Our Experts

AjoiA is the brainchild of Anthony Gorry, a musician, composer, and producer, and Andrew Lovell, a world-renowned percussionist and well-regarded psychotherapist with expertise in craniosacral therapy and somatic experience/trauma therapy. Anthony and Andrew joined forces with Necko, a transmedia artist to create multi-sensory experiences designed to elevate our state of well-being. AjoiA programs are rooted in science and created by

Bessel van der Kolk MD spends his career studying how children and adults adapt to traumatic experiences, and has translated emerging findings from neuroscience and attachment research to develop and study a range of treatments for traumatic stress in children and adults.

Co-founder of the Trauma Research Foundation (TRF).

Dafna Lender’s family moved from Israel to the US when she was six. Her empathy led her to social work. Struggling with challenging cases, she found transformation through Theraplay and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy. Now a trainer and supervisor, she feels fulfilled helping caregivers and children directly.

Deran Young, a licensed therapist, retired military officer, and co-author of “You Are Your Best Thing,” founded Black Therapists Rock, a non-profit with 30,000 mental health professionals dedicated to addressing systemic oppression and intergenerational trauma. She holds a social work degree from the University of Texas and established a counseling center in Ghana for underprivileged students.

Edy Nathan is an author, public speaker, and licensed therapist with expertise in grief therapy. She combines psychotherapy with breathwork, imagery, and storytelling to address trauma, abuse, and grief. Edy aims to help clients find emotional balance and live fully by embracing and understanding their grief.

Dr. Frank Anderson, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, specializes in trauma and dissociation, integrating neuroscience into the IFS therapy model. He’s a renowned trainer and author.

Janina Fisher, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and former Harvard Medical School instructor. An international trauma treatment expert, she authored three books and created Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST) therapy. Known for integrating mindfulness-based interventions into trauma treatment.

Linda Thai is a sought-after trauma therapist and educator, specializing in brain and body-based modalities for complex developmental trauma. She offers trainings in trauma-informed care, compassion fatigue resilience, and vicarious trauma recovery for human services professionals. Linda’s decolonized approach to education, engaging teaching style, and expertise in the neurobiology of attachment and trauma have earned her acclaim. She also assists Dr. Bessel van der Kolk in healing attachment trauma during private small group psychotherapy workshops.

Dr. Monnica Williams is a board-certified clinical psychologist, an Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa, and a Canada Research Chair in Mental Health Disparities. She directs the Laboratory for Culture and Mental Health Disparities and the Behavioral Wellness Clinics. A media expert, she’s appeared on TV, radio, and written for major publications. Dr. Williams conducts trainings, lectures, and workshops, focusing on cultural competence and reducing racism. Her research explores psychological and pharmacological treatments for OCD, PTSD, and anxiety disorders, with a special interest in the impact of culture and race on mental illness. She has published extensively in scientific journals and serves on various editorial boards. Her work has received funding from prestigious sources and earned her recognition as a thought leader in PTSD and psychedelics.

Dr. Abdulrehman, a clinical psychologist, fosters change in leadership, diversity, and inclusion. He’s worked with major organizations, hosts a podcast on racism, and is a TEDx speaker. His forthcoming book focuses on anti-racist cultural competence.

Richard Hill, MA, MEd, MBMSc, PhD(c), is a practicing psychotherapist, author, educator, and supervisor. Richard’s professional life began in the creative arts as an actor, singer/songwriter and performer. After 25-years he returned to academic studies. His degrees range from linguistics to social ecology, education and the sciences of brain and mind and he is now exploring the “client-responsive approach” in

Ruth Cohen, a therapist since the 1980s, specializes in relationships, trauma, and sexuality. Passionate about neuroscience and trauma’s impact on the brain, she became a certified sex therapist. With undying hope and optimism, she continues her psychotherapy work and shares knowledge through writing. She enjoys bicycling, baking, and making artisan cheese.