Speaker

Michael Mithoefer, M.D., is a psychiatrist living in Asheville, NC. He and his wife, Annie, completed the first MAPS-sponsored Phase Il clinical trial testing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for crime-related PTSD, and subsequent studies with military veterans, firefighters and police officers, and a pilot study treating couples. He has been Medical Monitor for a series of Phase 2 trials which produced data that led to FDA breakthrough therapy designation. Since 2012 he and Annie have conducted training for research therapists, and are now supervising therapists in ongoing MAPS clinical. He completed residency training in Internal Medicine at the University of Virginia and Psychiatry at MUSC. He trained in Grof Holotropic Breathwork, Internal Family Systems Therapy and EMDR. He has been board certified in Psychiatry, Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine, and is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Affiliate Assistant Professor at MUSC and Clinical Assistant Professor at Columbia University.

Speaker & Visioning Committee

Geraldine, a VIU Elder-in-Residence and Snuneymuxw First Nation member, shares Traditional Knowledge with Health and Human Services programs. Since 1980, she has served her community, including roles as Elders’ Coordinator and elected council member, focusing on cultural practices and healing through traditional medicines.

Headline Speaker

William (Bill) Richards, author of Sacred Knowledge, is a psychologist in the Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research who contributed to psychedelic research in Germany in 1963-1964, from 1967-1977 at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, since 1999 at Hopkins and currently is focused on palliative care at Sunstone Therapies.

MC & Panellist

Winchester’s elders have trained him to do healing work for his communities for over 15 years. He has combined that knowledge with training in massage therapy and somatic trauma therapy. He finds it so fulfilling to share his healing gifts in his own community at Cheam First Nation and also at Stó:lō Nation in Chilliwack. He shares a perspective that bridges cultural gaps.

Speaker

Dr. Neil Hanon

Speaker & Facilitator

Jagpaul is a Clinical Instructor and UBC Assistant Professor in Pharmacy. She practices as a Clinical Pharmacist in HIV/Infectious Diseases and Mental Health/Addictions. An Ayurvedic Practitioner, she volunteers as a street medic and advocates for drug policy reform and psychedelic access, with a decade of experience in Cannabinoid Medicine.

Speaker & Facilitator

Dr. Tobin received his doctorate from University of Washington in 1983, specializing in philosophy of psychology. He has been in private practice psychotherapy for 35 years, specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression and emotional trauma. He taught clinical skills for 25 years at University of Victoria, where he was Adjunct Assistant Professor and a member of the Graduate Faculty. He worked under contract with Health Canada for 20 years providing psychological services to First Nations communities in the Victoria area. He is interested in the interface between psychology and spirituality, and the role that altered states of consciousness play in enhancing clinical processes.

Speaker, Facilitator , & Grof Breathwork Workshop

A retired psychiatrist with 47 years of private practice in Vancouver, specializing in trauma therapy. Trained in Holotropic Breathwork by Stan and Christina Grof, she facilitated monthly Grof Breathwork groups for trauma survivors from 1989-2004. Ingrid now trains others in Grof Legacy Training and contributes to MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research.

Speaker

Dr. Duncan Grady’s professional experience includes 14 years providing post secondary education and 25 years of psychotherapy in addictions, trauma, death and dying. He has a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology and a Doctorate of Divinity focused on Creation Spirituality. He is an elder of the Circle of Indigenous Nations Society, West Kootenays, BC. He currently co-leads retreats, works with communities impacted by lateral violence, drug overdose and traumatic death and provides training and consultation using western and non-western approaches to health, well-being, spirituality, trauma, dying and death.

Speaker, Facilitator & Visioning Committee

Todd is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. He entered the field of mental health and substance use as a peer support worker in 1998. Through his time in the field, he has maintained a passion for amplifying voices of marginalized populations through advocacy of cultural humility and trauma informed perspectives. Todd was a patient partner in the first cohort of RTT-KAT, this experience has inspired his ongoing work with Roots to Thrive. Todd also works in private practice through Pilot Light Therapy and is an Instructor with Vancouver Island University’s Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Graduate Certificate Program.

Todd offers services through Pilot Light Therapy.

Speaker & Facilitator

a holistic psychiatrist bringing a spiritual, environmental and social justice perspective to her work. After training at Spelman College, Morehouse School of Medicine and serving as Chief Resident of Psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Med Center, Dr. Stewart led LA County’s West Central Wellness Center, developing programs that integrated evidence-based psychiatric treatments with complementary therapies. She then founded Worldwide Wellness, expanding her approach to incorporate healing through nature, Indigenous wisdom and ketamine-assisted therapy for severe mental illness. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines and is a member of UCLA’s Ecological Medicine and Psychedelic Studies Initiative. She is an advocate for Racial Equity and Access in Psychedelics and helping HBCU’s develop psychedelic curriculum and centers for research. She is of black, white and Native American descent.

