In Memoriam

1934 – 2025

“He was a giant with a heart and a conscience to match”
-Anonymous Academy Member

The American Academy of Psychotherapists mourns the loss of Grover Criswell, a beloved and prolific contributor to AAP for over the forty years. His creativity and wisdom always drew full capacity attendance for the many AAP workshops he gave over the years with topics ranging from “Love Matters” to “Energy and Openness: Strength in Containment”. He was a frequent contributor to Voices publishing 37 articles, film reviews, and commentaries. Grover’s healing presence could be felt through his smile, a wise word, or just being in the room with him. Along with his beloved wife Kathryn Van der Heiden, the couple account for two presidencies and decades of leadership in our Academy.

Grover’s daughter Catherine captures his essence best as she recounts her life with her father:

“I feel compelled to post something personal to mark the passing of my beloved father, Grover Criswell, who left us on January 15, after being unable to overcome injuries sustained in an automobile accident on October 12, which was not his fault. But this post is about how he lived and how he inspired me to be who I am and pursue my passion for civil rights. He grew up in the Dust Bowl era of Oklahoma, leaving to obtain a Master of Divinity at Yale. He became a therapist, philosopher, and social justice warrior. He marched on Washington DC for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech. He lived the last 45 years of his life in his beloved Yellow Springs, Ohio. He was part of a Dayton Book Guys group (and they published a book about their book club) and absolutely loved singing in the Yellow Springs World House choir. Practicing their music would bring him to tears. Their last performance I saw in person was a tribute to Bayard Rustin. These lyrics from one of their songs by the duet MaMuse—“We Shall be Known”—were so meaningful to him that he referenced them in a sermon he did at a local church, and they seem appropriate today, as we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy: “We shall be known by the company we keep/By the ones who circle round to tend these fires/We shall be known by the ones who sow and reap/The seeds of change, alive from deep within the earth/It is time now, it is time now that we thrive/It is time we lead ourselves into the well/It is time now, and what a time to be alive/In this Great Turning we shall learn to lead in love.” My father is remembered by those whose lives he touched for his gentle wisdom, kindness, caring, and humor. I was truly blessed to have had him as my father, and his light shines on through us, lifting us up and piercing the darkness.”

As a follow up, one silly thing about Dad is that whenever he called and left me a voicemail, he would start by saying “Hello There, This is Your Father,” as if I would not recognize his voice. He did the same with my sister and brothers and his two granddaughters.”

Hello There, This is Your Father
by his daughter Catherine Criswell Spear (with Grover Criswell musings)

Hello there, this is your father. Sorry I missed your call.
I know you may be sad at the weight of the world
– this unfortunate turn of events. It was quite the ordeal.

But don’t get ahead of yourself or obsess about that
you cannot control. What a beautiful day it is.
My bear hugs are now the sunshine warming your face
the first splash into summer’s pool the violin humming on repeat
as squirrels scamper through leaves, the chorus of birds
as they flock to the feeder, buds bursting into sunflower fields
as the deer pause outside our windows, cocking their heads to listen
to the wind’s whisper in verdant shadows: “Thank you for this wonderful day.”

I am there on the bookshelf, waiting to be read and remembered.
Oh, the places I have gone; the many chapters of my life: family, friends, jobs, leadership, locations, travel. “A fulfillment of what is important to me…the great gifts
I have been given in my life.” “If your life is complete…
you do not have to be scared in the end. That day will come.”

Travel while you can. I loved Spain, France, Italy, Mexico, Greece, Morocco, Maine, the
Outer Banks, the Grand Canyon…so many more…the food, sights, people, cultures
languages, arts…, Oh, the places you too will go – channel that zest for life!
I can’t wait to hear all about it.

“I want to become 90. And then I will be done, which doesn’t mean
I will be finished. That there will not be other moments, other pleasures, other
encounters, but I don’t need them. My life will be fulfilled…complete.”

Alas, here we are. Some days will require small acts of courage;
some moments will make you weep. Others will inspire you to joy –
to burst into silly made up songs, dance a jig,
to belly laugh until you snort and cry.

Life is a process. Live it: don’t rush through, or expect perfection.
Be kind to yourself. Sit in the sunshine. Hug others often.
I am Groovy Grover Sunshine Boy, Buckeyes fan the Energizer bunny,
a good friend a gentle listener, an imperfect human a son, a brother,
husband, father, grandfather, a philosopher…

From the dust bowl of Tonkawa, Oklahoma to now,
I am star dust burning bright forever,
a cocoon of atoms holding you close.

With all of my being, I love all of you.
I miss you already.
Bye bye for now.

