Train the Trainer

Kellie Gage, Ph.D., M.S., CAADC, is the Program Manager for Statewide Gambling Disorder Treatment Services at the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (IDHS/DBHR). She began her career in state government in August 2001 as the Gambling Initiative Specialist. In her current role, Kellie provides oversight for the development and implementation of statewide treatment and outreach services, gambling-specific training, public awareness campaigns, and helpline services for individuals in need of treatment and resources related to gambling disorder. Kellie earned her Doctorate in Counseling and Psychological Studies with a concentration in Crisis and Trauma and holds a Master of Science degree. She has dedicated over 34 years to the substance use and behavioral health field as a clinician, program manager, and trainer. She is credentialed as a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CAADC) through the Illinois Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc.

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.