Speaker

Dr. Pamela Kryskow: 

Medical Doctor, Researcher, Medical lead of Roots To Thrive Non Profit, Medical Chair Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Program Vancouver Island University, Founding Board Member Psychedelic Association of Canada, Forest Forager, Kayaker, Gardener

Speaker & Facilitator

Michelle Brewer discovered the potential of psychedelics in 2012 through TJ Dawe's one-man show “Medicine” and has since dedicated her career to psychedelic-assisted therapy. She completed extensive training, including TheraPsil, MAPS, Polaris Insight Center, Integrative Psychiatry Institute, ATMA Journey Centre, Toad School, and Vancouver Island University’s Psychedelic-assisted Therapy Graduate Certificate. Michelle practices as a counsellor focusing on emotional eating, complex trauma, and mindfulness. She is completing a PhD at the University of Victoria and serves on the ethics committee with the Psychedelic Association of Canada.

Speaker & Facilitator

Spencer, CEO of TheraPsil NPO, advocates for therapeutic psychedelics in treating psychological trauma. Inspired by Terrence McKenna, Rick Strassman, and Carl Jung, he promotes responsible drug policy and increased access to compassionate care. Spencer focuses on psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for palliative patients in end-of-life distress.

Speaker

Darek Dawda is a clinical psychologist, MAPS-trained MDMA-Assisted therapists, co-founder of Enhanced Therapy Institute, and hosts MDMA Therapy Podcast, featuring guests such as Gul Dolen, Rick Doblin, and Yasmeen deRosenroll. In 2020, Darek co-organized a global virtual conference, MDMA and Psychedelic Assisted Therapy: Ethics and Law, featuring Rick Doblin and others.

Panelist & Facilitator

Holistic, trauma-focused psychedelic integration psychotherapist, Sound Medicine & Expressive Arts Practitioner, Reiki Master, ceremonialist, and Wild Woman Project Circle Leader.

Speaker & Facilitator

Peg Peters is the Co-Founder of Gathering Groups. Gathering’s transformational group program is delivered as a two night in-person sacred plant retreat, supported by a twelve-week online protocol of education, preparation, and integration. Our model, incorporating western, science-backed theories while rooted in Indigenous wisdom, is designed to maximize connection, resilience, and personal growth.

Panelist & Facilitator

Val is a palliative care and emergency physician working in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. Val is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of British Columbia. Val is certified in psychedelic medicine through the California Institute of Integral Studies and have also received training through Therapsil and Roots to Thrive.

Val has been working in the psychedelic space since 2020 using psilocybin-assisted therapy for palliative patients, navigating the Section 56 Exemption and later, the Special Access Program with a Community of Practice Psilocybin Assisted Therapy program. They have treated 31 patients in a group treatment model and 4 patients individually with psilocybin. They are currently developing a clinical trial to continue providing this service.

Speaker

Bryce (He/They) is a Queer/Non-Binary Nurse Practitioner with a spread of experiences; ranging from emergency medicine, public health, substance use management, and mass gathering event management. He is currently the Day Health Nurse Practitioner for the Dr. Peter Centre in Vancouver where he provides support for people who use substances, including psychedelic support. He also has a private practice where he provides medical consulting services for registered and non-registered providers who want to use psychedelics to treat their clients. He is also one of the Charge nurses for Shambhala Music Festival, which is Canada’s largest psychedelic/harm reduction-focused music festival.

Speaker & Visioning Committee

Director of Training and Operations at TheraPsil, Yasmeen is passionate about human connection, workplace wellness, fitness, and human potential optimization. She is the Co-Founder of Nature of Work, a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, a Pain BC Certified Coach, and a personal trainer in multiple disciplines. Yasmeen knows firsthand the profound impact psychedelic substances can have on trauma. Yasmeen holds a Bachelor of Science with a major in Psychology and a minor in Applied Ethics.

Navigating Safe Touch Workshop & Panellist

Rich, a Registered Psychotherapist, began his career as a mental health and addictions crisis worker. He trained in various psychedelic therapies, including ketamine, cannabis, and psilocybin. Founder of the Kingston Psychedelic Society and co-creator of Neuma, he mentors students and advocates for psychedelic education and harm reduction. Rich is passionate about equity, cultural humility, and self-work.

Facilitator & Movement - Founding Member of PPF

Pauline, MA, RCC, has a passion for embodied presence work, as a certified focusing-oriented therapist and Tai Chi practitioner. She is still amazed by the power of groups and events as a way to learn and deeply connect. Her love of gathering people together is how she got involved as Psychedelic Psychotherapy Forum’s organizer from 2015 through 2022. 

