem Gambling endorsement in Virginia. Since June 2023, she has worked as a Peer Support Specialist for the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health through VCU’s College of Health Professions. She is also involved with East Tennessee State University’s Addiction Science Center, serving on the Central Appalachian Peer Partnership (CAPP) board for the STARS project, and is a national board member for the Collaborative Hub for Emerging Adult Recovery Research (CHEARR).
Elizabeth holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Virginia-Wise, a Clinical Addiction Counseling Graduate Certificate from East Tennessee State University, and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at VCU. One of the few CPRS in Virginia trained to provide Problem Gambling Endorsement, she presented at the National Conference for Problem Gambling in California in 2024. Elizabeth is passionate about helping underserved populations, drawing on her lived experience with addiction, the judicial system, and recovery to inspire hope in others.
Matthew (Matt) is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with expertise in Problem Gambling (CPRSPG), Acudetox (ADS), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSRT), and integrated forensic peer recovery (i-FPRS-tot). With four years in recovery, he combines personal insight and professional experience to support high-risk youth and adults.
Employed by the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health, a collaboration between Virginia Commonwealth University and the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health, Matt raises awareness of problem gambling and provides resources for affected individuals and families. He offers Recovery Ally training to foster empathetic support and empower individuals on their recovery journeys.
Samantha Crockett, MS & Ginny Moorer, M.Ed.
“CHATS: Fostering Connection Among Diverse Groups”
Samantha Crockett, MS, is the Director of Prevention and Wellness at Mount Rogers Community Services, with over 15 years of experience in behavioral health. She holds a master’s degree from Radford University and is recognized for her expertise in community development, strategic planning, and program innovation. Samantha has presented at national behavioral health conferences and serves on various leadership boards. She co-developed the Are You Okay mental health outreach program, fostering support and connection. A certified 5 Bridges Wellness Coach and facilitator of multiple evidence-based programs, Samantha is dedicated to promoting wellness and resilience across communities.
Ginny Moorer, M.Ed., is a native of Southwest Virginia, is dedicated to living and working in the Appalachian Mountains. She holds a master’s degree in education from Emory & Henry College and a Virginia Public Sector Leader Certification from Virginia Tech. Since joining Mount Rogers Community Services in 2021 as Trauma Recovery Coordinator, she has co-created C.H.A.T.S. (Connecting Humans and Telling Stories) and leads efforts to build trauma-informed, resilience-based, equity-focused ecosystems. With experience in public health, education, and behavioral health, Ginny supports communities through training, coalition-building, and program design. In her free time, she enjoys painting, volunteering, and spending time with her pug, Pickles.
Fredrick Dombrowski, Ph.D., LMHC, CASAC, LPC, LADC, NCC, CCMHC, MAC, ACS, BC-TMH, HS-BCP, ICADC, DCMHS
“Supporting Clients with Co-occurring Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders”
Fredrick Dombrowski is the AMHCA Past President and has extensive experience treating those living with co-occurring disorders since 1998. He has been a supervisor and director for multiple programs including inpatient, outpatient, and forensic treatment. Currently a Department Chair at the University of Bridgeport, he is focused on experiential learning through a perspective of cultural humility and an equitable clinical care. He has recently published the book Co-occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders and has appeared on television, radio, and internet advocating for the helping professions. He has won several awards for his work with marginalized populations.
Lisa Duez, LCSW
“Resilience in Action: Overcoming Compassion Fatigue For Mental Health Professionals”
Lisa Duez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She is the founder of Turning Point Counseling and Consulting in Hampton Roads, Virginia, a trauma-informed group practice with 29 therapists. Lisa specializes in fostering resilience, addressing compassion fatigue, and creating healthy workplace cultures through training, supervision, and consultation. She is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and a sought-after speaker on trauma, ethics, and professional self-care. Lisa’s volunteers with VALEAP, providing pro bono trauma therapy for first responders.
Jennifer Fariss, LSATP, LPC & Amy Pierce, LPC, CSAC
“The Emotional Disease that No One Wants to Talk About ”
Jenny Fariss is the Regional SUD Manager – West of True North Services with Intercept Health. Jenny holds a Bachelor’s of Sociology and a Master’s of Community Counseling from Radford University. She is also a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner and a Licensed Professional Counselor. Jenny has experience in working with various populations, including but not limited to, residential treatment, inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, corrections, MHSS, and outpatient SUD counseling. Jenny was recently trained in EMDR and specializes in DBT therapeutic work. Jenny also utilize 5NP/Acudetox in her practice with clients. She currently resides in Roanoke, Virginia, with her husband and three children – and of course, their ‘fur babies’!
