Featured Speakers
Facilitators
Anthony Andrews, PhD, LCMHC-S, LCAS, CRC
Anthony Andrews, PhD, LCMHC-S, LCAS, CRC, is co-owner of Andrews Counseling and Consulting, PLLC. Andrews also works as a professor of rehabilitation counseling in a CACREP accredited counselor education program. His research interests include education-related rehabilitation to the mass incarceration and recidivism of African American males. He also has research interests in trauma-informed care, mentorship, and disability. Andrews' educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, and a Doctoral degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Counselor Education. Andrews has over seven years of experience as a clinical rehabilitation counselor. He is a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC), licensed clinical addictions specialist supervisor, board certified tele-mental health provider (BC-TMH), and licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor (LCMHC-S) in North and South Carolina and in the District of Columbia.
Travis S. Andrews, PhD, LCMHC-S, LPCC, CRC
Travis S. Andrews, PhD, LCMHC-S, LPCC, CRC, is a co-owner at Andrews Counseling and Consulting, PLLC, and a counselor educator in a CACREP accredited counselor education program. In addition, Andrews has over ten years of experience as a clinical mental health and rehabilitation counselor. Andrews is a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC), national certified counselor (NCC), board certified telemental health provider (BC-TMH), licensed professional clinical counselor supervisor (LPCC-S) in Kentucky, and licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor (LCMHCS) in North Carolina. Andrews' research interests include the underrepresentation of African American males in counselor education programs, employment outcomes for people with psychiatric disabilities, school to work transition services for youth with learning disorders, and culturally responsive practice in rehabilitation and mental health counseling.
Phyllis Barnette, MA, LCAS, CCS
Phyllis Barnette, MA, LCAS, CCS, is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina. Barnette provides quality servant leadership and professional services in her community with a commitment to implementing progressive solutions to health and social issues. She offers more than 20 years of experience as an administrator, advocate, clinician, and trainer in the field of substance use disorders. Academically disciplined with a Master's degree in Community Mental Health Counseling from UNCC, a license as a clinical addictions specialist (LCAS), and a certification as a clinical supervisor (CCS) with the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board (NCASPPB), Barnette serves as the Substance Abuse Professional position on the Mecklenburg County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC).
Jacqueline Battalora, PhD
Jacqueline Battalora, PhD, is the author of Birth of a White Nation: The Invention of White People and Its Relevance Today 2nd ed. (New York: Routledge Press, 2021). She is an attorney and professor of sociology at Saint Xavier University, Chicago, and a former Chicago Police Officer. Battalora is an editor for the Journal of Understanding and Dismantling Privilege. She completed her law degree and came to Chicago to practice. Her interest in the role of law in creating human difference shaped her graduate work at Northwestern University, where she received her Doctoral degree. She is listed with the National Speakers Association and is represented by SpeakOut.
Lisa Connors, LCPC, NCC, MAC, ABD
Lisa Connors, LCPC, NCC, MAC, ABD, is an associate pastor at In His Image International Ministry, Inc. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor, national certified counselor, and master addiction counselor. Her greatest passion is working with individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use disorders, mental health disorders, violence, abuse, trauma, grief, loss, and racial and social injustices. Connors’ clinical work includes serving clients who have co-occurring disorders. In addition to her pastoral and clinical work, Connors is a college professor teaching chemical dependency and substance use disorder courses and is a founding member and the President-Elect of the Maryland Association for Addiction Professionals (MAAP). Connors earned her Bachelor's in Social Work, Master's of Divinity, Master's in Professional Counseling, and is completing her Doctoral degree in Psychology.
Curtis Dorsey, MEd, CCS, CADC-II, ICGC-II
Curtis Dorsey, MEd, CCS, CADC-II, ICGC-II, is an undergraduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and a post-graduate of Lesley University Cambridge (MA). As a Master’s prepared counseling educator, he has over 20 years of experience and specializes in addition counseling with clinical and instructional experience related to both chemical and behavioral addictions. He is currently working for the Grady Health System in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition, he provides clinical supervision for those seeking initial and recertification for addiction and gambling counseling as a board approved clinical consultant for the National Counsel for Problem Gambling.
