Joan Erdheim LCSW, PhD has been affiliated with the Training Institute for 49 years. She is a senior supervisor, board member and has taught several courses such as Dream Theory, Psychoanalytic Supervision and Transference. Dr. Erdheim has been the President of TI‘s Psychoanalytic Society for 40 years and has enjoyed presiding over a range of distinguished professional psychoanalytic conferences as well as her private psychoanalytic practice.

Heather deCastro LCSW is faculty, training and supervising analyst at The Training Institute for Mental Health. Her private practice is located in Manhattan where she specializes in working with young professionals. Heather’s interviews and presentations include topics ranging from the influence of technology on psychoanalysis, understanding the dating landscape and relationships of Millennials and emerging adulthood. Prior to pursuing her career as a psychotherapist, Heather worked in the fashion industry and in finance. Heatherdecastro.com

Rebecca Liebmann-Smith, LCSW is a private practice psychotherapist and a native New Yorker. She is the Director of Interns at the Training Institute, and teaches a course entitled "Freud: Theoretical Foundations and Clinical Applications," in addition to supervising interns and candidates at TI. A lover of stand-up comedy and comedic television, Rebecca is the daughter of a humor writer father (who has also edited science books), and a science writer mother (who enlivens her books with a healthy dose of humor).

Valerie Levy is an LCSW. She has been associated with the Training Institute for Mental Health in New York City since 2016. After receiving her certifications in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and couples therapy from the Institute, she continued her private practice in New York where she sees clients in person and on Zoom. Valerie currently teaches and supervises students at the Training Institute and she is a member of the Auxiliary Board of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, where she develops programs to support social work initiatives

Cara Erdheim Kilgallen is an Associate Professor of English at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. where she has taught writing and literature since 2010. Her research and scholarship focus on early twentieth-century American literature, particularly naturalism, in relation to a variety of topics and themes ranging from humor and sport to disability and environment. Cara truly values psychoanalysis, which informs her reading of literature, and she is truly honored to contribute to this conference.