Conference Speakers 2026

Jonathan (Jon) Abramowitz, Ph.D., is Professor and Director of Clinical Training in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research and clinical work focuses on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders, including fears and phobias, health anxiety, and panic attacks. He has authored over 350 scientific publications and 20 books, which have been translated into several languages. He served as President of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies and as Editor or Associate Editor of several academic journals. Dr. Abramowitz has received wide recognition for his scholarly work and contributions.

Carolyn Amayo is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor at Simplify Life Counseling in Atlanta, where she specializes in treating OCD and anxiety using Exposure and Response Prevention. She works with teens and adults, helping clients build genuine freedom from fear rather than simply managing symptoms. Carolyn earned her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Richmont Graduate University, a program rooted in Christian integration, and her approach reflects that foundation, blending clinical rigor with faith sensitive care.

Kaiser Aslam is a counselor, educator, and speaker working at the intersection of faith and mental health. Having served as an imam, resident scholar, hospital chaplain, and campus chaplain, he brings a deep, multi-faceted understanding of spiritual care and community dynamics to his work. In his clinical and educational practice, Kaiser focuses on reducing mental health stigma within faith communities and helping individuals navigate the complex space between psychological well-being and spiritual life. He speaks regularly on faith-informed counseling, and navigating anxiety and scrupulosity while respecting Islamic frameworks.

Emily Bailey is a Licensed Psychologist, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Oglethorpe University, and owner of Atlanta OCD and Anxiety Treatment, LLC. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from Georgia College, M.S. degrees from Augusta University and Mercer University, and her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Mercer University. Dr. Bailey completed advanced training during her postdoctoral fellowship at McLean OCD Institute|Texas and through Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI). She also engaged in advanced training in Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE). Her expertise includes obsessive-compulsive disorders, anxiety disorders, and scrupulosity, with a focus on providing evidence-based, compassionate care.

I am a mental health professional and soon to be licensed therapist, with lived experiences with generalized anxiety and OCD. My own experiences with scrupulosity has shaped my passion for helping others who are struggling with intrusive thoughts. I am passionate about destigmatizing mental health concerns and letting others know they are not alone. I work as a diet tech at a behavioral health center, where I help clients struggling with issues such as eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and OCD.

Jessie Birnbaum, LCSW, has a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Wake Forest University and a Masters of Social Work from Boston University. She is an Associate Therapist at NOCD. Her own diagnosis of OCD at an early age ignited a passion for advocating for OCD and becoming a therapist. She is an IOCDF Advocate and co-founded the IOCDF Chronic Illness/Disability SIG after noticing a gap in resources for individuals with chronic health conditions and OCD.

Heidi Birnbaum is a retired elementary school teacher living in Agoura Hills, CA. She has been a Jewish educator for 20+ years and currently serves as the Social Action Committee Chair for her temple, Temple Etz Chaim. She has raised a neurodivergent son as well as a daughter with OCD and complex chronic illnesses.

I am an individual who has lived experience with OCD and a bachelor's degree in Christian theology. While I've struggled with symmetry, real-event, just right, and relationship OCD, moral and religious scrupulosity have always been my biggest challenges. After a decade of therapy, two IOPs, one PHP, and two hospitalizations, I finally took the leap of faith to complete a residential program, which changed my life and gave me the confidence and bravery to live into my values! Now, in addition to working at a residential program for individuals with addictions, I am a proud advocate for OCD awareness.

Claire Breedlove is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to provide culturally competent, evidence-based treatment for religious and moral OCD, also known as scrupulosity. Claire is an active member of the International OCD Foundation and has completed the IOCDF’s Pediatric Behavior Therapy Training Institute. Claire holds masters degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the Tulane University School of Social Work. She is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Utah College of Social Work where she teaches in their MSW program.

Reagan Brown is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate in North Caroline. She personally understands the bravery of stepping into life and living beyond the bully of OCD. She currently works at a private practice with one of her specializations focusing on working with teenagers and adults who experience OCD. She is very passionate about advocacy for clients and counselors, bridging faith and mental health, inter-faith work with clients, and helping people see the hope they have and empowering them to walk in freedom. Out of the office, Reagan enjoys exploring new coffee shops and towns, watching a nostalgic show, and listening to music.

