Pernille (Bülow) Yilmam, PhD, is the founder and CEO of Mind Blossom. She received her PhD from Emory University and finished a short Post-doctoral Fellowship at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. Inspired by her own personal experiences, Pernille left academia with the purpose of creating tangible changes to mental healthcare through technology and psychoeducation. She first joined the multimodal biosensors software company iMotions, where she led the the strategic development of a wearable mobile biosensor platform as well as leading the integration of voice analysis into their multimodal biometric research platform. She now serves as a consultant for companies, often at the startup stage, on the integration of biosensors and AI in mental health tech as well as an advisor to both companies and graduate-level students. Pernille is an expert on mental health and illness and regularly leads lectures for high-school, college and graduate students. She has been featured on various webinars and podcasts and is a writer at Psychology Today. You can read more about Pernille on her website. 

Obi Onochie, PhD, is the Director of the Harvard Medical School (HMS) MEDscienceLAB program and the MEDscience Forensics program. HMS MEDscience is an organization which aims to address education inequality in the Boston public school system. As Director, Obi works on curriculum development which includes creating medical-based patient case scenarios and cutting-edge laboratory experiments that expose students to a range of topics including genetics, immunology, and forensics science. Obi’s main passion is to stimulate scientific curiosity in students who may otherwise feel that a career in STEM is beyond their reach. Prior to her position at HMS MEDscience, Obi was the Education Program Coordinator at CityLab, which is a biotechnology-based outreach organization located at Boston University. Before transitioning to STEM education, Obi worked as a research scientist for several years. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Chicago. Afterwards, she received a Masters degree in Medical Sciences and a Doctorate in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. 

Wes is a higher education professional with over 8 years of experience. He has a passion for helping students reach their full potential and believes in creating holistic learning environments. His experience includes leading programs to support student success, and assisting adult learners in pursuit of college degrees. He has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education and works closely with faculty, staff, and administrators to maintain a supportive campus environment. Wes is dedicated to providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed, and he is committed to making sure mental health services are accessible and equitable for all.

Iulia Nandrea is a Romanian-Canadian-American planning and organizing aficionado and creative mind by nature. Born and raised in Romania, she relocated to Canada after the Romanian revolution in hopes of a better life. Iulia attended the University of Ottawa and majored in criminology, political science and psychology. Since then, she has run her own successful multi-million dollar wedding and event planning venue business in Hawaii, and is currently the right-hand-woman of the Deputy CEO of Smart Eye/Affectiva Dr. Rana el Kaliouby where she has been pivotal in building and driving Rana’s personal brand, book launch and social media presence. Iulia is passionate about increasing awareness about mental health and facilitating vulnerable and honest conversations. She is an animal lover and loves all things sports. 

Sushma, an Educational Psychologist from India, is dedicated to prioritizing students’ mental health. She wholeheartedly endorses creative approaches such as integrating play into learning to enhance educational experiences. Sushma is particularly interested in studying adverse childhood experiences and intergenerational trauma and strives to raise awareness about these issues through education. She advocates for inclusivity, gender equity, socio-emotional growth, and mental health support, firmly believing in the transformative power of psychoeducation in shaping students’ lives

Aramie Bloom was born and raised in Louisville, KY and has since lived and traveled throughout the U.S., Europe, and South America. She is a lifelong horse lover, published poet and writer, fine dining cook, and workout enthusiast. Aramie is currently finishing her BSBA in Equine Business at the University of Louisville and is headed for a dual MBA and law degree. With over 30 years in the horse world, and over a decade with 12 Step Programs, she is passionate about combining horses with addiction recovery – and in the role horses play in therapy of all sorts. Aramie is a member of Ben’s Friends, a national organization for sober food and beverage workers. She regularly provides energy work for horses and people, volunteers with her local hospice network, and is currently an intern at an Estate Law & Trust firm. 

Morgan DiPrimo is a Business Advisor at Insperity based in New York. She works closely with CEOS, CFO’s and business owners to increase their productivity, contain cost and minimize risk. Prior to working in HCM Services, she worked in Television and Film industry. Morgan worked on various productions such as Super Bowl 2018, Jimmy Kimmel, $100,000 Pyramid, NBC Sports to name but a few. Morgan has a passion for advocating for the voiceless. She has work continuously to spread awareness about the importance of psychoeducation and having open discussions about mental health. She has done work with various nonprofits (Project HEAL, NAMI, NEDA) created fundraisers, and has publicly spoken about her own personal journey with mental illness. In her free time, she has a passion for travel and learning about new cultures.

