2026 CHDI Video Contest Winner

Alayna Freeman, MD

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is to be able to be both an advocate for children and a witness to their authentic creativity.
So to anyone interested in this field, I'd say be ready to join a village of communities, families, schools, and healthcare professionals working together to support the growth of our children and teens.

Hi, I'm Doctor Elena Freeman, a board certified adult psychiatrist and a child and adolescent psychiatry fellow. When I think of children's behavioral health, I think of imagination, resilience, and a village. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is to be able to be both an advocate for children and a witness to their authentic creativity. Through stories and play, they often reveal the deepest emotions, and to earn their trust to be able to share those experiences with us is truly an honor. We may be seen. Them on their best day or worst day, but what keeps me motivated is truly their constant search for hope and connection. So to anyone interested in this field, I'd say be ready to join a village of communities, families, schools, and healthcare professionals working together to support the growth of our children and teens. Their voices matter, their feelings matter, and they deserve a space to grow and evolve. Thank you.

Katherine Babb, LCSW

Since graduating with my MSW I've become more involved in child psychiatry and behavioral health and really believe that when mental health care starts young, I can make more of an impact.

I'm Catherine Babb, and I'm a licensed clinical social worker. I've been working with children and families since 2014, and what keeps me going in this work are the opportunities to learn and grow alongside the families I serve and my colleagues. Everyone has a story to tell, and I get to be a part of people's stories for just a little while. When I started in this field as a student, I thought I wanted to work with adults struggling with substance use and mental health disorders. Kids were just too complicated. Since graduating with my MSW I've become more involved in child psychiatry and behavioral health and really believe that when mental health care starts young, I can make more of an impact. Children deserve to be cared for, to play, to grow. I heard it once said that every adult was once a child, but not every child becomes an adult. If you're considering working with children, and of course their families, no, there will be challenging and really hard seasons, but the impact on the child and the family and the community is what really drives me.

Glorimar Falcon, LMSW

My name is Glorama Falcon and I'm a licensed master social worker working with young adolescents supporting their mental health.
I was born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and this work is personal to me because I see parts of my own story and the students I support.

My name is Glorama Falcon and I'm a licensed master social worker working with young adolescents supporting their mental health. I was born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and this work is personal to me because I see parts of my own story and the students I support. What keeps me motivated is remembering where I came from. As someone who is Hispanic, I understand the culture barriers around mental health and how hard it could be for families to seek help. That's why I focus on being someone my students can trust and someone who listens without judgment. For me, this work is about connection and impact. One of the most meaningful moments was when a student told me they wanted to get into this field. It reminded me that just by showing up, we can inspire others. If I could give any advice going into this field to someone, I would say go for it. This work isn't easy, but it's always worth it and sometimes just being there can change someone's life.

Natalie Claude, LCSW

Unlike working with adults, you get to do games, art projects, and all these creative activities that help explore a child's mental health and improve their symptoms.
One of the most rewarding things is gaining the trust of the child and the family because of the relationship that I've developed.

Hi, I'm Natalie A. Claude, and I've been working with children and families for the past 6 years as a licensed clinical social worker. If you're thinking I don't wanna work with children or maybe the mental health field is not for me, then you are in good company and probably the right person for the job. I can honestly say I never wanted to work with children, but when the opportunity came up, I decided to say yes, and I'm so glad I did. Working with children and their families is just so rewarding. Unlike working with adults, you get to do games, art projects, and all these creative activities that help explore a child's mental health and improve their symptoms. One thing that keeps me going on the hardest days is that I can literally decide, OK, we're gonna use this game or activity to facilitate a conversation about mental health and this child's treatment plan goals instead of regular talk. Therapy I might do with an adult. Then I could use a coping skill that is not only beneficial for the child but also for me. One of the most rewarding things is gaining the trust of the child and the family because of the relationship that I've developed. Once you have gained their trust, they will value more of what you share with them, which helps everyone overall. So if you are creative and have a skill in problem solving, then working with children and families is for you.