Wes Bullington is a graduate student at Richmont Graduate University conducting his thesis on Christian denominational differences and their potential impact on the formation and maintenance of cognitive styles associated with Scrupulosity OCD. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Other research interests include OCD treatment interventions, substance-assisted psychotherapies, and Jungian archetypal structures of meaning in narratives and storytelling.

Jonathan Clark is an OCD advocate and Public Information Specialist based in Rockland County, New York. With a firm belief in the power of storytelling to inform and impact lives, Clark has translated his two-decade career in news radio – featuring an Executive Producer role at CBS News – to the field of school communication, now working for Rockland BOCES. Clark is an avid fitness enthusiast, multi-time marathoner, and two-time Ironman finisher. He also nurtures a love for music through drums and concerts. Clark is a proud husband to Bridget and father to their teenage daughter, Madeline.

Mary Dawn is a patient expert and bilingual writer whose lived experience with severe, misdiagnosed OCD shapes the foundation of her work. Her journey — from isolation and institutional dismissal to resilience and advocacy — gives her a distinctive voice: emotionally precise, clinically informed, and deeply empathetic. To ensure clinical rigor, she collaborates with international experts whose feedback has highlighted the clarity and accuracy of her insights. She holds dual master’s degrees and is currently authoring a book on OCD, bridging lived experience, psychology, and interdisciplinary perspectives to support recovery.

Mikayla Eckerdt is an OCD advocate and lived-experience educator. She serves as an advocate with the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) and is passionate about reducing stigma, promoting evidence-based treatment, and supporting meaningful recovery. Drawing from her own experience, Mikayla also advocates for survivors of spiritual abuse, helping others understand the intersection of OCD, trauma, and faith. She brings honesty, hope, and compassion to conversations about healing and recovery.

Dr. Emily Ferrara is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the founder of Simplify Life Counseling & Coaching in Atlanta. Drawing from her own experience overcoming childhood anxiety and OCD, Emily brings deep personal insight to her clinical work. Over the past 15 years, she has built a boutique practice dedicated to helping kids, teens and adults break free from perfectionism, manage anxiety, and navigate life’s complications. A clinician and business owner, Emily speaks candidly on mental health resilience, personal agency, and turning struggle into purpose.

Kevin Foss, MFT, is a licensed therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety spectrum disorders. Serving clients online and in-person in Southern California, Mr. Foss is the director of the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center which offers online, in-office, group, and intensive treatment. Along with his work with CalOCD, he is a writer for Psychology Today and the host of the FearCast Podcast, a Q&A show about OCD and anxiety related disorders. Mr. Foss has presented at numerous IOCDF conferences and guest lectured on variety of anxiety disorder related subjects.

Alie Bernard Garza, LCSW, is the founder of OCD & Anxiety Colorado (OAC), a neurodivergent-affirming practice specializing in the treatment of moderate to severe OCD and anxiety-related disorders through Adolescent and Young Adult Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), as well as individual, family, and group therapy. Alie earned her MSW from the University of Washington and has worked across outpatient, IOP, residential, inpatient, and community-based settings, including the McLean OCD Institute Houston and the University of Colorado Anschutz OCD Program. Trained in ERP and SPACE, Alie is also an IOCDF Advocate and speaker whose work is informed by both specialized clinical expertise and lived experience with severe OCD.

A.D. Ghani was born and raised in Illinois. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and is a former elementary school teacher and Fulbright Grant recipient. Her debut picture book, BABA PALOOZA, released in April of 2026 and earned starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and Publisher’s Weekly. She warmly invites you to become part of her online communities at her website (authoradghani.com) or on Instagram (@authoradghani), where she frequently shares about OCD, neurodivergence, and living her dream life as a children’s book author. Above all else, she hopes you know that you’re beautiful and absolutely worthy of receiving OCD treatment.

Annie is a Jewish educator and musician in St. Louis who teaches Hebrew, B’Mitzvah prep, music, and 8th grade Tikkun Olam (the repair of the world.) She is navigating life with OCD with the help of Judaism, music, and her loving communities. She has a passion for sharing the story of her OCD journey with the hope of supporting others with similar challenges. She loves to sing, play the guitar and the harp, compose songs about Torah stories’ lessons and values, and perform in a Klezmer band, Shakshuka! Annie loves this Hebrew phrase: Chazak, Chazak, V'nitchazek...Be strong, be strong, and we will strengthen one another!