Amy Pierce is registered with the Board of Counseling as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Provider, and CSAC. She is the Regional SUD Manager – East for True North Services with Intercept Health. She completed her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021 and is currently enrolled in the PhD Psychology and Counseling program at Regent University in 2022. She has 10 years of experience working with adults and adolescents in SUD and MH field and has provided services in outpatient and inpatient treatment centers, as well as at a correctional facility. Amy uses an integrative theoretical approach by using MI skills, psychoeducation, empathy, encouragement, art, 5-needle protocol (5NP/acudetox) and music to elicit lifelong changes. I like using different techniques. I was given 5- needle protocol while in treatment and it helped me in so many areas like lowering my anxiety and stress as well as sleeping better. I completed acudetox training in 2021 and have used it with clients as well as other clinics with our staff. I have also provided education about acudetox for a variety of individuals like therapists, probation officers, and lay people.
Chris Gatewood, LPC, CSAC, SMART Recovery Regional Coordinator
“An Introduction to SMART Recovery”
Chris Gatewood has been involved with SMART Recovery for the past 7 years. He currently serves as the SMART Recovery Regional Coordinator for the state of Virginia. The presentation would consist of an overview of SMART Recovery, split into multiple sections. The first would be on the history of the organization. Next would be an in-depth breakdown on the 4-points of SMART. This would include comparison and contrast to 12-step to highlight the unique aspects of SMART. These 4 points encompass philosophical themes of self-empowerment and practical applications. After that, a focus will be placed on the recent shift in SMART to embracing harm reduction. I will also include a walkthrough of formats to meetings, levels of training required to run them. I will end off with an ethics discussion focusing on autonomy for clients.
Michael Gillette, Ph. D.
“Ethics in Assessment, Diagnosis and Placement of Care”
Dr. Michael Gillette is an ethics expert who has presented numerous keynotes and workshops nationally and internationally over the past three decades. Additionally, he contracts with dozens of healthcare organizations and other agencies to provide ethics case consultations and policy work. His energetic and interactive style engages his audiences and helps them think critically about ethical decisions in their work and beyond.
Dr. Gillette graduated magna cum laude from Brandeis University, with majors in philosophy and classical Greek, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his master’s and Ph.D. in philosophy at Brown University. He has taught at colleges and universities, published articles in the field of clinical ethics and has received several teaching awards. In 2004, he was elected to the City Council in Lynchburg, Virginia, and subsequently served two terms as Mayor of the City.
Dr. Gillette’s wide range of clients include healthcare organizations, social service agencies, long-term care facilities, state, local and county government agencies, EAP organizations, HR professionals, attorneys, physicians, nutritionists, secondary and higher education, business firms, leadership organizations, and more.
Dr. Gillette is available for one-time presentations or a series of seminars for your staff, agency or professional organization. Topics and objectives can be customized to suit your needs. Dr. Gillette’s highly interactive workshops focus on real-life case studies and receive glowing reviews.
Paul Hardy, D.Min., QMHP, MAC, CSAC
“Driven to Attach: Correlating Substance Use Disorder with Attachment Theory”
Dr. Paul Hardy, born in North Carolina and raised in Virginia, attended Tennessee Temple University, earning a degree in education. After graduation in 1981, he and his wife, Suzie, moved to Madrid to help start churches, later relocating to Mexico City in 1990. Paul earned a master’s in administration and taught business psychology at the “Colegio de Graduados.” Due to a respiratory illness, they returned to the U.S. in 1999, where Paul became Counseling Pastor at a large Virginia Beach church. He founded the Recovery for Life program, which grew into the Recovery for Life Treatment Center, helping thousands with substance use and other disorders.
Paul continuously develops evidence-based teaching topics, collaborating with CEU companies. He has published two books with Lifeway Publishers and numerous self-published works. A passionate leader in substance use disorder counseling, trauma recovery, and relapse prevention, he developed the PLACE method (published as Redeeming the Tears) and co-authored Stop the Madness. Paul is an experienced speaker, educator, and advocate for those struggling with compulsive behaviors and trauma. He and Suzie have three children and eleven grandchildren.
