Speakers for the next NCAD will be announced in early 2019. Below are speakers from 2018.
Michael Liao MSW
Director of Programs
NICOS Chinese Health Coalition
Michael Liao is the director of programs at NICOS Chinese Health Coalition, a San Francisco-based public-private-community partnership of more than 30 health and human service organizations. Liao’s career in social work has spanned various settings, including child welfare, domestic violence prevention, supervised visitation, mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Over the past 15 years, he has provided cultural competency, problem gambling, and domestic violence training and technical assistance to community-based organizations, professional groups, and governmental agencies throughout the state of California. In 2006, Liao published in the Journal of Family Violence his primary research on the relationship between problem gambling and domestic violence in the Chinese community.
Director of Programs
NICOS Chinese Health Coalition
Michael Liao is the director of programs at NICOS Chinese Health Coalition, a San Francisco-based public-private-community partnership of more than 30 health and human service organizations. Liao’s career in social work has spanned various settings, including child welfare, domestic violence prevention, supervised visitation, mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Over the past 15 years, he has provided cultural competency, problem gambling, and domestic violence training and technical assistance to community-based organizations, professional groups, and governmental agencies throughout the state of California. In 2006, Liao published in the Journal of Family Violence his primary research on the relationship between problem gambling and domestic violence in the Chinese community.
Erin Liposky MS, CAC-AD
Addictions Counselor
Kolmac Outpatient Recovery Centers
Erin Liposky has more than seven years of experience as a substance abuse counselor and has been in recovery for more than 29 years. She currently serves as the lead clinician for the intensive outpatient program at Kolmac Outpatient Recovery Center’s Gaithersburg, Maryland, office. She holds a master’s of science in addictions counseling and is a certified addictions counselor in the state of Maryland.
Addictions Counselor
Kolmac Outpatient Recovery Centers
Erin Liposky has more than seven years of experience as a substance abuse counselor and has been in recovery for more than 29 years. She currently serves as the lead clinician for the intensive outpatient program at Kolmac Outpatient Recovery Center’s Gaithersburg, Maryland, office. She holds a master’s of science in addictions counseling and is a certified addictions counselor in the state of Maryland.
Stacie Lucius LCMHC, MLADC
Chief of Clinical Services
WestBridge
Stacie Lucius is a licensed clinical mental health counselor who has been working in the field since 2004. Prior to joining WestBridge, Lucius provided direct clinical care in a number of settings including residential, hospital, school and community-based outpatient. Her areas of interest and clinical practice include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, engaging families in treatment, and working with the population of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Lucius first joined WestBridge in March 2011 as a care manager and became team leader of the multidisciplinary Assertive Community Treatment Team in 2013. In January 2017, she moved into her current position of director of supervision and education. In addition to maintaining some direct clinical care with participants and families, Lucius provides clinical supervision, training and leadership throughout the organization.
Chief of Clinical Services
WestBridge
Stacie Lucius is a licensed clinical mental health counselor who has been working in the field since 2004. Prior to joining WestBridge, Lucius provided direct clinical care in a number of settings including residential, hospital, school and community-based outpatient. Her areas of interest and clinical practice include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, engaging families in treatment, and working with the population of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Lucius first joined WestBridge in March 2011 as a care manager and became team leader of the multidisciplinary Assertive Community Treatment Team in 2013. In January 2017, she moved into her current position of director of supervision and education. In addition to maintaining some direct clinical care with participants and families, Lucius provides clinical supervision, training and leadership throughout the organization.
Andrew Martin MBA, LAADC
COO
Behavioral Health Association of Providers
Andrew Martin is the chief operating officer of the Behavioral Health Association of Providers, a national trade association that provides regulatory and compliance resources to behavioral health and addiction treatment professionals. His extensive experience in the addiction treatment industry includes founding Serene Scene, a monthly magazine with a circulation approaching 30,000 subscribers. He also launched The Evolution of Addiction Treatment Conference and developed LocateTreatment.com, a directory of addiction treatment resources. Martin spearheaded Serene Center, a 36-bed transitional sober living and outpatient treatment facility for those in early recovery. He has also authored three books: “Effective Time Management for High Achievers,” “Point of Return Book One,” and “Point of Return Book Two.”
