AAPB Annual Meeting Presenter Bios
Thank you to our presenters for sharing their subject matter knowledge and expertise so generously!
Presenters are listed alphabetically by last name.
DISCLAIMER: Presenter bios are published as submitted to AAPB. AAPB does not edit or correct.
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Judith Andersen, PhD
Associate Professor, University of Toronto
Dr. Judith P. Andersen is an Associate Professor in Psychological and Brain Science at the University of Toronto, Mississauga and Director of the HART Lab. Her research identifies biological mechanisms linking acute and chronic stress to health and performance in high-risk populations and has developed HRVB interventions for first responders exposed to trauma and post-traumatic stress injury. Her work appears in Nature Reviews Psychology, Psychoneuroendocrinology, Psychosomatic Medicine, Health Psychology, and AAPB among other journals. She is a former Associate Editor of the British Journal of Health Psychology and co-author of the leading textbook, Health Psychology (2026). More at hartlab.net.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Ben Athman
Ben is a Student Researcher in our lab who has been a Truman Center for Applied Psychophysiology team member since Fall 2025. Ben Athman will co-present the oral paper "Slow-Paced Contraction Increases HRV But Not Peripheral Blood Flow.”
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Peter Behel, MA, BCB
Autonomic Rehab Specialist, Kaiser Permanente
Peter Behel is a autonomic rehab specialist who first began treating chronic patients in 1987. His early work was profiled in the 1997 No. # 1 New York Times bestseller, 8 Weeks to Optimum Health by Andrew Weil, MD. Peter was a member of the Board of Directors as well as the President of the Biofeedback Society of California and he has been a professional practitioner for pain management programs at St. Helena Hospital and Kaiser Permanente, where He is currently treating stress-related chronic pain and chronic disease referrals. Peter taught the course “Biofeedback, Stress Management and Somatic Psychology” at Sonoma State University for several years. In 2023 Peter became Chairperson of the Biofeedback in Rehabilitation Medicine Task Force of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM). He is the author of several peer-reviewed scientific articles on applied autonomic regulation, and he continues to make presentations on chronic pain and autonomic dysfunction.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Matt Bennett, MA, MBA
Owner, Optimal HRV
Matt Bennett is a founder of Optimal HRV (optimalhrv.com) and president of the nonprofit, Optimal Innovation Group (optimalinnovationgroup.org). Matt’s passion manifests in his books, including his most recent publications, Heart Rate Variability: The Future of Trauma-Informed Care and The Heart(beat) of Business, as well as his Heart Rate Variability Podcast. Matt combines his master’s degrees in psychology and business administration with his practical experience as a therapist and leader to develop research-based solutions and trainings to improve the health of individuals, staff, organizations, and systems.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has financial interest to disclose
Commercial Entity: Optimal HRV
Nature of Relations: Owner
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Linda Bolin, PhD, RN, BCB, FAHA
Associate Professor, PhD Program Director, Interim Chair, Department of Nursing Science, East Carolina University
Dr. Linda Bolin has extensive clinical experience in primary and acute care settings of adults with cardiovascular disease. She has served as a clinical research coordinator for multiple clinical trials at major teaching institutions and worked within multidisciplinary teams to successfully complete the trials. Her research primarily focuses on the emotional well-being and both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. She investigates the various factors influencing disease processes and the ways individuals manage their health. As a qualified Adult Nurse Practitioner and Biofeedback Provider, she integrates various interventions to enhance the overall health and quality of life of individuals. Certified in Biofeedback by the BCIA, she is also a distinguished Fellow of the American Heart Association. Currently, she holds the position of Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing Science and is the Assistant Program Director for the PhD program at the College of Nursing, East Carolina University.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interests to disclose
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Harry Brubaker, MS Psy, M.Ed, BCN, QEEGD
Consultant, Bryn Athyn College
Harry W. Brubaker (Bill), a veteran and retired mathematics teacher, has been active in neurofeedback (NFB) since 2008. He holds BCN and QEEG-D certifications. Bill specialized in coherence training and served as lead therapist at the Autism Treatment Center of Newtown Square, PA, focusing on children and adolescents. Post-COVID, he consults for practitioners, psychologists and professors on QEEG and NFB education, and helped develop The Doering Research Center at Bryn Athyn College. His research includes co-authoring a Harvard/MIT-sponsored paper on Google Glasses for ASD, NIR therapy studies in Alzheimer's, and current projects on photobiomodulation for ADHD and virtual reality.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has financial interest to disclose
Commercial Entity: Brainmaster Technologies
Nature of Relations: Owner
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Rex Cannon, PhD, BCN
Clinical Neuroscientist and Board-certified Neurofeedback Clinician, CEO Currents
Rex L. Cannon, PhD, BCN, is a clinical neuroscientist and board-certified neurofeedback clinician specializing in source-resolved EEG, self-regulation, and translational neurotechnology. He is Editor-in-Chief of NeuroRegulation and has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications on neurofeedback, addiction, developmental risk, and brain–behavior relationships. Dr. Cannon’s recent work applies large-scale semantic modeling, machine learning, and network analysis to audit psychiatric and neuroscientific literatures, challenging long-standing assumptions about neurotransmitters, genetics, and treatment mechanisms. He is the founder of Currents and NeuroAI, where he develops clinically grounded, data-driven neurotechnology platforms.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has financial interests to disclose
Commercial Entity: Currents/NeuroAi - Truth Scaffold Field Audit System
Nature of Relations: Owner/Researcher
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Samuel Chen
Samuel Chen is a Shift Leader in our lab who has been a Truman Center for Applied Psychophysiology team member since Spring 2024. Samuel Chen will co-present the oral paper "Slow-Paced Contraction Increases HRV But Not Peripheral Blood Flow."
