Daniela Simmons, PhD, TEP is an international trainer and supervisor, the creator of the Tele’Drama method, and the founder and director of the International Tele'Drama Institute, which has welcomed thousands of people from over 90 countries.Dr. Simmons is the recipient of multiple awards: the 2022 ASGPP Innovator's Award for the creation of the Tele’Drama method; the 2024 Hannah B. Weiner Award for outstanding dedication as a leader of the ASGPP; and the 2025 Ann Hale Sociometry Award for her dedication to global sociometric connections, inclusion, and transformative work. She is also the immediate past President of the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama (ASGPP).Her professional experience, in both Europe and the United States, spans education, research, and consultancy in the social sciences and mental health. She received training in the psychoanalysis of group relations in organizations at the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations in London, and she has been utilizing action methods since 1995 in Europe and since 2005 in the United States.

Leticia Nieto, PsyD, LMFT, TEP is a leadership coach, psychotherapist, and Professor Emerita (Saint Martin's University) specializing in liberation and equity, cultural responsiveness, motivational patterning, and evolutionary creativity. Her 2010 book, Beyond Inclusion, Beyond Empowerment: A Developmental Strategy to Liberate Everyone, is an accessible analysis of the dynamics and skills needed for liberation and dignity.  Dr. Nieto is internationally recognized for her expertise addressing social justice from a developmental ecological perspective including orienting to systemic transformation, survivance, song and poetry, relational repair, joy, radical rest, intersectional coalition, and reparative/restorative justice. Dr. Nieto brings an enlivening approach to coaching, training and facilitation, drawing on expressive techniques and embodied practices to involve participants deeply and create opportunities for insight and change. Since 1980 she has successfully brought her skills to higher education and other learning communities (including three decades teaching in a graduate program in counseling), to service providers in helping agencies, to workplace teams, and to many community groups.  Dr. Nieto’s activism, scholarship, and consulting work are informed by living at the borders of intersectional experience. In addition to degrees in clinical psychology and human development, she is certified in Action Methods, including Psychodrama, Playback Theater, and Theater of the Oppressed. Leticia is a Senior Faculty at the International Tele'Drama Institute (ITI).  She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (WA) and a former AAMFT Approved Supervisor.

TIAN DAYTON, MA, PHD, TEP is the author of sixteen books most recently The ACoA Trauma Syndrome, Emotional Sobriety, Trauma and Addiction:, Forgiving and Moving On, The Living Stage, and Relationship Trauma Repair, a model for using sociometry and psychodrama to resolve issues related to relationship trauma. Tian Dayton has a masters in educational psychology and a PhD in clinical psychology, is a board certified trainer in psychodrama and a licensed creative arts therapist. Dr. Dayton has been a guest expert on NBC, CNN, MSNBC, Montel, Rikki Lake, John Walsh, Geraldo. Dr. Dayton blogs for The Huffington Post and Counselor Magazine. Dr. Dayton is the director of The New York Psychodrama Training Institute and was on the faculty at NYU for eight years teaching psychodrama. She is a nationally renowned speaker, expert, and consultant in psychodrama, trauma and addiction. Senior Fellow at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare.

Miriam Zachariah, MA, TEP Retired Educator, Granddaughter of Dr. J.L.Moreno. Miriam Zachariah (M.A., B.Ed, TEP) has been a public school educator for 30 years and recently retired as an elementary school principal. She is a certified trainer in psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy as well as a recognized trainer in restorative practices and Peacemaking Circles. The focus of her work as an educator, consultant and trainer has been on developing community in workplaces, intervening in conflict and supporting dialogue across differences. She has trained hundreds of educators to use restorative practices to develop safe and supportive learning communities in classrooms and schools.

Leigh E. Johnson, JD, TEP
Lawyer, Trial Consultant, Psychodramatist

Leigh E. Johnson is a trial lawyer, trial consultant, certified psychodramatist, and the founder of Trial Whisperer™ and Law Focus Groups™. Known for transforming complex legal matters into compelling human stories, she blends her courtroom experience with psychodrama, narrative structure, and role theory to reach jurors where it matters most: the heart.A graduate and faculty member of the Trial Lawyers College (TLC), Leigh has consulted on criminal, civil, and white-collar cases involving over $193 million in legal expenses, multi-million-dollar verdicts, and presidential pardons. Her clients span from major corporate executives and families in crisis to wrongfully convicted youth.With a background in military communications, air traffic control, and biotechnical engineering, Leigh brings a rare blend of creativity, precision, and problem-solving to every case. She is the author of Building The Case, a framework for advocacy rooted in storytelling, role theory, and truth-telling in action.

Leigh holds a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from John F. Kennedy University School of Law, graduating #1 in her class in 2003. Her academic achievements include a BS in Biology (with honors) from CSUH, and an AA in Social Sciences from Merritt College. She has also completed postgraduate work in psychology and storytelling, and graduated from Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College in 2009.Certified by the American Board of Examiners in Psychodrama, Sociometry, and Group Psychotherapy since 2019, Leigh is a member of AAJ, NACDL, CLA, and TLC, and has been recognized annually by Super Lawyers. She is the proud recipient of the 2024 Zerka T. Moreno Award (ASGPP).

David Moran, CADC, LCSW, TEP Owner, “I Like Me Now”, therapeutic practice and social work license supervisor. David Moran CADC, LCSW, TEP: Sr Admin Director of Crozer Health D&A Recovery Programs, with 25 years in Behavioral Health. Proprietor of “I like Me Now” private practice Media PA Past President ASGPP. Dave has been an innovator and leader in Addiction Recovery integrating Co-occurring disorders perspective in behavioral health settings. He has been a member of the Crisis Integration Treatment (CIT) training officers in Behavioral health protocols and resources for 12 years. An ASGPP member. An EMDR practitioner and trauma specialist. Dave has supervised clinicians towards CADC, LCSW and LPC license as well as PAT and TEP process.

Roberto Bonanomi, PsyD

Senior trainer and coach @ HURACT (Italy and Switzerland).
MSc Occupational Psychology (University of London, Birkbeck), MSc Computer Science (University of Milan).
Roberto is an enthusiastic trainer with exemplary communication and digital skills gained in 15+ years of management in digital companies and 15+ years as a psychologist, psychotherapist and organisational coach.
Roberto is a fully licensed Psychologist/PsyD. in Italy and a Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society in the UK (MBPsS).
 

Clinical psychologist and certified psychotherapist (by the Swedish State). Born in Riga, Latvia, and living in Sweden since the Second World War. Certified and mainly trained by Zerka Moreno (CP 1982) and TEP by the Nordic Board of Examiners (1995). Supervisor and teacher for the European Institute of Psychodrama. Co-founder of the Stockholm Institute for Psychodrama, Sociometry, and Group Psychotherapy.Founder and leader of the Latvian Moreno Institute, providing education in Latvia since 1989. Also conducted seminars in other Baltic countries, Scandinavia, Europe, and Ukraine.Clinically working with addiction, abuse, incest, and crisis intervention for 40 years and serving as a supervisor (within Social Welfare, Psychiatry, and Criminal Justice, etc.). Trained as a Body Psychotherapist (teacher and supervisor) and integrates this with Psychodrama. Received family therapy training mainly from Satir, Kempler, Kirschenbaum, and Grammar.Co-writer of three books.
Holder of a pilot's license.
Phone: +46 702884545
Email: inara.erd@gmail.com

Dena D. Baumgartner PhD, TEP, LMFT, LPC, CGP Founder and Director of the Tucson Center for Action Methods and Psychodrama (T-CAMP) ASGPP, IAGP, AGPA. Dr. Baumgartner has been in private practice as a therapist and psychodramatist for over 30 years in Tucson, Arizona USA. She is the founder and Director of the Tucson Center for Action Methods and Psychodrama (T-CAMP). She is a fellow of ASGPP and was awarded the J.L Moreno Lifetime Achievement award from that organization in 2014. She served on the American Board of Examiners for 9 years serving as chairperson for one. She was elected to the International Association of Group Psychotherapy board (IAGP) for 9 years holding international chair for psychodrama for 3 of those years.She has presented in more then 25 countries.

Chantal Nève-Hanquet, Member of the Centre for Psychosociological Training and Intervention (CFIP) International Tele’Drama Institute (ITI) Faculty. Chantal Nève Hanquet is a Belgian psychologist, trainer in psychodrama and in Family Therapy, and Jungian Psychoanalyst. She is a founding member, as well as a treasurer of the Federation of European Psychodrama Training Organizations (FEPTO) and a member of the International Association for Group Psychotherapy and Group Process (IAGP). Chantal and Agathe are both members of the Centre for psychosociological training and intervention (CFIP), Belgium, and are authors of “Facilitating Collective Intelligence, a Handbook for Trainers, Coaches, Consultants and Leaders” (Routledge 2019). Faciliter l'Intelligence collective, 35 fiches pour innover, coconstruire et accompagner le changement (Eyrolles, 2018)

Adena Bank Lees, LCSW, LISAC, BCETS, CP, ASGPP, NASW is an internationally recognized clinician, author, and trainer specializing in the treatment of childhood sexual abuse, with a particular focus on Covert Emotional Incest (CEI) — the hidden, emotionally enmeshed parent–child dynamic that masquerades as love while undermining a child’s authentic self. A leader in the field of traumatic stress and addiction for over 35 years, Adena has delivered more than 1,000 workshops on childhood sexual abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, substance abuse and addiction, and related mental health concerns. Her lectures and presentations are lively, experiential, and rooted in action-based learning — participants consistently report that being introduced to CEI through this approach delivers life-changing insight into both their clients’ experiences and their own. She is the author of Covert Emotional Incest:The Hidden Sexual Abuse;A Story of Hope and Healing, as well as The Companion Journal to Covert Emotional Incest:The Hidden Sexual Abuse. Adena is a licensed clinical social worker, licensed independent addiction counselor, board expert in traumatic stress and a certified practitioner of psychodrama. 