Brittany, a dedicated NYS Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW), has a strong educational foundation, commencing with a BSW from Marist College and followed by an MSW from NYU. In her role as a psychotherapist in private practice, she offers individual therapy to a diverse clientele, skillfully integrating evidence-based techniques. Brittany is deeply committed to holistic well-being and mental health advocacy, reflecting her work in educational settings, addressing students’ needs. As a programming consultant with Mind Blossom, Brittany’s mission is to facilitate the seamless integration of psychoeducation into educational institutions and workplaces. This encompasses empowering individuals to understand their mental and physical well-being and supporting in the design of tailored psychoeducation programs for diverse audiences, from students to employees and community members. Her role also involves providing guidance and insights based on her extensive knowledge in mental health, children, and psychoeducation, ensuring that best practices are employed.

Mona is a Massachusetts-licensed educator with a B.A. in psychology and neuroscience as well as a M.Ed. in teaching from Harvard University. At Harvard, Mona was involved with various educational programs, including directing the Cambridge Youth Enrichment Program (CYEP) at PBHA.  Since then, she has taught 8th grade science for 3 years. She is excited to be a part of the Mind Blossom team where she can combine her interests, skills and experiences to engage and empower more people in the community through psychoeducation. Outside of work, Mona enjoys singing, fencing, cooking, playing board games and spending time with the people (and dogs) she loves.

Danielle is a Colorado native who was introduced to the possibility and creativity of marketing as a college senior. Danielle began her career in tech and healthcare and then continued on as a freelancer. Being a freelancer has allowed her to dabble in everything from content creation to social media management, even some design. When she isn’t busy creating the latest content for clients she’s hanging out with her husband and two children or heading out to explore the foothills.

Thomas Costello, PhD, is a postdoctoral fellow in Psychology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and an expert in the fields of personality pathology and political psychology. He received his PhD in Psychopathology from Emory University in 2022. As a scholar, Thomas has made significant contributions to the field of psychology, particularly in understanding the relationship between personality and political beliefs. His research has been published in several leading academic journals, and he has presented his findings at numerous national and international conferences. Thomas is deeply committed to using his expertise to help individuals and communities better understand the complex interplay between psychological factors and societal issues. He is passionate about promoting mental health and well-being through psychoeducation, and has worked with a variety of organizations as a therapist to implement evidence-based programs and interventions.

I am a dedicated and creative professional with a profound passion for Maternal and Child Health. It brings me immense joy to assist women and children in achieving their highest mental, physical, and emotional health. My pursuit of a B.S. in Public Health Education and a minor in Biology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro helped me discover this passion and fueled my desire to learn more about how I could serve families in my community. I became a certified Community Health Worker in North Carolina and now serve as a Community Engagement Specialist at One Place, a large non-profit organization in Jacksonville, NC. My role involves educating on trauma and resilience, connecting families to resources, and working towards ending child abuse. Beyond my professional commitments, I prioritize self-care and express my creativity through marketing projects and my training as an aerialist.

Ava Duskic (she/her) is an experienced editor and researcher. She previously worked at W.W. Norton & Company on their Chemistry & Astronomy team, aiding in the publication of scientific textbooks. At Mind Blossom, she acts as a research intern, supporting her team by organizing, editing, and clarifying academic content. After studying Neuroscience and English at Muhlenberg College, she is excited to continue using her background to make scientific research accessible to the public and is proud to be with a group that understands its importance! She enjoys supporting others to excel in their work and refining their content to its fullest potential. If she’s not working, Ava is probably curled up reading a new book (most likely a creative nonfiction think piece or a fantasy series).

