fall 2016 update -- a bit about who we are, what we're doing, where in the world we're working, what we know and what we're learning -- the need to 'take good care' for our inner, 'interior' lives, maintain our own health and mental health and wellbeing, cultivate sources of spiritual resources that are deep, universal, and sturdy (as i "care of the soul") and dependable in order to better care for others through hard times.
- there's a difference between empathy (a way of being with) and compassion (acting on that empathic feeling).
- compassion includes not only caring for the children and families, but also monitoring our self-care and self-compassion.
- (attending to our balance, health, self-nurture, learning to live with self-love, tending to our bodies and spirits --and only then reaching out to others with compassionate action).
- "There's a reason it's called 'Practice'." While there are many paths to inner growth, serenity, tranquillity, spiritual maturity, there is consensus among wisdom traditions such as shalom, mindfulness, secular or religious Buddhism, contemplative, conservative, progressive Judaism, and Christianity, and Islam on the importance of maintaining our own Practice.
- for some of us, for one reason or another, it is not easy to find a path for the journey. perhaps, for some, it may be too easy? ?
- some say "the road/path is the way". some say the path doesn't matter, as long as we get home . . .??
- "(S)He who rides the wild elephant . . . goes where the wild elephant goes."
- "Tame the Elephant."
- Extending the concept of self-care and sensitivity to our own need for nurture - such self-compassion enables an enhanced awareness of the needs of others beyond what we see expressed on the surface, assists us to see "see beyond what is . ." "listen in such a way that we hear the deeper expression" .
- "There's a Reason it's called Practice."
- It is very helpful to have a Mentor, a companion, a spiritual friend, a Spiritual Director, on the journey.
- "I fall down, I get up." (Who said this when asked what his 'religion' was?)
executive board of directors
& advisory board bios
country directors & partners, artists, authors, poets, humanitarian photographers,
& advisory board bios
country directors & partners, artists, authors, poets, humanitarian photographers,
highlighting . . .
Abdikadir Hassan, wonderful friend, and our faithful Country Director in Somalia, his beloved country of origin, still one of the most challenging, high risk regions. (I remember people warning me "you will never, ever, be able to do humanitarian work in Somalia" !!
I remember well very painful days when Abdikadir was returning from Kenya to Somalia through Garissa at the time of the massacre at the University there, -- it took a few week to establish connection and determine he was safe.
Abdikadir has served in multiple humanitarian capacities, - Danish Refugee Council, etc., - he is expert training others in child protection, the prevention and treatment of gender-based violence. Between assignments, he volunteers his expertise with other teams in remote areas.
Abdikadir is currently collaborating on a cutting-edge project with Nyamiye in Burundi forming a Consortium of low-income, Southern Hemisphere countries, enhancing the probability of their receiving immediate, adequate funding through NEAR Humanitarian Network. (Without this, poorer, Southern Hemisphere countries typically receive small amounts of money, "trickle-down" leftover funds left over after the more wealthy upper-hemisphere countries receive designated funds from the primary Aid organizations. According to new measures which went into effect at the 2016 Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, NEAT Humanitarian Network can ensure the lower countries receive 19% of Aid funds (of the 25% they requested). These funds must be requested by grants and approved by NEAR.) Abdikadir and his wife, a nurse, have two wonderful sons and a beautiful little girl.
BELOW - photos of the new Medical Clinic for Women and Children, Somalia
Abdikadir Hassan, wonderful friend, and our faithful Country Director in Somalia, his beloved country of origin, still one of the most challenging, high risk regions. (I remember people warning me "you will never, ever, be able to do humanitarian work in Somalia" !!
I remember well very painful days when Abdikadir was returning from Kenya to Somalia through Garissa at the time of the massacre at the University there, -- it took a few week to establish connection and determine he was safe.
Abdikadir has served in multiple humanitarian capacities, - Danish Refugee Council, etc., - he is expert training others in child protection, the prevention and treatment of gender-based violence. Between assignments, he volunteers his expertise with other teams in remote areas.
Abdikadir is currently collaborating on a cutting-edge project with Nyamiye in Burundi forming a Consortium of low-income, Southern Hemisphere countries, enhancing the probability of their receiving immediate, adequate funding through NEAR Humanitarian Network. (Without this, poorer, Southern Hemisphere countries typically receive small amounts of money, "trickle-down" leftover funds left over after the more wealthy upper-hemisphere countries receive designated funds from the primary Aid organizations. According to new measures which went into effect at the 2016 Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, NEAT Humanitarian Network can ensure the lower countries receive 19% of Aid funds (of the 25% they requested). These funds must be requested by grants and approved by NEAR.) Abdikadir and his wife, a nurse, have two wonderful sons and a beautiful little girl.
BELOW - photos of the new Medical Clinic for Women and Children, Somalia
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welcome! "learning to listen 'beyond what is'. . . and from that still place ". . . Encouraging each other to take a serious look at self-care and self-compassion in the weeks and months ahead, in part because it is often an area of neglect and resistance . . for while we understand its value, we are often "just too busy . . . ." to apply what we know.
The labyrinth - found, it is said, on every continent - is an ancient (Roman?), universal, powerful source of renewal, clarity, and energy. Walking it helps cultivate and reinforce a sense of wellbeing and belonging. (Others use tools such as labyrinth walking differently.) We are fortunate to have an extraordinary, hand-built stone labyrinth on the grounds in Saratoga, CA.
For phone -- an app for virtually "walking" various styles of labyrinths. Mellow, hand-carved wooden "finger" labyrinths (about a foot wide) are useful for hospital settings, therapy sessions, demonstrating in trainings, teaching.) An example of an especially clear, accessible, mindfulness-based online program, is Left-Brain Buddha -- an excellent research-based program for nudging us along to be "joyously present" moment by moment. The program is affordable, and I appreciate that it can be worked at our own pace -- no time limit for completion. Programs are available for various populations: one program is tailored for Mothers. There are hundreds of Mindfulness programs to be found online.
We are a humanitarian, not a religious, organization. However, many of our leaders maintain mindfulness practices, some are spiritually oriented in generally, some are Muslim, and some are Christian, some have Buddhist, some, secular orientations. All of us value deep caring for others and ourselves, kindness without condition, and we are a welcoming, flexible, easy to work with group - open and receiving (inclusive) toward those of other cultures and faith traditions or no tradition at all. In that sense, we are an example of a grounded, well-functioning, generously interfaith group of humanitarian friends, committed to each other's welfare, continually supporting, learning from and assisting each other as both individuals and as a developing organization.
May we walk in kindness and mercy, as we "navigate stigma and discrimination" (quoting Dr. Leslie Snider, Executive Board Member), see more clearly (beyond the obvious) and "listen beyond what is" (Rev. Erik Swanson, Executive Board Member).
May we continue learning, growing, sharing and supporting each other as we work for war/armed conflict children and families, and contribute to the wellbeing of some of the thousands of unaccompanied minor children.
We are blessed to join many others in "doing the right thing", per Martin Luther King!
For, to quote John F. Kennedy, - "while on earth, God's work must be our own".
With much kindness and hope, and always with gratitude for being able to walk together,
Dr. Marilee
flowers gone, mid-July . . .
There is a time in the thin space between day and evening when the "just plain" stones of the labyrinth appear to turn blue in the twilight, and the sound of nearby traffic dims. There is a simple surrender of all fatigue, a giving over of endless thinking re-thinking. a handing down to the sacred constancy of the ancient pathway that carries me to the nesting place - the smile of God's grace and Presence at the Center. "Look at me!", I cry to everyone I love, to those who love me, to the Universe, to those who have gone before and bear witness across time, and those around the world who are my brothers & sisters, and children, and whom I carry in my heart . . . "I'm standing in the smile of God!" |
 vines thriving, mid-
September!
