The Center for Child Counseling made the decision to pivot and present their 2nd Annual Family Law Mental Health Summit virtually.
This allows is to make it available to more people at a more affordable price point. And this year’s CLE is a knock out!
Center for Child Counseling Presents
2nd Annual Family Law Mental Health Summit
November 1, 2020
Florida Bar CLE Accreditation:
4.5. General CLE
0.5. Ethics
2.0. Mental Illness
2.0. Substance Abuse
4.5. Marital & Family Certification Credits
Cost $200
Discounts available for legal aid / government attorneys (50% off) and free to law students and judiciary. Email Eddie for discount codes.
Co-Chairs: Eddie Stephens & Joe Considine
Agenda
- “How to help clients with Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders” – Joe Considine, Esq.
- “Helping Families in Crisis“ – Dr. John Dyben & Deborah Kuzmin, LCSW
- “Florida Lawyer Assistance: Mental Health & Substance in the Legal Community” – Molly Paris, Esquire & Dr. Scott M. Weinstein
- “30 Ethics Questions in 30 Minutes’ – R.T. White & Eddie Stephens
- “Mental Health and Wellness for Family Lawyers” – Laura Davis Smith & Dori Foster-Morales
Center for Child Counseling Honors Two Florida Attorneys
This year’s recipient of Center for Child Counseling’s “Judge Ron Alvarez Resiliency Award” is Dori Foster-Morales. The award is named in honor of the pioneering legal mind who worked for children’s rights long before we fully understood the impact of ACEs on society. The award recognizes those in the legal profession who are advocates for a fuller understanding of the science of adversity as it pertains to the law and who work to promote a more trauma-informed approach to legal practice. Ms. Foster-Morales is the current President of the Florida Bar and she has made it her mission to bring mental health and wellness awareness to the forefront of the 107,000 members of the Florida Bar. She truly embodies the spirit of retired circuit court Judge Ron Alvarez and we’re so proud to have her as a powerful ally in our fight against ACEs.
Laura Davis Smith has been selected as Center for Child Counseling’s 2020 Recipient of the “Jane Robinson Child Advocacy Award” named after Jane Robinson who founded Center for Child Counseling more than two decades ago and has dedicated her professional career to promoting the best interests of children and infant and childhood mental health. Ms. Davis Smith is a Board-Certified Family Attorney and past chair of the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar. She is a tireless advocate for children and we proudly acknowledge her efforts on their behalf in the courtroom and in our community.
You can watch both recipients participate in the keynote address “Mental Health and Wellness for Family Lawyers” at the Center for Child Counseling’s 2nd Annual Mental Health Summit which becomes available on demand online on November 1, 2020.
Bios
Joe Considine, Esquire has practiced law in South Florida since 1983. His practice is limited to family law and addiction related law including the Marchman Act. Joe has handled over 1500 litigation cases in his career, appearing in courts throughout Florida. Joe works extensively with families whose loved ones have substance abuse and mental health problems as an attorney. He lectures throughout Florida on family law matters including the Marchman Act and other substance abuse related issues.
Laura Davis Smith, BCS is a Florida Bar board certified marital and family law expert, one of only 279 Florida lawyers who have earned this designation. She practices at the trial and appellate levels, with the goal to assist parties in reaching positive outcomes despite the often-negative issues associated with divorce, and to assist parties in protecting their children, their assets and themselves during what is likely the most difficult time in their lives. In 2017 and 2019, she was named the winner of The Best Lawyers in America “Lawyer of the Year” award for family law in Miami.
Dr. John Dyben, DHSc, MCAP, CMHP – Chief Clinical Officer Origins. With his multi-faceted experience and leadership in the substance use disorder treatment field, John brings a remarkable skill set of pastor, counselor, clinical manager, teacher and respected expert to Hanley. In his role as Chief Clinical Officer, John provides supervisory and clinical oversight to all of Origins Behavioral HealthCare’s programs. John continually builds upon his academic expertise through research and nationwide speaking engagements on addiction, spirituality and related topics. John’s academic training includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Conflict Management, a Master of Science in Management, a Doctor of Health Science, and postgraduate studies in psychology, philosophy and religion. John is a Master Certified Addictions Professional and a Certified Mental Health Professional in the State of Florida. He is an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Substance Abuse Professional meeting all Federal DOT qualifications. John is a musician, writer and a private pilot, and he enjoys spending time with his family.
