FOUNDING MEMBERS

Violet Oaklander Ph.D.

Violet Oaklander is the author of the books WINDOWS TO OUR CHILDREN: A Gestalt Therapy Approach to Children and Adolescents (now in 13 languages), and HIDDEN TREASURE: A Map to the Child’s Inner Self, as well as several journal articles and book chapters, and audio and video tapes on psychotherapeutic work with children.  She has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, a Master of Arts in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling, a Master of Science in Special Education with Emotionally Disturbed Children, and is a certified Gestalt Therapist. She holds a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Play Therapy and has received numerous other awards for her contribution to the mental health field.

 Dr. Oaklander has traveled extensively in the United States as well as throughout the world giving training seminars on her approach to working with children and adolescents. For 27 years she conducted a highly successful two-week training program drawing people to California from all over the world.  She gave her last one in 2007. 

Her unique approach to working with children, which combines Gestalt Therapy theory, philosophy and practice with a variety of expressive techniques, has won international recognition.

She recently moved to Los Angeles from Santa Barbara to live near her son as she attempts retirement. She is still doing some consultations with therapists and an occasional gig. Her website is www.violetoaklander.com and her email is Oaklander@Gestalt.org. nbsp;

Sara Oaklander
Sara Oaklander is Violet’s daughter. She lives in Belmont, MA with her husband, Monte Allen, and their son, Michael. Sara is a project and content manager for the Interaction Institute for Social Change, Monte is a major gifts fundraiser for CARE, and Michael is a student at Bard College in New York State. Sara manages customer service for the VSOF online store.

Felicia Carroll, M.Ed, M.A.
Felicia has studied and worked under Violet Oaklander, Ph.D. for more that 20 years. She is a licensed Marriage, Family Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor. Felicia is certified as a Gestalt Therapist by the Gestalt Therapist Institute of Los Angeles. She has been in private practice for 25 years. Prior to her clinical practice, Felicia was a classroom teacher for twelve years and a social studies curriculum supervisor in Oklahoma before she lived at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. At Esalen, Felicia was mentored by Janet Lederman at the Gazebo Park School for young children. Felicia teaches at Gestalt Institutes in Europe in addition to offering training programs and university classes in the US. Currently, she is on the adjunct faculty at Pacific Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara. She has published in a variety of publications on topics related to Gestalt psychotherapy with children and adolescents. She has presented at a number of play therapy conferences, including the acclaimed Center for Play Therapy Summer Institute at the University of North Texas. Felicia conducts training programs through her private practice and is Director of Studies in Child Psychotherapy in Solvang, California. She is a founding member of the Violet Solomon Oaklander Foundation. She can be reached at fcarroll@west.net.

Christiane Elsbree, LCSW, ACSW, BCD
Christiane received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California in 1975, and  trained with the Gestalt Therapy Institute of Los Angeles from  1978-1984. In 1980, Christiane was a co-founder of the Child and  Adolescent Therapy Center in Hermosa Beach, California under the  direction of Violet Oaklander.  She is the author of three audiotapes  for parents and professionals:  Healing the Sexually Abused Child,  Narcissistic Disturbances in Children and Adolescents, and When Do  Children and Adolescents Need Therapy.  All are available through  Maxsound.  Today, Christiane is in private practice in Seattle,  working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.  Her practice encompasses cross-cultural issues, relationships,  chronic illnesses, depression and anxiety.  In recent years, she has  also been passionately immersed in her work with Citizens for  Effective Administration of Seattle Education (CEASE), a grassroots  not-for-profit corporation that advocates for democracy and the  elimination of institutional racism in Seattle Public Schools. She is  a firm believer in bringing the I-Thou relationship to educational  settings.  Christiane can be contacted at this e-mail:  celsbree@earthlink.net.

Karen Fried, M.A., M.F.T.
Karen Hillman Fried, M.A.,M.A., M.F.T. is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an Educational Therapist in Santa Monica, California. Karen holds Master of Arts Degrees in Clinical Psychology and Human Development as well as a Certificate in Educational Therapy. She has a private practice in Psychotherapy and is Co-Director of the K&M Center, Inc., a learning center providing educational services to students ranging from four years old to college age. The K&M Center has locations in Santa Monica, Agoura and the South Bay. Professional Affiliations include membership in the Association of Educational Therapists and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Karen and her husband Zev have four children together..