Agathe Crespel, CFIP, ITI
Agathe Crespel is a psychologist and psychodramatist who has been facilitating groups for over 25 years using action methods in professional settings—through supervision, coaching, training, and a variety of creative group processes. She is a member of the Brussels-based Centre for Psycho-Sociological Training and Intervention (CFIP), and has expanded her practice to Italy, France, and Switzerland by contributing to conferences, workshops, and training programs. Together with Chantal Nève Hanquet, she co-authored Facilitating Collective Intelligence: A Handbook for Trainers, Coaches, Consultants and Leaders (Routledge, 2019), originally published in French as Faciliter l’intelligence collective – 35 fiches pour innover, coconstruire et accompagner le changement (Eyrolles, 2018).

Catherine D. Nugent, LCPC, TEP Laurel Psychodrama Training Institute. Catherine D. Nugent, LCPC, TEP, is Executive Director/Principal Trainer with Laurel Psychodrama Training Institute in Laurel, Maryland. Cathy also maintains a private psychotherapy practice with specialties in use of integrative and experiential approaches to help heal trauma, attachment injuries, challenging life transitions, and other concerns. In addition to her training in psychodrama, Cathy is trained in sensorimotor psychotherapy and is certified in Imago Relationship Therapy. Cathy is Immediate Past President, American Board of Examiners in Psychodrama, Sociometry & Group Psychotherapy. She is the humble and grateful recipient of the ASGPP’s 2019 J.L. Moreno Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Amna Jaffer, Ed.D, TEP
Dr. Jaffer holds the position of senior lecturer at San José State University (SJSU) where she teaches an undergraduate course in Human Understanding and Development as well as master’s level courses in the Department of Counselor Education. Additionally, she assumes the role of undergraduate course coordinator and Student Success and Advocacy Team Lead within the esteemed Lurie College of Education at SJSU. Dr. Jaffer also extends her expertise as adjunct faculty at California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) where she teaches a psychodrama course within the Dramatherapy Program.

Her academic journey culminated with a doctorate in Educational Leadership from SJSU in 2022 with a dissertation on the pivotal role of school counselors as social justice advocates. Dr. Jaffer’s educational foundation includes a master’s degree is in Counseling and Guidance from SJSU, and an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Theatre from Agnes Scott College.
Dr. Jaffer became a certified Practitioner of Psychodrama in 2000 and in 2007 was certified as a Trainer, Educator and Practitioner of Psychodrama. Dr. Jaffer established Moreno Institute West (MIW) and Action Centered Teaching Strategies with other Bay Area trainers. MIW was a training and teaching organization that specialized in the use of Psychodrama and Group Psychotherapy in diverse fields. ACTS provided summer training courses for teachers to integrate action methods in the classroom. More recently, Dr. Jaffer provides occasional professional development at treatment centers for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders.

Dr. Jaffer is currently a member of the American Counseling Association, American Psychology Association, American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama, American School Counselors Association, North American Drama Therapy Association, and American Association of University Women.

Colleen Baratka, MA, TEP, CTP-3
Private Practice, ASGPP, DVPC, BIAPA, IAEDP. Colleen Baratka, MA TEP is a Fellow of the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama. In clinical practice for over 30 years, she has developed psychodrama and trauma programs at The Belmont and Renfrew Centers in Philadelphia, PA. Colleen is a published author on the topics of trauma and eating disorders and currently is in private practice where she specializes in trauma and co-current issues. She works with individuals, families and groups, she also guests lectures at local universities, organizations and treatment centers. Recently , Colleen has begun study into traumatic brain injuries ,trauma, and the role spontaneity plays in recovery.

Bojana Glusac Draslar, Psychotherapist, Trainer (PT), Supervisor, Educator International Tele’Drama Institute (ITI) Psychodrama Institute Belgrade European Association for Psychotherapy. Bojana graduated in Special Education and Rehabilitation at Belgrade University. Upon fulfillment of required conditions in qualifications, experience and expertise, she received the ECP (European Certificate for Psychotherapy), and the title of educator in psychotherapy and supervisor. Her work is focused on Individual and group psychotherapy clients within a private clinic that she founded 1999., developing a new psychotherapeutic approach TP (Transpersonal Psychodrama), wellbeing programs, stress management and self-care, international leadership assessment, executive coaching, leadership development and teambuilding. She has written 3 books on Mindfulness and Wellbeing, as well as articles on psychotherapy and other people's development approaches. 

Edward Schreiber, TEP, is Director of the Zerka Moreno Foundation (Zerka Foundation) and a Fellow of the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama (ASGPP). He is a certified Trainer, Educator, and Practitioner (TEP) in Psychodrama, Sociometry, and Group Psychotherapy and has received numerous honors, including the Hannah B. Weiner Award, David Kipper Scholar’s Award, and Sociatry and Social Justice Award.Ed has dedicated his work to advancing the social science and mysticism of J.L. and Zerka Moreno’s body of work. He works extensively with social microscopy, the social microscope, and Sociatry as innovative approaches grounded in Moreno’s vision for social transformation and personal healing.He is co-author of the chapter on Psychodrama, Sociometry, Sociatry, and Group Psychotherapy in Kaplan & Sadock’s Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry, editor of To Dream Again: A Memoir by Zerka Moreno, and co-editor of The Quintessential Zerka. Ed provides national and international training through mentored programs of study, continuing to inspire practitioners and communities through the deep legacy of Moreno’s methods.

Erica Hollander, PhD, JD, TEP
Erica Hollander holds a J.D. and a Ph.D. and is a Trainer, Educator, Practitioner in Psychodrama, Sociometry, And Group Psychotherapy and a long-time supporter of Teledrama.  Erica Hollander is Carl Hollander’s widow and has herself been doing psychodrama since the early 90s.  She practiced law for 33 years, then got a PhD in Human Communication Studies; and then taught at several colleges. Now she is retired and paints and writes poetry and dotes on her husband Tom and her dog Tabitha. She has published in psychodrama and provided workshops and training online and face to face.  She is the head of the Denver Psychodrama Collective. Erica is pursuing the International Tele'Drama Certification Program Level 3.


Consultant of the Tele'Drama Research and Publications Team (TRPT)

 

Samuel Yie, RPT, CP, CTT
Sam Life Coaching Institute | South Korea

Samuel Yie is a psychodrama and experiential practitioner, facilitator, and trainer based in South Korea. Samuel has personal experience and deep interest in multicultural experiences, identity, relationships, and the ways people encounter one another across cultural boundaries. His work integrates psychodrama, sociodrama, bibliodrama, role work, storytelling, and other experiential methods, with particular interest in creating meaningful encounters and adapting action methods for online environments.

In Korea, Samuel serves as Academic Committee Chair of the Korean Association for Psychodrama and Sociodrama (KAPS) and is involved in developing professional workshops, conferences, and educational programs for psychodrama practitioners and related helping professionals. Through Sam Life Coaching Institute, he also provides experiential counseling and facilitates individual and group programs. Samuel continues to facilitate workshops and trainings, both for the public as well as for mental health professionals, in the themes of identity, relationship, grief and loss, trauma and growth, and the use of embodied storytelling/(B)bibliodrama to help people explore their experiences from new perspectives.

Samuel continues to explore how psychodrama and related action methods can move across cultures, languages, professional disciplines, and physical and virtual spaces while preserving the spontaneity and human encounter at the heart of the work.

Gulsen Buyuksahin, MA, PAT
Psychological Counselor
Tele'Drama Certification Program Level 3
Chair of the Tele'Drama Marketing & Publicity Team (TMPT)

Gülşen Büyükşahin holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychological Counseling and a master’s degree in Developmental Psychology. She has over 15 years of experience working with children and youth as a psychological counselor in schools and psychology centers across Türkiye, where she conducted both individual and group sessions and administered various intelligence and developmental assessments.A graduate of the Istanbul Zerka Moreno Institute, Gülşen completed extensive training in both child and individual psychodrama. She has directed psychodrama groups with children, adults, and parents for over five years. Since relocating to the United States in 2019, she has continued her professional development through Academic English courses at Portland Community College and ongoing training with the International Tele’Drama Institute. She is currently pursuing certification as a practitioner with the American Board of Examiners in Psychodrama, Sociometry, and Group Psychotherapy (ABE).Gülşen has presented at multiple ASGPP and Tele’Drama conferences, including a session at the 2025 Tele’Drama Festival that was later developed into a published article. She has also served as a Tele’Drama Virtual Assistant (TVA), supporting numerous online workshops, and was a member of the ASGPP Education Committee.Her current practice includes offering individual and group sessions in online, hybrid, and in-person formats, with expertise in developmental issues, emotional growth, learning processes, and personal development.

Cristina Hockl, CTP-2
Certified psychological and grief counsellor with an emphasis on awareness, communication and empathy. Her focus is on bringing light to our inner resources to see how we are able to help ourselves and challenge our inherent beliefs, and accepting death as a natural part of life.

She is a healing practitioner with an additional degree in social work, and with her interdisciplinary approach to therapy, she combines transgenerational therapy and psychogenealogy. (Advanced Certificate of Practitioner in Psychogenealogy and Transgenerational Therapy)

Additionally, she is a certified EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) practitioner and is in the process of receiving her certification in holistic psychotherapy as well as in Tele'Drama and Psychodrama at the Moreno Institute in Germany.

She works with teenagers and adults in one-to-one sessions, and is able to conduct sessions in English, German or Romanian.

Angeliki Lefa is a certified group psychotherapist, psychodramatist and Tele’Drama Level 3 practitioner, providing single and group sessions in private practice since 2013.She has participated in numerous international conferences, and has been facilitating in-person, online and hybrid psychodrama workshops and support groups in corporate environments, institutes and private therapy establishments, most recently specialising in grief.She has actively attended trainings in sociodrama, playback theatre, theatre of the oppressed and Jungian psychodrama, along with trainings focusing on the LGBTQIA+ community, child and adolescent mental health, eating disorders, and OCD, among others.Her university studies in English and German Translation and Interpretation, and her former 20-year-long professional experience in editing and proofreading in the media sector complement her international online facilitation.

Louise Lipman, LCSW-R, TEP, CGP is a licensed psychotherapist and a certified trainer, educator, and practitioner of psychodrama, sociometry, and group psychotherapy in private practice in NYC. She works with individuals, couples, families, and groups. Ms. Lipman teaches at Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College in Wyoming and is a trial consultant specializing in witness preparation and group dynamics in the courtroom. Ms. Lipman has also worked with law firms to facilitate increased creativity and productivity in the work place. She is the director of training at the Psychodrama & Creative Arts Therapy Institute in NYC, which offers a full training program in psychodrama, sociometry and group dynamics.Ms. Lipman is a past president of the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama. She is the current president of the New York Chapter of the ASGPP and has served on the Executive Council of the ASGPP for ten years. She is the current vice president of the American Board of Examiners in psychodrama, sociometry, and group therapy and she is a certified group therapist from the American Society of Group Psychotherapy.Ms. Lipman is the 2015 recipient of the ASGPP’s J. L. Moreno Award for thirty years of contributions to the field of psychodrama. She was also a recipient of the ASGPP’s Innovator’s Award and the Hannah Weiner Award for service to the field.Ms. Lipman has written the opening chapter of the book: Psychodrama in the 21st Century, edited by Jacob Gershoni, and she coauthored an article on trauma for The Warrior magazine. She brings her background in theater (as a Broadway actress) and the creative arts to her practice.

Peter Pitzele, PhD, is the founder of Bibliodrama, an innovative experiential method that brings biblical narratives to life through role exploration, dialogue, and action methods. Originally developed as The Psychodrama of the Bible, Bibliodrama has become an internationally recognized approach for personal, educational, and spiritual exploration.Peter holds a PhD in Literature and is a Trainer, Educator, and Practitioner (TEP) in psychodrama. Throughout his distinguished career, he has integrated literature, spirituality, and action methods, inspiring generations of practitioners, educators, clergy, and therapists around the world.As a faculty member of the International Tele'Drama Institute, Peter continues to share his work through ongoing Bibliodrama seminars for the international psychodrama community, fostering creativity, dialogue, and deeper engagement with sacred texts through experiential learning.

Rebecca Walters, MS, TEP Is Director of the Hudson Valley Psychodrama Institute in NY which, founded in 1989, is currently a very active psychodrama training center offering workshops, five-day intensives, advanced directing intensives and ongoing trainings. With over 30 years of inpatient experience, Rebecca was Director of Child and Adolescent Psychodrama Services at Four Winds Psychiatric Hospital in New York where she ran psychodrama groups on both inpatient and outpatient units. While at Four Winds Rebecca developed a model of using action methods to teach Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills. She was a consultant for MD Anderson Cancer Center teaching communication skills to medical personnel. Rebecca has presented at nationally and internationally on Sociodrama and Psychodrama with Children, with Adolescents and on DBT in Action. She is the author of several articles about the use of sociodrama with children and in using sociodrama to teach interpersonal skills. Rebecca has been a member of the ASGPP since 1977 and is a Fellow. She received the ASGPP’s 2005 Collaborator’s Award, 2010 Hannah Wiener Award for Service to the ASGPP and was the 2028 recipient of the JL Moreno Award for Lifetime Achievement. This is her third term on the council.

Mirjana Stankovic, CTP-3
Mirjana Stanković has been an independent transpersonal psychodrama practitioner since 2018. She is currently pursuing the Tele'Drama Certification Program and is the co-chair of the Tele'Drama Research and Publications Team (TRPT). Mirjana is a near-native speaker and a professional user of the English language, with an M.A. degree in English Language and Literature and a significant record of publishing internationally. She is experienced in working with culturally diverse and multinational groups across the globe. She cherishes a highly humanistic approach, looking into each person as a whole, sufficient, creative, and unique individual beyond birth in this particular existence. Mrs.Stanković is particularly dedicated to offering group or individual Tele'Drama support to clients challenged and troubled by a variety of autoimmune neurodegenerative responses of obscure etiology. The focus of her group psycho-social support and psychodrama work is on looking into the root causes of autoimmune reactions, identifying and activating autonomous healing potentials, and restoring the lost contact with the feminine, creative, spontaneous, and authentic parts of an individual.

Anna Schaum, LPC, TEP is a professional violist and trainer educator in Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy through the American Board of Examiners. She was a 2026 winner of the ASGPP Innovators Award for her work combining music and sociometry principles and practices. Ms. Schaum has concertized internationally including at Carnegie Hall (NYC) with esteemed conductors such as Leonard Bernstein and Michael Tilson Thomas, and has been an active chamber and new music performer for over 30 years. Since 2005 she has practiced as a licensed counselor and organizational therapist. 
Ms. Schaum’s well-received presentations at national and international conferences uniquely blend her embodied musical acuity with the science of enhanced personal relationships.    
 

Carlos A. Raimundo, MD, IAGP, ASGPP, AANZPADr. Carlos A. Raimundo is an Argentinean psychodramatist living in Australia, with medical, psychiatric, psychotherapeutic, theological, and business training. He is the creator of the Play of Life, for which he received the ASGPP Innovator Award in 2002. His work integrates traditional psychodrama with neuroscience. He is also the creator of RCompass digital sociometry and the Play of Life app, a digital psychodrama.His ASGPP recognitions include the 2002 Innovator Award, the 2024 David A. Kipper Scholar’s Award, and the 2025 Zerka T. Moreno Award. His current work, HUMANIS, explores how we can engage with artificial intelligence while strengthening human creativity, agency and connection. 

John Nolte, PhD
John Nolte has been a psychodramatic practitioner and trainer for over forty years. John has a doctorate in clinical psychology from Washington University and was trained in psychodrama by J.L. Moreno, M.D., the originator of psychodrama and other action methods, and his wife, Zerka Moreno. He is certified as a Trainer-Educator-Practitioner by the American Board of Examiners in Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy. He is recognized by the psychodrama community as a senior and respected practitioner of the Morenean methods as well as a seasoned trainer. In addition to numerous presentations at professional conferences as well as published articles in professional journals, John has conducted psychodrama training programs in all parts of the United States as well as in Western Europe and was the keynote speaker and presenter for the AustralianNew Zealand Psychodrama Association Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand, where he also conducted training workshops.

Ron Wiener, PhD is a former honorary President of the British Psychodrama Association and is a senior sociodrama trainer awarded a lifetime achievement award in 2008. He co-lead the Sociodrama and Action Methods Training (MPV/SAM) in England with Di Adderley. He has run trainings and/or workshops across Europe, in Russia, China and India as well as in America and Australia. He is a founding member of ISCAN, the International Sociodrama and Creative Action Network and has been a consultant for the seven international sociodrama conferences. He is co-editor of Sociodrama in a Changing World, and author of Drug Taking Among School Children (which was his PhD thesis), Creative Training, and Community Action: The Belfast Experience, in addition to numerous articles and book chapters. In his semi retirement Ron loves being a grandparent and also co-facilitates a fortnightly sociodrama support group for Ukrainian psychodramatists as well as being a mentor, community theatre director and poet. Ron has recently published The Barefoot Therapist (using the pen name Brian Shepherd).
 

Jaye Moyer, LCSW, TEP, CTP-2 is a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor practicing on zoom and in the  Hudson Valley New York . She works with individuals, couples, and groups and also provides training, consultation, and mentoring to mental health practitioners. Jaye has recently completed Tele'Drama Certification Level 2.  

She  is  a committed meditation  practitioner and draws on embodied mindfulness and buddhist psychology  in all of her work. She is a facilitating Dharma and Meditation teacher  with Barre Center for Buddhist Studies Daily Sit. Deeply interested in creativity , she incorporates humor, spontaneity, playfulness and intuition and nature.She looks forward to co-leading with Daniela Simmons a certification course : Integration of Buddhist Psychology and Psychodrama. She was former clinical supervisor and coordinator of group services at GMHC and former part time adjunct  faculty at New York University Graduate School of Social Work. She was co-creator of the  Time In Series that integrated mindfulness and compassion practices with psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy 
 

Anna Kononenko, CTP-Level 1 (Serbia)Psychotherapist & Group Facilitator
Creating safe, expressive spaces for healing, identity integration, and emotional growth

Anna Kononenko is a psychologist, psychodrama therapist, family consultant, and art therapist with over 14 years of experience supporting individuals and groups in navigating early pain, life transitions, and identity exploration. She brings a warm, embodied presence to her work, integrating psychodrama, expressive arts, body-oriented techniques, and relational approaches in both online and in-person settings.Anna’s passion lies in supporting people across all stages of life — with a special focus on children. For over a decade, she has led the development of zAnima, a therapeutic and art center in Belgrade, Serbia, where psychology, play, and sand drawing meet to foster children’s emotional and social development.In her current practice, Anna facilitates psychodrama groups and individual therapy sessions in Belgrade and online via Zoom, creating welcoming spaces for clients across cultures and time zones. She offers services in English, Serbian, and Russian, combining action techniques with psychosomatic awareness, expressive modalities, and deep listening.As a Certified Tele'Drama Practitioner (CTP-Level 1), Anna is an active, heartfelt (and humorously self-described “lazy but passionate”) member of the international Tele’Drama community. Her online work embraces the creative use of digital space to bring authentic connection and healing to life.

