EXPERT INSTRUCTION

Dr. Plante holds multiple prestigious positions in academia, including the Augustin Cardinal Bea, S.J. University Professor and professor of psychology and religious studies at Santa Clara University. He also directs the Applied Spirituality Institute at the same institution and serves as an adjunct clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. With a wealth of experience, Dr. Plante has been actively involved in various professional organizations, having served as vice-chair of the National Review Board for the Protection of Children and Youth for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and as past president of the Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality (Division 36) of the American Psychological Association (APA). An accomplished author, he has published 29 books and over 250 scholarly articles and book chapters, covering topics such as spiritually informed therapy, ethics development, and psychopathology. Dr. Plante is also the editor of the APA journal, Spirituality in Clinical Practice. Widely recognized for his expertise, he has been featured in numerous national and international media outlets and maintains a private clinical practice as a licensed psychologist in Menlo Park, CA. 

 Dr. Harold Koenig is a renowned physician and researcher affiliated with Duke University, recognized for his significant contributions to the field of spirituality and health. Serving as Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Associate Professor of Medicine at Duke, Dr. Koenig has pioneered studies exploring the intersection of spirituality, religion, and mental health. His research has illuminated how spiritual beliefs and practices impact psychological well-being, resilience, and recovery from illness. Dr. Koenig is also the Director of the Center for Spirituality, Theology, and Health at Duke University Medical Center, where he leads interdisciplinary efforts to integrate spiritual care into medical practice and education, advocating for holistic approaches to patient care. His work has influenced healthcare professionals worldwide, shaping policies and practices that recognize the importance of spiritual dimensions in healing and wellness.

Beyond academia, Dr. Koenig is a prolific author, with numerous books and over 500 scientific articles to his name, making him a leading authority in his field. His compassionate approach and commitment to evidence-based research have earned him widespread respect among colleagues and healthcare professionals globally, highlighting his enduring impact on both scholarly discourse and clinical practice in psychiatry and medicine.

 Dr. Julia Sadusky is a distinguished clinical psychologist, owning a private practice in Littleton, CO, where she also serves as an author, consultant, speaker, and adjunct professor. With a focus on advancing knowledge in her field, Dr. Sadusky specializes in sexual and gender development, particularly in trauma-informed care. Her academic journey includes a bachelor's degree from Ave Maria University and both a master's and doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Regent University, with her scholarly work culminating in publications such as "Start Talking to Your Kids about Sex: A Practical Guide for Catholics" and "Start Talking with your Teen about Sex: A Practical Guide for Catholics."

Beyond academia, Dr. Sadusky actively promotes informed dialogue and education through consulting, speaking engagements, and teaching as an adjunct professor. Her expertise in trauma-informed care and sexual and gender development is widely sought after by professionals and community members alike. Committed to shaping the future of mental health practice, she imparts her wisdom to the next generation of professionals, reflecting her dedication to compassionate and evidence-based care. Dr. Sadusky's multifaceted contributions exemplify her unwavering commitment to fostering understanding, healing, and growth within individuals and communities alike.

 Maribel Laguna is a highly accomplished professional in psychology and counseling, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Dallas and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Texas. Based in Dallas, Texas, Maribel serves as a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and founder of Cor Sacrum Counseling and Consulting. With a strong commitment to integrating Catholic principles into therapy, Maribel's leadership as the former board president of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association highlights her dedication to this endeavor. Maribel has held counseling positions in various settings, including the Dallas County Juvenile Detention Center and Genesis Women’s Shelter, showcasing her versatility and expertise.

Specializing in premarital preparation, marital counseling, and vocational discernment, Maribel collaborates closely with diocesan leaders to guide individuals and couples toward fulfilling life paths. Additionally, she is a respected presenter at Catholic conferences nationwide, where she shares insights on integrating faith and psychology. Maribel's appearances on EWTN’s Cara a Cara underscore her commitment to fostering dialogue on faith and mental health.

 Anthony Isacco, PhD is a Professor in the Graduate Psychology Programs and the Director of Training for the PsyD Program at Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA. He is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and maintains the ASPPB E. Passport and Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT). He is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Spirituality in Clinical Practice and a Board Member of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association (CPA), responsible for overseeing Integratus, CPA's official academic journal. Dr. Isacco's clinical and scholarly expertise is focused on the integration of religion and spirituality with psychological practice. He conducts psychological assessments on clergy, women religious, and diaconate candidates and is currently researching the clinical utility of such evaluations. His research has been published in numerous peer-reviewed, professional journals and he has authored three books. He holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Boston College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy from the Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Dr. Gerry Crete brings over three decades of experience as an educator and mental health professional to his diverse roles. An advocate for integrating Christian principles with effective mental health treatment, Dr. Crete is the author of "Litanies of the Heart: Relieving Post-traumatic Stress and Calming Anxiety Through Healing Our Parts," published by Sophia Institute Press. Holding a bachelor’s degree in history from Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada, and a doctorate in Counselor Education with a cognate in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Georgia, Dr. Crete is the founder of Transfiguration Counseling and Coaching. His clinical expertise spans trauma, addictions, and anxiety disorders, and he is licensed as a Professional Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, and EMDR Consultant.

