Hudson Valley Guild for Mental Health Professionals 2025 Annual Meeting
With Ronald D. Whitmont, MD, Antonieta Contreras, Andrea Fiuza Hunt, Eric Fraser (LCAT, MA, MT-BC), Donna Nisha Cohen and Katie Down, LCAT, MT-BC
December 6, 2025
PART RETREAT ~ PART TRAINING ~ PART MEETING ~ PART SOCIALIZING
The annual meeting is becoming a great annual tradition—how wonderful to make time to connect with our vibrant, ever-growing community of practitioners. We hope you make it a regular feature of your calendar year.
Since the Dharmakaya Center requires a bit of travel for some, we were able to secure the space for a full day meeting with a flexible format, accommodating both those who want to leave before dark and those who prefer to linger.
Dharmakaya was named both the nation’s #1 Meditation Retreat Center and #1 Wellness Retreat Center in the 2025 USA Today Reader’s Poll.
- The campus is lovely
- The design inspired
- The meditation hall stunning
- And the food YUMMY
When you register, you can let Dharmakaya know any dietary restrictions so they can plan accordingly.
We look forward to being together to share, break bread, schmooze, and fun—and tuck in a meeting!
Warmly,
The Board
Therese Bimka, Jess Dillon, Beth Shuzman, Chris Tyler
THE HUDSON VALLEY GUILD ANNUAL MEETING
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
You will receive additional details about parking and other logistics after you register.
| 9:30 AM | Check in (parking directions will be provided for registrants) |
| 10:00-11:30 AM | OPTION 1: Holistic Modalities that Support Mental Health |
| Join Ronald Whitmont and Antonieta Contreras presenting on Homeopathy and NeuroFeedback, respectively (see bios below) | |
| 10:00-11:30 AM | OPTION 2: Small Group Soulcollage with Andrea Hunt (see bio below) |
| Limited to 8, on a first come, first served basis—register early! | |
| 11:30 AM-12:00 PM | Music Journey with Eric Fraser (see bio below) |
| 12:00-1:30 PM | Lunch ($10 fee, with the balance subsidized by The Guild) |
| 1:30-3:30 PM | Annual Meeting |
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| 3:30 PM | First departure, for those concerned with driving after dark |
| 3:45-4:30 PM | Gentle Yoga with Donna Cohen (see bio below) |
| 4:45-5:45 PM | Sound Bath with Katie Down (see bio below) |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner ($20 fee) |
| 7:00 PM | Departure*
*Option to stay on personal retreat; please register here |
OPEN TO MEMBERS
Free for our membership. We can accommodate up to 80 participants.
Teachers
Ronald D. Whitmont, MD
Ronald D. Whitmont, MD is a second-generation homeopathic physician practicing in Rhinebeck, New York. He was raised in Westchester County, New York in a Jungian-Gestalt, Judeo-Christian-Anthroposophical household where he was exposed to Yoga, T’ai Chi, and meditation from an early age. Ronald graduated from Hampshire College where he studied biology and psychology, and received his doctorate in medicine at SUNY Health Sciences Center at Brooklyn. He completed his medical internship and residency training at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Greenwich Village, New York and the Reading Hospital and Medical Center in West Reading, Pennsylvania. He was board-certified by the American Board…
Learn more about Ronald D. Whitmont, MD
Ronald D. Whitmont, MD is a second-generation homeopathic physician practicing in Rhinebeck, New York. He was raised in Westchester County, New York in a Jungian-Gestalt, Judeo-Christian-Anthroposophical household where he was exposed to Yoga, T’ai Chi, and meditation from an early age. Ronald graduated from Hampshire College where he studied biology and psychology, and received his doctorate in medicine at SUNY Health Sciences Center at Brooklyn. He completed his medical internship and residency training at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Greenwich Village, New York and the Reading Hospital and Medical Center in West Reading, Pennsylvania. He was board-certified by the American Board…
Learn more about Ronald D. Whitmont, MD
Antonieta Contreras
Antonieta Contreras is a Gestalt-trained, trauma-focused sex psychotherapist, faculty member, supervisor, and consultant; she boasts a diverse background, transitioning from banking and consulting, with initial education in mathematics. She blends her certification in various trauma modalities with contemplative techniques from Indian and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. A committed volunteer, Antonieta has served several nonprofit organizations, including two Buddhist organizations. At the Institute of Contemporary Psychotherapies (ICP), she has shared her expertise as a consultant, supervisor, and former co-director of the Trauma Studies Program. Over several years, she meticulously developed and taught the curriculum of their postgraduate program. She also teaches a…
Learn more about Antonieta Contreras
Antonieta Contreras is a Gestalt-trained, trauma-focused sex psychotherapist, faculty member, supervisor, and consultant; she boasts a diverse background, transitioning from banking and consulting, with initial education in mathematics. She blends her certification in various trauma modalities with contemplative techniques from Indian and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. A committed volunteer, Antonieta has served several nonprofit organizations, including two Buddhist organizations. At the Institute of Contemporary Psychotherapies (ICP), she has shared her expertise as a consultant, supervisor, and former co-director of the Trauma Studies Program. Over several years, she meticulously developed and taught the curriculum of their postgraduate program. She also teaches a…
Learn more about Antonieta Contreras
Andrea Fiuza Hunt
Andrea Fiuza Hunt is a licensed clinical social worker and certified Jungian analyst. She is also trained in SoulCollage® and conducts community SoulCollage® workshops. She was born and raised in Brazil. where she earned her B.A. in Psychology. She has a deep interest in cross-cultural influences and believes in integrating diverse areas of knowledge to achieve a deeper and more balanced way of practicing. Her private practice is based in Hyde Park, New York.
