Speakers

Joshua Arvidson, MSS, LCSW is the Chief Operating Officer at Alaska Behavioral Health.  Joshua is the founder of the Alaska Child Trauma Center and the Director of the Rural Child Trauma Center, both are National Child Traumatic Stress Network Treatment and Training Centers.  Joshua has been a licensed clinical social worker for over two decades and is a licensed professional counselor supervisor.  Joshua served as the Co-Project Director for two of Alaska’s first SAMHSA-recognized CCBHCs (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics). Joshua serves on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma and has taught graduate course for both the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Social Work and Clinical Psychology programs.  Joshua has published multiple peer-reviewed research and clinical papers in the fields of child and adult trauma treatment, clinical screening, risk prevention and integrated care.

MaryBeth Goodman is the Executive Director of SMVF Services and has served as Clinic Director at the Cohen Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health since it opened in 2020. Previously, she was a Clinical Director and Therapist working with military families and veterans her entire clinical career.   She is responsible for providing oversight and inspiration to her entire dedicated staff of clinicians, caregivers and warriors.  Other responsibilities include developing and monitoring measurable goals for staff, providing oversight of clinical cases, assuring quality of care and maintaining strong relationships with staff, clients, and external referral sources.   MaryBeth has a background in administrative and clinical leadership and has worked collaboratively with others to achieve program goals in previous employment. She is dedicated to the Cohen Veterans Network philosophical approach and to supporting the clinical team in her role as clinic director. Her passion for direct work with veterans and military families over the years enhances her ability to be connected to the needs of clients and families and to the staff. She has over 20 years of experience as a clinician working directly with active duty military, veterans, and military family members.  She is certified and/or trained in CBT, CPT, EMDR, and PE. MaryBeth received her undergraduate degrees in mathematics, physics, philosophy, and education from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA.  She continued her graduate studies in counseling and psychology at Liberty University, in Lynchburg, VA.   MaryBeth has been fortunate to have worked to help individuals who struggled with PTSD, trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, divorce, addiction, and sensory integration issues.   She works with adults, children and families.  MaryBeth has worked in the mental health arena for 24 years and has yet to find a corner where hope does not exist. Her message to you is simple, “Be proud of the decision you made to seek treatment and to be proud of the courage it took to desire change.   You are AWESOME.   I look forward to meeting you.”

Roxanne Grobbel, JD, LCSW, RPT-S has an impressive career treating trauma and educating others on trauma treatment as a Certified EMDR Therapist, Consultant, and Trainer; Registered Play Therapy Supervisor and Trainer; and Infant Mental Health Specialist.  She travels nationally conducting workshops and lectures for clinicians on Trauma, EMDR and Play Therapy.  She has been an active advocate for quality services for a diverse range of clients with trauma related disorders.  Roxanne is also a compassionate and highly skilled therapist who helps clients heal from issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, relationship difficulties, and other trauma related problems.  As the owner of Coast to Coast EMDR with offices in Florida, California, and Washington, she and her staff provide EMDR Trauma Intensives for first responders and others from all over the country.  Roxanne brings years of experience as a clinician, Clinical Director, University Instructor, and published author.

Adam Lesser is a licensed clinical social worker, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatric Social Work in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Lecturer at the Columbia University School of Social Work and the Deputy Director of the Columbia Lighthouse Project at the New York State Psychiatric Institute where he assists with all suicide prevention activities related to public health including the international dissemination and implementation of the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). He has published, presented internationally and consulted to state and local governments on best practices for suicide risk identification and prevention. His work has been featured in Social Work Today Magazine and on Atlanta National Public Radio, CNN-espanol, Univision and other local print and television media outlets.

Speaker, Consultant and Emotional Intelligence expert Jedd Hafer has been training professionals to keep their cool in intense situations for over 30 years. He has been a national presenter for the Love and Logic Institute® and Behavioral Leadership and has trained educators and other professionals in 47 states & 8 countries. He is a master at teaching skills to avoid power struggles, resolve conflict and prevent escalation.

The best communicators in the world employ very specific skills and strategies. Jedd Hafer’s mission is to share these skills and strategies with a range of professionals in fun and memorable ways (he also performs in comedy clubs and knows the power of laughter and funny stories).

His clientele includes Military Installations, Department of Corrections, Police & Sheriff’s Departments, School Districts, Security Teams and Professional Athletes.

Dr. Michele Mahr, who has a PhD in Rehabilitation Psychology, has a tenacious dedication within the rehabilitation counseling discipline to assist individuals with disabilities. Dr. Mahr is an assistant professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at TTUHSC in the Clinical Counseling and Mental Health Department. Dr. Mahr has recently published three textbooks all related to counseling and rehabilitation, specifically, positive psychology, mindfulness, and substance abuse. Lastly, Dr. Mahr is passionate on teaching others how to implement the power of nature and ecotherapy when assisting individuals during behavioral change. With this intent, she recently has been involved in research related to earthing, mindfulness, and alternative therapies.