Past Keynote Speakers

Krissy Pozatek, LICSW, has fifteen years of experience in wilderness therapy and adolescent treatment. She was educated at Middlebury College, Smith College School for Social Work and NM Highlands University, and is a licensed clinical social worker. In her therapy practice, Parallel Process established in 2006, Krissy works with parents to grow alongside their child in treatment.

Holly Robinson Peete is an actress, author, talk show host, activist, and philanthropist. From her first appearance on the award-winning children’s show Sesame Street at the age of four to her most recent gig on the hit comedy series Mike & Molly has consistently used her celebrity status as a platform to advocate for issues dear to her heart.

Dr. Steiner is a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist who maintains a private practice in Palo Alto, CA, providing clinical and forensic consultation and evaluation. He often provides second opinions on cases.

He is the founder and director of the Pegasus Physician Writers at Stanford, a group of doctors who write creatively. 

Andrew Solomon, Ph.D., is a writer and lecturer on politics, culture and psychology; winner of the National Book Award; and an activist in LGBTQ rights, mental health, and the arts. He is Professor of Clinical Medical Psychology (in Psychiatry) at Columbia University Medical Center, Lecturer in Psychiatry at Yale University, and a former President of PEN American Center.

• Wellness Director; The Geffen Academy at UCLA
• Removing The Stigma Leadership Award Winner
• Author of “A Kids Book About Anxiety”

When Ross was a freshman in college, everything on the surface seemed to be fine. 

Jessica Lahey is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed and The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence.

Dr. Joy Angela DeGruy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication, a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Social Work Research. Dr. DeGruy is a nationally and internationally renowned researcher and educator. For over two decades, she served as an Assistant Professor at Portland State University’s School of Social Work and now serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Joy DeGruy Publications Inc.

Dacher Keltner’s research focuses the biological and evolutionary origins of compassion, awe, love, and beauty, and power, social class, and inequality. As a Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and director of the Berkeley Social Interaction Lab, he is a leading scholar in the study of emotion, including a new project on awe around the globe, as well as power, class, and inequality. Dacher also serves as the Faculty Director of the Berkeley Greater Good Science Center.

Recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association, Dr. Lisa Damour is the author of two New York Times best selling parenting books, writes for the New York Times, co-hosts the Ask Lisa podcast, appears as a regular contributor to CBS News, works in collaboration with UNICEF, and serves on the Advisory Board for Parents magazine.

Yuria Celidwen , PhD, I am of Indigenous Nahua and Maya descent from the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. My research examines the experience of self-transcendence in Indigenous contemplative traditions wide-reaching, and the way its embodiment enhances prosocial and pro-environmental behavior (ethics, compassion, kindness, reverence, and a sense of awe, love, and sacredness).

Laura van Dernoot Lipsky, founder of The Trauma Stewardship Institute and author of “Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others,” has over three decades of experience working with trauma survivors across diverse groups globally. She’s a pioneer in trauma exposure and serves on advisory boards for organizations supporting girls in sports and resilience networks addressing climate change. Additionally, she’s an associate producer of the acclaimed film “A Lot Like You” and author of “The Age of Overwhelm: Strategies for the Long Haul.”

Tiq speaks and writes about intersectional leadership, transgender rights, and racial justice. He shares stories of his life and how his transgender experience has informed his views on masculinity, race, and the gender binary. A journalist for over a decade, his work has appeared on MIC, Buzzfeed, NBC and CNN. He is also a strategic media consultant helping organizations and companies create detailed media campaigns that will engage diverse audiences in ways that are inclusive and authentic.