Additionally, Dr. Crete is a former President of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association, where he frequently presents on the integration of faith and psychology. Alongside Dr. Peter Malinoski, he co-founded Souls and Hearts, an online mental health resource catering to Catholics, offering communities, courses, podcasts, and blogs. Dr. Crete's commitment to advancing mental health within the Catholic community extends to facilitating retreats, workshops, and providing consultations for various Catholic organizations. .

 Jon Sperry, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Lynn University and a staff therapist at the Counseling and Psychological Services at Florida Atlantic University. He is past president of the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology (NASAP) and is currently the Co-Editor of the Journal of Individual Psychology. He has co-authored eight textbooks and has lectured in 24 different countries.

 Sperry’s area of expertise is competency-based instruction and outcomes-focused evaluation. More specifically, he has been engaged in teaching, research, writing and conference presentations on case conceptualization in counseling practice.

Dr. Karen Doll is a distinguished Consulting Psychologist with over 25 years of experience, celebrated for integrating clients' faith with positive psychology to enhance well-being and professional development. Specializing in talent assessment, coaching, and strategy development, she serves as Vice Chair for the Elijah Institute, reflecting her commitment to holistic growth. Dr. Doll leads programs like Activate Talent, a women's leadership coaching group, and supports high-achieving professionals in optimizing performance through faith-based positive psychology. Her bestselling book, "Building Psychological Fitness: How High Performers Achieve with Ease," underscores this integration. As Chairwoman of the Harvard University Global Flourishing at Work Network, she champions global initiatives for flourishing work environments

Father Innocent Okozi is a priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto, where he serves as Associate Pastor of St. John Vianney Parish, Barrie, ON, Canada. Prior to his assignment, he has ministered as a missionary, pastor, and associate pastor to a diverse population in Africa and the United States, including in the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ and the Diocese of Portland, Maine. He graduated from the counseling psychology Master"s program at Seton Hall University, NJ in 2010, and has taught there as an adjunct professor. He joined the Southdown Institute in April 2020 as a member of the clinical team, which serves clergy, women, and men religious, as well as lay ecclesial ministers of both the Catholic Church and some Christian denominations. He has written and published several psychological articles in academic journals and has engaged in presentations both locally and internationally. He is fluent in French and English.

Dr. Ed Rogers is a licensed psychologist who holds clinical psychology degrees from Loyola University Maryland and Baylor University.  He currently serves as the Assistant Director and Training Director at the Baylor University Counseling Center in Waco, TX, and has a small private practice serving clients seeking a Catholic clinician.  His path has been a winding one, as he first pursued a bachelor’s in electrical engineering and spent nearly a decade involved in campus and youth ministry before finding a more permanent home in psychology.  Integrating his faith with professional work has been an evolving journey, as new settings and roles have each required their own growth.  These dual identities as Catholic and clinician have fostered his interests in the role of sacrifice and suffering in a healthy life, using emotional awareness to improve relationships, and fostering curiosity and caring in the presence of difference and disagreement.  His wife Liz and their six kids have been wonderful instructors and companions on this journey, adding joy, adventure and growth-inducing challenges.

 Rev. David Songy, O.F.M. Cap., S.T.D., Psy.D., is a priest of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America, a clinical psychologist and author of Spiritual Direction for Priestly Celibacy. Prior to coming to Saint Luke Institute, he was the spiritual director and prefect of studies at Redemptoris Mater Missionary Seminary in Denver, Colorado. He also was director of counseling services at the Pontifical North American College in Rome and held several positions at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. Fr. Songy holds a doctorate in psychology from the University of Denver and a doctorate in sacred theology from the Teresianum, the Pontifical Institute of Spirituality in Rome. He holds a master’s degree in pastoral counseling from Loyola College and theology degrees from Aquinas Institute. Fr. Songy speaks Italian, Spanish, and Tok Pisin, the language of Papua New Guinea. (For those of you who remember Fr. Malachy, you might want to know that he and Fr. David worked together in Papua New Guinea.) He is an international speaker on topics such as priestly spirituality, formation in priestly celibacy, and spiritual direction.  Fr. David currently serves as the local superior of his Capuchin community and teaches at Saint John Vianney Seminary in Denver.