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Thomas F. Collura, PhD, MSMHC, QEEG-D, BCN, NCC, LPCC
Clinical Director/Brain Enrichment Center
Thomas F. Collura, PhD, MSMHC, QEEG-D, BCN, NCC, LPCC, is Clinical Director at the Brain Enrichment Center. He holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering (Neuroscience focus) from Case Western Reserve University, undergraduate degrees in Philosophy and Biology from Brown University, and a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. Formerly on staff at the Cleveland Clinic Department of Neurology and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, he is board-certified in Quantitative EEG and Neurofeedback. Author of “Technical Foundations of Neurofeedback,” past president of ISNR and AAPB, and a BCIA-certified mentor, Dr. Collura provides counseling, neurofeedback services, and directs research.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has financial interest to diclose
Commercial Entity: BrainMaster
Nature of Relations: Founder/Owner
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Isaac Compton
BS Psychology Student, Truman State University
Isaac Compton is an undergraduate psychology major with minors in statistics and French at Truman State University, where he serves as Lab Manager for the Lab for Applied Psychophysiology. He supervises over 30 research assistants and has presented heart rate variability research at national and international conferences, including the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback annual meetings and the Biofeedback Federation of Europe. Beyond research, Isaac leads the Blue Key Honor Society as President, captains the university water polo club, and performs violin with the Truman Symphony Orchestra. He expects to complete his Bachelor of Arts in April 2026.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interests to disclose
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Louis Damis, PhD, ABPP, BCIA, FASCH
Integrative Health Psychology, PA
Dr. Damis is a Diplomate with the American Board of Professional Psychology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Clinical Health Psychology, the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance, and the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. He is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the UCF College of Medicine and an ESTI-accredited Ego State Therapist. Dr. Damis is a licensed psychologist who maintains a private practice and is an instructor, author, and consultant.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Frank DeGregorio, DEC
Technical Service/Support Director, Though Technology
Frank DeGregorio has a Diplôme d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) in Computer Science and Networking and a Certificate as a Programming Analyst. The Technical Service/Support Director at Thought Technology has high-level troubleshooting and computer knowledge. He has over 30 years of experience at Thought Technology. In addition, he has over 15 years of experience teaching BioGraph workshops with Lynda Thompson, PhD, and had the opportunity to attend a wide variety of workshops held by clinicians such as the late Dr. Barry Sterman, Dr. Tanju Surmeli, Dr. Vietta Sue Wilson, Dr. Erik Peper, Dr. Richard Gevirtz, and Dr. Don Moss. Frank's extensive knowledge of all the product software and hardware offered by Thought Technology gives him the unique ability to help participants use it effectively.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has financial interest to disclose
Commercial Entity: Thought technology, Successful Practitioner
Nature of Relations: Employee
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Melanie Dorion, MSN, AGNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Melanie Dorion, MSN, APRN, is an Integrative and Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of experience supporting adults and older adults in the prevention, reversal, and management of chronic and complex conditions. Her work integrates functional medicine, lifestyle optimization, and advanced therapies—including peptides, IV nutrient therapy, and personalized nutrition—to restore vitality and support long-term health sovereignty. Her background bridges nursing, naturopathic, and clinical research perspectives. She studied Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University and earned her Nurse Practitioner degree from Seattle University, with advanced training in geriatrics, obesity medicine, nutrition, exercise science, herbal medicine, and genetics. Her clinical work is informed by both professional expertise and lived experience in reversing chronic fatigue. A former professional cyclist for the Canadian National Team, she brings a unique understanding of performance, recovery, and resilience. In addition to chronic illness care, she has worked with athletes, executives, and high performers to optimize focus, energy, and cognitive resilience through evidence-based performance and precision medicine. She has contributed extensively to professional education, including teaching with Pentad Integrative Health, co-hosting the To Your Health radio show, and presenting for organizations such as Genova Diagnostics, A4M, Biohealth Congress FIM, and Mary Baldwin University. Her current work centers on advancing innovative, collaborative models of integrative, preventive, and performance-focused care.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has financial interest to doisclose.
Commercial Entity: Melanie is a general contractor and doesn’t have any other
affiliation with the companies that hire her
Nature of Relations: Guest speaker for testing companies
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Michelle Drapkin, PhD
Director, CBT Center
Michelle Drapkin, PhD, ABPP, is a board-certified clinical psychologist and behavior change expert with over 20 years of experience translating psychological science into practical tools for real life. She is the Founder and Director of the CBT Center, where she provides evidence-based treatment, consultation, and training grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and process-based approaches. Dr. Drapkin is a long-time Motivational Interviewing trainer and has been a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) for nearly 20 years. She is also a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (ACBT). Her background spans industry, academia, and federal service, including Johnson & Johnson, the University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers University, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. She is the author of The Motivational Interviewing Path to Personal Change: The Essential Workbook for Creating the Life You Want. Her work focuses on helping people make meaningful, values-aligned changes through effective communication, motivation, and psychological flexibility. She also consults with healthcare and digital health organizations and delivers trainings and workshops for clinicians, leaders, and organizations.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Seth L. Enos, ND, BCB, EMT-P
Naturopathic physician and biofeedback therapist, Adolescent Medicine Department at Seattle Children's Hospital
Seth L. Enos, ND, BCB, EMT-P is a naturopathic physician and biofeedback therapist currently working in the Adolescent Medicine Department at Seattle Children's Hospital. He focuses on a diverse pediatric patient population presenting with concerns including chronic headache/migraine, functional gastritis, musculoskeletal pain, and other chronic pain. His residency was completed in primary care and naturopathic medicine. He is also affiliated at Bastyr University as an adjunct faculty member. Prior experiences include primary care private practice, international and remote medicine, as well as public health for low and no-income populations.
Financial Disclosure: No, this presenter has no financial interest to disclose.
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Jessica Eure, M.Ed, Ed.S., LPC, BCN, BCB, QEEG-DL
Mental Health Counselor /Virginia Center for Neurofeedback, Attachment & Trauma
Jessica has nearly 20 years’ experience with neurofeedback , having attended 40+ neurofeedback, EEG and QEEG continuing education lectures and training courses since 2004. She earned a Master’s Degree (MEd, EdS) in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Virginia in 2007 and became a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia in 2009. She is co-founder of the Virginia Center for Neurofeedback, Attachment & Trauma. Jessica offers BCIA-approved one-on-one and group mentoring to practitioners pursuing board certification in neurofeedback and recently began offering IQCB-approved mentoring for those pursuing board certification in QEEG.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interests to disclose
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Nate Ewigman, PhD, BCB
Clinical Psychologist, Private Practice
Nate Ewigman is a licensed clinical health psychologist in California, practicing privately and specializing in the integration of biofeedback with evidence-based psychotherapies to improve top-down cognitive and emotional responding. In addition to direct patient care, he enjoys writing, mentoring, and teaching about biofeedback and mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches. His primary professional obsession is understanding how psychophysiology can advance clinical models of stress recovery, with the ultimate goal of promoting skillful and ethical responsivity.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Maria Fernanda Carriel, MPH
Doctoral Trainee/Research Assistant
Maria Fernanda Carriel is a doctoral student studying Clinical Psychology at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Being an international student from Ecuador, she is passionate about serving Hispanic/Latin American communities. As a Master in Public Health, she looks forward to working with diverse, underserved populations to provide needed, dignified, and empathetic care. As a therapist, her practice will include a cultural appreciation and humility approach to best address the inequities present in the current mental health system.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interests to disclose
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Alice Fiduccia, Clinical Psychologist, PhD Candidate
University of Parma
Alice Fiduccia, MSc, is a clinical psychologist and PhD candidate in Molecular Medicine at the University of Parma, working within the Clinical Psychology, Psychophysiology, and Neuropsychology laboratories. Her research focuses on multidimensional assessment of work-related stress, integrating psychological measures, autonomic markers (HRV, EDA), and biofeedback interventions, with particular attention to interpersonal and relational stress. She is currently developing the STRESS LESS project, including a digital app for personalized stress management. She collaborates internationally on interpersonal biofeedback approaches and is actively involved in academic teaching, research dissemination, and applied occupational health projects.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has financial interest to dosclose.
