GCT Founder, Director, Instructor
Laura Beth Moss, CAMS-V, CCIS-V, CPTS-V
Laura Beth Moss is a nationally sought author, educator, NAMA Supervisor and Diplomate. She began working with Dr. Richard Pfeiffer and the National Anger Management Association (NAMA) in 2012 and was mentored by him for over a decade in innovative approaches to anger, aggression, crisis intervention, and compassionate communication prior to his retirement. In 2018, Laura founded Growth Central Training to provide specialized training for therapists, social workers, counselors, first responders, and behavioral health providers working with court-mandated and other clients experiencing anger, aggression, and crisis.
Laura is also a Certified Integrative Life Coach through the International Association of Counselors and Therapists, specializing in self-care, wellness, mindfulness, and helping clients navigate their personal narratives toward greater fulfillment.
She developed and co-authored the Crisis Intervention Workbook and Curriculum: The EDGE Approach to De-escalationand The Certified Parent Training Workbook and Curriculum alongside her mentor, Dr. Richard Pfeiffer, and contributed to his Anger Management Workbook and Curriculum, widely regarded as a foundational curriculum in psychoeducational anger management. Laura has been featured as an expert on the Dr. Drew Show, in the New York Post, Kiwanis Magazine, StyleCaster, and NBC. She has presented at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, CIT International, and, most recently, the Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Conference at Yakama Nation in Washington State.
In addition to her work with individuals, professionals, and organizations, Laura has led large-scale projects with state agencies to implement Growth Central Training's evidence-informed curricula and approaches in diverse settings. She partnered with the University of Washington School of Social Work to contribute to BHCORE, an innovative training initiative designed to strengthen how first responders and other professionals respond to mental and behavioral health crises.
Laura Beth grew up in the foothills of North Carolina and moved to New York City after graduating from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Her years as a Broadway, television, and film actress continue to influence the engaging and experiential style she brings to her teaching. While she enjoys life in New York City, she also loves returning home to North Carolina for hiking and time in nature.
CCIS EDGE INSTRUCTOR
Rudy Pineda, 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.
CAMS Authorized Supervisor
Cynthia Hughes, CAMS III
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
Laura Sendelbach, CCIS-III, CAMS II
Laura Sendelbach is a clinical supervisor and mental health therapist in the state of Washington and a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC). 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
Christopher M. Jackson, CCIS-III, CAMS II
Christopher Jackson, PhD, is a seasoned mental health professional with experience in crisis intervention, therapy, and clinical supervision since 2018. Currently serving as a Mental Health Counselor and Crisis Response Specialist in Northeast Washington, Dr. Jackson has supported individuals and families through some of life’s most challenging moments — in homes, hospitals, and community settings.
In addition to his clinical work, Christopher brings a deep academic background, holding a PhD in Psychology from the University of Otago in New Zealand. He has taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and has contributed to international research on death anxiety, group dynamics, and identity. His approach integrates evidence-based practices like CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing, and is grounded in trauma-informed care.
A passionate educator and advocate, Christopher is committed to empowering professionals with the tools they need to support their communities with skill, compassion, and integrity.
CCIS EDGE INSTRUCTOR
Niki Spyropoulos, CCIS III, CAMS I
After graduating from York University, 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 is always working on ways to improve the MCIT program to help people experiencing a crisis, addiction or metal health crisis receive assistance through a compassionate and dignified approach.
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 University as she has always fostered a love of learning. Niki 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.
CDVS AUTHORIZED SUPERVISOR
Chastity Drake, CDVS-III
Chastity Drake is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Domestic Violence Specialist, and experienced clinician whose career has spanned private practice, domestic violence intervention, and state service. She earned her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wisconsin–Stout.
Chastity’s connection to domestic violence treatment began in 2009, when she started working with Dr. Ronald Potter-Efron and Patricia Potter-Efron, respected clinicians, authors, and developers of GCT’s cognitive-behavioral domestic violence curriculum. Ron and Pat became important professional mentors, helping shape Chastity’s development as a therapist and her approach to anger, violence, accountability, and behavioral change. She later took over their clinical practice and spent many years in private practice before transitioning to state service. Today, she works with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
As a GCT instructor, Chastity is carrying forward the legacy begun by Ron and Pat Potter-Efron. Engaging, approachable, and passionate about supporting the learning process, she combines the foundation of their work with her own extensive clinical experience to help professionals translate what they learn into meaningful, real-world practice.
Chastity has been married for more than 20 years and is the proud mother of two sons. Her family also includes two bullmastiffs.
PARENT TRAINING INSTRUCTOR
Jake Thiessen, 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 Administration and Management
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.