Jonathan Grayson, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist (PSY26643), director of the Grayson LA Treatment Center for Anxiety & OCD and Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at USC. Dr. Grayson, a nationally recognized expert and author of Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, has been specializing in OCD for over 45 years. In 2010, the IOCDF awarded Dr. Grayson the Patty Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to OCD treatment. His work/expertise has been featured on, People Magazine, The Oprah Winfrey Show. He serves on the IOCDF Scientific Advisory Board. In 1981, he started, GOAL, the first US OCD support group.

Alexis Guerrero is a Japanese-American therapist and the founder of Paper Lanterns Counseling in Alexandria, Virginia. She is passionate about treating eating disorders and OCD and working with rigid-thinking high achievers. Alexis is a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and earned her Master of Social Work from BYU in 2022. She enjoys helping individuals who grew up in high-demand religions redefine the relationship between spirituality and perfectionism—especially when it comes to OCD and moral scrupulosity. Outside of her clinical work, Alexis enjoys cooking, trying new Asian restaurants, playing basketball, and spending time with her husband, Britton, and dog, Taiko.

Brenna is a writer and mental health advocate with lived experience of OCD. She was honored to share her story as the Grand Marshal at the Austin One Million Steps for OCD Walk in 2024. Since then, she has spoken at various conferences in an effort to raise awareness, combat stigma, and spread hope. Additionally, Brenna enjoys advocating virtually on social media, where she educates about the different ways OCD can manifest, shares about her own recovery journey, and connects with the community. She earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from Northwestern University and currently lives in Austin.

Annabella Hagen, LCSW is the founder and Clinical Director of Mindset Family Therapy in Provo, Utah. She specializes in treating OCD, anxiety, and related disorders using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Annabella is passionate about helping clients overcome fear and live meaningful, values-centered lives. She is the author of Imperfectly Good, a book on scrupulosity. She is currently serving on the IOCDF Faith and OCD Leadership Council. Outside of work, she enjoys walking, hiking, yoga, reading, music, and discovering new adventures while traveling.

Jon Hershfield, MFT is the director of the Center for OCD and Anxiety at Sheppard Pratt in Towson, Maryland, where he specializes in the treatment of OCD and related disorders in both outpatient and residential settings. He is the author of Being a Parent With OCD, When a Family Member Has OCD, Overcoming Harm OCD, and The OCD Workbook for Teens, and co-author of Everyday Mindfulness for OCD, The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD, and The Unwanted Thoughts and Intense Emotions Workbook. Jon is a member of the Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board of the International OCD Foundation and a faculty member of their Behavioral Therapy Training Institute.

Caryn Hirschhorn, PharmD, MA, is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (registration pending) specializing in anxiety and OCD. She integrates ACT, mindfulness, and somatic approaches into her clinical work and has completed three years of training in intuitive energy healing. Caryn completed her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Palo Alto University and provides individual, family, and couples therapy at ACT for Mental Health. Drawing from her clinical training and lived experience with OCD, Caryn is passionate about advocacy and helping clients cultivate self-compassion while creating vibrant, values-aligned lives.

Jacob Hoyt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Carolina. He has over 10 years of experience working with youth and adolescent populations, including in the public school system, behavioral health settings, outpatient therapy, higher education institutions, and at yellow ribbon events with military youth. Having witnessed firsthand a younger sibling who struggled to receive adequate care for misdiagnosed and untreated Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and the additional, preventable harm this created, Jacob has molded his career approaches to support individuals with OCD. He also currently works with attachment trauma, internalized identity shame, and self-injurious behaviors.

Robert Hudak, MD is a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is currently the medical director of the Center for Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive and Anxiety Disorders at Western Psychiatric Hospital. He serves on the IOCDF Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board. He has authored numerous articles and book chapters on OCD and is a co-author of ‘Handbook of Psychiatric Disorders in Adults in the Primary Care Setting” and is the co-chair of the Autism in OCD SIG for the IOCDF.  He lectures on OCD in numerous settings both nationally and internationally.

Justin K. Hughes, MA, LPC, is an OCD and anxiety specialist, author of "The Christian's Guide to Overcoming OCD" (Routledge), and an advocate dual-trained in psychology and theology. He serves as the Clinicians’ Subcommittee Lead for the IOCDF’s Faith and OCD Leadership Circle and as OCD Texas's Dallas Ambassador. He frequently speaks on the intersection of OCD and faith.

