Transforming Gambling Support Through Personalized Digital Care
Transforming Gambling Support Through Personalized Digital Care
Evive partners with state and federal organizations to extend evidence-based support to populations traditional services aren't reaching.
Our Mission
Evive is the leading digital health platform for gambling behavior change, serving state partners across the nation. We bridge the critical gap in care by reaching the 99.5% of people experiencing gambling harm who never access traditional state funded support services. Through our evidence-based platform and state partnerships, we're building a national digital infrastructure that makes personalized support accessible to everyone, anywhere, anytime.
Evive Clinical Advisory Board
Our Clinical Advisory Board is made up of leading experts who ensure our platform stays at the cutting edge of evidence-based practices.
Dr. Deborah G. Haskins
Ph.D., LCPC, ACS, MAC, ICGC-II, BACC, ICGSO, CGT
Board Chairperson at Evive and President Emerita of the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling. Created nationally-recognized cultural competency frameworks for gambling treatment. Led development of trauma-informed protocols adopted across multiple states. Recipient of NCPG's Lifetime Achievement Award for transforming addiction care accessibility. Pioneer in integrating faith-based support systems with clinical treatment.
Dr. Deborah G. Haskins
Ph.D., LCPC, ACS, MAC, ICGC-II, BACC, ICGSO, CGT
Board Chairperson at Evive and President Emerita of the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling. Created nationally-recognized cultural competency frameworks for gambling treatment. Led development of trauma-informed protocols adopted across multiple states. Recipient of NCPG's Lifetime Achievement Award for transforming addiction care accessibility. Pioneer in integrating faith-based support systems with clinical treatment.
Dr. Deborah G. Haskins
Ph.D., LCPC, ACS, MAC, ICGC-II, BACC, ICGSO, CGT
Board Chairperson at Evive and President Emerita of the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling. Created nationally-recognized cultural competency frameworks for gambling treatment. Led development of trauma-informed protocols adopted across multiple states. Recipient of NCPG's Lifetime Achievement Award for transforming addiction care accessibility. Pioneer in integrating faith-based support systems with clinical treatment.
Dr. Timothy W. Fong
M.D.
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA and Co-Director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program. Board-certified addiction psychiatrist leading research on digital therapeutic effectiveness. Directs UCLA's Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship, shaping next-generation treatment protocols. Created evidence-based standards for measuring program success adopted by multiple state agencies.
Dr. Timothy W. Fong
M.D.
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA and Co-Director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program. Board-certified addiction psychiatrist leading research on digital therapeutic effectiveness. Directs UCLA's Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship, shaping next-generation treatment protocols. Created evidence-based standards for measuring program success adopted by multiple state agencies.
Dr. Timothy W. Fong
M.D.
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA and Co-Director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program. Board-certified addiction psychiatrist leading research on digital therapeutic effectiveness. Directs UCLA's Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship, shaping next-generation treatment protocols. Created evidence-based standards for measuring program success adopted by multiple state agencies.
Dr. Paulette J. O'Gilvie
Ph.D.
A casino and gambling researcher and author whose scholarship explores the socio-economic impacts of gambling, particularly in urban communities. With a multidisciplinary background spanning business, higher education, public service leadership, and human services, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice, emphasizing positive, person-centered outcomes. Her work offers innovative perspectives, employing harm-reduction and prevention frameworks to help to address problem gambling.
Dr. Paulette J. O'Gilvie
Ph.D.
A casino and gambling researcher and author whose scholarship explores the socio-economic impacts of gambling, particularly in urban communities. With a multidisciplinary background spanning business, higher education, public service leadership, and human services, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice, emphasizing positive, person-centered outcomes. Her work offers innovative perspectives, employing harm-reduction and prevention frameworks to help to address problem gambling.
Dr. Paulette J. O'Gilvie
Ph.D.
A casino and gambling researcher and author whose scholarship explores the socio-economic impacts of gambling, particularly in urban communities. With a multidisciplinary background spanning business, higher education, public service leadership, and human services, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice, emphasizing positive, person-centered outcomes. Her work offers innovative perspectives, employing harm-reduction and prevention frameworks to help to address problem gambling.