Commercial Entity: Neosin Studio (Engineering and Digital Solutions Company)
Nature of Relations: The STRESS LESS project is funded by the European Union and co-financed by Neosin Studio, which provides engineering and technological support for the development and future commercialization of the STRESS LESS digital application. Neosin Studio is involv
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Katie Fleischman, PhD
Pediatric Psychologist , Boston Children's Hospital
Katie Fleischman, PhD, is a pediatric psychologist at Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology, Balance and Vestibular Program and an Instructor at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Fleischman specializes in vestibular and pain research, assessment, and treatment of children and adolescents with acute and chronic medical conditions. Currently, she is conducting research, teaching, and providing consultation, psychotherapy, and biofeedback to youth with PPPD (Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness), BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal positional vertigo), tinnitus, vestibular migraines, headaches, and post-concussive syndrome. Dr. Fleischman serves on the AAPB editorial board and has presented on the topic of vestibular disorders, pediatric pain, concussions, and migraines at numerous institutions and conferences.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Richard Gevirtz, PhD
Distinguished Professor of Psychology, CSPP@Alliant International University-San Diego
Dr. Richard Gevirtz is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego. He has been in involved in research and clinical work in applied psychophysiology and biofeedback for the last 30 years and was the president of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 2006-2007. His primary research interests are in understanding the physiological and psychological mediators involved in disorders such as chronic muscle pain, fibromyalgia, and gastrointestinal pain. In this vein, he has studied applications of heart rate variability biofeedback for anxiety, pain, gastrointestinal, cardiac rehabilitation and other disorders. He is the author of many journal articles and chapters on these topics. He also maintains a part time clinical practice treating patients with anxiety and stress related disorders.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose.
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JP Ginsberg, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Columbia Neuropsychology Service LLC
Dr. Ginsberg is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist/Neuropsychologist in Columbia, SC. He retired from practice at the VA hospital in 2019 and is a Research Associate Professor at School of Medicine, University of South Carolina and Adjunct Faculty at Saybrook University. Dr. Ginsberg has been a PI, Co-PI or Co-I on research grants from the DoD, VA, and NIH studying heart rate variability (HRV) and HRV biofeedback in patients with either chronic pain or PTSD. Currently he is collaborating or consulting with researchers at several universities. Dr. Ginsberg has advocated for self-empowered integrative management of chronic pain and PTSD using autonomic self-regulation as a mind-body treatment for over 20 years. He authored or co-authored more than 75 peer reviewed scientific publications, chapters, and abstracts; served as a scientist reviewer of research grant proposals and edited or reviewed numerous published scientific articles; and given invited presentations on HRV and HRVB at scientific meetings, academic seminars, and webinars.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Jennifer Glacel, LCSW, RPT-S
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Seven Corners Psychotherapy
Jennifer Glacel is the owner of Seven Corners Psychotherapy in Falls Church, Virginia. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a registered Play Therapist – Supervisor. An autistic therapist skilled in working with children, teens and adults, Jenn works with autistic clients to help them understand and trust themselves so they can thrive as well as with parents to help them understand their children and themselves. In addition to clinical work, Jenn works with other clinicians, through training and supervision to help them understand neurodivergence, examine internalized ableism, and increase play therapy skills using symbols and sandplay in therapy with clients of all ages. Jenn presents at conferences nationwide and, in 2024, co-founded the Seven Corners Psychotherapy Supervision and Training Institute. Jenn is also a co-founder of WING (www.wing-dmv.com), a group of clinicians dedicated to providing resources as well as non-clinical and affordable education and community that centers neurodivergent folks and their needs in the Washington DC metropolitan area.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Polaris Gonzalez Barrios, PhD, MSc
Assistant Professor, University of PR Medical Sciences Campus
Dr. Polaris Gonzalez Barrios is a Clinical Psychologist and an early-career researcher who is currently focused on expanding clinical-translational research for perinatal and early childhood populations. She has been trained as an evidence-based psychotherapist for anxiety disorders in Centers that aim to culturally adapt interventions for adult populations. For the past two years, she has expanded her research skill set through a collaborative MPI-NIMHD pilot clinical trial testing biofeedback interventions to reduce stress in adults at risk of cardiovascular disease. Her goal is to translate this intervention to mother-child dyads with risk of stress and fear-related psychopathologies.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interests to disclose
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Valen Gosnell
Valen Gosnell is a Shift Leader in our lab who has been a Truman Center for Applied Psychophysiology team member since Fall 2024. Valen Gosnell will co-present the oral paper "One Size Does Not Fit All: The Case Against Blanket Ln Transformations."
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Penijean Gracefire, LMHC, QEEGD, BCN
Founder, Brainstar Innovations
Penijean Gracefire has over nine years of experience in neurotherapy, working with high-risk populations. She spent two years as a cognitive behavioral therapist at the Center for Rational Living, rehabilitating DUI and drug offenders while training new therapists. She served as Clinical Services Director at CNS Wellness of Tampa Bay, using neurofeedback and CBT for ASD, anxiety, depression, TBI, substance abuse, ADHD, and OCD. Recently, she's worked as a clinical consultant and trainer. She joined StressTherapy Solutions as clinical consultant and educational coordinator, advocating integrated approaches to address neurophysiological factors. Her research focuses on improving neural connectivity in compromised individuals.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interests to disclose
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Ben Grandstaff
BS Candidate, Truman State University
Ben Grandstaff is an Assistant Lab Manager in our lab who has been a Truman Center for Applied Psychophysiology team member since Fall 2023. Ben Grandstaff will co-present the oral paper "One Size Does Not Fit All: The Case Against Blanket Ln Transformations."
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interests to disclose
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Ashley Greene, ND, BCB
Naturopathic physician and biofeedback therapist, Adolescent Medicine Department at Seattle Children's Hospital.
Ashley Greene, ND, BCB is a naturopathic physician and biofeedback therapist who applies mind–body interventions to support individuals with chronic and functional pain. She practices in the Adolescent Medicine Department at Seattle Children's Hospital, using self-regulation–based approaches to manage headache disorders, abdominal pain, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. She completed a residency in integrative psychiatry and naturopathic medicine, providing care in inpatient and intensive outpatient settings for adolescents and young adults. Dr. Greene also collaborates with Float Seattle, a leader in floatation-REST, supporting approaches that promote autonomic regulation, stress reduction, and recovery.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose.
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Richard Harvey, PhD
Assistant Professor, San Francisco State University
Richard Harvey has a PhD for the UC Irvine Social Ecology program. His research includes developing stress-redpsychological courage and hardiness. Before teaching at SF State he was a research fellow at the UC Irvine TransCenter for fi ve years, developed and ran the UC Irvine Counseling Center Biofeedback and Stress Management PChild and Adolescent Health Research Analyst in Orange County. He is the co-chair of the American Public HealtComplementary Health Practices Special Interest Group, as well as a board member of the Biofeedback Society Psychological Association. He has published in the areas of biofeedback, stress and computer-related disorderspsychology of hardiness and courage.
