Recovery Together ENC Conference

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.

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.