BSA Hosting Juneteenth Event Centered on Optimal Psychology, Art Showcase

The Fielding community is invited to attend the Black Student Association’s “Cultural Trauma: Breaking the Psychological Chains Using an African-Centered Approach” on June 17, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. PT | 7:30 p.m. ET.

BSA is hosting this event at a time in history when there is a desire to rewrite and, in some cases, erase Black history, it is crucial to recognize the freedom of our ancestors. To understand the partial weight lifted off their backs on June 19, 1865, two and half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Our ancestors began their most significant challenge of freedom, equity, and equality, a fight that we continue even today.

Register here.

This event will feature guest speaker and Fielding alum Dr. Tania S. Lodge (Clinical Psychology, ‘15). Dr. Lodge is the founder and CEO of Kindred Spirit Behavioral Health in Akron, Ohio. She will discuss the importance of utilizing Optimal Psychology, an African-centered approach, to address cultural trauma in people of the African diaspora.

BSA will also host its “Juneteenth Art Showcase: Vision of Blackness” and commemorate Fielding’s 50th Anniversary. The art showcase will highlight inspiring and unique pieces related to the theme of anti-Black racism. The art auction will begin on June 10 and close on the day of the event on June 17. Awards will also be given to artists.  View the auction items here.

If you would like more information, you can contact any member of the BSA board at bsa@fielding.edu.

About Dr. Tania S. Lodge

Dr. Tania S. Lodge

Dr. Tania S. Lodge is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kindred Spirit Behavioral Health, an African-centered behavioral health agency in Akron, Ohio. She is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist specializing in culturally specific psychological services and assessments, program development and evaluation, and continuing education workshops on cultural competency and African-centered healing approaches. Dr. Lodge is a lead trainer and provides training, supervision, consultation for the certification for the practice of Optimal Conceptual Theory and Belief Systems Analysis psychotherapy.

Dr. Lodge received her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology from Fielding Graduate University. She holds two master’s degrees in marriage and family therapy and clinical psychology. She has approximately 20 years of clinical experience and extensive knowledge and experience developing and evaluating programs. She has co-authored many peer-reviewed articles and manuscripts on African-centered healing approaches. Her clinical and research projects and interests include program evaluation and development, African-centered treatment outcomes, culturally specific assessments, African-centered psychotherapy, process addictions, interpersonal and racial trauma, infant mortality, and psychological oppression. She is an active member of the Association of Black Psychologists where she serves on the Board of Directors and is the Project Lead/Chair for the Sawubona Healing Circles National Program.