Financial Disclosure: No, this presenter has no financial interest to disclose.
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Anna Hayburn, PsyD
Psychologist, Cleveland Clinic
Anna Hayburn, PsyD, has been the psychologist for the Neuromuscular Center at Cleveland Clinic for the past 4 years. She completed her doctoral training at Wright State University and completed her internship and residency at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center where she received training in biofeedback while with the Headache/Polytrauma Clinic and Pain Clinic. She utilizes biofeedback and somatic therapy techniques for various autonomic and neurological conditions, such as dysautonomia, POTS, vasovagal syncope, long COVID, Post-Concussion Syndrome, Functional Neurological Disorders, and neuropathic pain conditions.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Tracy Heller, PhD, CMPC, BCB, CBBA
Sport Psychologist, KBR
Dr. Tracy Heller specializes in helping individuals optimize their mindset in order to perform at their highest level in every situation. She is excited to provide services to individuals and groups that are motivated to move to the next level of success. From the time that she worked with a sport psychologist as a teenager, Tracy knew that this was the career for her. She is enthusiastic about providing innovative services using cutting edge skills and techniques that are supported by research. The tips and strategies from the field of performance psychology can help individuals breakthrough performance slumps, gain a sharper edge, and advance past their status quo both on and off the field.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interests to disclose
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Tim Herzog, EdD, LCP, CMPC, BCB
Licensed Psychologist, Reaching Ahead Counseling and Mental Performance
Tim Herzog, EdD, CMPC, BCB is a Licensed Psychologist in Virginia and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland, DC, Rhode Island, North Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Montana. He works with athletes nationally and internationally through his Annapolis-based practice, Reaching Ahead, and has worked full-time abroad in Barcelona, Spain and Marseille, France. A Fellow of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, he served over a decade on its Ethics Committee. Herzog is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, listed on the USOC Sport Psychology and Mental Health Registries, and is Board Certified in Biofeedback.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Neil Hughes, Executive Coach
N-SCP
Neil Hughes is an autistic health educator, corporate culture and wellness--curriculum developer, and neuro executive coach. Working with top level executives to build neurosafe workspaces from a neurodiversity framework. Neil is also invested in supporting the development of truly affordable high-quality neurofeedback for everyone who needs help ranging from those top level executives to the Federally Disabled and everyone in between.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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David Ims, PhD
President, Chesapeake Neuro-Behavioral Health
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, David provides psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapy to patients with a wide range of diagnosed mental health conditions. He is a Board-Certified Quantitative EEG Diplomate. He has 10 years of experience in EEG, QEEG, and neurofeedback.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Inna Khazan, PhD, BCB
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Certified Biofeedback Specialist, Harvard Medical School/Boston Center for Health Psychology and Biofeedback
Inna Khazan, PhD, BCB, is a faculty member at Harvard Medical School, where she teaches and supervises trainees. She is a clinical psychologist specializing in health psychology and performance excellence training using biofeedback and mindfulness-based approaches. Dr. Khazan is the founder of Boston Center for Health Psychology and Biofeedback, working with clients on optimizing their health and performance. She also serves as chief science officer for Optimal HRV, a company dedicated to helping people improve their mental and physical health. Recognized as a pioneer in mindfulness-based biofeedback, Dr. Khazan is a popular speaker at national and international conferences on the topics of biofeedback and mindfulness. She has conducted biofeedback and mindfulness trainings for notable institutions in the US and abroad, including the US Navy Special Warfare, US Army Special Forces, and the Stuttgart Opera and Ballet Company. Dr. Khazan serves as president of the board of directors for the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB), chair elect for Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA), and is past-president of the board of directors for the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy (IMP). Dr. Khazan writes for Psychology today, is the author of numerous journal articles and several books, including the highly-regarded Clinical Handbook of Biofeedback: A Step-by-Step Guide to Training and Practice with Mindfulness, the popular Biofeedback and Mindfulness in Everyday Life: Practical Solutions for Improving Your Health and Performance, and the most recent The Heart(beat) of Business: Positioning Heart Rate Variability as a Competitive Advantage. She is also lead editor for the newly released 4th edition of Evidence-Based practice in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has financial Interest to disclose
Commercial Entity: Optimal HRV
Nature of Relations: Chief Science Officer
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Anu Kotay, PhD
Clinical Health Psychologist, Kaiser Permanente
Anu Kotay, PhD, is a clinical health psychologist with advanced training in biofeedback, mindfulness, and self-hypnosis. Dr. Kotay has been board-certified in biofeedback since 2004 and regularly presents on the uses of clinical biofeedback to improve the quality of life for people with functional medical disorders, unexplained physical symptoms, and other chronic illnesses. Her academic work has focused on contextualizing somatic complaints, racial and cultural health inequities, and HRV biofeedback. She currently works as the manager of biofeedback and acupuncture services at Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Pain Medicine.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interests to disclose
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Lisa V. Kusch, M.Sc., B.Ed., SBT
Psychotherapist, Conspire Health
Lisa V. Kusch, MSc, is a psychotherapist and applied breathing sciences specialist with over 28 years of experience in mental health and psychophysiological practice. She holds a Master of Science in Applied Breathing Sciences and a Bachelor of Education. Lisa is the founder of Conspire Health, where she applies a breath-first psychophysiology framework integrating capnometry, HRV, and behavioral learning to support durable self-regulation across clinical and performance contexts. Her work focuses on improving assessment validity, learning durability, and outcome interpretation in biofeedback practice.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Mehdi Kushkestani,
PhD Candidate/Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Mehdi Kushkestani, MSc, is a PhD candidate in Kinesiology and Applied Physiology at Rutgers University, where his research focuses on cardiovascular physiology, autonomic regulation, and signal-based diagnostics. His work integrates heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure dynamics, and advanced analytical approaches to understand autonomic nervous system adaptation during breathing-based interventions. Mehdi has extensive experience analyzing large ECG datasets from NIH-funded studies and has published over 28 peer-reviewed articles spanning cardiovascular physiology, aging, physical activity, and disease prevention. He has trained internationally as an Erasmus+ visiting scholar at the University of Coimbra and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams in applied psychophysiology, exercise science, and digital health. His current research emphasizes resonance-paced breathing, ultra-short-window HRV analysis, and dynamic autonomic assessment to improve the precision and applicability of biofeedback interventions. Mehdi is a recipient of multiple research and travel awards, including support from the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Paul Lehrer, PhD
