12th Annual Midwest Conference on Problem Gambling and

12th Annual Midwest Conference on Problem
Gambling and Substance Abuse:
“Partnering Science and Communities”
Hilton Kansas City Airport, 8801 NW 112th St., Kansas City, Missouri
June 24-26, 2015
Presenter Biographies
Sheryl Anderson, MS, BCC, ACR-MN, LADC, MN CGC, NCGC II has over 30 years of experience
in the mental health field. For the past 4 years she has exclusively worked with those suffering
from a gambling disorder at one of the countries only residential gambling treatment
programs, Project Turnabout’s Vanguard Center for Compulsive Gambling. She is a Nationally
Certified Gambling Counselor-II through the International Gambling Counselor Certification
Board; an Alcohol and Drug Counselor Reciprocal-MN as certified by the Minnesota
Certification Board and MN Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy with a Master of Science
degree. She has presented at many conferences both regionally and nationally.
Ignacio Alejandro (Alex) Barajas Muñoz has a Master’s Degree in Neurosciences, a Master’s
Degree in Counseling and Guidance, and is currently in his fifth year of the PhD in Counseling
Psychology Program at University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). He is a Research Associate,
Evaluator and Trainer with Mid-America Addiction Technology Transfer Center at UMKC. His
areas of expertise include: evaluation and research (development of evaluation instruments,
data collection, data analysis and technical report writing ); counseling; editing, translating and
training (English/Spanish) professional literature in the areas of psychology, neuroscience and
substance use disorders; psychotherapeutic medications; and counseling special populations
(Hispanic, LGBT).
Jerry Bauerkemper, B.S., C.C.G.C., Executive Director of the Nebraska Council on Compulsive
Gambling. Mr. Bauerkemper was the first director of problem gambling (1992 to 1996) for the
state of Nebraska where he created the Gamblers Assistance program and pioneered the
treatment of gambling counseling in Nebraska. In addition he was appointed and served on the
Nebraska's Commission on Problem Gambling. He served on the Board of Directors for the
National Council on Problem Gambling from 2001-2008 and from 2012 to present. He
currently serves on the National Councils' Legislative committee where he helps raise
awareness of problem gambling in Washington DC. Mr. Bauerkemper has been providing
counseling to gambling families since 1986. He has published research on the prevalence of
problem gambling in the Nebraska Probation Department. He received tl1e "First Step" award
in 1999 for his work with problem gamblers. Mr. Bauerkemper is an internationally
recognized expert on problem gambling and has provided training throughout the United
States and Southeast Asia.
Katie Bee, CPS graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Family
Services and Criminology. Working in the field of prevention for the past six years, Mrs. Bee
specializes in community-based prevention with a professional interest in environmental
strategies. Mrs. Bee has worked under the Tobacco Partnership Grant, Comprehensive
Substance Abuse Prevention Grant, Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant,
Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Grant, and the Problem Gambling Grant. During her offtime, Mrs. Bee enjoys hiking beautiful Northern Minnesota with her husband and two children.
Keynote Presenter - Dr. Heather Chapman, Ph.D. NCGCII, BACC is a clinical psychologist, a
National Certified Gambling Counselor and Board Certified Clinical Consultant for the National
Council on Problem Gambling, and a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of
Trainers. She is the Deputy Director of the Veterans Addiction Recovery Center and the
Director of the Gambling Treatment Program at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center,
the only residential and leader of gambling treatment for the VA and Department of Defense.
She speaks throughout the world on problem and pathological gambling. Her research
interests include gambling and suicidality and personality subtyping of pathological gamblers.
Keynote Presenter – H. Westley Clark, M.D., J.D., M.P.H., CAS, FASAM, is the former director
for the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Formerly, he was chief of associated substance abuse programs at the Veterans Affairs Medical
Center in San Francisco. He also served as senior consultant to the Robert Wood Johnson
Substance Abuse Policy program and associate clinical professor of psychiatry at the University
of California in San Francisco. He has contributed to books and published articles in medical
and legal journals. He received a medical degree and master’s degree from the University of
Michigan, and he received a juris doctorate from Harvard University Law School.
Nicolas Foss, BSW (Hons), NCGC-II is the supervising counselor of a non-profit gambling
treatment program in Burlington, Iowa, and Nationally Certified Gambling Counselor II. His
particular interest is in problem gambling interventions with corrections populations. He
speaks fluent Spanish in 5 dialects, is completing a Master's degree at Capella University, and
plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Advanced Studies of Human Behavior shortly after. Mr. Foss lives in
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa with his wife and son.