Bailey Hilliard, MSW, Virginia Bogese, CPRS & Caitlyn Mundle, CPRS
“Utilizing Peer Recovery Services in Jail Based Treatment Programs”
Bailey Hilliard, MSW, is the Inmate Programs Manager at Chesterfield County Jail (CCJ), overseeing the Helping Addicts Recover Progressively (HARP) Program and other rehabilitative services. Originally from a law enforcement family in Columbus, Ohio, she earned her master’s in social work from The Ohio State University. In Columbus, she worked with a re-entry program for women with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
Bailey joined the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office in 2020, where she now manages the HARP Program and all rehabilitative programming at CCJ. Leveraging her background in substance use, mental health, and re-entry services, she monitors and develops programming at the jail. In 2021, she helped launch the SMART Program for individuals on Medications for Opioid Use Disorder and co-developed the award-winning RECON Team for rapid community outreach.
Bailey also partners with VCU’s medical school to educate students on human trafficking and substance use, facilitating a program where medical students and female HARP participants learn about health and trauma-informed care. Her work focuses on helping individuals return to society as healthy, productive members. Outside of work, Bailey enjoys traveling and cheering on the Buckeyes with her husband and friends.
Roseann Lynch, Ph.D.
“Hidden in Plain Sight: How Dissociation Systems Affect Recovery ”
Dr. Lynch is a mental health and addictions counselor in private practice in Ketchikan, Alaska. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and Chemical Dependency Counselor-1. She has over twenty years of experience in the mental health and addiction fields. Dr. Lynch’s doctoral dissertation studied Addiction counselors’ use of dissociation screening. She has presented on dissociation at the 2023 NAADAC conference and co-authored an article on dissociation for the National Association of Social Workers. Dr. Lynch specializes in Complex Trauma and Dissociation and treats children, teens, adults, and couples. She is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Play Therapy, Havening Techniques, and Hypnosis.
Tara Matthews, PhD, LPC
“Pathways to Progress in Supervision: Intentional, Compassionate, and Parallel Practices”
Dr. Matthews is a counselor educator and supervisor, integrative health coach, and counselor. She works as Core Faculty at Walden University and provides clinical supervision to counselors in training. She has facilitated therapeutic groups for 20 years and taught in higher education for 16 years. She has provided supervision to students, those seeking professional licensure, and provided health coaching to colleagues. Her interests include group counseling, co-occurring disorders, self-care, clinical supervision, and making ethics fun to learn and practice. Dr. Matthews has co-authored and co-edited “Co-Occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders: Evidenced-based Integrative Treatment and Multicultural Application”.
Anthony “Tony” McDowell, M.PA., Executive Director, OAA
“How Opioid Settlement Funding in Virginia is Opening New Pathways to Progress and Recovery”
Tony McDowell was appointed executive director of the Opioid Abatement Authority on August 1, 2022. His duties include overall implementation of the Authority’s goals and objectives as determined by the Board of Directors, and distributing opioid abatement funds in accordance with the Code of Virginia. He previously served as Deputy County Manager for Public Safety in Henrico County from 2018-2022, where he played a leadership role in developing Henrico County’s comprehensive strategy to prevent, treat, and support recovery from substance use disorders. He began his career with Henrico as a firefighter/paramedic in 1997 and rose through the ranks to Fire Chief in 2012. Mr. McDowell earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Virginia Tech (1991) and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of North Texas (1995).
Chandell Miller, MS, LPC, LSATP, SAP, NCNTT, ADS & SAP; Dawn Brower, CSAC-A, CSAC Resident; Christina Hampton, LPC-Resident; Santos Polanco, CSAC-A; Brian Hampton, CSAC-A
“The Vital Role of Smoking Cessation in Addiction Recovery”
Professor Miller has taught at Northern Virginia Community College since 2013. He is the Department Head for the HMS (Human Services Program)/Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program and is a full-time associate professor. Professor Miller holds a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Phoenix and a master’s Certificate in Addictions Studies from Capella University. Professor Miller is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), LSATP (Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner), a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor all in the state of Virginia, a Substance Abuse Professional, and an AcuDetox Specialist.
Christina Hampton currently serves as a resident in counseling under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor, specializing in mental health, substance abuse, and Christian counseling. Alongside her husband, she leads the Marriage and Addiction ministry, offering vital support and guidance to couples in need. Christina also holds pivotal roles as Vice President and Director overseeing Mental Health and Planning at Yet Stand Inc. Her academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies, complemented by dual Master of Science degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling.
