Dr. Darrel Ray is the founder and President of the Board of Directors of Recovering from Religion. He has been a psychologist for over thirty years and is the author of four books: two on organizational teamwork as well as "The God Virus-How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture" and "Sex and God-How Religion Distorts Sexuality".
Dr. Ray has been a student of religion most of his life and holds a Masters Degree in religion as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology/Anthropology with a Doctorate in Psychology.
Gayle is a former Southern Baptist who left the faith years ago when her then-teenagers began asking questions she could not answer. Her research led her (and her children) into the light of reason and rationality. Years later, she still feels the effects, both positive and negative, of that dramatic shift in perspective and attitude. It is this sympathy and compassion that drives her to reach out to help others navigate the emotional and physical process involved in leaving one’s faith.
Gayle lives in Oregon and is an estate-planning attorney. She raises goats and chickens, and is trying her hand at grape-growing at her sunny hillside home affectionately known as Peak Heathen. She blogs about a variety of topics at Happy. Healthy. Heathen.
Travis McKie-Voerste is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Dalton State College, where he teaches clinically focused courses to undergraduate Psychology students. He also serves as a faculty advisor to the Secular Student Alliance at Dalton State. He completed his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Georgia, where his dissertation focused on the experience of Atheists receiving Counseling in the Bible Belt of the United States. His research in this area continues and focuses on how religion impacts the counseling relationship. Travis also owns a private practice specializing in working with secular clients, as well as providing clinical counseling supervision.
Kara Griffin was born in Texas and raised in Southern Baptist, evangelical, and non-denominational mega-churches and private schools. After leaving the faith in the mid-2000s, Kara was able to pursue their passion for learning, traveling, and experiencing diverse cultures and perspectives. They hold undergraduate degrees in Psychology, International Relations, and Criminal Justice, a Master’s Degree in Dispute Resolution & Conflict Management, and a PhD in Anthropology.
Kara enjoys working with secular community services that support other people who may have experienced judgment, repression, or other struggles related to involvement with religious groups. At RfR, Kara volunteers as the Online Programming Director and hosts the weekly RfRx Talks sessions. In their free time, Kara can be found volunteering, teaching and lecturing at universities and conferences, reading all kinds of books (especially sci-fi), and spending time with their dog, Snow.
Rachel is a motorcycle-riding ballroom dance teacher from rural Texas.
Married with two adult children, Rachel has a strong interest in psychology, philosophy, and communication, in addition to the creative arts and home improvement. She was raised in Christian Science but drifted off as a teenager. She explored Scientology, Law of Attraction, and a variety of Protestant churches before settling comfortably into atheism.
Since joining RFR in late 2020, Rachel has come to view this community as a core part of her life. She has become friends with many of her fellow volunteers and loves the opportunity to grow her peer support and leadership skills. You may have seen her hosting the Women’s Support group, posting in the Online Community as Spinouette, or at the Fall Excursion.
Candace R. M. Gorham MA, LPCS is a licensed professional mental health counselor. She is a former ordained minister turned atheist-humanist activist, researcher, and writer on issues related to race and religion. She is a member of the Black Humanist Alliance advisory board, The Secular Therapist Project, and The Clergy Project. Candace is also the author of "The Ebony Exodus Project: Why Some Black Women Are Walking Out on Religion—and Others Should Too."
Anthony was born into a marginally Catholic family, but showed a keen interest in religion from a young age. Involved with Jehovah’s Witnesses in high school and Neopaganism in college, he slowly drifted away from faith over many years while studying religions more seriously. He describes Elaine Pagels as his “gateway drug” into Biblical studies.
Apart from his work with RfR, Anthony also volunteers for Bart Ehrman’s blog doing audio production. He is a veteran of the US Air Force and has had various other jobs such as opera singer, film score composer, and singer/songwriter. He currently works for a publishing company. He was born in Philadelphia and currently lives in nearby southern New Jersey with his wife.
David Teachout is a mental health therapist and mentor, teaching principles of how creativity intersects with mental flexibility to work through life’s struggles. David grew up as a Christian fundamentalist, attending a bible college and receiving a bachelor’s in theology and psychology. During his studies there, David deconverted and has been exploring the creation of meaning and purpose ever since. David has a master’s in both forensic psychology and counseling psychology. David has been working within the field of psychology for almost twenty years., David maintains a blog at www.humanitysvalues.com
Shelley Segal is an Australian singer-songwriter recognized for her soulful voice and engaging lyrics. Born in Melbourne, Segal grew up immersed in music and began singing and writing her own songs from a young age. Her song-writing, rooted in folk and pop styles, is distinctive for its fusion of personal narratives with sociopolitical commentary. In 2012, Segal launched her debut, ’An Atheist Album, drawing attention for its honest exploration of her secular worldview. It showcased Segal’s ability to discuss complex themes like religion, politics, and personal freedom through the lens of her own experiences, resonating with a diverse international audience. Her song ‘Saved’ became the intro music for ‘The Atheist Experience.’
Segal’s subsequent albums, such as “An Easy Escape” and “Holy” further solidified her reputation as a thought-provoking artist unafraid to tackle challenging subjects. She has toured internationally, including North America and Europe, using her music to spark dialogue on human rights, freedom of thought, and the power of dissent. Shelley regularly creates music supporting grass-roots activists and communities, using music to create the world she wants to see.
Dr. Ben is a trailblazing resident physician on a mission to bridge the gap between the medical world and the public. Dr. Ben brings a unique perspective to the field as a trans man, weaving personal experiences and professional expertise to communicate current issues in medicine with authenticity and empathy. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Dr. Ben understands the importance of representation in healthcare. He's breaking down barriers and fostering understanding by sharing his journey as a trans man in the medical field. Dr. Ben is not just a doctor; he's a voice for inclusivity, diversity, and compassionate care. Dr. Ben is a regular contributor to the conversation on online programs such as The Trans-Atlantic Call-in Show, Talk Heathen, and his own channel, Family Doctor Ben
