Joshua Grubbs, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the University of New Mexico and an investigator at the Center on Alcohol, Substance use, And Addictions, where he studies compulsive sexual behavior disorder, gambling disorder, and personality traits. He is especially interested in the social construction of addiction and understanding what leads people feel out of control in their behavior. More simply, he studies how people come to think of themselves as having a behavioral addiction and why people might arrive at the conclusion that they have a behavioral addiction.   With over 175 peer-reviewed scientific publications to his name, his work provides a foundational understanding of how emerging platforms—including mobile sports betting, internet gambling, and digital gaming—intersect with behavioral addiction and mental health. His expertise is frequently sought in high-stakes legal and regulatory matters, where he has provided extensive expert witness testimony and consultation on cases involving industry practices, state statutes, and the clinical nuances of compulsive behaviors. By bridging the gap between rigorous longitudinal research and the practical realities of the modern wagering environment, he offers an evidence-based perspective on the risk factors, diagnostic criteria, and societal impacts of gambling in the 21st century.

Dr. Florence M. Chee is Associate Professor of Digital Communication in the School of Communication, Affiliate Faculty in the Department of Computer Science, and Director of the Center for Digital Ethics and Policy (CDEP) at Loyola University Chicago. Her book, Digital Game Culture in Korea: The Social at Play (Bloomsbury), critiques stereotypes about gamers and game addiction by taking an up close and personal look at the social and cultural roles that games fulfill in everyday life.

Sought out as a speaker, writer, and advisor, her sociotechnical interventions inform and influence decisions made in design, development, and policy arenas that include games at the forefront of the most pressing issues facing digitally mediated communities. Florence Chee is founding director of the Social & Interactive Media Lab (SIMLab) based in Chicago, USA.

Paulette O’Gilvie, PhD, MBA, CLERGY, CCGC is an accomplished multidisciplinary scholar and academic leader whose work centers on culturally grounded approaches to gambling prevention, stigma reduction, and community well-being. Focused on ecological determinants, socio-economic factors, and cultural impacts of gambling, Dr. O’Gilvie brings an interdisciplinary lens that bridges research, policy, faith-informed practice, and community engagement, making her a compelling voice for audiences working at the intersection of behavioral health, social justice and community advocacy.

Dr. O’Gilvie serves as Faculty Chair and Associate Professor of Human Services and Behavioral Studies at American Baptist College, where she leads academic initiatives on ethical leadership, prevention, and culturally responsive programs. Her practice critically examines how inequities, language, and professional bias shape gambling prevention, access to care, and help-seeking behaviors across diverse communities.

Dr. O’Gilvie’s peer-reviewed work includes studies on casino proximity, poverty, prevention, and urban casino communities, published in Humanities & Social Sciences Communications. She has also provided professional analyses for Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO) and several newsletters. Her forthcoming book chapter, “Reflections from the field: Faith, prevention and the power of social expression,” appears in Leading the Way: Unity Through Community (Harvard Education Press).

As a keynote speaker, Dr. O’Gilvie is known for translating complex research into accessible, community-centered insights that resonate with practitioners, community advocates and leaders, policymakers, and educators. Her work is especially relevant across historically marginalized communities, where stigma, cultural norms, and systemic barriers often silence or complicate conversations around gambling and hinder prevention and help-seeking. She emphasizes culturally responsive engagement, inclusive language, and cross sector collaboration as essential components of effective gambling prevention.

Dr. O’Gilvie holds a Distinguished PhD in Multidisciplinary Human Services from Capella University, an MBA from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, and advanced executive certificates from Johns Hopkins, Cornell University, and Teachers College at Columbia University. She holds the International Clergy Lay/Minister Certification and the Collegiate Counselor Gambling Certification (CCGC) from the International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization (IPGGC), supporting her work across faith, academic, collegiate, and community settings.

Dr. O’Gilvie invites conference participants into a shared conversation about breaking stigma, honoring cultural resilience, and advancing prevention strategies that are ethical, inclusive, and grounded in community voice. Her work underscores a central message of this conference: meaningful change happens when research, culture, and compassion move forward together.

Dr. Asha Rao OTD, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist and early intervention provider practicing in the suburbs of Northern Illinois. Her background in disability and mental health spans across clinical practice, qualitative research, and capacity building in public policy and non-profit sectors. Dr. Rao is the founder & ED of The Chicago Kasam which is a non-profit organization (501c3) focused on uniting the Chicagoland South Asian community across the diaspora and generations, while strategically connecting creatives and professionals to fuel the missions and visions of both parties

Mimi Tsang, MPH is a Program Manager at Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA). Mimi earned her Master of Public Health with a focus on Health Behavior Promotion from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. At MAHA, she oversees substance use, gambling, and bullying prevention programs, leading public health outreach and awareness across Chicago’s Southwest Side. Passionate about education and health equity, Mimi raises awareness about substance use and gambling-related harms while working to reduce stigma in underserved communities, including Asian American populations. She partners with youth, schools, and local organizations to deliver accessible resources, facilitate workshops, promote harm reduction, and support early prevention efforts.

