Christopher Cortman

Chris Cortman, PhD has been a licensed psychologist for 28 years. He is a much-sought-after speaker, has facilitated more than 60,000 hours of psychotherapy, and has provided psychological consultation at five hospitals in the Sarasota/Venice area. Dr. Cortman is the co-creator of a youth prevention and wellness program called The Social Black Belt. Harold Shinitzky, PhD has been a licensed psychologist for more than 20 years and was on the faculty at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He specializes in sports psychology and works with Olympians and athletes from every professional association. He was the recipient of the Florida Psychological Association Distinguished Psychologist Award and the Outstanding Contributions to Psychology Award. He is the coauthor (with Dr. Cortman) of Your Mind: An Owner’s Manual for a Better Life. Laurie-Ann O’Connor, PhD has graduate degrees in both clinical and counseling psychology as well as postdoctoral training as a trauma professional. Dr. O’Connor’s writings have appeared in newspapers, professional trade magazines, and peer-reviewed journals. She has studied in both Canada and the US and is currently located in Venice, Florida where she works in association with Dr. Chris Cortman. Most recently, she has been instrumental in integrating The Social Black Belt program into high school classes.