Advocating for Parents & Families of Neurodivergent Children with Dr. Martine Laventure

Balancing Graduate School as an MSW Student & Young Adulthood with Samantha Alaimo

Samantha is a dedicated social work graduate student based in New York, passionate about mental health advocacy. Aspiring to become a therapist or work within a hospital setting, Samantha is driven by the goal of making a profound impact, similar to the therapists who have influenced her life. She proudly serves as the student representative for her program, finding great fulfillment in this leadership role. In addition, Samantha runs an Instagram account documenting her mental health journey and social work experiences. She also coaches cheerleading, bringing joy to young adults, and hosts a podcast called "Life Unedited," where she discusses a wide range of topics. Samantha joined the podcast to discuss the challenges of being a graduate student and navigating life outside of graduate school and young adulthood. To connect with Samantha, you can follow her at @therapist_in_bloom For podcast updates follow: @healingcornerwithnat

Navigating Queer Identity in the Latinx Community with D'Andrah Almanzar, LMSW

D'Andrah Almanzar, LMSW (she/her) is a Queer Latinx Social Worker who holds a Master's in Social Work from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. D’Andrah is a Social Worker who works in outpatient care at NYC Health + Hospitals primarily focusing on counseling and care planning for high-risk populations such as HIV+ patients. Additionally, D’Andrah is a Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in Trauma, Grief, Women’s/LGBTQ+ Issues, and Anxiety/Depression. D’Andrah is also the host of her own podcast “Healing Through Advocacy” where she brings in mental health/social work professionals to discuss social justice and mental health related topics that are key in the field. D’Andrah is a board member of Release Wellness NYC, a non-profit organization providing holistic wellness and trauma informed support for survivors. D’Andrah received her Bachelors in Forensic Psychology with a minor in Addiction Studies from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice.  D’Andrah joined the podcast to discuss navigating queer identity within the Latinx community, setting boundaries with family members, and finding self-love, pride and acceptance in queer identity.  You can connect with D'Andrah and learn more about her work on instagram @healingspacewithdandrah and listen to her podcast: Healing Through Advocacy | Podcast on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/30Pu2PG9eTqPYcuHtDIZf6]

Supporting Survivors of Trauma & Owning Our Own Narratives with Jessica Ramirez, LMSW

Jessica Ramirez, LMSW (she/her/ella) is a bilingual Licensed Master Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in trauma-informed care. She has dedicated her career to working within BIPOC communities, particularly in Western Queens, where she has been a strong advocate for equitable mental health resources. Jessica is a clinician with Mount Sinai Hospital’s Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention (SAVI) program, where she specializes in providing trauma informed care to survivors of gender-based violence. She also serves as a clinician at The Sandoval CoLab, offering integrative support to individuals navigating symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression and the impact of generational trauma. Additionally, Jessica cohosts retreats at The Sandoval CoLab that promote mental wellness and holistic healing. Her professional journey was shaped by her early work with HIV/AIDS patients at Elmhurst Hospital Center, extensive volunteer experience, and lived experiences as a first-generation Colombian-American. In addition to her clinical work, Jessica is a contributing author in LatinX Vol. III, where she shares her experiences with trauma, resilience,and healing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from St. John’s University and a Master of Social Work from Fordham University. After completing post-graduate studies in integrative trauma treatment, she is currently working toward her LCSW licensure. Jessica joined the podcast to discuss her experiences in working with survivors of trauma, and how her own narrative of trauma, resilience and healing, have informed and inspired her work in the field. To learn more about Jessica you can follow her on Instagram @that_latina_therapist

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) among Women of Color & BIPOC Individuals with Sophia Dupree, LCSW, PPSC

Sophia Jasmine Dupree, LCSW, PPSC, is a mixed-race Latina therapist treating women of color with anxiety, depression, and OCD. In her 13 years of clinical practice, she has worked with various populations including LGBTQ+, unhoused population, immigrant populations, and her first passion, working with children and adolescents. Sophia is the owner of Chirpy Tree Therapy, a virtual practice serving residents of California. She is a proud LA Native, and lives with her husband, two small children, her two cats, and she is an OCD and depression survivor. Sophia joined the podcast to discuss her journey to private practice, her work with individuals living with OCD, the stigma around OCD especially surrounding BIPOC individuals, and the connection between trauma and OCD. To learn more about Sophia and her work you can follow her on instagram @chirpytreetherapy or visit her website:Home | Chirpy Tree Therapy [https://www.chirpytreetherapy.com/] For podcast updates follow @healingcornerwithnat

Advocating for Parents & Families of Neurodivergent Children with Dr. Martine Laventure

Dr. Martine Laventure is a passionate Social Worker with over 14 years of experience dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities. Dr. Laventure earned her doctorate from Tulane University and began her career as an administrator in non-profit mental health housing programs, creating supportive environments for those in need. As a psychotherapist, Dr. Laventure guides clients towards healing and growth, and as a school social worker helps students & families thrive while advocating for homeless teens. Dr. Laventure is also the founder of Laventure Consulting Services LLC to support individuals, groups and organizations in embracing authenticity and evolving into their best selves. As a parent of a teenager diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dr. Martine Laventure is committed to advocating for understanding, inclusion and acceptance for individuals on the spectrum. Dr. Laventure joined the podcast to discuss her journey in supporting children with autism spectrum disorder and families and the importance of modeling advocacy as a Social Worker. You can contact Martine @ laventuresllc@gmail.com or follow her on instagram @laventurescsllc For podcast updates follow @healingcornerwithnat