Description

When mental health issues present within an employee in the workplace, it's invaluable to understand best practices for performing an employer requested Fitness for Duty evaluation. To protect all parties involved, it is paramount that the evaluating clinician understand their role in performing Fitness for Duty evaluations. Additionally, understanding the guidelines offered by The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the US Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) can help clinicians ensure that an employee is appropriate and meets criteria for a workplace Fitness for Duty evaluation and avoid potential litigation. This training will help licensed clinicians better understand when a Fitness for Duty evaluation for an established employee is warranted, review ADA and EEOC requirements for performing an evaluation, the importance of the referral call, and best practices for engaging in the Fitness for Duty evaluation.

Learning Objectives

Objective 1 Describe what a Fitness for Duty evaluation is and the reasons why a FFDE may occur.

Objective 2 Differentiate between an employee who has behavioral concerns and poor performance versus an employee who demonstrates the necessary criteria for a FFDE to occur.

Objective 3 Explain best practices in performing a FFDE (what to include in your report, what not to include, importance of the referral call, the evaluating clinician's role in a FFDE).

Objective 4 Explain the guidelines imposed by the ADA and EEOC for performing Fitness for Duty evaluations for an established employee.

Presenter

Rachel Ann Dine, LMHC, LPC, LPCC, CFMHE, CFP

Rachel Ann Dine is licensed as a Professional Counselor in Florida, Virginia, and California. She is a Registered Supervisor for Residents in Counseling in Virginia, Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator, Certified Neuroscience Informed Practitioner, and Certified Forensic Psychometrist. Rachel Ann has worked in the mental health field since 2005 in a variety of settings from crisis hotline, long term residential and acute stabilization psychiatric hospitals, military and family life counseling, emergency department as behavioral health support, and has written evidence-based educational courses on psychiatric disorders for hospital employees. Rachel Ann has owned and operated her mental health private practice, Humanitas Counseling and Consulting, since 2017 and currently works with counseling clients in Virginia and California; and offers select forensic and Fitness for Duty evaluations for Virginia residents and agencies. Since obtaining the CFMHE credential in 2021, Rachel Ann has had the opportunity to provide a multitude of Fitness for Duty evaluations for established employees in various private and state agency settings. She is passionate about providing the highest standard of practice when engaging in the Fitness for Duty evaluation process, consulting with agencies on mental health issues in the workplace, and ensuring that necessary ADA and EEOC guidelines for engaging in the FFDE process are upheld to protect an employee’s rights.

Cost

$15 for NBFE members (i.e., CFMHEs and CFMHE applicants/candidates) and, for members of  our partnering organizations please see Professional Partners for current listing)
$30 for Non-members

Continuing Education Information

ACEP No. 6189

Florida CE Broker Tracking No. 20-1263983

CE Broker Provider No. 50-15823

                               

          

The National Board of Forensic Evaluators (NBFE) has been approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6189.  Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  NBFE is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. NBFE is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.  NBFE maintains responsibility for this program and its content. NBFE is recognized and endorsed by the American Mental Health Counselors Association.

This workshop has been approved for 1.5 general hours with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, & Mental Health Counseling and the Florida Board of Psychology, CE Broker Tracking # 20-20-1263983 (CE Broker Provider #50-15823).

Click here for NBFE Cancellation/Refund Policy.

Description

Join us for an enlightening and interactive workshop designed specifically for mental health professionals looking to deepen their understanding the basics of suggestibility in the context of forensic evaluations.

Learning Objectives

Objective 1 - Define key concepts related to suggestibility and its significance in forensic evaluations.

Objective 2 - Examine various assessment tools and techniques used to measure suggestibility in forensic evaluations.

Objective 3 - Evaluate biopsychosocial aspects influencing suggestibility.

Objective 4 - Examine a case using evaluation of suggestibility.

Presenter

Dr. Brian Sheble NCSP, LPC LCPC, NCC, CCMHC, CFMHE, CCCE CFBA, CFP

Dr. Brian Sheble is a School Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who currently provides expert witness, consulting, assessment, counseling, and advocacy services for children, adolescents, and adults in his private practice, Growth Mindset Assessment and Counseling, LLC, located in Creve Coeur, MO.  Brian earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.    Dr. Sheble has also received an Educational Specialist in School Psychology from the University of Missouri-St Louis, a Graduate Certificate in Educational Administration from the University of Southern Illinois at Edwardsville, a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Education also from Lindenwood University.  He is the current President of the Missouri Mental Health Counselors Association, Treasurer-Elect for the Missouri Association of School Psychologists, and was previously an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.  Dr. Sheble is on the editorial review board for the Journal of Mental Health Counseling and Psychology in the Schools.  Dr. Sheble is a National Certified School Psychologist, National Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator, Certified Personality Disorders Treatment Professional, Certified Clinical Trauma Therapist-Level Two, and Certified Child Custody Evaluator.  Dr. Sheble is licensed as a School Psychologist in Illinois, Missouri, and Arizona. Brian has also been a court-appointed counselor and licensed mental health evaluator in Missouri and Alaska. Dr. Sheble is also licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri, Alaska, and Georgia and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. 

