Josie M Coyoc, HHC

Josie is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in dance, movement therapy, and wellness. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the Boston Conservatory of Music at Berklee. She is certified in therapeutic movement, integrative nutrition, and breath coaching. Josie has performed with renowned companies such as Pilobolus Dance Theater and Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company.

She is currently pursuing an MA in Education with a focus on SEL, Mindfulness and Yoga. Combining her expertise in movement with her passion for holistic well-being, she is motivated to develop physical well-being programs for the New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program, with a focus on stretching, breathing exercises, and mindfulness. Josie is a creative and dynamic individual who is motivated to share her expertise for helping legal professionals enhance their well-being through accessible approaches.

Defne Ekin, PhD

Defne is the Team Clinician for NJLAP and will speak on Physical Well-Being for Lawyers. Learn more about Defne & NJLAP Staff in the Meet NJLAP section.

Cedric Ashley, JD, ACC, Catalyzer

Cedric is a coach, trainer, and facilitator, whose focus is on using scientific research & evidence-based practices to help individuals, teams, and organizations flourish and reach new heights of performance and fulfillment. Cedric obtained his B.A. and J.D. from Rutgers University and his Master of Divinity degree from Drew University Theological School. Cedric is currently pursuing an M.A. In Happiness Studies at Centenary University with a graduation date of May 2025. As the Founder and Principal of cedashco, inc., Cedric wakes up every morning relentlessly committed to the noble purpose of making people's lives better. Cedric graduated from the Executive Facilitation Program in the Institute for Transformational Leadership within the School of Continuing Studies at Georgetown University; and from the Leadership Coaching for Organizational Well-Being Program from the George Mason University - Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Cedric is also certified in Mental Health First Aid by the National Council for Mental Well-being.

From 2019 to 2021 Cedric served as the Editor-in-Chief of the American Bar Association (ABA) GPSolo Magazine, where he regularly authored a column titled: “BLT – Balanced Life Theory,” that focused on life balance, resilience, and well-being. Cedric also served as the Diversity Director of the ABA GP Solo Division for the 2017-2018 bar year and Chair of the Diversity Board for the 2015-2017 bar years. Cedric also served as the Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association for the 2017- 2019 bar years, and Co-Chair of the Law Office Management Committee for the 2017 – 2019 bar year. Cedric previously served on the communications committee of the board of directors for the Institute for Well-Being in the Law, and as a member of the Lawyer Well-Being Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association.

Cedric’s legal experience includes being a sole practitioner (Ashley Law Firm) in Princeton, New Jersey concentrating in business, employment, and criminal litigation; serving as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office where his responsibilities encompassed all phases of criminal litigation, including grand jury presentations, trials, and appellate brief writing; serving as a Litigation Associate with the law firm of Pitney Hardin Kipp & Szuch LLP (now Day Pitney LLP) where his practice areas encompassed corporate and complex commercial litigation, internal investigations, corporate grand jury investigations, and white-collar criminal defense; and serving as Director of Academic Development at Rutgers Law School-Newark.

Jim Greene, MA

Jim Greene, aka “The HOPE Guy,” has dedicated over 30 years to helping others as a crisis counselor in the healthcare field. A two-time survivor of major clinical depression, Jim brings a unique perspective as a “Wounded Healer,” using his personal journey to connect with and inspire those in the darkest moments of their lives. His message of H.O.P.E. —Hold On, Possibilities Exist—stems from lived experience and a deep commitment to giving others strength through storytelling and support.

Jim's early years were marked by academic struggles due to undiagnosed ADHD and emotional challenges, including his parents’ divorce and teenage alcohol abuse. At one point, he was failing multiple classes and felt directionless. But with the help of his family and a shift in attitude, Jim turned things around, eventually graduating high school and being accepted to Kean College, where he played football and made the Dean’s List.

He earned a Bachelor's in Psychology, followed by a Master's in Catholic Theology from Seton Hall. Though he initially studied for the priesthood, he ultimately found his calling in motivational speaking. Inspired by meeting the real-life "Rudy" Ruettiger—whose story was the basis for the movie”Rudy.” Jim embraced the motto: “It’s always too soon to quit.”

Today, Jim channels his resilience and compassion into every talk he gives, showing others that no matter how tough life gets, hope and healing are always within reach.

The Hon. John M. Doran, J.S.C.

The Hon. John M. Doran, J.S.C. was appointed to the Ocean County Superior Court in August 2015. Since his appointment, he has served in both the Family Division and Civil Division, gaining extensive experience in a broad range of legal matters.

Prior to his judicial appointment, Judge Doran had a distinguished career in public service. He served as a Deputy Public Defender, where he held the position of Managing Attorney for the Atlantic City Shore Region Office. He also managed multiple offices, including those in Trenton, Mount Holly, New Brunswick, Elizabeth, and Asbury Park.

