Who We Are
The Center for Real Dialogue is a transformative organization led by a diverse group of experts in mental health, education, and community-building, all dedicated to fostering meaningful connection and understanding. We provide programs and trainings for all people—including specialized resources for mental health and coaching professionals—helping them navigate and thrive amid disagreements, differences, and conflicts. With a team deeply invested in bridging communication divides across communities nationwide and globally, we empower individuals and organizations to create lasting, positive change through respectful and impactful dialogue.
Polly Young-Eisendrath, PhD
Founder & Executive Director
Polly Young-Eisendrath, PhD, is a psychologist, writer, speaker, and Jungian analyst, serving as the founder and Executive Director of the Center for Real Dialogue. With a private practice in central Vermont, she is also a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Vermont.
Polly has published extensively, authoring 19 books—translated into 20 languages—including Love Between Equals: Relationship as a Spiritual Path (2019) and, with co-author Jean Pieniadz, Dialogue Therapy for Couples and Real Dialogue for Opposing Sides: Methods Based on Psychoanalysis and Mindfulness (2022).
Recognized for her contributions to psychoanalysis, Polly received the Otto Weininger Award for Outstanding Lifetime Achievement from the Canadian Psychological Association in 2009. She is also a lifelong Buddhist practitioner and a teacher of Mindfulness.
Board of Directors
Terry Moore
President
Terry is a writer, speaker, and founder of Radius Foundation.
Robert Caper, MD,
Secretary
Robert Caper is a psychoanalyst and author on psychoanalysis.
Bruce Knauft, PhD
Bruce Knauft is Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta.
Nancy Mathews, PhD
Treasurer
Nancy Mathews recently served as the Provost and Executive Vice President of Central Michigan University,
Kristina Von Trapp Frame
Kristina Von Trapp, Director of the Trapp Family Lodge, was born and raised in Stowe, Vermont on her family’s property, the Trapp Lodge.
Hasan Awan, MD
Hasan Awan is a physician of internal medicine in Baltimore, MD. He serves in the Islamic Society of Baltimore Free Health Clinic.
Sanchit Maruti, MD, MS
Advisor to the Board
Sanchit Maruti is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont.
Michele Asch
Advisor to the Board
Michele Asch is the Vice President of Leadership and Organizational Development at Twincraft Skincare.
Daniela Biaggini, LMHC
Daniela Biaggini is a licensed psychotherapist based in South Florida. She help individuals and groups build healthier, more authentic relationships.
Faculty
Sarah Brodie, MA, RP
Sarah Brodie is a licensed psychotherapist and art therapist.
Raymond Coppola, PhD
Raymond Coppola is a Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology.
Peggy Dippen, M.Ed
Peggy Dippen is an educator, facilitator, and guide dedicated to fostering love, gratitude, and compassion
Robin Junker-Boyce, MA
Robin Junker-Boyce is Pastor at First Congregational Church UCC and has a MA in Psychology and Religious Studies.
Susan Lillich, PhD
Susan Lillich is a licensed clinical psychologist, a Dialogue Therapist, and the director of clinical training for CRD.
Nancy Mathews, PhD
Nancy Mathews, PhD, recently served as the Provost and Executive Vice President of Central Michigan University.
Margot Parker, LMFT
Margot Parker is a marriage and family therapist and certified Dialogue Therapist.
Leland Peterson, MA, ATR-BC
Leland Peterson is a Board Certified Art Therapist, Certified Dialogue Therapist and Psychotherapist
Pamela Williams, MSS, LSW
Pamela Williams is an educator with a background in clinical social work and research.
Amber Rickert, LCSW, MPH
Amber Rickert is a psychotherapist working with PTSD, developmental trauma, and couple therapy.
Rosa María Rigol, PhD
Rosa María Rigol is a licensed clinical psychologist offering psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
Jeanne Plo, MEd, MA, LCMHC
Jeanne Plo maintains a private practice with individuals and couples in Burlington, Vermont.
Christopher J. Carter, MDiv, ThM, PhD, LP, NCPsyA
Christopher Jerome Carter is a licensed and certified Jungian analyst who holds a private practice in New York.
Jean Pieniadz, PhD
Jean Pieniadz received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Vermont and specializes in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy
Faculty
Paula Emery, MA
Program Manager
Paula Emery is veteran public high school teacher, she holds a Master of Arts in History. She is a Real Dialogue Specialist and is certified in Restorative Practice.
Renee Hrubovcak
Financial Manager
Renee Hrubovcak is an Accountant in Central Vermont and current business owner of NYAB Services LLC.
Kelly Brady, LMHC, AP
Chief of Staff
Kelly Brady is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Acupuncture Physician whose work bridges psychology, contemplative practice, and embodied healing
Tom Murray
Tom Murray is an interdisciplinary scholar/researcher in the fields of adult developmental theory, AI and ethics, wisdom skills, and advanced learning technologies.
Colin Rickert
Colin Rickert is an AI specialist, data scientist, and software architect with over a decade of experience designing analytical systems and machine learning applications.