Sadija A. Smiley, MBA, is the Founder and CEO of Stillborn And Infant Loss Support (SAILS), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families navigating pregnancy and infant loss. With over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Sadija blends her personal journey of loss with professional expertise to advocate for equity and healing in her communi…

Elssa Kenfack is many things to many people and rooms but one thing that she hopes she is remembered as she walks out of rooms or fades into memories of others is that she loves the Lord. Elssa has served in many capacities as a therapist, community development advocate, creative, friend, daughter, sister and in all of those roles, she has tried to…

Quintina Sonnie is a Lived Experience Expert in human trafficking and somatic practitioner who has been providing survivors with tools for healing for the past eight years. She is currently the Chief Operations Officer and Holistic Care Director at Survivor Ventures, a nonprofit based out of Hampton Roads, Virginia, lowering barriers and providing …

Janelle Carrington, LCSW-C, is the owner and a licensed clinical social worker at Alchemy Therapy and Holistic Wellness Space, LLC. She began her social work career in 2017, working with teens and young adults with autism and behavioral issues. In 2021, Janelle transitioned to private practice, expanding her focus to include adults and offering mul…

Autumn Walker is a Mental Health Therapist licensed in Maryland. After obtaining her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins in 2020, she founded The Soul Reasons LLC as a call to action to center mental wellness in response to the sociopolitical climate. Today, she equips mission-driven organizations to foster well-being in…

Shountee Turner is the founder of The Write Narrative, LLC. Balancing responsibilities with the need for flexibility and supplemental income led Shountee to start her writing services business as a side hustle. What began as a necessity quickly grew into a passion for helping women and minority business owners through communication and fundraising,…

Shardae Carter, LCPC, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and the founder and clinical director of Dae to Dae Counseling Services. She considers herself a Grief Relief Strategist and in this episode, we talk about the many forms of grief, debunk some myths and talk about ways to cope with loss. Follow Shardae on instagram at @dae2daecouns…

Christen is the CEO, Founder of SCB Luxury Styling where she helps sophisticated women harmonize their inner beauty with their outer appearance. She believes that understanding your body shape and lifestyle is the key to curating a capsule wardrobe that works. She also focuses on shifting her clients' relationship with style so that they can confid…

Fatima M. Smith identifies as a Black woman who is a relentless advocate for anti-violence in our communities & community. She is also the Co-Founder of Collective 365, a grant-making, membership-based organization that serves Black and Brown changemakers in DC, MD and VA. She is a firm believer that, “a person who can describe a problem can also d…

Sharda Smith is a certified life coach, public speaker, and workshop facilitator, who is passionate about helping others reach their ultimate potential. She is committed to sharing the knowledge and personal experience she gained through her self-development journey to empower women, build their confidence, and unlock their purpose. In this episode…

Doreen Boateng, LCPC, brings extensive experience in trauma-informed care, ensuring that all services are delivered with empathy, evidence-based practices, and a deep understanding of cultural sensitivity. Her mission at Hope Restored Counseling Services is to create a nurturing environment where clients can safely explore their experiences, addres…

Kiara (Anese) Barnett, M.Ed is a third-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at George Washington University. Throughout Anese's academic and professional career, her work has focused on supporting both mothers and children. Anese is also a volunteer with Postpartum Support Virginia. Anese is a wife and a boy mom of two. In…

D’Shawn Harris, LCPC, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of MD and Founder of Safe Haven Therapy. Drawing on systemic and family-centered approaches, D'Shawn creates a professional and safe environment where clients can embark on their journey toward transformation. With a focus on fostering healing, empowerment, and growth,…

Jayden Aubryn (they/them), LICSW, is a Black, queer, non-binary, and ethically non-monogamous psychotherapist, personal trainer, and consultant. They specialize in the holistic healing of trauma by integrating mental, physical, spiritual, and sexual health. They aim to make healing both accessible and fun! In this episode, we talk about ways to inc…

Cynthia Issac is a personal growth and transformation mentor, EFT practitioner and personal development trainer. She is a widow whose purpose in life is to encourage, equip and empower widows worldwide to grow beyond their grief and loss so they can heal hurt and heartache, rediscover their real selves and recreate a more prosperous, fulfilling fut…

Kiara Hartwell Opara, LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor based in Virginia Beach, VA and is also licensed in Maryland. In 2017, she opened her private practice where she helps millennial and gen-z aged women heal from anxiety, depression, life adjustments, and trauma by incorporating experiential and evidenced-based approaches, mos…

Charles Robinson-Snead was born and raised in Delaware but recently relocated to the DMV to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology at Howard University. Charles is a licensed therapist and a wellness coach, a role in which he enjoys working with individuals and groups from Black and Brown communities through trauma-informed treatment approaches. Ultim…

This special solo episode features our very own Jessica Smith, Founder and Executive Director of The Mental Health Emergency Fund, Inc. and Host of The Mental Health Emergency Fund Podcast. She shares her personal journey of becoming a nonprofit founder, resulting from what felt like a professional failure. She first told this story during Women's …

“Anti-Oppressive, Inclusive and Accessible Therapy” Badia Khalid-Manning, LCPC, is the Owner of Larada Counseling Services. She holds certifications as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT), and Level 1 Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFiT). Recently, she completed her Certificati…

Mavlyn is a native of Saint Croix, United States Virgin Islands (U.S.V.I.). In 2007, she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Hampton University and a Master’s of Social Work in May 2021 from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, specializing in community action and social policy. Mavlyn sat for and obtained my licensed master’s soc…

