Echo Spring 2021 - 16

s the early months of 2020 wore on, Dr. Sophia
Ogunlana began to see a trend. Students were
struggling. With the world so uncertain, classes
suddenly shifting to virtual and friends and
families separated, Ogunlana saw a need for student
wellness at LBC | Capital's Washington, D.C., location.
The Halcyon Student Wellness Program was born.
As Program Director for the master's degree in Clinical
Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) at the Washington,
D.C., location, Ogunlana took Halcyon-the word
meaning an idyllically happy and peaceful period of
time-one step further with the addition of a student
support group.
Dr. Sophia Ogunlana
Kenneth Bond
Dr. Kevin Jackson
Ogunlana explained that students communicated
through a wellness survey that they would benefit from
a support group.
" So, we jumped into action and worked with our
wonderful alumni who have already achieved their
professional counseling licenses to facilitate the group, "
Ogunlana said. " They eagerly agreed and designed
five sessions, meeting once a month throughout the
spring 2021 semester. Students were presented with
psychoeducational resources that focused on relaxation
strategies, wellness tips and a chance to bond with
their peers. "
Denise Owens
Besides Ogunlana, facilitators include Adjunct Professor
Dr. Kevin Jackson as well as alumni Brenda Burruss
Chavis ('18), Kenneth Bond ('18) and Denise Owens
('19). Intent on discovering how best to serve current
and future students, the group relied on principles within
the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program-to
take a holistic approach to preparing future counselors
and providing resources to equip students for success.
The group also welcomed three additional alumni
contributors: Ashley Grier ('19), Jason Johnson ('19)
and Cassandra Sanders ('17).
" The COVID-19 virus tremendously impacted all of
us, and we wanted to provide students with support,
skills and strategies to thrive, " Ogunlana said. " The
Clinical Mental Health Counseling faculty approach our
relationships with students holistically, meeting their
scholastic, spiritual, social and mental health needs. Our
CMHC program has the most incredible alumni who
are always willing to share their gifts and talents with
current students. "
Brenda Burruss Chavis
Jackson added that the alumni counselors were able to
empathize with students because they had truly " been
there " themselves.
Photos by Sara Vars
16 ECHO
Echo Spring 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Echo Spring 2021