Colour Specialist and Global Ambassador Mark Wentworth has been studying and working with the transformational power of colour for thirty-eight years, his speciality is Archetypal Colour Psychology. Mark is the creator and developer of Colour PsychoDynamics®, a three-phase growth and mentoring model helping you to reveal, become and live wholeheartedly on purpose. He is also the creator of the Dynamic Theatre methodology (Incognito Auxiliary).  Mark works with individuals, teams and businesses using the archetypal language of colour, dreams, drama, film and story as a way of exploring life potential, creative projects, new business, stuck points, team building and wellbeing. He is the author of Add a Little Colour to Your Life, and I am ME. He travels the world teaching and sharing his love of colour.

Filipe De Moura
Dynamic Theatre World Association
International Tele’Drama Institute (ITI) Board of Directors & Faculty.
Filipe De Moura is a musician and artist who believes art is one of the best ways to positively transform humanity and the world. He, along with Mark Wentworth, created Dynamic Theatre (Incognito Auxiliary) and has been working with expressive arts for more than 15 years. Part of which also includes working with Colour Psycodynamics as well developing his own approach to music therapy. He studied Classical Singing at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London. On stage, he premiered the world renowned musical “The Phantom of the Opera” in Portugal, in the role of Raoul, in 2019.

Svetlana Iloski, CTP-3
Svetlana Iloski is Clinical psychologist, Psychodrama therapist, Tele’Drama Practitioner (Level 3) and EMDR Practitioner. She is a qualified and experienced professional with expertise in psychological and neuropsychological assessments, diagnosis, and evaluation of clients with psychiatric, neurological and co-occurring disorders, as well as group and individual psychotherapy in the interest of mental health prevention and treatment.

Cissy Rock is a sociodramatist with extensive experience in group work, facilitation, and leadership development. She is committed to empowering individuals, groups, and communities through participatory processes that foster creativity, spontaneity, collaboration, and social cohesion.Drawing on her expertise in sociodrama, community-led development, and action methods, Cissy supports people in expanding their roles and responding effectively to complex social, cultural, political, and organizational challenges. Her facilitation style is collaborative, engaging, and grounded in the principles of inclusion, equity, and participation.Cissy has presented at international conferences, provided training through the Houston Psychodrama Institute in India, and contributed to professional publications on participatory practice, social cohesion, and inclusive leadership. She founded Community Think in 2015, supporting community engagement and place-based development initiatives, and also creates Fringe Festival productions that bring psychodrama into public and community settings.Cissy currently serves as President of the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand Psychodrama Association (AANZPA). She lives in Petone, Lower Hutt, Aotearoa New Zealand, where she enjoys good coffee, cinnamon brioche, and building meaningful connections wherever she goes.

Maurizio Gasseau is Associate Professor of Dynamic Psychology at the University of Aosta, Italy, a Jungian analyst, certified psychotherapist and psychodramatist, and an internationally recognized trainer in psychodrama and group psychotherapy. He is an honorary member of ARPA and a member of the International Association for Analytical Psychology (IAAP). He has led training groups in 46 countries worldwide.

Maurizio Gasseau is Past Chair of the Psychodrama Section of the International Association for Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes (IAGP) and served on the IAGP Board from 2003–2012 and 2015–2025. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the IAGP Education Committee and Co-Chair of the FEPTO Task Force for Peace Building and Conflict Transformation, contributing his expertise in intercultural work, work with refugees, and the application of Morenian methods to peacebuilding and conflict transformation.

His primary areas of research and practice include dream interpretation in individual analysis, psychodrama and group psychotherapy, the Social Dreaming Matrix, and transgenerational processes. He developed the theory and method of Jungian Psychodrama in 1980 and Psychodramatic Social Dreaming in 2004. He is also Director of Training at the IPAP Postgraduate School of Psychotherapy – Institute of Analytical Psychology and Psychodrama.

Maurizio Gasseau is the author of more than 90 publications on group psychotherapy and related research, including Lo psicodramma junghiano, co-edited with Giulio Gasca, and Il sogno. Dalla psicologia analitica allo psicodramma junghiano, co-edited with Riccardo Bernardini.

He received the Federation of European Psychodrama Training Organisations (FEPTO) Excellence Award in 2017 and the International Association for Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes (IAGP) Fellowship Award in 2022.

Tanja L. Lee, Ph.D., RDT, CTP-2, SP, is a member of the International Tele ’Drama Institute, an adjunct professor of education and psychology, and a SAG-AFTRA performer. She is also a certified listening hour guide and credentialed multiple-subject teacher. With an MA in Education and a PhD in Psychology, she serves as a virtual experiential group therapist in an intensive outpatient program for individuals of all ages. Drawing on her expertise, she offers emotional wellness workshops and coaching, and trains those pursuing the Registered Drama Therapist credential via the alternative track.

Andrea Wilches, SP, CTT
International Tele'Drama Institute (ITI) Board of Directors & Faculty
Psicodrama Grupal Pavlovsky institute. Identidad Recovery Center. Andrea Wilches, born in Colombia, currently living in Argentina, is psychologist, psychotherapist, psychodramatist, actor, psychodrama trainer, International Tele'Drama Institute (ITI) member of the Board of Directors & Faculty. Trainer at Psicodrama Grupal Pavlovsky Institute; Identidad Recovery Center. Trained as a psychodramatist, by Dr. Mónica Zuretti, and by Dr. Eduardo "tato" Pavlovsky and Maria Carolina Pavlovsky in Dramatic Multiplications psychodrama. Andrea she has a certification in mindfulness by the University Favaloro in Argentina; a certification in disability as a social and political category by the University of Buenos Aires; and is also a Kabbalah student. Currently she works with psychodrama groups in the treatment and recovery of addiction and as an one on one therapist.
 

Ichiro (Okkady) Okajima, M.A., CTP-3
Certified Tele’Drama Practitioner (CTP – Level 3) Ichiro Okajima, known to most as Okkady, is the Chair of the Department of Psychology at Nishikyushu University, Japan. His journey with psychodrama began during his university years, where he was deeply drawn to the mental enrichment and sense of camaraderie the method fosters. Motivated by this passion, he pursued graduate research on psychodramatic warm-ups and earned a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology.  He is now a standing director of two psychodrama associations in Japan and is scheduled to host a joint conference for those two associations in February 2027.

Meytal Fogel-Simhony, PhD
Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Pursuing Tele'Drama Certified Practitioner, Level 2

Meytal Fogel-Simhony, Ph.D., is a Doctor of Psychology and a certified multi-modal Expressive Arts Therapist who specializes in Psychodrama Therapy as well as a Certified Parenting Coach.She has worked for the Ministry of Education in Israel in both Integrative and Special Education school systems, practicing therapy with adolescents who face a range of learning disorders, behavioral and emotional challenges, and has consulted for both teachers and parents in different settings.She has extensive experience in both individual and group adult therapy and has previously practiced within the Mental Healthcare system.Some years ago, she gained certification as a therapist under “The New Authority,” a program for instructing both parents and teachers who deal with severe or violent behavioral problems among adolescents, and has been instructing and moderating groups and workshops on a range of topics in diverse, multicultural settings for over 15 years.

Wieser, Michael Alexander; Mag. Dr. phil., assistant professor, psychologist, psychodrama educator, and psychotherapist. Country co-coordinator of the Society for Psychotherapy Research; vice-president and an honorary member of the Society Moreno Museum; member of some editorial boards; maintains the international psychodrama bibliography; holder of the Zerka T. Moreno Award.
Office: Alpen-Adria-Universitaet Klagenfurt, Department of Psychology, Universitaetsstr. 65-67,
9020 Klagenfurt, Austria/Europe. 

Dr. Hande Karakılıç Üçer is a psychiatrist in clinical private practice, providing medical treatment and psychotherapy in Turkish, English, and French. She is an Assistant Psychodrama Trainer at the Dr. Abdülkadir Özbek Psychodrama Institute in Ankara, Türkiye, and an Expressive Arts Therapist. She is currently a trainer at TELE’DRAMA.Dr. Karakılıç Üçer has worked with refugees through IOM and UNHCR, coordinated various disaster psychosocial interventions, and worked for the Turkish Security Forces. She has also undertaken organizational work for embassies, the EU Delegation, and other institutions in Ankara.She served as Secretary General (2017–2020) of the International Society for Health and Human Rights (ISHHR) and is a member of the International Association of Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes (IAGP) and its Trauma Task Force, the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama (ASGPP) and its Trauma Task Force, and the Federation of Psychodrama Training Organizations (FEPTO) Peace Building and Conflict Transformation Task Force.

Dr. Stan Ingman, a gerontology professor and president of "A Future Without Poverty," has dedicated his career to teaching and researching healthcare trends globally. With expertise in senior healthcare, he encourages proactive preparation for advanced care. His work began in 1963 in Algeria, focusing on rural development and healthcare access, later contributing to sustainable solutions for villages in Mexico and Costa Rica. At Universiy of North Texas, he co-created the Center for Public Service, emphasizing sustainable community building through education, empowerment, and public health initiatives, with a vision for long-term social change and poverty reduction.

Lyudmila Zlatova, PhD, CTP-3
Positive Psychotherapist & Jungian Sandplay Therapist with a heart for helping refugees overcome new challenges.
PhD, Positive Psychology & TELE’DRAMA student, Lyudmila is an expert in Fairytale Psychotherapy and excels at creating innovative ideas. With a passion for writing and a track record of successful therapy groups and individual sessions, she's active in conferences and continuously expanding her knowledge in Clinical Psychology at the Medical University of Plovdiv.
 