Carmela Drake, PhD, LPC-S, NCC, CAADP
Carmela Drake, PhD, LPC-S, NCC, CAADP, is an associate professor and program coordinator for the undergraduate Addiction Studies program at Alabama State University (ASU). She possesses a Doctoral degree in Human Services from Capella University. She is a licensed professional counselor and clinical supervisor (LPC-S) and a national certified counselor (NCC) with two addiction certifications in the state of Alabama: certified adolescent alcohol and drug professional (CAADP) and certified compulsive gambling counselor, level III (ACGC-III). She has worked in the field of addictions for over 20 years and serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the Council on Substance Abuse in Montgomery, Alabama.
Kathy FitzJefferies, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Kathy FitzJefferies, LCSW, LCAS, CCS, has 40 years of experience as a clinical addiction social worker. Throughout the course of her career, FitzJefferies has worked in a variety of drug treatment and mental health settings. Half her career she has spent providing substance prevention and treatment in several North Carolina school districts, including her current position as the Program Manager for Safe and Drug-Free Schools. Within her private practice, Practical Applications, FitzJefferies provides clinical supervision and facilitates educational programs. She has presented at local, state, national, and international conferences. FitzJefferies is committed to the work of racial justice within her personal, faith, and professional life. She is a member of NAADAC’s committee, the Critical Issues in the Black Community Committee.
Rommel Johnson, PhD, LPC, NCC, CAADC
Rommel Johnson, PhD, LPC, NCC, CAADC, is an assistant professor in the School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. Johnson holds a Doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from Western Michigan University and Master of Arts degrees in Community Counseling and Youth Ministry from Andrews University. Johnson is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the states of Michigan and Texas, and is board certified in general counseling (NCC) and addiction counseling (CAADC). Johnson has over 14 years of clinical mental health and addiction counseling experience. Johnson’s research interests include exploring brain neuroplasticity in addiction and recovery and understanding issues of race, social justice, disability, addiction, and mental health within Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latinx Americans.
Brandon Jones, MA
Brandon Jones, MA, is the Executive Director of Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health and also is a consultant. He specializations in adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), historical and intergenerational trauma, social/emotional intelligence (EQ), leadership, and intercultural development inventory (IDI). Jones holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Minnesota, a Master’s degree in Community Psychology from Metropolitan State University, and a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy (MFT) from Adler Graduate School. Jones is also a 2013 Bush Foundation Leadership Fellow. He lives by the motto of “live life with purpose on purpose.”
Chanelle Lawson, PhD, LCAC, CADAC II, CCS
Chanelle Lawson, PhD, LCAC, CADAC II, CCS, has over 20 years of experience working with adults and adolescents with severe and persistent mental illness, serious emotional and behavioral disorders, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. Lawson is the Executive Administrator of Offer a Hand Up Counseling, LLC, established in Indianapolis, IN. She is dedicated to offering individuals a helping hand up from the despairs of mental health and addiction through recovery support, education, counseling, groups, and referrals. Lawson is a certified life coach, licensed clinical addictions counselor (LCAC), level II certified alcohol and drug coordinator (CADAC II), certified clinical supervisor (CCS), and medication assisted treatment specialist (MATS). She is also a Stephen’s Minister and a spiritual care volunteer at a women’s hospital.
Bakahia Madison, PsyD, LCPC, CADC
Bakahia Madison, PsyD, LCPC, CADC, has been recognized for her work in several professional arenas including education, direct practice, leadership, board membership, and advocacy. She is the chair and tenured professor of the Human Services and Substance Abuse Counseling Program at Oakton Community College and co-founded the Illinois Coalition of Family Based Treatment. Madison serves as the co-chair of the Women’s Committee - Illinois Advisory Council of Substance Use Disorders. She was appointed to the Illinois Public Health Department Maternal Mortality Review Committee - Violent Deaths and is a former member of the IDPH Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Committee. She serves as a member of the Women and Gender Studies Committee at Oakton Community College. Madison was recently awarded into the Hall of Fame - Online Museum of African American Addictions, Treatment and Recovery - and was named one of 2019’s Most Distinguished Women of Illinois.