Professor Emeritus, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Dr. Lehrer was trained in intensive progressive relaxation by its originator, Edmund Jacobson. He has done research and clinical practice using this method for over 50 years. He is past president of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, and has published nearly 200 papers, mostly on relaxation and biofeedback methods. In addition to his work with progressive relaxation, he has developed the method of heart rate variability biofeedback and published widely on the topic. He is senior editor of the widely used text, Principles and Practice ofStress Management, now in its 4th edition, describing history, rationale, clinical practice, and research on empirically validated methods. He is the past editor in chief of the journal, Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Michael Linden, PhD
Licensed Psychologist, UC Irvine Samuel Integrative Health Institute & Attention Learning Center
Dr. Michael Linden is a licensed psychologist and nationally certified biofeedback and neurofeedback therapist. He completed his post-doctorate training at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center, his Bachelors at University of Miami and has over 40 years of experience specializing in assessment and treatment of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Based on quantitative EEG (QEEG) research, he identified six autism subtypes and two Asperger syndrome types, work described as improving neurofeedback outcomes for ASD. He has participated in multi-site studies examining QEEG-guided neurofeedback, including effects on connectivity measures and diffusion tensor imaging in students with ASD. Dr. Linden has presented on QEEG and neurofeedback applications for ASD, ADHD, concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI), including at the 2012 Summer Olympics, University of Madrid, Peking University and at AAPB, ISNR and BFE. He is an editor and author of Applications of Biofeedback and Neurofeedback in Sport Psychology. He has also been involved in research on the theta/beta ratio in ADHD and is credited with publishing the first controlled neurofeedback study in ADHD.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Richard J. McAlister, DC, DAAPM, BCN, QEEG-DL
President, Integrative NeuroTherapy, LLC
Dr. Richard J. McAlister, DC, is a licensed Chiropractic Physician and American Chiropractic Neurology Board candidate with private practice since 1980. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic from New York Chiropractic College (1979) and a diploma in Clinical Neuroscience from the Carrick Institute (2016). Board certified in Neurofeedback (BCN-Fellow, BCIA mentor), Quantitative EEG (QEEG-DL, mentor), and a Diplomate in Pain Management (DAAPM). In 2014, he founded Integrative NeuroTherapy LLC in East Brunswick, NJ, focusing on evidence-based brain-body wellness. He teaches QEEG and neurofeedback worldwide as a certified instructor for Stress Therapy Solutions, Inc., and conducts clinical research.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interests to disclose
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Angele McGrady, PhD
Professor, University of Toledo Medical Center
Dr. McGrady received her BS from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, her Masters in Physiology from Michigan State University, her PhD in Biology and her MEd in Counseling from the University of Toledo. She is a licensed counselor, a certified provider of biofeedback services and holds a sports counseling certificate. Currently Dr. McGrady is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toledo Medical Center (UTMC), where she also maintains a practice in counseling, biofeedback and stress management. Dr. McGrady’s professional activities include: Past President of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback and past Associate Editor of the international journal “Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback”. She reviews for several major journals. Dr. McGrady has extensive experience in teaching medical, nursing, physician assistant, graduate students and medical residents. She has designed resiliency programs for medical students, medical residents and more recently sports psychology interventions for college level athletes. Her curriculum vita lists 95 peer reviewed articles and book chapters. She lectures at scientific meetings and locally in her community on topics related to stress and stress management. Her first book “Pathways to Illness, Pathways to Health” with Donald Moss Ph.D. was released in 2013 by Springer. Her second book, also with Dr. Moss, details an integrative mind body spirit approach to chronic illness and was published by Springer in 2018.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Dylan McKay, MSc Student
Buckinghamshire New University
Dylan McKay is the Founder and Director of RenderSafe LLP, specialising in high-risk training, capability development, and human performance optimisation for defense, security, and emergency services. A former Commissioned Officer in the New Zealand Army, he served primarily as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Commander within New Zealand Special Forces (NZSAS), with expertise in Assault Improvised Explosive Device Disposal, advanced manual techniques, and CBRNE operations. He previously led the NZSAS Human Performance Programme and is now a faculty member of the Professional School of Behavioural Health Sciences. Dylan is completing an MSc in Human Performance Optimisation and focuses on evidence-based biofeedback, respiratory and psychophysiological interventions for decision-making under extreme stress.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has financial interest to disclose.
Commercial Entity: Performance Breathing System
Nature of Relations: Founder and intellectual property holder of an evidence-informed breathing education framework; no products, services, or certification programmes will be promoted or endorsed in this presentation.
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Janell L. Mensinger, PhD, FAED
Associate Professor, Nova Southeastern University
Dr. Mensinger is an applied quantitative health psychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical and School Psychology at Nova Southeastern University where she teaches graduate courses in statistics, theories of measurement, and eating disorders. Her current research bridges interests in psychophysiology, embodiment science, and health equity by focusing on mind-body integration, interoception, heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback, and the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. Broadly speaking, her work has examined how traumatic stress, weight stigma, and healthcare barriers affect embodied well-being—particularly among marginalized populations.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Debbie Miller, ND, BCB
Naturopathic physician and biofeedback therapist, Adolescent Medicine Department at Seattle Children's Hospital
Debbie Miller, ND, BCB, is a naturopathic physician and biofeedback therapist working in the Adolescent Medicine Department at Seattle Children's Hospital. Dr. Miller specializes in helping teens learn self-regulation skills to treat chronic pain syndromes, including headaches, abdominal pain, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. She has previously worked in private practice, working with teens and adults, specializing in stress management and anxiety. Dr. Miller has also served as adjunct faculty at Bastyr University in the department of naturopathic medicine, facilitating behavioral medicine classes.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interests to disclose
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Hannah Moore
Hannah Moore is an Assistant Shift Leader in our lab who has been a Truman Center for Applied Psychophysiology team member since Fall 2025. Hannah Moore will co-present the oral paper "Modifiable Factors That Can Reduce Heart Rate Variability."
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Donald Moss, PhD
Clinical health psychologist
Dr. Donald Moss is a clinical health psychologist, certified in hypnosis and biofeedback. His research interests are in integrative healthcare, palliative care, and lifestyle medicine, Moss is the ethics chair for the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance. He also serves as a consulting editor for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, and the Annals of Palliative Medicine. Moss is co-author with Fredric Shaffer of A Primer of Biofeedback (AAPB, 2022), and co-author with Angele McGrady of Pathways through Long-Term Health Conditions: Lifestyle Medicine for your Wellbeing (Pavilion, in press), Integrative Pathways: Navigating Chronic Illness with a Mind-Body-Spirit Approach (Springer, 2018), and Pathways to Illness, Pathways to Health (Springer, 2013).
