William Rodríguez Abadia, whose controversial story is portrayed in two Netflix series Narcos and El Cartel de Los Sapos El Origen, will share his incredible story of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds to live a life of family and peace. He will share the real story of his uncle and father's lives, as well as the rise and fall of his family. In collaboration with recovery expert and Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor John Edmonson, MS, LPC-S, William will explain how addiction and mental health were the key factors affecting the trajectory of his family's life and in the formation of the notorious Cali Cartel.

This presentation will integrate the concepts of trauma, family systems, and mental health. Mr. Rodríguez will expand the scope of addiction and recovery beyond drugs and alcohol into the less known but equally deadly process addictions. You will learn what his addiction was and how he overcame it. You will also hear about his near-death experience and his moment of truth where he decided to embark on the Hero's Journey into the unknown.
 

Daniela Simmons, PhD, TEP Creator of Tele’Drama Founder and CEO of the International Tele’Drama Institute (ITI). Daniela Simmons, PhD, TEP, is international trainer & supervisor, the creator of the Tele'Drama method and the founder and director of the International Tele'Drama Institute (ITI) which has already welcomed thousands of people, from 71 countries. She is the current President of the American Society in Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama (ASGPP). Daniela Simmons', professional experience, both in Europe and the US, is in educational, research, and consultancy work in the social sciences and mental health. She received training on the psychoanalysis of group relations in organizations at the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations, headquartered in London. She has been utilizing action methods sessions since 1995 in Europe and since 2005 in the US.
 

Andrea Wilches, 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.
 

John Edmonson, MS, LPC-S CEO, Life Works Foundation Director of Wellness at Healing Springs Ranch Addiction Treatment Center. John’s passion is to find the cross intersection between science, the arts, and mental health to help all people recover and reach their potential. John lives this passion as the Director of Wellness at Healing Springs Ranch, an internationally recognized treatment center, by implementing evidence-based practices, such as Mindfulness, and experiential therapy. John continues his work as CEO of Life Works Foundation educating communities and business, and as a guest expert on national radio and TV. He presents for first responders, school districts, on Tactical Mindfulness, resiliency, and stress reduction. He’s also a Reiki Master, Yoga, Tai Chi-Chi Gong, Instructor.

Dr. Boas Yu, EdD, RN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, CNE, GCNS
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ

Dr. Boas Yu is an associate professor at School of Nursing and Allied Health, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ.
She is a researcher who studies meditation effects and have published in many research journals.
She is a gerontological clinical nurse specialist, certified as nurse educator; also a licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner.


 

Samantha Horwitz, 9/11 first responder, former law enforcement, PTS educator
A Badge of Honor

Sam is a 9/11 first responder, former United States Secret Service Agent, speaker, and author.
With her J.D. from Howard University School of Law, and her experience as a Law Enforcement Officer, she has become an expert in handling stress and managing post-traumatic stress. She speaks nationally to Law Enforcement, Veteran, business, and faith-based communities on how to recognize and combat the effects of PTS, how to minimize the damage stress can cause in the workplace.
Sam’s been featured on national media. She is the author of The Silent Fall: A Secret Service Agent’s Story of Tragedy and Triumph After 9/11. Sam is the President of A Badge of Honor. A 501(c)(3) which provides post-traumatic stress awareness and suicide prevention to first responders.





 

Colin A. Ross, MD
The Ross Institute

Colin A. Ross, M.D completed medical school and psychiatry training in Canada. He is a Past President of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, and is the author of over 250 papers and 35 books. He is often a keynote speaker and has spoken widely throughout North America, Europe, China, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. He has reviewed over 30 different professional journals. Dr. Ross has been the Director of hospital-based Trauma Programs since 1991. He currently has an inpatient program in Denton Texas as well as 2 partial hospitalization programs in Cedar Park and Lubbock, Texas.


 

Leticia Nieto, PsyD, LMFT, TEP Author, Beyond Inclusion, Beyond Empowerment: A Developmental Strategy to Liberate Everyone; International Tele'Drama Institute (ITI) Faculty. Leticia Nieto is a psychotherapist and educator specializing in cross-cultural communication, motivation and creativity. Her 2010 book, Beyond Inclusion, Beyond Empowerment: A Developmental Strategy to Liberate Everyone, is an accessible analysis of the dynamics of oppression and supremacy that offers readers ways to develop skills to promote social justice. Leticia brings an innovative approach to her training and facilitation, drawing on expressive techniques 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, to service providers in helping agencies, to workplace teams, and to many community groups. In addition to her degrees in clinical psychology and human development, she is skilled in Action Methods, including Playback Theater and Theater of the Oppressed.
 