Photos of a favorite planter beside the entrance of Always Be Listening Saratoga, CA. The first was taken at the end of July, the other, September 11. We crammed it with a half dozen flowery, showy plants and it looked so amazing (briefly!) outside our office, one of many among what we call a "Constellation of Healing" at this location - where, in addition to the church, we now house -- three large Meditation groups, a French Multicultural Preschool, Feldenkrais training, music, dance, art, French Tutoring, a Senior Center, ongoing individual and group Spiritual Formation, trainings, and retreats - through the Contemplative Center of Silicon Valley, a public Labyrinth, Abbey Psychological (Counseling) Services, West Valley Emergency Services (free health care/social workers for mental health services, meals for food insecure individuals and older adults twice monthly, and our facilities are available for social activities for youth on the spectrum once monthly . . . . ). . . . . so, while the "showy flowers" of early July have withered and died in the blistering sun, on September 11, I was surprised to find that the few, original little vines had multiplied - not only tolerating the sun and heat and multiplying, they are flourishing, in fact, taking over - now a marvelous, tangled cluster of green that has outsmarted my inconsistent gardening, endured the heat and water shortage! The "viney-thing" is holding its own, right where it needs and loves to be. Who would have guessed? "What is to be has a mind of its own!" 
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Marilee Ruebsamen, Ph.D., Founding Executive Director
always be listening global initiative, 501(c)(3) Founding Director, Abbey Psychological Services: Monterey Bay, Saratoga & Silicon Valley "hope's the thing!" Associate Professor Psychology, Part-time Core Faculty, wednesday's child project Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, Palo Alto, CA, former Profound loss, sadness, traumatic grief, helplessness, loneliness, chronic terror, and trauma in children of war/armed conflict. Nature, Effects, Need-Based Assessment and Intervention for Coping and Recovery global mental health | NO HEALTH WITHOUT MENTAL HEALTH | mental health IS health! Select Affiliations
Dimensions of Vulnerability and War Trauma, Chronic Terror. Lack of Safe Haven, Secure Base, Caregiving Relationships; Scant Provision of basic needs, lack of “Social Cradle” for Trapped, Displaced, War/armed conflict affected Children in Camps: Unique Characteristics of Burundi War: Displacement, Environment, and Migration, Nyamiye Hermenegilde and Marilee Ruebsamen, PhD., Always Be Listening Global Initiative, Human Health Aid Burundi. Grant Awarded, 2016. *(Chapter) Immigrant Youth and Navigating Unique Systems that Interact with Treatment, David Reed, Palo Alto University, Marilee Ruebsamen, Ph.D. Always Be Listening Global Initiative, Inc., James D. Livingston, Ph.D., AACI. Psychotherapy for Immigrant Youth. (2016) by Sita Patel (Ed.) and Daryn Reicherter (Ed.). *Hermenegilde, N. & Ruebsamen, M., Ph.D., (1.2015). School-Based Gender Based Violence Project BURUNDI. School-Related Gender Based Violence Project Proposal (GBVP) BURUNDI. Human Health Aid – Burundi and Always Be Listening Global. *Proposal for a school-based training and treatment program. Human Health Aid - Burundi and Always Be Listening - Global, Burundi Division. Authors: Marilee Ruebsamen, Ph.D. and Nyamiye Hermenegilde, Investigator (2015). *Invited Speaker, Ruebsamen, M. et al. (2013). Effects on Children of Anticipated or Enacted Deportation of Parents and Family. Santa Clara County Mental Health Board, Minority Health Committee Presentation: Nature and effects of Child Anticipatory Grief, Trauma, the impact of trauma on Development, Attachment and Parenting. *Livingston, J. and Ruebsamen, M. (2011). Trauma and Its Effects Cross- Culturally. United Nations Workshop, United Nations - sponsored services for torture survivors. UN sponsored CE Workshop at Survivors of Torture (CST) at AACI (Asian Americans for Community Involvement), SJ, CA *Ruebsamen, M. (2011). SAFE SPACE for Children in Armed Conflict: NGO’s Statement to UNHCR on International Protection of Children of Concern. United Nations Workshop. United Nations - sponsored services for Torture Survivors. UN sponsored CE Workshop at Survivors of Torture (CST) at AACI (Asian Americans for Community Involvement), SJ, CA. *Ruebsamen, M. (2011). Child Suicidality: Trauma, Expendability, Suicidal Ideation: Behavior. Illustrative Clinical Cases. Asian Americans for Community Involvement, (AACI), San Jose, CA. |
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Dr. Jess Ghannam, Ph.D., Clinical Professor,
Dept. of Psychiatry, Global Health Sciences
University of CA at San Francisco, SF, CA;
Ethnic Studies, SFSU
CHILDREN OF GAZA
Senior Consulting Expert, Always Be Listening Global Initiative, 501(3)c
Assessment of Direct War Experience, Coping, and Trauma Symptoms
Need-Based Intervention & Support
Palestinian War Affected Children and Youth, West Bank, Gaza
Dr. Jess Ghannam is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Global Health Sciences in the School of Medicine at UCSF, where he is the Chief of Medical Psychology. An accomplished Palestinian American Psychologist, he is renowned for the humanitarian work he has carried out in the Gaza Strip. His research areas include evaluating the long-term health consequences of war on displaced communities and the psychological and psychiatric effects of armed conflict on children. He is active in numerous non-governmental organizations and in carrying out humanitarian work. Dr. Ghannam also practices at the UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center. He has developed community health clinics in the Middle East (Gaza) that focus on developing community-based treatment programs for families in crisis. He is also a consultant with the Center for Constitutional Rights, Reprieve and other international NGO's that work with torture survivors. Locally he works to promote and enhance the health and wellness of refugee, displaced, and immigrant populations from the Middle East,North Africa and South Asia and has established a community-based Mental Health Treatment Programs to support these communities.
Dr. Ghannam received his A.B. in Psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 1979, an M.A. in Psychology, an M.S. in Medical Sciences and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. In addition, he was a post-doctoral fellow in Psychology at Stanford University in California.
Since the early 1990s, Ghannam has worked extensively in the field of medical development in the occupied Palestinian Territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. He is a board member of the Gaza Community Health Clinic, and has established medical clinics in towns and cities across the Gaza Strip, including Gaza City, Khan Younis, Jabalia and Deir el-Balah.
He is the former president of the San Francisco chapter of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, and a member of the international executive committee of Al-Awda, the Palestinian Right to Return Coalition. He is also the co-host of "Arab Talk with Jess and Jamal", a San Francisco Bay Area radio talk-show about Middle Eastern Affairs with fellow Palestinian-American commentator Jamal Dajani.
It was Jess's lifetime, passionate, commitment to hear the personal and immediate voices of his own people, Palestinians in Gaza, and develop innovative, need-based interventions for their community, one which had learned to display almost no hope, appeared to have few to no means for individual or community psycho-emotional, psychological repair and had learned very little trust. He is our inspiration!!
At UCSF Dr. Ghannam develops culturally competency training programs for staff, students and faculty working with patients from the Middle East. He serves on the Chancellor's Council of Campus Climate, Culture and Inclusion and is a member of the UCP, University and Community Partnerships Committee. He works with medical students and residents across disciplines to promote and enhance their clinical and research skills. Dr. Ghannam specializes in working with chronic illness, including chronic pain and cancer. He also works and does research in the area of Global Health and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He is past president of the Arab Cultural and Community Center and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee SF.
*Subbaraman R, Nolan L, Shitole T, Sawant K, Shitole S, Sood K, Nanarkar M, Ghannam J, Betancourt TS, Bloom DE, Patil-Deshmukh A. The psychological toll of slum living in Mumbai, India: A mixed methods study. Soc Sci Med. 2014 Oct; 119:155-69. View in: PubMed
*Elbedour S, Onwuegbuzie AJ, Ghannam J, Whitcome JA, Abu Hein F. Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety among Gaza Strip adolescents in the wake of the second Uprising (Intifada). Child Abuse Negl. 2007 Jul; 31(7):719-29. View in: PubMed
Child Abuse Negl. 2007 Jul;31(7):719-29. Epub 2007 Jul 12.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety among Gaza Strip adolescents in the wake of the second Uprising (Intifada).