Dave Wohl is a seasoned professional with a diverse background and over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. With a passion for improving patient care and healthcare systems, Dave holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University, a Master of Science in Sports Medicine from West Virginia University, and an MBA from Western Governors University. Additionally, Dave is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), demonstrating a commitment to leadership excellence within the healthcare field.
Before joining ICPG in 2023, Dave held various roles within healthcare, ranging from direct patient care to department management and hospital administration.  With a wealth of experience, Dave brings a unique perspective and leadership to ICPG.

Ben Yew is a second-generation Korean-American and a dedicated advocate in the field of addiction recovery. Drawing from lived experience with compulsive gambling and cross-addictions, Ben has become a prominent voice for awareness, speaking at conferences for the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems (DCGP) and appearing on podcasts such as ODAAT Gambling Awareness and Connections: Healthy Gambling and Gaming. His mission is to share his story to expose the devastation of gambling addiction and to provide insight into navigating the journey of recovery. 

Jane Wong is the author of the memoir Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City (Tin House, 2023), winner of the 2024 Washington State Book Award. She also wrote two poetry collections: How to Not Be Afraid of Everything (Alice James, 2021) and Overpour (Action Books, 2016). She is the recipient of a Pushcart Prize and fellowships and residencies from the U.S. Fulbright Program, Harvard's Woodberry Poetry Room, Artist Trust, Hedgebrook, Ucross, Loghaven, the Barbara Deming Memorial Fund, and others. An interdisciplinary artist as well, she has exhibited her poetry installations and performances at the Frye Art Museum, Richmond Art Gallery, and the Asian Art Museum. She grew up in a Chinese American take-out restaurant on the Jersey shore and is an Associate Professor at Western Washington University.

Brianne Doura-Schawohl is founder and CEO of Doura-Schawohl Consulting LLC, a boutique global government relations firm that specializes in problem and responsible gambling policy. She most recently served as Vice President of US Policy and Strategic Development for EPIC Risk Management, a global harm prevention consultancy, conducting work in over 24 countries. Prior to her role at EPIC, Brianne served as Legislative Director for the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Her experience includes over a decade of leadership in advocacy, public policy, government affairs, and communications.

Doura-Schawohl’s practice spans a wide range of work with executive and legislative branch officials and private sector stakeholders at the international, federal, state, and local levels of government. She has a history of achievements in State and United States Congressional legislative work, including a diverse portfolio of complex problem gambling policy issues. This continues to be invaluable in her ability to make a difference on behalf of people with gambling problems around the world.

Doura-Schawohl works with Congress and numerous state legislatures and regulators to provide expert advice on gambling policy. She continues to work with stakeholders on both sides of the aisle. Additionally, she has been featured in international, national, state, and local media, including ABC News, Bloomberg, CBS, CNBC, Forbes, ESPN, The Athletic, The Financial Times, The New York Times, The Washington Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, CBC and others. 

Brianne was named one of the top lobbyists in 2023 and 2022 by ‘The Hill’, named one of the top 100 lobbyists in 2022 and 2021 by the National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics (NILE), was featured as one of the 25 People to Watch in 2022 by Global Gaming Business, an honoree of the 2023 class of 40 under 40 Emerging Leaders in Gaming, is an honoree of the 2023-2024 ‘10 Women Rising in Gaming’ by Global Gaming Women and CDC Gaming Reports and named one of the top 10 most influential women in gaming in 2023 by iGB. In 2019 she was appointed as a member of the Digital Gaming Advisory Group for the State of Hawaii and continues to serve on various coalitions. 

In 2020 and 2021 she was a guest faculty member for Seton Hall Law School at their Gaming Law, Compliance, and Integrity Program and continues to be a guest lecturer for the University of Minnesota, Global Institute for Responsible Sport Organizations, and at Bradley University. Doura-Schawohl presents at conferences and other public events on gaming policy across the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia. 

Doura-Schawohl serves on the Board of Directors for Kindbridge Behavioral Health and is a member of the leadership team of the NILE Next Gen Executives committee, a group committed to advancing educational & networking opportunities for the next generation of leaders within the government relations profession. She is a member of the National Council on Problem Gambling military affairs committee.

Mrs. Doura-Schawohl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Mary Washington. She is a proud military spouse and resides in Fairfax, Virginia with her family.