Cost

$20 for NBFE members (i.e., CFMHEs and CFMHE applicants/candidates) and, for members of  our partnering organizations please see Professional Partners for current listing)
$40 for Non-members

Continuing Education Information

ACEP No. 6189

Florida CE Broker Tracking No. 20-

CE Broker Provider No. 50-15823

                               

          

The National Board of Forensic Evaluators (NBFE) has been approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6189.  Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  NBFE is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. NBFE is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.  NBFE maintains responsibility for this program and its content. NBFE is recognized and endorsed by the American Mental Health Counselors Association.

This workshop has been approved for 1.5 general hours with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, & Mental Health Counseling and the Florida Board of Psychology, CE Broker Tracking # 20-20-1263983 (CE Broker Provider #50-15823).

Click here for NBFE Cancellation/Refund Policy.

Become a Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator(CFMHE)!

Virtual 2 Day Zoom Event

In support of  the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association (FMHCA), the National Board of Forensic Evaluators, Inc. (NBFE) announces our exclusive forensic mental health evaluator certification training event on Thursday, 2/27/25 and Friday, 2/28/25  online via Zoom, enabling mental health professionals across the country to attend remotely.  NBFE is the only forensic certification organization officially endorsed by the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA).

    

Forensic mental health evaluation is an impactful and lucrative area of specialization for licensed mental health professionals, yet few counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists are exposed to this unique specialty in their graduate training.  Whether you plan on working full time in forensics or just wish to supplement your practice with an additional funding stream, this credential can help you establish yourself as a forensic expert.  If you already work in the forensic field, this credential can boost your resume, sharpen your evaluation skills, and enhance your reputation as an expert.

Join Our Elite Group of Certified Evaluators!

Attendees who complete the entire certification process and are awarded the Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator (CFMHE) credential can use the credential to better establish themselves as experts in the forensic arena.

 

NBFE’s all-inclusive certification fee includes:

• The 8-hour workshop on the fundamentals of forensic mental health evaluation online via Zoom.

• Free 24/7 access to several webinar recordings and study materials designed to help candidates prepare for the written and oral examinations for certification

• One-on-one mentoring (via email, phone, or webcam) with an expert CFMHE who provides feedback on written evaluation reports

• Written examination and oral examination fees

• Complimentary participation in select NBFE webinars

• Complimentary access to NBFE’s member portal, including use of our online forum for questions and answers about forensic mental health evaluation.

Get Certified at a Reduced Rate!
NBFE’s all-inclusive certification fee is $715, but we are offering a heavily discounted fee of $600 for all candidates who register for this event due to our partnership with FMHCA.  Students and interns may attend at a reduced rate of $300 to start learning about forensic mental health evaluation.  However, students and interns cannot obtain the full certification until they have been licensed for a full year, at which time they may pay the remaining $300 balance and continue with the certification process, having enjoyed the benefits to free and reduced-cost forensic webinars in the interim.

Learning Objectives
Participants will:
Learn about the National Board of Forensic Evaluators, the Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator credential, and the certification process.

1. Participants will articulate an understanding of the certification and credentialing process for the Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator (CFMHE) credential.

1. Participants will define "forensic mental health evaluation" and describe differences between forensic and clinical evaluations, ethical considerations for forensic evaluation, types of forensic mental health evaluations, and qualifications for administering and interpreting psychological tests.

1. Participants will summarize subject matter incorporated into the CFMHE written examination, including Parental Alienation Syndrome and child custody cases, assessment and testing principles, psychopathic traits, domestic violence, competency to stand trial, malingering, civil commitment, laws and standards of forensic mental health evaluation, assessment of violence and suicide potential, interviewing techniques, personal injury cases, juvenile assessment, substance abuse evaluation, sexual abuse, expert witness standards, and resources to learn more.

