Director, Instructor
Laura Beth Moss, CAMS-V, CCIS-V, CPTS-V
Laura Beth Moss is a nationally sought author, educator, Supervisor and Diplomat for the National Anger Management Association (NAMA). She is Director and Founder of Growth Central Training which trains therapists, social workers, and counselors to work with court-mandated anger management clients as well as first responders and behavioral health providers ways to use compassionate communication during crisis. She is a regular presenter at the NAMA International Annual Conference. She is also a Certified Integrative Life Coach through the International Association of Counselors and Therapists. Laura Beth specializes in self-care, wellness, mindfulness, and helping others navigate their personal narratives to explore and integrate complex, emotional states to experience greater fulfillment. More recently, she developed and co-authored the Crisis Intervention Workbook and Curriculum: The EDGE Approach to De-escalation and The Certified Parent Training Curriculum. Laura Beth has been featured as an expert on the Dr. Drew Show, in the NY Post, Kiwanus Magazine, Stylecaster, NBC, and has presented work at The National Press Club in Washington, DC, CIT International, and the NW Region CIT Conference.
Laura Beth grew up in the foothills of North Carolina and moved to New York City after graduating from the esteemed The University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Her long history as a Broadway, TV and film actress brings a uniquely engaging style of teaching and presentation that deeply resonates with students.
Co-Director and Founder of Growth Central
Rich Pfeiffer, MDiv, PhD
Rich Pfeiffer is a Distinguished Diplomate of the National Anger Management Association (NAMA), an innovator in the development of Integral Psychotherapy and Relationship Therapy, a Marriage and Family Therapist, an Integral Psychotherapist, and a Certified Anger Management Specialist-V. His psychological / spiritual training provides the foundation for his expertise in helping people work through their core conflicts. Dr. Pfeiffer has provided psychoeducational services to individuals and couples for over thirty-five years. He is the author of numerous books including the bestselling Real Solution Anger Management Workbook, Anger Management Workbook and Curriculum and Creating Real Relationships. Dr. Pfeiffer is semi-retired as of 2020, but continues to author compelling psychoeducational books and curriculums. He is an internationally recognized anger management authority and compelling speaker and trainer.
CAMS Authorized Supervisor
Cynthia Hughes, LAC, SAP, CAMS III, AADC, NCACII
Cynthia Hughes is a NAMA CAMS-III Authorized Supervisor. She is the owner and lead Clinician for Harmoni's Haven Counseling LLC. Cynthia has worked in substance abuse and mental health related fields for the last 10 years of her professional career and currently holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Experimental Psychology and Research. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Arts in Crisis and Trauma Management. She has worked managing a female residential treatment program, working in a South Carolina maximum-security female prison as a lead therapist in a substance abuse treatment program, an administrator designee at a residential program for the SC Department of Mental Health. Cynthia also served on the advisory board for the ADSAP (alcohol and drug safety action program) for the state of South Carolina. She provides clinical services as a Substance Abuse Professional through the Federal Clearing House and Department of Transportation and now works with clients who have been diagnosed with HIV or AIDs at a non profit organization called AID Upstate (SC).
Cynthia lives in the Greenville-Spartanburg, SC area where she enjoys traveling, spending time with her daughter and family, singing and creative arts.
CCIS EDGE INSTRUCTOR
Niki Spyropoulos, BA, CCIS III, CAMS I
After graduating from York University in Toronto, Canada, Niki Spyropoulos pursued a career in teaching and became a certified elementary teacher. In 2005, Niki joined the Toronto Police Service where she explored her passion for serving members within her community. She enjoyed learning the complexities involved with investigations and developed an interest in forensics. Niki is trained investigator in intimate partner violence, elder abuse, sexual assault and youth related investigations and was promoted to the rank of Detective/Sergeant in 2020. Amongst her career achievements, in 2021 she was awarded with the Life Saving Award from The Most Venerable Order of St. John Priory of Canada.
Niki is currently the Mobile Crisis Intervention Team (MCIT) Coordinator where she oversees thirteen crisis teams across the City of Toronto. She works relentlessly to improve MCIT programming in order to support positive outcomes for people experiencing crisis, addiction, or mental health challenges. Her vision is that every individual experiencing a crisis receives assistance delivered through a compassionate and dignified approach.
As a first responder, Niki brings a depth of knowledge that enlivens students to the possibilities of applying trauma-informed principles to the most challenging crisis intervention de-escalations. Her enthusiasm for bringing humanity to life’s most difficult moments is infectious and shines through her generous feedback.
Niki was born and raised in Toronto, Canada by a single mother and had a very humble start in life. She was very proud to become the first female in her family to graduate from a university as she has always fostered a love of learning. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends and dog Kylo. In her spare time, she volunteers as a peer support worker and a youth hockey trainer, enjoys baking, travelling and unwinding in yoga classes.
CCIS EDGE INSTRUCTOR
Rudy Pineda, BA, CCIS III, CAMS I
Rudy Pineda is a Crisis Intervention Specialist with a fervor for assisting individuals struggling to manage developmental, intellectual, and mental health conditions. His academic background includes a BS in both Biochemistry and Psychology.
With over 12 years of service in diverse settings such as jails, state hospitals, and development centers, his work has primarily focused on support provision. He has a deep understanding of California Title 17 regulations, federal laws, and policies designed to support adults with disabilities. Rudy strongly believes in a person-centered approach to care and services. His methods are trauma-informed, ensuring that the unique experience and needs of each individual are taken into account. He also believes that behaviors do not define the person, but instead communicates their unmet needs.
