The Truitt Institute Team

At The Truitt Institute, we are dedicated to providing you with the most cutting-edge neuroscience-based, trauma-informed and resilience-focused educational resources and support for mental health care and holistic wellness. Our team is committed to ensuring excellence every step of the way.

Meet Our Team

Dr. Kate Truitt

Dr. Kate Truitt, Ph.D., MBA

Founder & Executive Director

Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Applied Neuroscientist

Dr. Kate Truitt is a licensed clinical psychologist, applied neuroscientist, and holds a M.B.A. in Healthcare Administration. She is an internationally recognized expert in the neuroscience of trauma, stress, and resilience as well as the complex interplay amongst the three.

Lorelei Batoon

Lorelei Batoon

Office Manager

Lorelei Batoon’s work as Office Manager is essential to the warm, professional and inviting service experience that our clients encounter every day. Lorelei has been a part of The Truitt Institute family since our opening, and she has been instrumental in growing and continuously improving our service and operations.

Rebecca Turner

Rebecca Turner, LMFT, BCN

Training Director

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & Board Certified Neurofeedback

Rebecca Turner, LMFT BCN earned her Masters of Science degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA with a concentration in Medical Family Therapy.

Steve Hamilton

Steve Hamilton, PhD, MDiv, LtCol (ret)

LeLea adLeadLead Trainer & Head of Military Programming

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Hamilton brings to The Truitt Institute a wealth of experience and knowledge related to the neuroscience of trauma treatment as well as a specialized experience in working with performance and leadership. Previously he was staff psychologist at Wright Patterson AFB mental health clinic and faculty member on their APA accredited psychology internship program.

McKenna Walsh

McKenna Walsh, MA

Head of Research & Certification Consultant

Trauma-informed Care, Resilience, & Media Impact

McKenna is a dedicated therapist, researcher, and community advocate committed to advancing the intersection of behavioral health, media, and public well-being. She is currently in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Saint Louis University, completing her Ph.D. in Medical Family Therapy. Her research explores the epidemiological impact of media on behavioral health, with a particular focus on trauma, systemic health disparities, and the ways digital narratives shape mental health outcomes.

Jill Philo

Jill Philo, ND, MBA, FMCH, APPC, FDN-P

Certification Program Consultant

Traditional Naturopath & Functional Wellness Practitioner

Dr Jill Philo has dedicated the last 20 years to helping others reclaim their health through a holistic, innovative, and multi-disciplinary approach based in neuroscience.

Dr. Philo is a Traditional Naturopath, gaining her Doctorate in Naturopathy in 2003.

Dr. Kate Truitt

Julia Meyers

Research Fellow

Julia Myers is a Research Fellow with the Truitt Institute, supporting applied psychology research focused on trauma-informed care, resilience, identity, religious trauma, sexuality, and psychological safety.

Lorelei Batoon

Mireille Karadanaian

Research Fellow

Mireille Karadanaian is a Research Fellow with the Truitt Institute, supporting research at the intersection of psychobiology, neurodevelopment, social cognitive neuroscience, and applied clinical science.

Rebecca Turner

Michelle Cruz

Social Media Assistant & Digital Communications

Michelle Cruz guides the day-to-day execution of digital communications through a trauma-informed and audience-centered approach. With strengths in video editing, visual storytelling, and narrative pacing, she translates complex psychological and clinical material into clear, respectful, and engaging content. Michelle brings precision, emotional intelligence, and discernment to representing DKTA’s work in the public digital space.