Keynote Speaker - Kay Frances, Motivational Humorist, has shared her message to “lighten
up, stress less and take care of ourselves” in 38 states and Canada for over 30 years. She holds a
Master's Degree in Business Administration, a degree in Physical Education and a 4th degree
black belt in karate. She was also a family caregiver for 7 years. When it comes to humor, Kay is
the "real deal" having performed as a professional standup comedian for many years and
appearing on a number of national television and radio programs. Additionally, Kay is the
author of “The Funny Thing about Stress; A Seriously Humorous Guide to a Happier Life.”
Sharon Freese, RN, BSN, MSW, Associate Administrator of Behavioral Health at Truman
Medical Center (TMC BH), provides oversight of the Behavioral Health quality program, patient
risk management, and the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder department. She facilitates traumainformed care practices at TMC BH and collaborates with community partners. Sharon has
over 26 years’ experience in behavioral health settings. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in
Nursing from Purdue University and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Missouri –
Kansas City, and has instructor/facilitator status in other areas including: Appreciative Inquiry,
Investment in Excellence, Four Disciplines of Execution, Inspiring Trust.
Keellia Guevara is a Problem Gambling Prevention Specialist with Heartland Family Service
located in the Omaha Metro. Working in Iowa and Nebraska, Keellia has a background in
coalition and community development. She has become a noted presenter in the field of
problem gambling prevention, working with a broad spectrum of people from treatment case
managers, defense attorneys to business HR departments on problem gambling and their stake
in the prevention and outreach of this devastating disease.
Keynote Presenter - David C. Hodgins, Ph.D., is a professor in the Program in Clinical
Psychology in the Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Canada. He is also the Head,
Department of Psychology and a coordinator with the Alberta Gaming Research Institute. He is
registered as a Clinical Psychologist in Alberta. His research interests focus on various aspects
of addictive behaviors including relapse and recovery from substance abuse and gambling
disorders. His self-directed treatment model for gambling problems is recognized as an
evidence-based treatment by the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Administration. In 2010, he received the Scientific Achievement Award from the US National
Center for Responsible Gaming.
Bob Kerksieck, LMSW, IAADC is a Health Facilities Surveyor for the Iowa Department of
Public Health, working with problem gambling and substance abuse treatment programs since
2006. He received an "Outstanding Contributor Award" in 2013 from the Missouri Alliance to
Curb Problem Gambling for his work in the field. He holds a master’s degree in education from
University of Wisconsin at Platteville. Bob has a wide range of clinical social work, counseling
and administrative experience working with children and families, adults, substance abuse,
mental health and problem gambling, since 1982. Bob has presented at numerous national,
regional and state conferences.
Melinda Love, CRADC, MARS, SQP-R, CCGC is a Missouri Credential Board certified counselor
with 10+ years of experience. Ms. Love’s initially counseling niche was with Missouri and
Federal probation/parolees with a focus on male offenders in the St. Louis, MO area. She has
since diversified her credentials and associated experience to include Substance Abuse Traffic
Offenders Program (SATOP), Medicated Assisted Recovery Specialist (MARS), Certified
Gambling Disorder Counselor (CGDC), and MCB Qualified Supervisor. She currently serves as a
counselor at a methadone clinic. Ms. Love has increased her presentation of workshops for the
Missouri Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (MO- NASW) as well as regional
and national presentations for Fathers & Families Coalition of America.
Estoria (Esther) M. Maddux, Ph.D., CFP®, GCAC-II, KLAC-I, KCGC-1 is a Resource Consultant
for Imaging Assessment Solutions Consulting (IAS) LLC. She conducts educational workshops
on personal financial planning and behavioral imaging and consulting. She consult with
individuals and/or families to develop comprehensive personal financial plans. Esther serve
as PRN addiction counselor for Ray Silva Counseling in Athens, Georgia and Creation
Counseling in Gainesville, Georgia. She is certified as an instructor for Prime For Life
Curriculum for DUI risk reduction school and Prime Solutions I and II Curriculum for alcohol
and drug counseling groups for Georgia. She teaches one to two classes per semester as
needed for Kansas State University - Professional Practices in Family Financial Planning and
Military Personal Finance.