Pam Dudley, MSW, LCSW-S, LCSW-C, CBT, Fellow and Diplomat of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy; ASGPP; Songwriters Association of Washington, Lyndon Grove Play Development Collective, Certified Tele'Drama Practitioner - Level 1. Pam Dudley, MSW, LCSW-S, LCSW-C, is a Diplomat of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, and the owner of My Write Mind, PLLC where she conducts virtual psychotherapy sessions, corporate diversity trainings, and healing circles. At the age of six, she directed her first drama with her father offering a standing ovation from the kitchen window. Her stage play, "Breakfast," about school integration in rural Texas, was a semifinalist in the 2021 Bay Area Playwrights Festival. She hopes to debut her Christmas Musical this year. Pam is currently a student of Tele'Drama and Psychodrama with Dr. Daniela Simmons.
 

Melissa as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Registered Art Therapist (A.T.R.). She has over 25 years of experience in treating trauma and addictions. She has been the Executive Clinical Director at the Ross Institute for Psychological Trauma for 20 years. While in this position, Mrs. Caldwell Engle clinically managed three inpatient programs directed by Colin A. Ross M.D. where she was involved in the development, and implementation of the Trauma Model and its integration into the programs’ treatment milieu. She was actively involved in the development of the “Trauma Model Certification” process and co-presented with Dr. Ross. In addition to this administrative role, she also maintained her clinical skills by leading groups and providing individual therapy on the units.Melissa is also a co-founder of the Trauma Recovery Associates (TRA 2002) which was originally created in response to the Catholic Church’s “sex abuse scandal” in 2002. TRA has since grown with its focus being to educate and foster the development of organizational leaders, human service providers, and trauma survivors themselves to respond more effectively to the impact of childhood trauma on individuals and society.She also worked in private practice for 14 years. She has worked with all behavioral health diagnoses including Depression, Dual-Diagnoses, Anxiety, Bi-Polar, Personality Disorders, PTSD, Eating Disorders, OCD, Dissociative Disorders, and ALL addictive patterns and diagnoses both on the individual and group level.She is an internationally recognized speaker on the effects of trauma, addiction, and the comorbid client. Melisssa has a unique way of combining theory with specific treatment techniques emphasizing experiential/expressive treatment modalities. This combination allows her to reach a broad range of clinicians and participants. Her humor and case examples create a highly entertaining presentation style that makes her a recognized and sought-after speaker.It is through her extensive years of experience in the behavioral health arena and her expertise in treating all trauma-related psychiatric and addictive diagnoses that she is able to offer a truly integrated approach to our Healing Springs Clinical Programming.Melissa is married to a firefighter/paramedic and together they have 4 children.  She loves to travel and experience different cultures.

TIAN DAYTON, MA, PHD., T.E.P 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.

Dr. Deshmukh Bio Dr. Deshmukh is board certified in general psychiatry, addiction medicine and integrative holistic medicine. He completed his residency training in psychiatry from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH where he also served as a Chief Resident. In addition to traditional psychiatry training, he has pursued specialized training from renowned psychotherapy institutes and became specialized as a geriatric psychiatrist practicing in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. He also became a certified mindfulness and heartfulness meditation trainer. 
Dr Deshmukh is working as a Medical Director at Balanced Wellbeing, a company that has over 60 providers serving over 300 facilities in Florida. He also serves as Director of psychiatry services at The Guest House of Ocala (a renowned addiction rehab facility). He focuses on addressing the most significant components of the human mind and body that can contribute to mental illnesses and addictions. He uses biological, psychological, social and spiritual approaches to help his clients attain long-lasting improvement and recovery.

Tanja L. Lee, PhD, CTP-1
International Tele’Drama Institute Team Member & Faculty
So Cal Drama Therapy Institute
APA, IAGP, Listening Hour (LH) Community, & SAG-AFTRA/EQUITY.

Tanja L. Lee, Ph.D. is an online drama therapy facilitator, MS in Educational Leadership adjunct professor, Listening Hour Guide, SAG-AFTRA/EQUITY performer, and credentialed multiple subject educator. She has over 15-years of experience utilizing her knowledge of the arts, psychology, and education as a means for providing individual and community engagement, personal and social development, and mental health wellness. She has worked with children, teens, and adults from diverse cultural, linguistic, socioeconomic, and ethnic populations.

