Panelists
Dr. Marcelo Gomes
Dr. Gomes developed PTT- RT (Psychodynamic Transformative Therapy for Religious Trauma) - a clinical certification offered by Blanton-Peale Graduate Institute. His book, Psychodynamic Transformational Therapy for Religious Trauma: A Practical Guide for Therapists and Faith Leaders, was released in June. He is an international lecturer, having presented at conferences at the Freud Museum in London, UK, Russia, Brazil, Austria, South Korea, and Portugal. He holds a Doctorate in Theology from Boston University and a PhD in Psychotherapy Science from Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria. He is a licensed psychoanalyst in New York, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Connecticut, a State Certified Psychoanalyst in New Jersey, and a Registered Psychotherapist in the United Kingdom.
Dr. Jim Wisecup
Dr. Wisecup trained at the Blanton-Peale Graduate Institute, the Institute for Socio-therapy in psychodrama, the Washington School of Psychiatry, D.C., the Metropolitan School of Object Relations, N.Y.C., the Ackerman Institute for Family Therapy, and the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, in addition to receiving a Doctor of Ministry in clinical psychology and pastoral counseling from Andover-Newton Theological School. He is a Certified Practitioner with the American Association for Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama, a Certified Imago Therapist, a Certified Pastoral Counselor with the ACPE Psychotherapy Commission at the Fellow Level, and a Shamanic Practitioner. He has dedicated his life to healing, ministry and education.
Chryssie Whitehead
Chryssie Whitehead’s journey in performing arts began in her youth and continued immediately after high school when she danced for the iconic Radio City Rockettes in New York. She has built an illustrious career in Film, Television, and Broadway as an actress, dancer, and singer. She remains a passionate educator teaching across the globe, while working in the business. In 2017, Chryssie became the co-founder of the performing arts educational company Broadway Arts Community and in 2024 co-formed sister non-profit, Broader than Broadway with a mission to rebuild social connection through performing arts skills to underserved communities. As an entrepreneur and writer she co-founded In My Own Little Corner Productions alongside her partner and Arts Angel, Kirsten Wrinkle, where her autobiographical play is produced.
Dr. Camille Banks Lee
Dr. Banks-Lee is a psychotherapist in private clinical practice at CBL Psychotherapy LLC., her solo practice in NY, and the Clinical Education Supervisor for the Blanton-Peale Institute BIPOC Fellowship Program. She began her career in education as a public-school teacher before tragedy pushed her into careers in mental health and social Work where she has held positions in child welfare, addiction and substance use treatment programs, and community mental health. Dr. Banks-Lee has been featured on Peace of Mind with Taraji P. Henson and worked with the NBA Players Association on creating safe spaces for men to talk about real issues. She has appeared on numerous podcasts and is a mental health public speaker on topics such as grief and loss as well as perfectionism, authenticity, and self-esteem.
Dr. Steven Sandage
Dr. Sandage is the Albert & Jessie Danielsen Professor of Psychology of Religion and Theology and also serves as a licensed psychologist at Boston University. He grew up in Iowa as the son of two former teachers and was confirmed in the United Methodist Church. He studied psychology at Iowa State University where he developed an interest in connections between mental health, spirituality, and ministry, which he also pursued in seminary. This led to working as a chaplain in prisons and other settings prior to becoming a psychologist, which further shaped his desire to integrate psychology and theology in understanding human development and healing. Sandage is the co-author/co-editor of 8 books and does research in areas that include positive psychology and virtue, spiritual formation, psychotherapy processes and outcome, couple and family therapy, intercultural competence and social justice, psychopathology, and practitioner formation and well-being.
Tim Grae
Tim Grae is a top-rated Master Massage Therapist with over 20 years in the healing business and 6+ years of experience as a Wellness Coach and Speaker. He is a passionate educator who empowers individuals to prioritize wellness and harness their body and mind's healing potential. His mission is to set the standard of wellness as a need and not a just luxury. Tim is the founder of Grae Wellness, the only BIPOC owned and operated "whole-istic" sanctuary on 5th avenue in New York City for over 10 years, providing 1-on-1 bodywork services along with group fitness classes, workshops, and corporate wellness programming. Grae Wellness offers personalized preventative care that stems from both Eastern and Western indigenous modalities.