Psychologist, MA, CTP-3, Assistant Psychodramatist (IPI)
International Tele’Drama Institute (ITI), Certified Tele’Drama Practitioner Level 3.
Project Manager of the Tele'Drama International 70+ Support Initiative
Co-Director of the Tele'Drama Türkiye Regional Institute


Pembegül İlter is a psychologist and assistant psychodramatist, trained at the Istanbul Psychodrama Institute (IPI). Since 2008, she has provided psychological support to individuals, families, and children, specializing in family and relationship counseling, child and adolescent behavior, learning disabilities, and ADHD. Pembegül conducts individual therapy as well as group sessions that focus on personal development, social skills, self-expression, and creativity.

After the pandemic, she expanded her work to online platforms and leads support groups, workshops aimed at improving psychological well-being.

She uses Psychodrama, Tele’Drama, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approaches. She continues her training as a Certified Tele’Drama Practitioner Level Three (CTP-3).

In addition to her therapeutic work, she is musician in the Istanbul Playback Theater, and a Certified Listening Hour Guide.
 

Violeta Kadieva, Ph.D., LMFT-S, AAMFT Approved Supervisor, received her doctoral degree from Texas Tech University. She has worked with families for 15 years and has been a supervisor for 10 years. She is currently a Professor at Texas Wesleyan University. She has published articles and presented workshops and posters at numerous conferences, including WAMFT, AAMFT, APA, TAMFT, and the International Family Therapy World Conference.

Dr. Dione Floyd, PhD, LPC-S, AAMFT Approved Supervisor 
Dr. Dione Floyd is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) with a PhD in Marriage and
Family Therapy. She is the owner and Clinical Director of The Wellness Counseling Group, LLC and also
serves as an adjunct professor at Abilene Christian University and Texas A&M University–Kingsville.
Through her private practice, Dr. Floyd provides counseling services to individuals, couples, and families
from diverse ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, and gender backgrounds. She is also committed to
community outreach and offers affordable counseling services to uninsured individuals and families
through her practice’s outreach program.
Her passion for helping others was shaped by 17 years of service with Child Protective Services. As both
a proud mother and an adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dr. Floyd is a dedicated advocate for
individuals with special needs and actively supports organizations serving the ASD community.
Dr. Floyd earned her PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy in December 2023. She received her master’s
degree from Amberton University in 2011 and her Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from
Southern University and A&M College in 1999. A native of New Orleans, she proudly embraces her roots
with a spirited “Who Dat!” As the youngest of sixteen children, growing up in a household of eighteen
people taught her patience, resilience, and the value of community.

Candice Jones Ronemus, PhD; Clinical Director at Texas Wesleyan University
Dr. Candice Jones Ronemus is an experienced Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and has training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). With a deep commitment to mental health, Dr. Ronemus has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and heal from trauma.Her professional journey has been marked by a passion for empowering clients through evidence-based therapeutic practices. Dr. Ronemus specializes in trauma-informed care, providing a safe and supportive environment for her clients to explore their experiences and work towards recovery. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Ronemus is an advocate for mental health awareness and education.

Nadia Naeem, PhD, CTP-2
Ms. Clinical Psychology (Kinnaird College, Lahore)
Bsc.hons Applied Psychology (Kinnaird College, Lahore)
Pursuing the Tele'Drama Certification Program 
Co-chair of the Tele'Drama Research and Publications Team (TRPT)

Nadia Naeem is a certified Clinical Psychologist who has been working in the Department of Adult Psychiatry for eight years in Pakistan. She holds a Master's in Clinical Psychology and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Applied Psychology, both from Kinnaird College, Lahore. Her areas of specialization include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Bipolar Disorder and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety Disorders. Additionally, she has participated in numerous trainings on hypnotherapy and graphology and is currently pursuing training in psychodrama for educational, training, and research purposes.

Daniela Tahirova, MEd, MPsy Therapeutic Center "Vitae" International Tele’Drama Institute (ITI) Representative Certified Tele’Drama Practitioner. Daniela Tahirova has a master's degree in pedagogy, speech therapy and psychology. Psychodrama Therapist, Director of Psychodrama with Children, Family Therapist. She is conducting therapy groups for children - according to the method of A.Aachinger and W.Hall and for adults under the supervision of Dr. Daniela Simmons. Daniela Tahirova is the director of the "Psychodrama and Action Methods in Education" program, which is certified by the Ministry of Education and Science at the Adler Institute-Bulgaria. Founder and part of the board of the Balkan Association of Psychodrama, Sociodrama and Active Methods. She trains, practices and teaches Teledrama in Bulgaria. Co-leader in the Bulgarian groups of Dr. Daniela Simmons.

Elena Petrova, CTP-3
Elena Petrova holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a master's degree in Labor and Organizational Psychology. She has extensive experience in the field of Human Resources, with a focus on Training and Development, and has conducted her own training programs on topics such as Work-Life Balance, Stress Management, Emotional Intelligence, and more. Additionally, Elena is a certified Emotional Intelligence coach through BISEI, a group dynamics training coach, and a trainer applying the Tele'Drama method. For several years, she has also been managing her own center for child and personal development. At the center, Elena teaches German to children of all ages (from 2+ to 16+) and leads Emotional Intelligence groups for children. Her work with the youngest and older children is enriched by the additional knowledge and skills she has acquired through various training programs in Suggestopedia, the Waldorf-Steiner method, and Therapeutic Work with Children. Elena is currently continuing her development in the field of child work by training to become a certified therapist for SCREEN CHILDREN®.

Maya Maria Naydenova is a psychologist specializing in children's therapy and early childhood development, with over 10 years of experience in counseling and therapeutic work with children who have special needs, as well as those facing emotional and behavioral challenges. She extends her expertise to working with parents and adults. Maya holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, a bachelor's degree in social pedagogy, and a master's degree in child-adolescent and school psychology from the University of Sofia. She is a certified psychotherapist and continues her therapeutic education in psychodrama, group therapy, analytical psychomotorics, and online counseling. She is an accomplished author and conducts training and therapy groups for children and parents, addressing issues related to parenting and parent-child interactions. Additionally, Maya leads sharing and emotional support groups for mothers of children up to 3 years old, providing a vital resource for early parental support.

Peter C. Benedict, PhD, LMHC, LP, CTP-1
Peter C. Benedict, PhD, LMHC, LP, is a couples therapist serving clients in New York and New Jersey. Couples work is something he cares deeply about. He's worked with many couples in difficult places and witnessed how change really is possible. His primarily approach is Emotionally Focused Therapy, and he also integrates cognitive, somatic, parts-based, and psychodramatic approaches, to help clients understand what's under the surface of conflicts. His doctoral research in depth psychology focused on presence moment-based communication practices and on how larger, societal forces can impact and shape relationships. 

Desirée N. Robinson, PhD, LCSW-C, CST, CTP-1
Desirée N. Robinson, PhD, LCSW-C, CST, is an Integrative Psychotherapist and Creative Facilitator who helps people feel at ease in their bodies, ask for what they need, and build trust in relationships. EMDRIA & ASECT certified, she blends attachment-based, somatic, and expressive approaches with warmth and an intersectional lens. She is exploring action methods, pursuing certification in biblio-poetry therapy, and nurturing her first book, My Body Is a Singing Bowl: Compassionate Meditations for Body Image and Intimacy. 

Phil Armour, LPC, LMFT
Phil Armour LPC Master's Marriage & Family Therapy International Tele’Drama Institute (ITI) Team Member & Faculty. Phil Armour, M.MFT, LPC & LMFT, has forged a private practice counseling office in Longview, Texas for over 22 years. He has attended numerous workshops on creativity in therapy, art therapy, drama therapy, psychotherapy and Bibliodrama. In 2013, he attended an intensive 4-day training on Applied Theatre and Spiritual Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary. Since November 2019, he has presented multiple workshops on Bibliodrama and Family Therapy.

Osta Iwobi, M. Arch., CTP-3, International Tele’Drama Institute (ITI) Training.
Osta Iwobi was born in Nigeria and both lived and studied in various European countries where he graduated as an architect. He then studied at the Colorado Technical University, where he graduated with a Computer Science and Engineering degree. Osta speaks multiple languages. He lives in Dallas, TX, United States, where he works as an architect. Osta has always been interested in psychology and five years ago he started training at the Expressive Therapies Training Institute (ETTi) with director Daniela Simmons, PhD, TEP. Osta has been actively participating in the local psychodrama community and co-presenting at regional psychodrama communities.

Kirsty Weedon (She/her)Kirsty is a Psychodrama Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor and Psychodrama Apprentice Trainer working with individuals and groups, indoors and outdoors in private practice in the UK and online. She also teaches, most recently for The Minster Centre, London, for the University of Cumbria and in collaboration with the Adventure Institute in South Africa on their Foundations of Outdoor Therapy course.She is a founder committee member of the Association for Outdoor Therapy and an executive committee member for the British Psychodrama Association. She is a Recognised Professional in Outdoor Learning and has a background working in the outdoors, education and youth and community work, and is a qualified Mountain Leader and Forest School Practitioner.Kirsty loves facilitating groups and has been privileged to be involved with Tele’Drama over the last few years, and is delighted to be involved with this international conference.

Cristina Schmidt, Transgenerational Psychotherapy and Psychodrama, Sociodramatist Associate Professor, Bucharest University International Tele’Drama Institute (ITI) ASGPP, IAGP, ARPSIC. Associate Professor in Bucharest University, Founder Member of International Center for Psychogenealogy. He focuses his activity on transgenerational topics. He has delivered many workshops internationally: Asia, Europe and North Africa.

