This Fall Star C has established partnerships with individuals and organizations in the community who are passionate about providing our residents with the tools they need to keep their minds healthy in addition to their bodies.
Nechemyah D. Sullivan, M.S., LPC, NCC, ECMHC, of Nuerons to Neighborhoods Inc (N2N). is teaching introductory lessons to mental and behavioral health for our residents. The mission of N2N is “to provide tools, resources, and supports to every consumer affording them the psychological competitive edge to be self-sustainable and successful in the community and ultimately in life.” Nechemyah specializes in working with children and families. This fall, N2N will provide an on-site counseling intern to be available to our residents.
Amber Crews will be serving our residents with complimentary counseling services through June of 2016. Amber is a Master’s of Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at Argosy University in Atlanta. She has a passion for children, families and learning about other cultures. While Amber interns at Star C, she will also be working at Arabia Mountain High School in Dekalb County as a track and field coach and substitute teacher, as well as interning at a Cobb County Pe-K Head Start program.
Jamie Steel, a licensed marriage and family therapist, is generously bringing her skills and experience to Willow Branch on a weekly basis. Jamie is leading and facilitating support groups for Willow Branch residents. We are currently
running two groups of women who meet twice a month with Jamie and Amber. Jamie helps the women talk about the challenges they face as parents, spouses and refugees/immigrants in their community. For one-on-one or family counseling, residents may schedule appointments with Amber. These groups serve as a place of community engagement as well as a point of health education and accessing services.
Lastly, Ana Choban, a Master’s of Public Health student at Emory University, will be conducting a study of these programs for her thesis project which analyzes how refugee and immigrant women encounter mental health issues. This study will provide Star C with recommendations for further programming.