Elbedour S1, Onwuegbuzie AJ, Ghannam J, Whitcome JA, Abu Hein F.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Children and adolescents of the Gaza Strip have been subjected to continuous violence since the eruption of the second Intifada (Uprising). Little is known, however, about the psychological effects of this violence on children and adolescents of Gaza. Thus, the purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate and describe the psychological effects of exposure of war-like circumstances on this population.
METHOD: Participants for this study were 229 Palestinian adolescents living in the Gaza Strip who were administered measures of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and coping.
RESULTS: Of the 229 participants, 68.9% were classified as having developed PTSD, 40.0% reported moderate or severe levels of depression, 94.9% were classified as having severe anxiety levels, and 69.9% demonstrated undesirable coping responses. A canonical discriminant analysis revealed that adolescents diagnosed with PTSD tended to be those who reported the highest levels of depression, anxiety, and positive reappraisal coping, and the lowest levels of seeking guidance and support coping.
CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that a significant proportion of Palestinian adolescents living in the Gaza Strip are experiencing serious psychological distress.
Comment in Challenges in studying the psychological effects of Palestinian children's exposure to political violence and their coping with this traumatic experience. [Child Abuse Negl. 2007]*Lipton R, Ghannam JH, Beinin J. Definitions of terrorism. JAMA. 2003 Nov 5; 290(17):2254; author reply 2254-5. View in: PubMed
Dr. Leslie Snider, MD, MPH, LLC, Psychiatrist, World Health Organization (WHO)
Founder and Director of PEACE IN PRACTICE, B.V.
Amsterdam area, July 14 to present.
Directing Specifications and Psychosocial Programmes.
Executive Board Member, Always be Listening Global Initiative 501(c)3
Dr. Leslie Snider is a US trained Psychiatrist and Psychosocial Consultant, Founder and Director of Peace in Practice B.V.
She conducts global psychosocial consulting in service of peace within us, peace among us. Leslie received her medical and psychiatry training in the northeast USA and her MPH in international health from Tulane University SPH & TM, where she directed a programme of study for 10 years in International Mental Health and Medical Anthropology.
In addition to clinical work in public mental health, she has nearly 20 years experience in international programs for children and families affected by disasters, conflict, HIV/AIDS, poverty and exploitation, and provided training and care to humanitarian aid workers in crisis settings. She has collaborated with various UN, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and served as advisor to the US government, UNICEF, and others.
She founded Peace in Practice in 2014 to advance mindful living, conscious leadership and harmony through global psychosocial work. She feels peace is a daily practice. Gratitude, kundalini yoga and meditation help her peace practice. As do visits to her home in New Orleans - still her favorite destination!
*Psychological First Aid During Ebola Virus Disease Outbreaks, Leslie Snider, Carmen Valle, Mark van Ommeren, S. Watts World Health Organization, CBM, UNICEF, World Vision
2014 This guide is an adaptation of the Psychological first aid: Guide for field workers (WHO, WTF, WVI, 2011). It has been adapted to better respond to the challenges of Ebola virus disease outbreaks.
*Facilitation Manual: Psychological First Aid During Ebola Virus Disease Outbreaks World Health Organization, CBM, UNICEF, World Vision
*2014 This manual is designed to orient helpers to offer psychological first aid (PFA) to people affected by an Ebola outbreak. PFA involves humane, supportive and practical assistance for people who are distressed, in ways that respect their dignity, culture and abilities. This facilitator’s manual is to be used together with the guide Psychological first aid during Ebola virus disease outbreaks (WHO, CBM, WVI, UNICEF, September 2014). Powerpoint slides are available at: http://tinyurl.com/slidesPFA
Authors: Leslie Snider, Carmen Valle, Mark van Ommeren
*I'm Just Like You! LM Publishers Authors: Leslie Snider, Ramone Outlaw, illustratorMay 2015 For the children affected by Ebola, their caregivers and families. The children's book addresses the themes of fear of Ebola helpers, how to prevent infection, and how to navigate death and grief, stigma and discrimination. The accompanying Caregiver Guide gives tips for talking to children about Ebola. Freely available for download: www.peaceinpractice.org
*Organizations may request print copies through LM publishers. Book and caregiver guide available in English and French (upon request).
Dr. Snider is considered one of the world's premiere humanitarian physicians - a superb global humanitarian psychiatrists, acknowledged for her expertise and experience, the depths of her kindness, deep wisdom. She has had a US career in academia and led widespread global prevention and treatment efforts in international disasters, such as Katrina, at conflict, post-conflict sites, at medical crises regions involving HIV/AIDS, Ebola, etc, and worked against the impoverishment, and exploitation of children. She has authored a number of exceptionally effective training manuals for children and their caregivers, including the most recent manual which explains the Ebola Crisis.
Dr. Snider contributes, as well, a personal focus on Peace in Practice and the practice of Yoga for peace. We are so very fortunate to have Dr. Snider as a leading Board Member and are grateful for the wealth of Health and Mental Health experience she brings!
I'm Just Like You!
The children's book addresses the themes of fear of Ebola helpers, how to prevent infection, and how to navigate death and grief, stigma and discrimination. The accompanying Caregiver Guide gives tips for talking to children about Ebola.
Both are available in English and French.
For printed book orders and eBook, click here: LM publishers
DOWNLOAD
BOOK
Founder and Director of PEACE IN PRACTICE, B.V.
Amsterdam area, July 14 to present.
Directing Specifications and Psychosocial Programmes.
Executive Board Member, Always be Listening Global Initiative 501(c)3
Dr. Leslie Snider is a US trained Psychiatrist and Psychosocial Consultant, Founder and Director of Peace in Practice B.V.
She conducts global psychosocial consulting in service of peace within us, peace among us. Leslie received her medical and psychiatry training in the northeast USA and her MPH in international health from Tulane University SPH & TM, where she directed a programme of study for 10 years in International Mental Health and Medical Anthropology.
In addition to clinical work in public mental health, she has nearly 20 years experience in international programs for children and families affected by disasters, conflict, HIV/AIDS, poverty and exploitation, and provided training and care to humanitarian aid workers in crisis settings. She has collaborated with various UN, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and served as advisor to the US government, UNICEF, and others.
She founded Peace in Practice in 2014 to advance mindful living, conscious leadership and harmony through global psychosocial work. She feels peace is a daily practice. Gratitude, kundalini yoga and meditation help her peace practice. As do visits to her home in New Orleans - still her favorite destination!
*Psychological First Aid During Ebola Virus Disease Outbreaks, Leslie Snider, Carmen Valle, Mark van Ommeren, S. Watts World Health Organization, CBM, UNICEF, World Vision
2014 This guide is an adaptation of the Psychological first aid: Guide for field workers (WHO, WTF, WVI, 2011). It has been adapted to better respond to the challenges of Ebola virus disease outbreaks.
*Facilitation Manual: Psychological First Aid During Ebola Virus Disease Outbreaks World Health Organization, CBM, UNICEF, World Vision
*2014 This manual is designed to orient helpers to offer psychological first aid (PFA) to people affected by an Ebola outbreak. PFA involves humane, supportive and practical assistance for people who are distressed, in ways that respect their dignity, culture and abilities. This facilitator’s manual is to be used together with the guide Psychological first aid during Ebola virus disease outbreaks (WHO, CBM, WVI, UNICEF, September 2014). Powerpoint slides are available at: http://tinyurl.com/slidesPFA
Authors: Leslie Snider, Carmen Valle, Mark van Ommeren
*I'm Just Like You! LM Publishers Authors: Leslie Snider, Ramone Outlaw, illustratorMay 2015 For the children affected by Ebola, their caregivers and families. The children's book addresses the themes of fear of Ebola helpers, how to prevent infection, and how to navigate death and grief, stigma and discrimination. The accompanying Caregiver Guide gives tips for talking to children about Ebola. Freely available for download: www.peaceinpractice.org
*Organizations may request print copies through LM publishers. Book and caregiver guide available in English and French (upon request).
