Institute for Relational Development and the Center for Gender and Justice

La Jolla, CA

Dr. Stephanie Covington is a clinician, author, organizational consultant, and lecturer. She is recognized for her pioneering work on women's issues and specializes in the development and implementation of gender-responsive services. Her seminars on addiction, trauma, sexuality, families, and relationships have a practical and sensitive approach and provide an opportunity to learn new skills in dealing with personal, institutional, and societal changes in the 21st century. Dr Covington has published extensively including the development of three evidence-based manualized treatment curricula that are used to provided women’s services in many treatment facilities in the US, Canada, and Europe. Dr. Covington has been the Chair of the Women's Committee of the International Council on Alcoholism and Addiction. She is a board-certified Diplomat of the National Association of Social Workers, the American Board of Sexology, the American Board of Medical Psychotherapists, and a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. She is also a member of SAMHSA’s Advisory Council for Women Services.

         Imagen Multimedia, Inc.
         Lompoc, CA

Dottie Natal has over 20 years experience in developing state-of-the-art technology for use in health care, prevention services and educational settings. Ms. Natal uses both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to design products that facilitate learning, provide educational opportunities, and support data collection and dissemination. Working with various Federal agencies, such as the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), the Department of Education, as well as many state agencies in various states, Ms. Natal has developed a strong understanding of how data needs to flow to provide useful feedback to state and Federal agencies as well as back to the community organizations. Systems that support data collection and information dissemination are key elements in the design of website portal systems that she has designed. Natal developed The Woman’s Heart web portal system which provides web-based, localized support to the alcohol and drug recovery community; used for a national roll out requiring a high level of scalability, reliability, and security. The system includes capacity for web-based peer support, counseling, and recovery services, and is capable of supporting a defined client intake process for matching clients with services meeting specific needs based on interests, availability, and service levels.

         27 years, VA Medical Center, Retired – Private Practice
         Indianapolis, ID

Dr. Pat Sheehan has presented workshops on chemical dependency, trauma, compassion fatigue and the effect of trauma on intimate relationships throughout the USA, Canada, Europe and Russia. She presented at several Vet Center Regional Trainings, American Legion National Conferences, FBI Academy Chaplains Trainings, Oklahoma Bombing Survivors Conferences, numerous International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies Conferences, Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists Conferences and The European Conference of Traumatic Stress Conferences. She created training videos at the VA National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

She retired from her 27-year practice at the Indianapolis VA Medical Center where she coordinated the Family Program on the Chemical Dependency Treatment Section, consulted at the Vet Center and was the Team Leader of the Stress Management Trainers. She is currently in private practice, consults, and teaches. A founding member of the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies, Dr. Sheehan has been on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists and the Board of Directors of the Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation. She was on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Traumatic Stress and has published numerous articles and chapters on trauma and intimate relationships. Dr. Sheehan currently counsels, consults, writes, creates CDs and DVDs, and presents retreats, workshops and trainings.

         Director of Addiction Services at
         Pine Grove Behavioral Health
         Hattiesburg, MS

Ms. Smith is the Director of the Women’s Center at Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services in Hattiesburg, MS. Her position currently involves development and implementation of treatment program services, clinical staff development, and administration within the context of Forrest General Hospital. She has previously worked at The Meadows Treatment Center and at Remuda Ranch Treatment Centers for Anorexia and Bulimia, both located in Wickenburg, AZ. Within these three programs, she worked with individuals notable in the field, including Stephanie Covington, Patrick Carnes, John Bradshaw, Claudia Black, Terrance Real, and Pia Mellody. Ms. Smith is also a frequently requested national speaker and has conducted professional training, and seminars, on topics such as trauma resolution, sexual compulsivity, eating disorders, and intensive couple’s workshops.

         Santé Center for Healing, National Marketing Coordinator
         Argyle, TX

Dr. Young holds an interdisciplinary doctorate in psychology and literature with diverse experience teaching and directing international study programs; operations management and marketing experience in start-up growth businesses; and recovery, sponsorship, and service. She currently focuses on national clinical education and marketing for a poly-addiction treatment center that deals with challenging patients struggling with addiction coupled with co-morbid psychiatric mood disorders. Dr. Young has developed a trusted national network of collaborative relationships for cross referral and support of patients with trauma and addiction.

Founder and President, Give an Hour Nonprofit Corporation
Bethseda, MD

Dr. Van Dahlen Romberg is a licensed clinical psychologist, practicing in the Washington, D.C., area for 18 years, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of children. Dr. Van Dahlen Romberg has spent her career interacting with and coordinating services within large systems, including school districts and mental health clinics. She served as an adjunct faculty member at George Washington University, where she participated in the training and supervision of developing clinicians. She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Maryland in 1991, her M.A. in clinical psychology from the University of Maryland in 1987, and her B.A., summa cum laude, in psychology from California State College in 1982.