Rebecca Brubaker is an adoptive mom and a certified Family Peer Specialist who has firsthand experience with the challenges of supporting her family through the processing of trauma as well as depression, anxiety, and learning difficulties. Her family has been fortunate to receive support from compassionate Christian mental health professionals who recognize the importance of integrating faith into the healing process. This experience has deepened her appreciation for the gifts of their Catholic faith and its positive impact it has on mental health.
Professionally, she brings over 20 years of experience as a Healthcare Administrator and Operations Leader, working with various medical and mental health organizations. Her expertise lies in planning, directing, and evaluating organizational activities to enhance clinical team performance and deliver high-quality patient services. With a focus on clinical workflow analysis, revenue cycle management, regulatory compliance, and professional ethics, she is committed to driving economical and efficient operations while prioritizing patient care. Rebecca is an active member of Mary, Mother of the Church in Burnsville, MN where she has been a catechist and currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council and member of the Liturgy Commision.
Karen Doll brings a wealth of experience to her role as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Consultant, and Bestselling author of "Building Psychological Fitness: How High Performers Achieve with Ease." With 25 years of experience partnering with industry-leading organizations and coaching professionals, Karen is deeply committed to mental health awareness and advocacy in the workplace. Her work at the intersection of personal well-being and professional development underscores her dedication to fostering holistic growth among individuals and organizations alike. As part of the Harvard University Flourishing Network (HU Institute for Quantitative Social Science), Karen integrates academic science and research into her consulting practice, helping organizations create environments conducive to employee flourishing.
Karen's expertise extends to clinical psychology, where she leverages her insights to guide individuals and organizations towards optimal mental well-being and performance. Her bestselling book reflects her commitment to empowering high performers to achieve with ease, offering practical strategies grounded in psychological principles. As a member of Our Lady of Grace in Edina, MN, Karen finds strength and inspiration in her faith community of Our Lady of Grace in Edina, MN, further informing her approach to mental health advocacy and professional development.
Richard Gardell is recognized at the National, Regional, and Local level as an effective and experienced leader with over 40 years of success in his career. Former Assistant Police Chief of the City of St. Paul, Past-Chair of the Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice, Past CEO of 180 Degrees and Current Present of Time to Thrive. He has demonstrated a wide range of leadership skills in the areas of Human Resources, Finance, Payroll, Facilities, Technology, Fleet, Project Management, Entrepreneurial Success, Mergers and Acquisitions, Organizational Work Culture Integrations, Communications, and Training. Richard has led many teams and organizations to achieve their strategic objectives and along the way, he facilitates an excellent work environment for all. Richard is a member of Saint Thomas More in St. Paul, MN.
Madeline Simonson is a gifted licensed professional clinical counselor and licensed alcohol and drug counselor. She earned her master’s degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and completed her clinical training under faith-based supervision. Madeline is in her final year as a doctoral student working towards a Doctor of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision. She is in the process of completing her doctoral research on trauma-informed counselor supervision.
Madeline is a practicing clinician at a faith-based private practice. She specializes in treating adults with depression, anxiety, addiction, attachment wounds, and a history of trauma. She has a passion for integrating Christian faith and values into therapeutic practice. As a faithful Catholic, Madeline hopes to help create a bridge between the Catholic community and the mental health field. Madeline is a member of the Church of St. Joseph in West St. Paul, MN
Len Sperry. Emeritus Professor at Florida Atlantic University and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Sperry stands out as a distinguished figure in Catholic mental health. As a physician and licensed psychologist, his illustrious career is marked by noteworthy achievements, including receiving prestigious accolades such as the Lifetime Achievement Awards from the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association.
His groundbreaking work on moral injury, trauma related to clergy sexual abuse, and effective therapy has earned him recognition in elite circles. Notably listed in "Who’s Who in America," "America’s Top Physicians," and "Best Doctors in America" consistently since 1996, Dr. Sperry's impact extends beyond academia. His influence is evident in the accolades from esteemed organizations, highlighting his profound commitment to advancing mental health within the Catholic community.
John Short is the Principal and Owner of Mission Partners LLC, helping nonprofits drive mission growth and impact through strategic planning, revenue acceleration, donor engagement, and leadership development. With a rewarding career spanning over three decades at IBM, John has extensive expertise in sales, business development, and consulting spearheading multi-million-dollar projects driving revenue growth. John is driven to facilitate connections between individuals requiring assistance and those with the resources to help achieve their goals and solve their problems, enabling them to realize a sense of peace. John is also District Deputy for the Knights of Columbus and is on the Regional Advisory Council for Tickets for Kids. He has led community-based service organizations, including Knights of Columbus and Lions Club, and chaired numerous events for fundraising. John holds an Executive Certificate in Transformational Leadership for Nonprofits from the University of Notre Dame and is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Community in Waconia, MN
The Role of Grace in Emotional and Psychological Healing—Grace Builds Upon Nature