Dori Foster-Morales, BCS exclusively practices in the area of marital and family law. She is both Board Certified in Marital and Family Law by the Florida Bar and by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Family Law Trial Advocate. Additionally, she is also a Fellow in the American and International Academies of Matrimonial Lawyers, a Fellow and Member of the Florida Bar Foundation, a Fellow in the American Bar Foundation and a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation. In 2017, Dori was awarded the Legal Luminaries award by the Dade County Bar Association as the Top Matrimonial and Family Lawyer in Miami-Dade County. Dori has been designated a top family lawyer by a variety of publications including Martindale Hubbell (AV Preeminent Rated), Super Lawyers, South Florida Legal Guide, Best Lawyers in America; and Florida Trend’s Legal Elite. She was also designated Women Extraordinaire Winner from Business Leader Magazine.Dori’s accolades are based on her vast experience in complex and high-profile family law matters. Moreover, her diverse legal background has contributed to her capacity as a family lawyer. She began her career at the United States Environmental Protection Agency where she worked both in Washington, DC and New York City. When she returned to her hometown, she worked as an Assistant State Attorney for the Miami Dade State Attorney’s Office where she tried 65 cases to verdict. Dori is also highly involved in the leadership of the Florida Bar where she current serves as President-Elect and has served on the Board of Governors since 2008, serving on the Executive Committee for the past 4 years and having chaired a variety of important committees, including the inaugural year of the Special Committee on Mental Health and Wellness of Florida lawyers, the Standing Committee on Mental Health and Wellness of Florida Lawyers, the Budget Committee, the Special Committee on Diversity and Inclusion and the Annual Convention. Dori also believes in the importance of serving those less fortunate and is a Lifetime Member of both the Florida Bar Foundation (and is a Member of the Board) and the American Bar Association. Dori is a well-known and highly regarded speaker on a variety of family law issues, both substantive and procedural in nature. Dori has also been speaking regularly on issues related to the mental health and wellness of Florida lawyers, an area in which she is passionate.
Deb Kuzmin, LCSW – Vice President of Clinical Services for Origins. Since 1996, Deb has dedicated her entire career to the study and treatment of substance use and mental health issues affecting people of all ages. She is a certified addiction specialist who has worked as a crisis hotline volunteer, discharge planner, therapist, director of case management, clinical supervisor, and clinical director. Deb received her Master’s in Social Work from Simmons College and trained at The Harvard School of Medicine’s Division on Addiction. Deb served as Substance Use Director at one of the largest behavioral health agencies in Florida before coming to Origins.
Molly Paris, Esquire – Molly began her work with FLA in September 2017 in the newly and much needed role of Outreach Coordinator and transitioned into the Assistant Director position in October 2017. Molly graduated from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2001. She is a member of both the Illinois and Florida bars. She worked as a civil rights litigation attorney at the Protection and Advocacy agencies in Illinois and Florida representing individuals with disabilities in matters related to employment discrimination, community integration, special education and abuse and neglect in institutions. Molly is a former client of FLA and has first-hand knowledge of being an attorney in recovery. Molly is also an accomplished equestrian and rides her beloved Clifford frequently. Molly divides her time between working with new clients and the multitude of professionals and facilitators necessary for a client’s successful recovery and spearheading the newly created outreach program. In her outreach capacity, Molly travels the state of Florida making presentations to law schools, bar associations, mental health seminars, law firms and other legal organizations.
Eddie Stephens, author of Stephens’ Squibs – Florida Family Law Updates, is a partner at Ward Damon and leads the Family and Marital Law department. He is a Board Certified Family Law attorney who specializes in high-conflict divorces. Most important to Stephens is litigating in a manner that minimizes the impact of divorce on children.
Ralph “RT” White, BCS is Board Certified in marital and family law by The Florida Bar and practices exclusively in the area of marital and family law. He handles complex divorce cases, intricate prenuptial agreements, post-dissolution issues and other family law related matters, including appellate practice. He has successfully represented a broad range of clients by employing creative strategies for the cases he handles. Mr. White is experienced in litigating a wide variety of matrimonial cases. Mr. White’s diverse background in business and litigation affords him a unique perspective and capability when representing people in divorce.
Scott M. Weinstein is a licensed psychologist and the Clinical Director of Florida Lawyers Assistance. Dr. Weinstein holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Miami, a M.S. in Counseling Psychology from North Texas State University and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Florida. He provides psychological oversight, state-wide mental health coordination, and clinical services to FLA clients. Dr. Weinstein brings twenty years of experience to FLA. He has a strong background in clinical psychology and addiction treatment. He has made several presentations and written articles about the psychological challenges facing the legal profession. Dr. Weinstein was appointed to The Florida Bar task force on mental health, supporting its efforts to increase awareness of wellness and psychological hygiene for lawyers.
Stephens & Stevens - Marital & Family Law 
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