Michael A. Buzzelli
MA, MPH, OCPS
Director of Problem Gambling Services at the Ohio Casino Control Commission and has previously served as the Associate Director of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio and the Prevention Committee Chair for the National Council on Problem Gambling. Launched Ohio's first statewide gambling telehealth network and led Ohio to achieve the nation's highest rate of certified gambling counselors. His groundbreaking work with college students demonstrates how prevention programs can create lasting impact by connecting to campus values and building real-world skills .
Michael A. Buzzelli
MA, MPH, OCPS
Director of Problem Gambling Services at the Ohio Casino Control Commission and has previously served as the Associate Director of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio and the Prevention Committee Chair for the National Council on Problem Gambling. Launched Ohio's first statewide gambling telehealth network and led Ohio to achieve the nation's highest rate of certified gambling counselors. His groundbreaking work with college students demonstrates how prevention programs can create lasting impact by connecting to campus values and building real-world skills .
Michael A. Buzzelli
MA, MPH, OCPS
Director of Problem Gambling Services at the Ohio Casino Control Commission and has previously served as the Associate Director of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio and the Prevention Committee Chair for the National Council on Problem Gambling. Launched Ohio's first statewide gambling telehealth network and led Ohio to achieve the nation's highest rate of certified gambling counselors. His groundbreaking work with college students demonstrates how prevention programs can create lasting impact by connecting to campus values and building real-world skills .
Jay Robinson, M.Ed,
Certified Canadian Problem Gambling Counsellor
Jay is an internationally sought-after expert in preventing and responding to gambling harms. With a background in clinical care, counselling psychology, gambling research, and prevention, Jay brings evidence to life for real-world application in regulatory, operator, and public health settings. Known as a thought leader, innovator, and expert trainer, Jay has delivered original responsible gambling and treatment programs across Australia, Canada, the US, and the UK for over 20 years, creating impactful programs for today’s evolving global gambling landscape.
Jay Robinson, M.Ed,
Certified Canadian Problem Gambling Counsellor
Jay is an internationally sought-after expert in preventing and responding to gambling harms. With a background in clinical care, counselling psychology, gambling research, and prevention, Jay brings evidence to life for real-world application in regulatory, operator, and public health settings. Known as a thought leader, innovator, and expert trainer, Jay has delivered original responsible gambling and treatment programs across Australia, Canada, the US, and the UK for over 20 years, creating impactful programs for today’s evolving global gambling landscape.
Jay Robinson, M.Ed,
Certified Canadian Problem Gambling Counsellor
Jay is an internationally sought-after expert in preventing and responding to gambling harms. With a background in clinical care, counselling psychology, gambling research, and prevention, Jay brings evidence to life for real-world application in regulatory, operator, and public health settings. Known as a thought leader, innovator, and expert trainer, Jay has delivered original responsible gambling and treatment programs across Australia, Canada, the US, and the UK for over 20 years, creating impactful programs for today’s evolving global gambling landscape.
Evive Leadership Team
Sam DeMello
Founder & CEO
Drawing from his personal recovery journey and 15+ years in strategic leadership, Sam founded Evive to revolutionize addiction support. His unique combination of lived experience and business acumen drives our mission to make recovery support accessible to all. Sam's vision has secured partnerships with state and federal agencies, positioning Evive as the digital extension of the national problem gambling support network.
Sam DeMello
Founder & CEO
Drawing from his personal recovery journey and 15+ years in strategic leadership, Sam founded Evive to revolutionize addiction support. His unique combination of lived experience and business acumen drives our mission to make recovery support accessible to all. Sam's vision has secured partnerships with state and federal agencies, positioning Evive as the digital extension of the national problem gambling support network.
Sam DeMello
Founder & CEO
Drawing from his personal recovery journey and 15+ years in strategic leadership, Sam founded Evive to revolutionize addiction support. His unique combination of lived experience and business acumen drives our mission to make recovery support accessible to all. Sam's vision has secured partnerships with state and federal agencies, positioning Evive as the digital extension of the national problem gambling support network.
Philippe Green
Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer
Philippe's expertise in privacy-first architecture and scalable platforms ensures Evive can serve millions while protecting individual privacy. With two decades of experience building enterprise systems, he developed Evive's secure infrastructure that gives state partners confidence in our data handling and system reliability.
Philippe Green
Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer
Philippe's expertise in privacy-first architecture and scalable platforms ensures Evive can serve millions while protecting individual privacy. With two decades of experience building enterprise systems, he developed Evive's secure infrastructure that gives state partners confidence in our data handling and system reliability.