Dr. Snider is considered one of the world's premiere humanitarian physicians - a superb global humanitarian psychiatrists, acknowledged for her expertise and experience, the depths of her kindness, deep wisdom. She has had a US career in academia and led widespread global prevention and treatment efforts in international disasters, such as Katrina, at conflict, post-conflict sites, at medical crises regions involving HIV/AIDS, Ebola, etc, and worked against the impoverishment, and exploitation of children. She has authored a number of exceptionally effective training manuals for children and their caregivers, including the most recent manual which explains the Ebola Crisis.
Dr. Snider contributes, as well, a personal focus on Peace in Practice and the practice of Yoga for peace. We are so very fortunate to have Dr. Snider as a leading Board Member and are grateful for the wealth of Health and Mental Health experience she brings!
I'm Just Like You!
The children's book addresses the themes of fear of Ebola helpers, how to prevent infection, and how to navigate death and grief, stigma and discrimination. The accompanying Caregiver Guide gives tips for talking to children about Ebola.
Both are available in English and French.
For printed book orders and eBook, click here: LM publishers
DOWNLOAD
BOOK
James Livingston, Ph.D., Senior Psychologist
Founding Board Member, Always be Listening Global Initiative Abbey Psychological Services, Senior Treating Psychologist Consulting Psychologist, Global Mental Health, Sutter Psychiatry, Sutter Health Clinical Research, Speaker, Trainer, Expert Witness Providing Clinical/Forensic Assessment, Consult, Review and Second Opinion. Expert Opinion Regarding Psychological Assessment, Effects on Children Exposed to Inter-Parental unresolved High Conflict and Violence. Psychologist, Children's Behavioral Health, Family Assess. Services & Treatment, Mty Cty, CA, former Senior Staff Psychologist, Center for Torture Survivors at AACI, San Jose, CA, 2001 - 2015 Assessment and Treatment of War Trauma, Torture in Asylum Seekers, Conducting Research, Providing Expert Testimony for Immigration Court, Supervision and Instruction of Doctoral Interns, 2001 - 2015. Associate Professor, Part-Time Faculty, Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, Palo Alto CA, former wednesday's child project, PGSP Dr. Livingston, "Jay", has been a Clinical Psychologist in Santa Clara County, CA, for over thirty years, conducting a private practice, teaching at the doctoral level, primarily at Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (now Palo Alto University) and at CSPP San Francisco/Alliant University, supervising practicum students, interns and post docs, providing program oversight and conducting clinical research in areas of complex trauma, the effects of violence exposure on children of various development stages, consulting with attorneys on psychological correlates and assessment indicators of high conflict and marital dissatisfaction. He is an acknowledged expert in the areas of clinical and forensic psychological assessment, trauma assessment, refugee and asylum psychology, has provided highly successful refugee, hardship, and asylum assessment and expert witness testimony in immigration court as well as treatment for torture survivors for over fourteen years and consistently presents findings to agencies and institutions likely to encounter refugee populations, including to national audiences. He currently consults to Ukrainian psychologists and psychiatrists on the nature and effects of severe stress and coping, war traumatization and its aftermath and treatment, and the assessment and treatment of recent torture and its treatment. *Livingston, J. Impact of trauma on torture survivors, refugees, labor trafficking survivors. 2015 South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking Conference, San Jose, September, 2015. *Erdberg, P., Livingston, J., Lynch, W. Neuropsychological assessment, Rorschach and MMPI-2: An update for advanced clinical practice (13 hours), University of California, Berkeley Extension, May, 2015. *Livingston, J. & Song, S. Predictors of mental health and functioning: The role of time, cumulative torture and cultural resources. NATIONAL CONSORTIUM OF TORTURE TREATMENT PROGRAMS’ Seventh ANNUAL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM, Washington, D.C., March, 2015. *Livingston, J. and Ruebsamen, M. (2011). Trauma and Its Effects Cross- Culturally. United Nations Workshop, United Nations - sponsored services for torture survivors. UN sponsored CE Workshop at Survivors of Torture (CST), at AACI (Asian Americans for Community Involvement), SJ, CA. Jay is our consummate clinical and forensic global trauma assessment and clinical ethics expert with recent, direct refugee experience across 70 countries in over a decade working with adolescent, adult, and older adult refugees, torture survivors and asylum seekers. |
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Deya' Bazadough, Always Be Listening Global Initiative, Country Director, Jordan
Executive Board of Directors, specializing in Crises Humanitarian Interventions, Projects Implementation and Development, New Partnerships and Initiatives.
Save the Children Jordan, and Child Protection, Save the Children Jordan, former.
Deya' remains one of our Country Directors, Jordan, with experience as a psychologist in Emirati Jordanian Camp and Azzraq camps in Jordan as well as a Board Member specializing in Crises Humanitarian Interventions, Projects Implementation and Development, New Partnerships and Initiatives. He recently completed a term as Protection Project Coordinator for Save the Children after an initial term with Save the Children Jordan, Mr. Bazadough dedicated his time and experience to initiate an assessment and intervention project " Hope | Restoring hope for the vulnerable" building on the current Always Be ListeningGlobal brief assessment protocol, Arabic version, enriching it with qualitative data to be by interviewing two cohorts of Syrian refugees in Jordan about their recent migration experiences -- this was done in their homes within and outside of the camps, to compare the results across those settings. In addition, Deya' has collaborated and trained Psychology Students and Trainees from the University of Jordan's Department of Psychology and provided them with the needed knowledge and skills needed when
dealing with refugees.
Deay' is an intensely passionate, focused, early career psychologist who is highly motivated, goes after the guidance he needs, continually studies and investigates improved and more effective ways to meet the
needs of the forcibly migrating children and families of the Middle Eastern region. He is focused, creative, gracious, confident, and always collaborative -- easily engaging other professionals and entities, academics and nonprofits to collaborate on new ventures, unquestionably a leader. We are proud and pleased to have Deya' as both Country Director and an Executive Board Member.
Executive Board of Directors, specializing in Crises Humanitarian Interventions, Projects Implementation and Development, New Partnerships and Initiatives.
Save the Children Jordan, and Child Protection, Save the Children Jordan, former.
Deya' remains one of our Country Directors, Jordan, with experience as a psychologist in Emirati Jordanian Camp and Azzraq camps in Jordan as well as a Board Member specializing in Crises Humanitarian Interventions, Projects Implementation and Development, New Partnerships and Initiatives. He recently completed a term as Protection Project Coordinator for Save the Children after an initial term with Save the Children Jordan, Mr. Bazadough dedicated his time and experience to initiate an assessment and intervention project " Hope | Restoring hope for the vulnerable" building on the current Always Be ListeningGlobal brief assessment protocol, Arabic version, enriching it with qualitative data to be by interviewing two cohorts of Syrian refugees in Jordan about their recent migration experiences -- this was done in their homes within and outside of the camps, to compare the results across those settings. In addition, Deya' has collaborated and trained Psychology Students and Trainees from the University of Jordan's Department of Psychology and provided them with the needed knowledge and skills needed when
dealing with refugees.
Deay' is an intensely passionate, focused, early career psychologist who is highly motivated, goes after the guidance he needs, continually studies and investigates improved and more effective ways to meet the
needs of the forcibly migrating children and families of the Middle Eastern region. He is focused, creative, gracious, confident, and always collaborative -- easily engaging other professionals and entities, academics and nonprofits to collaborate on new ventures, unquestionably a leader. We are proud and pleased to have Deya' as both Country Director and an Executive Board Member.