1. Participants will write a quality forensic evaluation report.

1. Participants will describe tips and strategies for the oral examination and expert witness testimony.

1. Participants will identify tests that can be used for forensic applications.

Note that attendance at this workshop is not the only step in the certification process.  Attendees must also complete an online application, submit three reference letters, submit proof of licensure for at least one full year (associate, intern, and provisional license status will not meet this requirement unless the applicant is legally permitted to diagnose and treat mental disorders without being under the supervision of another licensed mental health professional), submit proof of malpractice insurance, document 40 hours of forensic-related training and/or experience (e.g., CEs, time spent conducting evaluations, writing reports, court testimony, etc.), pass the written examination (administered at the end of the workshop), submit a sample report, and pass the oral examination (done via webcam online) as depicted in the graphic below and on our website.  Most attendees already have the 40 hours experience (i.e., work-related experience or training experience) prior to attending the workshop, but many do not.  If an attendee does not already have 40 hours of forensic experience, he or she may apply 8 hours from by attending this workshop and then obtain the remaining hours through other means after the workshop by attending training events on forensic mental health-related topics with any approved CE provider (NBFE is not responsible for any additional costs incurred during that process).  

About the Presenters

Norman Hoffman, PhD, EdD, LMHC, LMFT, CFMHE,

CCCE, CFBA, CSFDE

A man who saw the potential, an innovator, pushing the boundaries to advance the cause of licensed professional counselor in the field of forensic mental health. He had the vision, the success in his field, sometimes overcoming great challenges to pave the way for those seeking status and professional recognition in a field of forensic mental health that has in the past been inaccessible.

Dr. Hoffman had the boldness and courage to create a training and certification process paving the way for those seeking the status as psychiatrists and psychologists have. His dedication and persistence, despite systematic discrimination, made it possible for licensed professional counselors to have equal, if not elevated status in the field of forensic mental health.

Dr. Hoffman is considered a pioneer with his passion and creativity to develop the pattern for those who pursue a role as an expert forensic mental health expert witness, having founded the national Board of Forensic Evaluators, created the Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator (CFMHE) credential, developed the Hoffman Organicity Test (HOT) to differentiate between schizophrenia and other organic brain disorders.

Dr. Hoffman  developed and validated the Child & Adolescent Forensic Screening Inventory  (CAFSI), meticulously designed to support professionals in conducting thorough and effective clinical interviews with children and adolescents within forensic contexts, ensuring that critical information is gathered accurately and efficiently. 

Today, as Clinical Director of the Counseling and Psychotherapy Center in Ormond Beach, Florida, Dr. Hoffman continues to break through conventional barriers to provide families with the help and guidance they need. But he has not forgotten his musical foundation.

He credits music with inspiring his collaborative approach to working with parents and professionals, and he continues to perform and write the jazz that started it all.

Aaron Norton, PhD, LMHC, LMFT, CFMHE, CFBA

Dr. Aaron Norton is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with certifications in addictions, alcohol and drug counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical mental health counseling, trauma treatment, forensic mental health evaluation, forensic behavioral analysis, and forensic psychometry.

He serves as executive director of the National Board of Forensic Evaluators, assistant professor of instruction at the University of South Dept. of Mental Health Law & Policy, southern regional director, Ethics Committee liaison, and International Counseling Task Force chair for the American Mental Health Counselors Association, chair of the Government Relations Committee for the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association, and consulting editor for AMHCA’s The Advocate Magazine.

He co-authored the Forensic Evaluation section of the "AMHCA Standards for the Practice of Clinical Mental Health Counseling,” authored the proposal for AMHCA’s Clinical Mental Health Specialist in Forensic Evaluation (CMHS-FE) credential, authored the DSM-5 to DSM-5-TR update article published in the American Counseling Association's Counseling Today magazine, and served on the expert panel that created the standards and written exam for the Florida Certification Board’s Certified Telehealth Practitioner (CTP) credential.

He has 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, was awarded Mental Health Counselor of the Year by the American Mental Health Counselors Association in 2016, Counselor Educator of the Year by the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association in 2016, Researcher of the Year by the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association in 2019, and he was awarded AMHCA’s Public and Community Service Award in 2020.

 

Continuing Education Information

 

This workshop has been approved for 8 hours of continuing education (6 general hours, 1 domestic violence hour, and 1 hour ethics/professional boundaries) with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, & Mental Health Counseling and the Florida Board of Psychology, CE Broker Tracking # 20-1236690 (CE Broker Provider #50-15823).  