Kenneth J. Martz, Psy.D. CAS.is a licensed psychologist and the Special Assistant to the
Secretary for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania where he assists in management and implementation of the statewide addiction
prevention and treatment efforts. He has worked in treatment and management of addictions
for the past 20 years. Dr. Martz has also worked in a variety of settings including outpatient,
residential and therapeutic communities providing treatment of addictions including gambling.
Dr. Martz is a licensed psychologist with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the American
School of Professional Psychology, Virginia Campus. He holds each of the 3 national
certifications in gambling treatment. He has a number of publications and international
presentations in the addictions treatment field.
Elizabeth McCall, CPS has worked as a Prevention Educator for the CT Council on Problem
Gambling since 2011. Her main role with the Council is to run the College Program. Liz
educates students, faculty and staff on, the risks involved in gambling and other risky
behaviors. This program includes training athletes and coaches on NCAA regulations. Liz
received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from Saint Anselm
College in Manchester, NH. She also received her certification as a Certified Prevention
Professional in 2013. Liz is currently becoming certified as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Counselor.
Kirk Moberg, MD, PhD has practiced in the field of addiction medicine for over 20 years and
during that time has served as medical director of three treatment centers including his current
position as medical director of the Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery. He received his
medical degree from the University of Illinois, College of Medicine as well as a PhD in Biology
and an MS in Health Policy and Administration from the U of I. He is certified by the American
Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Addiction Medicine.
Chris Molle, an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, is Executive Director of
the American Indian Council, an American Indian employment program funded by the U.S.
Department of Labor. Working with the American Indian Council for 34 years, Molle has been
involved with American Indian communities in Missouri, Kansas and Iowa, assisting individuals
with overcoming barriers to employment. She has served six terms on the Native American
Employment and Training Council which advises the U.S. Secretary of Labor regarding Native
American work programs. Her passion is educating professionals in providing more culturally
appropriate services to American Indians.
Keynote Presenter - Debra Neal, LCPC, BACC, NCGC II, President of Pathways to
Empowerment, is a licensed clinical professional counselor, internationally certified substance
abuse counselor, nationally certified compulsive gambling counselor, BACC, and Motivational
Interviewing Trainer (MINT). With her specialized training and twenty years of clinical
practice, she has three specialty areas: compulsive disorders (gambling, work addiction,
substance abuse), marriage and relationships and depression/ anxiety. Using motivational
interviewing, her focus is engaging and retaining individuals and families for longer term
change. Especially, Debra, has a heart and commitment towards strengthening engagement and
outcomes for clients from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Kirk Nesset currently serves as part of the gambling prevention staff at MECCA Services
(Prelude Behavioral Health). He has been in his current role for 3.5 years (4 in June). During
that time his focus has been to provide prevention education for adolescents in grades 6-12
and for individuals within the correctional system. Kirk holds two bachelor degrees from Iowa
State University (History and Communication Studies) and has 12 years of training/education
and development experience. His main focus with prevention is seeing every day as an
educational opportunity.
Ki Park, Ph.D. is a Senior Research Scientist at the CSBR. He holds a PhD in community and
behavioral health with emphasis in health communication from the College of Public Health at
the University of Iowa. He has been part of CSBR research team since research collaboration
with Iowa Gambling Treatment Program (Iowa Department of Public Health/Division of
Behavioral Health) initiated more than 10 years ago.
Megan Petra, PhD, MSW, Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker, is an Assistant
Professor of Social Work at the University of Toledo. She is interested in the reducing the harm
of addictive disorders on family members of those with addictions, and problems related to
addictions such as intimate partner violence and mental/physical health disorders. A licensed
social worker, Dr. Petra’s research agenda is informed by over 20 years of social work practice
and research experience in prevention, treatment, and harm reduction for both addictions and
intimate partner violence.
Eric M. Preuss, M.A., ICAADC, CCS, LICDC is the Program Manager for the Iowa Gambling
Treatment Program (Iowa Department of Public Health/Division of Behavioral Health) and has
been with the department since 2010. Since July of 2013, Eric provides daily functional
oversight of all state-wide IGTP activities (treatment, prevention, helpline, data, NIATx, health
promotion, QA, and research). Prior to joining IDPH, Eric spent over 20 years as a counselor,
educator, and leader in the areas of substance use disorder treatment and homelessness. He
holds a Master's degree from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio.
