Joanna Franklin
Founder
Ms. Joanna Franklin Robertson was the founder of the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling and a renowned counselor and trainer of counselors in problem gambling. Joanna was the past president of the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling and treated gamblers and their families since 1979. She led MCPG for over 2 decades, and her desire was always for MCPG to zealously expand public awareness and treatment for problem gamblers, their loved ones, and communities.
Joanna passed away suddenly in 2013 but her legacy and the impact she made in the State of Maryland, nationally, and internationally will impact communities as Joanna designed and delivered training programs in 45 states, 10 Canadian provinces, among 31 tribes and in 9 other countries.
It is MCPG's goal to continue Joanna's commitment and legacy into the future.
Dr. Shandra Parks
president
Dr. Parks is a Licensed Master Social Worker and has worked with children, youth, and families for the past 22 years in the areas of child welfare, community social work and ministry wellness. Dr. Parks has a desire to see individuals, families and communities living healthy, whole and prosperous lives. Dr. Parks is the owner of Sparks Wellness Group, a consulting firm providing coaching, training and financial education services. Dr. Parks holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Master’s degree in Social Work, and Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Christian Counseling. Dr. Parks also holds the following certifications in Financial Social Work, Clergy Layministers Problem Gambling Spiritual Outreach certification and currently an Accredited Financial Counselor Candidate. Dr. Parks is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Dr. Parks serves the community in the following capacities: formerly Vice President of MCPG and Financial Educator with the Annapolis/Anne Arundel Financial Education Coalition.
Dr. Mary Robinson
Board Member
Dr. Mary Robinson is a Board Member of the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling.
Raleigh Burch
Board Member
Raleigh Burch is a Board Member of the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling.
Tamala Law
Treasurer
Tamala Law is the Treasurer of The Maryland Council on Problem Gambling. She is the Director of Compliance for MGM National Harbor Casino. She is a native Louisiana and has worked in the casino gaming industry for over 23 years, serving as a leader in Player Loyalty Services, Finance and Slot Operations before finding her calling in Regulatory Compliance. As the Director of Compliance, one of her responsibilities is to oversee the Responsible Gaming Program. As Chairperson, she gives priority attention to all Responsible Gaming efforts at the property, monitoring, implementing, measuring adherence, and acting as the conduit for information related to Responsible Gaming. Tamala received a BS in Business Management from Wiley College and her MBA from Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee. She is a member of Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics Personnel and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Outside of professional interests, Tamala travels widely, enjoys shopping and spending time with her family and friends in Louisiana and Texas.
Dr. Deborah G. Haskins
President Emerita
Dr. Deborah G. Haskins Ph.D., LCPC, MAC, NCGC-II is the former president of the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling and is a Licensed Counselor, Master Addition Counselor, Nationally Certified Gambling Counselor, Director of Counseling Programs, and professor at Johns Hopkins University. She has advocated for gamblers and loved ones for over 20 years and provides support to cultural communities, including faith/spiritual communities, in enhancing wellness in all areas.