COO
Behavioral Health Association of Providers
Andrew Martin is the chief operating officer of the Behavioral Health Association of Providers, a national trade association that provides regulatory and compliance resources to behavioral health and addiction treatment professionals. His extensive experience in the addiction treatment industry includes founding Serene Scene, a monthly magazine with a circulation approaching 30,000 subscribers. He also launched The Evolution of Addiction Treatment Conference and developed LocateTreatment.com, a directory of addiction treatment resources. Martin spearheaded Serene Center, a 36-bed transitional sober living and outpatient treatment facility for those in early recovery. He has also authored three books: “Effective Time Management for High Achievers,” “Point of Return Book One,” and “Point of Return Book Two.”
Lisa Marzilli PharmD, CDE
Clinical Pharmacist, Research and Education
Dominion Diagnostics
Lisa Marzilli holds a Doctorate of Pharmacy Degree and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Rhode Island, is a diabetes educator, and an adjunct professor at the University of Rhode Island. She has worked in the home infusion/oncology industry and community pharmacy since 1989, focusing primarily on outpatient educational services and wellness programs in disease-state-management. In 2009, she began working at Dominion Diagnostics, initially focusing on medication monitoring in pain management and addiction recovery, and then continued into clinical research and education. She speaks at many National Symposiums on various topics such as New Psychoactive Substances, Basic Pharmacology/Pharmacokinetics, Neurobiology of Addiction, Mindfulness and Yoga in Addiction Recovery/Behavioral Change, and has been awarded multiple honors and distinctions. In March 2015, she began working with several Rhode Island physicians and provides medication therapy management (MTM) services to patients, works collaboratively with nurse care managers, physicians, mid-level providers, and office staff as part of the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model of care. She is also a certified yoga teacher (RYT) and began her studies in 2002 at The White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara. She has continued her studies in both the philosophy and physical practice of yoga. Lisa teaches weekly classes in Providence and Peacedale, Rhode Island.
Clinical Pharmacist, Research and Education
Dominion Diagnostics
Lisa Marzilli holds a Doctorate of Pharmacy Degree and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Rhode Island, is a diabetes educator, and an adjunct professor at the University of Rhode Island. She has worked in the home infusion/oncology industry and community pharmacy since 1989, focusing primarily on outpatient educational services and wellness programs in disease-state-management. In 2009, she began working at Dominion Diagnostics, initially focusing on medication monitoring in pain management and addiction recovery, and then continued into clinical research and education. She speaks at many National Symposiums on various topics such as New Psychoactive Substances, Basic Pharmacology/Pharmacokinetics, Neurobiology of Addiction, Mindfulness and Yoga in Addiction Recovery/Behavioral Change, and has been awarded multiple honors and distinctions. In March 2015, she began working with several Rhode Island physicians and provides medication therapy management (MTM) services to patients, works collaboratively with nurse care managers, physicians, mid-level providers, and office staff as part of the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model of care. She is also a certified yoga teacher (RYT) and began her studies in 2002 at The White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara. She has continued her studies in both the philosophy and physical practice of yoga. Lisa teaches weekly classes in Providence and Peacedale, Rhode Island.
Jennifer Mathis PhD, LPC
Director of Trauma, Intern & Outpatient Services
Calvary Healing Center
Jennifer Mathis is the creator of the In-Lightened L.I.F.E. program and director of trauma, intern and outpatient services at Calvary Healing Center in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a nationally certified counselor, master addiction counselor with co-occurring disorders, licensed professional counselor, approved supervisor for the state of Arizona and certified EMDR therapist. Mathis’ clinical experience and expertise includes a multitude of areas with specialization in co-occurring disorders, addictions and trauma. She uses an integrative, strength-based client-focused approach to address a variety of behavioral health concerns in adults.
