Ann Mody Lewis is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida, with a private practice that promotes healing from within; she has over 23 years clinical experience counseling individuals, couples, and groups. She is the founder of Women’s Journey, Inc.

This former public school teacher is a dynamic health counselor and educator who has also developed psychological programs, training professionals, and clinical expertise. She is a well-known lecturer who has received media recognition for her clear and innovative thought relating to gender socialization issues, sexuality, sexual abuse, depression, co-dependency.

She is an effective communicator with strong skills in relationship development, gender education, conflict resolution, and group processing. Lewis possesses an enthusiastic and creative spirit that is committed to empowering others.

She has a Ph.D. in psychology from Fairfax University, a master's degree in Applied Psychology and Educational Specialist Degree from Nova Southeastern University. She is currently an adjunct professor at Broward Community College. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, the American Counseling Association and the Florida Counseling Association. She lives and works in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

A retired CPA and financial planner, Maggie Davidson worked 25 years in the financial services industry. Her certifications also included a Series 7 stockbroker license and a Certified Financial Planner® designation. Beyond her work hours, Maggie gave much time to many volunteer activities, first and foremost as a woman’s rights activist, beginning in the mid-sixties as a member of the National Organization for Women (NOW), Women’s Political Caucus, and Equal Rights supporter.

After moving to Broward County in 1981, Maggie became involved in its politics, working for pro-choice candidates, and belonging to the Democratic Party Executive Committee. She joined Broward NOW, serving as president from 1988-1990. In 1992, Maggie ran for Florida State Senate against a 16-year, anti-choice, anti-ERA incumbent. She has been involved in the Democratic Women’s Club since 1982 and currently serves as president of the Democratic Women’s Club of Northeast Broward.

In 2006, Maggie was appointed to the Broward County Commission on the Status of Women and currently serves as Chair. She is also a member of the board of the Broward Women’s Emergency Fund, which raises money to assist poor women pay for abortions. She serves as a trustee of Unity Gateway Church. In 2007, Maggie was inducted into the Broward County Women’s Hall of Fame.

During the past twelve years, Maggie has been involved with Women’s Journey. The non-profit organization was founded by Dr. Ann Lewis. The organization meets monthly to explore the ways that women can overcome the effects of socialization on their lives. Maggie is a member of the women’s council which helps Dr. Lewis plan and direct Women’s Journey. Maggie believes in the vision and importance of Women’s Journey for every woman’s life.

Kathleen Gilead is a Consultant serving the Florida Department of Transportation on highway and bridge projects throughout the State as a Contract Support Specialist; she has over 31 years experience in Construction, Engineering and Inspection. Kathleen is also an Artist who works in Rubber Stamp Art, handmade journals and books, box making, jewelry design, and fabric art. She is a guest instructor at the Stamp Shack in Fort Lauderdale.

Born an “Army Brat” in Virginia, Kathleen began her travels early in life, moving to Greece when she was three years old. Her travels have taken her from Europe to Central America, Asia, and throughout the United States.

Kathleen holds two Associate of Science degrees in Liberal Arts and Construction Management, and a technical certification as a Surveyor Party Chief.  Having pursued a non-traditional career path, Kathleen has faced many gender socialization issues first-hand. It is that experience she brings to the discussion of gender re-socialization being presented here through Women’s Journey.

Kathleen’s question is “What took us so long to get here?”

Linda began attending Women’s Journey monthly meetings in 2003 and became a member of the Women’s Council in 2005.

Maria Felisa De Kler is originally from Paraguay and arrived in the United States at age 15. Felisa graduated from nursing school and in 1977 was certified as a surgical technologist. In 2001 Felisa started volunteering with several organizations for medical mission trips to Venezuela, Panama, Ecuador, and Paraguay. Currently, she is the President of the Southeast Chapter of Fundacion Panambi, Inc., coordinating medical mission trips to Paraguay.

In 2005, Felisa started coming to Women’s Journey meetings where she learned to think and acknowledge her inner feelings.  She realized that she had become a “New Bride” in several stages of her life, as part of resocialization.

Felisa recently became a member of the Women’s Council of Women’s Journey and states “I admire Dr. Ann Lewis for her unconditional commitment to share her knowledge and self with others.  As part of the Women’s Council, I’m excited to also share myself with others.  United we can make a difference!”