Márcia Karp MA., TEP, UKCP IAGP, FEPTO, BPA; UKCP International Tele’Drama institute (ITI) Faculty. Honorary and Founding member FEPTO; Distinguished Fellow, Past Board IAGP; President Emeritus And Lifetime Achievement Award BRITISH PSYCHODRAMA ASSOCIATION, Fellow and JLMoreno Lifetime Achievement Award ASGPP; Co-editor “Psychodrama: Inspiration and Technique”; “Psychodrama Since Moreno”, “ The Handbook of Psychodrama”; International Trainer, Supervisor, Private Psychotherapist

Steven Vazquez, LPC-S, LMFT
Private Practice, Texas Counseling Association

Author, Innovator, and Licensed Therapist Dr. Steven Vazquez has over 38 years of experience working in mental health.
He is the creator of Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT) and the “Addiction Protocol,“ which is a component of that therapy. To support and educate on ETT, he’s written three books that review and apply extensive research on the integration of colors, neurobiology, and mental health.
He has conducted over 100 professional trainings and spoken at over 50 professional organizations.
He is also on the board of advisors for an internationally recognized residential treatment center where he mentors and advises clinicians on applying ETT with clients at the center.

 

Emilse del Socorro Zabaleta, she is a Medical Specialist in Psychiatry graduated from the Universy of Buenos Aires. Psychoanalyst from the Argentinian Psychoanalisis Association. Psychodramatist from the Pavlovsky Institute of Psychodrama in Argentina. Medical Director of the Minnesota Identity Program for the treatment of addictions and associated pathologies. Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Trained Therapist in EMDR

Minnesota Program, Argentinian Psychoanalitical Association, American Psychoanalitic Association

Emilce worked for many years as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, she has also dedicated a grate part of her medical career to the treatment and recovery of patients that struggle with addictions and other associated pathologies, her approach is based on a principle of minimal medication and it focuses on self growth, self-discovery and the processing of the experience of the addiction as a multifactorial phenomenon that affects all aspects of life.
Emilce applies this treatment model as the medical director of the Minnesota program Identidad, She also works in her private practice treating all other psychological affections with the implementation of psychoanalysis and psychodrama.
She is also a Psychodramatist and group coordinator as well as a Trained EMDR Therapiest.

 

Mariella Cereceda, Therapeutic coordinator at the Minnesota program Identidad, for the treatment of addiction and associated pathologies in Argentina.
Minnesota Program Identidad, Therapeutic Fundation Regreso a mí
She's also a coach of methods to treat addictions online from the online platform of personal growth in Argentina, Therapeutic coordinator of the foundation Regreso a mí in Argentina
Mariella is a licensed therapeutic companion, she has an associate degree in addiction treatment and prevention, she has training as a psychodramatist, and is getting her degree in Social Communication. She works as a therapeutic coordinator with addiction and associated pathologists, she is a counselor on chemical dependency, she is part of the faculty of the course on addiction counseling at the UTN University in Argentina, she also works as a consultant, she also gives seminars for family members of addicts and alcoholics with the city government.

Bonnie Nortz
Online Meditation Events

Bonnie, a meditator for 10 years started after a life changing event left her with stress and grief. Through this meditation she has found personal happiness that has exceeded all her expectations.

Ericha Scott, PhD
Fellow of The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. A professional in the fields of addiction, trauma and mental health for 37 years. Dr. Scott is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She is also a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist and a Registered Art Therapist.
Recipient of the 2006 Sierra Tucson Treatment Center Alumni Recognition Award for providing outstanding therapeutic care to addiction and trauma patients.
Dr. Scott has been published in the US and abroad in peer review journals and chapters in textbooks regarding the creative arts psychotherapies, addiction, complex trauma, dissociation, profound self-mutilation and sex trafficking.
A board member for The Global Art Exchange for Peace, One Recovery, and the non-profit arm of Brass Tacks Recovery.

RACHEL STACY suffered from childhood trauma that led her to advocate for those who struggle with depression, mental illness and addiction. She uses her past experiences to connect with fans through her music and uses her platform to deliver a message of hope with her lyrics and melodies. She is a songwriter who sings, plays guitar, violin and piano. She’s a professionally trained vocalist and musician. Rachel’s sound is a combination of country, blues and Southern rock. Over the years, Rachel Stacy has shared the stage, studio and touring bill with such legends as Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Johnny Lee, The Oak Ridge Boys and John Anderson.  Honored to work with other country superstars like Dierks Bentley, Maren Morris, Phil Vassar, Larry Joe Taylor and Ruby James, her talent and versatility speak volumes when you add to the list  ZZ Top, George Thorogood , Kentucky Headhunters and even Alice In Chains. Rachel Stacy has worked with some of the greatest songwriters and Grammy Award winning producers in the industry, including Beau Hill, Lloyd Maines, Dan Mitchell, Sean Gasaway, and Geoff Rockwell and many more.