Director of Trauma, Intern & Outpatient Services
Calvary Healing Center
Jennifer Mathis is the creator of the In-Lightened L.I.F.E. program and director of trauma, intern and outpatient services at Calvary Healing Center in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a nationally certified counselor, master addiction counselor with co-occurring disorders, licensed professional counselor, approved supervisor for the state of Arizona and certified EMDR therapist. Mathis’ clinical experience and expertise includes a multitude of areas with specialization in co-occurring disorders, addictions and trauma. She uses an integrative, strength-based client-focused approach to address a variety of behavioral health concerns in adults.
Philip McCabe CSW, CAS, CDVC, DRCC
Health Educator, Adjunct Instructor
Rutgers School of Public Health, NALGAP Inc
Philip T. McCabe CSW, CAS, CDVC, is a certified social worker as well as a nationally certified addiction specialist in the areas of compulsive gambling, alcoholism, tobacco, other drugs and sex addiction. McCabe is a health educator for Rutgers School Of Public Health and an instructor for Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers School of Nursing, providing training on cultural competency, working with lesbian gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. He serves on the board of directors of the National Association of Lesbian & Gay Addiction Professionals, and holds the position of president. McCabe was appointed by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to the state’s Board of Social Work Examiners in 2014.
Health Educator, Adjunct Instructor
Rutgers School of Public Health, NALGAP Inc
Philip T. McCabe CSW, CAS, CDVC, is a certified social worker as well as a nationally certified addiction specialist in the areas of compulsive gambling, alcoholism, tobacco, other drugs and sex addiction. McCabe is a health educator for Rutgers School Of Public Health and an instructor for Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers School of Nursing, providing training on cultural competency, working with lesbian gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. He serves on the board of directors of the National Association of Lesbian & Gay Addiction Professionals, and holds the position of president. McCabe was appointed by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to the state’s Board of Social Work Examiners in 2014.
John McIlveen PhD, LMHC
Program Manager
Oregon Health Authority, State Opioid Treatment Authority
John McIlveen, PhD, LMHC, currently serves as the State Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA) for the State of Oregon. He received his doctorate in counselor education/mental health counseling from Florida Atlantic University, in Boca Raton, Florida. He is a licensed mental health counselor, has several years of direct clinical experience in treating patients with alcohol and drug disorders, and was the former director of assessment and education and associate director of research at a large substance use disorder treatment facility for several years. McIlveen has also worked as a consultant in the areas of education, assessment and research in substance use. Additionally, he has coordinated research studies on addiction, co-morbid disorders, family systems, spirituality and mood disorders, has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. He has been a frequent presenter at national conferences and symposiums.
Program Manager
Oregon Health Authority, State Opioid Treatment Authority
John McIlveen, PhD, LMHC, currently serves as the State Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA) for the State of Oregon. He received his doctorate in counselor education/mental health counseling from Florida Atlantic University, in Boca Raton, Florida. He is a licensed mental health counselor, has several years of direct clinical experience in treating patients with alcohol and drug disorders, and was the former director of assessment and education and associate director of research at a large substance use disorder treatment facility for several years. McIlveen has also worked as a consultant in the areas of education, assessment and research in substance use. Additionally, he has coordinated research studies on addiction, co-morbid disorders, family systems, spirituality and mood disorders, has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. He has been a frequent presenter at national conferences and symposiums.
Mark McMillan, LMSW, CAADC LMSW, CAADC
Behavior Health and Addiction Therapist
Joe Kort & Associates
Mark McMillan, LMSW, CAADC, specializes in recovery issues and diverse populations. After completing his bachelor’s degree in social work, he joined the Peace Corps and served as an HIV/AIDS education volunteer in Bangkok, Thailand. He obtained his master’s degree from Wayne State University, with a concentration in substance abuse and addiction. McMillan has several years of personal recovery experience navigating the health barriers facing diverse populations, especially with creating safe spaces that are inclusive and respectful to all. In addition, he is a facilitator of sensitivity trainings and has experience working with inclusion and microaggression issues from an LGBTQA+ perspective.