 

The National Board of Forensic Evaluators (NBFE) has been approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6189.  Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  NBFE is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. 

NBFE is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.  NBFE maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

NBFE is recognized and endorsed by the American Mental Health Counselors Association.

Click here for NBFE Cancellation/Refund Policy.

Online via Zoom

October 17th, and 18th, 2025

Description

Are you a mental health professional looking to refine your courtroom expertise? Step into the Expert Witness Academy, a dynamic, hands-on training designed to elevate your confidence and performance as an expert witness.

Navigating the complexities of expert testimony can feel intimidating, but with the right guidance, you can transform uncertainty into competence. This two-day intensive workshop, led by seasoned expert witnesses and experienced attorneys, offers you the tools, strategies, and practice needed to excel under oath.

What sets this training apart? It’s experiential. You won’t just learn about providing effective testimony—you’ll practice it. Through realistic courtroom simulations and interactive exercises, you’ll gain firsthand experience in handling direct examinations and mastering cross-examinations with poise and professionalism.

Don’t let courtroom anxiety hold you back. Join us and unlock your potential to serve as a credible, confident expert witness. 

 Learning Objectives

Schedule

Day 1 Schedule

7.5 Training Hours/CEs

8:00 - 9:00 AM EST: Keynote Address

9:00 - 10:30 AM EST: PowerPoint Presentation

10:30 - 10:45 AM EST: Break

10:45 - 12:00 PM EST: Attorney Didactic/Case Scenario - Role Play with Attorneys and Experts

12:00 - 1:30 PM EST: Lunch

1:30 - 2:30 PM EST: Attorney – Fact Pattern/Case Scenario 

2:30 - 3:00 PM EST: Attorney – Fact Pattern/Case Scenario

3:00 - 4:00 PM EST: Attorney – Fact Pattern/Case Scenario 

4:00 - 5:30 PM EST: Q&A Panel

Day 2 Schedule

5.5 Training Hours/CEs

8:00 - 9:30 AM:  Direct and Cross-Examination by Attorney

9:30 - 10:30 AM EST: Q&A with Attorneys

10:30 - 11:30 AM EST: Fact Pattern/Case Scenario #5

11:30 - 12:00 PM EST: Q&A with Attorneys

12:00 - 1:30 PM EST: Lunch

1:30 - 3:00 PM EST: Mental Status Examination

Presenters

Norman Hoffman, PhD, EdD, LMHC, LMFT, CFMHE, CCCE, CFBA, CFP 

A man who saw the potential, an innovator, pushing the boundaries to advance the cause of licensed professional counselor in the field of forensic mental health. He had the vision, the success in his field, sometimes overcoming great challenges to pave the way for those seeking status and professional recognition in a field of forensic mental health that has in the past been inaccessible.

Dr. Hoffman had the boldness and courage to create a training and certification process paving the way for those seeking the status as psychiatrists and psychologists have. His dedication and persistence, despite systematic discrimination, made it possible for licensed professional counselors to have equal, if not elevated status in the field of forensic mental health.

Dr. Hoffman is considered a pioneer with his passion and creativity to develop the pattern for those who pursue a role as an expert forensic mental health expert witness.

Today, as Clinical Director of the Counseling and Psychotherapy Center in Ormond Beach, Florida, Dr. Hoffman continues to break through conventional barriers to provide families with the help and guidance they need. But he has not forgotten his musical foundation. He credits music with inspiring his collaborative approach to working with parents and professionals, and he continues to perform and write the jazz that started it all.

Aaron Norton, PhD, LMHC, LMFT, CFMHE, CFBA, CFP

Dr. Aaron Norton is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with certifications in addictions, alcohol and drug counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical mental health counseling, trauma treatment, forensic mental health evaluation, forensic behavioral analysis, and forensic psychometry. He serves as executive director of the National Board of Forensic Evaluators (NBFE), assistant professor of instruction at the University of South Dept. of Mental Health Law & Policy, International Counseling Task Force chair for the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), consulting editor for AMHCA’s “The Advocate Magazine,” and chair of the Government Relations Committee for the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association. He co-authored the forensic evaluation section of the “AMHCA Standards for the Practice of Clinical Mental Health Counseling,” authored the proposal for AMHCA’s Clinical Mental Health Specialist in Forensic Evaluation (CMHS-FE) credential, served on panels responsible for creating certification standards and exam content for three forensic specialty certifications offered by NBFE, and has been published in several journals and professional magazines. He has 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist and 15 years of experience in forensic evaluation and clinical supervision.