Philippe Green
Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer
Philippe's expertise in privacy-first architecture and scalable platforms ensures Evive can serve millions while protecting individual privacy. With two decades of experience building enterprise systems, he developed Evive's secure infrastructure that gives state partners confidence in our data handling and system reliability.
Dr. Jeff Marotta
Founding Advisor
A pioneer in problem gambling treatment with 25+ years of experience, Dr. Marotta ensures Evive meets the highest clinical standards. ICGC-II certified and recipient of the Don Hulen Award for Advocacy, he has developed state-level programs nationwide. Jeff's integration of evidence-based practices with digital innovation provides the clinical foundation that makes Evive a trusted partner for state agencies.
Dr. Jeff Marotta
Founding Advisor
With a Ph.D. and ICGC-II certification, Jeff has over 25 years of experience in problem gambling services and is the recipient of the 2023 Don Hulen Award for Advocacy. He brings unparalleled expertise in developing state-level programs and harm reduction strategies.
Dr. Jeff Marotta
Founding Advisor
A pioneer in problem gambling treatment with 25+ years of experience, Dr. Marotta ensures Evive meets the highest clinical standards. ICGC-II certified and recipient of the Don Hulen Award for Advocacy, he has developed state-level programs nationwide. Jeff's integration of evidence-based practices with digital innovation provides the clinical foundation that makes Evive a trusted partner for state agencies.
Evive Team
Christina Cook, IGRS
The Broke Girl Society
Christina Cook brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role at Evive. As a certified International Gambling Recovery Specialist (IGRS), she offers a compassionate, peer-informed perspective that helps others feel seen and supported on their recovery journey. Christina is the founder of The Broke Girl Society, a podcast and online community that provides an inclusive, judgment-free space for women navigating gambling harm. She also serves on the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health (LEAP) Board and as Executive Secretary for the International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Board (IPGGC). Through storytelling, education, and advocacy, Christina works to reduce stigma, promote healing, and help people reclaim their lives with dignity and hope.
Christina Cook, IGRS
The Broke Girl Society
Christina Cook brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role at Evive. As a certified International Gambling Recovery Specialist (IGRS), she offers a compassionate, peer-informed perspective that helps others feel seen and supported on their recovery journey. Christina is the founder of The Broke Girl Society, a podcast and online community that provides an inclusive, judgment-free space for women navigating gambling harm. She also serves on the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health (LEAP) Board and as Executive Secretary for the International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Board (IPGGC). Through storytelling, education, and advocacy, Christina works to reduce stigma, promote healing, and help people reclaim their lives with dignity and hope.
Christina Cook, IGRS
The Broke Girl Society
Christina Cook brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role at Evive. As a certified International Gambling Recovery Specialist (IGRS), she offers a compassionate, peer-informed perspective that helps others feel seen and supported on their recovery journey. Christina is the founder of The Broke Girl Society, a podcast and online community that provides an inclusive, judgment-free space for women navigating gambling harm. She also serves on the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health (LEAP) Board and as Executive Secretary for the International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Board (IPGGC). Through storytelling, education, and advocacy, Christina works to reduce stigma, promote healing, and help people reclaim their lives with dignity and hope.
Rob Minnick
ODAAT Gambling Awareness
Rob Minnick, better known as ODAAT Gambling Awareness, uses his voice and lived experience to raise awareness about gambling addiction and recovery. What began as a personal story has grown into a movement, with his short-form videos and podcast content reaching millions of people each month. Rob breaks down the myths and misconceptions surrounding gambling addiction with honesty, vulnerability, and clarity. In addition to his advocacy work, he runs Recovery Marketing Solutions—a digital marketing firm that helps recovery-focused organizations expand their reach and connect with those in need. Rob is dedicated to making mental health and recovery resources more visible, relatable, and accessible to all.
Rob Minnick
ODAAT Gambling Awareness
Rob Minnick, better known as ODAAT Gambling Awareness, uses his voice and lived experience to raise awareness about gambling addiction and recovery. What began as a personal story has grown into a movement, with his short-form videos and podcast content reaching millions of people each month. Rob breaks down the myths and misconceptions surrounding gambling addiction with honesty, vulnerability, and clarity. In addition to his advocacy work, he runs Recovery Marketing Solutions—a digital marketing firm that helps recovery-focused organizations expand their reach and connect with those in need. Rob is dedicated to making mental health and recovery resources more visible, relatable, and accessible to all.