Behavior Health and Addiction Therapist
Joe Kort & Associates
Mark McMillan, LMSW, CAADC, specializes in recovery issues and diverse populations. After completing his bachelor’s degree in social work, he joined the Peace Corps and served as an HIV/AIDS education volunteer in Bangkok, Thailand. He obtained his master’s degree from Wayne State University, with a concentration in substance abuse and addiction. McMillan has several years of personal recovery experience navigating the health barriers facing diverse populations, especially with creating safe spaces that are inclusive and respectful to all. In addition, he is a facilitator of sensitivity trainings and has experience working with inclusion and microaggression issues from an LGBTQA+ perspective.
Darah Meyer MSW, LCSW
Patient Services Manager
University of Colorado Hospital Health System
Darah H Meyer, MSW, LCSW is a Clinical Social Worker with over twelve years of experience working in a variety of behavioral health care settings. Over the past eight years, Darah has been working at the University of Colorado Hospital where she has provided clinical behavioral health care in an academic medical setting and oversaw the training and education of masters-level social work interns. Ms. Meyer is currently the manager of outpatient behavioral health services for University of Colorado Hospital where she oversees the operations of two outpatient primary substance abuse clinics and the outpatient psychiatry clinic.
Patient Services Manager
University of Colorado Hospital Health System
Darah H Meyer, MSW, LCSW is a Clinical Social Worker with over twelve years of experience working in a variety of behavioral health care settings. Over the past eight years, Darah has been working at the University of Colorado Hospital where she has provided clinical behavioral health care in an academic medical setting and oversaw the training and education of masters-level social work interns. Ms. Meyer is currently the manager of outpatient behavioral health services for University of Colorado Hospital where she oversees the operations of two outpatient primary substance abuse clinics and the outpatient psychiatry clinic.
Jes Montgomery MD
Chief Medical Officer
Envision Hope Technology
Dr. Montgomery has been in the field of addiction since 1986 as an Addictionologist and since 1995 as a psychiatrist. He has worked with the LGBT community throughout his career, including 3 years as the Local Medical Director for PRIDE, Texas. His interest in the losses of recovery from addiction and mental health issues has grown through the course of his career. He has presented in various venues on addiction, problematic sexual behavior, ethics and grief and loss.
Chief Medical Officer
Envision Hope Technology
Dr. Montgomery has been in the field of addiction since 1986 as an Addictionologist and since 1995 as a psychiatrist. He has worked with the LGBT community throughout his career, including 3 years as the Local Medical Director for PRIDE, Texas. His interest in the losses of recovery from addiction and mental health issues has grown through the course of his career. He has presented in various venues on addiction, problematic sexual behavior, ethics and grief and loss.
Siobhan Morse MHSA, CRC, CAI, MAC
Division Director of Clinical Services, CRC, CAI, MAC
Foundations Recovery Network
As Director of Clinical Services, Siobhan Morse is charged with spearheading the research, clinical operations management and new product development for Foundations Recovery Network, the Addiction Services Division of Universal Health Services, Inc. Ms. Morse regularly presents original research worldwide, has published multiple articles in peer reviewed scientific journals, and conducts education within the addiction services network. Ms. Morse joined Foundations Recovery Network in 2012 as Director of Research and Fidelity for Foundations Recovery Network, after having served for six years as Executive Director for the National Institute for Holistic Addiction Studies. Earlier in her career, she conducted clinical trials supporting new drug development for pharmaceutical manufacturers bringing new, life-saving medication to market. Ms. Morse holds a Master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Florida International University. As an Adjunct Professor at Florida International University, Ms. Morse taught Program Planning and Evaluation for the College of Urban and Public Affairs. She holds her certifications as an ARISE Interventionist and as a Master Addiction Counselor. Ms. Morse also currently serves as voluntary adjunct faculty at Baylor College of Family Medicine.