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Rev. Erik Swanson, M.Div., Spiritual Director, Teacher, Retreat Leader, Pastor, Westhope Presbyterian Church, PCUSA, Saratoga, CA, US
Founding Board Member, Always Be Listening Global Initiative
Co-Founder, Contemplative Center of Silicon Valley (CCSV) - Spiritual Director, Supervisor,
Insight Meditation South Bay, Teacher, with Shaila Catherine, Founder
Rev. Erik Swanson, M.Div., Spiritual Director, Teacher, Retreat Leader, Pastor, Westhope Presbyterian Church, PCUSA, Saratoga, CA, US
Founding Board Member, Always Be Listening Global Initiative
Co-Founder, Contemplative Center of Silicon Valley (CCSV) - Spiritual Director, Supervisor,
Insight Meditation South Bay, Teacher, with Shaila Catherine, Founder
"
always be listening . . . . and "seeing . . . beyond what is --
beyond what appears to be" . . . draws, in part, from aspects of the practice of ancient contemplative thinking,
to which Erik brings our attention
again and again.
His clear, hope-filled thinking, practice, and encouragement helped us form this project, and he continues to provide unwavering support.
This particular logo, by Queensland, Australia, artist Carolyn Magerl, is dedicated to him and the Contemplative Center of Silicon Valley which he founded and directs.
A bird above the shoulder, at the ear, in African tradition,
is a symbolof compassion.
always be listening . . . . and "seeing . . . beyond what is --
beyond what appears to be" . . . draws, in part, from aspects of the practice of ancient contemplative thinking,
to which Erik brings our attention
again and again.
His clear, hope-filled thinking, practice, and encouragement helped us form this project, and he continues to provide unwavering support.
This particular logo, by Queensland, Australia, artist Carolyn Magerl, is dedicated to him and the Contemplative Center of Silicon Valley which he founded and directs.
A bird above the shoulder, at the ear, in African tradition,
is a symbolof compassion.
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Everyone shared in planting a Spiral of wildflowers, a Prayer or Reflection Spiral . . .
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Rev. Swanson completed a Master's of Divinity from SF Theological Seminary, MDIV, 1998. with a Concentration in Spiritual Formation. Upon graduation he was called as a Pastor of the Colchester Federated Church in Colchester CT where he ministered until 2003. He moved to Crookston, MN and was co-founder of the Minnesota Institute of Contemplation and Healing (MICAH). In 2006, he returned home to Saratoga and was called as Pastor of Westhope Presbyterian Church where he has been working to build and deepen the Community ever since.
Westhope has become an intentionally contemplative and spiritually vibrant ministry under his leadership. He has a degree in the art of Spiritual Direction from the Spiritual Life Center in Bloomfield, CT and has spend a year studying sacred community in the ecumenical TAIZE monastery in Taize, France. Rev. Swanson has become a sought after teacher, spiritual director, speaker, and retreat leader, teaching at several prominent seminaries, including Princeton, Spiritual Formation and the art of bringing an awareness of the Holy to all parts of life.
Erik laid the groundwork for our humanitarian project by his clear teaching and consistent embodiment of "seeing beyond what is, hearing beyond what appears to be - i.e., listening with spiritual ears - responding to the voice of the Holy in all things."
His kindness and encouragement, guidance and the persistent patience with which he enacts compassion formed the basis for our vision and the manner in which we "journey ourselves", and we are deeply grateful.
His continued teaching, discernment, and spiritual direction nourish and stabilize us as the work develops and matures.
Westhope has become an intentionally contemplative and spiritually vibrant ministry under his leadership. He has a degree in the art of Spiritual Direction from the Spiritual Life Center in Bloomfield, CT and has spend a year studying sacred community in the ecumenical TAIZE monastery in Taize, France. Rev. Swanson has become a sought after teacher, spiritual director, speaker, and retreat leader, teaching at several prominent seminaries, including Princeton, Spiritual Formation and the art of bringing an awareness of the Holy to all parts of life.
Erik laid the groundwork for our humanitarian project by his clear teaching and consistent embodiment of "seeing beyond what is, hearing beyond what appears to be - i.e., listening with spiritual ears - responding to the voice of the Holy in all things."
His kindness and encouragement, guidance and the persistent patience with which he enacts compassion formed the basis for our vision and the manner in which we "journey ourselves", and we are deeply grateful.
His continued teaching, discernment, and spiritual direction nourish and stabilize us as the work develops and matures.
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Hermenigilde Hermenigilde, M.S., Human Health Aid, Burundi, N.E.A.R. Humanitarian Network, Always Be Listening Global - Country Director, Burundi, ALWAYS Africa Coalition Investigator, N.E.A.R. Humanitarian Network, Former Refugee, Jesuit Priest, Psychologist, Grant Writer and Humanitarian Project Director for Most Recent Refugees, Burundi Border, Representative to the United Nations, UN Volunteer since High School, serving Burundi & Tanzania. Persistently serving Burundian people at severe, life-limiting risk, acquiring multiple grants, sometimes with Dr. Ruebsamen, for the most vulnerable - children under three, pregnant women, and elders over seventy years. Nyamiye's wife is a highly trained nurse working with Doctors Without Borders, and they have two adorable little girls. Three independent investigators were tasked by the UN Human Rights Council in January with investigating rights abuses in Burundi since it descended into violence in April 2015 over President Pierre Nkurunziza's controversial decision to run for a third term - a vote he won in July of the same year.
The report by the UN Independent Investigation on Burundi (UNIIB) said that "gross human rights violations have and are taking place, committed primarily by state agents and those linked to them". The UN human rights office has verified 564 cases of executions between April 26, 2015, and August 30, 2016, the investigators, who made two trips to Burundi and conducted 227 interviews, said. They added that this was "clearly a conservative estimate". A list of suspects will be handed to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and be available in the event of any prosecutions, the investigators said. The government denied all the allegations. "@UNHumanRights did not respect the usual rules by releasing the report without the response of @BurundiGov," the president's communications chief Willy Nyamitwe tweeted. The government has sent the UN rights commissioner a 40-page rebuttal, he added. Death-lists The investigators said that they had received evidence of rape, disappearances, mass arrests as well as torture and murder, and that there were probably many thousands of victims. "UNIIB found that the large majority of victims have been identified as people who were opposed or perceived to be opposed to the third mandate of President Nkurunziza or of members of opposition parties," it said. Kenyan activists and Burundian expatriates hold placards during a candlelight vigil held for Burundi victims in Nairobi, Kenya [EPA] UNIIB said a former senior army officer told investigators of the existence of lists of people to be eliminated. Witnesses named 12 senior members of the security forces - who report directly to top officials in the government - responsible for disappearances. Some of the people who said they had been tortured reported being held in secret jails, including at the homes of the president and a government minister. The government denied the existence of such death lists and said the accusations came from "those who want to sow division and the panic within the defense and security corps". "It is deplorable that the experts believed such gratuitous and diversionist assertions," it said. Sexual violence According to the UNIIB report, the bodies of some people who were summarily executed were transported across the Ruzizi river and buried in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It listed 17 types of torture used by the security forces, ranging from attaching weights to the testicles, to forcing a victim to sit on broken glass, or to stay next to the dead body of a relative. Many women fleeing the country were subjected to sexual violence by the members of the youth wing of the ruling party, Imbonerakure, border guards and unidentified men, the report said. Women opposed to the president's third term were also subjected to extreme sexual violence, it added. More than 250,000 people fled to neighboring countries following the violence, according to figures by the UN's refugee agency. Satellite imagery suggested the existence of mass graves, but the government did not respond to an offer to investigate the sites, the report said. Burundi has set up three commissions of inquiry to look into human rights allegations, but the report accused the government of "blatantly failing" to investigate. Abdikadir Hassan, wonderful friend, and our faithful Country Director in Somalia, his beloved country of origin, still one of the most challenging, high risk regions. (I remember people warning me "you will never, ever, be able to do humanitarian work in Somalia" !!