Adam Lyons, IGRS, is a compulsive gambler in recovery and the host of The Modern Meeting podcast. After nearly two decades of addiction impacting every part of his life, he sought help through Gamblers Anonymous on February 8, 2022, a turning point that changed everything. He created The Modern Meeting to bring honest recovery conversations beyond the walls of meetings, reduce stigma, and remind people they are not alone. Adam is also the Customer Success Manager at Evive and co-host of Evive Live with Christina Cook.

Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC is an international speaker and consultant in behavioral health whose presentations have reached thousands throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, West Indies and Guam. He is the recipient of four lifetime achievement awards including the prestigious NAADAC Enlightenment Award. He was one of three finalists for the National Association for Addiction Professionals 50th Anniversary Legends Award. Mark is also the recipient of the Illinois Certification Board's Professional of the Year Award, The Illinois Certification Board, Jessica Hayes Lifetime Achievement Award and The Barbara Bacon Award for outstanding contributions to the social work profession as a Loyola University of Chicago alumni.

Mark is the author of five books on behavioral health recovery. Recent writings include: Slipping Through the Cracks: Intervention Strategies For Clients With Multiple Addictions Disorders and Relationship Detox: A Counselors Guide To Helping Clients Develop Healthy Relationships In Recovery. He was lead writer on a trauma informed gun violence prevention curriculum which is being implemented in several large cities in the United States. His groundbreaking monograph Recovery Management co-authored with historians William White and Earnest Kurtz helped shift addictions treatment and recovery from the acute care model solely towards a Recovery Oriented System of Care. Mark has had two stories published in the New York Times bestselling book series, Chicken Soup for The Soul.

Mark has also had a 30 year career as a university educator having taught at The University of Chicago, Loyola University of Chicago and Illinois State University School's of Social Work. He is co-founder of Serenity Academy Chicago, a program which sponsors recovery-oriented peer groups in local high schools.

Brent Van Ham, MS, RN, CDC, CADC,  holds a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Rehabilitation Counseling and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, specializing in Addiction prevention, treatment and recovery. He is also a Registered Nurse with many years of experience in multiple clinical settings, including physical-medical rehabilitation and medical-surgical care. Brent is especially interested in novel approaches to address health and resource disparities affecting rural and minority populations, with focus on behavioral health and substance use issues

Alyssa N. Wilson, PhD., BCBA-D, LBA is an Associate Professor of Psychology at California State University, Fresno. She received her Ph.D in Rehabilitation with an emphasis in Behavior Analysis and Therapy from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D) and is a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Missouri and Nevada. She is the co-author of The Gambling Disorder Treatment Handbook: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals and chapter in the Social Work Desk Reference v 4 on Gambling Disorders. She is also the co-author of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Gambling Disorders, a guide for clinicians. Dr. Wilson has delivered over fifty national and international presentations related to gambling assessment and treatment, and her research has been showcased on Netflix’s Bill Nye Saves the World.  When she is not working, you can find her spending time with family, painting, or cooking a vegetarian friendly meal.

Jim Wilkerson is the Administrator of Gambling Initiative Programs for the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/SUPR).  Jim is responsible for the development of gambling disorder awareness programming, research, provider training, and recovery services in Illinois.  Jim holds a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois.  He is an Adjunct-Professor teaching at Millikin University, a 2021 Operational Research Society Griffiths Medal winner, and an Institute on Rehabilitation Issues (IRI) Scholar.  

Dave Wohl is a seasoned professional with a diverse background and over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. With a passion for improving patient care and healthcare systems, Dave holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University, a Master of Science in Sports Medicine from West Virginia University, and an MBA from Western Governors University. Additionally, Dave is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), demonstrating a commitment to leadership excellence within the healthcare field.
Before joining ICPG in 2023, Dave held various roles within healthcare, ranging from direct patient care to department management and hospital administration.  With a wealth of experience, Dave brings a unique perspective and leadership to ICPG.

Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, IGDC, CGT is a highly regarded gambling addiction expert working extensively across the globe with individuals, organizations, and associations. She is the CEO of The Better Institute, a group practice located in Pittsburgh. She is the co-author of The Gambling Disorder Treatment Handbook: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals (2021) and 2 chapters in the Social Workers Desk Reference v 4 on Gambling and Gaming Disorders, published in 2022. She serves as an Advisor to several startup and non-profits organizations including GamFin, Birches Health, and Seagulls Flock in the Philippines. She also serves as an Emeritus board member for the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB). Jody holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work and has several certifications with the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (ICGC-II, IGDC, BACC, CGT).

 When Jody isn’t working, you can find her providing pet therapy with her dog, Hanna, and supporting her husband’s business, Pittsburgh Guitars. Please email jody@betterinstitute.com or visit www.BetterInstitute.com to contact Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, IGDC, CGT.