Facilitator

Elana Angus MSW RSW RCC

I’m privileged to work both as a counsellor and as the leader of a clinic of talented professionals. My professional history includes private practice, counselling post-secondary students, and several years as a psychiatric social worker. I’m a white settler on Lekwungen Territory, parent to one child, and in my free time I love to be in the woods and on the ocean.

Speaker & Facilitator

Nicholas is an Ottawa-based human rights lawyer practicing primarily administrative law, which is the law related to government decisions and inaction. He assists healthcare practitioners in preparing Special Access Program requests and s. 56(1) requests for psilocybin. He has also brought numerous applications for judicial review in Federal Court to challenge delays and refusals encountered by those seeking medical access to psilocybin.

Facilitator & Visioning Committee

Erin is an award-winning holistic nutritionist and community wellness educator on the lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh people. A neurodivergent, queer woman from the Jewish diaspora with chronic illness, she is passionate about psychedelics, harm reduction, and wellness. Erin offers 1:1 ceremonies, group programs, and enjoys pottery, yoga, and gardening.

Speaker & Facilitator

Dave is passionate about enhancing health and maximizing potential through teaching, consulting, and coaching. With over 30 years in mental health and two graduate degrees in counseling psychology, he specializes in trauma, PTSD, and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Dave is dedicated to evidence-based practices and workplace wellness.

Disc Jockey

Dr. Houman Farzin is a staff physician at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal and a lecturer at McGill University. He focuses on palliative care, indigenous health, and psychedelic-assisted therapies. He holds degrees from Columbia and UC Berkeley. In his spare time, he enjoys nature, makes music, and performs as a disc jockey.

Panelist

Florence's journey with psychedelic-assisted therapy began in 2021. With the support of TheraPsil, she obtained a groundbreaking exemption from Health Canada and became the first patient in Quebec to benefit from PAT in May 2022. Since then, Florence has undergone several treatments that have profoundly helped her to give back meaning to her life.

Sound Facilitator

Navin Sahjpaul is a Music Therapist (BMT), Certified Yoga Teacher, Artist (Musician, Writer) and is pursuing an M.A of Counselling Degree at City University of Canada, studying to become a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). He is passionate about mental health, community building, and healing. He works in Addictions & Mental Health in Vancouver, BC, and is active in the community with facilitating wellness events and workshops. He holds a BMT from Capilano University and certifications in Yoga, Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy, and MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD from TheraPsil

Facilitator

A willing spokesman for the mushroom kingdom, real-life wizard Tony Ācworth is an active registered herbal therapist (BCHA), educator, entrepreneur and esoteric philosopher living in Brentwood Bay on Vancouver Island. Trained as a medical herbalist, he opened his clinical practice, Woodward Phytotherapy in 2015 around the time he also began teaching herbal medicine and nutrition at Pacific Rim College.

Since the end of 2019, Tony has done everything from formulating for cannabis producers and mushroom start-up companies to designing retreat centres and curriculum for healing with psychedelics. He loves getting involved with new projects that will expand his knowledge base, and allow him to apply his skills wherever possible. Tony actively speaks on the topics of health and wellness, medicinal / functional mushrooms, the benefits of psychedelic medicines and herbs to support psychedelic and traditional therapies. His focus is mental health and addictions; working with personal and family trauma through a holistic lens of addressing body, mind, and spirit.

Facilitator

Dana Harvey is an individual and group facilitator, educator, microdosing coach and community builder in the psychedelic space. She is the founder of The Flourish Academy which provides free weekly psychedelic education to a community of 3.5K on the Clubhouse app and is rebroadcast on the Psychedelic Revelations podcast. She is Head of Communications and Partnership as well as a facilitator with Gathering Groups which offers 2 night psilocybin retreats cushioned by 8 weeks of online preparation and 4 weeks of online integration in small groups. Dana founded Vancouver Women in Psychedelics and the former Sisters in Psychedelics and is a Community Leader for Vancouver’s preeminent psychedelic community, The Flying Sage.

Speaker

John is an ardent supporter of drug policy reform, is the Communications Manager at TheraPsil. He believes the growing acceptance of psychedelics and psychedelic therapy marks a paradigm shift in the treatment of mental health. John focuses each day on doing whatever possible to support the legalization of psychedelic therapy and to help change public perception towards it.

Speaker

Alix brings a wealth of experience and strong passion for the potential to heal the body, mind, and spirit through the help of plant medicines and psychedelics. Alix is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor who is dedicated to supporting others through their healing process.

With a professional background in marketing for nonprofits and charities, account management, and project management, Alix spearheads TheraPsil's Patient Intake department. She also plays a pivotal role in TheraPsil's growing community of healthcare practitioners.