David Johnson earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology at Texas Tech University and is currently a PhD student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the medical/clinical psychology program. He specializes in OCD research, specifically regarding interventions and underrepresented manifestations of OCD such as scrupulosity. He has published multiple articles relating to OCD in the Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, Personalized Medicine in Psychiatry, and Spirituality in Clinical Practice. Recent research includes examining the relationships between scrupulosity and self-compassion and using acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to treat scrupulosity.

Hi! My name is David Kedeme, and I have been an IOCDF advocate for about two years now. My goal is to leverage my experiences and education for the community, including the OCD community, to ensure as little people feel behind as possible.

I am a mom of a courageous son who worked his way to stability with both OCD and Bipolar.

Emily Malcoun, M.Div., Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with 20 years of experience providing treatment and training clinicians in ERP for OCD. She has published on best practices in the treatment of OCD. Dr. Malcoun earned a B.A. in theology from the University of Notre Dame, an M.Div. from Harvard Divinity School, and a doctorate in clinical developmental psychology from Bryn Mawr College. She previously served as a staff psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety. Based in metro Detroit, Dr. Malcoun maintains a private practice offering virtual consultation and clinical services nationwide and training community mental health clinicians throughout Michigan. She also serves as a contracted clinician at Guest House, a holistic health center serving Catholic clergy and religious. Dr. Malcoun is honored to serve on the International OCD Foundation’s Faith and OCD Advisory Council.

Erika McCoy is a mixed media artist, mental health advocate, caregiver, mother and speaker living in the Kansas City area. As a proud member of the sandwich generation, she balances caring for both older and younger family members while navigating her own recovery from OCD, C-PTSD, depression, and a traumatic brain injury. she uses creative expression to foster hope, reduce stigma, and encourage healing. Erika serves as an advocate with the International OCD Foundation and curator of the Creative Expression Special Interest Group. Through her artwork and storytelling, she empowers others to embrace vulnerability, build resilience, and discover the transformative power of creativity in recovery.

Dr. Patrick B. McGrath is the Chief Clinical Officer for NOCD, leading their teletherapy services across the United States to help people with OCD. He has opened Intensive Outpatient, Partial Hospital, and Residential Treatment Programs for Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and PTSD. He is a member of the Scientific and Clinical Advisory Boards of the International OCD Foundation, a Fellow of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, and the founding president of OCD Midwest. Dr. McGrath is the author of “The OCD Answer Book,” and “Don’t Try Harder, Try Different.” He has also hosts the “Get to Know OCD’ Podcast.

Rev. Dr. Christopher McKee, Jr. proudly serves as the eighth senior pastor of the historic First Baptist Church of Oakland (The Church of Oakland) in Jacksonville, Florida. A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Dr. McKee holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History (Youngstown State University), a Master of Divinity Degree (Yale Divinity School) and a Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership (Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School). His doctoral thesis was entitled, "It's Okay to NOT be Okay: Holistic Wellness Practices for African American Clergy." With over 20 years of ministerial experience, Dr. McKee has worked and led within both congregational settings and community-based not-for-profit organizations. Dr. McKee is a minister of the Gospel, community organizer, advocate for holistic wellness and committed to equitable community building.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of practice under my belt across a variety of settings, including providing Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) for individuals with OCD. I am joining this panel as an individual with OCD and person of faith. I've struggled to live in a culture where religion can be used to uphold scrupulous beliefs, especially as I attempted to hold onto my faith in a more flexible way. I pursued ERP treatment for myself 10 years ago when my taboo OCD themes threatened to take over my life. I am writing a memoir about the intersection of OCD and faith to make meaning of my suffering for others diagnosed with OCD.

Mubeena Mirza is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in the treatment of OCD and Anxiety Disorders. She received training in the treatment of OCD at the UCLA OCD Intensive Outpatient Program. She is certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and incorporates mindfulness-based practices, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, into treatment. She is involved in the IOCDF Faith and OCD Action Council and advocates for OCD awareness in the Muslim community. Mubeena is based in Redondo Beach, California.