Peter D. Mott, MA, ICPS, LCDC
Peter D. Mott, MA, ICPS, LCDC, has been in the behavior health profession for over 20 years. He is a Master’s level licensed clinician. Mott’s behavioral health experience has been based in an acute care hospital, residential, and outpatient treatment settings. For the last three years, he served as program director for a comprehensive IOP treatment program specializing in chronic pain, dependency, and opioid use disorders. Mott was elected to the Texas Certification Board in 2020 and he is the Immediate-Past President of the Houston Chapter TAAP. In August of 2020, Mott was selected to serve on NAADAC’s newly created committee, Critical Issues in the Black Community. He was voted Member of the Year for the Houston Chapter TAAP in 2018 and Counselor of the Year in 2016.
Renata L. Nero, PhD
Renata L. Nero, PhD, is a retired professor of psychology and Sharon K. Burrows professor from Houston Baptist University (HBU). During her 25 year tenure at HBU, she served as Chair of the Psychology Department, Director of Graduate Programs in Psychology, and Program Coordinator for Pre-Professional Art Therapy and School Psychology programs. Currently, Nero is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice and Chair of the Executive Board for the Ashley Jadine Foundation – a suicide awareness and prevention organization. She is a former president of the Southwest Region Board of Directors for the Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) and holds platinum advocate membership in the Texas Psychological Association. Nero earned a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and completed pre- and post-doctoral internship training at Baylor College of Medicine.
Joe Powell, LCDC
Joe Powell, LCDC, is in long term recovery with 31 years free of alcohol and other drugs. He is the President/CEO of the Association of Persons Affected by Addiction (APAA) in Dallas, TX, a recovery community organization that provides peer-to-peer mental health and substance use recovery support services for individuals, family members, and the community. Powell has been a licensed chemical dependency counselor for over 25 years. He has a broad base of expertise regarding all aspects of behavioral health service delivery systems and their impact on families. He specializes in areas regarding recovery community support services, systems of care, and the holistic recovery management process. Powell is a servant leader, lifelong learner, innovator and initiator of telehealth peer recovery support services, and a national subject matter expert in the peer recovery movement. He is originally from Harlem, NY.
Monica Rich-McLaurin, MHSA, MSW, LMSW
Monica Rich-McLaurin, MHSA, MSW, LMSW, is a clinician with over 25 years of experience. She is the CEO/Founder of Paramount Consulting Group, PLLC, which provides accreditation preparation services to organizations that provide behavioral health services, children and youth services, and opioid treatment programs. Rich-McLaurin is also the CEO of Resolution Counseling & Therapy Services, PLLC, which provides direct clinical services to adults. She is an administrative and program surveyor for CARF International, an accrediting body for the majority of behavioral health, medical rehabilitation, and opioid treatment organizations around the world. Rich-McLaurin is the Chairwoman of the NASW National Ethics Committee, active within NAADAC as a member of the Critical Issues in the Black Community Committee, chair of the Ethics Committee, and a board member of the Michigan Association of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors (MAADAC).
Bayete A. Sadiq
Bayete A. Sadiq is a native Washingtonian who grew up in the D.C. metropolitan area. Throughout his early years, Sadiq had multiple encounters with the criminal justice system which eventually resulted in his incarceration of 11 years and three months of a 30-year sentence for murder. While incarcerated, Sadiq began to embrace the mindset that his life had purpose and began his transformation while he was detained. Since his release, Sadiq turned his clothing line, #Never Going Back, LLC, into a life of service. As a community activist, Sadiq helps other returning citizens to gain employment, advocates for mental health services, volunteers with Farming for Hunger, and is the Vice President of Incarcerated Lives Matters. Sadiq is a modern day example of reform.