After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor’s in Health Promotion & Behavior Science, Nikita moved back to her hometown, Dallas, Texas. She is now pursuing a Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Quantitative Data Science at the University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center. During her studies, she’s led student organizations promoting mental health awareness on campus, interned with mental health non-profits, and volunteered as a behavior science research assistant. She is passionate about increasing mental health education, improving access to resources/care, and studying cultural differences. Nikita is excited to work with Mind Blossom as a Creative Intern and work on public health communications projects. She intends to pursue a career in health and technology after her Masters. Outside of school and work, she enjoys dancing, art, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

My name is Michelle Yamamoto and I grew up in Portland, Oregon. I am a junior a George Washington University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychological and Brain Studies with a minor in Japanese Language and Literature. In high school, I was active in social justice and academic endeavors, which fostered my passion to advocate for underserved communities. At GW, I have worked as a research assistant with Dr. Bowleg and her team to study Black Americans and access to HIV preventative care. I am passionate about minority group mental health and I strive to make resources accessible to those who need them in all of my work. My other roles at GW include being the former financial officer of the Climbing Club and the current co-president of the Chinese American Student Association.

Kelley Wells attends Liberty University where she is pursuing a Master of Public Health with a specialization in Environmental Health. She also has a Master of Science in Environmental Management and Master of Healthcare Administration. Her current job is a Medical Reviewer and Analyst with the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Sophie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Honors from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. During her time as an undergraduate, she developed a strong background in neuroscience and comparative cognition research and worked as a registered behavior technician, where she gained valuable insights into human behavior and intervention techniques. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work and is a graduate assistant at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Following the completion of her graduate degree, she plans to get her LCSW and specialize in psychotherapy with adolescents and young adults. She also has a passion for philanthropy work specifically targeted at mental health initiatives and advocacy. 

Grace VanOort is a student at Wake Forest University pursuing a BA in Psychology with a double major in Religious Studies and a minor in Health and Human Services. She is a passionate advocate for mental health and inclusivity. As the Outreach Chair for Student Mental Health Ambassadors at the University, Grace pursues her passions by facilitating mental health programs, fostering diverse student engagement and building key partnerships. Grace also excels as the DE&I Chair of Kappa Delta Sorority – Zeta Omicron Chapter, enhancing cultural awareness and inclusivity. Her roles as a Peer Leader for WakeWell Pre-Orientation and a University Counseling Center Representative demonstrate her commitment to mentorship and program development. Certified in Inclusive Process Training, NASPA Peer Education, and Psychological First Aid for Schools, Grace is preparing for her future goals in mental health advocacy and creating inclusive, supportive environments. Her journey so far reflects a deep commitment to creating supportive environments that foster well-being and inclusivity.

Krystal is a recent graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completing a degree in Psychology (B.A.) and a minor in Health and Society. She is passionate about spreading mental health awareness and reducing stigma associated with mental diagnoses. Throughout her time in Chapel Hill, she participated in clubs tackling mental health stigma, most notably the Mental Health Ambassadors at her university. She is especially interested in studying user experience and accessibility in online spaces, creating a safer and easier to navigate digital environment. She currently works as a Registered Behavioral Therapist, assisting children in learning and improving lifelong skills. In her free time, she typically enjoys creative activities such as drawing and designing, dancing, playing with her dog, or playing video games.

Justin Kalinay is a substitute teacher and parapaprofessional serving K-8 students at Stambaugh Charter Academy in Youngstown, Ohio. A queer polymath with seventeen years of experience in the fields of Education, Hospitality Services, Project Design and Program Management, Justin considers himself first and foremost as an educator, entertainer and event planner. He cares deeply about systemic inequality, racial justice, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights; and he has been trained as a sex educator, a mental health first responder, and a career development facilitator. Justin views education and youth empowerment as a powerful avenue for change and he has come to Mind Blossom to provide support, knowledge, and perspective, with the ultimate goal of empowering others to take charge of their own physical and mental wellbeing. Concurrently, he is building his Acid Pup brand and LLC as a means of advocating for emotional intelligence, mental health awareness, and equitable social justice. Justin holds BAs in Anthropology and Classical Studies from the College of Wooster, and a Master’s Degree in Gender & Cultural Studies from Simmons University.

My name is Gigi Jarvis and I am a 23 year old student. I attend Kennesaw State University to pursue a degree in Sociology with a passion to study mental health issues. If I am not travelling, I use my free time to create fashion videos on Tiktok or train to compete in Juijitsu tournaments. A quote that resonates with me is, “the only person you should strive to be better than, is the person you were yesterday”.

Carina Filemyr (she/her) is a recent graduate of Muhlenberg College, where she studied Neuroscience and Creative Writing. She is passionate about the intersection of scientific inquiry and language, and is excited to be a mediator between the two. She can’t wait to help people incorporate Neuroscience into their daily lives.