Chantell Thompson has dedicated eight years to the therapeutic and mental health field, specializing in support for at-risk youth and families facing challenges like poverty, navigating the justice system and family separation. Collaborating closely with the Connecticut Department of Social Services, she provides temporary care and therapeutic support to children and families in need.

Chantell is particularly passionate about empowering young girls. She developed and facilitates a curriculum called ” Honor Your Truth,” aimed at fostering confidence and helping young girls make positive decisions. Her commitment to advocacy and education extends to public speaking engagements at high schools, including her own High school, and facilitating wellness workshops across various states.

Now residing in the Greater New Haven area, Chantell continues her vital work with marginalized children and families, helping them navigate hardships with resilience and hope. She is the founder of Thompson’s Worth LLC an organization that offers life coaching and wellness workshops specifically for young single mothers striving for self-sufficiency. Through partnerships with like-minded organizations, Chantell amplifies her mission to uplift others.

As a former teen mother who overcame poverty, Chantell embodies resilience and determination, living proof of what is possible with support and perseverance. She continues to pursue her dreams while inspiring others to do the same.

You can learn more about Chantell on her website.

Pernille received her PhD in Neuroscience at Emory University, followed by a short post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. In her academic research, Pernille uncovered novel brain development mechanisms, significantly advancing our understanding of how the developing brain adapts to its environment.

As a first generation immigrant and college graduate, Pernille was not introduced to the concept of mental health literacy until her early 20s. Throughout her undergraduate and doctoral studies, she experienced firsthand the therapeutic and empowering effects of delving into the intricacies of the human brain and psychology. This knowledge not only facilitated her personal recovery from a serious mental illness but also equipped her with the tools to provide crucial support to family members grappling with mental health challenges. Pernille now leads Mind Blossom’s mission to provide free of cost mental health education to underserved communities, and together with academic collaborators, she is now conducting research on the social and economical effects of mental health education programming. Pernille’s passion, and Mind Blossom’s mission, is to democratize mental health knowledge with a particular focus on empowering caregivers, peers, and people at risk. Pernille has been featured on various webinars and podcasts and is a writer at Psychology Today.