Strategies for Discussing Race, Racial Discrimination, and Racial Trauma with Youth

SERIES DESCRIPTION

The Central East MHTTC in collaboration with the National Center for School Mental Health is pleased to offer a school mental health webinar series with a focus on advancing high quality, sustainable school mental health from a multi-tiered system of support, trauma sensitive, and culturally responsive and equitable lens. To familiarize yourself with the foundations of school mental health, please review the school mental health guidance document.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Define racial stress and trauma
• describe the impacts of racial stress and trauma
• Identify strategies that can be utilized to discuss race, racism, discrimination, and racial stress and trauma with youth  

PRESENTERS

Nicole L. Cammack, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Speaker, Media Contributor, and the President and CEO of Black Mental Wellness, Corp and Healing Generations Psychological Services and Consultation Center. She is passionate about mental health awareness, treatment, and reducing the mental health stigma, particularly as it relates to Black communities. Both her clinical and research interests have continually focused on mental health issues specific to the Black community and identifying ways to address the cultural and systemic issues that impact Black mental health and wellness. This passion is what led to the development of Black Mental Wellness, Corp. Dr. Cammack received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Howard University and her Master’s and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University. 

Dana L. Cunningham, PhD is a Licensed Psychologist in Maryland and Program Director of the Prince George’s School Mental Health Initiative, through the National Center for School Mental Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She is also the Vice President of Community Outreach and Engagement for Black Mental Wellness, Corp., a Co-Facilitator for the National Practice Group on Cultural Responsiveness and Equity through the National Community of Practice on Collaborative School Behavioral Health, a training consultant for Strategies for Youth, and an author. She is passionate about increasing access to mental health care and decreasing mental health stigma in the Black community. She has extensive experience providing professional development and trainings to school staff, as well as technical assistance and support for local and state agencies in the implementation of mental health promotion, youth violence and substance abuse prevention programs. Her research and clinical interests include the development and application of evidence-based practices for youth of color, resilience, and trauma-informed practice. Dr. Cunningham obtained a B.A. in Psychology from Spelman College and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Jessica S. Henry, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Georgia, National Consultant, Curriculum Developer, and Author. She is the Co-founder and Vice President of Program Development and Evaluation for Black Mental Wellness, Corp., and Founder and CEO of Community Impact: Consultation & Psychological Services. She is passionate about the mental health of individuals in Black and under-resourced communities and has specialized in increasing access to treatment and providing the highest quality of evidence-based mental health treatment services to underserved youth, families, and adults exposed to traumatic events (e.g., community violence, abuse, neglect). Her research has focused on identifying race-relevant protective factors for African American/Black youth exposed to community violence and racial discrimination. Dr. Henry received her B.S. from Howard University, M.A. from Columbia University, and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University.

AUDIENCE

Educators, Administrators, Health and Behavioral Health Care Professionals, Central East (Region 3) Project AWARE Grantees, Policymakers and Advocates, and Child-Serving Agency Staff