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interests to disclose
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Brendan Parsons, PhD, BCN
Director, NeuroLogic
Brendan Parsons, MSc, PhD, BCN, is a biofeedback and neurofeedback clinician-educator with 20 years’ experience. He earned a PhD in psychology (neuropsychology and cognitive science) from the University of Montreal and has been BCIA-certified since 2009. His work spans clinical care, research, performance, and education, including applied psychophysiology in professional sport (Vancouver Canucks; Olympic/Paralympic athletes) and leadership training (CIMBA). He supports diverse populations, including ADHD, ASD, anxiety, PTSD, sleep disorders, and chronic pain. A BFE Service Award recipient (2025), he serves on the AAPB Board and chairs its Education Committee. He co-founded NeuroLogic to train professionals and advance evidence-based practice.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has financial interests to disclose
Commercial Entity: NeuroLogic
Nature of Relations: Director
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Cameron Paxton, MA
Psychologist, Recovery and Balance
Mr. Cameron Paxton is a limited license psychologist in Michigan. He completed his master’s degree in counseling psychology from Western Michigan University. Mr. Paxton currently provides psychotherapy for individuals with chronic pain and functional neurological disorder at Recovery and Balance, incorporating interventions combining mindfulness, biofeedback, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Prior his work included supervised psychological and neuropsychological assessments. His research interests span areas of intersectional identity, resilience, chronic pain, and functional neurological disorders.
Financial Disclosure: Presenter has no financial interests to disclose.
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Ron Pekala, PhD
Private Practice, West Chester, PA
Ron Pekala, PhD, is a Fellow of both the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH). Dr. Pekala has over 80 professional publications, numerous national presentations, and one book: Quantifying consciousness: An empirical approach (1991). Dr. Pekala is the author of the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI), a self-report questionnaire that is used with the methodology he has developed over the last 40 years to quantify (altered) states of consciousness, including hypnosis. Research on the PCI has generated three Milton H. Erickson awards and one Clark Hull award for “scientific excellence in hypnosis research.”
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Jarhed Peña, PhD
Psychotherapist, Recovery and Balance
Dr. Jarhed Peña is in private practice providing psychotherapy to patients with chronic pain and functional neurological disorder. He had worked as a rehabilitation counselor for the State of Idaho helping persons with with disabilities find gainful employment and integrate into the community. He currently provides psychotherapy to patients with chronic pain and functional neurological disorder in Michigan. He uses Mindfulness Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Somatic Therapy to help patients reduce symptoms of patients with chronic pain. He currently supervises the service of another colleague to provide psychotherapy to patients with functional neurological disorder. Together they collaborate with a local clinic in Michigan to help patients with functional neurological disorder.
Financial Disclosure: Presenter has no financial interests to disclose.
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Erik Peper, PhD, BCB
Professor of Holistic Health Studies at San Francisco State University
Erik Peper, PhD, BCB, is an international authority on biofeedback and self-regulation. Since 1970, he has researched factors promoting healing. He is Professor of Holistic Health Studies at San Francisco State University, President of the Biofeedback Foundation of Europe, and past President of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. He holds Senior Fellow certification from the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America and served as sport psychologist for the U.S. Rhythmic Gymnastics team. He maintains a practice at BiofeedbackHealth.org. Awards include the 2004 California Governor's Safety Award, 2013 Biofeedback Distinguished Scientist Award, and 2019 AAPB Honorary Fellow.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interests to disclose
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Abi Phillips
Abi Phillips is an Assistant Shift Leader in our lab who has been a Truman Center for Applied Psychophysiology team member since Fall 2024. Abi Phillips will co-present the oral paper "Slow-Paced Contraction Increases HRV But Not Peripheral Blood Flow."
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Saul Rosenthal, PhD
Advanced Behavioral Care
Saul Rosenthal, PhD, BCB-L, BCB-HRV, BCN-L, QEEG-DL, specializes in complex and chronic health conditions using integrative care grounded in CBT, mindfulness, and applied psychophysiology. He has led biofeedback services at Cambridge Health Alliance and the Edith Nourse Rogers Veterans Medical Center. Dr. Rosenthal serves on the Boards of NRBS and AAPB, where he will become President in 2026. He is an editor and chapter author (chronic pain and chemobrain) for the Fourth Edition of Evidence-Based Practice in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback. He presents widely, provides training and supervision, and hosts the NRBS podcast Healthy Brain Happy Body.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Lissa Ruocco,
Sergeant, Toronto Police Service
Sgt. Lissa Ruocco is a veteran police officer with over 25 years of service at the Toronto Police Service in frontline, tactical, and training roles. She served 18 years as an operator and trainer with the Emergency Task Force and is the longest-serving female tactical team member in North America and Canada’s first female sniper. Her expertise includes hostage and crisis negotiation, counter-sniper operations, tactical training, and fitness. She is an Adjunct Instructor at the Canadian Police College, attended the FBI Hostage Negotiator Course in 2023, and has played a central role in federally funded research developing evidence-based mental health interventions for first responders. She is Chair of The Haven and an operational member of ERT SAR.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Angelika Sadar, MA, BCN-HRV
Sadar Psychological and Sports Center
Angelika Sadar, MA, is board certified in both neurofeedback and heart rate variability, and serves as a BCIA approved mentor in neurofeedback. With a private practice established in 1985 in the greater Philadelphia area, Sadar has dedicated her career to helping individuals of all ages and clinical presentations, including consulting with the US Air Force and residential treatment facilities. As the neurofeedback coordinator for Trauma Research Foundation and a treatment coordinator at Sadar Psychological, Sadar has demonstrated her commitment to advancing the field and providing quality care to her patients. Her expertise has been recognized nationally, as she is a sought-after speaker who educates and trains other professionals in neurofeedback, biofeedback, and qEEG/ERP. She is the recipient of the prestigious Joel F. Lubar (2018) award and the AAPB Catalyst Leader award (2024), acknowledging her outstanding work and leadership in the field. In 2018, Sadar was invited to join BrainARC Switzerland, where she began developing evaluation protocols based on the research of HBImed, Switzerland. Currently, Sadar's clinical focus is on treating patients with complex and comorbid presentations, as well as consulting with other psychologists, medical practitioners, and clinicians regarding EEG, neurofeedback, and practice development. Her dedication to the field extends beyond her clinical work, as she serves as the executive director of the Northeast Region Biofeedback Society and has previously served as a board member at large of The Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose.