Regina Sewell, PhD/ MEd, LMHC, PCC, TEP is Co-Director of the Center for Creative Action Strategies.  She is a licensed mental health counselor in New York and a licensed professional counselor in Ohio. Regina specializes in co-dependency, addictions, LGBT issues, stress management, and getting unstuck. She has a private therapy practice with offices in Hopewell Junction and Rhinebeck, NY. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama (ASGPP) and is president of the Hudson Valley Psychodrama Collective.  Regina also teaches Theatre Therapy at Russell Sage College in Troy, NY and Sociology at SUNY New Paltz.

Jennifer R. Salimbene, MSSW, LCSW-R, CASAC, TEP is the Co-director of the Center for Creative Action Strategies and is the Director of the Addictions track at the Hudson Valley Psychodrama Institute. She has been Director of Clinical Services at several in and outpatient substance abuse programs including Lexington Center for Recovery in Dutchess County, NY and St. Christopher’s Inn at Graymoor in Garrison, NY. She has over 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist. She has a clinical supervision and private therapy practice with offices in Hopewell Junction and Rhinebeck, NY, a Fellow of the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama (ASGPP), and a graduate of the School of Playback Theatre.
 

Jeff Schneider, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 41 years of clinical experience, having facilitated approximately 47,000 individual, family, couples, and group therapy sessions. His integrative approach combines traditional psychotherapy with Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping, guided visualization and meditation, and psychodrama action methods to support healing and personal growth.Jeff has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health concerns as well as compulsive and addictive behaviors. He has supervised numerous therapists throughout his career and has led a variety of professional workshops and retreats. Deeply committed to lifelong learning, Jeff continues to participate in advanced clinical trainings while maintaining a daily meditation and spiritual practice that provides the foundation for his therapeutic work.

Alexandr Usov, LMSW, CTP-3
Alexandr Usov is a Master’s-level Licensed Social Worker in the state of New York, trained in sociodrama, sociometry, Tele'Drama, and certified in transgenerational therapy. Alexandr integrates dramatic and creative arts modalities, facilitating both individual and group sessions. His group therapy practice began with American veterans and continues with diverse populations impacted by trauma and addiction.

Alexandr also develops community-based programs utilizing sociodrama to foster collective healing and social cohesion.Alexandr has led notable projects such as "Family Reconstruction" and "Sociodrama for Emerging Adulthood," addressing family dynamics, identity formation, immigration, and relationship issues. Additionally, he actively supports Ukrainian communities affected by war and displacement through culturally sensitive therapeutic workshops. Alexandr aims to expand his work by establishing a consulting practice focused on coaching, training, and holistic healing through expressive arts and sociodramatic methods.

Ofra graduated Bet Zvi Academy of Drama (Ramat Gan, Israel, 1967). She earned her BA from Ben-Gurion University, in literature & education (Beersheva, Israel, 1989), Her MA, from the University of New South Wales, in Theater Studies & Directing (Sydney, Australia, 1990). Certified Group Conductor, Bet Berl Academic College (Tel Aviv, Israel, 2003). She has professional experience in: Acting, Directing, Drama Therapy for children, teachers, adult groups, the elderly. Ofra also has participated in many international Conferences, Workshops, etc. Member of AGPA and IAGP.
 

Kendall Brune, PhD, MBA, FACHCA, is a healthcare executive, educator, and gerontology specialist with more than 25 years of leadership experience in senior care, long-term care administration, and healthcare innovation. His work has focused on improving the quality of care and well-being of older adults, with particular dedication to supporting veterans through healthcare and aging services.Dr. Brune has held executive leadership roles in senior housing and healthcare organizations, overseen major healthcare development projects, and taught graduate courses in health administration and gerontology. His scholarly interests include healthy aging, spirituality, technology, and telehealth, and he is the author of Religion & Healthy Aging and Senior Care 2.0. He currently serves with the Metropolitan Government of Nashville, Tennessee, where he continues his commitment to enhancing services for older adults and veterans.

Lucia Moretto is a psychologist, psychotherapist, and psychodramatist specializing in individual and group psychotherapy. She serves as Director of the two-year training program in Oneiric Drawing and Psychodrama in Venice, Italy, and at AFCP in Romania. She also teaches at the School of Specialization in Psychodramatic Psychotherapy in Milan, directed by Giovanni Boria.In addition to her work in psychodrama, Lucia is a certified Level II EMDR therapist, as well as a psychogenealogist and transgenerational therapist. Her clinical and teaching work integrates action methods with trauma-informed and transgenerational approaches, supporting deep personal healing and professional development.

Mina Zivkovic, CTP-3
Mina discovered Psychodrama while searching for the best self-development approach. Very soon she realised it could be her professional future choice. Mina Lazetic was born in Belgrade, Serbia, where she completed her primary and secondary school education. Genuine interest in people, research and travel influenced her choice of faculty. She graduated in the University of Singidunum Belgrade Serbia, department of Tourism and Hospitality. Her first professional steps were in Hotel Sales Management. After that, she worked for Etihad Airways, the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates, where she was living and working for 3 years.  During that period she visited more than 50 countries and co-worked with more than 20 different nationalities in different situations and challenges. Currently, she is improving her knowledge in Psychodrama and other action methods. Also, she is in the process of obtaining a Certificate of Tele'Drama Practitioner.Mina is always ready to learn and upgrade her knowledge. She is a curious person with deep empathy for others. She is fluent in English and has a very developed organisational skill. Besides her professional interest, she is devoted to her family and her 2 year old daughter. 

Samuel Marcus is a performing artist, Certified Tele'Drama Practitioner, and founder of The Applied Film Project, an initiative exploring cinema and creativity as pathways to presence, truth, and transformation.

Drawing from global art cinema, classical acting traditions, contemplative philosophy, transpersonal coaching psychology, and the creative arts, his work invites participants to encounter film and creativity not as passive entertainment, but as living practices of attention, reflection, and self-discovery.

He holds academic training in theater, psychology, philosophy, and cinema, with additional professional training in drama therapy and psychodrama. His work is informed by years of experience performing on stage and in film and digital media, as well as facilitating creative and reflective spaces that support individuals and communities in exploring emotion, imagination, and personal meaning through the arts.

Tzivia SteinBarrett, MSW, CP
Tzivia SteinBarrett is a psychodramatist, psychotherapist, and Death Doula with more than 40 years of experience in private practice. Now semi-retired and living in Mexico, she is a founding member of the Lake Chapala End-of-Life Care Community, where she provides guidance and compassionate Death Doula services to the local expatriate community.Throughout her career, Tzivia developed a holistic, experiential approach to healing that integrates psychodrama, adult learning, movement, expressive arts, hatha yoga, and mindfulness practices. Her work has focused on helping individuals move beyond feeling stuck, sad, angry, or anxious by exploring their thoughts, behaviors, and inner role dynamics through creative and action-based methods.Today, Tzivia's passion centers on supporting individuals through life's transitions by combining Death Doula work with Tarot, psychodrama, and mindful presence. Through offerings such as Living Tarot and Unfinished Business, she creates meaningful opportunities for reflection, healing, and personal transformation, helping people approach life's final chapters with greater awareness, compassion, and peace.

Müjdegül Karaca, MD, PhD, CTP-2 
Müjdegül Z. Karaca is a gynecologist based in Turkiye with 17 years of experience currently in a clinical private practice. She is also a reproductive health expert working with women who have sexual difficulties. She studied and developed a curriculum on women's sexual and reproductive health during migration or disasters" on behalf of the SIHHAT project, which is conducted by the Turkish government and with the support of the EU. She is a psychodrama co-therapist and is training in the International Tele’Drama Institute (ITI).  She received her basic psychodrama education from the Turkish Federation of Psychodrama Associations under supervision of TEPs Ozlem Ulutas Akarken and Hande Karakilic Ucer. She is a member of Anka Association of Group Psychotherapies & Psychodrama. She loves to produce content for social media to spread awareness on women’s health. She is willing to take place in more socio- drama applications after facing the tragic earthquakes which happened in February in South-Eastern Turkiye.

Tamar Pelleg, MA, CP is a Board-Certified Psychodrama Practitioner and NLP Master Practitioner with a master's degree in counselling from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Trained by Dr. Peter Pitzele in Bibliodrama, she specializes in integrating psychodramatic methods with reflective-writing techniques. Tamar leads innovative Bibliodrama groups in private practice and through Israel’s Ministry of Education. Her unique approach weaves together Bibliodrama, Psychodrama, and reflective-writing, creating a pathway for deep personal exploration and transformative experiences in both group and individual settings.

Mag. Dr. Maria Elisabeth Penker, BSc
Dr. Penker studied a combination of education and psychology, completing her doctorate in 2004. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in psychology with a focus on sports psychology. She has already completed advanced training in sports psychology with Dr. Christopher Willis in Vienna and has been listed in the ÖBS Expert Pool since 2023.An accomplished endurance athlete, Dr. Penker completed the Carinthian Ironman for the 25th consecutive time in 2025 (best performance: 9:18:49 h). Since April 2024, she has been working as a study assistant to Dr. Michael Wieser at the Alpen-Adria University of Klagenfurt. She is also a member of the Society Moreno Museum.

MD, PAT, CTP-1
Dr. Amitabh Ghosh is an Indian psychiatrist and trauma-focused therapist, with over 25 years of clinical experience. He has 1600+ hours of training in Psychodrama from trainers around the world and is certified in Polyvagal Theory, Traumatic Stress Studies, EMDR, MBSR, TA, and Design Thinking. He integrates neuroscience, trauma-focussed care, experiential approaches to foster healing, connection, and personal growth. Additionally, he is an actor working in theatre and films.