Dr. Katia Moritz is a licensed psychologist and board-certified in Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology. She is the Founder and Chief Clinical Officer of the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI), a specialty behavioral health clinic focused on severe anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, and autism spectrum disorder. From outpatient treatment to residential support, NBI focuses on evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents, and adults, along with parent training and family interventions. Dr. Moritz is also the founder of NBI Ranch, a residential supportive living program. She is the author of several clinical resources and children’s books on OCD and directed and produced the award-winning documentary Undiagnosed: The Future of Medicine, which has received international recognition.

Rev. Alyssa is a hospital chaplain specializing in behavioral health. She earned an M.Div from Western Theological Seminary and is currently working toward a Doctorate of Ministry in Integrative Mental Health Chaplaincy from Vanderbilt Divinity school. She also works with Stick With the Ick, leading a monthly support group as well as individual support for those living with OCD who have experienced religious trauma. She is an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America. She lives with OCD and is passionate about helping people find healing who have had traumatic religious and spiritual experiences and live with mental health diagnoses.

Rev. Dr. Katie O’Dunne (she/her) is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and founder of Stick with the Ick, a virtual inclusive interfaith community app for those navigating faith and OCD, offering resources across traditions. She spent seven years as Academy Chaplain and Chair of Religious Studies at Woodward Academy in Atlanta while consulting on interfaith programming nationwide. Katie now educates clinicians and clergy on culturally responsive treatment across religious/spiritual contexts, leads the IOCDF Faith & OCD Action Council, and consults with OCDI Texas on Religion & OCD. She received Vanderbilt’s Doctor of Ministry Award for Distinction in Integrative Care Practices.

Dr. Ogechi “Cynthia” Onyeka is a licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine. Her research and clinical interests center on utilizing community-based participatory research (CBPR) to investigate interventions for youth experiencing anxiety, OCD, autism, and trauma. Clinically, she has expertise in treating youth and families with OCD, anxiety, trauma, disruptive behavior, and autism. She is presently the Principal Investigator of The Black and Living with OCD Project, a CBPR-informed, mixed methods study investigating lived experiences of OCD within the Black community.

Whitney Paige is a regular ol' Joe Schmo with lots of lived experience navigating both mental and physical suffering, but she's also known for throwin' humor into the hard stuff to make people laugh. She is the award-winning author of By His Stripes: Navigating Life with Mental and Physical Suffering, a book that creates a safe space for honest conversations about OCD, chronic illness, faith, and finding hope when life doesn't make sense. Whitney serves on the OCD Georgia Board and is a member of the International OCD Foundation's (IOCDF) Faith & OCD Advocacy Group, where she is passionate about raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting those living with OCD. Above all, Whitney is a follower of Jesus. She enjoys exploring nature with her beloved emotional support dog, Dakota, and is committed to encouraging others by sharing her story with vulnerability, compassion, authenticity, and hope.

Jessica C. Parlor, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist located in New York City with more than a decade of experience as a behavioral health professional. Her training includes treatment of anxiety and OCD with children, adults and families using CBT, ERP and ACT as well as family systems and relational theories. Dr. Parlor enjoys working with culturally and clinically diverse populations and she is passionate about promoting mental wellness and access to quality, inclusive mental health services to traditionally underserved and neglected populations. Dr. Parlor founded her private practice, Embracing Alchemy in May 2023 with a goal of supporting behavioral health professionals seeking treatment for anxiety and OCD. Additionally, Dr. Parlor enjoys working with students and trainees as clinical faculty and the Associate Director of Field Training at Pace University, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Caitlin Pinciotti is a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine. Her research and clinical work focus on OCD, trauma, and PTSD, particularly where these experiences intersect. She has treated individuals with these concerns at all levels of care, ranging from outpatient to residential treatment programs. She currently serves as the Co-Chair of the IOCDF Trauma and PTSD in OCD Special Interest Group.

Ashton Pizza, LMSW (They/He) is an autistic and queer social worker in recovery from OCD & C-PTSD. Ashton works as a therapist but their primary focus is their lived experience advocacy. Their advocacy has centered on LGBTQ+ issues, experiences as an autistic with OCD, secular moral scrupulosity, & access to care in rural areas. They speak in presentations and create video content through their social media channels under the title Ash The Advocate. Outside of advocacy they enjoy spending time playing video games with friends, creating art, and enjoying their special interests.

