Thriving Thursdays: Mental Health Awareness + AAPI Heritage Month

Join this powerful discussion as Dr. Jackman sits down with Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Soundhari Balaguru. Dr. Balaguru will discuss her work with children and adolescents and her leadership in integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) in schools. Dr. Balaguru will share how the pandemic has impacted teaching and learning, and she will share her thoughts on future needs for school-aged youth.  

The program will also be live streamed on InnoPsych's YouTube page.

Bios:

Soundhari Balaguru, PhD, a clinical psychologist and independent consultant, brings over 15 years experience supporting school communities.  As the former founding Director of Social-Emotional Learning & Mental Health at ChangeMakers Academy (CMA), a diverse K-8 in Vallejo, CA, she worked to reimagine education infused with SEL, Culturally affirming practices, and Restorative Justice.  Her work reflects the belief that in order for students to reach their full potential, SEL and rigorous academics need to work hand in hand.  ‘Dr. Soundhari’ facilitates caring school communities - where students, teachers, leaders, and families treat one another with empathy, accept that people will make mistakes, and support each other to become their best selves.  Dr. Soundhari worked with Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School community program for 10+ years to close the racial/economic opportunity gap in schools by providing direct mental health clinical services to students and families, consulting on school-wide student support systems, implementing programs that promoted SEL and culturally responsive care, and shifting school culture to be more attuned to the psychosocial needs of its students.  Her passion has always been to collaborate with schools to meet the needs of the whole child - to promote what is therapeutic, even if it’s not therapy - so that every student can learn.

Charmain F. Jackman, Ph.D., is a Harvard-trained, licensed psychologist with over 23 years in the mental health field. Dr. Jackman is the founder + CEO of InnoPsych, Inc., an organization on a mission to change the face of therapy and to promote wellness & healing for people of color. InnoPsych, Inc., is an award-winning organization focused on increasing access to therapy through its online therapist of color directory and thought-provoking emotional wellness programming. As a change-maker, Dr. Jackman is passionate about the intersection of psychology, mental health, and diversity, equity, and inclusion and has created social impact initiatives that support community members and mental health professionals. She has used her expertise to shape how organizations respond to and support their employees during the COVID-19 and racial violence crises. Dr. Jackman is the recipient of the City of Boston’s Black History Month’s 2021 Innovator of the Year Award. In 2020, Dr. Jackman was the recipient of the American Psychological Association’s 2020 PLC Diversity Award, and was named one of the 50 Most Influential Business People of Color by the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Jackman LOVES talking about mental health and is a national spokesperson for mental health and emotional wellness. She has also been featured in both print and TV media outlets locally and nationally.