Kim Banister, Esq.

Kim Bannister is a private attorney with a practice centering on family law, domestic violence, dependency and probate. She is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator. She is the former managing attorney for the family law division of Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. (CLSMF). During her tenure at CLSMF, she managed seven attorneys and support staff in twelve counties across Central Florida and was named Outstanding Supervisor of the Year.

Kim is also actively involved in a variety of community and professional organizations. She is the current President of the Volusia County Bar Association and a former Executive Board member. She is a past member of the Board of Directors for the Volusia Flagler PACE Center for Girls, serving for six years, and a past member of the Junior League of Daytona Beach.

She has also served as a two-term President as well as Vice President and Board Member for the Volusia Flagler Association for Women Lawyers, and served on the State Board for the Florida Association for Women Lawyers. She has served on the steering committee for the formation of Sally’s Safe Haven Visitation Center in Flagler County. Ms. Banister is a past volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America and served in leadership with the Girl Scouts of America for over seven years. 

David L. Ferguson, Esq.

David Ferguson, a Seabreeze High School graduate, holds degrees from Daytona Beach Community College and the University of Florida, culminating in a Juris Doctorate from Mercer University's Walter F. George School of Law in 1982. With a career spanning over three decades, Ferguson initially worked in insurance defense before branching out into various legal domains including personal injury, criminal law, family law, estate planning, trusts, and probate. His extensive experience in representing clients across Volusia, Flagler, Orange, and Seminole counties underscores his expertise in criminal defense, family law matters, and diverse legal areas.

Notably, he also served as a chief executive for Rankin-Patterson Oil Company, offering unique insights into safeguarding assets during divorce and estate planning processes. Actively engaged in community service, Ferguson is involved in multiple organizations and holds a strong commitment to mentoring in Volusia County Schools. He remains a proud and active member of the Ormond Beach/Daytona Beach area, contributing to the community through his legal expertise and civic engagement.

Katrina Muse, Esq.

Katrina Muse is a seasoned attorney with over 30 years of legal experience, specializing in family law, adoptions, injunctions, criminal defense, and traffic matters. A graduate of the University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law, Katrina MuseEarly in her career, Katrina Muse served as an Assistant State Attorney for theSeventh Judicial Circuit, representing cases in Putnam and Flagler Counties. Thisrole provided invaluable courtroom experience and honed her skills as a litigator.

In 1991, Katrina Muse was admitted to practice before the United States DistrictCourt for the Middle District of Florida, further expanding their ability to represent clients in federal legal matters.For the past three decades, Katrina Muse has maintained a thriving private legal practice, offering dedicated and compassionate representation to clients in a wide range of legal issues.

Her commitment to providing personalized attention and achieving favorable outcomes has earned her a strong reputation in the legal community. Katrina Muse's extensive experience, professionalism, and dedication make her a trusted advocate for clients navigating complex legal challenges. 

Dayanna Lopez, Esq.

Attorney Dayanna Lopez practices in the areas of family law, personal injury, civil litigation and criminal trial law. Ms. Lopez earned a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in English and Political Science in 2004, before pursuing a law degree from the same school. In 2009, she received her Juris Doctorate of Law from the Stetson University College of Law. While in law school, she received the Exemplary Leadership & Dedication Award and the Outstanding Service Award from the Law Student Division of the American Bar Association. Ms. Lopez continues to serve her Alma Mater, by participating every year with the Stetson University Model United States Senate, actively mentoring and encouraging those wishing to pursue a career in law or public service.

Before joining the Politis & Matovina, P.A. legal team, Attorney Lopez interned in Florida’s Office of the State Attorney. She also interned and worked in the criminal division of the Office of the Attorney General, the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court, and most recently, Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida. During her career, she has also contributed to several published books and research projects. Ms. Lopez volunteers her time performing pro-bono legal services for Veteran’s Court in Volusia and Flagler counties along with victims of domestic violence. Ms. Lopez also serves on the Domestic Violence Advisory Committee for the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court.

Attorney Lopez is a member of several professional organizations, including the Florida Bar (2013 - present), Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida (2013 - present), the Volusia County Bar Association (2013 - present), the Flagler County Bar Association (2013 - present), the Putnam County Bar Association (2013 - present), Dunn-Blount American Inns of Court (2014- present), Volusia/Flagler Association for Women Lawyers, the Florida Justice Association (2020 - present) and American Academy for Certified Financial Litigators (2021 - present). She founded the Tax Law Society and participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. Attorney Lopez is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Mitchel Novas, Esq.

