Mind Matters: Investing in Children’s Mental Wellness
Supporting the Mental Wellness of Our Children…Reconnecting the Brain with the Body
Caring Hearts, Strong Minds: Workshops for Lifelong Resilience
Mental Health Educators Shaping Positive Outcomes in New York
The Brain and Body Coalition (BBC) is committed to enhancing children’s mental health within communities of color through education, advocacy, and proactive care. Our focus is on the well-being of children while also empowering those who support them with essential training.
Our dedicated team of mental health educators in New York conducts signature workshops, evidence-based training, and community outreach initiatives aimed at dismantling stigma and fostering proactive approaches to mental health. Through innovative programming, easily accessible resources, and culturally responsive support, The Brain and Body Coalition promotes a holistic approach to wellness that empowers individuals and strengthens entire communities.
Learn about our organization and what we do.
What We Do
At The Brain and Body Coalition, we are passionate about uplifting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Our mission is to provide support and resources that not only benefit our children but also equip those around them to maintain wellness.
We actively collaborate with local organizations to achieve our goals, ensuring that our initiatives effectively reach communities of color. The Brain and Body Coalition is here to provide you with the tools, language, and support needed to nurture and sustain wellness.
Our Top Offerings
"It Is What It Is: Breaking the Barriers of Stigma"
Our signature workshop, “It Is What It Is: Breaking the Barriers of Stigma,” is an engaging, adaptable training designed for all ages. This workshop covers topics such as anxiety, bullying, and the complex intersections of culture, community, and mental health conversations.
Originally developed as a four-hour session, it can be tailored into four one-hour workshops, delivered as Breaking the Barrier Burst Sessions in schools or expanded into large-scale field trips serving hundreds of students in a single day.
This dynamic, interactive workshop fosters open dialogue and empowers participants to challenge stigma while building resilience.
Collaborative Education Initiatives
The Brain and Body Coalition partners with corporations, nonprofits, and community organizations to offer tailored professional development, training, and keynote sessions.
Our mental health educators equip teams, employees, and groups with the knowledge and tools to foster emotional strength and resilience. Whether through workplace wellness training, leadership development, or community-based initiatives, we provide impactful education that helps organizations create healthier, more supportive environments.
Outdoor Mental Wellness Programs
We believe in the power of nature as a tool for mental wellness. Our outdoor programs, including Reel Hope and Kids Coping and Casting, promote proactive mental health care through activities like fishing, mindfulness in nature, and community-based outdoor events. These programs encourage participants to build coping skills, connect with others, and experience the therapeutic benefits of the outdoors, reinforcing the importance of holistic well-being.
About the Founder
Our CEO and founder, Heather Ann Pitcher, identifies as an individual living with a mental health condition and comes with a lens that allows her to be a mental health educator and understand what it is like to have a mental health condition and to live amongst the stigma as a person of color with a mental health condition.
Since its founding in December 2022, The Brain and Body Coalition has partnered with over 100 organizations and provided direct support to over 5,000 youth.
A Message from Our Founder
At the Brain and Body Coalition, we are working to educate our communities, particularly children, in order to break down stigma and raise awareness about the impact of culture and language on mental health. We want to create a safe space for open discussions about emotions, trauma and wellness. We are committed to supporting our children and those around them.
Tools and Resources for Mental Health Wellness
To achieve this, we provide tools and resources that promote wellness and empower individuals to overcome barriers when accessing mental health services. We offer training programs designed to increase understanding of mental health conditions so that you can be better equipped to support others.
Through our outreach efforts and comprehensive training, you will gain the knowledge and skills to effectively manage and prevent mental health crises.
Youth Served
%
of Individuals Identify as BIPOC
Community Events
Partnerships
Contact Us
Service Area
The Hudson Valley and the State of New York