1937 – 2025

Gail Cohon Stein was born on in Chicago, Illinois, to Bernard and Sylvia Cohon, and passed on, in Petaluma, CA, surrounded by family and friends.

Gail grew up in Chicago in the 1940s and, after graduating from high school, she married Ronald Stein and had two children, Scott Stein and Sherri Stein Rieck. After her divorce, she earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Psychology from Northwestern University in her thirties.  She worked for the rest of her life as a psychotherapist, focusing much of her time on working with underserved communities, particularly the homeless.

Gail was a beloved sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. She collected friends everywhere she went and was an active member of her community until her passing. Gail was, above all, a free spirit who saw the value in every person, idea, and opinion. She loved to be challenged to think in new ways and loved to try new things, no matter how strange or frightening they were. Gail often described herself as ‘chronically afraid,’ though you would never have guessed this from how boldly she lived her life.

A perennial artist, Gail left behind hundreds of original works. She loved to paint and sketch, and in the last years of her life also began to write memoirs and poems. Her home was always filled to bursting with strange art, and her personality shone through – both on the page and off it. She will be missed not just by her family and friends, but also by the many communities in which she was a veteran member, and by all those innumerable people whose lives she touched through her art and psychotherapy.

1943 – 2025

Ann Spadone Jacobson, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend, mentor, and trailblazer in the field of psychology,  passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family and community.

Ann was born in Lewiston, Maine, the cherished first child of Grace Harvey and Paul E. Sullivan. She grew up alongside her three younger brothers—Paul G., Michael H. and Thomas G.—in a family proud of its Maine roots and French-Canadian heritage. After her father’s honorable service aboard the USS Chicago during World War II, the Sullivan family relocated to California, where Ann’s vibrant childhood unfolded in Manhattan Beach.

Those formative years, filled with sun, sea, and spirited competition among siblings, helped shape Ann’s fierce intellect and enduring drive. She credited her father for instilling in her a love of reading and learning. She attended American Martyrs Catholic School, followed by Marymount High School in Brentwood, graduating in the early 1960s.

It was in South Shores where Ann met the love of her life, Walter Leighton Spadone. Together they built a life rooted in adventure and family, raising four children: Michael Leighton, Paul Gregory, Walter Phillip, and Katherine Grace (KG). Their many camping trips and ocean-side memories in Baja Mexico remain treasured chapters in the family’s story.

Tragically, Ann lost Walter while surfing in Baja—a place they both held dear—and shortly thereafter, she faced the unimaginable pain of losing their daughter, Katherine. Yet, through profound grief, Ann rose with fierce determination. She completed her doctorate in Psychology at USC while teaching Psychology full-time, raising her three sons and never missing one of their ball games. As a tenured professor at Harbor College, she secured an NIH grant to open a community mental health center on campus and establish a paraprofessional training program in collaboration with California State University Dominguez Hill.  After teaching for 15 years, Ann decided to focus exclusively on her private practice in Hermosa Beach, before retiring to spend more time with family. Her clients and colleagues knew her as a mentor, healer, and maverick in her field.

Ann later married Dr. Edward Jacobson, a fellow psychologist, and they shared several years together before his passing in the late 1980s.

Ann found joy in many things—books, puzzles, and lively conversation. A member of two book clubs and the beloved “Dream Group,” she was known for her quick wit, brilliant mind, and daily devotion to crossword puzzles. She was the family’s go-to source for any puzzling clue or existential question.

Her greatest joy came through her role as “Nan”, a name lovingly bestowed by her grandchildren, whose lives she enriched deeply. Ann embraced her growing family with open arms: Nicole, Morgan, and Vincent (children of Michael and Audrey Flowers); Isabella, Charlie, Nick, and Luke (children of Paul & Heather); and Greyson (son of Walter and Wendy Li). Thanksgiving celebrations in Baja, filled with love, laughter, and outdoor turkey feasts, became treasured rituals of connection and remembrance.

Nan was a beacon to the younger generation—wise, accepting, and insightful. Her openness and warmth transcended backgrounds, cultures, and identities, endearing her to all who knew her.

In her final days, her family gathered once more in Baja to honor her in a traditional Hawaiian paddle out—a fitting tribute to a woman who had weathered life’s deepest losses with grace, and still loved unconditionally.

Ann Spadone Jacobson’s legacy is one of love, resilience, intellect, and service. Her impact will be felt for generations through the lives she touched and the wisdom she shared. She will be deeply missed and eternally remembered.