Dawn Brower was born in Washington, DC, and grew up in Northern Virginia. She received her B.S. from Purdue University Global in Psychology in Addictions. She is enrolled at Walden University for a master’s in clinical Mental Health Counseling to become an LPC. She works full-time for Fairfax County Public Schools as a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist at one of the county’s alternative high schools. She takes a trauma-informed approach with her students while supporting and collaborating with clients and their families. When not working or doing homework, she enjoys watercolor painting and spending time with her family and friends.
Santos Polanco was born in Moca, Dominican Republic, in 1989, demonstrated academic excellence at Colegio Máximo Gómez. After initially studying Marine Biology at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, he discovered his passion for International Business at APEC University. He represented his university in international forums before embarking on a business venture in Peru in 2017, interrupted by the pandemic. He moved to the United States in 2019, where he volunteered in Arlington Public Schools, facilitating the integration of the Hispanic community. He began his training in substance abuse counseling in 2020 and is now studying mental health and nutrition coaching, while working at A Ross Special Addictions Counseling, committed to serving the Hispanic community and making a positive impact.
Brian N. Hampton is a dedicated and empathetic professional passionate about empowering individuals through counseling and support. With a proven background in leadership, Brian seamlessly transitioned from managing large teams in the entertainment industry to guiding clients in their recovery journeys. As a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Assistant, he excels in implementing evidence-based strategies, fostering client engagement, and advocating for meaningful change. Brian’s commitment to continuous learning and service excellence drives his efforts to enhance both individual lives and community awareness. Currently pursuing a degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology, he remains devoted to making a lasting impact with compassion and understanding.
Jesalyn Moore, LCSW, LSATP, CAADC
“The Frontline Approach: Addressing SUD Treatment Challenges in Public Safety”
Jesalyn Moore is the Public Safety Clinical Program Manager for the City of Virginia Beach, where she leads the development of mental health programs tailored for first responders. With expertise in both clinical care and public safety culture, she creates effective wellness initiatives for high-stress environments.
Previously, Jesalyn served as Market CEO for Summit BHC, overseeing addiction treatment centers across Virginia and providing client-centered care for those impacted by substance use disorders. She also worked as a substance use disorder clinician for the Department of Defense, supporting service members and their families. As a member of the Military Veteran Advisory Committee for NAADAC, she continues advocating for service members.
A military child and spouse, Jesalyn has a unique perspective on the challenges faced by first responders and military personnel. Her experience, combined with expertise in substance use, critical incident stress, and organizational wellness, allows her to present and collaborate with various organizations on local, state, and national levels, empowering audiences to address substance use issues and promote long-term wellness in public safety populations.
Sharde’ O’Rourke, LMFT, LSATP, LPC, SAP, CCTP, PAI
“Wired for Recovery: Embracing Neurodivergence in Addiction Recovery and Self-Care”
Sharde’ O’Rourke is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and founder of The Mahogany Projek. With over 15 years of experience in addiction treatment, she specializes in trauma-informed care, neurodiversity, and recovery-focused interventions. Sharde’ has extensive experience working with neurodivergent individuals, integrating neurodiversity-affirming practices into addiction recovery. She is a sought-after speaker and trainer, known for her dynamic presentations that blend neuroscience, practical strategies, and cultural competence. Her work empowers professionals to create inclusive, effective pathways to recovery for diverse populations.
Saulo Ortiz, LCSW
“Wrecks in Ethics – The 3 Ethical Dilemmas That Wreck Clinicians”
Saulo Ortiz If you ever wondered how passion fits in clinical practice, you clearly haven’t met Saulo. He is one of the managing partners of Meridian Psychotherapy Services in Virginia Beach, VA. Saulo has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over a decade, with more than 2 decades in clinical work. Even with so much time in the game, there is never a question Saulo brings every ounce of his experience, passion, and energy to every day of his work. Whether it’s dealing with mental health issues or substance use issues of all types, the consistent feedback is that he gives all of himself to his clients and his work. If you ask him, it’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. He believes in his clients and the ones that weather the direct, tough love end up believing in themselves too. Addressing all addiction, teens, adults, couples, males and females, the knowledge and passion for healing is always evident. As founder of Life Change Institute, He is committed to “Transforming Lives To What They Were Meant To Be”.