Weslin (Lin) Panakal, CTP-1
Lin Panakal is a psychotherapist specializing in Psychodrama and TA. She supports individuals navigating divorce, grief, and single parenting. Dedicated to community well-being, L facilitates professional training for organizations, with a specific focus on suicide prevention and postvention initiatives.

Lavanya Singh, CTP-1
Lavanya Singh is a certified Executive Coach and experiential learning facilitator. Integrating Psychodrama and Sociodrama with corporate leadership coaching, she specializes in fostering sustainable growth. Lavanya empowers individuals and teams by bridging cognitive concepts and emotional intelligence to drive transformative, holistic development.

Maurizio Borri is a psychologist specializing in Social Psychology, a music therapist, and a professional coach. He holds a Master's degree in One-to-One Coaching and is a certified Mental Fitness PLAN Coach.Maurizio's work focuses on helping individuals discover and develop their unique strengths, leadership potential, and personal vocation through evidence-based psychological approaches. He supports people in identifying and overcoming unconscious patterns of self-sabotage while cultivating a sustainable psychological lifestyle centered on their personal and professional purpose.As an educator and coach, Maurizio is committed to empowering others to achieve lasting growth and autonomy, believing that the role of the facilitator is to educate and guide without ever substituting for the individual.

Mercedes Sara Martinez Salazar is a psychologist, consultant, and educator specializing in individual, couples, family, and organizational work. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Occidente (ITESO) and a Master’s degree in Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Vocational Development from the University of North Texas.She is a consultant and communicator with the Instituto de Semiología de la Vida Cotidiana®, where she teaches the 12-course Semiología de la Vida Cotidiana model in an experiential workshop format. Her professional work also includes consulting with organizations and supporting the development and strengthening of workplace teams.  

 Mihaela Marin, CTP-2

Feyruz Usluoğlu, PhD, is a psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychology at Toros University in Türkiye. She holds a PhD in Counseling and Guidance Psychology and has extensive experience providing clinical assessment and psychological interventions for individuals, couples, families, and groups.Before joining academia, Dr. Usluoğlu worked for 12 years at Seyhan State Hospital, where she served as Head of the Psychosocial Support and Crisis Intervention Unit. At Toros University, she teaches courses including Attachment Psychology, Trauma Psychology, Crisis Intervention Techniques, Clinical Assessment, and Play, Learning, and Creativity.Dr. Usluoğlu has received advanced training in psychodrama, systemic family counseling, supportive psychodynamic psychotherapy, and EMDR. Her research focuses on trauma, anxiety, psychological resilience, and mentalization. In addition to her academic work, she provides psychological counseling services to adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She is also President of the Ecology Psychology Research, Development and Application Association (EKOMENTA) and Founder and Coordinator of AKAMENTA and the Playfulness Academy.

Suneetha Saggurthi, PhD, CTP-2
Suneetha is currently pursuing her  training in Teledrama, level-2.  She is a PhD from XLRI Jamshedpur and has done her Master’s from TISS Mumbai and has vast experience in Manufacturing sector. She has rich experience in change management, organizational development and employee relations, learning and development, performance management, competency- based assessment and development, and industry-community interface projects. She has successfully developed and directed a full complement of human resources programs for more than 2,500 employees and their families.  Besides this she has led programs for school children, adolescents from rural backgrounds and women. As a step towards continuous learning, she completed a 2-year certificate program in process-oriented psychology, a 5 - year leadership course for women and attended a leadership workshop –Women’s Way at U.S during April 2010 and World Work seminar in Denver in 2011. She also has training in Psychodrama and Sociometry. She is currently pursuing her Diploma in process-oriented psychology 

Mala Bali is a Group Worker, Coach, Facilitator, and Certified Psychodramatist based in India. She integrates psychodrama, design thinking simulations, and psychometric assessments to create transformative team experiences. As Co-Director at Vedadrama India and owner of an independent consulting practice, she orchestrates psychodrama-based interventions, seamlessly combining diverse methodologies for impactful results.Mala's expertise in psychodrama spans diverse cultural contexts, acting as a catalyst for enhancing empathetic communication, fostering team cohesion, and establishing psychological safety. With a collaborative reach spanning over 100 organizations, including partners like UNICEF, she leverages psychodrama to gain insights into group dynamics, address diverse perspectives, and create harmonious workplaces.Her culturally attuned, psychodrama-based methods highlight her invaluable contributions to enhancing interpersonal dynamics and fostering collaboration in professional settings. Additionally, she is pursuing the Tele'Drama Certification Program Level 3.

Sofia is a high school Senior in Dallas who wants to pursue studies in Musical Theater. She is the daughter of our very own, Monica Munoz, who is a Psychodrama trainee and is a Certified Tele'Drama Practitioner CTP-1. 

Monica Munoz, PsyD, LP, LSSP, NCSP, HSP, CTP-1 
Dr. Monica Munoz is a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. She has been studying Psychodrama for 4 years and is passionate about utilizing and making experiential methods accessible to the populations she works with. Monica manages a clinic which serves the children and families of Dallas Independent School District as well as runs a private practice, where she works with ethnically and socioeconomically diverse populations.

Marjut Partanen-Hertell, M.Sc. (Tech), information scientist, psychodrama and sociodrama trainer (TEP), supervisor and trainer, Post Induction Therapist (PIT, The Meadows), and Certified Tele'Drama Practitioner (CTP). She has forty years of experience at the Finnish Environment Institute and working on EU and World Bank projects with environmental issues. She is a former chair of HELCOM's intergovernmental Working Group on Public Awareness and Environmental Education and Finland's Representative on the Management Committee for EU LIFE programme. She is the author and co-author of several books e.g  Sociodrama in a Changing World (2011), and articles, latest three in ZPS by Springer (2026) describe the use of Morenean processes as transformative learning for ecological change. She is a member of international psychodrama networks including IAGP, ASGPP, ITI, FEPTO's Ecology and Sustainability Network, and the Finnish Psychodrama Institute.

Nilüfer Demirhan, MA, Türkiye & Italy

 She is a Clinical Psychologist, Jungian Psychodramatist, Transgenerational Therapist, Psychotherapist, EMDR Therapist and Art Therapist. She works with individuals and groups and combines different psychotherapy approaches. Her main interests are dreams and archetypal patterns.

 She is a board member and Education Committee Member in the International Association of Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes (IAGP). She served as Young Professionals’ Section Chair in IAGP in the term 2022-2025. She is a member of Federation of European Psychodrama Training Organisations (FEPTO) Task Force for Peace Building and Conflict Transformation 

Nelly Klyovan, practical psychologist, child and crisis psychologist, lead psychologist and supervisor at the Children’s Center for Psychology and Early Development “Play,” forensic expert at the Kyiv branch of the National Scientific Center “Institute of Forensic Expertise” of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, and volunteer working with military personnel and their families.

Tetiana Kopiievska, psychologist and psychotherapist in the Positive Psychotherapy (PPT) method, lead psychologist and supervisor on the “Women and War” platform. I work with adults and adolescents. I have also been volunteering, including since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

Kalina Choleva, CTP-1

Meghna Bhagat, CTP-2, is an experiential astrologer and facilitator who brings psychodrama and action methods into direct encounter with astrology, mythology, and symbolic experience. Rather than using astrology only to describe patterns, she creates participatory experiences in which people can enter them—through role, movement, imagination, relationship, and choice.Her training includes psychodrama, Tele’Drama, counseling, and Jason Holley’s Experiential Astrology Practitioner Program, alongside evolutionary astrology, horary, Hellenistic technique, and Jyotish. She is particularly interested in translating embodied processes into online spaces while preserving spontaneity, connection, and the intelligence of the group.A 2025 Jacob & Zerka Moreno Foundation Scholar, Meghna teaches at Kepler College and facilitates independent experiential programs. She has presented for UAC, NORWAC, OPA, ISAR, and other international astrological communities.She holds an M.S.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania and writes The Riches Within, a weekly newsletter on astrology and lived experience.

Dr. Mireille Nasrallah, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Balamand
Founder & President, M.E.R. NGO (Lebanon)
Psychotherapist | Psychodrama & Sociodrama Practitioner

Dr. Mireille Nasrallah is a psychologist, psychotherapist, lecturer, and educator based in Lebanon. She is currently a lecturer at the University of Balamand and has also been affiliated with Université Paris Cité in France. Her extensive professional experience spans psychotherapy, higher education, research, clinical and school psychology, and work within correctional settings.She has maintained a private psychotherapy practice for many years and works as a psychotherapist at the Central Prison in Roumieh, Lebanon. Her professional background also includes teaching and research, philosophy education, and the coordination of experiential workshops incorporating therapeutic movement and body-based approaches.Dr. Nasrallah has traveled internationally and presented her work at various professional conferences. She is an innovator and pioneer in introducing and integrating psychodrama within higher education in Lebanon, bringing experiential and action-based approaches into the university setting.She is currently pursuing psychodrama training with Tele'Drama International, further developing the integration of psychodrama and action methods into her professional and academic work.

Reyhan Çakmak, M. Sc. on Clinical Psychology, Istanbul Jungian Psychodrama Institute, ASGPP, BAPSGPT. Reyhan Çakmak is a Psychological Counselor and Psychotherapist. She was born in Ankara. Psychodrama Trainer at Istanbul Jungian Psychodrama Institute (Ijungi). She has been working as a school counselor and as a member of the Ministry of National Education since 2010. She continues her Jungian psychoanalysis process with individual dream analysis. She is a founding member and vice president of Balkan Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapies Association. She is actively involved in community mental health studies within various non-governmental organizations.

