Understanding the value of culturally congruent perinatal mental health support in the Black community
About The Panelists
Name: Sera Johanas E.
Title: Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Organization: Word To The Mother Therapy
Sera Johanas is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Texas, with a unique blend of training and experience that make her well-equipped to work with mothers, individuals, couples, and families. In her private practice she focuses on prevention, education and treatment of perinatal distress. Sera earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University and has post-graduate training in Perinatal Mental Health from the Postpartum Support International. In her personal life, Sera is a wife and mother of two. She developed a passion for maternal health after transitioning to motherhood herself and is dedicated to supporting women through this significant life journey.
Name: Neasel Conner
Title: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Organization: Beyond the Happy
Neasel Conner is a Licensed Professional Counselor and CEO of Beyond the Happy. Neasel specializes in helping women navigate life’s challenges by undoing narratives that no longer serve them and by helping them prioritize their mental health and wellness. In her private practice, Neasel provides counseling services to women and couples. Neasel is also the creator of the Mindset Meets Goals Meets Mental Health Vision Board Experiences, where she has worked with over 3,000 professionals and organizations like Google and the United States Air Force.
Neasel is the facilitator for Hearts2Heal Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Groups which supports women who are struggling and coping with perinatal loss. This six-week group is designed to help women develop new ways to process their grief while also providing a safe space for women to discuss their loss. Additionally, Neasel is a speaker who often speaks and facilitates professional learning to groups with topics such as Everyday Strategies To Manage Your Mental Health, Understanding Perinatal Loss, and Masking And The Burden of Being a “Strong Black Woman”.
Name: Alexis “Lexi” Losch, M.A., LPC, NCC
Title: Licensed Professional Counselor
Organization: Becoming, Counseling & Wellness, PLLC
Alexis “Lexi” Losch is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology (2004) and a Master of Science in Education in Higher Education Administration (2006) from the University of Miami. She completed a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling (2018) at Texas State University. Lexi fell into her passion of perinatal mental health after her own perinatal experiences and seeing how few counselors of color there were (in the perinatal world and serving college students at PWI’s). She currently specializes in reproductive mental health, grief and loss, young adults, and trauma. She is EMDR Certified and an EMDR Consultant in Training, Gottman Level 1 Trained, and is a DONA Trained postpartum doula. Lexi currently resides in Texas with her husband and 3 children.
Name: Starla Simmons, LCSW-S
Title: Clinical Assistant Professor
Organization: UT Steve Hicks School of Social Work
Starla Simmons, LCSW-S is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the Earl Maxwell Scholar Program at the UT Steve Hicks School of Social Work. She is strongly rooted in racial justice and liberation, with a passion for supporting the vitality, resilience, and collectivism of Black, Indigenous, and communities of color. Starla has over a decade of experience as a school social worker, providing a range of direct care services to students, families, and staff. She worked as the liaison and coordinator for Austin ISD’s School Mental Health Centers, providing consultation and operational support for school-based therapy services at 19 middle and high schools.
Starla is a skilled and experienced facilitator around racial equity, social justice and holistic practices such as mindfulness and eco-therapy. Previously, she served as Interim Executive Director for Black Mamas ATX, and Board Chair for Mama Sana Vibrant Woman. In 2016, Starla served as Austin leader for the national non-profit Outdoor Afro, which celebrates and inspires Black leadership in nature. Currently, she sits on the Board of UT Elementary School. She is the faculty liaison for the Environmental Justice & Ecotherapy (EJET) student organization and Black Student and Scholars Network at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work.
At home, Starla is mama Bear to her two children Maya and Langston and spirited partner to her husband, Thomas. She loves exploring natural swimming holes, sitting under trees, camping and creative expression.
Panel Facilitator
Name: Dani White
Title: MSSW Intern, Panel Facilitator
Organization: Black Mamas ATX
Dani is currently a third-year, clinical MSSW student at The University of Texas at Austin and completing her final field at Black Mamas ATX. Her experience working with adults in a variety of settings (e.g. jail, hospitals, universities) has fueled her passion of co-creating spaces with individuals and groups in which they feel seen and heard. Additionally, after graduation, her goal is to work with an organization that strives for health equity for vulnerable populations through advocacy and the amplification of marginalized voices.
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