Christine Tomlin, LCSW

Uh, they learn all different techniques on how to calm themselves, which can carry them through their whole life, even through college, um, when they have exams and stressful things.
I love teaching kids all about ADHD and how they can calm their bodies and learn to focus, and that really helps them again through their whole life.

Hi. I am a licensed clinical social worker and I love working with kids. I love to teach them about their emotions so they're able to better express themselves. This helps them not be hitting other kids or fighting with their siblings and just basically learning how to have healthy friendships. I love working with kids that have anxiety. Uh, they learn all different techniques on how to calm themselves, which can carry them through their whole life, even through college, um, when they have exams and stressful things. They can take deep breaths and just relax. I love teaching kids all about ADHD and how they can calm their bodies and learn to focus, and that really helps them again through their whole life. So, some of these things that may never completely go away, they learn how to manage. And it's just beautiful to see the joy on their face when they realize they have completely mastered something. They

Cecilia Frometa, PhD

Hi there. My name is Doctor Cecilia Fermeta. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and associate professor at Yale. I work with kids and families and absolutely love what I do. I feel very fortunate. I get to hear individual stories and help them find a path forward and somehow I've made a career out of it and so can you. I'm also first gen and when someone sees me, they think maybe I can do this too, and I encourage you to think about that. To me that's everything. That's what this is all about really fostering a stronger next generation of behavioral health specialists. If you're thinking about this path, you can do this too. Si se puede. Thank you, gracias.

Selina Reyes, MSW

I am a school social worker, in case you can't tell, and I wanted to share why our work matters.
It's a 5th grader who had a really hard time, some big emotions, and tough moments when school didn't feel safe or easy.
Like if I came into school upset, you helped me feel better.

Hi, my name is Selena Reyes. I am a school social worker, in case you can't tell, and I wanted to share why our work matters. I have a letter that a student wrote for me, um, at the end of the year. It's a 5th grader who had a really hard time, some big emotions, and tough moments when school didn't feel safe or easy. I'm really gonna miss you, Ms. Reyes. I really don't want to leave you, but I have to. It's a part of growing up. You really helped me this year. Like if I came into school upset, you helped me feel better. Thank you for helping me and giving me confidence and advice. That's the work. It's not perfect, it's not always visible, but it matters. I love working in children's behavioral health because there are these moments you don't always see, these small wins that turn into confidence. What drives me is showing up for kids consistently, especially on their hard days, and I know that that stays with them long after they leave.

Alnita Pender, LPC

Now the most rewarding part of my job is that I get to plant seeds of hope and care in the lives of children and families and watch them grow and become better.
C, you're gonna create a safe space for children and families to talk about big emotions and big problems.

Hi, my name is Anita Pender and I'm a licensed professional counselor in a school-based health clinic here in Connecticut. Now the most rewarding part of my job is that I get to plant seeds of hope and care in the lives of children and families and watch them grow and become better. I'm most motivated because I remember being in elementary school and I was a kid without any care or without any hope, and I had a teacher who saw me, heard me, showed up for me, and extended her care to me. She helped me navigate big emotions and big feelings. Now, if you're Entering a career in this field, I want you to get ready to plant your seeds of care in the hearts and minds of children and families. C, you're gonna create a safe space for children and families to talk about big emotions and big problems. A, you're gonna actively listen without judgment so that you will know what resources or are to give them, to help make them better and to help them grow. And E, you're gonna encourage them to consistently apply all that you've taught them. Children and families need you. Come and extend your care today.

Ralph Balducci, PhD

Um, What motivates me so often is just the opportunity, uh, each session and all the time to say something that resonates with the client and helps them to just feel better about themselves and realize their capabilities and just who they are.