Alyssa N. Wilson, PhD., BCBA-D, LBA is an Associate Professor of Psychology at California State University, Fresno. She received her Ph.D in Rehabilitation with an emphasis in Behavior Analysis and Therapy from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D) and is a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Missouri and Nevada. She is the co-author of The Gambling Disorder Treatment Handbook: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals and chapter in the Social Work Desk Reference v 4 on Gambling Disorders. She is also the co-author of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Gambling Disorders, a guide for clinicians. Dr. Wilson has delivered over fifty national and international presentations related to gambling assessment and treatment, and her research has been showcased on Netflix’s Bill Nye Saves the World.  When she is not working, you can find her spending time with family, painting, or cooking a vegetarian friendly meal.

Robin Witt is the director of relationship dynamics at The Better Institute.  She believes relationship improvements lead to family system improvements.  She is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania and is a certified alcohol and abuse counselor as well as a level 1 internationally certified gambling counselor. 

Matt Missar, LSW, ICGC-I, IGDC, is a licensed social worker with The Better Institute and a graduate from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work. Matt holds a Master of Social Work degree with a focus in Direct Practice and certificate in Mental Health. Matt has certification as an Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor Level I (ICGC-I) and has also obtained his International Gaming Disorder Certificate (IGDC). In his clinical practice Matt works with individuals with various mental health concerns, including but not limited to problematic gambling and gaming. Much of Matt’s recent clinical work and research has focused on the convergence of gambling and gaming.

Dianne Williams, ICB Senior Operations has been a member of the ICB staff since November 1999. Her area of expertise is assisting members with the application and examination process from beginning to end. Ms. Williams is also the editor of the ICB Newsletter. She has traveled throughout the state of Illinois to promote the ICB credentials and is ready to assist individuals with the entire credentialing process.

Daniel Trolaro currently serves as the Managing Director of Education and Fair Play for IC360, a global leader in sports betting integrity. Previously, he was the Assistant Executive Director for the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, better known as (800 GAMBLER) where he became a prominent voice in addressing emerging trends in sports betting, fantasy sports, gambling and youth gaming.

Dan’s expertise is uniquely shaped by his academic background in Psychology and Finance, as well as a 12-year career in high-stakes investment banking at firms like Goldman Sachs. However, his most profound insights come from his lived experience. Having worked downtown and after witnessing the tragic events of September 11, 2001 firsthand, Dan started to suffer in silence without a guiding voice. After a long, private battle with a gambling disorder and a life-altering journey through the criminal justice system, Dan began his recovery in February 2010.

Today, he is dedicated to turning 'suffering into success.' He co-hosts the 'Hello My Name Is Craig' podcast with Radio and TV personality Craig Carton and has shared his story with Mark Laita on his YouTube channel, Soft White Underbelly. A passionate advocate for youth literacy, Dan has been instrumental in developing specialized curricula to help educators navigate the modern convergence of gaming and gambling.

Robin Witt is the director of relationship dynamics at The Better Institute.  She believes relationship improvements lead to family system improvements.  She is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania and is a certified alcohol and abuse counselor as well as a level 1 internationally certified gambling counselor. 

Linda Uphoff is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and International Certified Gambling Counselor (Level I) who specializes in youth and young adult problem gambling, with a particular focus on sports betting addiction. Linda brings a dual perspective to this work—as both a clinician and an affected family member who has navigated the impact of gambling addiction firsthand. She holds a master’s degree in counseling from Northwestern University and an MBA in finance, giving her a unique understanding of both the emotional and financial dimensions of gambling harm. Linda is co-founder and Vice President of Parents Standing Together, the first parent-led organization supporting families affected by youth gambling harm. Through her clinical practice, advocacy, and speaking engagements, Linda works to break the silence and shame that surround gambling addiction in families and to connect affected parents with the practical guidance and specialized support they need.

Christina Cook, IGRS, is the founder of The Broke Girl Society, a peer-led community and podcast that creates safe, empowering spaces for women impacted by gambling harm. An international speaker and dedicated recovery advocate, she draws on her lived experience with disordered gambling to support others through the emotional, financial, and social realities of rebuilding a life in recovery. Christina also serves as the Business Manager for Evive, supporting individuals and families impacted by gambling harm, and as Executive Secretary of the International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Board.

Adam Lyons, IGRS, is a compulsive gambler in recovery and the host of The Modern Meeting podcast. After nearly two decades of addiction impacting every part of his life, he sought help through Gamblers Anonymous on February 8, 2022, a turning point that changed everything. He created The Modern Meeting to bring honest recovery conversations beyond the walls of meetings, reduce stigma, and remind people they are not alone. Adam is also the Customer Success Manager at Evive and co-host of Evive Live with Christina Cook.