Dr. Lipi Roy is a physician, TEDx speaker, media personality, entrepreneur, and host of the YouTube series, Health, Humor and Harmony. In July 2023, she founded SITA MED, a health speaking and training company addressing stress-related conditions such as addiction, mental
illness, and sleep disorders. Having trained doctors, judges, journalists, executives, and beyond, Dr. Roy rose to the challenge of serving on the frontlines of the pandemic as the Medical Director of COVID Isolation and Quarantine Sites for Housing Works in New York City. She also
treated patients with opioid use disorder at a harm reduction clinic in the Bronx while working at multiple COVID vaccination sites. She currently treats patients with opioid use disorder at Greenwich House Center for Healing. Dr. Roy is co-authoring a book on women and addiction with Hilary Phelps to published by Hay House in 2027, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

As an MSNBC & NBC Medical Contributor, Dr. Roy made over 350 live television appearances discussing COVID-19. Dr. Roy’s work spans academia, clinical medicine, homeless health, social and criminal justice, public speaking, media and entertainment. As the former Chief of Addiction Medicine for Rikers Island, Dr. Roy oversaw substance use treatment and recovery services at the nation’s 2nd largest jail complex. Dr. Roy also serves as clinical assistant professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Previously, Dr. Roy served as a primary care doctor to Boston's homeless population among whom the leading cause of death was drug overdose. She also served as an attending physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and as faculty at Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Roy completed her medical and master’s in public health degrees at Tulane University, followed by residency training in internal medicine at Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Roy serves as a member of the Duke NY Board and is an active member of the Tulane and University of Toronto New York Chapters.

Dr. Roy’s mission is to educate and empower the public to make healthy decisions. As a former Forbes contributor who has interviewed medical experts such as Dr. Peter Hotez, media icons like Katie Couric, and celebrities such as Mary J. Blige and Ice-T, Dr. Roy is one of the world’s trusted experts in health communication. She has appeared on multiple media outlets, including CNN, The Tamron Hall Show, NewsNation, and CBS New York, and has been featured in The New York Times, Boston Globe, Wall Street Journal, Cooking Light, Oprah.com, and many others. Dr. Roy can be followed on Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, SITA MED, and her YouTube channel (subscribe for free!)

Geoff Hulse is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Criminal Defense Specialist with an extensive background in providing rigorous legal representation to clients in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and the surrounding areas. This past October 3rd, Geoff celebrated 18 years sober and 39 years of marriage to his beautiful bride, Lee. Geoff is aware every day that if he didn't have the 18 years he wouldn't have the 39 with the love of his life.

Geoff's unwavering dedication to justice and his deep understanding of the criminal justice system make him a trusted advocate for those facing legal challenges.

On January 28, 2022, the North Carolina State Bar presented him with the John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award. The award program honors North Carolina attorneys who have demonstrated exemplary service to the legal profession. He also recently received the 2023 Cornerstone Award from the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce for his dedication to the Goldsboro community.

Geoff earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of North Carolina in 1979 before going on to obtain his Juris Doctor from Campbell University School of Law in 1985.

As a dedicated member of the legal community, Geoff is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the North Carolina Bar Association and the North Carolina Advocates for Justice. His commitment to the Goldsboro community extends beyond his legal practice, as evidenced by his involvement with various local organizations such as:

Former Chair, Wayne Community College Board of Trustees
Friends of the Wayne County Public Library
Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation
Wayne County Boys & Girls Club
Flynn Christian Fellowship Home
Wayne Charitable Partnership
Former North Carolina State Bar Councilor, 8th Judicial District

Geoff has also demonstrated his dedication to service through former board memberships with:

United Way of Wayne County
Wayne County Chamber of Commerce
Arts Council of Wayne County
Goldsboro Country Club
Vestry of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
Wayne County Board of Elections

BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKER

Understanding Trauma: Foundations for Trauma-Informed Services and Workplaces

Deena Fulton has over a decade of experience in public health, violence prevention, and improving service systems. She has served as a program director, an organizational leader, a government funder for local non-profits, and currently as the Principal Consultant at D. Fulton Consulting. Through all of her work, Deena prioritizes deep respect for every person’s inherent dignity, strong relationships, and doing what she can to contribute to a more just world.

