About
Evandra Catherine, Ph.D, IMH-E
Dr. Evandra Catherine is dedicated to improving mental health outcomes for Black children and families, with a particular focus on families with young children (birth to five). Engaging at community, local, state, and federal levels, she seeks to bridge the gap between communities and systems of services through relationship-building and a dynamic feedback loop. With a commitment to meaningful progress, she embrace the complexities of change, even when it means working without immediate closure.
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Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
It is important that I share the conceptual and theoretical frame from which I approach my work. Having a conceptual or theoretical framing when working on behalf of Black children and families is essential because it provides a structured way to understand our experiences, needs, and strengths. It helps guide interventions, ensuring they are grounded in African ways of knowing, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate. A strong framework also fosters consistency across policies and practices while allowing for adaptability to diverse family contexts.
I acknowledge the profound impact of intergenerational and historical trauma experienced by descendants of enslaved Africans, recognizing its enduring effects. I also understand how these traumas manifest in behaviors linked to Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome (Joy DeGruy). With this perspective, I engage with integrative models (Racism + Resilience + Resistance (R3ISE and the Integrative Model of Racial/Ethnic and Emotion Socialization) to examine how racism in all its forms shapes child development, mental health, and overall well-being.
