Postpartum Support International

Georgia
PSI-GA

Postpartum Support International (PSI) is the world’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to helping those suffering from perinatal mood disorders, the most common complication of childbirth.

Our Mission is to increase awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues affecting individuals, their families, and support systems in all areas of Georgia.

Our Vision is that all pregnant and postpartum individuals and their families, including those from underserved communities, will have access to perinatal support, mental health/healthcare providers, education, and resources to improve overall well-being through advocacy, training, and increased awareness of perinatal mental health.

Shontel Cargill, MS, LMFT
Board President

president@psiga.org

  • Mom of an Angel, Survivor, Advocate
  • Perinatal Mental Health Professional Regional Clinic Director, Thriveworks

“I humbly serve on the PSI-GA Board of Directors because I have a lifelong commitment of being a catalyst for change in maternal mental health as a survivor, advocate, and perinatal mental health professional. After experiencing the loss of my daughter, I turned my pain into passion and purpose to help mothers and families who have experienced loss, PMADs, birth trauma, infertility, and are impacted by maternal mortality in the state of Georgia.”


ErikaErika Fadahunsi Lizardo, LCSW
Board Vice-President

fullcirclehealingact@gmail.com

  • Wife, Mom, Survivor, Clinician, Advocate
  • Founder and Lead Clinician, Full Circle Healing, LLC

“I am humbled and honored to serve on the PSI-GA board of directors, bringing my unique perspective as a wife, mom, survivor, clinician, and advocate to the forefront of prenatal mental health. My personal battle with postpartum depression after my daughter’s birth has fueled my commitment to enhancing treatment, support, and advocacy for others facing similar challenges. In this role, I aim to destigmatize maternal mental health issues, promote access to essential resources, and empower families with the support they need for a healthier, more hopeful journey into parenthood.”


Stephen Berrier, CPAStephen Berrier, CPA
Treasurer

finance@psiga.org

  • Husband, Dad, Advocate

“I’m excited and honored to have the opportunity to serve on the PSI-GA Board because I’ve seen first-hand the impact that perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can have on a family. My goal is that through the work of this board we can ensure that all Georgians have access to the support and care they deserve.”


Dr Sara HallSara Hall, DSW, LCSW
Secretary, Fundraising Lead

lyric715@gmail.com

  • Advocate, Believer, Dreamer
  • Senior Social Worker, Atlanta VA

“My reason for serving on the PSI-GA Board is to aid in providing resources, education, and support to moms and families who can benefit from such a wonderful organization. I am passionate about mental health issues and believe that PSI offers amazing help in the community.”


Lakeita Arrington-Judkins, DSW
Grants and Foundation Supports Lead

favorone25@gmail.com

  • Wife, Mom, Researcher, Advocate
  • Medical Social Worker and Community Based Therapist

“I am humbled to be a part of an organization that focuses on advocating and serving families in Georgia who are impacted by maternal mental health. I am passionate about helping mothers experiencing health care inequalities that ultimately impact their prenatal and postpartum care. I am excited about working alongside great leaders in this organization, striving to enhance and improve the well-being of families in Georgia.”


LaToya Banks-ColvinLaToya Banks-Colvin
Stakeholder Communications Lead

ljbcolvin@gmail.com

  • Mom, Wife, Survivor, Advocate, Educator, MPA student
  • Educator, HCSS

“I am humbled and honored to serve on the PSI-GA board, helping to bring awareness, education, and support services for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders to the childbearing women and families in the state of Georgia. Women and families need to know that they are not alone on their journey and that there is support and help available.”


Lawrence R. Burgess, MPHLawrence R. Burgess, MPH
Digital Communications Lead

lrburgess89@gmail.com

  • Public Health Professional, Researcher Advocate, Fitness enthusiast, and Poet
  • Program Analyst for the Center of Disease Control and Prevention

“I am extremely thankful and excited to be a part of the PSI-GA Board of Directors because I’ll get to work with and learn from extraordinary people who share a common passion for service and wellness of our neighbors. Much of my success can be credited to the women who I encountered and currently have in my life. Serving on the PSI-GA Board of Directors will in some ways allow me to pay it forward. I aspire to use whatever privileges at my disposal as a cis-gendered male to help improve maternal physical and mental health issues related to childbearing, because this cause impacts us all.”


Mashanda BurtonMashanda Burton
Training Coordinator

mashanda192@gmail.com, mashanda.burton@hmhbga.org

  • Mother, Grandmother, Advocate, Chef and Inspiration
  • Operations Manager, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia 

“I am honored to serve on the board of PSI-GA to work alongside such dynamic people. Mental health is stigmatized in the African American community and I have worked with my own family and the community at large in removing this stigma. PSI specifically is incredibly meaningful to me as I’ve used the organization as a resource for my family and as an organizational partner during my day job.  I am forever grateful for the services and support PSI offers and honored to be a part of this much needed movement.”


