Misconceptions

Julia T. Woodward, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Obstetrics & Gynecology in the Duke University Health System. She has directed the Patient Support Program at the Duke Fertility Center for over 20 years. Clinically, she specializes in working with patients facing infertility, pregnancy loss, third-party reproduction, fertility preservation, and perinatal mood disorders. She trains Clinical Psychology PhD students, Predoctoral Interns, and Postdoctoral Fellows as well as REI Fellows and OBGYN residents in the psychosocial aspects of reproductive medicine.

She has held multiple committee leadership positions in the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, is the current Chair of the Scientific Development Committee and previously served on the Executive Council for the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). She serves as an Associate Editor for Human Reproduction. She publishes regularly and lectures internationally on the psychosocial aspects of reproductive medicine, integration of mental health services into fertility care teams, and later-life parenting.

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Elan Javanfard, M.A., LMFT is a licensed psychotherapist, professor, author, and thought leader in the fields of mental health, mindfulness, and crisis care. He currently serves as Senior Director at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, where he focuses on behavioral health redesign and systems-level transformation to improve care for individuals experiencing mental illness, suicidal ideation, and emotional distress.

With over a decade of experience, Elan has provided clinical services in diverse settings, including community-based clinics serving individuals with chronic and severe mental illness. His integrative therapeutic approach emphasizes present-focused discovery, mind-body awareness, and the reintegration of the whole self. He has completed extensive clinical training in multiple evidence-based modalities such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Seeking Safety, Crisis Oriented Recovery Services (CORS), Narrative Family Therapy, and PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills).

He holds advanced certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), and Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk. Elan is also an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at both Pepperdine University and Touro University, where he lectures on a wide range of topics including evidence-based clinical practices, mindfulness, and suicide prevention.

In addition to his academic and clinical work, he is a national speaker and educator, regularly presenting to mental health professionals, faith-based communities, and leadership groups. He is a published author and the creator of Psycho-Spiritual Insights: Exploring Parasha & Psychology, a weekly blog that bridges Jewish thought and psychological wisdom. A respected voice in both clinical and spiritual spaces, Elan blends his expertise in psychotherapy with deep cultural and religious understanding. Elan is a member of the Board of Directors of the Crisis Residential Association, helping shape policy and innovation in alternatives to hospitalization.

He lives in the Pico-Robertson community of Los Angeles with his wife and three children.

To learn more or get in touch, visit www.elanjavanfard.com, email [email protected], or call 424-256-6546.

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Andrea is a mother of two and a therapist with 11 years of experience. She specializes in working with people in pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood, specifically in using EMDR and IFS to help empower them on their journeys toward healing from trauma and finding peace in their relationships with food and body. Andrea has her own private psychotherapy practice, Wetterau Wellness, provides IFS-informed EMDR consultation to fellow therapists, and loves spending her free time with friends and family.

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Ruthie Arbit, LICSW, MA is a seasoned therapist, educator, and national leader in the treatment of perinatal and pediatric mental health. She is the Founder and Director of Arbit Counseling — a psychotherapy and pharmacology practice based in Washington, D.C., with specialized expertise in family mental health. Ruthie teaches, writes, and contributes to mental health research; she has been published in a number of acclaimed publications and presents at national conferences. She is also on the Board of Washington DC's Postpartum Support International Chapter. Arbit Counseling offers trauma-informed, evidence-based care for families navigating a range of mental health challenges and parenting concerns. The team consists of award-winning authors, clinicians, and researchers who bring extensive expertise in gold-standard, evidence-based modalities—including CBT, ERP, EMDR, Circle of Security, SPACE, and more.

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Karen Simms, MAMFT, LMHC, is a seasoned consultant, trainer, facilitator, and coach with over 30 years of experience in building trauma-informed, healing-centered, and equitable systems and communities. She is the founder of Trauma & Resilience Initiative, Inc. (TRI) a not for profit that trains, educates, advocates for, and promotes resilience and justice for individuals, families, organizations, and communities. TRI works to reduce the impact of adverse community experiences by healing and repairing those who have been impacted by trauma; and equipping organizations, communities, and providers to be trauma and justice informed.

