What Every Woman Should Know - Protecting Yourself, Navigating Relationships & Knowing When to Ask for Help

What Every Woman Should Know: Staying Safe, Navigating Relationships & Knowing When to Ask for Help is an interactive conversation designed to empower women with practical knowledge, real-world insights, and trusted resources they can carry with them long before they ever need them.

Many women don't realize what options are available—or when it's time to reach out for help—until they're already in the middle of a difficult situation. Whether navigating a relationship, contemplating separation or divorce, supporting a friend, or simply wanting to be better informed, this session will provide valuable guidance that every woman should know.

Our panel of experts—including a family law attorney, private investigators, and a therapist—will share their unique perspectives on recognizing warning signs, protecting yourself, understanding available resources, and taking thoughtful next steps when faced with challenging or uncertain situations. Together, they'll discuss how their roles often intersect and how women can build a trusted support network before a crisis arises.

This 90-minute session is intentionally designed to be interactive.

The first 40–45 minutes will feature brief presentations from each expert, providing an overview of their area of expertise, common situations they encounter, and practical advice every woman can apply.

The second half of the program will transition into rotating small-group conversations, giving attendees the opportunity to meet with each expert in a more intimate setting. These smaller discussions are intended to create a comfortable space for questions, meaningful dialogue, and deeper learning that may be more difficult in a larger audience.

Attendees will leave with greater confidence, a clearer understanding of where to turn for support, and practical knowledge they can use for themselves or to help someone they care about.

Carey M. Policastro
Executive Bio | Special Victims & Sensitive Investigations Specialist
Carey M. Policastro is a high-level law enforcement leader and security executive with over
two decades of distinguished service with the New York City Police Department (NYPD). A
seasoned commander and investigator, Policastro specializes in high-stakes case management,
complex investigations, sensitive victim-centered inquiries, and multi-agency operational
execution.
As Special Victims Division Sergeant, Policastro directed high-priority investigative teams
handling exceptionally sensitive criminal matters. In this capacity, Policastro spearheaded
strategies for enhanced investigative productivity, supervised case progress, managed personnel
disciplinary protocols, and ensured meticulous evidence collection and victim advocacy
alignment
Policastro’s leadership in complex and confidential investigations extended across multiple elite
ass. Policastro also led critical incident evaluations-analyzing complex multi-agency responses to
critical threats, disaster recovery operations (including post-9/11 operations at the World Trade
Center site), and large-scale public safety operations.

- Department of Investigations Squad Commander: Managed sensitive white-collar
crime, corruption, and financial fraud investigations directed by the Mayor’s Office in
close coordination with municipal Inspectors General.
- Internal Affairs Supervisor: Conducted confidential, high-level integrity and
misconduct investigations to enforce institutional compliance and accountability.
- Narcotics Sergeant & Undercover Detective: Supervised and executed covert
operations, confidential informant management, complex surveillance, and tactical
narcotics investigations.
Policastro holds a Master of Science in Education from Queens College, is a graduate of the
FBI National Academy (Session #222), and holds credentials as a Certified Fraud Examiner
(CFE) and Licensed New York State Private Investigator. Specialized training includes
advanced certification in the Reid Method of Interview and Interrogation, Dignitary
Protection, and multiple DHS/FEMA instructor certifications.

Larry Teitle

Larry Teitle is a New York State licensed private investigator and security
consultant with more than 42 years of investigative experience. Since 2005,
he has served as Managing Director of the Investigative Division at Integrated
Security Services, where he oversees complex investigations involving
medical malpractice, workers' compensation, disability claims, fraud, and a
wide range of criminal, civil, and family-related matters.
A sought-after speaker, Larry regularly presents at networking events,
professional forums, and community programs on topics including due
diligence, background investigations, personal safety, online security, and
recognizing the warning signs of predatory behavior and dating scams. He
has also authored numerous articles on stalking, domestic violence, fraud,
workplace and school safety, and cybersecurity, available through Integrated
Security Services.
Larry holds a master's degree from Hunter College School of Urban Affairs
and is passionate about helping individuals and organizations identify risks,
protect themselves, and make informed decisions before problems arise.