Laytrina Clemons-Brown

Laytrina Clemons-Brown, MSN, RN
Scholarship Coordinator

Laytrina.Clemons-Brown@northside.com

  • Mom, Wife, Family Survivor of Losses, Advocate, Nurse
  • Nurse Manager in Women’s Services

“It is humbling to be a part of a community of leaders that puts advocacy, for those who cannot always stand for themselves, first. To take care of others is integral to our survival as humans.”


Bridget Cross, LCSW, PMH-C
PSI State Coordinator Liaison

bridget@bridgetcrossLCSW.com

  • Clinical Social Worker, Advocate, Mom
  • Psychotherapist in private practice in Savannah, GA

“PSI has been a lifeline to me both personally and professionally since I became a mom. I became a maternal mental health clinician to offer that support outward in the Savannah community, where moms and families struggle profoundly. I’m so honored to join the PSI-GA board and to advocate for our coastal Georgia mamas and for improved maternal health across the state.”


Ashley S. Lingerfelt, MS, LPC, PMH-C
Mental Health Provider Liaison

ashley@playtimetherapy.org

  • Mother, Clinician, Advocate
  • Clinical Director, Playtime Therapy of Georgia, LLC

“Advocating for better care for birthing families is a necessity. By bringing awareness to the intersection of infant and perinatal mental health, we can change the futures of families within our state. I’m honored to be a part of an organization that puts families first from the very beginning.”


Jose Rodríguez, MD, MBA, FAAP
Provider & Hospital Liaison

jose.rodriguez@wellstar.org

  • Wellstar Pediatrician/Asthma Champion
  • Clinical Professor in Pediatrics at Medical College of Georgia, Adjunct at Morehouse School of Medicine
  • Faculty Graduate Medical Education at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
  • Faculty American Academy of Pediatrics Substance Use ECHO Project

“All children need available parents in all sense of the word, especially the first 1000 days of life when children are most sensitive and parents are at most risk”


Shlonda SmithShlonda B Smith, MS, IBCLC
Volunteer Coordinator

Shlsmith17@gmail.com

  • Wife, Mom, Survivor, Advocate
  • State Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Breastfeeding Coordinator

“I am ecstatic about the opportunity to represent, serve, and advocate for the many families of Georgia impacted by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders with PSI-GA. With our collective voices, expertise, and networks, I have high expectations that we can contribute to the improved well-being of Georgia’s families.”


Katherine SylvesterKatherine Sylvester PT, DPT, VBAC-certified doula
Board Health Equity Lead

kdpt@operationmist.org

  • Mom, Preeclampsia Survivor, Educator, Advocate
  • Physical Therapist at Faith Plus Work PT, LLC
  • Remote Health Monitor at Operation M.I.S.T.

“Following the birth of my daughter, I truly realized the value of a provider who places the needs of individuals over policies, productivity, protocols and preconceived notions. As a board member, it is my mission to find and utilize the information, resources, and research available to us to ensure that individual families have what they need to feel safe, seen and heard throughout their parenthood journeys and thrive throughout their lifetimes.”


Amanda Gorman
Senior Program and Policy Manager, PSI-Georgia

amanda.gorman@psiga.org

  • Mom, Wife, Survivor, Writer, Advocate
  • Birth Educator and Podcast Host, Finding your Village

“I am thankful and honored to have the opportunity to be of service to birthing people and their families in Georgia. As a survivor of postpartum depression and anxiety, I know personally that the work that PSI GA does saves lives. I also acknowledge and lament that there is a large disparity in infant and maternal mortality rates and the rates of perinatal mood disorders affecting the BIPOC community, particularly in Georgia. I feel strongly about advocating for structural, institutional and personal changes to reduce those disparities and to save the lives of birthing people and children in our state.”


Tameka MitchellTameka Mitchell, MBA (she/ her)
Board and Volunteer Recruitment and Development Lead

maternitymotivation.YOU@gmail.com

  • Mother, Motivator, Advocate
  • Author and CEO, Maternity Motivation Publishing

“I am passionate about serving on the PSI-GA Board as an informed advocate, ensuring that every individual’s mental health needs are addressed with care and understanding. By supporting the practice of an authentic and joyful life, I aim to contribute to fostering a positive and uplifting environment for all. Additionally, I am committed to actively promoting maternal health equity, advocating for comprehensive and accessible support for mothers during their transformative journey.”


Elon WoodsElon Woods
Board member, Black Maternal Mental Health Summit Chair

elon@pardonmypartum.com

  • Boy mom, Parental Advocate, Doula
  • Maternal Care coach, Pardon My Partum

“I am humbled and excited to serve on the board of PSI-GA because I deeply desire to further expand the reach PSI-GA has, making more moms and families aware of the resources available to support them. As a perinatal mood disorder survivor, it gives me such pride to serve an organization who recognizes the need to support the mental, as much as the physical health around pregnancy and beyond. I am eager to offer my experience and services to continue shifting the perception of maternal perinatal care in Georgia!”


