Kay Adams, LPC PTR, is one of the most respected voices in the field of therapeutic writing. A psychotherapist, bestselling author, and educator, Kay has dedicated her career to exploring and teaching the power of writing for healing, growth, and change. She is the founder of the Center for Journal Therapy and its professional training division, the Therapeutic Writing Institute, where she has trained hundreds of practitioners through a curriculum that blends psychological and emotional depth with practical tools for building a career. Kay has authored or edited 14 books, including the widely acclaimed Journal to the Self and the textbook, Expressive Writing: Foundations of Practice. Known for creating deep and connecting spaces, Kay brings a rare combination of visionary leadership and grounded expertise. As the planner and closing presenter of this event, she brings it all full circle—with heart, wisdom, and now 40 years of experience guiding the way.

Founder of Barcelona Journaling Festival & New York Journaling Festival, International Journaling Community, and Barcelona Journaling Circle. Creator of the Naked Words journaling course. Book writing mentor, journaling guide, and a facilitator of the expressive writing workshops. Founder of the Girls Who Write platform (writing events, services and other adventures tailored to female writers). Author of Not Just A Mom, a book exploring the connection between creativity and motherhood.

Kimberly Lee JD is a versatile writer and workshop facilitator with a passion for nurturing the creative spirit. The author of the thriller, Have You Seen Him, Kimberly holds degrees from Stanford University and UC Davis School of Law, along with certifications from the Center for Journal Therapy, Amherst Writers & Artists, SoulCollage, Guided Autobiography, and The Path Meditation. Recent collaborations include Esalen Institute, Omega Institute, West LA Veterans Administration, and The Huntington.

Carolyn Koehnline is a retired Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Certified Journal Therapist, a Certified Journal to the Self Instructor, and a core faculty member of the Therapeutic Writing Institute. She’s also practices Gentle Approach Coaching, mentoring clients through transitions, clutter clearing, and creating a more creatively engaged life. Carolyn has written and illustrated three books including her most recent one, Clearing Clutter as a Sacred Act: Essays, Poems, and Practices.

Elisa Friedlander is a psychotherapist and Certified Journal Therapist who facilitates therapeutic writing and poetry workshops globally. She brings extensive clinical and lived experience to her work with those navigating life with chronic pain, illness, and disability. Elisa is a faculty member at the Therapeutic Writing Institute and a regular conference presenter. She is working on a book based on her original six-week curriculum, “Pain Meets Pen: Quieting Chronic Pain and Illness with Therapeutic Writing. Visit Elisa at www.InkToInsight.com

Amal Kassir is a Syrian-American poet, Poet Laureate of Hillsborough, NC, and founder of House of Amal. She has performed in 13 countries, launched a youth mental wellness program, and released Scud Missile Blues (2024), donating all proceeds to Syrian children. She lives on a farm with her family.

Evonne Jenkins-Hough, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist, certified Journal to the Self instructor, and certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist. She is the founder of Mended Counseling and an Air Force veteran. As an African American woman, wife, mother, and grandmother, she brings both professional training and lived experience to her work. Evonne integrates journaling and IFS to help people relate to their inner worlds with greater compassion, clarity, and steadiness.

Dr. Birgit Schreiber is the first Journal to the Self Instructor in the German-speaking countries, founder of the Personal Writing Community, and publisher of SchreibRÄUME. She teaches Journaling Methods at Alice Salomon University Berlin and the University of Vechta and works as a supervisor and counselor trained in Poetry Therapy and systemic counseling. A former editor and contributor to “Psychologie Heute,” she is the author of Schreiben zur Selbsthilfe. Weil Worte wirken: Glück erleben - gesund sein. (Where Words Become Healing. Writing as a Path to Wholeness and Well-Being) and 2. Wohlschreiben. 52 Impulse für ein Leben, das sich echt anfühlt. ( Wohlschreiben - Writing Yourself Well. 52 Gentle Invitations to a Life That Feels True)

Meghan Barich is a Journal to the Self–certified instructor and a Therapeutic Writing Institute Certified Journaling Facilitator candidate. She brings nearly three decades of experience in client services, communications, and group facilitation, working with diverse audiences ranging from corporate leaders to community-based and therapeutic settings. Meghan’s journaling work blends expressive writing, reflective structure, and creative process to support clarity, self-trust, and values-aligned decision-making.

Katarzyna Trzonek supports women in reconnecting with their inner voice and sense of aliveness through journaling and intuitive writing. She is a a certified Journal to the Self instructor and facilitate workshops and group sessions focused on reflective writing. Since November, Katarzyna has also been hosting short, open online journaling gatherings called mojo20 (Monday Journaling for 20 minutes), focused on reconnecting with inner energy, clarity, and personal vitality - what she calls “mojo.”

Linda Barnes, JTTS Certified Instructor, CJF, CAPF, is past president of The International Federation of Biblio-Poetry and a seasoned presenter, writer, and teacher with decades of experience in journaling and expressive writing. She has presented at numerous conferences and has co-facilitated workshops with Kay Adams and Peggy Heller. Linda’s lifelong relationship with writing began early. She Initially aspired to become a novelist before being joyfully “ambushed” by poetry. Her personal diaries span more than 60 years. She met and corresponded with Anaïs Nin, contributed to Tristine Rainer’s The New Diary, and has published three poetry chapbooks. Her poetry has been published in multiple anthologies.