Throughout his career, he has worked with some of the most challenging cases, including individuals with severe autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other complex developmental disabilities and mental health conditions. A significant part of his work involves supporting persons with dual diagnosis. This often includes cases of severely low cognitive functioning, which require creating specialized strategies to provide effective support during a crisis. Additionally, he has a lot of experience in supporting adults during suicidal ideation and harmful behaviors toward others.
He currently serves as the Director of an agency based in California that serves adults with IDD, mental health issues, and those involved forensically.
CCIS EDGE students enjoy Rudy’s supportive instructor style and engaging demeanor. His expertise encompasses instructional guidance and the implementation of de-escalation strategies making him a great resource for participants.
Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, camping, and playing volleyball. Rudy, his wife, their dog, and soon to be born baby spend a lot of time hiking and back packing. These hobbies add a balance to his life, allowing him to maintain a commitment towards offering valuable assistance to those in need.
CCIS EDGE INSTRUCTOR
Laura Sendelbach, LMHC, NCC, MHP, MA, CCIS-III, CAMS II
Laura Sendelbach is a clinical supervisor and mental health therapist in the state of Washington. Before the creation of her private practice, Laura was a clinical supervisor and mental health therapist for the WISe programs serving the Clark and Spokane communities. WISe programs provide youth and families with intensive community-based mental health therapy, 24/7 crisis response, peer support, and medication and resource management. Laura supported the creation of some of the first WISe teams in the state after the program’s inception in 2014. Laura also worked with the Youth Mobile Crisis Intervention and Crisis Stabilization teams that dispatch, triage, and respond to the Clark County Crisis Line. She has spent the last decade of her career working with those who have experienced complex trauma and attachment injuries. Laura’s work is rooted in attachment science, and she has a particular passion for couples’ therapy.
GCT is thrilled to have Laura on the CCIS EDGE team as she brings a clinical lens and boots on the ground experience. Her deep insights into complex mental health challenges and the art of co-regulation are invaluable to students learning The EDGE Approach.
She grew up in Seattle, and earned her BA and MA from Gonzaga University. She is an advanced Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist, a lifetime member of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy, a Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional, and a Circle of Security Parent Educator. In her free time, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and nieces, studying for WSET courses, and cheering on the Portland Thorns and Timbers.
CCIS EDGE INSTRUCTOR
Bryan Jones, CADCI, BIPF, CCIS III, CAMS II
Bryan Jones has worked in the addiction recovery community for over 10 years and is a CADCI (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor-I), BIPF (Batterer's Intervention Program Facilitator), and CAMS-II (Certified Anger Management Specialist-II) and owns/operates his own recovery treatment facility in Southern California. As an experienced instructor/facilitator at multiple treatment centers, he is dedicated to employing a client-centered approach coupled with active listening to guide individuals on their journey to recovery and personal growth. With a background in addressing anger management, domestic violence, and parenting issues, Bryan’s passion lies in helping clients overcome their past troubles and move forward towards a positive future.
Bryan is an active member in professional organizations such as CAAMP, CPEDV, NAMA, and is proud to serve as a board member for CAAMP. Additionally, his role as an associate member at HDC and past leadership positions at High Desert H&I demonstrates his dedication to supporting various facets of mental health services within the community.
As an EDGE Approach instructor, Bryan brings insight in to managing and de-escalating a person in crisis. His approach to teaching CCIS EDGE is engaging, inquisitive, and reflective. He has also shared his knowledge at prestigious events such as the CCAPP 10th Annual Convention and the 42nd Annual Research and Treatment Conference ATSA.
PARENT TRAINING INSTRUCTOR
Jake Theissen, PhD, CPTS III, CAMS II
Jake Theissen, MFT, CPTS III, PhD, has a wide-ranging background. He grew up in a small farming community in central Kansas. After graduating from college with a degree in English, he lived overseas for three years--one year in France and two years on an oasis in the Algerian Sahara where he taught English as a second language. Experiencing the contrast between continents and cultures at a relatively early age taught him an appreciation for the differences that naturally occur between people.
Upon returning to the States he completed a masters in theology and marriage and family therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California. In 1979 he received his doctorate in marriage and family therapy from Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas. After completing his PhD, he was an Associate Professor of Family Studies for 15 years. He is currently a licensed marriage and family therapist in full-time private practice. All told, he has worked with couples and families for over 45 years.
His post-doctoral education includes certifications in Conjugal Relationship Enhancement, Couples Communication, Collaborative Divorce Coaching, Divorce Mediation and Focusing. In addition to five years of training in existential-gestalt therapy, he has received ongoing training in family and couple therapy.
Jake has three grown children, two step-children, nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, two dogs and, thank God, a wife who is a psychologist.
GCT Administrative Assistant
Tiffany Mosca, CCIS II, CAMS I
Originally from New York City, Tiffany Mosca joined GCT in 2020. She has been integral to the growth and delivery of GCT trainings, namely CCIS-II: The EDGE Approach to De-escalation in which she helped to create a sustainable management structure that enabled GCT to effectively deliver its largest contract to date for statewide 988 mobile crisis teams. Tiff’s ability to organize, scale, and manage large training classes while simultaneously attending to each student individually, observe training developments, and facilitate instructor needs, makes her an invaluable team member.
Tiffany’s passion for supporting people in crisis comes through in her work, community, and service to others. In her spare time, she’s a rock-star mom who loves spending time with her family upstate NY, taking walks in nature, camping trips, and playing softball.