Learn from the Best: World-Class Scholars and Clinicians

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. Additionally, Dr. Koenig is 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 based in Littleton, CO, where she operates her private practice. In addition to her clinical work, she is an accomplished author, consultant, speaker, and adjunct professor. Dr. Sadusky focuses on advancing knowledge in her field, specializing in sexual and gender development, with a particular emphasis on trauma-informed care. Her academic credentials include a bachelor's degree from Ave Maria University, as well as a master's and doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Regent University. Her scholarly contributions include notable 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." 

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

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 is the 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 underscores her dedication to this mission. She 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 works 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 the intersection of faith and psychology. Maribel's appearances on EWTN’s Cara a Cara highlight her commitment to fostering dialogue on faith and mental health.

Anthony Isacco, PhD, serves as the program director and professor in the innovative Catholic faith-integrated MS in Clinical Psychology Program at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. As a licensed psychologist, he leads Puritan Psychological Services, a dedicated private practice aimed at supporting clergy, seminarians, and women religious in their pursuit of healthy, holy, and happy lives within their vocations. Dr. Isacco is a generalist with specialized expertise in the psychology of men and masculinity, fatherhood, psychological assessment, and the integration of religious and spiritual principles in psychology. He is also a Fellow of the St. John Paul II Foundation and contributes to the Advisory Board of Saint Paul Seminary in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, as well as to the Formation Team of Saint Cyril and Methodius Byzantine Seminary in the Eparchy of Pittsburgh. Dr. Isacco earned his BA from Franciscan University of Steubenville, his MA from Boston College, and his PhD from Loyola University of Chicago.

Dr. Gerry Crete brings over three decades of experience as an educator and mental health professional to his diverse roles. As a strong advocate for integrating Christian principles with effective mental health treatment, Dr. Crete authored "Litanies of the Heart: Relieving Post-traumatic Stress and Calming Anxiety Through Healing Our Parts," published by Sophia Institute Press. He holds 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 also the founder of Transfiguration Counseling and Coaching, where his clinical expertise encompasses trauma, addictions, and anxiety disorders. He is licensed as a Professional Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, and EMDR Consultant.  

Additionally, Dr. Crete served as President of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association, frequently presenting on the integration of faith and psychology. Together with Dr. Peter Malinoski, he co-founded Souls and Hearts, an online mental health resource for Catholics, which offers communities, courses, podcasts, and blogs. Dr. Crete's dedication to advancing mental health within the Catholic community includes facilitating retreats, workshops, and providing consultations for various Catholic organizations.

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

Dr. Sperry specializes in competency-based instruction and outcomes-focused evaluation. His expertise extends to teaching, research, writing, and delivering conference presentations, particularly focusing on case conceptualization in counseling practice.

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

Father Innocent Okozi is a licensed counselor and a dedicated priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto, where he serves as the Associate Pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Barrie, ON, Canada. Before this role, he ministered as a missionary and pastor, providing spiritual guidance to diverse populations in Africa and the United States, including the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ, and the Diocese of Portland, Maine. In 2010, he graduated from the counseling psychology Master's program at Seton Hall University, NJ, where he has also contributed as an adjunct professor. Joining the Southdown Institute in April 2020, he became a vital member of the clinical team that supports clergy, religious women and men, as well as lay ecclesial ministers from both the Catholic Church and various Christian denominations. Father Okozi has authored and published several psychological articles in academic journals and has participated in presentations at both local and international levels. He is fluent in both French and English.

Dr. Ed Rogers is a licensed psychologist with clinical psychology degrees from Loyola University Maryland and Baylor University. He currently serves as both the Assistant Director and Training Director at the Baylor University Counseling Center in Waco, TX, while also maintaining a small private practice dedicated to clients seeking a Catholic clinician. His journey has been unique; initially, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and spent nearly a decade in campus and youth ministry before discovering his true calling in psychology. The integration of his faith with his professional work has been an evolving process, as each new setting and role has required personal growth. Balancing his dual identities as a Catholic and clinician has deepened his interest in the significance of sacrifice and suffering in leading a healthy life, enhancing emotional awareness to strengthen relationships, and cultivating curiosity and compassion amidst differences and disagreements. His wife Liz and their six children have been incredible teachers and partners on this journey, bringing joy, adventure, and growth-inducing challenges.

Rev. David Songy, O.F.M. Cap., S.T.D., Psy.D., is a dedicated priest of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America, serving as a clinical psychologist and author of the insightful book, Spiritual Direction for Priestly Celibacy. Before joining Saint Luke Institute, he was the spiritual director and prefect of studies at Redemptoris Mater Missionary Seminary in Denver, Colorado. Additionally, he held the position of director of counseling services at the Pontifical North American College in Rome and contributed to various roles at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. Fr. Songy earned 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 also holds a master’s degree in pastoral counseling from Loyola College and theology degrees from the Aquinas Institute. A polyglot, Fr. Songy is fluent in Italian, Spanish, and Tok Pisin, the language spoken in Papua New Guinea. (For those who recall Fr. Malachy, it’s noteworthy that he and Fr. David collaborated in Papua New Guinea.) He is recognized internationally as a speaker on important topics such as priestly spirituality, formation in priestly celibacy, and spiritual direction. Currently, Fr. David serves as the local superior of his Capuchin community and imparts his knowledge as a teacher at Saint John Vianney Seminary in Denver.