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Mitchell M. Sadar, PhD, BCN-HRV
Sadar Psychological and Sports Center
Dr. Mitchell Sadar is a distinguished licensed psychologist with an impressive career spanning 40 years. His extensive experience and expertise in the field have led him to make significant contributions to the practice of psychology, particularly in the areas of biofeedback and neurofeedback. Dr. Sadar is board certified in both neurofeedback and heart rate variability, and serves as a BCIA approved mentor in neurofeedback. Early in his career, Dr. Sadar developed and implemented the licensed inpatient program for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, demonstrating his dedication to providing quality mental health services to individuals in the correctional system. In 1999, he was trained in neurofeedback and in 2002 attempted to introduce this modality to the corrections population. Despite his efforts, the Department of Corrections did not accept his proposal at the time. Undeterred by this setback, Dr. Sadar resolved to dedicate his work to biofeedback and established his private practice. His background in neuropsychology proved invaluable in understanding how EEG biofeedback can optimize brain function, and he quickly became a leading expert in the field. Since 2015, Dr. Sadar has served as the president of the Board of the Northeast Region Biofeedback Society, where he has been instrumental in advancing the practice of biofeedback and neurofeedback in the region. His outstanding work and leadership in the field have been recognized with the prestigious Joel F. Lubar award and the AAPB Catalyst Leader award. In 2018, Dr. Sadar and his practitioner wife, Angelika Sadar, were invited to join BrainARC Switzerland, where they began developing evaluations and protocols based on the research of HBImed, Switzerland. This collaboration has allowed Dr. Sadar to further refine his approach to biofeedback and neurofeedback, incorporating cutting-edge research and techniques into his practice. Currently, Dr. Sadar's clinical focus is on treating patients with complex and comorbid presentations, utilizing his expertise in EEG analysis and neurofeedback protocols to develop tailored treatment plans that include recommendations for psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. He also consults with other psychologists, medical practitioners, and clinicians regarding EEG, neurofeedback, and practice development, sharing his knowledge and experience to help advance the field as a whole. With his unwavering dedication to the field of psychology and his commitment to providing the highest quality care to his patients, Dr. Mitchell Sadar continues to be a leading figure in the practice of biofeedback and neurofeedback.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Christine Sanchez, PhD, CMPC, BCB, CBBA
Executive Coach, KBR
Dr. Christine Sanchez specializes in providing mental skills training and executive coaching for optimal performance in high pressure scenarios. Her diverse portfolio of clients includes elite military units, first responders, executives, professional athletes, and other performers who desire to unlock their true potential. Dr. Sanchez is best known for her work targeting mindful performance under pressure, productive failures, and well-being optimization. She routinely integrates biofeedback and capnography for facilitating optimal psychophysiological regulation of performance states. She enjoys integrating the more recovery focused yoga practices (yin, restorative, yoga nidra, meditation) into her work with clients for facilitation of deliberate restoration and well-being optimization. Dr. Sanchez earned her PhD in Sport and Performance Psychology from Florida State University, and currently holds the following certifications: Board Certified in Biofeedback, Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Certified Breathing Behavioral Analyst, and ICF Associate Certified Coach (in progress).
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interests to disclose
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Amelia Saul, PhD, CTRS, BCB
Assistant Teaching Professor, Florida International University
Amelia D. Saul, PhD, CTRS, BCB, is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Rehabilitation and Recreational Therapy Program at Florida International University. She is a Recreational Therapist with advanced training in biofeedback and holds a PhD in Rehabilitation and Addictions Counseling Administration. Her research focuses on heart rate variability (HRV) and biofeedback-based interventions to improve stress regulation and mental health in young adults. Her dissertation examined the effects of a brief, at-home paced breathing intervention on anxiety and HRV in college students. Dr. Saul is the principal investigator of the FIU-RCMI–funded Mindful Minds pilot project, which explores mindfulness-based neurofeedback to reduce performance anxiety and improve academic outcomes. She also investigates HRV as an early indicator of cardiovascular risk in young adults with a family history of heart disease, with the goal of integrating evidence-based biofeedback into accessible, preventative wellness interventions.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interests to disclose
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Cole Schniedermeyer
Cole Schniedermeyer is an Assistant Shift Leader in our lab who has been a Truman Center for Applied Psychophysiology team member since Fall 2023. Cole Schniedermeyer will co-present the oral paper "One Size Does Not Fit All: The Case Against Blanket Ln Transformations."
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Fredric Shaffer, PhD, BCB
Professor of Psychology, Truman State University
Fredric Shaffer, PhD, BCB is a biological psychologist and professor of Psychology and former Department Chair at Truman State University, where he has taught since 1975 and has served as Director of Truman’s Center for Applied Psychophysiology since 1977. In 2008, he received the Walker and Doris Allen Fellowship for Faculty Excellence. In 2013, he received the Truman State University Outstanding Research Mentor of the Year award. Dr. Shaffer was the principal co-editor of Evidence-Based Practice in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback (3rd ed.) and authored 12 of its chapters. He was a co-editor with Donald Moss of Foundations of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback: A Book of Readings. He co-authored with Mark S. Schwartz a chapter on entering the field and assuring competence in Biofeedback: A Practitioner's Guide (4th ed.). He co-authored with Donald Moss, a chapter on biofeedback in the Textbook of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2nd ed.). He co-authored with Rollin McCraty and Christopher Zerr, the Frontiers in Psychology review article "A healthy heart is not a metronome: An integrative review of the heart's anatomy and heart rate variability." He is a contributing editor for the journal Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. He is a BCIA-accredited educator for Biofeedback, HRV Biofeedback, Human Physiology, Physiological Psychology, and Psychopharmacology. His current research focuses on techniques to increase heart rate variability. Dr. Shaffer is a BCIA Senior Diplomate in Biofeedback. Dr. Shaffer is the Chair of the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA), director of its Biofeedback and HRV Biofeedback Task Forces, and member of its Neurofeedback Task Force, and Treasurer for the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB).
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has financial interest to disclose
Commercial Entity: BioSource
Nature of Relations: Owner
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Emma Sheets
Emma Sheets is a Student Researcher in our lab who has been a Truman Center for Applied Psychophysiology team member since Fall 2025. Emma Sheets will co-present the oral paper "Modifiable Factors That Can Reduce Heart Rate Variability."
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Stephen Sideroff, PhD
Associate Clinical Professor, psychologist and consultant, Departments of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences and Rheumatology, UCLA
Dr. Stephen Sideroff is an internationally recognized psychologist, consultant, and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at UCLA’s School of Medicine, with a joint appointment in Rheumatology. For over four decades, he has advanced pioneering behavioral and mind–body approaches to stress-related psychological and medical conditions. He founded Stress Strategies at UCLA/Santa Monica Hospital and has developed innovative training and treatment programs implemented internationally. Dr. Sideroff’s work focuses on how stress, emotional factors, and nervous system dysregulation influence health, performance, and aging—particularly how these factors lower physiological thresholds and increase vulnerability to illness. A respected thought leader, he has published groundbreaking research on brain–behavior relationships and is frequently invited to speak on resilience, peak performance, leadership, and transformational psychology. He has hosted global summits on longevity, resilience, and leadership, and is the host of the acclaimed podcast Quantum Leadership. His latest book, The 9 Pillars of Resilience: The Proven Path to Master Stress, Slow Aging & Increase Vitality, integrates decades of clinical, research, and applied experience into a practical framework for sustainable health and human potential.
