Annette Backs MSW, LCSW, CPRP is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey where she teaches in the undergraduate and graduate programs. She is also responsible for coordinating the undergraduate program for the southern campus.

Ms. Backs has extensive experience in curriculum development, and was the primary developer of the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Certificate Program at the University of Chicago Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. She has been an interactive staff trainer and consultant in state hospitals, community mental health centers, and residential facilities in Illinois and New Jersey.

An educator since 1983, Ms. Backs has taught in secondary, undergraduate and graduate programs, and developed and conducted training nationwide. She has also consulted nationally to assist social service and mental health programs in their development of program evaluation plans and outcome-based program planning.

Ms. Backs is well-known for her practical and engaging presentations, and has presented at local, state, national and international conferences.

Peter Basto MS, CPRP is an assistant professor at the department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ (UMDNJ), School of Health Related Professions (SHRP). He teaches undergraduate courses in Psychiatric Rehabilitation, and graduate courses in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program.

He has been working for UMDNJ-SHRP since 1999, and received the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2009. Peter has extensive experience working with people in recovery who attend community based programs, and hospital in-patient settings. He has a Masters Degree in Psychiatric Rehabilitation, and is a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP).

Peter has served as a subject matter expert in the development of the CPRP as a member of the Role Delineation Committee, item writer for the CPRP examination, and as a member of the CPRP Role Delineation Review Committee. He has provided training to programs and agencies on various topics of Psychiatric Rehabilitation including: motivational interviewing, co-occurring disorders, communication skills, skills training, and CPRP examination preparation.

He has also presented at national and international conferences on psychiatric rehabilitation.

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