Mitchel Novas is the Felony Division Chief for the Office of the Public Defender for the Seventh Judicial Circuit.

A criminal defense attorney for thirty-eight years and Board Certified Criminal Trial Expert for twenty-four years, Mitchel has extensive experience cross-examining experts and presenting expert testimony. During his career he handled thousands of criminal cases including several Death Penalty cases where the State was seeking execution, and tried over one hundred jury trials. Ultimately, none of the clients Mitchel represented were sentenced to death row.  

Judge, Dawn Fields.

The Honorable Dawn Pl Fields (Ret.) served as a judge for the Volusia County Court in Florida. Fields was elected to the bench in 2006 andre-elected in 2012 and 2018. She retired on December 31, 2020. Fields earned a master’s degree in math education from the University of Central Florida. She spent the next eight years teaching mathematics for the Volusia County School District before completing a J.D. at the University of Georgia School of Law in 1993.

After graduating from law school, Fields began her legal career as an assistant state attorney in the Office of the State Attorney for the7th Judicial Circuit. She handled over one thousand cases, sitting as the Chief of the County Court division and the special prosecutor for the Sex Crimes Division.Her memberships have included the Board of Directors f the Council of Aging, the Children’s Home Society, the Richard V. Moore Center, andthe Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Dr. Jean Dwyer, Esq.

Jean Dwyer attended Stetson University College of Law where she obtained her Juris Doctorate. She was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1991 and since then has represented parties in the areas of criminal, probate, guardianship, family and adoption matters, and provided educational services as an Adjunct Professor at Daytona State College and Keiser University. Jean also served as the General Magistrate for family and dependency matters, the Civil Traffic Infraction Hearing Officer, and the Child Support Hearing Officer for the Seventh Judicial Circuit and continues to serve as the Special Magistrate in Code Enforcement Hearings for the City of Ormond Beach. She elected to advance her education in 2006 to become a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family and County Court Mediator, a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator and Elder Care Coordinator. She continues to champion resolution over litigation by continuing to provide mediation services throughout the state. Ms. Dwyer is also credited with her writing and research contributions for the Florida Bar publication Adoption, Paternity, and Other Florida Family Practice, Eighth and Ninth Editions. 

 

Katherine F. Woodard, Esq.

Katherine F. Woodard, a native of Ormond Beach and graduate of Seabreeze High School, holds a B.A. in Political Science (1976) and a Master’s in Education (1978) from Mercer University, along with a Specialist in Gifted Education (1980) from the University of Central Georgia. After teaching for several years, she earned her Juris Doctorate from Mercer University's Walter F. George School of Law in 1987 and has since practiced family law in Ormond Beach and the Greater Daytona Beach area. With nearly 30 years of experience, Mrs. Woodard has represented countless clients across Volusia, Flagler, Orange, and Seminole counties, specializing in complex family law cases, including divorce, child custody, domestic violence injunctions, and high-asset property disputes. She was among the first attorneys in Volusia County to become a certified mediator and has also represented victims of domestic violence under the Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

In addition to her extensive family law practice, Mrs. Woodard has over three decades of experience in criminal law, having served as both a prosecutor and a public defender. As an assistant public defender, she initiated in-take consultations for inmates at the Volusia County Branch Jail. Her criminal law expertise includes DUI defense and the representation of misdemeanor and felony cases. A longstanding member of both the Family Law and Criminal Defense Sections, Mrs. Woodard combines her legal acumen with her background in education to advocate effectively for her clients and their families. An active member of her community, she has served on the Vestry Board and School Board of St. James Church, as well as various civic organizations, including the Junior League and Daytona Beach Rotary Club.

Disclaimers

Meals and Refreshments

NBFE will not be providing meals/snacks during the Academy Training.

If you have any questions about booking your hotel room please contact Valentino@nbfe.net or call or text 386-293-1226.

Continuing Education Information

NBCC ACEP # 6189

Florida CE Broker Tracking # 20-1278627

CE Broker Provider # 50-15823

                               

          

This workshop has been approved for 13 hours of continuing education (13 general hours) with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, & Mental Health Counseling and the Florida Board of Psychology.    

The National Board of Forensic Evaluators (NBFE) has been approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6189.  Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  NBFE is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. 

NBFE is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.  NBFE maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

NBFE is recognized and endorsed by the American Mental Health Counselors Association.

Click here for NBFE

Cancellation/Refund Policy.