Division Director of Clinical Services, CRC, CAI, MAC
Foundations Recovery Network
As Director of Clinical Services, Siobhan Morse is charged with spearheading the research, clinical operations management and new product development for Foundations Recovery Network, the Addiction Services Division of Universal Health Services, Inc. Ms. Morse regularly presents original research worldwide, has published multiple articles in peer reviewed scientific journals, and conducts education within the addiction services network. Ms. Morse joined Foundations Recovery Network in 2012 as Director of Research and Fidelity for Foundations Recovery Network, after having served for six years as Executive Director for the National Institute for Holistic Addiction Studies. Earlier in her career, she conducted clinical trials supporting new drug development for pharmaceutical manufacturers bringing new, life-saving medication to market. Ms. Morse holds a Master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Florida International University. As an Adjunct Professor at Florida International University, Ms. Morse taught Program Planning and Evaluation for the College of Urban and Public Affairs. She holds her certifications as an ARISE Interventionist and as a Master Addiction Counselor. Ms. Morse also currently serves as voluntary adjunct faculty at Baylor College of Family Medicine.
Harry Nelson JD, Esq.
Chairman
Behavioral Health Association of Providers
Born in Brazil and raised in suburban Detroit, Harry Nelson has become a leader nationally in tackling the most difficult healthcare challenges facing America. Harry has been called on to resolve messy issues around patient safety in prescribing and addiction medicine, fraud and reimbursement. He also has been a leader in defining the pathway for emerging models of care based on telehealth and digital technologies, as well as groundbreaking therapeutics, including CBD and cannabis. At the urging of clients confused about the future of U.S. healthcare, he co-authored the 2017 book, From ObamaCare to Trumpcare: Why You Should Care. In addition to his day job as managing partner of a leading healthcare/life sciences law firm, he serves as the board chair and has been a driving force behind the Behavioral Health Association of Providers (BHAP), a national education and advocacy organization that works to develop standards to improve the quality and safety of addiction treatment and behavioral health. His work in developing standards through BHAP was the impetus for his book about the opioid crisis.
Chairman
Behavioral Health Association of Providers
Born in Brazil and raised in suburban Detroit, Harry Nelson has become a leader nationally in tackling the most difficult healthcare challenges facing America. Harry has been called on to resolve messy issues around patient safety in prescribing and addiction medicine, fraud and reimbursement. He also has been a leader in defining the pathway for emerging models of care based on telehealth and digital technologies, as well as groundbreaking therapeutics, including CBD and cannabis. At the urging of clients confused about the future of U.S. healthcare, he co-authored the 2017 book, From ObamaCare to Trumpcare: Why You Should Care. In addition to his day job as managing partner of a leading healthcare/life sciences law firm, he serves as the board chair and has been a driving force behind the Behavioral Health Association of Providers (BHAP), a national education and advocacy organization that works to develop standards to improve the quality and safety of addiction treatment and behavioral health. His work in developing standards through BHAP was the impetus for his book about the opioid crisis.
Pete Nielsen MA, CADC-II
Chief Executive Officer
California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP)
Pete Nielsen is the chief executive officer for the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP), CCAPP Credentialing, and CCAPP Education Institute. Nielsen played a major role in navigating the consolidation of the California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors and the California Association of Addiction Recovery Resources. He is currently the co-chair for the criminal justice credential for the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium and is on the advisory board for the Behavioral Health Association of Providers. Additionally, he is chair of the workforce development group for the Youth Advisory Group with the Department of Health Care Services and is trained as a marriage family therapist intern.
Chief Executive Officer
California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP)
Pete Nielsen is the chief executive officer for the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP), CCAPP Credentialing, and CCAPP Education Institute. Nielsen played a major role in navigating the consolidation of the California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors and the California Association of Addiction Recovery Resources. He is currently the co-chair for the criminal justice credential for the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium and is on the advisory board for the Behavioral Health Association of Providers. Additionally, he is chair of the workforce development group for the Youth Advisory Group with the Department of Health Care Services and is trained as a marriage family therapist intern.
Isabel Nino-de-Guzman Ph.D., CSAT-S
Author, Clinical Psychologist, Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist-Supervisor
The Meadows
Isabel Nino-de-Guzman, PhD, is a clinical psychologist from Peru, where she was involved in academia as a professor and researcher, and is author and co-author of several publications. She works in the United States with patients reporting severely compulsive and addictive sexual patterns. Nino-de-Guzman performed the first study utilizing latent cluster analysis to identify patterns of interaction between sexual addiction, mental health disorders and maladaptive personality patterns. Additionally, Nino-de-Guzman conducts highly specialized psychosexual assessments on patients with sexually addictive behaviors and dual disorders and utilizes multi-modal individual and group techniques to help these individuals to overcome their dysfunction.