Dr. Mary Plisco has been a practicing licensed psychologist for 18 years, specializing in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Additionally, she is a professor within the School of Counseling at Richmont Graduate University, where she also serves as Director of Research. Both her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are from the University of Florida's (UF) Clinical and Health Psychology Graduate Program. She completed her internship and post-doctoral fellowship at Emory University's School of Medicine and Training Program in Professional Psychology. She is a graduate of the International OCD Foundation’s Behavior Therapy Training Institute.

Dr. Pollard is Founding Director of the Center for OCD and Anxiety-Related Disorders at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute and Professor Emeritus of Family and Community Medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He is a licensed psychologist who works with a range of obsessive-compulsive and anxiety-related disorders, with a special interest in obstacles that might inhibit the pursuit of recovery or interfere with effective participation in treatment. He is on the Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board of the International OCD Foundation and chairs the organization’sTraining Committee, including an international initiative called the BehaviorTherapy Training Institute.

Kimberley Quinlan is a licensed therapist and founder of CBTschool.com, where she helps people manage anxiety, intrusive thoughts, OCD, and panic through evidence-based CBT, ERP, and ACT tools. Alongside 1:1 therapy with her team of therapists, she creates online courses that bring the same evidence-based tools to people without access to therapy, and shares them further through the Your Anxiety Toolkit podcast and YouTube channel. Her work treats self-compassion as a clinical strategy for building a full life alongside anxiety.

Carolyn is a Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSW-A), and started at Bull City Anxiety & OCD Treatment Center in Fall 2024. Carolyn holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Central Florida. She is passionate about helping individuals and families who have been impacted by OCD, anxiety, and phobias, by combining Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Carolyn also has extensive training in crisis intervention through her work with the 988 suicide and prevention lifeline. She has also spent time working with children and adolescents with OCD and anxiety in schools. Carolyn is heavily involved with the International OCD Foundation’s Faith and OCD initiative and has developed a specialty in helping clients navigate moral and religious scrupulosity. Carolyn is an avid distance runner, swimmer, and triathlete, and finds that the perseverance used in sport can be a wonderful practice for OCD therapy application. Carolyn is fully committed to promoting a safe, healing environment for people of diverse faiths, ethnicities, sexual orientations, or gender identities. Her passion is to see her clients fully live a life that is in line with their values.

Sandy M. Robinson holds a Master of Library and Information Science Degree, and an MA in Literature with a focus on disability and aging studies. She has a physical disability, a chronic bowel condition, and OCD. Sandy co-leads the Chronic Illness SIG and DEIAC’s Disability Taskforce (both IOCDF). She spoke to “Your Anxiety Toolkit” and “The OCD Stories” podcasts to talk about living with intersecting chronic illness/disability and mental health conditions. Sandy’s dedicated to sharing her own experience with mental illness to squash stigma and improve knowledge about evidence-based treatments for OCD. She lives and works in Ontario, Canada.

Alex Rosenberg is an alumnus of the dual-BA program between Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary, where he studied Psychology, Philosophy, and Ethics. He has been an active IOCDF advocate from an early age, and is particularly engaged in advocacy pertaining to his experiences with OCD as a young adult and as a person of Jewish faith. He has spoken at the IOCDF’s Annual and Faith and OCD Conferences, and on IOCDF YouTube livestreams. He is also a member of the IOCDF’s Faith and OCD and Young Adult special interest groups.

Zachary Carruthers-Rothberg is in his final year of rabbinical studies in London, though he grew up in Bath. He has spent the last four years in the Big Apple working as a hospital chaplain, a Hillel Rabbi, a funeral officiant and a special education teacher. He also completed his second MA in Spiritual Care and Counselling alongside getting involved with SWTI.

Constance J. Salhany, Ph.D., A-CBT, ACS, is a licensed psychologist with more than 35 years of experience treating anxiety disorders and OCD. A Diplomate, Fellow, and Certified Trainer/Consultant of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, she received advanced training through the Beck Institute Extramural Program under Judith Beck, Ph.D., the IOCDF Behavior Therapy Training Institute, and I-CBT consultation with Frederick Aardema, Ph.D. She specializes in religious scrupulosity, leads an I-CBT peer consultation group, teaches psychiatry residents and graduate students, has authored publications, and has delivered national and international presentations on OCD, CBT, spirituality, and faith-integrated psychotherapy.