Earlier in his career, Judge Doran worked as an Assistant Prosecutor with the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, further shaping his legal expertise. He earned his Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law in Newark, New Jersey. Judge Doran's broad legal background and commitment to public service continue to guide his work on the bench, where he currently serves as the only Special Civil Part judge for the Ocean Vicinage.

David J. Bruno - Attorney Wellness Speaker

David is a passionate advocate for attorney wellness and personal growth, with extensive experience in both legal practice and personal development. As a former Morris County Assistant Prosecutor and Certified Criminal Trial Attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court since 2013, David intimately understands the challenges legal professionals face.

David serves on the New Jersey Prevention Network board and is an active member of the New Jersey State Bar Association's Lawyer Well-being Committee and Criminal Law Section. He writes the popular "Law Life" LinkedIn newsletter and has been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Self-Development.

As a TEDx speaker, David presented "Reclaimed Time- A Trial Lawyer's Journey to Inner Counsel." He has delivered keynote addresses on Attorney Wellness for the New Jersey State Bar Association and is scheduled as a keynote speaker for CLIO at the Solo and Small Firm Virtual Summit (May 2025).

David is trained in Dr. Brené Brown's "The Daring Way" methodology, co-hosts "Nothing But The Truth" radio show on WMTR, and created the "I CAN Networking System" for building professional connections.

His unique combination of legal expertise and personal development knowledge makes him exceptionally qualified to address attorney wellness. David's talks provide practical strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and fostering a positive mindset in the demanding world of law.

In addition, David is the Former Morris County Assistant Prosecutor and Recognized as a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney since 2013.

Eric Rodriguez

Eric currently serves as the Education Director for Caron Treatment Centers. He held previous positions as therapist, behavioral health therapist and lead therapist. He has advanced education in co-occurring disorders, specifically related to anxiety, and is trained in cognitive processing therapy for trauma.

Eric is a licensed social worker in the state of Pennsylvania and has a certification in advanced addiction and drug counseling. He has a bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology and a master’s degree in clinical social work from Millersville University.

Jennifer Mohamed, Esq.

Jennifer is proudly a lawyer, yoga teacher, and entrepreneur dedicated to helping others thrive personally and professionally. Jennifer is the founder of two businesses: the Law Office of Jennifer Mohamed LLC, where she focuses her practice on sustainability, business, and employment law, and Jen the Yoga Lawyer LLC, her vehicle for offering yoga and wellness classes and retreats. Previously, Jen was a partner at a boutique commercial litigation firm in Princeton and spent time in big law and in government at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

Jennifer earned her JD from Albany Law School with a concentration in Environmental Law and her BA from SUNY Albany in Russian Language. Jennifer has also earned Certificates in Green Economy from the UN and Entrepreneurship for Women from Cornell University. Jennifer is also an accomplished yogi, having earned a 500-hour yoga teacher certification and dedicating 30 years on the mat studying and practicing yoga asana, philosophy and meditation. Jen is also an avid world traveler, animal lover, and gardening enthusiast.

Additionally, Jennifer is a sought-after speaker on well-being topics and is the author of a law review article, Silent Spring + 55: The Human Right to a Clean Environment, published by the University of California Davis, School of Law.

Kara Perry, JD

Kara McCarthy Perry, JD, is a consultant, lawyer, well-being advocate and speaker, adjunct professor, yoga and meditation teacher, and laughter yoga leader. Her transformative journey has evolved from working as a corporate attorney for over two decades to embracing mindfulness as a yoga teacher. She transitioned into academia as an adjunct professor at Quinnipiac Law School, teaching the Integrative Law Approach to Negotiation clinic, which incorporates well-being into the curriculum. She also teaches the Law Student Wellness & Mindfulness course at her alma mater, Seton Hall Law School.

Kara founded Just Brilliant LLC, a wellness consultant company that helps professionals prioritize their well-being alongside their professional ambitions, incorporating play, laughter, and joy into their lives. She serves as Co-Chair of the NJ/NY Chapter of the Mindfulness in Law Society (MILS) and Chair of the Law School Committee of the Institute for Well-Being In Law (IWIL).  She is a frequent speaker on lawyer well-being and encourages legal professionals to take their work seriously, but not themselves. True to her philosophy, Kara embraces her identity as a laughing, lunging lawyer! Kara is the proud mother of 2 young adults, 1 teenager, and a delightful chocolate lab. She is grateful to share over 27 years of marriage with her best friend—a journey that keeps her negotiation skills honed, humor sharp, and heart full.

Noreen Braman, CLWI, CLYL

Noreen is the Communications Manager for NJLAP. She is presenting “Joy is My Watchword, What’s Yours?” Learn more about Noreen & NJLAP Staff in the Meet NJLAP section.

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

Panelist: 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.