PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The third edition of the USM Seminar Series, this time focusing on mental health and psychology, will take place on Thursday, 8 November. Guest speakers include clinical psychologist Dr. Judith Arndell, mental health specialist and substance abuse counsellor Fernando Richardson, and local school counsellor and therapist Jina Muskan Mamtani Mahbubani.
According to USM President Dr. Antonio Carmona, the experts were invited to talk at USM in order to engage the public in thinking about the kind of university St. Maarten needs.
“Our seminars are geared towards promoting public dialogue about key issues that the country faces in its development, and the role that USM can play…..ever since I arrived to St. Maarten, I have been told that we need homebred psychologists and social workers,” Carmona stated in written remarks to the press on Monday. USM is hoping to develop a BA programme in Psychology and Social Work within the next year.
Mrs. Arndell, who is also a bestselling author of the book “Secret Pains” and founder of The Ujima Foundation will cover general topics of mental health from a local and international perspective. Mr. Richardson will be covering the theme of substance abuse addiction, while Mahbubani, a counsellor at Prins Willem Alexander School will speak specifically to dealing with families whose children have special needs. Following the presentations, the public will be invited to interact with the panel. USM also expects representation from the Mental Health Foundation, Alzheimer’s Foundation, the Court of Guardianship, Dr J. Enterprises, and the Ujima Foundation.
As with all of USM’s 2018-2019 seminars, doors will open at 6:30 pm and refreshments will be offered to the public.
