MEET THE CREATIVITY AND MADNESS 2026 PRESENTERS
Erica Lorentz, MEd, LPC, Diplomate Jungian Analyst (IAAP)
Jungian analyst and licensed counselor with over 40 years of clinical experience in individual, couple, and group therapy. Her work focuses on dreams, symptoms, and the imaginal realm as expressions of psychological growth. She integrates somatic and depth approaches to help clients access unconscious processes and move toward personal truth.
Sheila Pontis BA, PGDip, MPhil, PhD, FHEA, RYT230
Interdisciplinary educator and researcher with over 25 years of international academic experience, including Princeton, MIT, and UCL. Her work focuses on imagination, design, mindfulness, and experiential learning to support creativity, learning, and well-being across diverse contexts.
Polly Ryan, MA, MFT
Licensed marriage and family therapist with 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Her work integrates trauma therapy, family systems, EMDR, and mindfulness-based approaches to healing and relationship repair.
Robert Thomas
Former Zen monk and meditation teacher with decades of experience in contemplative practice and Buddhist training. His work focuses on mindfulness, awareness, and meditation as pathways to transformation and insight.
Vineeth John, MD
Psychiatrist and Vice Chair of Education specializing in residency training, clinical leadership, and psychiatric education at UTHealth.
Ezekiel Hinojosa, MD
Psychiatrist trained in general and forensic psychiatry, with a focus on competency restoration and state hospital systems. His work centers on clinical psychiatry and public mental health care within structured institutional settings.
Mitchell Liester, MD
Psychiatrist and academic researcher with 39 years of experience in consciousness studies, psychedelics, near-death experiences, and innovative mental health approaches. His work bridges psychiatry, neuroscience, and integrative healing.
Angelina H. Rodriguez Ph.D., LPC-AT/S, ATR-BC
Psychotherapist and art therapist integrating depth psychology, creative expression, and talk therapy. Her clinical work focuses on grief, addiction, anxiety, trauma, and spiritual growth through integrative and expressive approaches.
Karen Bekker, PhD
Licensed psychologist in New York and New Jersey. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Connecticut College, an M.A. in Psychology from New York University, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the Graduate Faculty for the Social Sciences at the New School for Social Research. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Epidemiology at the Columbia University School of Public Health.
Matthew Septimus
Professional photographer and educator with over 30 years of experience. His work spans commercial and fine art, with projects ranging from major museum collaborations to portraiture, earning industry recognition and awards. He also leads community-based photography initiatives for underserved populations and brings a background in accounting to his creative practice.
Deborah Levinson, LCSW
Licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience in private practice, trained at Johns Hopkins. She is the author of three practical books for both professional and general audiences and developed a model for adjusting to significant loss that emphasizes resilience. Her work focuses on aging productively, navigating later life, and fostering resilience, and she has presented to professional audiences.
Cindy Rutter, RN, BSN, LMFT
Burn survivor, nurse, and psychotherapist with over 45 years of experience in trauma recovery and burn care. She is a leader in survivor support programs, peer recovery, and national burn rehabilitation initiatives.
Jill Sproul, MS, RN
Healthcare executive and burn care leader with over 30 years of experience in clinical leadership, nursing administration, and survivor support program development.
Vida Nikzad, Psy.D.
Clinical psychologist specializing in trauma, identity, and multicultural psychotherapy. She integrates Jungian, EMDR, and dream-based approaches with a focus on Iranian-American identity and intergenerational healing.
Charlyne Gelt, PhD
Clinical psychologist and group therapist focused on emotional independence, family systems, and relational dynamics. Her work supports individuals and families through grief, trauma, and developmental challenges.
Patrice Roy, PMH-NP, CNS, MA, MSN
Psychiatric nurse practitioner with a background in integrative and trauma-informed mental health care. Her work explores unconventional approaches to psychiatry, including treatment-resistant conditions and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. She is known for advocating compassionate, person-centered care rooted in lived experience and clinical depth.
Ronald Alexander, PhD, LMFT
Psychotherapist, leadership coach, and mindfulness trainer integrating somatic therapy, creativity, and transformational leadership. He has trained internationally for over 40 years in mind-body therapies and meditation-based approaches to creativity and resilience.
Eleanor D. Hamilton, PhD, LPC, LMHC
Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, addiction recovery, grief, anger management, and mindfulness across diverse cultural settings. Her work integrates hypnosis, Jungian psychology, and culturally responsive approaches to healing. She is certified in multiple modalities including biofeedback, EMDR-informed techniques, and brain-based therapies.
Robert M. Schwartz, PhD
Psychologist and researcher in positive psychology and emotional states, known for developing the states of mind model. His work focuses on emotional balance and cognitive transformation through scientifically grounded frameworks.
Dual board-certified nurse practitioner focused on neurodiversity-affirming care and integrative mental health. Her work bridges physical and mental health while advocating for inclusive and stigma-free clinical practice.
Meriah Ward, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Barton Goldsmith, PhD, LMFT, CADAC
Award-winning psychotherapist, author, and media personality specializing in emotional fitness, relationships, and psychological well-being. He has written extensively, is syndicated in 300+ newspapers, appeared widely in the media, and is known for making psychology accessible to broad audiences.
Joyce Stamp Lilly, RN, JD, PC
Attorney and registered nurse specializing in medical-legal cases involving malpractice, catastrophic injury, and traumatic brain injury. She combines clinical insight with legal expertise to support complex injury litigation.
Fred Moss, MD
Psychiatrist, holistic coach, and mental health advocate focused on redefining psychiatric care and human potential. Known as the ‘Undoctor’, his work spans coaching, consulting, speaking, and authorship, with an emphasis on expanding perspectives on mental health and life optimization.
Jenny Hughes, PhD
Clinical psychologist specializing in trauma and PTSD using EMDR, cognitive therapies, and resilience-based approaches. She is also the founder of BRAVE Trauma Therapist Collective, supporting clinician well-being and vicarious resilience.
Sarah Sudhoff
Artist and researcher exploring care, illness, motherhood, and vulnerability through photography, performance, and socially engaged practice. Her work spans major museums and publications, including The New York Times and Wired.
Amy Vail, Psy.D
Clinical psychologist and Executive director of The American Institute of Medical Education (AIMED) and The Creativity and Madness Conferences. Allied Health Care provider Tahoe Forest Hospital.