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Part II of NICU Trauma. Toby Tabak is a mother and nonprofit leader whose work is shaped by lived experience and deep community engagement. She serves as a director at Yad Rachel / Project Ima, supporting maternal mental health through education, advocacy, and compassionate care. She is a co-founder of WeeCare Preemies and WILLPOWER, a coalition of women in leadership roles in Lakewood

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Naomi Rosenkranz is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in grief and reproductive mental health, including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, infertility, perinatal and infant loss, birth trauma, and pregnancy after loss. She earned her B.A. in Biology from Yeshiva University, along with an M.S. in Neuroscience and an M.S.Ed. in Marriage and Family Therapy, both from the University of Miami. Naomi has facilitated support groups for families who have suffered perinatal and infant loss through Postpartum Support International and The Children's Bereavement Center, as well as a general grief support group for Temple Beth Am. Additionally, she provides bereavement care consultation for volunteers working with NICU families.

Naomi has also served as the lead Florida coordinator for Postpartum Support International. Currently, Naomi runs a private practice in Miami, where she continues to support families through her expertise in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, infertility, and bereavement care.

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Patience Riley, LPC, PMH-C, is a perinatal mental health specialist who bridges the gap between clinical expertise and somatic wellness. With 14 years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Patience offers a multifaceted approach to healing by weaving together her roles as a therapist, RETAIN Parental Leave Coach, and 200 HR Registered Yoga Teacher specializing in prenatal care. Patience's career is defined by her work in high-impact settings, including psychiatric hospitals, crisis intervention, and military installations.

As a military spouse, she brings a deeply personal understanding of the unique challenges facing service members and their families. Patience channels this dedication into her roles on the PSI Georgia Board and PSI Military Task Force, working to ensure every family—military and civilian alike—has access to the specialized support they deserve. In her private practice, Patience primarily supports clients during the perinatal period through individual therapy, yoga, and mental wellness workshops in her community.

Her commitment to accessible mental health services and somatic healing is further reflected in her role leading PSI's Yoga for Pregnant & Postpartum Parents and her work as a member of the PSI Training Faculty and PSI's Alliance for People of Color. Patience has spoken for organizations such as the Wall Street Journal Podcast, the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, the Service Women Action Network, and the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance. Her insights have been featured in Vanity Fair London and Vogue Singapore, and she was the cover story of Military Families Magazine. She has also contributed to the CDC's #HowRightNow campaign, Military Spouse Magazine, and Wounded Warrior Project. Outside of her advocacy and clinical work, Patience is a creative, foodie, and ""plant mom"" who loves a good festival. She loves doing life with her college sweetheart and their two sons.

Her Website Individual therapy: GA & NE residents Yoga: National & international www.whoamamas.com email: [email protected]

Military Resources: Military OneSource: Support for Military Personnel & Their Families Military OneSource Counseling New Military Parent Specialty Consultation Military Family Life Counselor Program

Postpartum Support International Military Resources and support group Telemynd: virtual mental health care MMHLA: Military, Veteran Women, and Maternal Mental Health Fact Sheet Military Reach: accessible and practical research for military families

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Rachel Hercman, LCSW is a psychotherapist, educator, and mental health content creator specializing in relationships, intimacy, and trauma. She has a private practice in Manhattan and Monsey, as well as telehealth. She brings depth, clarity, and real conversation to the topics we don't talk about enough.

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Andrea is a mother of two and a therapist with 11 years of experience. She specializes in working with people in pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood, specifically in using EMDR and IFS to help empower them on their journeys toward healing from trauma and finding peace in their relationships with food and body. Andrea has her own private psychotherapy practice, Wetterau Wellness, provides IFS-informed EMDR consultation to fellow therapists, and loves spending her free time with friends and family.

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