New York native, Trina Murray, LCSW, has been a Licensed Clinical Social worker since 1994. She received her undergraduate degree at the University of Old Westbury and obtained a Master’s Degree from Fordham University. With more than 20 years of professional experience, she has serviced a diverse range of clients, including the psychiatric impaire…

Dr. Orlando Wright is a behavioral scientist with a Master of Social Work and a Ph.D. in Behavioral Science.He is a seasoned public speaker, practitioner, and professor. He has 20 + years of experience. He is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Rational Emotive Behavioral T…

"1 in every 8 people, or 970 million people around the world are living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depressive disorders." (World Health Organization 2019). Over 27 million adults in the United States with a mental illness are untreated, according to Mental Health America. This podcast, a division of The Mental Health Emergency Fund, i…

Tunisia Buise, LCSW-C was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She attended Baltimore City Public Schools before entering undergraduate studies at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia. At Clark Atlanta, Tunisia studied Political Science and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Tunisia’s initial dream was to become a family attorney to “re…

Rachael Lindo, LMSW is from Baltimore, MD. She graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from Coppin State University in 2018 and in 2022 from Morgan State University School of Social Work, receiving a MSW. Rachael describes herself as always being a helpful person who would listen to others’ needs and be a support system for them. During her time in gra…

Di Jessica A. Smith

Overcoming Society's Stigmas and Barriers -Johnzelle Anderson, LPC In therapy, the vehicle for change is found in the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client. It’s important for you to feel comfortable and to develop trust in me. Establishing that rapport will be my goal from our first session. I use an eclectic approach to th…

Awareness Through Life's Journey - JaAlah-Ai Heughan JaAlah-Ai Heughan, MS, LCPC, LPC | Board Approved Supervisor Baltimore City native, creating opportunities that provide equitable mental health treatment. Psychotherapist offering a therapeutic approach grounded in Culturally Affirming Cognitive Behavioral Therapies and Mindfulness-Based practice…

Learning to Set Boundaries Latoya Stewart is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Private Practice Owner in the State of Maryland. Latoya is a wife, mother, daughter and is heavily connected through kinship within family and community dynamics. This Goes Out to You, LLC is a Holistic Private Practice that grounds its services in Mindfulness based,…

Our host Nancy Paloma Collins sits with the writer of a musical for a conversation about heartbreak, pain and the journey to find your true self. This episode explores the development of Arena a House Music-al with Abel Alvarado, the true story of a young man that found his true self through an experience at the world famous Arena Night Club that c…

MentalHealth411 podcast "All things mental health" this week we explore, a question that often comes up; How do I find a therapist? Paola Leon AMFT under supervision recently wrote a blog about this subject. Paola talks to our host Paloma Collins about finding a therapist, tips and nuances that come up. Paola shares tips and they discuss personal e…

Our host Nancy Paloma Collins LMFT has a conversation with Mari Salinas a fashion stylist to the stars and entrepreneurs. Mari gets deep into the topic of body positive image and taking care of yourself through style and self expression. Mari Salinas shared: "I did not grow up being told that I was beautiful or smart or the right size. I was actual…

Our host Paloma Collins LMFT has a conversation with Keren Cabrera AMFT Associate Marriage and Family Therapist about Men who are survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and other violent crimes. The discussion leads into culture, stigma and how to better understand through an empathic lens the sensitivity and importance of awareness. Keren …

In this new episode on MentalHealth411, Alejandra Alvarez LMFT has a profound conversation with our host Nancy Paloma Collins LMFT on the “Emotional reconnection between transnational mothers and their children after reunification. It is increasingly common for single mothers to parent from afar while working in another country. Due to this separat…

Latinx community and mental health through the eyes of an advocate for men’s mental health. Perez the advisor (Benjamin) has a conversation with our host Paloma Collins about men’s mental health the stigma and his journey in advocating for mental health. They talk about generational trauma, machismo and possible implications that have been brought …

MentalHealth411 brings together Karari Olvera and our host Paloma Collins LMFT in a conversation about issues that arise during a person's process of growth and transition. The transgender community is a vulnerable community that is often in need of community resources and support. This podcast will provide valuable information and share personal e…

MentalHealth411 presents an interview with AHF. Pharmaceutical representatives Anthony Susarrey and Giselle Schilling discuss services that AHF provides for community members. Our host Paloma Collins interviews AHF on services that can be obtained by individuals and families. For more information on AHF please visit: https://www.aidshealth.org Don'…

Ernesto Casillas 2X Emmy Award winning makeup artist joins our host Paloma Collins. Ernesto shares his journey of becoming a celebrity makeup artist and provides tips on what to expect in the industry. Ernesto is a native to the city of Los Angeles a first generation LatinX Mexican-American, he shares his narrative of growing up with artistic abili…

CHANNEL KINDNESS Author and Founder of Queer Trans Events, Ash Lopez joins our host Paloma Collins in a chat about community work with Born This Way Foundation, the process of becoming a published author and how her own journey inspired these accomplishments. Order your copy of CHANNEL KINDNESS at https://smarturl.it/ChannelKindness For more inform…

On this week's episode our host Paloma Collins LMFT interviews Sean Garcia LMFT, a practicing therapist in the city of San Jose, Ca. (www.seangarciatherapy.com) Sean Garcia shares his journey and some insight of providing mental health services to the LGBTQ+ community. This episode provides an insight to individuals and providers that are intereste…

Host Paloma Collins talks with Life Coach Boonie Sripom (organizedmesses.com) about gaming and mental health. Boonie gives her expert opinion on how gaming impacts families and relationships. Gaming is a hot topic with many families and individuals trying to navigate how to understand the gaming culture the viral world and for some understanding ho…

Mental Health Podcast Mixdown by Maddie LittleDi Maddie Little