Molly Schiffer, LCPC, is the associate director of The Center for OCD and Anxiety at Sheppard Pratt in Towson, MD. She specializes in mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral treatment for OCD and related disorders, and in treating PTSD with cognitive processing therapy in both residential and outpatient settings. Schiffer is the author of The Body-Based Obsessions Workbook and a frequent presenter at the annual conferences of the International OCD Foundation and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Rebecca Schneider, PhD, is an Assistant Professor and licensed psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine. She directs the Child OCD Program at Emory (COPE), a telehealth intensive outpatient program for adolescents, and co-directs Cope with Courage, a therapeutic summer camp for youth with anxiety, OCD, and emotion regulation challenges. Her clinical and research work integrates ACT with exposure-based treatments for youth OCD, anxiety, and misophonia, emphasizing creative, values-based, and remote care. She serves on the Board of OCD Georgia and was appointed to the American Psychological Association’s Collaborative of Jewish Psychologists.

Leslie Shapiro has been treating OCD and Related Disorders with a specialty in scrupulosity and moral perfectionism since 1989. She has authored 2 books on these topics: Understanding OCD: Skills to Control the Conscience and When Religion and Morals Become OCD: Understanding and Treating Scrupulosity. She has published several peer reviewed articles, written chapters, and written over a dozen online articles and several CEU courses. She has been a behavior therapist at the OCD Institute since its inception in 1997 and sees patients in her private practice.

Leigh is a Medical Doctor, Founder of OCD Western Australia (IOCDF Global Partner), and IOCDF Advocate. She combines her clinical expertise with lived experience to advance evidence-based, neuro-affirming, and trauma-informed care. Recognised for leadership in clinician education, policy co-production, and community engagement, with a particular focus on improving access to effective treatment for people with Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders (OCRDs).

Jedidiah Siev is associate professor of psychology at Swarthmore College, adjunct associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and a licensed clinical psychologist. Jed's research focuses on cognitive and meta-cognitive processes involved in the maintenance and reduction of OCD and anxiety, and he has a particular interest in unacceptable thoughts and especially scrupulosity. He is also involved in research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.

Lulu Skafi, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders. She began her OCD work at NOCD before opening her own private practice, where she supports clients across a range of OCD presentations, with a particular focus on Islamic scrupulosity. As a Muslim therapist, Lulu is passionate about providing evidence-based treatment that honors clients’ faith and values. She continues to deepen this work through collaboration with faith leaders, interdisciplinary groups, and participation in IOCDF conferences.

Evan Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate in the Houston area specializing in anxiety-related disorders and OCD in athletes and racial/ethnic minority populations. He is a former collegiate basketball player who supports many high school athletes who are interested in maximizing their performance. As an individual with lived experience and clinician, he blends evidence-based practices with contextual and cultural factors to support the individuals that he works with. Evan continues to add to their expertise through continued education and research on anxiety-related disorders. Aside from his profession, Evan enjoys spending time with his wife, Chrissy.

Michael is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois, an LPC in Georgia and Missouri, and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) specializing in OCD and related disorders. He currently serves as the Director of Education and Training at Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta, overseeing evidence-based treatment interventions. Michael is also faculty for the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) through the IOCDF. He co-authored The Complete Guide to Overcoming Health Anxiety and developed the associated Overcoming Health Anxiety website, which provides evidence-based information and support for individuals with health anxiety, as well as their families and loved ones.

Sarah Strauss, LCSW, CAGCS (she/her) specializes in the intersection of spirituality and mental health. She focuses on topics such as religious trauma, spiritual abuse, high-control group and cult recovery, scrupulosity, spiritually-integrated psychotherapy, and existential concerns. Sarah has conducted research on moral injury, clergy sexual abuse, and other related topics. She has led trainings on religious trauma, spirituality and mental health, prejudice against religious minorities, and more. Sarah received her MSW from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and holds a BA in Comparative Religion.

Noah Tile is a Registered Psychotherapist, Rabbi, and Co-Founder of Resolvve, a Canadian low-cost mental health organization. In his private practice, he specializes in the treatment of OCD, anxiety and ADHD, and provides clinical supervision. He helps people in their search for meaning, purpose, and connection. Noah is passionate about integrating spirituality with mental health and is part of the International OCD Foundation’s (IOCDF) Faith and OCD Task Force, working alongside Jewish and interfaith leaders and practitioners around the world to create positive change.