I remember well very painful days when Abdikadir was returning from Kenya to Somalia through Garissa at the time of the massacre at the University there, -- it took a few week to establish connection and determine he was safe. Abdikadir Hassan, Always Be Listening Country Director, Somalia. Development: Africa Coalition, for NEAR Humanitarian Network; consulting, trainer for child protection; gender based violence. Abdikadir has served in multiple humanitarian capacities, - Danish Refugee Council, etc., - he is expert training others in child protection, the prevention and treatment of gender-based violence. Between assignments, he volunteers his expertise with other teams in remote areas. Abdikadir is currently collaborating on a cutting-edge project with Nyamiye in Burundi forming a Consortium of low-income, Southern Hemisphere countries, enhancing the probability of their receiving immediate, adequate funding through NEAR Humanitarian Network. (Without this affiliation, poorer, Southern Hemisphere countries typically receive small amounts of money, "trickle-down" leftover funds left over after the more wealthy upper-hemisphere countries receive designated funds from the primary Aid organizations. According to new measures which went into effect at the 2016 Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, NEAT Humanitarian Network can ensure the lower countries receive 19% of Aid funds (of the 25% they requested). These funds must be requested by grants and approved by NEAR.) Abdikadir and his wife, a nurse, have two wonderful sons and a beautiful little girl. 
Sam Himelstein, Ph.D., Psychologist, Department of Health CARE, Alameda County, CA. Center for Adolescent Counseling,
Psychotherapist, Parent Consultant. Author, Trainer. Dr. Himelstein is a licensed psychologist in the state of CA, an author, trainer, parent coach, and researcher. His day job is as a Behavioral Health Clinician at the Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center (ACJJC), an institution he was once incarcerated in as a young teen. Dr. Himelstein is passionate about working with juvenile justice populations, addiction populations, and those suffering from trauma. He offers individual, group, and family-based counseling sessions in Downtown Oakland, speaks at conferences nationally, and is committed to training clinicians, teachers, other healers in how to effectively build authentic relationships with adolescents through his training institute, the Center for Adolescent Studies. Dr. Himelstein is also currently planning to launch an online-based training community specifically for parents, Parenting Tough Teens. A growing body of evidence suggests that mindfulness meditation is associated with a number of physiological and psychological benefits in both adult and juvenile populations. Dr. Himelstein et al have published recent research on mindfulness-based interventions among at-risk and incarcerated youth populations demonstrating feasibility as a means of enhancing self-regulation and well-being. Sam Himelstein, Ph.D., Stephen Saul, Albert Garcia-Romeu. Does Mindfulness Meditation Increase Effectiveness of Substance Abuse Treatment with Incarcerated Youth?A Pilot Randomized Controlled TriaL Mindfulness 31 July 2015. Sam contributes to Always Be Listening by applying his clinical research and experience with adolescents and families in the areas of risk, incarceration, substance use, abuse and treatment, incarceration and its effects, mindfulness-based interventions and their efficacy for improving well-being, self-esteem, self-regulation, attitude toward drugs, gratitude, and recidivism. Dr. Sam brings to the work with wounded, traumatized, addicted, and incarcerated youth an exquisite sensitivity to the defenses which may hide their pain, and is extremely gifted at communicating to trainees in his seminars his sense of authentic reverence for these young peoples' sense of hopelessness an helplessness, relating to them with a tenderness and communication of their worth and efficacy that is profoundly moving and effective. He is dedicated to continually listening to the young people, adjusting his need-based intervention with utmost respect, gentleness, and kindness, and an expert in relating authentically and therapeutically with distressed, endangered, adolescents. 
Shatha Al Masthqueth, Country Director, Always Be Listening, formerly, now working with UN Women, Jordan.
Shatha is one of the first female aid workers to join Always Be, and she remains one of the most faithful day by day communicators, even as she has moved from the Jordanian camps for Syrian Children to UN Women Jordan. One of the things that struck us immediately of her work in the camps was her level of professionalism and organization - equally matched by her affection and deep understanding of her students' personalities and needs. |
Elisha Ooga, Founder and Director, The Zelyn Project, Kibera School, Kibera High School
Always Be Listening Global - Country Director, Kenya
Elisha and his team offer caring individualized education and oversight to nearly 200 children and youth. He remains the Encourager-in-Chief for hundreds of children and adults who have met him, specifically for Dr. Ruebsamen and the Always project.
One of our goals is to be a large part of establishing financial permanency for Elisha Ooga- who is truly our inspiration - our first contact and constant encouragement! From his childhood growing up in the vast slums outside Nairobi, Elisha emerged with a desire to transform the lives of every child possible, which he continues to do independently, assisted by donations from those who learn of his work.
Always Be Listening Global - Country Director, Kenya
Elisha and his team offer caring individualized education and oversight to nearly 200 children and youth. He remains the Encourager-in-Chief for hundreds of children and adults who have met him, specifically for Dr. Ruebsamen and the Always project.
One of our goals is to be a large part of establishing financial permanency for Elisha Ooga- who is truly our inspiration - our first contact and constant encouragement! From his childhood growing up in the vast slums outside Nairobi, Elisha emerged with a desire to transform the lives of every child possible, which he continues to do independently, assisted by donations from those who learn of his work.
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Tom Ogwal, M.A., SUTCO, Save the Children South Sudan.
Always Be Listening Global, Director, Uganda/South Sudan.
Mr. Ogwal is tremendously influential in conflict and post/conflict Uganda and South Sudan - successfully imagining, creating, and acquiring funding for and bringing to fruition core humanitarian assistance protection, educational and vocational projects of exquisite timeliness for children and youth. His work involves programming for child protection, reduction of Gender Based Violence (GBV), Peace Building and Youth Empowerment in focus States of South Sudan. His eye is on constant context analysis to identify changes in the economic, political and social dimensions in order to proactively plan for mitigation measures at the organizational level. His in-depth, sophisticated papers on subjects such as how the exploitation of young children for purposes of sales on the street precludes their obtaining the education they desperately need -- are an impressive education in themselves. His conceptualizations regarding multidisciplinary-staffed residential schools for African children primarily housed with paying students but also serving a small section of impoverished student in the interest of sustainability are brilliant.
Tom has lent his support of Dr. Marilee and Always Be Listening Global since the days the project was merely an idea. He partners with Always through his NGO, Save the Children South Sudan (SUTCO); his creative programming has been effective in attracting donors to his work such as Oxfam-GB in South Sudan, UNDP, and SPARK International in South Sudan. An unbelievably busy man, we are personally indebted to Mr. Ogwal for the time he has given to our project, grateful for his consistent kindness and encouragement for the children of neighboring, Kenya. We also appreciate his immediate
Always Be Listening Global, Director, Uganda/South Sudan.
Mr. Ogwal is tremendously influential in conflict and post/conflict Uganda and South Sudan - successfully imagining, creating, and acquiring funding for and bringing to fruition core humanitarian assistance protection, educational and vocational projects of exquisite timeliness for children and youth. His work involves programming for child protection, reduction of Gender Based Violence (GBV), Peace Building and Youth Empowerment in focus States of South Sudan. His eye is on constant context analysis to identify changes in the economic, political and social dimensions in order to proactively plan for mitigation measures at the organizational level. His in-depth, sophisticated papers on subjects such as how the exploitation of young children for purposes of sales on the street precludes their obtaining the education they desperately need -- are an impressive education in themselves. His conceptualizations regarding multidisciplinary-staffed residential schools for African children primarily housed with paying students but also serving a small section of impoverished student in the interest of sustainability are brilliant.