Michael Molthan is a former drug addict and alcoholic who has dedicated his life to helping others on their path to recovery by using his own personal experience by sharing with everyone what it was like, what happened, and his life today. He is a charismatic speaker, passionate on the topics of process addiction, alcoholism, drug addiction, parental education/intervention, addiction education, codependency, enabling, 12-Step Programs, religious trauma, sexual abuse, and spirituality.Michael Molthan’s passion is to help people by “raising the bottom” so that no one has to experience the pain that he endured.

Scott Giacomucci, DSW, LCSW, BCD, FAAETS, TEP; Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy; Bryn Mawr College, Graduate School of Social Work & Research. Dr. Scott Giacomucci is the Director/Founder of the Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy; Director of Trauma Services at Mirmont Treatment Center; and Adjunct Professor & Research Associate at Bryn Mawr College. He serves on the Executive Council of ASGPP and is co-chair of the Research Committee. His textbook, Social Work, Sociometry, & Psychodrama published by Springer Nature (2021), has been downloaded over 50,000 times. He is Co-Chief Editor of the Journal of Psychodrama, Sociometry, and Group Psychotherapy, is Co-Editor of the first international psychodrama book series, and co-edited the Autobiography of a Genius (2019) by Jacob Moreno.
 

Adena Bank Lees, LCSW, LISAC, BCETS, CP ASGPP, NASW is an internationally recognized speaker, author, trainer and consultant, providing a fresh and important look at addiction treatment, traumatic stress and recovery. Her specialty is childhood sexual abuse, in particular, Covert Emotional Incest. Adena is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor, Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress and Certified Practitioner of Psychodrama. She is the author of Covert Emotional Incest: The Hidden Sexual Abuse, A Story of Hope and Healing. Her passion is to utilize action methods in both clinical settings and professional training to optimize laughter while learning.
 

Peggy O'Neal, JD
Certified Integral Master Coach

After practicing law for 12 years, Peggy engaged in a personal development journey that led her to the field of coaching. She had tapped into a profound commitment to help people live fulfilling lives and work and play together in harmony, which became the focus of her life’s work. She is a Certified Integral Master Coach, and a recognized expert with over 30 years’ experience in personal development, communication, management, leadership, organizational culture, and business development. Integrating her coaching and legal background, she was also honored to serve in President Bill Clinton’s administration in the Federal Labor Relations Authority.

Pamela Goffman Snyder, LCSW, TEP, CIRT
Connect2Healing

Practicing Psychotherapy & Psychodrama for over 25 years Pamela focuses on how early attachment experiences play out in our adult lives. Integrating the emotional experiences of heart and mind as they present in the body Pamela works with individuals, couples and groups. She is a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, in addition to being a TEP in Psychodrama. She is passionate about helping people realize that healing is possible when understanding and love are available. Pamela leads training workshops nationally and internationally. A fellow of the ASGPP, she is currently serving on the executive council of the 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.

Betty G Garrison, MA, MS, CMHC ASGPP, NADTA, APA, APT Certified Tele’Drama Practitioner (CTP, Level 1) International Tele’Drama Institute (ITI). 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 first year of 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.

 

Jordan Miller, MPH, LSW, MSS, CET I
International Tele’Drama Institute (ITI) Training

Jordan is a licensed social worker and psychotherapist. She works with folks living with trauma, poverty and substance use. In her work with individual, she integrates her knowledge of public health, psychodrama, and intersectional feminism to address social disparities experienced in the mental health field. She identifies as a harm reductionist, as part of her therapeutic work with both sex workers and folks actively using drugs. In her practice, she integrates intersectional feminism, public health, and experiential therapy to address barriers to care, while facilitating space to support both healing and self-advocacy.
 

Jodi Greanead, MA, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. She is certified in EMDR and has extensive training in Psychodrama. She has worked with Denton County Probation, in residential treatment at Healing Springs Ranch, and at Terrell Counseling, Inc. She has volunteered with the Denton County Mental Health Treatment Court, First Refuge Ministries, Tele’drama Bibliodrama workshops, and Volunteers of America Texas, Resolana (trauma informed programming in the Dallas County Jail). She has recently transitioned into the role of lead therapist at Bochy’s Place, a safe house for women rescued from sex trafficking.