Mary Walters, LMHC, is passionate about treating obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, panic attacks, and severe phobias. She takes a special interest in working with clients who present with taboo themes and uses ERP and ACT to help her clients live a shame-free and fulfilled life. She also enjoys working with the LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, and neurodivergent communities. Mary lives with chronic illness, disability, and OCD, and is passionate about accessibility to care, advocacy, and living life shamelessly. Mary has also given talks through OCDRI, OCDMA and has provided trainings at both the undergraduate and professional levels.

Katie Wax White is the Sacred Spark Spiritual Discernment Consultant, Living Beyond the Loop Support Group Host, Christian Affinity Group Host at Stick with the Ick. She is a 2023 graduate of the Candler School of Theology, where she earned a concentration in Religion and Health. Katie is currently on the path to becoming ordained within the United Methodist Church. Katie has a deep passion for exploring the intersections of religion, health, and science. She is dedicated to fostering inclusive spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. Katie believes that attending to the whole self—mind, body, soul, and spirit—helps individuals become their best selves.

Jake Winchester, LPC, LAC is a licensed professional counselor and licensed addictions counselor with OCD lived experience based in Colorado. He works with the University of Colorado Anschutz OCD Outpatient Program specializing in Exposure Response Prevention and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to treat OCD and anxiety. He is a clinical co-lead of the IOCDF Special Interest Group focusing on OCD and Chronic Illness/Disability.

I’m currently out of the country and do not have access to my bio. I will need someone to follow up with me after I return home on August 6.

Ted is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and serves as the Clinical Director of Apostolic Christian Counseling and Family Services where his clinical practice focuses on anxiety and mood disorders. He specializes in treating OCD/scrupulosity and primarily obsessional forms of OCD. Ted is an Ordained Elder and pastor in the Apostolic Christian Church of America, a denomination of the Anabaptist tradition. His roles as clinical psychologist and pastor give him a special desire to help those whose OCD has become entwined in religious and moral matters. He shares information on OCD and Christianity at www.scrupulosity.org

Dr. Johanna Wood is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders using exposure and response prevention. Dr. Wood owns her own practice, Leap Counseling and Consultation, a fully virtual private practice serving adults in 40+ States. She has published research on the topic of scrupulosity, and has presented on OCD in a variety of professional settings. She is on the Faith and OCD Leadership Circle at the International OCD Foundation and is passionate about the intersection of faith/spirituality and OCD.

Dr. Caitlin Claggett Woods is a clinical psychologist in Ottawa, Canada whose practice focuses on the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders. Dr. Claggett Woods created and facilitates a GOAL support group and provides consultation and training to students, therapists, and clergy. She is a faculty member for the IOCDF's Training Institute, a member of the IOCDF's Faith & OCD Leadership Circle, and a director of Changing Minds, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to evidence-based mental health care. She is passionate about advocacy and guiding her clients' recovery through values and a strong sense of humor.

Rachel Kuchem Woodward, LCSW, owner of Re-Viving Lives Counseling, is a therapist holistically and clinically treating girls and women across TX. Having her own 20+ year personal journey with OCD, Rachel is passionate about treating sufferers of OCD and educating faith circles on OCD, bridging the gap between biblical and clinical circles. An OCD and Scrupulosity specialist, Rachel is currently authoring Gap Filler: Captive to Captivated, a book for both sufferers and helpers on how faith and spirituality can bridge the gap of uncertainty with OCD. Rachel enjoys running, consuming dark chocolate, and adventuring with her husband David.

Amber Young, MA, LMHC, specializes in OCD assessment, evidence-based treatment, education, and mental health advocacy. A late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHD clinician, Amber brings professional expertise and lived experience to her work exploring the intersections of OCD, neurodiversity, and systems of support. She is a member of the IOCDF’s Autism SIG, serves in regional and state OCD advocacy, diversity, and education roles, and is the author of the American Counseling Association’s forthcoming ACA Encyclopedia of Counseling Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders entry. Through clinical work, writing, speaking, and training, she focuses on improving recognition, collaboration, and access to care across communities.