AANHPI Month Speaker Series:
Mental Health + Disability Stigma in APIDA Communities
Join us for this FREE educational event highlighting the expertise of
Dr. Soundhari Balaguru
This is for learning specialists, educators, and school leaders who are looking to expand their knowledge about the impact of disability and mental health stigma on APIDA communities.
May 9, Thursday @ 5-6:00 pm PST / 8-9:00 pm EST
Meet Our Guest Speaker
Dr. Soundhari Balaguru
Dr. Soundhari is a clinical psychologist and Founder of Integrated SEL, a coaching, training, and consulting business that supports educators to hone their culturally conscious lens and center belonging to shift school culture and climate in positive directions. She helps schools integrate Social-Emotional Learning, Restorative Discipline, Culturally Affirming Practices, and Educator Wellness, so that equity and inclusion do not just exist in policy, but live dynamically throughout the school-day. Her child-centered approach, paired with a systems perspective, provides educators with practical tools for engagement and implementation. After working in schools for 19 years, Dr. Soundhari believes that for students to meet their full potential, schools need to prioritize relationships, validate and affirm their students’ identities, and support students and adults to grow and learn from their mistakes. Dr. Soundhari is working towards a future where schools can promote what is therapeutic, even if it’s not therapy, and racial justice is the norm.
WHAT WE'LL DISCUSS
#1 The impact of racial trauma on APIDA communities
What is the connection between casual "racism" and resistance to seeking care in mental health & educational systems?
#2 Stigma around seeking help
What do self-advocacy and boundaries look like in the context of our collectivist values in an individualistic society?
#3 Treatment & healing
How do we go beyond surface level coping and dive into the deep culture of healing?
MEET YOUR HOST
DR ALYSON KANESHIRO
Alyson Kaneshiro, Ed.D, is the founder of Learning Specialist LLC and a learning specialist in Oakland, California.
With a varied background in education that spans 20 years, Alyson is passionate about designing equitable student support systems that center relationships and compassionate care.
She loves learning about the newest tech tools and gets excited about ways technology can bring creativity and innovation to her practice.
Beyond her work in schools and academia, she finds joy in practicing yoga, surfing Pacific waves on outrigger canoes, and embarking on pizza adventures in search of the “perfect” slice.
KNOW SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED?
Feel free to spread the word and forward the link to anyone who you think might be interested – encourage your colleagues, friends, and fellow specialists to join us!
See you there!
Thursday, May 9th • 5pm PST/ 8pm EST
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