Doug Honeyman, Psy.D.
Doug Honeyman, a California licensed Psychologist, was awarded an M.S. in Clinical Psychology in 1977 from Cal State University Bakersfield and his Doctor of Psychology, Psy.D. from Ryokan College in 2002. Doug works in English and Spanish both in private practice and at Clinicas Del Camino Real, a non-profit corporation with many clinics in and around Ventura County, where he sees adult, adolescent, and child clients. His training and association with Violet Oaklander and Gestalt is very evident in his approach to children and parents. Dr. Honeyman’s approach is further informed by Existential/Spiritual, Relational Psychoanalytic, Jungian, and, enthusiastically, Integral Theory. Doug agrees with the importance of treating people as whole beings – body, mind, and spirit - who are strongly influenced by their individual, social, and larger contexts. He is a founding member of the Violet Solomon Oaklander Foundation.

André Kuenzli, Dipl. Psych
Mr. André Kuenzli-Monard lives in Switzerland. André has a masters from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. Trained as a clinical psychologist in Switzerland, he decided to go to California where he lived, worked and studied for 12 years. He has a background in Family Therapy and more specifically, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Collaborative Language System and Gestalt Therapy. With his beloved spouse, Fabienne, he founded last year their own institute: Institute of Reflexive Practices www.reflexivepractices.com. This institute teaches psychotherapy to psychologists and psychiatrists. He is a licensed practitioner both in Switzerland and in California. He is currently the director of a special education school (www.ecolepestalozzi.ch) for children aged 6 to 16 having serious emotional and behavioural problems. He also offers supervision to mental health organisations in Switzerland. He can be contacted via email: Andre.kuenzli@ecolepestalozzi.ch

Fabienne Kuenzli, Ph.D.
Dr. Fabienne Kuenzli-Monard lives in Switzerland. She lived, worked, and studied for 12 years in California. She has published both in English and in French. Recently, (2006) she published her first book: “Inviting reflexivity into the therapy room: How therapists think in practice?” (University Press of America). Fabienne is a voracious learner and a person of passion. Fabienne has been trained since 1993 to the practices of the socio-constructionist ideas applied to clinical settings and has loved this continual challenge in her life. She has worked for six years in the most challenging contexts of Los Angeles area and likes to defy the ideas of “difficult or impossible situations.”  She has a background in Family Therapy and more specifically, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and the inspiring ideas of Harlene Anderson. She has trained at the Erickson Institute in Phoenix and admires the work of Erickson. She and her beloved husband, André, created last year their own institute: Institute of Reflexive Practices www.reflexivepractices.com. She is interested in building theories of practice that apply to the constant transformation of each evolving alliance and responding to ethics-in-practice and a need of a clear and constant positioning of the clinician. The interstice of psychotherapy process research and its necessary relationship to practice is at the heart of her interest. Fabienne Kuenzli has a doctorate from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. She is a licensed practitioner both in Switzerland and in California. Dr. Kuenzli teaches in different settings (universities and other settings) and works in private practice. She can be contacted via email: fk@reflexivepractices.com

Marjorie Mapes. LISW, RPT-S
Margie Mapes received her Masters in Social Work from the Ohio State University in 1990 and is a graduate of the three-year post graduate training of the Gestalt Institute of Central Ohio (GICO).  Prior to her MSW, Margie co-founded and directed Little Tigers Preschool, which became the springboard of her dedication to the emotional needs of children.  She first met Violet in 1981, when Violet came to Columbus to present a weekend workshop and subsequently attended every Violet Oaklander training she could find.  August, 1991 was Margie's first intensive summer training with Violet, and she has attended three more since then.  You might call her a certified Violet Oaklander groupie!! Margie began clinical supervision with Violet in 1992, and continues supervision with her today.

Margie is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and she is certified by the Association for Play Therapy as a Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor.  Currently in private practice with Gestalt Associates in Columbus, Ohio, Margie works with children, adolescents, and their parents.  Additionally, she provides the unique "Voice of the Child" in their parenting program, Parenting From Your Heart.  She offers training and presentations on the Oaklander Model of play therapy with children and adolescents. She can be contacted at mmapes@businessofpeople.net.