This session will introduce participants to the foundations of trauma and its wide-ranging effects on the brain and behavior. Participants will explore how trauma shapes client decision-making and system involvement, as well as its impact on providers, including risks of secondary trauma and burnout. With this shared understanding, the session will guide participants through key principles of implementing trauma-informed approaches in both client-facing work and organizational culture. Emphasis will be placed on creating environments that promote safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment—for both clients and staff.

BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKER

Recovery Courts in NC

Kirstin Frescoln, PhD, CPM, is a Court Management Specialist with the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts, where she is part of the team that supports the state’s recovery courts. She has more than 30 years of experience developing, implementing, and evaluating community-based programs and policies to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable individuals and families. She has worked at the local, state, and federal level; former positions include North Carolina Drug Treatment Court Manager, Senior Associate with the Center for Children and Family Futures, Senior Consultant for the National Drug Court Institute, Senior Research Associate with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for Urban and Regional Studies, and Maternal, Infant, and Child Home Visiting Coordinator with the North Carolina Division of Public Health, Children, and Youth. She is a Certified Public Meetings Facilitator and Mediator and has a doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Public Manager Certification from North Carolina State University, and a bachelor’s in Foreign Affairs and History from the University of Virginia.

BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKER

Recovery Courts in NC

Alyssa Gentri serves as a Court Management Specialist with the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts, specializing in Adult Recovery Courts. Alyssa has a master’s degree in Sociology and Criminology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, with a concentration in research and statistics. During her time at UNCW, she conducted an in-depth qualitative case study of an adult drug treatment court and contributed to statewide initiatives through her work with the North Carolina JMARC Strategic Plan and the National Treatment Court Resource Center. Originally from Montana, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, where she also worked with the community recovery court. Her professional background also includes serving as a case manager for single mothers navigating mental health and substance use challenges in Missoula, Montana.

BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKER

Recovery Courts in NC

A'brea D. Smith serves as a Court Management Specialist with the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts, specializing in Family and Youth Recovery Courts. Originally from eastern North Carolina, A'brea holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Hampton University. Her passion for recovery court work began as an intern under a Chief District Court Judge, where she gained her first hands-on experience in Adult Treatment Court and discovered the power of therapeutic jurisprudence in transforming lives. From there, she went on to serve in multiple roles within the Second Judicial District, supporting both the Family-Centered Treatment Court and Adult Treatment Court, working closely with judges, treatment providers, and multidisciplinary teams to implement evidence-based practices aligned with Family Treatment Court Best Practice Standards.

BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKER

Knowing is Half the Battle: Reducing the Burden of SUD and Mental Illness Among Our Patients With Undiagnosed FASD

Dr. Holly Warren completed internal medicine residency at Duke prior to practicing primary care in her hometown FQHC for 12 years. She now serves as the medical director of Lenoir County Health Department, where she practices addiction medicine in the multidisciplinary Community Recovery Division, which includes accountability recovery court programs following models established by All Rise and ASAM. Dr. Warren became an advocate for FASD awareness from the setting of lived family experience and is eager to help colleagues and community members learn about these highly prevalent conditions.

Statistically, it is likely that all medical and behavioral health practitioners care for individuals with undiagnosed fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. This population has drastically higher than average rates of substance use disorders and co-morbid mental illness. Individuals with FASDs who receive appropriate diagnoses have a layer of protection against these and other secondary disabilities. This session will inform participants on current SAMHSA, CDC, and AAP data regarding FASDs, and share NCSACW recommendations to screen all persons receiving SUD treatment for FASD.

BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKER

Seeking Common Ground Through Collaboration

Doug joined Community Impact NC in December of 2018 and has held several roles within the organization. In May of 2023 he assumed the role as VP of Operations for Community Impact NC. He continues to provide direct support to communities within the eastern region of NC. In 2021, he received a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management from Southern New Hampshire University. He has numerous hours of information technology training as well. Doug has experience working in public safety areas with Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Services, Fire, Emergency Management and 911. He has also worked in the technology services field providing support to public safety agencies prior to joining Community Impact NC.

Doug is a Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) from the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board. He is a trained recovery coach, has received trainings from CADCA, and is a graduate of the CADCA National Coalition Academy.

Doug is an Eastern North Carolina native. He and his wife live in Rocky Mount, NC and have 2 sons.

We all deal with difficult situations in everyday life, whether personal or professional. In this session, we will discuss and interact with each other on how to deal with difficult situations within the systems and collaborations we work in each and every day. This session aims to help you find common ground within those systems and collaborations to help you overcome adversity. In G.K. Chesterton's famous quote, he said, “It isn’t that they cannot find the solution. It is that they cannot see the problem.”

BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKER

Peer Support Specialists in Recovery Work

Sherrill Foust, National Treatment Court Alumni Association, Financial Operation Coordinator, RC, BS, is a 2000 graduate of Mecklenburg County Adult Drug Treatment Court in Charlotte, NC. She is a 2023 Retired Treatment Court Case Coordinator with the Mecklenburg County Recovery Courts. She is the co-founder of the Alumni Association in Mecklenburg County. Sherrill holds the office of Financial Operations Coordinator of the National Treatment Court Alumni Association and an All-Rise Faculty member/Trainer. She is a licensed Digital Literacy Certified Trainer and Chief Operation Officer of A National Non-Profit organization. Ordained Reverend and Associate Pastor of a church in her hometown and Notary Public for the State of North Carolina. Since graduating from the Mecklenburg County Drug Treatment Court Program in Charlotte, North Carolina, Sherrill serves as a Recovery Coach, Mentor, Peer Support volunteer, and Alumni leader for 26 years.

BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKER

Recovery is a Family Affair

George is a certified Mediator, Certified Senior Advisor, Christian minister, and author of “Life Compass Living: A Guide for Growing Up and Growing Old Together”. He is informed by his years in recovery, a diverse spiritual practice, Family Systems, and research into how we can have the ‘Good Life’ we deserve.
George is a certified Family and Financial Mediator, Certified Senior Advisor and ordained Christian minister. He also has a doctorate focused on small group processes. His experience as a caregiver for his parents and in-laws motivated and informed his passion for life planning. He completed his book, “Life Compass Living: A Guide for Growing Up and Growing Old Together” in 2021.

If you are an addict or love an addict, this class will help you build the good life you deserve. We will take an honest look at the impact of our family on becoming addicted and succeeding in recovery. We will also look at how families are changed by addiction. This will help us develop strategies to sustain recovery while loving and protecting all members of our families.

BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKER

The Neuroscience of Substance Use Disorders and MOUD

Shuchin Shukla, MD, MPH, was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. He completed medical school and public health school at Tulane University and completed a residency at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York. He is board-certified in family medicine and addiction medicine. He has served in leadership positions related to population-based projects focused on overdose, addiction, HIV, Hepatitis C, and carceral health. He now works as a consultant for the North Carolina Technical Assistance Center, a state-funded consortium focused on overdose and addiction among people involved in the criminal justice system. He also serves as Chief Medical Officer for Goldie Health, which provides case management software for post-overdose response teams, and as medical director at Greenville Comprehensive Treatment Center, an opioid treatment program.

BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKER

Understanding Veterans in Recovery: Identity, Transition, and the Hidden Drivers of Substance Use

Garret Biss is a retired Marine Corps pilot, TEDx speaker, recovery advocate, and founder of Diamond Mind, LLC, where he develops training programs focused on resilience, recovery, and veteran wellness. After retiring from the military, Garret faced many of the same challenges he now speaks about openly—anxiety, depression, loss of identity, and addiction—which ultimately led him toward long-term recovery and purpose-driven work in the behavioral health field.

He is the co-founder and director of Realize U 252, an NCARR-certified recovery residence in North Carolina, where he helped develop a strengths-based recovery curriculum rooted in positive psychology, personal growth, and long-term wellness.

Garret also created V-WERT (Veteran Wellness Empowerment & Resilience Training), an emerging program designed to support justice-involved and high-risk veterans through identity restoration, resilience-building, and recovery-focused personal development. His work has been presented nationally through organizations such as NAADAC and the Opioid Response Network, where he trains professionals on veteran mental health, addiction recovery, and strengths-based approaches to long-term healing.

His TEDx talk, TEDx Talk: The Unspoken Trauma All Veterans Face, explores the often-overlooked identity crisis veterans face after military service and continues to shape his work today.

This session offers a practical look at the veteran experience in recovery, including how loss of identity, disconnection, and transition stress can impact substance use and recovery engagement. It is especially relevant for professionals serving veterans in treatment, recovery housing, justice, and community settings.

BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKER

North Carolina Opioid Settlements: The Basics, Resources, and Lessons Learned

Nidhi Sachdeva, MPH (she/her) is a thoughtful leader and passionate public health professional committed to creating healthy, safe, and equitable communities. She is a systems-thinker with hopes of creating a culture of curiosity and care. Ms. Sachdeva serves as the Director of Strategic Health and Opioid Initiatives with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) where she supports local governments in utilizing opioid settlement funds to maximize resources and impact through technical assistance, outreach and training, and collaboration. She has worked in public health and harm reduction in various capacities and on multiple levels within government (local and state) and research universities.

NC local governments receiving funds from national opioid settlements have been investing in eligible strategies named in the NC Memorandum of Agreement. This presentation will orient participants to the basics of the opioid settlement funds in NC, what resources are being made available in communities, and early lessons learned so far.

BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKER

North Carolina Opioid Settlements: The Basics, Resources, and Lessons Learned

Andrea Des Marais is a Senior Health Programs Manager and Evaluator at the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC), where she serves on the Opioid Settlements Technical Assistance Team (OSTAT). Through technical assistance, outreach and training, and collaboration, NCACC's OSTAT supports North Carolina local governments utilizing opioid settlement funds to maximize resources and impact. Ms. Des Marais has a particular interest in identifying and implementing effective programs to address the overdose crisis and support mental health. Andrea received her Master of Public Health at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health with a concentration in Health Behavior. 

NC local governments receiving funds from national opioid settlements have been investing in eligible strategies named in the NC Memorandum of Agreement. This presentation will orient participants to the basics of the opioid settlement funds in NC, what resources are being made available in communities, and early lessons learned so far.

BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKER:

Perinatal Addiction Care Access in Eastern NC

Dr. David Hallmark Ryan is the founder of the ECU IMPACT Clinic and a Clinical Assistant Professor at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine. A board-certified addiction medicine physician and a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, Dr. Ryan brings over 13 years of clinical experience to his work to expand evidence-based perinatal addiction care access in eastern North Carolina. Dr. Ryan is a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and a national leader in perinatal addiction care. Dr. Ryan is passionate about educating other health care professionals about addiction care and has presented his work at the North Carolina Addiction Medicine Annual Meetings, the Governor’s Institution Annual Addiction Medicine Conferences, regional American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology events, and invited presentations at universities such as UNC-Chapel Hill, University of Michigan, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Ryan represents eastern North Carolina in the North Carolina Perinatal Substance Use Disorder Network and works with Dr. Chandra Speight and Dr. Courtney Caiola on an ECU Health Foundation funded project to expand substance use disorder screening and referral capacity in eastern North Carolina.