Medical Doctor, Pychodramatist, Trainer and Supervisor.
He created “Change your role to change your weight” (or shortly SlimRole) approach on obesity. While working on obesity, he realized the link between trauma and obesity and began to study on coping with trauma. He developed “Four Port” model for working on trauma.
He used psychodrama as an education tool in the field of medical school students and health service workers (nurses, midwifes dietitians etc.) and also to educate mums and mums to be. He took roles as a member of Board of Director and Vice Presedent of Istanbul Pschodrama Association which is a sect of Abdülkadir Özbek Institute. He established a new Jungian oriented Psychodrama Institution called IJUNGI (Istanbul Jungian Psychodrama Institute, formerly known as Dr. Ali Babaoğlu Jungian Psychodrama, Sociodrama and Public Mental Health Institute).

Veronique specializes in facilitating collective and relational intelligence within groups and organizations. She employs ARC action methods, entrepreneurial pedagogy, and ludo-pedagogy to enhance engagement and learning outcomes. Veronique is ARC and BELBIN certified, an orientation coach, and conducts personal development workshops. Her unique method, "Wake up your 4 inner Heroes – Réveillez vos 4 Héros intérieurs," focuses on empowering individuals through the exploration of meaningful projects.

Nancy S. Scherlong, LCSW, PTR, CJT, M/S, PAT, CTP-3
Change Your Narrative LCSW PLLC
Psychotherapy, Wellness Coaching, Expressive Arts Workshops / ConsultationShe is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Coach based in Mt. Kisco, Westchester County, NY, and Ridgefield and Norwalk, Fairfield County, CT. She also works as a Workshop Facilitator and is a Registered Poetry/Biblio and Journal Therapist and Mentor/Supervisor in private practice. With a Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited institution, she holds licenses in both New York and Connecticut. Her training includes Foundations and Wellness from the Mentor Coach Foundation, along with a Registration and Mentor/Supervisor credential in Biblio/Poetry Therapy from the International Federation for Biblio-Poetry and Journal Therapy.With over 20 years of experience in therapeutic writing, action methods of psychodrama, and trauma processing techniques, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice. Additionally, she is a Certified Holistic Health Counselor from the Integrative Institute for Nutrition in NYC, integrating wellness and healthy lifestyle choices into all aspects of her work.She has extensive experience in group facilitation, specializing in communication and relationship enhancement, women in transition, adolescent socialization skills, creativity seminars, corporate wellness and stress management, and healthy living workshops. Her psychodynamic and educational groups often utilize the arts as a path to wellness, making her a versatile practitioner in the field of mental health and holistic care. 
 

Shota Shirahama is a graduate student at Nishikusyu University, Japan. He is majoring in clinical psychology. He also belongs to the Japanese clinical psychodrama society and has a certificate for basic psychodrama practitioner. He attended 5th and 6th TELE’DRAMA conference as a member of the Japan team.

Alayna Hester, RDT, LCAT, is a Registered Drama Therapist and Licensed Creative Arts Therapist in the state of New York. Her work centers on utilizing creative arts therapy as a tool for healing, growth, identity exploration, and community building, with a particular commitment to communities of color.Integrating her creativity, leadership, and passion for community, she creates spaces in which individuals can explore identity, challenge limiting narratives, and strengthen connection with themselves and others. She is the creator of What’s Your Hairstory? An Understanding and Exploration of Hair Autonomy through the Lens of Character and Role, a workshop series designed to explore the personal, cultural, and social meanings of hair through drama therapy, character, role, storytelling, and shared experience.Her work with Black women and girls explores natural hair, hair autonomy, identity, self-expression, and the ways in which drama therapy can help challenge and transform false or restrictive narratives surrounding Black hair. She is particularly interested in expanding this work across generations and communities, creating opportunities for young Black girls and older Black women alike to connect, share their stories, and experience greater freedom and confidence in their identities.Grounded in authenticity, bravery, and curiosity, her broader professional vision is to integrate theater, drama therapy, storytelling, and community engagement as pathways for healing aspects of identity, celebrating uniqueness, and helping individuals recognize and embrace what makes them powerful.

Elif Baybuğa is a Specialist Psychologist and a Certified Tele’Drama Practitioner, Level 2 (CTP-2). She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Istanbul University and completed her master’s degree at Yeditepe University.She has extensive training and experience in psychodrama, integrative psychotherapy, cognitive and behavioral psychotherapy, child and individual psychodrama, solution-focused therapy, trauma and crisis intervention, family counseling, and expressive therapeutic techniques. Her clinical work includes individual and group psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and adults, as well as psychodrama experiential groups.Her areas of professional practice include attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, adolescent psychology, depression, anxiety, trauma, anger management, behavioral difficulties, family dynamics, conflict resolution, and problematic internet and technology use. Her work integrates psychodrama and experiential action methods with a broad range of psychotherapeutic approaches.

Hinako Ohmura is a student at Nishikusyu University, Japan. She is majoring in clinical psychology. She attended 6th TELE’DRAMA conference as a member of the Japan team.

Koh Harada is a student at Nishikusyu University, Japan. She is majoring in clinical psychology. She attended 6th TELE’DRAMA conference as a member of the Japan team. 

Mira Pandey, CTP-1
Mira Pandey is Head Matron at Budhanilkantha School in Kathmandu, Nepal, and an experienced healthcare and educational professional with more than two decades of service in nursing, student welfare, counseling, and public health management. Her academic qualifications include a Master of Public Administration, an MA in Clinical Psychology, a Bachelor in Health Science, and a Post-Basic Bachelor of Nursing.In her current role, Mira is dedicated to promoting comprehensive adolescent health and well-being, supporting students as they navigate the transition to adulthood. She also facilitates self-care interventions and experiential workshops for students, educators, and community health workers.Since joining the Tele'Drama community in 2021, Mira has actively explored the applications of psychodrama and sociodrama in education, healthcare, and community settings. She participated in the 2nd International Tele'Drama Conference and continues to integrate action methods into her professional practice and research, with a focus on fostering resilience, personal growth, and community well-being.

Momo Kikuno is a student at Nishikusyu University, Japan. She is majoring in clinical psychology. She attended 6th TELE’DRAMA conference as a member of the Japan team.

Nigar Etizer Karacık studied Social Work at Hacettepe University in Ankara, Türkiye, and earned a Master’s degree in Family and Marriage Counseling from Yıldırım Beyazıt University Health Sciences Institute. She has served as an expert in Child Welfare in various organizations, including her role at the Ministry of Family and Social Services. Her experience includes leading multiple projects and facilitating group interventions with couples, families, adolescents, and children.She has completed a variety of specialized trainings, including the EFTA-IFFTI European Family and Couple Therapy Certificate Program; the CISED-Sexual Health Association’s Sexual Counseling Certificate Program; and programs in Integral Somatic Psychotherapy and Trauma Releasing Exercises.Nigar completed her training as a psychodramatist at the ANKA Association of Group Psychotherapies and Psychodrama in Ankara, a member NGO of the FEPTO-affiliated Dr. Abdülkadir Özbek Federation of Psychodrama Associations.Her work focuses on the prevention and treatment of discrimination, social exclusion, and psychosocial trauma. She holds multiple roles in NGOs as well as in local government. She is a trainer and consultant at the Women’s Human Rights – New Solutions Association and provides psychosocial counseling, individual and group support for parents, youth, and children at the Development Child Center and the Özgün Counseling Center. She is also Chair of the Difference-Equality Association and currently serves as a Municipal Council Member in the Çanakkale Municipality.

Ryo Shigetomi is a research student at Nishikusyu University, Japan. He is majoring in clinical psychology. He is currently taking a course to obtain a certificate for basic psychodrama practitioner. He attended 5th and 6th TELE’DRAMA conference as a member of the Japan team.

Dr. Xiaoli Li, originally from China, is an educator and researcher specializing in aging and applied gerontology. She earned her PhD in Gerontology from the University of North Texas, where her work focused on aging well, long-term care quality, and the culture change movement in long-term care.Dr. Li has more than eight years of teaching and research experience in academic and university settings, supported by broad interdisciplinary training and particular expertise in aging research and cross-cultural communication. In 2023, she joined Southern Illinois University, where she currently serves as a faculty member.Her research is dedicated to contributing new knowledge that supports aging well, while her teaching reflects her commitment to helping students broaden their understanding of aging, culture, and the world.

Xiaomei Pei, PhD, is a gerontologist, researcher, and retired professor from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, where she was affiliated with the Tsinghua University Gerontology Center. She completed doctoral studies in gerontology at the University of North Texas.Dr. Pei’s academic and research work has focused on aging, family caregiving, eldercare, social inclusion, employment, and the changing experiences of older adults and their families in contemporary China. Her research has examined the impact of eldercare responsibilities on adult children’s health and employment, as well as the social and economic experiences of older adults during China’s rapid social transition.She is the author and co-author of scholarly publications in gerontology and cross-cultural aging and continues to contribute her expertise to international dialogue and research on aging, caregiving, and the well-being of older adults.  

Betty Garrison, BFA, IPNB, MA, MS, CMHC, CTP-3

Betty G Garrison is a psychotherapist who has been studying and practicing Psychodrama for over 10 years. Though not native to technology, Betty has become involved in Tele’Drama during the pandemic and is enjoying her training in this unique modality that can be shared internationally; she is excited about the endless possibilities, of which Moreno foretold. Betty has earned three Master’s Degrees: Theatre Ed/Drama Therapy, Film/Social Reform, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has over 30 years of experience using theatre arts and film to engage, inspire, educate, and heal children, adolescents, and adults.