Tierra Ruffin, LPC w/Grief Certification
“Good Times or Hard Times? Unpacking Systemic Barriers and Equipping Therapists with Strategies to Support BIPOC Clients”
Tierra Ruffin has been an LPC for 7 years, focusing on Substance Abuse and recovery. She has a bachelor’s in psychology from Regent University and a Master of Counseling from Liberty University. Ms. Ruffin is also in the counselor education and supervision doctoral program at Old Dominion University. Mainly, she works at the Hampton Newport News CSB within the substance abuse and recovery department. She is also an author of the book, “I Need to Talk, but NOT to a Therapist.” This book acts as a guide to demystify counseling, breaking down barriers in an effort to assist individuals to experience a growth mindset. When not providing therapy, she enjoys making memories with her family.
Dr. Abie Tremblay, Ph.D., LPC, CAADC, NCC, CCMHC & Dr. Mary Darden-Robinson, PsyD., LPC, LSATP, MAC, CSAC, CCTP, HS-BCP
“Your Existential Dragon & Exploring Inner Dungeon”
Abie is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and Maine, with a background in working with mental health and substance use challenges in Virginia Department of Corrections, private practice, and the Veterans Administration. Abie’s professional history also includes 21 years of active service in the US Navy, a decade as office manager for Chesapeake Montessori School, and a lifetime of exploring our world. Abie’s research includes trauma recovery, substance use and recovery, efficacy of various group modalities, and personality disorders. Abie currently lives on 16 acres in New Hampshire with her spouse and two standard poodles.
Dr. Mary Darden-Robinson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (L.P.C.), holds a certificate as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (C.S.A.C.) along with a Master Addiction Counselor certificate (M.A.C.). Dr. Darden-Robinson is a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (L.S.A.T.P.). Additionally, she is SAMHSA GAINS Center-trained as a facilitator for the “How Being Trauma-Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Responses” seminar. She is also a Master Trainer for the A.C.E. Interface Program and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Additionally, Dr. Darden-Robinson is a Virginia Board of Counseling approved clinical supervisor for Residents in Counseling as well as L.S.A.T.P., L.M.F.T., C.S.A.C., and CSAC-A trainees. Most recently, Dr. Darden-Robinson contributed to, edited, and published Triumph in the Trenches.
Madeline Vann, LPC, CSAC, EMDRIA Certified EMDR
“Let’s Talk About Sex! A Trauma-Informed, Ethical Approach with SUD Clients”
Madeline Vann, LPC, CSAC, is Trauma Program Manager for The Farley Center at Williamsburg place. She is an EMDRIA certified trauma and grief therapist with a small outpatient caseload at the private practice Therapy Owls, LLC, in Williamsburg, VA. Ms. Vann has worked in every level of care within addiction treatment, including residential, IOP, private practice and outpatient support groups. She additionally has provided individual and group counseling (and weekly yoga!) to women leaving sex trafficking. Ms. Vann has pursued additional training as part of a sex therapy certification process and in the context of EMDR continuing education.
Jennifer Walden, LPC, LSATP & Sue Morrison, PhD, MBA, LCSW
“Intentional Supervision: Promoting Developmental Growth with Substance Abuse Counselors”
Jennifer Walden, LPC, LSATP is the Deputy Chief Clinical Officer at National Capital Treatment and Recovery in Arlington, Virginia, where she oversees admissions, utilization management, and outpatient programs. She has worked in the counseling field since 2002, providing clinical leadership in residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment programs. Jennifer has also worked in a private practice setting, where she specialized in the treatment of anxiety and trauma and became a Certified Therapist in EMDR. Before she became a counselor, Jennifer was a high school educator. She enjoys designing and presenting trainings on a wide range of topics.
Sue Morrison, PhD, MBA, LCSW has been National Capital Treatment and Recovery’s Director of Continuous Quality Improvement since 2016. She oversees corporate compliance, quality metrics, accreditation preparedness, medical records, risk management, and an internship program for counseling, nursing, and social work. She joined NCTR in 2015, and prior to her current position she served as deputy director of clinical operations. Sue has been in the field of mental health and substance use disorder treatment since 1996.
She is a licensed clinical social worker in Virginia and Maryland and a certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor. She has a Master of Social Work, a Master of Business Administration, and a PhD in Industrial & Organizational Psychology.
