South County Library Auditorium
6303 Merriman Road
Roanoke, VA 24018
10:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
Now is your chance to network and learn about problem gambling!
This FREE event will include discussions on the scope of gambling in Virginia, risk & protective factors, and general resources & information.
Registration is required to attend. FREE LUNCH is provided!
Agenda
10:30 A.M. – 10:40 A.M.
Welcome and Introductions
10:40 A.M. – 11:40 A.M.
Anne Rogers
“From Past to Present: How Gambling Became Normalized”
11:40 A.M. – 11:55 A.M.
Break & Networking
11:55 A.M. – 12:55 P.M.
Ben Choate
To Be Announced
12:55 P.M. – 1:40 P.M.
Lunch & Networking
1:40 P.M. – 2:20 P.M.
Amanda Nastiuk
“Protective Factors & A Path Forward”
2:20 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.
Closing Remarks
Speakers

Anne Rogers is the Problem Gambling Prevention Coordinator for the Office of Behavioral Health Wellness in DBHDS. She currently leads the problem gambling prevention efforts in Virginia, responsible for overseeing all problem gambling prevention activities across the Commonwealth. Anne spent 20 years working for the State of Maine public health and behavioral health offices on substance misuse and abuse prevention as well as oversight of public health data and research systems. Anne received her master’s in health education from the University of Houston and is ABD status towards a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Massachusetts. She has worked in the public health and prevention field for over 25 years.
Ben Choate is a Prevention and Wellness Specialist at Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare who specializes in problem gambling prevention. His focus is on promoting awareness and educating youth, parents, and key community stakeholders about problem gambling.
He has over 8 years of prevention experience with notable work in collegiate peer education, wellness promotion, harm reduction, and substance use prevention.


Amanda Nastiuk is a dynamic and community-focused professional with extensive experience in building partnerships, fostering stakeholder engagement, and coordinating public-facing initiatives. She enjoys developing and implementing training programs, managing community coalitions, and helping youth build resilience. Amanda began her career at BRBH as a case manager in Recovery Support Teams and Project LINK. She worked as the Program Manager at Bethany Hall (ARCH) and as Development Director and ultimately Executive Director at West End Center for Youth. In her free time Amanda practices Pilates, cheers on Duke basketball, and volunteers at Planned Parenthood.