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Diana Goode has served as Executive Director of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) since May 2018, bringing more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the organization. In her role, Diana leads CCPG’s efforts to raise awareness of gambling related harm, advance responsible gambling practices, and strengthen prevention, education, advocacy, and access to resources throughout Connecticut.
A respected voice in the field, Diana serves on the Board of Directors of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and is an active member of NCPG’s Affiliates Committee, helping to strengthen collaboration among organizations addressing problem gambling across the country.
Before joining CCPG, Diana held executive leadership positions with Connecticut nonprofit organizations focused on poverty reduction and financial literacy. Community involvement has remained an important part of her career. She has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations in the Greater Hartford area and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Auerfarm in Bloomfield.
Diana is a graduate of Dartmouth College and earned her MBA in Finance and Marketing from the University of Connecticut. She lives in the Greater Hartford area.
Kaitlin Brown is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADC), Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor (ICGC II), International Gambling Prevention Specialist (IGPS), International Certificate in Gaming Disorder (IGDC), Board Approved Clinical Consultant (BACC), and Board Approved Prevention Consultant (BAPC) with the International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization (IPGGC).
As Senior Director of Programs and Services for the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Kaitlin provides leadership in statewide prevention, education, training, responsible gambling, and helpline services. She works collaboratively with community partners, behavioral health professionals, educators, and gaming stakeholders to develop innovative initiatives that promote awareness, early intervention, and safer gambling practices.
Kaitlin currently serves on the Board of Directors for the International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization (IPGGC). She spearheaded the development of the International Gambling Prevention Specialist (IGPS) certification, an innovative first-of-its-kind international credential that establishes global standards for gambling prevention professionals. She also serves on the Helpline and Prevention Committees with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), supporting national efforts to strengthen gambling prevention and support services.
Kaitlin’s contributions to the field have been recognized through awards including the NCPG Jim Wuelfing Prevention Award and the Connecticut Association of Prevention Professionals Coalition Sector All-Star Award. As a leader in the field and mother of three, she is committed to advancing education and initiatives that protect individuals, families, and communities from gambling-related harm.
Paul Tarbox is the Director of Public Policy and Communications for the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG). In this role, he leads the Council’s legislative advocacy, communications strategy, and stakeholder engagement efforts to strengthen Connecticut’s problem gambling safety net and promote responsible play initiatives statewide.
Prior to joining CCPG, Paul accumulated more than 15 years of experience in government service at the local, state, and federal levels. He previously served as Administrator of the Veterans’ Affairs and Public Safety Committees of the Connecticut General Assembly and as Team Leader for the Senate Majority Clerks. Paul was also a gubernatorial appointee to the Board of Trustees for the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, and has served as an advisor to United States Senators and Representatives in multiple official capacities, as well as through various local government appointments.
A respected presence at the State Capitol, Paul is recognized as a skilled problem solver with a deep understanding of government operations and public policy processes. He has designed, led, and participated in numerous training sessions for agency and institutional staff, advocacy groups, students, and veterans.
An avid writer, Paul has served as a feature writer for a local biweekly newspaper and has published articles in several newspapers and magazines.
A proud United States Army Combat Veteran, Paul served in Operation Iraqi Freedom II, and continues his commitment to service as Chairman of the National Council on Problem Gambling’s Military Committee.
Valerie Tebbetts is an International Gambling Recovery Specialist (IGRS) and a Board Approved Recovery Advisor (BARA). Valerie brings lived experience of gambling harm together with 15 years of experience supporting people seeking recovery from addictive disorders. Her work is grounded in compassion, practical recovery knowledge, and a commitment to helping others access meaningful support. She is a dedicated advocate for people affected by gambling-related harm and believes strongly that hope and recovery are possible for anyone willing to seek help
Valerie is a highly skilled helpline specialist who supports hundreds of callers to the CCPG Helpline each year. She excels at assessing caller needs and connecting individuals and family members in Connecticut with appropriate information, services, and recovery resources. Valerie has served on the National Problem Gambling Helpline Committee and collaborates with call centers across the country to share knowledge, strengthen service delivery, and advance best practices in problem gambling helpline support.
Valerie develops and delivers training that incorporates lived-experience stories, recovery support resources, and practical strategies for professionals and community partners.
Valerie previously worked as a Peer Counselor for the Bettor Choice treatment program and as a Recovery Coach in a medication assisted treatment program for opioid dependent individuals at UCFS Healthcare in Norwich, CT.
Mallory Schultz is the Prevention Manager for the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Wellness from the University of Saint Joseph and a Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina.
With a strong foundation in prevention and community health, Mallory has held various roles across the public health spectrum, including Diabetes Prevention Educator, SNAP Educator, and Prevention Program Coordinator for a state-funded grant. Her career has been dedicated to improving health outcomes through education and community engagement.
In her current role at CCPG, Mallory collaborates with local, regional, and state partners to advance gambling-specific prevention efforts across Connecticut. She leads initiatives focused on youth and college populations, developing and implementing evidence-informed programs that promote awareness, reduce stigma, and prevent gambling-related harms.
Mallory has presented at both state and national conferences on the intersection of gambling and public health, effective prevention programming on college campuses, and the relationship between nutrition and individuals experiencing gambling disorder. Passionate about creating lasting impact, she strives to build partnerships and deliver prevention strategies that empower individuals and communities to make informed, healthy choices.
Brian has lived experience with gambling harm. He has been in recovery for 16 years. His recovery led him to create and continue to do the podcast ALL IN The Addicted Gambler’s Podcast: A conversation about gambling harm. Brian is a Certified Recovery Support Specialist, an individual member of the National Council on Problem Gambling, worked as a Peer for the Bettor Choice gambling program, and spreads hope and help to those experiencing gambling harm.