Claire Mercurio, Ph.D.
Claire Mercurio, Ph.D. received her B.A. with High Honors in Psychology from the University of Michigan in 1984 and her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Southern California in 1991. During her internship with Community Counseling Service/Pacific Center she was exposed to Violet's book, "Windows to our Children." Shortly after becoming a licensed psychologist and having her first child, Claire moved to Santa Barbara, where unbeknownst to her (at that time), Violet lives! Claire has a private practice specializing in children and adolescents. She was an adjunct faculty member at Antioch University for six years, and supervises interns at Family Service Agency. Violet's methods have continuously been the driving force behind what Claire teaches and practices.

Peter Mortola, Ph.D.
Peter Mortola, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of School and Counseling Psychology at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where he coordinates the School Psychology Program. He teaches classes on lifespan development, group counseling for children, and consultation in the schools. He also leads preventative groups for fifth-grade boys at a local elementary school and is in the process of publishing a book on the subject. Peter has worked closely with Dr. Violet Oaklander over the past ten years, attending nine intensive summer trainings, and is in the process of publishing a book on the Oaklander method of training adults to do therapy with children through the GestaltPress.

Nancy Murdock, MFT
Nancy Murdock has her M.S. in Health Science from San Francisco State, and M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Santa Barbara. She taught classes in psychotherapy at Antioch for 5 years. Nancy completed Violet's month long training program in the late 1980's, and also trained in Filial Therapy. Nancy has worked in the Psychiatry department at Sansum-Santa Barbara Medical Foundation Clinic for over 20 years, and she also has a private practice.

Christine Orpen, MA. MFT
Christine Orpen is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who practices psychotherapy with children, adolescents, adults and families in Santa Barbara.  She has a private practice and also works part-time for the County of Santa Barbara Children's Clinic working in the Center for Therapeutic Education for emotionally disturbed children.  She was the designated therapist for the south county Head Start Child/Development Program for seven years.  

While practicing as a professional Fine Artist in Santa Barbara, Christine became interested in child psychotherapy when she volunteered as a Family Advocate for CALM (Child Abuse Listening and Mediation).  In 1990 she took the position of Executiver Director Pro Tem for a year. In 1994 she graduated with a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University.   In the same year she also completed a three-year training program at the Santa Barbara Gestalt Training Center.

Christine has completed several trainings with Violet Oaklander, Ph.D. and Felicia Carroll, MFT in the Gestalt Approach to working with Children and Adolescents.   She incorporates her own experience with the creative process when using projective modalities with clients.   Christine is currently a member of the Violet Solomon Oaklander Board of Directors.  She can be reached at: corpen@cox.net

Michael Petracca, MFT
Michael Petracca, MFT received his M.Ed. from the UCSB Graduate School of Education Counseling Psychology program and has worked as a therapist in both private and clinical settings, including the County of Santa Barbara Department of Mental Health.  He completed advanced training in Gestalt therapy with children and adolescents through the Violet Oaklander Institute and has subsequently made regular presentations at Dr. Oaklander's advanced trainings.  Michael is also a full-time faculty member in the Writing Program at UCSB and a writer of memoir, textbooks and novels.  He can be contacted at this e-mail address: mpetracca@cox.net

Helen M. Sherry, Ph.D.
Helen M. Sherry, Ph.D. has been licensed as a Marriage, Family and Child Therapist since 1980, and was part of the original Center for Child and Adolescent Therapy in Hermosa Beach, CA with Violet Oaklander, Ph.D. She completed her doctorate at International College in 1984 with Violet as her mentor teacher. As part of her studies, she worked with Dora Kalff for six months learning Sandplay Therapy in Switzerland, and took coursework at the Jung Institute in Zurich. She then completed the research for her dissertation on Sandplay with Deaf Children while in New Zealand for three months for her wedding to Kiwi Colin Quennell.

In 1997, Helen and Colin moved to Arroyo Grande on the Central Coast of California with their two sons, Colin Edward and Bryan. She was hired by Life Steps Foundation as Children's Services Director at Pasos de Vida, a rehab that reunites mentally ill, chemically dependent women with their children. She continues there part time, while maintaining a full-time private practice and writing for children and teens. Her picture story book to help young children deal with grief, Where Is Heaven, along with excerpts of two of her other children's books, was published in December, 2005, as part of an anthology through Barnes & Noble-- Tales From the Corner, San Luis Obispo, CA: Central Coast Press. Helen is a long-time meditator and is now combining many of the techniques learned with Violet into healing meditation classes in her Arroyo Grande office. Her email address is: hmsphd2@yahoo.com.

