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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Dr. Kasra Ghaharian completed his Ph.D. and M.S. at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, William F. Harrah College of Hospitality. He is currently Director of Research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, International Gaming Institute. Ghaharian's research centers around data science applications in the gambling industry. His most recent work explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and gambling, which seeks to understand the ethical issues and risks associated with this emerging technology.

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.

Dr. Holly Sawyer, affectionately known as Dr. Holly, is an author and scholar-practitioner as a licensed professional counselor (LPC), certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor (CAADC), credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor (CASAC), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) and DOT qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) who specializes in substance and process addictions. She offers clinical supervision services to those seeking licensure. For over 20 years, she has been teaching in the areas of k-12, Adult Basic Education and Higher Education. She has been a Program Director and Assistant Clinical Professor of Drexel University’s Masters in Addictions Counseling (MAC) program in Philadelphia, a clinical director at an intensive outpatient treatment facility and a clinical supervisor of a methadone clinic. She is also an international mental health public speaker and has been featured in USA Today, on Philadelphia's Fox News 29 and more.

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.

Dr. Holly Sawyer, affectionately known as Dr. Holly, is an author and scholar-practitioner as a licensed professional counselor (LPC), certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor (CAADC), credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor (CASAC), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) and DOT qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) who specializes in substance and process addictions. She offers clinical supervision services to those seeking licensure. For over 20 years, she has been teaching in the areas of k-12, Adult Basic Education and Higher Education. She has been a Program Director and Assistant Clinical Professor of Drexel University’s Masters in Addictions Counseling (MAC) program in Philadelphia, a clinical director at an intensive outpatient treatment facility and a clinical supervisor of a methadone clinic. She is also an international mental health public speaker and has been featured in USA Today, on Philadelphia's Fox News 29 and more.

Dr. Rory Reid holds a master’s degree in social work and a doctorate in clinical psychology with a dual emphasis in Neuropsychology and Marriage and Family Therapy. He completed his post-doctoral fellowship in the Department of Psychiatry at UCLA and additional post-doctoral training in clinical research at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Reid recently relocated to Las Vegas leaving behind his 12-year career as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA and accepting a position as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UNLV. Dr Reid is an International Certified Gambling Counselor and the Director of the Gambling Addiction Treatment Center in Las Vegas working with problem gamblers and their loved ones. He has published numerous research articles on problem gambling in scientific journals and has worked with hundreds of individuals, couples, and families negatively impacted by various addictions and other mental health issues. His work has been featured in press outlets such as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, TIME magazine, as well as TV specials on ABC, CBS and Fox News. He serves on the editorial boards for several peer-reviewed journals and has trained and educated mental health professionals, industry specialists, government organizations, and community audiences around the world on problem gambling 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.

Bianca D. McCall has experienced championships in sports, education, and in healthcare. She is a TED Speaker and renowned mental health expert. A licensed clinical therapist, with 25 years in Behavioral Health, and 12 years a Healthcare CEO. Bianca is an Adivsory Member with the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC); a committee formed by the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and certification specialist for the Centers for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT) Region 9, housed at the University of Nevada, Reno. She has authored and instructed foundational courses for pre and post service members, for Pathways in Crisis Services, Trauma-Informed Crisis Care & Ethics, and the Reach-In Now™ WellXcel Health Course- a best practice model for Clinical Education, Professional Standards, and Technology in the National Strategies for Public Health and Suicide Prevention through 2030.