Learn more about Andrea Fiuza Hunt
Andrea Fiuza Hunt is a licensed clinical social worker and certified Jungian analyst. She is also trained in SoulCollage® and conducts community SoulCollage® workshops. She was born and raised in Brazil. where she earned her B.A. in Psychology. She has a deep interest in cross-cultural influences and believes in integrating diverse areas of knowledge to achieve a deeper and more balanced way of practicing. Her private practice is based in Hyde Park, New York.
Learn more about Andrea Fiuza Hunt
Eric Fraser (LCAT, MA, MT-BC)
Eric Fraser (LCAT, MA, MT-BC) is a music therapist and Licensed Creative Arts therapist specializing in somatic therapies. His unique and seasoned approach to guiding people in a body-centered and trauma-informed somatic music therapy experience stems from deep roots in Indian Classical Music. Eric’s training in Indian classical music on the bansuri flute occurred in the Guru-Sishya Parampara tradition, meaning that he received training while living with his Guru Pandit Gopal Roy, in Kolkata, India. Eric has received extensive taleem (oral teachings), and his flute playing conveys the purity of tone, authenticity, and tradition of his gharana or “lineage”. This…
Learn more about Eric Fraser (LCAT, MA, MT-BC)
Eric Fraser (LCAT, MA, MT-BC) is a music therapist and Licensed Creative Arts therapist specializing in somatic therapies. His unique and seasoned approach to guiding people in a body-centered and trauma-informed somatic music therapy experience stems from deep roots in Indian Classical Music. Eric’s training in Indian classical music on the bansuri flute occurred in the Guru-Sishya Parampara tradition, meaning that he received training while living with his Guru Pandit Gopal Roy, in Kolkata, India. Eric has received extensive taleem (oral teachings), and his flute playing conveys the purity of tone, authenticity, and tradition of his gharana or “lineage”. This…
Learn more about Eric Fraser (LCAT, MA, MT-BC)
Donna Nisha Cohen
Donna Nisha Cohen has been teaching yoga for 45 years. She has been certified by several yoga schools, including Kripalu’s 500-hour program. She has trained with a wide range of teachers who have a variety of approaches. In recent years, she has developed a therapeutic approach to yoga influenced by her study of Feldenkrais. Her therapeutic yoga uses yoga postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and guided imagery to improve mental, emotional and physical health. The holistic focus of yoga therapy encourages the integration of mind, body, emotions and spirit. Donna offers individual Guided Self-Inquiry/Spiritual Counseling sessions, as well as yoga classes and…
Learn more about Donna Nisha Cohen
Donna Nisha Cohen has been teaching yoga for 45 years. She has been certified by several yoga schools, including Kripalu’s 500-hour program. She has trained with a wide range of teachers who have a variety of approaches. In recent years, she has developed a therapeutic approach to yoga influenced by her study of Feldenkrais. Her therapeutic yoga uses yoga postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and guided imagery to improve mental, emotional and physical health. The holistic focus of yoga therapy encourages the integration of mind, body, emotions and spirit. Donna offers individual Guided Self-Inquiry/Spiritual Counseling sessions, as well as yoga classes and…
Learn more about Donna Nisha Cohen
Katie Down, LCAT, MT-BC
Katie Down is a licensed creative arts therapist, trauma-informed psychotherapist and sound practitioner. She is also an established musician, composer and sound artist. Katie has been facilitating and teaching sound in healing modalities for 15 years and offers workshops in Deep Listening, improvisation, voice, and creative movement. She has taught at SUNY New Paltz, and she is a regular guest lecturer at Vassar College and New York University. Katie draws on a broad range of experience in theatre, clowning, and music to inform her teaching pedagogy and philosophy, channeling the idea that we learn by entering the field of divine…
Learn more about Katie Down, LCAT, MT-BC
Katie Down is a licensed creative arts therapist, trauma-informed psychotherapist and sound practitioner. She is also an established musician, composer and sound artist. Katie has been facilitating and teaching sound in healing modalities for 15 years and offers workshops in Deep Listening, improvisation, voice, and creative movement. She has taught at SUNY New Paltz, and she is a regular guest lecturer at Vassar College and New York University. Katie draws on a broad range of experience in theatre, clowning, and music to inform her teaching pedagogy and philosophy, channeling the idea that we learn by entering the field of divine…
Learn more about Katie Down, LCAT, MT-BC