Lynn Stadler, MFT
Lynn Stadler, MFT received her MA from Antioch University in Clinical Psychology in 1994, and she is a graduate of the Santa Barbara Gestalt Training Center's three-year training program. She also completed advanced training with Gestalt Training Associates of Los Angeles and the Violet Oaklander Institute. Lynn is in private practice in Santa Barbara, working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and people with developmental disabilities. She currently co-leads Gateway to Gestalt training weekends in Santa Barbara, as well as offering training and presentations on the Oaklander Model of Therapy with Children and Adolescents. Lynn is a founding member of the Violet Solomon Oaklander Foundation.

Sue Ellen Talley, M.A., MFT
Sue Ellen Talley, MFT received her MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in 1994. She worked as an intern and therapist at Children's Institute International, Los Angeles, from 1993 until 1998, specializing in the treatment of at risk children and adolescents. She also received advanced training from the Gestalt Training Institute of Los Angeles (GTILA) and the Violet Oaklander Institute. Sue is currently in private practice in Agoura Hills, CA, working with children, adolescents and their families. She and her husband, Steve, have raised five children together. Sue is the former Secretary of the Board of GTILA, a founding member of the Violet Solomon Oaklander Foundation, and is President of the Board of Directors. She can be reached at this e-mail address: talkingear@aol.com.

Sandy Volk, M.A., LMFT
Sandy Volk received her MA in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Through the Violet Oaklander Institute, she completed an intensive training program in a Gestalt Therapy Approach with Children and Adolescents, participated in a follow-up advanced training, and attended other presentations by Dr. Violet Oaklander. Sandy completed a number of trainings with Hospice of San Luis Obispo County, including: In-home Volunteer, Adult, Child and Family Bereavement, School Crisis Response Connect Training, and Trauma Training. She was a Counselor and Counseling Program Coordinator from 1996 to 2003 and a trainer and Coordinator of Hospice of San Luis Obispo County’s Community Crisis Response Team. Sandy received certification for a Sexual Assault Counselor presented by the Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention Center of San Luis Obispo County. She provided on-site counseling at the California Conservation Corps, San Luis Obispo. Sandy is a founding member of the Violet Solomon Oaklander Foundation and member of the Board of Directors. Sand Volk can be contacted at this e-mail address: sandyvolk2004@yahoo.com.

Lee Weiser, Ph.D.
Dr. Lee Weiser, a licensed clinical psychologist, holds a B.S. degree in Child Development, an M. A. in Human Behavior, a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, a CORE certificate in Early Childhood Education from UCLA, Montessori Teacher’s Certification from IAPM, and a Lifetime Community College Instructor’s Credential from the State of California. Currently in private practice, she has worked with children of all ages and their families in seven private schools, the adolescent wing of two private hospitals, Adolescent and Children’s Services of Santa Barbara County, and two non-profit agencies. In addition, she teaches Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy at two graduate institutes. She can be reached at lweiser@mac.com

Patric White, Ph.D.
Patric White completed his MSW degree from the University of Missouri and his Ph.D. in Psychology from International University. Patric has been in advanced training in Gestalt Therapy for many years in Los Angeles. He also has completed  various trainings with Violet Oaklander and been supervised by her in Gestalt  Child Psychotherapy. Currently Patric is in private practice in Hermosa Beach, California, specializing in child and adolescent and family therapy. He also consults for  various school districts on the treatment of emotionally disturbed children.  Patric conducts individual supervision for Interns in various clinical  disciplines focusing on Child/Adolescent issues. As a founding member of the Violet Solomon Oaklander Foundation, Patric is passionate about issues involving children's welfare in our cultural context. He can be reached by email at Wpatrcwhit@aol.com.        

Judith Yeager, MFT, A.T.R.
Judith Yeager is the founder of the Gestalt Therapy Institute of Las Vegas. She is a graduate of the Santa Barbara Gestalt Training Center's three year training program and has trained extensively with Dr. Violet Oaklander. Judith  served as adjunct faculty in the Counseling/Educational Psychology department at the University of Nevada Las Vegas for 14 years and has supervised Creative Arts interns for Lesley College, College of Notre Dame, and Antioch. She currently maintains a private practice that includes working with children, adolescents, and adults, supervision of MFT interns & art therapy interns, and training programs in Gestalt therapy and Art therapy. Judith is a founding member of the Violet Soloman Oaklander Foundation.