Rob Minnick
ODAAT Gambling Awareness
Rob Minnick, better known as ODAAT Gambling Awareness, uses his voice and lived experience to raise awareness about gambling addiction and recovery. What began as a personal story has grown into a movement, with his short-form videos and podcast content reaching millions of people each month. Rob breaks down the myths and misconceptions surrounding gambling addiction with honesty, vulnerability, and clarity. In addition to his advocacy work, he runs Recovery Marketing Solutions—a digital marketing firm that helps recovery-focused organizations expand their reach and connect with those in need. Rob is dedicated to making mental health and recovery resources more visible, relatable, and accessible to all.
Ramon Zelaya, LPC-S
r/ProblemGambling Reddit Community
Ramon Zelaya, LPC-S is a licensed professional counselor practicing in Louisiana. He served for 4 years as counselor and county prevention specialist for Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare in Clackamas, Oregon. In 2012 he founded the /r/problemgambling community on Reddit where he continues to serve as senior moderator. In 2024 he began working as Head of Community for Evive. In addition to his work in the problem gambling field, he provides technical support for the Louisiana Counseling Association, serves as a consultant on technology in behavioral healthcare, and maintains a small private counseling practice.
Ramon Zelaya, LPC-S
r/ProblemGambling Reddit Community
Ramon Zelaya, LPC-S is a licensed professional counselor practicing in Louisiana. He served for 4 years as counselor and county prevention specialist for Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare in Clackamas, Oregon. In 2012 he founded the /r/problemgambling community on Reddit where he continues to serve as senior moderator. In 2024 he began working as Head of Community for Evive. In addition to his work in the problem gambling field, he provides technical support for the Louisiana Counseling Association, serves as a consultant on technology in behavioral healthcare, and maintains a small private counseling practice.
Ramon Zelaya, LPC-S
r/ProblemGambling Reddit Community
Ramon Zelaya, LPC-S is a licensed professional counselor practicing in Louisiana. He served for 4 years as counselor and county prevention specialist for Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare in Clackamas, Oregon. In 2012 he founded the /r/problemgambling community on Reddit where he continues to serve as senior moderator. In 2024 he began working as Head of Community for Evive. In addition to his work in the problem gambling field, he provides technical support for the Louisiana Counseling Association, serves as a consultant on technology in behavioral healthcare, and maintains a small private counseling practice.
Lindsey McCann
Product Designer
Lindsey brings over 7 years of UX/UI and product design experience across healthcare and SaaS, with a focus on creating intuitive, user-first digital tools. At Evive, she leads the design of compassionate and accessible experiences that support individuals affected by gambling. Her background in EHR systems and digital health informs her approach to accessibility, data clarity, and engagement, helping ensure the platform feels approachable and empowering for every user. She works closely with cross-functional teams and incorporates user research to shape thoughtful, behaviorally effective design solutions.
Lindsey McCann
Product Designer
Lindsey brings 6+ years of UX and product design experience across healthcare and SaaS, with a focus on creating intuitive, user-first digital tools. At Evive, she contributes to the design of compassionate experiences that support individuals affected by gambling. Her background in EHR systems and digital health has shaped how she approaches accessibility, data clarity, and engagement, ensuring the platform feels approachable and empowering for every user.
Lindsey McCann
Product Designer
Lindsey brings over 7 years of UX/UI and product design experience across healthcare and SaaS, with a focus on creating intuitive, user-first digital tools. At Evive, she leads the design of compassionate and accessible experiences that support individuals affected by gambling. Her background in EHR systems and digital health informs her approach to accessibility, data clarity, and engagement, helping ensure the platform feels approachable and empowering for every user. She works closely with cross-functional teams and incorporates user research to shape thoughtful, behaviorally effective design solutions.
Let's Connect
Whether you're seeking support, exploring partnership opportunities, or have questions about Evive, we're here to help.
Your privacy is important to us - all inquiries are confidential.
Let's Connect
Whether you're seeking support, exploring partnership opportunities, or have questions about Evive, we're here to help.
Your privacy is important to us - all inquiries are confidential.