Financial Disclosure: Presenter has no financial interests to disclose
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Patrick R. Steffen, PhD, BCB
Professor, Brigham Young University
Patrick Steffen is a Professor of Psychology at Brigham Young University where he has served as the Director of Clinical Training and as an Alcuin Fellow in the Honors Program. He received his PhD in Clinical Health Psychology from the University of Miami and was a post-doctoral fellow in cardiovascular behavioral medicine at Duke University Medical Center. He is a Fellow of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, is a past president of that organization, and serves as Editor-in-Chief for the journal Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. His research interests are in behavioral medicine and integrating biofeedback approaches into psychotherapy.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Emma Suchsland
BS candidate, Truman State University
Emma Suchsland is a Ronald E. McNair Scholar pursuing dual degrees in psychology and criminal justice at Truman State University. She serves as Lab Manager at the Truman State Center for Applied Psychophysiology, where she conducts research on heart rate variability and has presented findings at the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback annual meetings. Her independent McNair research examines how social cohesion on college campuses influences student crime reporting practices. Emma holds leadership positions in Psi Chi and Lambda Alpha Epsilon, mentors first-year students through the Bulldog Scholars Program, and serves as a student representative on the university's Foundation Board. She graduates in Spring 2026.ed
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interests to disclose
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Mari Swingle, PhD Psych
Clinical Director, Swingle Clinic
Dr. Mari Swingle is Clinical Director of the Swingle Clinic, Head of Research of SwingleSonic, practicing therapist, mentor, consultant, author, and international speaker. She is an AAPB Fellow, BCIA Senior Fellow, and winner of practice and authorship awards including a 2015 Federation of Associations of Brain & Behavioral Sciences (FABBS) Early Career Impact Award for her ‘major research contributions to the sciences of mind, brain and behavior’ and the Canadian Psychological Associations 2024 list of ‘remarkable scientists’. She is well known for her critical championing of evidence-based EEG therapies and has been working in Applied Psychoneurophysiology (EEG-Neurothrapy) over 25 years.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has financial interests to disclose
Commercial Entity: Swingle Clinic and SwingleSonic
Nature of Relations: Owner / Director
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Tiff Thompson, PhD, R.EEG.T, BCN, QEEG-D, LMFT
Clinical Neuroscientist, School of Neurotherapy
Tiff Thompson, PhD, R.EEG.T, BCN, QEEG-D, LMFT is a clinical neuroscientist, licensed therapist, educator, and technologist. She is the creator of The School of Neurotherapy, an online educational platform offering specialized curricula in Quantitative EEG Didactic training, Board Certification in Neurotherapy Didactic training, and Neuromodulation education. Dr. Thompson is also the founder and owner of NeuroField Neurotherapy, a Santa Barbara clinic where she addresses an array of conditions including mental health, brain injury, and neurodiverse issues.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has financial interest to disclose
Commercial Entity: The School of Neurotherapy
Nature of Relations: Owner
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Robert "Rusty" Turner, MD
Neurologist, Network Neurology
Dr. Turner is a neurologist in private practice and Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics & Neurology at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Dr. Turner has been a neurologist involved in clinical care for 38+ years. He has numerous clinical research publications and book chapters utilizing EEG and qEEG. He is uniquely qualified to integrate the humanitarian aspects of clinical neurological conditions with neuroscience using the high-tech applications of EEG, qEEG, and neurofeedback. He is a Board-Certified Quantitative EEG Diplomate.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Harry van der Lei, PhD, BCB
Physical Therapist, Mental Performance consultant
Harry van der Lei graduated in 1989 from the College of Physical Therapy in Holland and moved to the United States where he specialized in Sports Rehabilitation. He earned a Master’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science, majoring in Sport Psychology, from the University of Utah in 2003. Harry received a doctoral degree with a specialization in Sport Psychology from Florida State University where he served as a mental performance consultant for the Florida State University Men’s and Women’ Golf Program from 2003-2018. Harry has worked as a sport physical therapist and as a mental performance expert with a wide variety of athletes, from amateurs to numerous world champions and Olympic gold winners. Currently, as a mental performance consultant, Harry specializes in golf performance and stress management. In general, Harry strives to help and teach others the principles of optimal performance, health, and well-being, while emphasizing the awareness of breathing in life!
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Meghan Varner, BS, DPT
Physical Therapist, Integrative Nutrition and Health/Lifestyle Coach/Guide2Resilience, LLC
Meghan Varner earned her B.S. cum laude in biology at Randolph-Macon College in Biology in 2008 and participated in Summer Undergraduate Research (SURF) in molecular biology. She obtained her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2011. She has since built a diverse career spanning outpatient orthopedics and home health settings, and recently has been working with researchers at Comprehensive Autonomic Center (CAC) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in studies on HRV biofeedback. She has had the privilege of working with individuals of varied ages and diagnoses. In addition to her clinical training, Meghan is a Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist (CMTPT), and holds the BCIA HRV Biofeedback Certificate. Meghan’s professional interests are rooted in her personal journey with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). These experiences shaped her passion for helping others facing chronic pain, chronic fatigue, hypermobility and dysautonomia. Her understanding of these challenges allows her to provide compassionate, informed care that empowers patients to reach their fullest potential.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interest to disclose
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Linda Walker, PhD
Licensed Professional Counselor, Partners in ProFormance, Successful Practitioner
Linda is a licensed professional counselor who has integrated therapies including qEEG, neurofeedback and biofeedback in her practice for more than 25 years. In addition, she has created psychophysiological programming in juvenile justice, directed best practice and programming in clinic settings, written and designed psychophysiological software, and taught and mentored in neurofeedback, biofeedback and qEEG. Her practice, Partners in ProFormance, Traverse City, MI, focuses on a cross section of clients — from those who are healing from trauma and chronic illness to those who want to optimize their best selves.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has financial interest to disclose
Commercial Entity: Thought Technology, Successful Practitioner
Nature of Relations: Contract instructor, Mentor
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Jay Wiles, BCB, BCB-HRV
Chief Health and Performance Officer, Ohm Health
Dr. Jay Wiles is a clinical health and performance psychologist and Chief Health & Performance Officer at Ohm Health, where he leads the integration of psychophysiology, HRV, and biofeedback science into scalable nervous system and performance technologies. He specializes in optimizing sleep, recovery, and resilience for high performers, including professional athletes and senior executives. Dr. Wiles has worked across the MLB, NHL, PGA, and Fortune 100 organizations, translating complex physiological data into actionable performance strategies. His work bridges validated science, technology, and behavior change to help individuals and teams build durable calm, adaptability, and sustained high performance.
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has financial interest to disclose
Commercial Entity: Ohm Health
Nature of Relations: Shareholder as Employee
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Aiko Yoshino, PhD
Professor, San Francisco State University
Aiko Yoshino, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism at San Francisco State University, where her research explores the health benefits of nature exposure, including resilience gained from wilderness programs and nature-based interventions to prevent chronic illness in marginalized communities. She collaborates closely with community organizations and teaches both in traditional classrooms and outdoor settings around the world. Dr. Yoshino also contributes to statewide outdoor recreation planning and serves on advisory boards for park and outdoor education initiatives. Originally from Japan, she is a dedicated educator, scholar, and mother
Financial Disclosure: This presenter has no financial interests to disclose
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