#wednesdaywisdom #goforit

In observance of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month last month, Touro Graduate School of Social Work Professor Dr. Kenny Kwong gave a virtual presentation at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center on the challenges and unmet mental health needs facing Asian Americans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The talk highlighted health disparities in treatment of Asian Americans, the third largest ethnic group in the U.S., and the impact of the pandemic on their mental health. Challenges faced in meeting their mental health needs include language and cross-cultural barriers, lack of financial resources and stigma and shame. “This year, the annual recognition of the contributions and influence of Asian Americans has taken on added significance in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the reckoning around anti-Asian hate crimes and xenophobia that has been unfolding over the last year,” notes Professor Kwong. “Asian Americans are no longer an invisible minority. Mental health providers have an essential role to play in meeting the critical needs of so many here in our country.”

Tamminn Trail, Touro Graduate School of Social Work Class of 2021, received the school’s Outstanding Community Service and Leadership award at its annual Academic Recognition Program, along with recognition for her Fellowship in Evidence-Based Practice in Mental Health Education. Tamminn came to the U.S. from Jamaica, where her community service work began. Following the lead of her parents, she provided outreach and advocacy in her community and surrounding areas. In NYC, she has been an enthusiastic participant in the school’s annual visits to Albany to advocate for policy change (“LEAD” Day). During the pandemic, she’s helped raise money and organize a tablet drive for youth in Jamaica to access classes virtually. With her husband, she also coordinates her church’s marriage ministry to help couples maintain healthy relationships. “I’m passionate about serving,” says Tamminn. “I believe that where I am is someone else’s future, whether it be mentally, spiritually or physically. I’m beyond grateful for everyone I shared this journey with, and it was an honor to be a part of GSSW’s class of 2021. Now I am equipped to go in the world to create positive changes, so that people can fully live.”

President Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday, marking June 19 the national day to commemorate the end of slavery in the U.S.⁣ #juneteenth

Maria Ventura, Touro Graduate School of Social Work Class of 2021, received the Dr. Bernard and Sarah Lander Distinguished Social Work Tikun Olam Award at the school’s recent academic recognition program. The annual award recognizes a graduating student who has overcome personal obstacles, demonstrated resilience and is making a difference in the lives of others. A 4.0 student, Ventura graduates with honors. Born and raised in the Bronx, Maria overcame childhood and teen years fraught with trauma. Eventually she completed high school, began college, and with the birth of a daughter bringing renewed hope for the future, she decided to devote herself to helping victims of abuse. She enrolled at GSSW where she excelled at counseling adolescents who had been victims of sexual abuse and related traumas. "It's an honor to receive such an award. Everything I do for my community comes from a place of understanding and passion for social justice and equality," said Maria.

Ian Baum was chosen by his classmates at Touro Graduate School of Social Work to speak at graduation tomorrow. A 4.0 honors student, Baum has been in the Touro family for almost a decade. He started out earning his bachelor’s degree at the School for Lifelong Education, then got his first master’s at the Graduate School of Education, and finally landed at GSSW. While earning his Master of Social Work, he also worked as an administrator of a private school, a high school teacher, and administrator of a behavior modification program. He also had two children – including a new baby - to help care for. Says Baum, “I always wanted to help people. My parents were always involved in community events that assisted people. I wanted to follow in their footsteps. I love that social workers can have a direct impact on someone’s life, [and] the vastness of the field and the various facets that are impacted by social workers. “At Touro, the administrators, staff, are all there to help the students succeed. My Touro education has helped me gain the knowledge and skillset to flourish in my career and evolve as a person.” His advice to anyone considering taking the plunge? “Do it! It’s scary to dive in and be unsure if you will make it through. But don’t let the uncertainty hold you back from following your dreams. You’ll make it!”

#wednesdaywisdom #paulocoelho

Congrats to Ari Weinberg, Touro's Lander College in Flatbush, Class of 2021! Dean Robert Goldschmidt presents the Outstanding Scholar Award to Ari in recognition of his stellar academic record. A computer science major, Ari's professional goal is to enter the field of cybersecurity. Touro is part of the Weinberg family. Ari follows in the footsteps of his father, who also graduated from Touro as a computer science major. Additionally, Ari's sister, a physician assistant, and his brother-in-law, currently a student at New York Medical College, are also graduates of Touro's Lander College in Flatbush.