Giselle V. Ontra, MA, LPC, LMFT is a licensed psychotherapist, specializing in PTSD, cranial-facial deformities, children with disabilities, family and marital counseling. She has a range of experience working in hospitals, fortune-level companies, and national workshops, while maintaining her own private practice for over 30 years.  She has held staff positions and/or consulted with Baylor College of Medicine, St. Luke’s Hospital, Houston Child Guidance Center, New York University Hospital, Houston International & Bellpark Hospitals, and Conoco-Phillips. For this program, Giselle will share her story of profound loss and how it has been woven into her larger life narrative. 

Anne Way, MA, LPC, LMFT is a psychotherapist at Interface-Samaritan Counseling Center, where she has served as a counselor and supervisor of the clinical staff since 2012, after maintaining a private practice since 1989.  She enjoys working with clients struggling with women's issues, medical illnesses, child or adult ADHD, adolescent troubles, and relationship concerns. She is trained as a supervisor of both LPC and LMFT couselors, and once served as a clinical fellow at UTMB Galveston's Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.  She completed further training at UTHSC, performing clinical work and supervision and serving as Director of Training and Fmily Studies Center from 1989-1995. For this program, Anne will discuss strategies and themes that she has observed through her career, with a focus on the holiday season.

Robert Kidd, M.Div is Director of Spiritual Care at Houston Methodist Hospital.  As such, he coordinates all spiritual care delivery involving staff chaplains, clinical pastoral education students, and Lay Ministers.  He received his Bachelors in Music Education from Shorter College before attaining a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He completed his Chaplaincy Residency at Memorial Southwest Hospital before becoming a chaplain at Methodist in 1987.  He became board certified with the Association of Professional Chaplains in 1989, and served on its board of directors for many years, including as President 2004-2006.  For this program, Bob will discuss his experiences as a hospital chaplain and what specail considerations need to be made during the holiday season.