Karla Sapp, Edd, LPC-S, LMHC-S, MAC
Karla Sapp, EdD, LPC-S, LMHC-S, MAC, is a fierce social justice, legislative, and public policy advocate who has been practicing for 13 years specializing in general mental health and addictions counseling among the adult and criminal offender populations. Sapp is currently a member of the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCA-GA), a member of the Florida Counseling Association, and serves as the Public Awareness and Legislative/Public Policy Committee Chair. Sapp has experience working in a variety of settings including in-patient acute hospitalization, outpatient, and correctional settings. She is the founder of Project H.O.P.E of Coastal Georgia, Inc., located in Southeast Georgia. Sapp was the recipient of a Congressional One Minute by U.S. Congressman E. Buddy Carter (GA-01) on the U.S. House floor in February 2021.
Prechelle Shannon, LPC, MAC, CCTP
Prechelle Shannon, LPC, MAC, CCTP, holds a dual Master’s degree in Administration of Justice and Criminal Behavior. She is a licensed professional counselor, master addiction counselor, and certified clinical trauma professional. Shannon has over 18 years of clinical and criminal justice experience. She is the CEO and Co-Founder of 4TRUTH, a criminal justice consultant firm with specializations in the Prison Rape Elimination Act, gender and cultural specificity, diversity, equity and inclusion, and organizational and leadership transformation. She is the co-author of, “From Revelations, Vol. III: Prisoner of the New Jim Crow," an exploration of the human condition of confinement, touching every vestige of systemic discrimination and criminalization of race, gender, and economic station from a first-hand perspective that is raw, interpersonal, and provocative. Shannon is passionate about criminal justice reform, reentry initiatives, and ensuring communities of color receive culturally specific, holistic care and equitable representation.
Thurston S. Smith, MPA, LAC/s, CCS
Thurston S. Smith, MPA, LAC/S, CCS, is a project team member for Paramount Consulting Group, PLLC. He has over 25 years of experience in criminal and juvenile programming, mental health, and children and youth services. Smith serves as Administrative and Program Surveyor for CARF International and adjunct faculty member for Union University. He is a retiree of the U.S. Veterans Health Administration and he held a variety of leadership positions during his civil service career. Smith serves as a community organizer, public policy activist, and advocate against poverty and racial injustice. He is the recipient of the 2020 Presidential Service Award and 2021 NAADAC Mel Schulstad Professional of the Year Award. Smith is an associate minister, certified coach/mentor, licensed counselor, and clinical supervisor, and is currently serving his second term on the Tennessee Community Resource Board for the Tennessee Department of Corrections.
Samson Teklemariam, LPC, CPTM
Samson Teklemariam, LPC, CPTM, is the Vice President of Clinical Services for Behavioral Health Group (BHG). He is an accomplished leader with a history of driving organizational results with learning and development solutions. Known for implementing initiatives that support organizational priorities and produce measurable outcomes, he has been a leader in the field of addiction treatment for over ten years. He was formerly the Director of Training and Professional Development for NAADAC. He is a certified lead trainer for the Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Substance Abuse (CBISA) curriculum, Calm Every Storm: Crisis Prevention & Intervention curriculum, and experienced in treating trauma-related disorders using trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TFCBT) and Seeking Safety. Teklemariam previously worked for Phoenix House Foundation as the National Director of Learning and Development.
Helena Washington, MEd, LCDC, ICADC, MAC
Helena Washington, MEd, LCDC, ICADC, MAC, is a licensed addiction specialist and mental wellness and behavioral health diversity authority. She has over 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and family systems. Her passion is using a holistic and collaborative approach to mental wellness, as well as educating communities, organizations, and corporations. As a CBT/DBT trained practitioner, Washington is also trained in Trauma & Grief Component Therapy-Adolescents and Adults, a part of the Texas Children’s Collaborative Group for trauma care and trauma-informed care. Presently, she runs her private practice and behavioral health consulting firm, Helena Washington Consulting & Coaching, a subsidiary of BraveBird Recovery and Wellness, PLLC, in Houston, Texas. Washington is the President of the Houston Chapter Texas Association of Addiction Professionals Board (a NAADAC affiliate).