2nd Annual African American Conference on Problem Gambling

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.  

Kellie Gage, M.S., CAADC is the Program Manager for Statewide Gambling Disorder Treatment Services at the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/SUPR) where she began her career in state government, as the Gambling Initiative Specialist in August 2001. 

In her current role she participates in oversight on the development and implementation of statewide treatment and outreach services, statewide gambling training, public awareness and helpline services for individuals in need of treatment and resources related to gambling disorder. Kellie has served in the substance use field for the past 32 years as a clinician, program manager and trainer. She is credentialed as a Certified Advanced AODA Counselor (CAADC) through the Illinois Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc. 

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. Serena King received her M.A and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Minnesota and is a Licensed Psychologist. She is Full Professor of Psychology at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She publishes widely in addiction, mental health, and gambling. Her published work has appeared in journals such as Addiction, Public Health, International Gambling Studies, Journal of Gambling Studies, and Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.  She has an active research and clinical agenda with a variety of collaborations in the areas of gambling, gaming disorder, and substance use. Dr. King was the recipient of an early career research grant from the International Center for Responsible Gaming and has served as a consultant for grants from the Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling.  Dr. King has led several community-level and large-scale research studies on problem gambling, and developed prevention and outreach programs in the Southeast Asian Refugee community of Minnesota. She conducts trainings for individuals, agencies, and treatment centers.  Dr. King developed the first formal collaboration between the Hazelden-Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies and an undergraduate psychology program and cares deeply about training the next generation of addiction and mental health professionals.  She develops psychoeducational materials for community leaders and health care professionals in the areas of addiction, mental health, and problem gambling.

Dr. Haskins is a retired Counselor Educator (25 years) and received her Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola College, Maryland. Dr. Haskins is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, an Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor- II, Board Approved Clinical Consultant, Master Addictions Counselor, and IGCCB Certified Gambling Trainer.  She is President Emerita of the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling and is a recognized leader for over 30 years in disordered gambling and over 35 years in cultural humility, health equity, and community wellness.  She received the 2021 National Council on Problem Gambling Monsignor Joseph Dunne Lifetime Achievement Award for Advocacy.

Malik Keene is an addiction recovery coach, sobriety life coach, and certified peer recovery specialist. He has been clean from alcohol and drugs since September 2021, abstinent from gambling since March 2022, and overcame a nicotine addiction/smoking cigarettes in October 2023. Malik is also the successful owner of K&M Delivery/Moving Inc. (www.KMmovinginc.com), a business he has operated since 2001.

In 2021, during his time in rehab, Malik discovered his true passion and God-given purpose: to help others who are struggling with addiction or have relapsed. His mission is to guide individuals who desire to stop their addictive behaviors and begin their recovery journey.

In just over three years of recovery, Malik has already impacted over 100 peers in active addiction. He provides resources, serves as a mentor, leads support groups, and coaches individuals. Malik is committed to helping people during their most vulnerable times. His lived experience enables him to show compassion for individuals going through challenging situations and assist them with customized recovery plans.

Malik has volunteered with Tree of Hope Organization and has worked full-time with Maryland Treatment Centers and the Stop Triage Engage Educate Rehabilitate (STEER) Program in Montgomery County, Maryland. He currently serves as a Peer Recovery Specialist for the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health and works with the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) program.

Malik has shared his story on various platforms, including rehab facilities, shelters, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, and Gamblers Anonymous (GA) meetings. MOSAIC Consulting and Counseling Services has featured his recovery story, and his testimony of overcoming gambling has been shared in Africa, inspiring and also helping many compulsive gamblers throughout the U.S.

Malik recently launched Amazing Grace Recovery, LLC, and plans to help thousands break free from the chains of addiction with his signature step-by-step method. He is also the author of “Overcoming Addiction Through G.R.A.C.E., An Inspirational Guide and a Path to Sustained Recovery, which he recently wrote to help those struggling with addiction break free from the chains of bondage.

To learn more or contact Malik about his coaching program, visit www.MalikKeene.com.

Pastor Annette Barker serves alongside her husband as senior pastor of Christian Unity Church in Bellwood, Illinois. They are blessed with three sons and one granddaughter. A proud alumna of School District 89, Pastor Annette attended Irving Elementary School and Proviso East High School.

As a devoted Maywood resident and community advocate, Pastor Annette is dedicated to serving her community and redefining the role of a compassionate, strong woman of faith. Her messages of love, hope, and strength aim to build character, spread joy, and bridge cultural and community divides.

Pastor Annette is passionate about empowering youth. As CEO of Girls and Boys Succeed Mentoring Academy and leader of Christian Unity Children's Church Club, she helps youth build self-esteem and discover their gifts and talents. She also mentors young mothers and guides youth toward moral and spiritual growth through Strengthening Proviso Youth My Mentors Organization.

A published author and motivational speaker, Pastor Annette’s viral messages have inspired countless lives. She founded the Woman Arise Empowerment movement, celebrating women's achievements and encouraging them to break barriers and rise to their full potential.

As founder and lead ambassador of The King Daughters Ministry, Pastor Annette has awarded over $40,000 in educational and hardship scholarships through the Katherine Dugan Scholarship Fund. She serves on several boards, including:

• School District 89 Educational Foundation (Board Member)
• Proviso Township Ministers Alliance Network (PTMAN) (Director of Communications)
• Pink Diva & Gents Breast Cancer Awareness (Chaplain)

Pastor Annette’s educational background includes certifications from:

• Illinois State University
• Triton Jr. College
• Chicago Baptist Institute
• American Integrity Christian Chaplain Association
• Certified Life Coach Institute

Her motto is: "Always give your best because your best makes better." Pastor Annette believes the formula for life is found in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Her extensive community service and leadership have earned her a reputation as a compassionate, driven, and inspiring force for positive change.