Author, Clinical Psychologist, Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist-Supervisor
The Meadows
Isabel Nino-de-Guzman, PhD, is a clinical psychologist from Peru, where she was involved in academia as a professor and researcher, and is author and co-author of several publications. She works in the United States with patients reporting severely compulsive and addictive sexual patterns. Nino-de-Guzman performed the first study utilizing latent cluster analysis to identify patterns of interaction between sexual addiction, mental health disorders and maladaptive personality patterns. Additionally, Nino-de-Guzman conducts highly specialized psychosexual assessments on patients with sexually addictive behaviors and dual disorders and utilizes multi-modal individual and group techniques to help these individuals to overcome their dysfunction.
Joshua Noblin MEd
Therapist
Beacon House
Josh Noblin of Beacon House in Pacifica Grove, California, has experience working in a number of treatment settings. Noblin approaches addiction from a psychodynamic perspective grounded in attachment theory and neuropsychobiology. This approach is a natural outcropping of his PhD dissertation at Pacifica Graduate Institute entitled, “Living Adopted: The Experiences of People Adopted During Their Toddler Years.” His current research is focused on increasing understanding of applying attachment theory to group psychotherapy.
Therapist
Beacon House
Josh Noblin of Beacon House in Pacifica Grove, California, has experience working in a number of treatment settings. Noblin approaches addiction from a psychodynamic perspective grounded in attachment theory and neuropsychobiology. This approach is a natural outcropping of his PhD dissertation at Pacifica Graduate Institute entitled, “Living Adopted: The Experiences of People Adopted During Their Toddler Years.” His current research is focused on increasing understanding of applying attachment theory to group psychotherapy.
Suki Norris JD
Senior Knowledge Engineer
The Echo Group
Suki Norris is celebrating 24 years with the Echo Group and has more than 35 years of experience in healthcare including healthcare law, managed care and behavioral health. Norris has extensive experience with Medicaid waivers, meaningful use and the Excellence in Mental Health Act. She has worked extensively in data analysis, including analysis of big data in support of clients and ongoing research. Her knowledge of behavioral health law has been sought by customers across the country as they address specific needs such as electronic health record implementation, understanding waivers, capitation, value-based payment structures and interoperability.
Senior Knowledge Engineer
The Echo Group
Suki Norris is celebrating 24 years with the Echo Group and has more than 35 years of experience in healthcare including healthcare law, managed care and behavioral health. Norris has extensive experience with Medicaid waivers, meaningful use and the Excellence in Mental Health Act. She has worked extensively in data analysis, including analysis of big data in support of clients and ongoing research. Her knowledge of behavioral health law has been sought by customers across the country as they address specific needs such as electronic health record implementation, understanding waivers, capitation, value-based payment structures and interoperability.
James Norton BA, EMT, PFS
Grant Coordinator
Community Coalition for Family Wellness, The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Council
Since July 2015, James Norton has worked for the Prevention Council of Saratoga County as coordinator for the Partnership for Success. Previously, Norton has held positions in foster care, law enforcement and EMS. He is currently enrolled in a master’s criminal justice program focused on Homeland Security and emergency management at Excelsior College. He holds a BA in Criminal Justice from SUNY Plattsburgh, as well as paralegal and EMT certifications from SUNY Broome.
Grant Coordinator
Community Coalition for Family Wellness, The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Council
Since July 2015, James Norton has worked for the Prevention Council of Saratoga County as coordinator for the Partnership for Success. Previously, Norton has held positions in foster care, law enforcement and EMS. He is currently enrolled in a master’s criminal justice program focused on Homeland Security and emergency management at Excelsior College. He holds a BA in Criminal Justice from SUNY Plattsburgh, as well as paralegal and EMT certifications from SUNY Broome.