History of the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems

The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems, founded in 1979, was organized in its present form in 1984. It is an affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the national advocate for programs and services for problem gamblers and their families. In accordance with affiliation requirements, it takes no position on legalized gambling, but limits its activities to helping those affected by the gambling addiction.

Subsequent to the legalization of slot machine gambling in Delaware race tracks, the Council underwent a large expansion in 1996, due to the enabling legislation's provision that a portion of the slots profits be set aside annually to provide assistance for problem gambling victims. Most of the Council's funding comes from this fund in the form of a contract for services with the State of Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.

The Council is a private, nonprofit health agency.

For a description of our services, please see Programs and Services.

Our Dedicated Staff

Elizabeth B."Lisa" Pertzoff,NCAC,NCGC - Executive Director
Lisa has been active in addictions field for more than thirty years, and with the Gambling Council since 1984. She spends much of her time advocating for the Council's mission at the public policy level. She is a member of the Delaware Governor's Advisory Council on Substance Abuse and Mental Health. She is on the Board of Directors of the National Council on Problem Gambling and National Gambler Counselor Certification Board. Her goal is to overcome the stigma against addiction.

SUSAN EDGAR, Ph.d, R.N.,CADC - Deputy Director
Susan has worked in the addictions field for thirty years. She provided training for the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Bureau of Drug Abuse Programs. She trained staff at the Department of Welfare, PA Board of Probation and Parole, and the PA Dept. of Corrections. She has been a counselor/instructor for the Wilmington Dept. of Police since 1993. She has taught at Penn State College; Wilmington College; and Lincoln University. She is a published author in Adolescent Counselor, Counselor and Police journals.

BARBARA BARR - Program Director
Barbara joined the council in 1987. Her responsibilities include: administrative oversight and supervision of the 24-hour Helpline, and promoting Helpline services in the community. She is coordinator of treatment services, and volunteer services. She is responsible for the developing the Council's professional training program offered through the Council in conjunction with the Delaware Division of Substance and Mental Health, Department of Health and Social Services.

MALIK HARRIS - Director of Outreach and Criminal Justice
Malik joined the Council November 2006. His responsibilities include: planning and facilitating outreach activites, and advocating for awareness and services within the Delaware criminal justice system. He retired from the State of Delaware and worked for the Delaware Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (DELARF) for over six years.

SACHIN KARNIK - Ph.D, LCSW - Director of Prevention and Special Projects
Sachin has worked with adolescents and families for over 10 years, performing clinical interventions through the state of Delaware. He taught clinical psychopathology as an adjunct professor at DE State University. As the prevention director, he is responsible for the development and implementation of youth problem gambling services. He works closely with D.O.E., U of D, and other youth centered groups.

STEVE GONZER - Part-time Outreach (Kent & Sussex Counties)
Steve has more than twenty years experience in the field of education & training. Much of his career has centered around at-risk-youth and providing alternative education/employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged adults. He has been involved in various community and civic activities, including more than twenty years with individuals who suffer from the disease of addiction. He is responsible for enhancing the council's presence and increasing public awareness about the council's services in Kent and Sussex counties.

SHIRLEY LINDEWIRTH - Acting Office Manager
Shirley serves as the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems' Office Manager. She is responsible for overall office management, supervision of Administrative Assistants, and the maintenance and management of agency records.

WILLIAM LINDEWIRTH - Administrative Assistant
Bill offers administrative assistance to all staff and performs a variety of clerical duties.

DAVID WARNER - Bookkeeper
David is responsible for managing payments, payroll, and employee timesheets.

Board of Directors - 2008