1941 – 2025

John William (Will) Compton, Ph. D. (March 20, 1941-April 6, 2025) Will Compton was born on March 20, 1941, at the Doctor’s Hospital in Washington D.C. He loved being born on the first day of spring. He was the son of Walter and Frances Compton.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 40 years, Frances Compton. He is also survived by his son, Matthew Compton of Bradenton, Florida; daughter, Molly Coleman and her husband, Shawn Coleman of Pikesville, Maryland; two grandsons, Gunnar Compton, and Elias Coleman. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Lisa Blakely, nephew, Greg Blakely, and niece, Rachel Blakeley all from Aubrey, Texas.

Growing up, Will began swimming at a young age in an aquatic entertainment troupe which provided entertainment for Country Clubs in the D.C. area. After graduating from Wilson High School in Washington, D.C., Will attended American University on a full athletic scholarship. His AU swim coach, Bob Fraily, became a mentor and father figure. The AU swim team won the Mason-Dixon Conference 1958-59. Will went on to graduate being awarded the Senior Athlete Award for scholarship, leadership, and athletic contribution to American University.

Will began a doctoral program at George Washington University following his graduation from AU. He graduated as a Clinical Psychologist in 1969. He worked at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, D.C., General Hospital, and Alexandria Mental Health Center prior to entering private practice with his colleagues, Steven Shere and Jane Thayer.

Will was active in the American Academy of Psychotherapists (AAP) where he served in the roles of Newsletter Editor and Voices Intervision editor. He co-founded the Institute for the Advanced Study of Psychotherapy. While he practiced as a psychotherapist, he supervised many up-and-coming psychotherapists and led them to AAP.

Will and his wife, Frances bought a cabin at The Woods Resort in Hedgesville, West Virginia in 1988 where they enjoyed golf, friends, and family. In anticipation of retirement, they built their dream retirement home at The Woods Resort. Will enjoyed the country living where he drove his various cars on the winding country lanes.

Will was an avid woodworker throughout his life. His dad handed him a few tools as a child and now his house is a museum of his furniture and finishes.

Will, will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His wishes were to be cremated, and his remains buried at Hedges Chapel at The Woods Resort. There will be a Memorial and Celebration of Life at The Woods Resort on July 11, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.

1943 – 2025

Sandra Jean Pinschmidt Hutton, born April 4, 1943, passed away on April 30, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, several years after being diagnosed with leukemia. A longtime resident of Georgia, she had moved to Milwaukee in March of 2025 to be closer to family.

Sandy was born in Richmond, Virginia, to Marjorie Jean Hartsock and Norman William Pinschmidt, and she grew up in Gallipolis, Ohio. A prodigious student, she graduated from high school a year early and attended Ohio Wesleyan University. She earned her master’s degree at Vanderbilt University, where she met and later married Davis Freeman Hutton of Columbus, Georgia. After moving to Atlanta, the couple had two children, Stephen Alexander Hutton and Jennifer Claire Hutton, before divorcing in 1980. In 2004, Sandy married Hartmut Ramm and they bought a house together in Kennesaw, Georgia.

Sandy earned her PhD in psychology at Georgia State University and practiced as a clinical psychologist for more than 40 years before retiring in 2022. During her last year of practice, she remarked: “I’m still in awe of the endless complexity I find in every person I work with. And whenever I manage to help someone gain new awareness or undergo a release from old pain, I can only describe my own experience as a sense of joy.”

Sandy was highly involved in the community of the American Academy of Psychotherapists, where she led professional workshops and performed comedy routines, skits, and musical parodies. Upon her passing, the organization’s president paid tribute to Sandy’s quick and disarming humor, her wisdom and compassion, her fierce intellect, and “her capacity to connect – with heart, with authenticity, and with generosity.”

In addition to practicing psychology, for many years Sandy had a second career performing locally as a stand-up comedian, notably winning the Atlanta Funny Bone’s Great Southeastern Laff-Off. After she stopped performing on stage, she continued to relish telling jokes, and she was rarely more proud than when she was able to make someone laugh.

Sandy liked to relax by reading science fiction, books about comedy and psychology, and by playing chess. She enjoyed playing the guitar and the piano, and she loved singing, especially singing harmony, which she did with friends at Churchill Arms pub in Atlanta for many years. She also used her comedic and musical skills to “gift” comedic parody songs to her grandson Will.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Hartmut Ramm, her children Stephen Hutton and Jenny Hutton, her son-in-law Ben Perkins, and her beloved grandson, Will Perkins.

We invite you to an informal remembrance gathering on Saturday, July 26, 2025, 4:00p–6:00p, at Manuel’s Tavern, 602 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307.