Ruminations with Ohiro Oni-Eseleh

Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Ms. Funmto Ogunbamwo is passionate about dispelling the myths and stereotypes around mental health in Africa. A graduate of Austin College and Southern Methodist University in Texas, USA, Fumto is the founder of Ibi Ayo Therapy and Wellness in Lagos, Nigeria. She also runs a blog called Out of The Heart which is dedicated to exploring mental health, faith, young adulthood and overall wellbeing. In this episode co-facilitated with Dr. Olusola Togun-Butler, Founder/CEO of Butterfly Counseling Services in New York, Ms. Ogunbamwo discusses her relocation to Nigeria after studying in the United States, her motivation for becoming a psychotherapist, the challenges and potential impact of practicing in Nigeria, and her practice approach. She also discusses the role of religion and African culture in decisions to seek or reject help in that culture.

Mr. Michael Balles is a clinical social work practitioner and administrator. He is the Director of the Council on Addiction Prevention and Education (CAPE) of Dutchess County, New York. He has a record of significant accomplishments as an administrator in the the field of addictions treatment and has occupied major roles in several establishments. In this conversation, he provides an in-depth discussion of the etiology of addictions, the challenges and stigma associated with addiction.

Ms. Julianah Abimbola Ogundimu, MSW, MBA and Master CASAC-G is a Team Leader/Opioid Disorder System Specialist at Ulster County NY Sheriff Office and Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice & Human Services. In this expansive interview, she discusses her work, the etiology and impact of substance addiction, and the effects of stigma associated with substance misuse.

Dr. Chikezie Uzuegbunam is the MA Program Coordinator in the School of Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University, South Africa. He is also the Acting Deputy Head of School in the same department. He has published prolifically, with over 30 peer-reviewed academic outputs in the areas of digital technology, young people and media, popular culture, political and health communication, and misinformation. In addition to academic publications, he has contributed numerous op-eds and essays to mainstream media and critical blogs. His latest book is “Children and Young People’s Digital Lifeworlds: Domestication, Mediation, and Agency” published by Palgrave Macmillan under the book series of the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR).  In this episode, he discusses his scholarship, motivations and inspiration.

Dawn Wilkin is NYS OASAS Credentialed Prevention Specialist with 24 years experience in the prevention field She provides trainings and technical assistance throughout the Mid-Hudson Region in New York State. Currently she is the Director of Prevention Services for Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster Counties in New York State, overseeing substance use prevention programs and services in those counties. Ms. Dawn Wilkin was a part of the planning team for the Hudson Valley Interlink Analytic System and PeerRX and serves on multiple county and state committees to promote health and safety, diversity, equity and inclusion for the communities she serves while advocating for their needs.