Our Faculty
Toby Chuah Feinson, Founder
It is with great sadness that I report the untimely passing of Dr. Toby Chuah Feinson. Toby Feinson died as a result of injuries suffered in a car accident in April of this year. She was an innovator in the public schools, a valuable member of the American Group Psychotherapy Association, who was recognized only last year for her landmark work with the New York City school system. Standing back and looking at her journey from foreign correspondent in Malasia, to NYC public school teacher, to modern analyst, to founder and executive director of a thriving non-profit, what impresses me most is the transformative power of her relentless drive towards mastery. The stories I know best about her are the ones she told me herself. As she worked as a teacher with inner city high school students, she came to understand that the biggest obstacle to helping them learn was her own lack of understanding of mental health in general and group process in particular. When she pursued her understanding of the challenge she faced, she was transformed by the solution. In her passing we have lost a woman of extraordinary insight and intellect, a teacher, a leader, a healer, a partner and a friend. I know I speak for many when I say that my life has been so enriched by my connection to Toby, that I am forever grateful for the time I had with her, and I will take her spirit with me wherever I go.
David J. Dumais, LCSW, CGP
Executive Director