Tom has lent his support of Dr. Marilee and Always Be Listening Global since the days the project was merely an idea. He partners with Always through his NGO, Save the Children South Sudan (SUTCO); his creative programming has been effective in attracting donors to his work such as Oxfam-GB in South Sudan, UNDP, and SPARK International in South Sudan. An unbelievably busy man, we are personally indebted to Mr. Ogwal for the time he has given to our project, grateful for his consistent kindness and encouragement for the children of neighboring, Kenya. We also appreciate his immediate
Steve G. Bergkamp, M.A., Director, Riverbend Park, FL
Director, Student Ministries, UMCPB, Local Pastor, UMC.
Second Response Youth Training and Engagement,
Director, Always Be Listening Southern US, CUBA, Caribbean Collaborative; Young Humanitarians.
Director, Student Ministries, UMCPB, Local Pastor, UMC.
Second Response Youth Training and Engagement,
Director, Always Be Listening Southern US, CUBA, Caribbean Collaborative; Young Humanitarians.
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Mr. Bergkamp holds an advanced degree in Applied Economics, SJSU, has managed County Parks and their personnel for two decades in California and Florida. Currently Director, Riverbed Park, he has additionally worked for a decade creating sustainable youth ministry for adolescents and teens at UMCPB, and is a qualified Local Pastor through the United Methodist Church. He has successfully trained and taken intergenerational groups of adolescents, teens and adults on working missions to numerous second response post-disaster sites in Tennessee, etc., to building and renovation/restoration sites to North Carolina First Nation/Cherokee Nation communities, to Pahokee Florida renovation sites, and has recently traveled to Cuba on a preliminary mission.
Steve has unique expertise building long-term relationships with diverse, significantly disadvantaged youth without coercion, involving them in structured, intrinsically rewarding, humanitarian projects and contemplative spiritual practice rather than social activities.
In a US state characterized by youth, with 49% of the population under age 34, Steve is uniquely suited to see beyond what appears to be, hold hope for young people without judgment, meet them where they are and remain the solid, supportive, reflective adult who makes the difference in their lives - linking them to other trustworthy adults and dependable, healthy resources who can be further supportive. When he is not reading or cooking for a crowd, he can be found running or biking the Jupiter trails with his boys, or, if he is lucky, kayaking off the Florida Keys.
Steve has unique expertise building long-term relationships with diverse, significantly disadvantaged youth without coercion, involving them in structured, intrinsically rewarding, humanitarian projects and contemplative spiritual practice rather than social activities.
In a US state characterized by youth, with 49% of the population under age 34, Steve is uniquely suited to see beyond what appears to be, hold hope for young people without judgment, meet them where they are and remain the solid, supportive, reflective adult who makes the difference in their lives - linking them to other trustworthy adults and dependable, healthy resources who can be further supportive. When he is not reading or cooking for a crowd, he can be found running or biking the Jupiter trails with his boys, or, if he is lucky, kayaking off the Florida Keys.
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Stephanie Rosso, Ph.D., Senior Child Psychologist, Private Practice,
Clinical Psychology, San Francisco, CA, US
Director, Child/Family Health and Mental Health,
Always be Listening, US and Global.
Dr. Rosso is distinguished by her lifetime warmth and compassionate for children and the breadth of her knowledge, academic/clinical expertise, and record of experience with children in contexts of adversity: illness, trauma, traumatic bereavement, multiple loss, chronic sorrow, poly-risk and cumulative risk (complex trauma). Her experience includes working with children with neuro-developmental, interpersonal and behavioral challenges; children and parents for whom attachment has been unbelievably disrupted and thus are challenged by limitations of their own or by horrific, external life events.
We know Dr. Rosso's work well through many years of working with her in a clinical academic setting regarding psychological assessment and clinical treatment of severely stressed and traumatized children, adolescents and familiesIt across a variety of settings. It is difficult to think of a psychologist more equipped to contribute to the Board on a project for children and adolescents whose families are disrupted, forcibly displaced, highly stressed and distressed by reason of post-conflict factors and intergenerational losses and governmental chaos. Dr. Rosso is well known for her amazing cooking, her cat named Max, her characteristically positive spirit, and, most recently, for swimming with whales whose fins light up (???!!!). It is true, we've seen the photos. .
Hatixhe Berani Grbeshi, J.D., American and European Law Degrees, SC Law Group, CA
Director, Humanitarian, Disability & Disability Law. Always be Listening Global, US and Global.
Ms. Grbeshi is unusually highly active in the justice and humanitarian communities in Santa Clara County, California. A former refugee from Kosovo with her family, she is currently a Claimants Representative for Social Security/Supplemental Income through the Santa Clara Law Group. A dynamic, creative and caring interdisciplinary professional, she has with broad international expertise in the areas of law, public relations, social work, human rights, mental health counseling, non-profit, case/ law/statute analyses, advocacy, domestic violence, drug treatment court cases, disability law, immigration law, family law, case management, public speaking, research and program development. She has over ten years experience creating sustainable support systems for underprivileged populations. Ms. Grebeshi has authored articles on the impact of domestic violence, obtained three years of funding from FIRST 5 and co-founded the award-winning Family Resilience Center for Families for refugees and immigrants. She is a skilled translator and interpreter of Albanian, Bosnian and Serbo-Croatian, and an acknowledged expert on post-migration stress. In some of those capacities she has worked closely and successfully with Dr. Livingston - and they have never lost a forensic case.
We have known and interacted professionally with Hatixhe for at least a decade, and, in particular, she has been instrumental in promoting positive relations between cultural communities in Silicon Valley and the larger Bay Area, has been and continues to be known as a very effective public advocate for the rights of refugee families, and is especially and strongly focused on the rights and wellbeing of global children. Hitachi and Dr. Ruebsamen seem to read each others' minds on issues, and have decided they may be the busiest professional women in Silicon Valley, as they can almost never coordinate their calendars . . . their minds and hearts, however, are on the same track.
Clinical Psychology, San Francisco, CA, US
Director, Child/Family Health and Mental Health,
Always be Listening, US and Global.
Dr. Rosso is distinguished by her lifetime warmth and compassionate for children and the breadth of her knowledge, academic/clinical expertise, and record of experience with children in contexts of adversity: illness, trauma, traumatic bereavement, multiple loss, chronic sorrow, poly-risk and cumulative risk (complex trauma). Her experience includes working with children with neuro-developmental, interpersonal and behavioral challenges; children and parents for whom attachment has been unbelievably disrupted and thus are challenged by limitations of their own or by horrific, external life events.
We know Dr. Rosso's work well through many years of working with her in a clinical academic setting regarding psychological assessment and clinical treatment of severely stressed and traumatized children, adolescents and familiesIt across a variety of settings. It is difficult to think of a psychologist more equipped to contribute to the Board on a project for children and adolescents whose families are disrupted, forcibly displaced, highly stressed and distressed by reason of post-conflict factors and intergenerational losses and governmental chaos. Dr. Rosso is well known for her amazing cooking, her cat named Max, her characteristically positive spirit, and, most recently, for swimming with whales whose fins light up (???!!!). It is true, we've seen the photos. .
Hatixhe Berani Grbeshi, J.D., American and European Law Degrees, SC Law Group, CA
Director, Humanitarian, Disability & Disability Law. Always be Listening Global, US and Global.
Ms. Grbeshi is unusually highly active in the justice and humanitarian communities in Santa Clara County, California. A former refugee from Kosovo with her family, she is currently a Claimants Representative for Social Security/Supplemental Income through the Santa Clara Law Group. A dynamic, creative and caring interdisciplinary professional, she has with broad international expertise in the areas of law, public relations, social work, human rights, mental health counseling, non-profit, case/ law/statute analyses, advocacy, domestic violence, drug treatment court cases, disability law, immigration law, family law, case management, public speaking, research and program development. She has over ten years experience creating sustainable support systems for underprivileged populations. Ms. Grebeshi has authored articles on the impact of domestic violence, obtained three years of funding from FIRST 5 and co-founded the award-winning Family Resilience Center for Families for refugees and immigrants. She is a skilled translator and interpreter of Albanian, Bosnian and Serbo-Croatian, and an acknowledged expert on post-migration stress. In some of those capacities she has worked closely and successfully with Dr. Livingston - and they have never lost a forensic case.