Asia Scarlett-Jones, Esq.
Founder & Managing Attorney, ASJ Law Office
Asia Scarlett-Jones, Esq. is a force in family law, known for her forward-thinking leadership and
dedication to helping professionals navigate divorce with strategy, efficiency, and dignity. As the
Founder and Managing Attorney of ASJ Law Office, a boutique New York-based firm, she has
redefined the family law experience, offering concierge-level legal services with a deep
commitment to protecting what matters most: family, legacy, and peace of mind.
Before launching ASJ Law Office, Mrs. Scarlett-Jones built a strong foundation in public
service. She served as a Public Defender at the Nassau County Legal Aid Society, where she
advocated for parents in custody and support matters, and later as a Principal Court Attorney in
Nassau County Family Court, where she worked directly with Family Court judges to resolve
complex legal issues and draft judicial decisions.
Under her leadership, ASJ Law Office has become a trusted name for professionals seeking
resolution- not conflict- in family matters. Her firm focuses on divorce, custody, child support,
prenuptial agreements, and mediation, with a mission to guide clients through transitions with
clarity and confidence.
Mrs. Scarlett-Jones has been repeatedly recognized for her legal acumen and leadership. Her
honors include Top 40 Under 40, The National Black Lawyers, New York Metro Rising Star,
Super Lawyers Rising Star, Family Kind (2024), and National Academy of Family Law
Attorneys. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Family Kind, Family and Divorce
Mediation Council of Greater New York (FDMC), and Women Owned Law (WOL). She
also holds leadership roles, including Co-Chair of the Matrimonial and Family Law Committee
of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York and Co-Chair of the DEI
Subcommittee of the Small Law Firm Committee, New York City Bar Association.
Mrs. Scarlett-Jones is an active member of the New York City Bar Association, Family and
Divorce Mediation Council, Women-Owned Law, Metropolitan Black Bar Association, New
York Women’s Bar Association, Family Kind, New York State Bar Association, Women’s Bar
Association of the State of New York, and American Bar Association.
She earned her Juris Doctor from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law and her Bachelor's from
the University at Albany.

Carol Cho

Carol Cho is a financial advisor at IRC Wealth, where she helps women build
financial confidence and make values-based decisions with more clarity and less
stress. Holding the CLU®, ChFC®, and BFA™ designations, she blends technical
expertise with behavioral insight, focused on helping clients see money not as a
source of anxiety, but as a tool to live their lives with purpose. Her mission is
simple: get more wealth into the hands of women, because when women build
financial confidence, it ripples out into their families and communities.
Carol is active in shaping the future of the industry, serving on the board of the
New Jersey Financial Planning Association as Director of Major Conferences and
on the Steering Committee for Asian Boss Ladies. A Korean-American and former
artist, she brings a nontraditional path into finance that shapes how she shows up
for clients: with honesty, empathy, and a belief that everyone deserves a shame-free
space to talk about money.

Jennifer Shapiro-Lee, MSW, LCSW-R

Jennifer Shapiro-Lee, MSW, LCSW-R is the Founder & CEO of JSL Mental Health
Wellness, a private psychotherapy practice that consists of several licensed
psychotherapists who help people grow through life’s challenges. Jennifer is also
a Psychotherapist, Certified Mindfulness & Meditation Instructor, and Mindfulness
in the Workplace Trainer. Jennifer specializes in trauma and is trained in Eye
Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. In addition,
Jennifer leads meditation classes, therapeutic retreats, corporate wellness events,
and is a motivational speaker. Jennifer has been recognized by business
achievement organizations for her work and appears regularly on media outlets
where she speaks about decreasing the stigma surrounding mental health and
the power of therapy.
Jennifer received her MSW from Columbia University and her Mindfulness
and Meditation Instructor certification from the Mclean Meditation
Institute. Jennifer has received specialized training in working with couples
and families from the Ackerman Institute and has also completed intensive
training by Behavioral Tech, LLC for a specialization in Dialectical
Behavioral Therapy. In addition, Jennifer is a Certified EMDR Therapist who
received her training from The EMDR Center of Southern California.

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