Kimberly Lee-Okonya, LCSW, DSW, PMH-C
Black Maternal Health Summit Vice Chair

DrKimLO@LifeBeginsHereTCS.com

  • Believer, Wife, Mommy of 2, Birth Trauma Champion, Advocate
  • Executive Director, Life Begins Here Therapeutic & Counseling Services/ The Melanated Mommy Tribe

“I consider it an esteemed honor and am beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve on the PSI-GA Board of Directors. As a mom who struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety, and as a therapist and doula, I understand firsthand the magnitude and impact of the services and support PSI provides to mothers and families struggling with their mental health during what is one of the most delicate and life changing times of our lives. I am confident that PSI-GA will continue to shift the narrative, decrease disparities and greatly improve maternal health outcomes in Georgia, and I am thrilled to be a part of the movement!”


Lauren RoushionLauren Roushion
Advocacy & Government Relations Chair

laurenroushion@gmail.com

  • Creator, Optimist, Thinker
  • Student, Spelman College

“I am incredibly excited to serve on the board of PSI-GA because I have a passion for being of service to others, especially women. The organization has already done such great work for the community and I am honored to join the effort!”

Want to make a difference in Georgia?

Become a member or donate today!

PSI relies on members and contributions from the community to promote awareness, prevention, and treatment of maternal mental health issues related to childbearing.

All memberships are tax-deductible.

Become a PSI-GA Volunteer

There are many ways to help and volunteer with PSI, and we would love to have you join us. All are welcome at PSI! Survivors, mental health professionals, doulas, clinicians, and anyone else interested and passionate about raising awareness about perinatal mental health can volunteer through the chapter in order to give back to their local communities.

PSI Chapters are made up of a variety of local advocates and stakeholders who further the mission of PSI on a grassroots level. Chapters work on a wide range of initiatives that they develop based on their communities needs. While some chapters may focus on passing legislation, others may create a robust network of peer support groups, and all chapters provide scholarships for PSI trainings and events.

Contact the Chapter to find out about volunteer opportunities near you. Explore other volunteer opportunities on the PSI website.

2023 Black Maternal Mental Health Summit

Healing and Resilience in the Face of Adversity

A virtual summit to build community & support Black Mothers, parents, and caregivers and their mental health before and after childbirth.

Learn about empowering birth experiences, facing preconception stressors, and navigating the workplace in postpartum.

Presented in partnership with Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia.

Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia

Perinatal Mental Health Resource Guide

Postpartum Support International Georgia Chapter and Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia have created an informational resource guide on perinatal mental health to help families and providers in Georgia access the resources they need.

The Climb

Thank you for helping us “Reach the Top”

8 Georgia Teams raised $21,000 for moms and parents in Georgia! We could not have done any of this without support from our generous sponsors, Northside Hospital, Atrium Health Navicent, Rollins School of Public Health, Wellstar Hospital, CINC, Whole Foods, Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Association, Christina Dozier Real Estate, and Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, and our dedicated supporters.

8 Georgia Teams raised $21,000 for moms and parents in Georgia!

Advocacy in Georgia

We work collaboratively to advocate for key policy changes that advance perinatal mental health in Georgia. Please see our 2024 Legislative & Policy Agenda below. Want to get involved? Email us at advocacy@psiga.org.

Georgia Maternal Mental Health Policy Report!

PSI-GA also publishes a bi-weekly bulletin, the Georgia Maternal Mental Health Policy Report! The Report will provide updates about the legislative session, including policy and budget items that will impact maternal mental health in Georgia.

Sign up below to receive this update every other week during the legislative session!

For Professionals in Georgia

PEACE for Moms Program

PEACE for Moms is a psychiatric program providing consultation to prescribing clinicians in Georgia. It can save you, your staff, and your patient time by connecting your patient with mental health services. PEACE for Moms is free, removing the financial barrier many patients face when seeking mental health assistance. The program is staffed five days per week with physicians specifically trained in women’s mental healthcare who are current faculty members at the Emory University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry. Initiate consults by calling 470-977-3223 (470-97-PEACE) or registering on the website.

Training Sessions

PSI-GA now offers Perinatal Mental Health trainings to providers who work with pregnant and postpartum women. Choose from 3 presentations:

  • FREE one hour lunch n’ learn training on best practices for screening and referring your patients for perinatal mental health challenges.
  • Two hour Perinatal Mental Health Signs & Symptoms Presentation ($375): covers how to recognize and identify signs and symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)

Downloadable Materials

Help patients and families learn more about perinatal mental health. Use these handouts and posters in your facility. Click on each link to download and print. If you don’t have a color printer, these files can be used to order from your favorite printer. Or, you may order pre-printed copies of some of our materials for your organization, by requesting through our online request form. Orders are free, but optional donations are appreciated.