Keynote Presenter - Kevin A. Sabet, Ph.D. has practiced, researched, and written about drug
policy for almost 20 years. In 2000, he served in the Clinton Administration as a drug policy
researcher and from 2003-2004 he was the senior drug policy speechwriter in the Bush
Administration. From 2009-2011, he was a senior drug policy advisor to President Obama’s
drug control director, making him the only drug policy staffer to have ever served as a political
appointee in a Democrat and Republican administration. In 2013, he co-founded, with former
Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy, Project SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana), which
advocates for an approach to marijuana policy focused on health and recovery. He is also the
Director of the Drug Policy Institute at the University of Florida. Kevin is the author of dozens
of monographs, peer-reviewed journal articles, and op-eds, and his first book, Reefer Sanity:
Seven Great Myths about Marijuana, was published 2013.
Ethan Sahker previously worked as a Certified Addictions Counselor II at an inpatient
therapeutic community in Denver, CO. He is currently a PhD student in counseling psychology
at the University of Iowa. In addition, he works as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Iowa
Consortium for Substance Abuse Research and Evaluation. His research interest is in the
association of referral source and treatment completion.
Beth Sarver, BFA is a visionary thought leader in the Kansas City metro area. As an artist,
educator and community builder she brings a dynamic and interactive energy to her talks,
workshops and consultation services. As the Trauma Outreach Coordinator for Truman
Medical Center Behavioral Health, Beth has developed a comprehensive and engaging
curriculum for differentiating instruction on Trauma-informed Care, Resilience and Secondary
Trauma. Her work with Trauma Sensitive Schools and Secondary Trauma for First Responders
has made her a highly sought after master trainer and creative thought leader. She received
her Bachelors in Fine Art from the University of Kansas.
Kate Speck, Ph.D., MAC, LACD is a Senior Research Manager with the University of Nebraska,
Public Policy Center. She has 35 years’ experience in the field of addictions. Kate provides
facilitation and training to behavioral health professionals on Motivational Interviewing,
clinical supervision, Assessing & Managing Suicide Risk, disaster preparedness, and
Psychological First Aid. She teaches graduate courses in addictions, theory and ethics at the
post-secondary level. From 2002 to 2006, she served on the Nebraska Advisory Committee for
Problem Gambling.
Charles Spence, LIMHP, LMHC, CDGC is the Executive and Clinical Director of Spence
Counseling Center in Omaha, NE. He has been providing trauma oriented disorder gambling
treatment for individuals since 2001. He has presented for several years in the Omaha metro
area. He currently sits on the certification board for the Nebraska Commission on Problem
Gambling. Spence Counseling has held a contract with the State of Nebraska and the
Commission to provide gambling treatment services since 2001. He is a Master’s level therapist
and holds the following licenses/certifications LIMHP, LMHC, CDGC. He has worked with
varying levels of trauma ranging from normative to PTSD and DID. He has also consulted on
numerous cases while training over 25 therapists in the treatment of trauma and gambling
over the last 18 years.
Pat Stilen, LCSW, Director of Mid-America ATTC located at the UMKC School of Nursing and
Health Studies, is a clinical social worker with over 30 years’ experience in the behavioral
health field. Her experience includes directing and managing medical and community setting
addiction treatment programs. Stilen was a member of the CSAT committee which revised the
Addiction Counselor Competencies: The Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of Professional
Practice. She was one of the authors of the NIDA Blending Product, “Treatment Planning
M.A.T.R.S.” and the cultural awareness curriculum, “Through the Diamond Threshold:
Promoting cultural Competency in Understanding American Indian Substance Misuse.”
Dr. Jeremiah Weinstock, Ph.D. a clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor at Saint Louis
University, completed his PhD at the University of Memphis and a postdoctoral fellowship at
University of Connecticut Health Center’s Alcohol Research Center. Dr. Weinstock’s research
specializes in interventions for addictive behaviors (e.g., motivational interviewing, cognitive
behavioral therapy, contingency management) with a specific emphasis on gambling disorder
and exercise as intervention for other addictions. His research is funded by the National
Institutes of Health and the National Center for Responsible Gaming. He has over 30
publications in academic journals and has provided training on the treatment of gambling
disorder.
Robert Welsh is currently the Program Manager: MSC/UCMO. He spent 10 years in law
enforcement, 25 years as Program Manager of Breath Alcohol/Impaired Driving Program, 14
years as a Drug Evaluation and Classification (DRE), as well as 10 years as a DRE Instructor.
Robert holds a MS Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Central
Missouri and a BS Degree in Law Enforcement from the College of the Ozarks.