Summer Cultural Literacy Series

This 6-session series is designed to improve the cultural literacy of our field as we work to prevent gambling-related harm and to support those who are struggling with problem gambling.  Webinars in this series are completely free and will be held every other Monday, starting on June 14th.  Cultures to be explored throughout the series include African Descent, LGBTQIA+ Community, Asian Cultures, Veteran/Military Populations, LatinX Community, and Native Culture.  Please find presenter bios and then scheduled webinars below (will be updated regularly).

Webinar Presenters include:

Marylin Marquez Beckley earned her first Masters of Professional Science degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (I/O Psychology) from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Her second Masters of Arts degree is in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on Trauma and Crisis Intervention with minority populations. Currently, Marylin is pursuing a Doctorate degree in International Psychology with a specialty in Trauma Resiliency research from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Mrs. Beckley is a Bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Washington, DC. and is a National Certified Counselor (NCC). 

Samantha “Sam” Fletcher, Ph.D., MSW. Since entering the field of social work, Sam has served in a variety of positions.  She was the project coordinator and senior research assistant for the New York State PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Statewide Veteran Peer Support Program evaluation.  Then, she served as the Assistant Dean of Academic Programs in the School of Social Welfare at the University at Albany where she worked with a diverse team to provide a quality education for social work students.  In September 2019, Sam became the Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers, New York State Chapter. 

Deborah Haskins, Ph.D, ICGC-II, is a retired Counselor Educator (25 years) and received her Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling (Loyola College, Maryland now Loyola University MD), a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and an Approved Supervisor (MD). Dr. Haskins is an Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor- II, Board Approved Clinical Consultant, International Clergy Lay Problem Gambling and Spiritual Outreach, and Master Addictions Counselor.  She is President of the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling and is a recognized leader for over 20 years in disordered gambling.  

Ashley Owen is a licensed social worker in New York State who is currently the Team Leader for the NY Council on Problem Gambling. She is an experienced trainer, organizer and community activist who is passionate about amplifying voices of marginalized populations, including those of people in the LGBTQIA + community.  

Webinar Titles include:

  • Need a Cultural Competency Tune-Up? Updates for Gambling Disorder and Mental Health Prevention and Treatment

    June 14, 2021 | 12noon- 1pm EST

    1.0 OASAS, SW and LMHC clock hour

    Description: Cultural competency is an ongoing, development growth process and while we learn cultural diversity in addictions and mental health practice, we still lag behind in literature specifically identifying cultural strategies highlighting specific cultural strategies for gambling disorders, wellness, and prevention.  Think about what tune-ups you need to ensure your mental health services and prevention is relevant to the diverse consumers you serve.  Attend this session to learn from a cultural competency scholar, practitioner, and leader’s use of cultural tools as updates in your prevention and treatment services. 

    Presenter: Dr.Deborah Haskins

    More Information

  • Problem Gambling and the LGBTQIA Individual: What We Know So Far

    June 28, 2021 | 12noon-1pm EST

    1.0 OASAS, SW and LMHC clock hour

    Description: This presentation will increase participants’ awareness about the scope of problem gambling among LGTBQIA+ individuals. The course will start by reviewing basic terminology relating to problem gambling and different ways that LGBTQIA+ individuals identify. It will then transition into sharing the existing research that has explored this topic. Since the data is limited, this presentation will also focus on information directly shared by LGBTQIA+ individuals about gambling by means of key informant interviews or media sources. The presentation will also highlight known risk factors that put LGBTQIA+ individuals at a higher likelihood for addictions in general. Lastly, the presentation will highlight statewide resources available that can help LGTBQIA+ individuals who are looking for problem gambling treatment. 

    Presenter: Ashley Owen

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  • African-Descent Problem Gambling: Who Say’s It’s a Problem!!?

    July 12, 2021 | 12noon-1pm EST

    1.0 OASAS, SW and LMHC clock hour

    Description: African-descent communities in the U.S. and the Diaspora like many cultural communities gamble; many gambled as a way to care for their families due to systemic racism, structural barriers impacting wealth access, and limited opportunities to progress (Haskins, In-Press).  Research documents that gambling is often used beyond entertainment and can lead to high risk gambling when persons gamble to relieve emotional and financial distress (Barry, 2011; Vega, Cortes, Kopel, Royo, & Crawford, 2019); and notes that often when African-descent persons seek help they typically are in more crisis as they delay seeking help earlier (Haskins, 2014).  Haskins (In Press) also highlights that “problem gambling” is an oxymoron because “Who says it’s a problem” when gambling appears to offer some benefits and African-descent persons are used to struggling without accessing help outside their communities.  This session will highlight features of an Afrocentric approach, and importance of integrating African-centered cultural values and strengths-focused strategies for consideration when supporting African-descent consumers in mental health treatment services. 

    Presenter: Dr. Deborah Haskins 

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  • Title TBA (Focus on Asian American community)

    July 26, 2021 | 3pm- 4pm EST

    Description: Coming soon.

    Presenter: Dr. Timothy Fong 

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  • Sanación dentro de Salud Mental: Problemas Con Juegos De Azar Y Bienestar Dentro De Juegos De Azar: Healing in Mental Health and Problem Gambling and Gambling Wellness

    August 9, 2021 | 12noon-1pm EST

    Credits Pending – 1.0 OASAS, SW and LMHC clock hour

    Description:  The U.S. LatinX population surpassed 60 million in 2019 (pewresearch.org) and is also recognized as one of the risk groups in problem and disordered gambling (Caler, Garcia, & Nower, 2017).   Many LatinX gamblers experience marginalization and oppression but also have historical and political trauma experiences prior to migrating to the United States; experiences of marginalization intensify during the acculturation process. 

    Gambling counselors, mental health professionals, and preventionists must understand the cultural worldview, acculturation, experiences of trauma,  and integrate strengths-focused strategies to support their healing as well as integrate their cultural context into prevention efforts.  Attend this session and learn from a LatinX bilingual counselor (who provides immigration evaluations too) and one of our cultural competency leaders in the field of gambling and mental health treatment and community wellness. 

    Presenters: Marylin Marquez-Bentley and Dr. Deborah Haskins 

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  • Introduction to Native Culture & Considerations for Therapeutic Work

    August 9, 2021 | 12noon-1pm EST

    *Joint webinar with NASW-NYS* 

    Credits Pending – 1.0 OASAS, SW and LMHC clock hour

    Description: This workshop will focus on therapeutic engagement with Native Americans.  The training will provide an overview of significant historical events for Native people in the U.S.  The presenter will discuss multiple aspects of Native culture and traditions.  Using history and culture, the presenter will describe techniques participants can utilize to engage Native clients in addiction and problem gambling services. 

    Presenter: Samantha Fletcher, PhD, MSW, Executive Director, NASW-NYS 

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