“Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn’t know you had, and dealing with fears you didn’t know existed.”
– Nishan Panwar

This event took place virtually on 05/02//2024

Join your Women’s Fund, in collaboration with NAMI Miami, on May 2nd for an enlightening 10 Days of Connection virtual event dedicated to exploring critical aspects of maternal mental health, a cornerstone of our commitment to fostering a supportive and informed community under our Health & Well-being pillar.

In the United States, according to the AAMC, one in five women experience a mental health disorder in the months surrounding childbirth, yet the vast majority of them never receive the care they deserve. “If we’re taking care of mothers, then we’re taking care of the next generation,” emphasizes Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody, MD, director of the Center for Women’s Mood Disorders at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Pregnancy and birth are just the beginning of motherhood.  Through engaging conversations with experts, advocates, and our community, we will unravel the complexities surrounding maternal mental health, from the pre and postpartum period to the challenges faced throughout motherhood, leaving attendees with invaluable insights and actionable strategies.

Mark your calendars for this event, happening virtually, via Zoom Webinar, on Thursday, May 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., as we discuss how together we can support mothers and ensure they receive the support and care they deserve.

Thanks to our Sponsor, Citrus Health

KEYNOTE

PANELISTS

With an illustrious career spanning three decades in the public school system, Mrs. Machado has been a beacon of inspiration for both gifted and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students. A seasoned educator, Machado dedicated years to nurturing the intellectual and social emotional potential of diverse learners, leaving an indelible mark on countless young minds.

As Myriam “China” Machado transitioned into a new chapter, she emerged as a compassionate life coach specializing in supporting families grappling with mental health conditions, drug, and alcohol abuse. Leveraging her wealth of experience and understanding, China provides invaluable guidance to family members navigating the complexities of these challenging situations.

Machado has become a driving force in professional development, sharing her expertise in healing families affected by mental health issues and substance abuse. Through workshops and coaching sessions, she empowers individuals with practical tools and strategies to navigate these hardships, fostering resilience and unity within families.

With a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others, China continues to inspire and uplift, seamlessly transitioning from the classroom to the broader realm of family support and healing. She stands as a testament to the enduring power of education and compassion in transforming lives.

Tenesha Avent is a native of Central Florida and has worked in the nonprofit community in South Florida for the past 10 years. She earned a Master’s degree in Public Health with a focus in Health Promotion & Disease Prevention from Florida International University and a BS in Human Science from Florida State University. She is a Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW) and possesses extensive experience in Public Health, in the areas of the Child and Maternal Health and Health Education. Tenesha has a passion for improving the health of the community and maximizing program impact through innovative strategic planning and collaboration.

Dr. Shannon McGranahan is a retired Ob/Gyn who practiced for 20 years in Pittsburgh, PA. A proud alumna of the University of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University School of Medicine, she specialized in minimally invasive gynecological and robotic surgery. Dr. McGranahan retired from clinical practice in 2018 to focus on non-clinical interests, identifying a critical need for resources in perinatal loss support. In 2020, Dr. McGranahan joined the Children’s Bereavement Center, where she facilitates a Perinatal and Infant Loss Support Group and engages in community outreach to educate about available resources. Her work in this field is driven by a profound commitment to providing support and resources to families navigating the difficult journey of perinatal loss. Outside of her professional life, Dr. McGranahan is married and a mother to two remarkable entrepreneurs in their twenties. She is also a devoted dog mom to what amounts to 300 pounds of Newfoundland love. Her personal and professional experiences combine to make her a respected speaker on both medical and emotional wellness topics.