Originally RecordeD in Early 2021

PART ONE
Understanding why vaccine hesitancy exists among various populations is the first step toward increasing acceptance. In this podcast discussion, mental health professions explore many of the historical and cultural foundations for vaccine hesitancy and review ways the mental health community can work to address concerns.

PART TWO
For the second half of the podcast, we've incorporated an airing of the Diva Docs -- a radio show that discusses medical and mental health information -- and featuring MOPA's Dr. Jameca Woody Cooper. From the promotional flyer about this presentation:
"Many in the Black community are skeptical about the United States roll out of the coronavirus vaccine. Rightfully so! Historically, Black people have been used by the health care system, without consent, while medical theories, technologies, and institutions were used to reinforce systems of oppression. We will be joined by the nationally know "Diva Docs": Dr. Jameca Woody Cooper, Counseling Psychologist and Dr. Dannie Williams, Family Medical Doctor to discuss the facts and myths of the COVID vaccine."

Our SpeakerS

Click the + below to expand each name and learn more about our speakers

Lizette Smith, PH.D

Dr. Lizette Smith is a licensed psychologist. She has provided psychological services in several settings: inpatient, community, and crime victims unit and served as a faculty member at St. Louis University. Currently, she is the Director of Clinical Programs for Our Little Haven, having begun the outpatient program, and oversees two clinical programs, accreditations, grants administration, and HIPAA compliance.

Dr. Smith earned her Bachelor’s degree from Washington University, as well as her Master’s degree in Minority Mental Health. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Illinois. Her areas of specialty include community psychology, psychological evaluation, training of psychologists, research and treatment to victims of violent crimes and trauma recovery, research in ethnic/cultural mental health help-seeking behavior, and cultural
competence. Dr. Smith’s passion lies in increasing the accessibility of psychological services to those who have typically met barriers to professional mental health care. She has been an avid presenter and trainer for 2 ½ decades, promoting knowledge in mental health and well-being.

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Kailyn Blackmon, PSYD

Kailyn Blackmon, PsyD is a Psychology Resident at VA St. Louis Healthcare System. She is currently completing her postdoctoral training in Primary Care Mental Health Integration.   Her primary interests include trauma, health psychology, and diversity/multiculturalism.  She currently serves as a member of MOPA's Diversity Committee.

Rev. Wendell Bonner, Ph.D

Dr. Wendell W. Bonner has served since 1994 as the Elder of the Ministry of Jesus Christ at First Baptist Church of Webster Groves, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. He received a Master's Degree in Education from Northeast Louisiana University, now named University of Louisiana at Monroe; and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Illinois-Champaign. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.  Pastor Bonner is a counselor for Pastors, an educator of church staff, and program developer for leadership forums, continuing education programs and seminars.
This vessel, Dr. Bonner, has been chosen as a conduit of the Holy Spirit to write over 200 Christian manuals and booklets. These publications seek to provide spiritual enlightenment and encouragement to the saints of God.
Dr Bonner is a native of Monroe, Louisianna.  He is married to Dr Lizette Smith-Bonner, a licensed Clinical Psychologist. He has three children.

Timika Edwards, PH.D

Dr. Timika Edwards earned her doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia; completed her Master’s degree in Counseling and Family Therapy; and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Dr. Edwards is a Licensed Psychologist who provides individual, group, and family therapy for diverse populations with an array of presenting problems such as family/relationship dynamics, LGBT issues, abuse/trauma, mood disorders, and spirituality/religion identity. She also conducts psychological evaluations to provide clients with a clearer picture of possible psychological concerns. Her clinical experience and research interests have a multicultural focus.
Dr. Edwards' therapeutic approach highlights strengths and involves an interpersonal process focus that integrates family systems, psychodynamic, and cognitive behavioral techniques. Dr. Edwards sees the necessity in building a trusting and supportive environment with the client to help work toward uncovering the beauty in their life’s journey. She helps clients work through difficult situations, phases, and/or emotions/thoughts toward their therapeutic goal. Additionally, Dr. Edwards has interests in teaching, supervision, and outreach services to marginalized populations.

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This training is supported by Missouri Psychological Association. The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of MOPA.

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