The Trauma-Informed Care in Addiction Counseling Conference will explore the critical role of professional development in strengthening the knowledge and skills of Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors (LCDCs) and other behavioral health professionals.
This year’s conference focuses on the impact of trauma and crisis experiences on addiction and recovery. Attendees will explore trauma-responsive care, strategies to build client trust, foster healing, and address vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout. Participants will also learn through interactive learning how to develop self-care plans to support their ongoing professional development.
* KC Students & KC employees can register free of charge.
Christy Copeland
Topic: Vicarious Trauma / Interactive Activities
Christy Copeland is a licensed evangelist, a licensed professional counselor (MS, LPC) in Texas, and the founder of Cope Land Counseling Center in Longview, Texas, where she provides compassionate, solution-focused therapy to adults, couples and groups using both traditional talk therapy and creative modalities such as music, art and movement. She holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and was recognized in the 2021 Winter edition of Pulse Magazine as the first graduate of its newly established Clinical Mental Health Program. Christy is also a published author of seven inspirational books, including The Invisible Cape, and is deeply committed to helping individuals achieve emotional, spiritual and mental wellness.
As an innovator, trendsetter and highly sought-after speaker, coach and workshop facilitator, Christy Copeland has been featured on national platforms across the country, including Maryland, Indiana, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Florida. She has delivered keynote addresses at distinguished events such as The Big Texas Rally for Recovery, the Tyler Junior College Black Excellence Gala, Troup High School’s National Honor Society Induction Ceremony and the Tyler Area Alliance of Black School Educators’ third annual Yellow Rose Gala. In March 2025, she served as a professional expert mental health speaker for MD Anderson Cancer Center—one of the world’s most prestigious hospitals—and as a presenter for fellow clinicians at the Kilgore College Substance Abuse Conference in 2025.
In recognition of her leadership and impact, Christy was crowned Woman Queen CEO in March 2025 and received the Level Up Award from Mrs. CEO in August 2025 for her entrepreneurial excellence. She was also featured on the CBS 19 TV News special for Mental Health Awareness Month (May 2025), honored as the cover girl for Women of Dignity Magazine and named one of the Top 30 Trendsetters Among Women by K.I.S.H. Magazine.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, exploring new experiences and spending quality time with her husband of 25 years, Terrell, and her family.
Caraylin F. Williams
Topic: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)
Caraylin F. Williams (BA, LCDC) serves as Quality Assurance Coordinator for Management and Training Corporation at the East Texas Treatment Facility in Henderson, Texas, where she has been employed for 24 years. With 26 years of experience in corrections, she brings extensive knowledge and leadership to her role.
Ms. Williams began her career with three years of experience as a correctional officer, followed by four years working in the mailroom as a clerk and supervisor. In 2008, she transitioned into the substance abuse counseling field. She has six and a half years of experience as a substance abuse counselor and 12 and a half years in quality assurance.
As Quality Assurance Coordinator, Ms. Williams has dedicated countless hours to encouraging and mentoring new counselors at the East Texas Treatment Facility. She serves as a clinical supervisor and teaches classes based on the Addiction Counseling Competencies (TAP 21): Technical Assistance Publication Series — Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes of Professional Practice, as well as the Global Criteria: 12 Core Functions of a Substance Abuse Counselor by John W. Herdman, Ph.D., LADC.
Shirley Goodwin
Topic: Compassion Fatigue
Shirley Goodwin (LCDC) is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in her field, bringing a strong commitment to service, leadership and community impact. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a passion for excellence, integrity and meaningful engagement with those she serves.
Her professional background reflects a consistent focus on growth, development and collaboration. She has worked across various roles that have strengthened her expertise, leadership abilities and commitment to high standards. Through these experiences, she has developed a reputation for reliability, professionalism and a results-driven approach.
Ms. Goodwin is known for her ability to connect with diverse audiences, communicate effectively and contribute positively to organizational and community initiatives. She remains committed to continued learning and professional development while making a lasting impact in her work and service.
Cindy Plata
Topic: Self-Medicating Trauma
Cindy Plata (LCSW-S) is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor dedicated to empowering individuals and families on their journey toward healing and growth. She serves as the Outpatient Program Director at Oceans Healthcare in Longview, Texas, where she oversees programs that provide psychotherapy groups for adolescents and adults. Many of the individuals she works with experience co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges. Cindy is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care that meets clients where they are.
She earned her Master of Social Work with honors from Stephen F. Austin State University. As a proud member of the Longview community, Cindy has developed strong local partnerships and resource networks to better support individuals and families in need.
In addition to her leadership role, Cindy is the founder of Plata Counseling, PLLC, where she provides personalized mental health counseling to adults in the surrounding community. She is passionate about helping clients discover resilience, gain insight and become the best version of themselves through the therapeutic process.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Cindy enjoys traveling and spending meaningful time with her family.
George L. Jones III
Topic: Motivational Interviewing & Trauma Healing
Pastor George L. Jones III (BS, LCDC) serves as the HOPE Outpatient Oversight Coordinator for HOPE TTC in Henderson, Texas. A Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, he brings more than 34 years of personal recovery experience and nearly three decades of professional practice in the substance use treatment field. Throughout his career, he has worked across every level of the treatment continuum of care.
He earned an Associate of Arts degree from Kilgore College and completed his LCDC educational requirements in 1994, becoming licensed in 1997. He later received a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry with a concentration in Leadership from LeTourneau University and completed additional coursework in Criminal Justice at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Pastor Jones has served as Community Coordinator for the Longview Drug Task Force and as an AmeriCorps Project leader for “It Takes a Whole Village to Raise a Child.” He also spent eight years as Program Manager at Community Healthcare Outpatient and Beginnings Outpatient Treatment Center in Longview, Texas.
A passionate advocate for healing and restoration, Pastor Jones is dedicated to helping individuals grow emotionally, personally and spiritually. He has faithfully served for 22 years at Easton Rising Star Church of Christ.
Steve Shewmake
Topic: Self-Medicating Trauma
Steve Shewmake (MA, M.Div., LPC, LCDC, MAC) is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and ordained minister based in Longview, Texas. He currently serves as a Clinical Therapist at Oceans Healthcare, where he provides behavioral health services using evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
With extensive experience in the behavioral health field, Shewmake has previously served as a counselor at East Texas Treatment Facility, a therapist at Four Winds Behavioral Health and a senior counselor at Albuquerque Metro Treatment Center in New Mexico. His professional background reflects a strong commitment to supporting individuals in their recovery and personal development.
Shewmake earned a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Amberton University, graduating with a 3.94 GPA. He also completed studies in Chemical Dependency Counseling at Washburn University and Clinical Pastoral Education at the Menninger Clinic. He holds a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Memphis.
In addition to his state licensure as an LPC and LCDC, Shewmake is a nationally credentialed Master Addiction Counselor through the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals.