Courageous and Restorative Conversations: Building Cultural Bridges

Sonya Parker is currently a Level III AEDP™ therapist and Lead Chair of the AEDP Vision Collective Racialized Trauma & Spirituality in AEDP Exploratory Group. She is also a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) having completed a yoga teacher training program for behavioral health professionals with a focus on anxiety and depression. Sonya’s therapeutic approach and stance is grounded in psychodynamic, affective neuroscience, attachment, emotion-focused, and experiential theories. In addition, Sonya has completed advanced training as a couples therapist in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Affectionately known as the Peace Promoter, Connie is a graduate of the University of Chicago with a concentration in Behavioral Sciences and Psychology. While at the University of Chicago, she had the honor to complete advanced studies with experiential psychotherapy pioneer Dr. Eugene Gendlin. During her time with him she developed her client centered therapy approach and learned the art of focusing and imagery.

Connie is the founder and executive director of Restoration Incorporated, a premier faith-based human service agency. She is also the lead consultant for Culturally Competent Consulting, helping organizations with their diversity, equity and inclusion needs. Connie is a trailblazer in diversity equity and inclusion work. She uses a holistic approach that uses indigenous, cultural and spiritual healing practices to create communities that promote anti racism and belonging.

Marsha Elliott is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), who began her 3-year career as a social worker at Staten Island Hospital’s (SIH) Inpatient Psychiatric Center for patients who were involuntarily placed for psychiatric treatment. 

Her career continued as a therapist for 3 years at Long Island Jewish Center, providing services for children and their families. Social workers provide most of the direct services to patients. The team of psychologists and psychiatrists provided weekly consultations, support, and medication, as needed.

Marsha then began her 30-year career in the New York City Department of Education as a clinical social worker providing services to children from elementary to middle school ages and their families. The students were labeled learning and or emotionally disturbed. 

Tabitha Azor-Douyon, LMFT, is a highly skilled and compassionate therapist dedicated to providing empathic service to diverse populations of all ages. She is an effective communicator, proactive problem solver, and motivational speaker with an inherent and proven ability to work effectively with individuals and couples with varied personality types.

Heloise (Lois) Ridley, LPC is an AEDP Level 2 Therapist; she is an active member of the AEDP Vision Collective and she was a co-presenter in the Institute-sponsored seminar, “Transformational Synergies in AEDP, Spirituality and Psychedelics” in July, 2022. Lois is founder of New Hope Counseling and Wellness in Pennsylvania where she supports families and individuals in their journey toward healing relational attachment trauma.

She also counsels at Wilkes University Counseling Center. Lois explores use of the AEDP model in support of clients who have experienced racialized and other forms of childhood trauma. As a doctoral candidate at Wilkes University, she researches the utilization of culturally responsive trauma informed care in higher education settings for students of color.  Lois is also investigating the intersectionality of psychology and faith.

Steve Carroll, LCSW is a psychotherapist in private  practice since 1988 working with individuals, couples and  families as well as supervision/consultation for  colleagues. Prior to private practice he co-developed a  treatment unit for families experiencing child sexual  abuse, supervised a group home for adolescent girls and  supervised an outpatient therapy program for a family  service agency. He is a certified Imago therapist/ supervisor and other background training includes  psychodynamic psychotherapy, object relations, family  systems, Internal Family Systems and Focusing-Oriented  Psychotherapy. 

Steve completed AEDP’s Immersion Course with Diana  Fosha in 2008 and three years of Core Training with Eileen Russell. He has assisted in numerous Immersion Courses, ESI and II and Wired For Healing Workshop with Diana. 

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James Santos, MFT is a corporate chaplain and minister providing pastoral counseling to individuals and organizations. He is also a AEDP Level III and member of the AEDP Diversity, Belonging, Equity and Inclusion (DBEI) Committee and consultant for the Racialized Trauma and Spirituality in AEDP Exploratory Group. James has worked in many multicultural settings in downtown Louisville, KY and led trips internationally where he provided pastoral care, consultation, and education, helping groups navigate new cultural and spiritual experiences.