Noreen Braman, CLWI, CLYL

Noreen is the Communications Manager for NJLAP.

Nancy Stek, Interim Director

Nancy Stek, MS, LCADC is the Interim Director of the New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program/NJ Judges Assistance Program. Ms. Stek’s career spans the fields of health care, education and the non-profit sector. She has been a featured speaker at national conferences and has provided specialized training for the New Jersey Department of Education, the Rutgers University Center for Alcohol Studies, the American Bar Association and the National Judicial College.

She is a certified Stress Hardiness Trainer through the University of California at Irvine, a certified Life Coach and Reiki Master Practitioner. Ms. Stek holds a B.A. degree from California State University, Sonoma and an M.S. in Psychology from California Coast University. She is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor and serves on the Board of A.S.A.P, a jail-based addiction treatment program.

Nicole Perskie, JD, Administrative Director

Nicole L. Perskie, JD, is Administrative Director for the New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program. Ms. Perskie is a former bankruptcy attorney and holds a Juris Doctorate from Rutgers University, Camden and a Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State University as well as graduate level accounting courses. She currently spreads the message of hope, and the ability to recover and works with attorneys with a variety of mental health concerns and substance use disorder. She is working on obtaining mental health credentials in addition to working with the NJLAP’s database, automations and other fun stuff.

Defne Ekin, PhD, Team Clinician

Moderator: Physical Well-Being, Monday

Dr.Defne Ekin is the team clinician for New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program. Defne is a versatile clinician who has helped many individuals, families and groups navigate crises and transitions. She earned a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from New York University and has an M. A. in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University. She was trained at the Ackerman Institute for the Family for her post-graduate work.

Before joining NJLAP, she served as a faculty member at Columbia University, Adelphi University, New York University and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.For much of her years in academia, she held key administrative and supervisory positions in addition to teaching. She maintains a private practice in New York City since 2009. Her research on mindfulness-based interventions and resiliency informs her counseling approach. She believes in the power of listening closely, earning trust, and building collaborative relationships. Clients value her strengths-based perspective and straightforward style. In her personal life, she enjoys exploring the world and tries to step out of her comfort zone by trying new activities.

Ramon Ortiz, Senior Attorney Counselor

Ramon Ortiz is Senior Attorney Counselor with the New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program for the past 30 years assisting lawyers with problems related to mental health (stress, anxiety, depression), alcohol, drugs, gambling, and other process addictions.

Prior to joining the New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program, he worked as a drug and alcohol counselor at Turning Point in Verona and Eva’s Village in Paterson, NJ. Before entering the field of addictions treatment he was an Associate Professor of Property Law, Clinical Professor of Law, and Director of Clinical Programs at Seton Hall Law School. He also practiced law with the firm of Ortiz & Velez for 20 years.

James Burke, BA, CRSP Candidate, Program Assistant/Resource Coordinator

Moderator: Spiritual Well-Being, Tuesday

James Burke is a dedicated Program Assistant/Resource Coordinator at the New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program, bringing a wealth of experience from his role as a Community Associate in the non-profit sector. Through his work with at-risk families and the homeless population, James has developed a profound understanding of the importance of offering support to those in need.

Skilled in Data Entry, Conflict Resolution, Case Management, Public Speaking, and Community Outreach, James is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others. A graduate of Georgian Court University with a B.A. in Criminal Justice, James draws from personal experiences in seeking help during difficult times, which fuels his passion for his work with the NJLAP program.

Currently in the process of applying to become a Certified Recovery Support Practitioner and undergoing training to become a Certified Life Coach, James is dedicated to continuing his professional development. With over two years of personal recovery experience, he approaches his work with humility and empathy, always striving to uplift and empower those around him.

Guided by Theodore Roosevelt's timeless wisdom, "Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing," James is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. He believes that everyone deserves support and is dedicated to being a source of hope for those who reach out for help.

Eric Salzman Esq., Attorney Counselor, CARC

Moderator: Social Well-Being, Thursday

Eric Salzman is a New Jersey attorney with over 16 years of legal experience. Since 2007, he has been dedicated to advocating for clients and providing expert legal guidance. Beyond his legal practice, Eric has made significant contributions to the recovery community for the past 20 years.

Now, as an Attorney Counselor, licensed Recovery Coach and Peer Advocate, he combines legal expertise with a compassionate approach to support NJLAP clients on their journey to wellness.