We have known and interacted professionally with Hatixhe for at least a decade, and, in particular, she has been instrumental in promoting positive relations between cultural communities in Silicon Valley and the larger Bay Area, has been and continues to be known as a very effective public advocate for the rights of refugee families, and is especially and strongly focused on the rights and wellbeing of global children. Hitachi and Dr. Ruebsamen seem to read each others' minds on issues, and have decided they may be the busiest professional women in Silicon Valley, as they can almost never coordinate their calendars . . . their minds and hearts, however, are on the same track.
honorary executive advisory board bios
Caroline Magerl, Intn'tl Award-Winning Author, Artist, Illustrator, Print-Maker.
Executive Advisory Board, Always Be Listening Global Initiative
Caroline lives and works on the magnificent Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia, with her husband and daughter.
Caroline "listens" to concepts, internalizes them, turns them into the most magical of stories, and translates them into lyrical images. Which is how our exquisite watercolor logo for ALWAYS came to be. Until reading her award winning children's picture book, Hasel and Rose, the reasons for her strong affinity for the heartache of migrating children was not clear.
Executive Advisory Board, Always Be Listening Global Initiative
Caroline lives and works on the magnificent Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia, with her husband and daughter.
Caroline "listens" to concepts, internalizes them, turns them into the most magical of stories, and translates them into lyrical images. Which is how our exquisite watercolor logo for ALWAYS came to be. Until reading her award winning children's picture book, Hasel and Rose, the reasons for her strong affinity for the heartache of migrating children was not clear.
Absolutely enchanting! and an exquisite, haunting tale, the Australian children's book Hasel and Rose.
Caroline introduced a second, beautiful book, in English, Rose and the Wish Thing, to the USA March 8, 2016, and with it, a wonderfully successful, whirlwind, coast to coast USA book tour!
Caroline introduced a second, beautiful book, in English, Rose and the Wish Thing, to the USA March 8, 2016, and with it, a wonderfully successful, whirlwind, coast to coast USA book tour!
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Jill Bergkamp, MFA, Award-winning American Poet
Honorary Executive Advisory Board,
Always be Listening Global Initiative
Adjunct English Professor, Palm Beach Atlantic University
Director of Children's Ministries, UMC of the Palm Beaches, Florida, US.
Jill received the Rona Jaffe Poetry Scholarship for BreadLoaf Writers' Conference and Relief’s first Editor’s Choice Award. Her poems have most recently appeared in Rattle, Third Coast, and Gargoyle, and most recently in IMAGE Journal and Harvard Divinity School Bulletin, Summer Fall 2015.
Jill not only composes poetry reflecting the trauma and anguish of vulnerable individuals - children and mothers, sometimes historical families, such as John Wesley within his childhood context, she lures those characters to life.
Her faithful, systematic and creative work with the youngest multinational children and their families, especially mothers and children, for over a decade in East Central Florida and with adolescents/older adolescents on pro bono relief and recovery projects throughout the South and Southeastern US with her husband, Steve, has emerged into a means of mentoring successive cohorts of children from early childhood through teen and college years.
Their innovative, integrated work is increasingly recognized as a means of cultivating the youths' abilities to develop and sustain trusting relationships with family members and supportive other adults across generations and diverse backgrounds, while nurturing meaningful psycho-spiritual growth and spiritual formation in their personal lives.
Honorary Executive Advisory Board,
Always be Listening Global Initiative
Adjunct English Professor, Palm Beach Atlantic University
Director of Children's Ministries, UMC of the Palm Beaches, Florida, US.
Jill received the Rona Jaffe Poetry Scholarship for BreadLoaf Writers' Conference and Relief’s first Editor’s Choice Award. Her poems have most recently appeared in Rattle, Third Coast, and Gargoyle, and most recently in IMAGE Journal and Harvard Divinity School Bulletin, Summer Fall 2015.
Jill not only composes poetry reflecting the trauma and anguish of vulnerable individuals - children and mothers, sometimes historical families, such as John Wesley within his childhood context, she lures those characters to life.
Her faithful, systematic and creative work with the youngest multinational children and their families, especially mothers and children, for over a decade in East Central Florida and with adolescents/older adolescents on pro bono relief and recovery projects throughout the South and Southeastern US with her husband, Steve, has emerged into a means of mentoring successive cohorts of children from early childhood through teen and college years.
Their innovative, integrated work is increasingly recognized as a means of cultivating the youths' abilities to develop and sustain trusting relationships with family members and supportive other adults across generations and diverse backgrounds, while nurturing meaningful psycho-spiritual growth and spiritual formation in their personal lives.
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Eric Ochere, Honorary Executive Advisory Board, Always Be Listening Global Initiative, 2015- Present
Embedded Humanitarian Photographer and Photojournalist, Kenya.
Eric is our Project's first and only Embedded Photographer - he lives with his family in Kenya.
He was reared in the notorious Kibera slums outside Nairobi, and eventually became a teacher in the school he once attended which is led by Always Be Listening Country Director, Elisha Ooga.
Eventually, he became invested in giving back by working as a humanitarian photographer and newsman, "determined to show the world the state of Kenyan children and families who live in unbelievably abject conditions amid the vast, dangerous and unhealthy slums on the outskirts of Nairobi".
In addition to his work as a photojournalist documenting current events, Eric spends intentional, volunteer, personal time with select, severely impoverished, orphaned children and youth whom he meets in the villages and slums - focusing on being a friend they can count on and a mentor - a motivational speaker in educational settings and other gathering places, always emphasizing the critical role of literacy and personal motivation, using his own harrowing experiences as an example and inspiration. We are proud to know Eric and encourage his vision! And, obviously, we love his photography!
Embedded Humanitarian Photographer and Photojournalist, Kenya.
Eric is our Project's first and only Embedded Photographer - he lives with his family in Kenya.
He was reared in the notorious Kibera slums outside Nairobi, and eventually became a teacher in the school he once attended which is led by Always Be Listening Country Director, Elisha Ooga.
Eventually, he became invested in giving back by working as a humanitarian photographer and newsman, "determined to show the world the state of Kenyan children and families who live in unbelievably abject conditions amid the vast, dangerous and unhealthy slums on the outskirts of Nairobi".
In addition to his work as a photojournalist documenting current events, Eric spends intentional, volunteer, personal time with select, severely impoverished, orphaned children and youth whom he meets in the villages and slums - focusing on being a friend they can count on and a mentor - a motivational speaker in educational settings and other gathering places, always emphasizing the critical role of literacy and personal motivation, using his own harrowing experiences as an example and inspiration. We are proud to know Eric and encourage his vision! And, obviously, we love his photography!
Joseph Braun, Creative California Photographer, CA, US.
Honorary Executive Advisory Board of Directors, Always be Listening Global.
Joseph treasures serenity and peace of mind. He describes himself as having a questioning soul, an open-minded discoverer who relishes all the differences, likes to think outside the box. "My style is relaxed and intuitive; I wait patiently for the moment to show itself to me. Flexibility is my strength; compassion is my gift. One of my core reasons for being is to strive to see things in a new light." His photographs are often described as mythical.
Larry Wong, Photography, US, Edmonton, London, and Global Photojournalist.
Honorary Executive Advisory Board of Directors, Always be Listening Global.
Production Photographer: San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, serious photojournalist, traveler.
Larry is a generous friend with amazing gifts as a photographer and boundless energy, criss-crossing the US, UK, photographing places, events, people, and food! See his work on our Contact Us page header.
We thank him for his generosity.