Provider Spotlight
“I am a mother in the dark depths of postpartum depression and I have come to understand the importance of seeking help that is culturally reflective of me as a black woman. I am grateful that I had the knowledge and access to the care I needed at the time that, and I hope to provide the same care for other BIPOC and marginalized mothers,” reflected Jaclyn Satchel.
Jaclyn is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in the field. The work she does in her private practice focuses on perinatal mental health for marginalized populations. While one of his latest 
achievements are assigned to the Postpartum Support International (PSI) Best Practice for Perinatal Mental Health Equity Committee. This committee serves to expand participation in the preparation, implementation, and dissemination of research studies aimed at improving perinatal mental health equity.
Additionally, Jaclyn is the Executive Director of Therapists in Tech. Therapist in Tech was founded in 2020 and is a community that fosters inclusive, authentic connections, empowers marginalized voices, and supports mental health professionals in tech roles to promote their clinical value, mental health, and advocacy for patient consumers. In 2022, they earned 501(c)(3) status to further their mission of giving
professional community support to mental health professionals working in the digital health tech industry through networking, mentorship, and education.
In addition to being a wife, mother, executive director, LCSW, and committee member, it is important for Jaclyn to take care of herself. As long as the activity involves nature and isn’t camping, you can count on Jaclyn. He likes to reset by sitting outside and cycling through his area.
If you are interested in learning more about Jaclyn and her work, connect with her at LinkedIn because it is his go-to networking platform.
Volunteer Spotlight
**Trigger warning: This article contains information about suicidal ideation**
“I discovered my passion for perinatal mental health because it connected me to my own pregnancy and postpartum experience. I suffered in silence and felt drawn to work in this field to help parents find help and support during a very difficult time,” shared Lilian who is a PSI Helpline Volunteer.
Lilian became interested in volunteering with PSI after being introduced to the organization while completing research on maternal mental health during her social work program. However, between managing a career transition, juggling two young children, and school Lilian had to put her desire to volunteer on hold.
PSI HelpLine volunteers are part of the first line of support that parents can connect with when they seek help. These volunteers provide basic information, resources about perinatal mental health, and support. In 2019 Lilian started volunteering at Helpline and noticed that one of the biggest challenges she sees from those seeking help is the lack of information and education they have about what to expect during the perinatal period.
Lilian shared, “One of the main things we do at the helpline is to validate the feelings of the help seeker by normalizing their experiences. These are simple but powerful ways to make people feel that they see and hear, and it allows them to feel okay about seeking treatment. It helps because we tell them what they’re going through is not their fault.”
The PSI helpline is not a crisis hotline and does not handle crisis calls; however, Lilian remembers helping a seeker during one of her shifts. “During the pandemic, I lived in Germany and worked overnight shifts. One night a mother was in a dark place and shared that she was experiencing active suicidal ideation. I stayed on the line to validate her feelings and was -discussed the different things in his life that he thought were worth living, until he was connected to the crisis hotline” Lilian recalled.
The following day, the help-seeker texted the PSI Helpline and shared how grateful he was for Lilian as she helped him choose life over death in his darkest hour. “These cases are quite rare in the helpline, but I am very grateful to be there at the right moment to help someone in need” shares Lilian.
Lilian’s selfless volunteerism extends beyond the PSI Helpline as she assists as a PSI group facilitator, her local Climb, and the PSI Maryland chapter. Also, Lilian’s work as a PSI volunteer led her to her professional calling as a perinatal mental health therapist in private practice. Along with working with perinatal clients Lilian’s clients include immigrant and foreign families and those with women’s issues throughout life.
Outside of Lilian’s extensive amount of volunteer work and professional life, she enjoys living in the DMV area with her husband, two amazing daughters, and two bunnies. To help with her stress levels, she goes for walks outside as the beauty of nature invigorates and gives her energy. Lilian also does breathing exercises, guided meditation, and mindfulness practices that bring awareness to her body to regularly relieve tension.
Lilian, we thank you for the countless hours and selfless work you do as a volunteer. If you want to connect with Lilian you can email her at lilian@postpartum.net. If you are interested in using your talents to volunteer at PSI you can learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
