MENTAL HEALTH LAW:
Bridging Behavioral Health, Justice & Community Response
Bridging Behavioral Health, Justice & Community Response
November 12, 2026
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM CT
4 CEs/2 CLEs
COURSE
OBJECTIVES
PRESENTERS
M.D., MBA, CCHP
Dr. Dauss is Vice President of Health Services and Chief Medical Officer at CoreCivic, where she leads clinical strategy across a multi-state system, advancing quality, access, and innovation for complex populations. A board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist with training in pediatrics, she previously served as Chief Medical Officer for the Indiana Department of Correction, overseeing care for 25,000 individuals. Dr. Dauss is recognized for transforming systems, improving outcomes, and advancing health equity through a comprehensive, whole-person approach to healthcare leadership.
Keith is a behavioral health leader, recovery advocate, and forensic peer support pioneer with extensive experience serving individuals impacted by addiction, gambling disorder, and involvement in the justice system. After nearly 20 years of addiction, incarceration across multiple states, and repeated attempts at recovery, Keith transformed his lived experience into a lifelong commitment to helping others find lasting recovery. As the first Certified Forensic Peer Support Specialist in the state of Mississippi, Keith helped develop and train forensic peer recovery programs that now serve justice-involved individuals across Mississippi and Tennessee. Today, he serves in clinical leadership roles with the University of Memphis and The Gambling Clinic. Keith is currently pursuing a master's degree in social sciences from the University of Memphis, is a CPRS, and holds several certifications in addiction therapy.
Jonathan is a Business Development Representative with JourneyPure and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor II (LADAC II) and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist–Justice Involved (CPRS-J). Jonathan has worked across multiple levels of the behavioral healthcare system, including detoxification services, residential treatment, peer support, recovery navigation, and community outreach. His experience has allowed him to build strong partnerships with healthcare providers, criminal justice agencies, community organizations, and recovery communities throughout West Tennessee. He is passionate about reducing barriers to treatment, increasing access to quality care, and connecting individuals with resources that support sustainable recovery. He earned his Bachelor of Professional Studies from the University of Memphis and has become a respected advocate for recovery-oriented systems of care.
Dean Adams has served academia and the legal profession for more than 30 years, and has held positions at Samford University, Cumberland School of Law, Wake Forest School of Law, The University of Texas School of Law, and Vanderbilt University School of Law. She earned her law degree from the University of Tennessee, a Master of Science in Public Health degree from Meharry Medical College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fisk University.. Dean Adams is an Alabama Law Fellow, a Fred D. Gray Institute Fellow, a graduate of the Alabama State Bar Leadership Class 13, a former member and vice-chair of the board of directors for the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, a past chair of the board of directors for Alabama Appleseed and has served the state and local bar associations in several capacities. The Alabama State Bar named her Pro Bono Mediator of the Year (2016) and has given her the President’s Award (2021) in recognition of her exemplary service.
Andrea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving as an embedded therapist in the School of Law. Prior to joining The University of Alabama’s Counseling Center as a staff therapist, Andrea worked for nine years at the Camellia Center, where she provided therapy to students, faculty, and staff. She has experience working with survivors of interpersonal violence, veteran populations, community mental health, and substance abuse treatment. A Birmingham native, Andrea, earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from The University of Alabama and a Master of Social Work from Northwest Nazarene University. She has served as a supervisor for bachelor’s- and master’s-level social work students and as an adjunct professor in the University’s School of Social Work. In addition, Andrea has served as a medical officer for 14 years in the United States Army Reserves and currently holds the rank of Major.
Jordyn began her legal career in 2019 with the Nashville Defenders on the General Sessions team, where she provided representation to people accused of misdemeanors and felonies. She joined the Education Rights Project in 2021. Jordyn graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Fisk University and then a Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University Law School. Jordyn is an education attorney and provides legal representation to families in school meetings, discipline appeals, and due process complaints. She also has a Guardian ad Litem practice where she represents youth in foster care and youth who are at risk of entering care. She also serves as an educational surrogate for children whose parents are not available to make school decisions.