Hi, I'm Ralph Balducci. I have a PhD in clinical psychology and I'm a licensed psychologist in Connecticut. I love the work I do, helping clients feel seen and understood and appreciated by showing them kindness and tenderness. Um, What motivates me so often is just the opportunity, uh, each session and all the time to say something that resonates with the client and helps them to just feel better about themselves and realize their capabilities and just who they are. Um, and so we need students like you, we need more people in this profession who want to help others and be kind and considerate of others and Help them cope with things they've been through and help them make their lives better. Thanks so much. Bye.

Lisa Spearman, LCSW

I entered this field because I wanted to help others, and one of the most rewarding parts of my job is witnessing the growth and transformation of children over time.
So, um, you won't be just doing a job, you will be helping shape, um, lives, um, and futures in ways that are truly meaningful and matter.

Hi, my name is Lisa Spearman, and I'm a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Connecticut. I entered this field because I wanted to help others, and one of the most rewarding parts of my job is witnessing the growth and transformation of children over time. There's something incredibly powerful about seeing a child who struggled with expressing their emotions begin to communicate, um, then build confidence and develop healthy coping skills, knowing that I. Provided support, um, and the support that I provided positively influenced their future, not just in the moment, but long term, is deeply fulfilling. Um, what keeps me motivated is. My purpose and why I entered this field in the first place. On different days I remind myself that progress in children's behavioral health isn't always immediate or visible, but it. is happening. Um, and so that me showing up consistently, offering patience and creating a safe space matters. Um, the trust that children place in me and the opportunity to be a steady, supportive presence in their lives keeps me grounded and committed. What I would tell a student considering a career in this field, I would tell a student that this field is both challenging and incredibly meaningful. Um, if you have a passion for helping others and especially children, um, and you're willing to be patient and adaptable and empathetic, um, this career can be very rewarding, requires emotional resilience and willingness to keep learning. Um, but the impact you can have is profound. So, um, you won't be just doing a job, you will be helping shape, um, lives, um, and futures in ways that are truly meaningful and matter. So I hope you. Join us and many other social workers who have taken the step to be part of the caring individuals who help others in need, and especially our young children.

Smith Kidkarndee, PsyD

Glimmers are small moments of connection, joy, and safety that bring us a sense of calm and well-being.
As you consider a career in behavioral health, you'll have the opportunity to support children through the stress and dysregulation and the privilege to observe and cultivate glimmers in the children and families you support.

Hi everyone, I'm Doctor Smith Kidkarandi, and I am a child psychologist. I work with children to explore their cognitive, emotional, and social development, providing counseling and behavioral interventions, as well as family and school support. I get to help children overcome a variety of mental health concerns and the mental challenges. I'm never without my training, lived experiences, and glimmers. Glimmers are small moments of connection, joy, and safety that bring us a sense of calm and well-being. With our metaphorical flashlights, we find and shine light on these glimmers. Even when we are feeling sad, afraid, or even lonely, there are always micro moments that can restore our sense of peace, hope, and connection. As you consider a career in behavioral health, you'll have the opportunity to support children through the stress and dysregulation and the privilege to observe and cultivate glimmers in the children and families you support. Glimmer on.

Kimberly Shirk, LPC

Working with the neurodivergent population is my favorite and Being part of their growth and progress is one of the things that motivates me, particularly when I know I've been able to form a relationship with a child that in the past really struggles with relationships with others.
You know, tricky days, kids are hard.

Hi, everybody. My name is Kim Shirk. I'm a licensed professional counselor, and I am working as a clinician embedded into a middle school environment with tier 3 students. I love working with children and I've been doing it for a very long time. Working with the neurodivergent population is my favorite and Being part of their growth and progress is one of the things that motivates me, particularly when I know I've been able to form a relationship with a child that in the past really struggles with relationships with others. I, I love that. You know, tricky days, kids are hard. One of the things that really gets me through those tricky days is something always comes out of it. I always learn something from when a child is having a bad moment. And I know that going through this is gonna make us all better. You want to be in this field? Get ready. Have a passion for kids. Thanks.

Cheryl Panosian, LPC

I am Cheryl Panosian, and I hope you'll consider a career in mental health.
I'm inspired by the joy of helping youth and families navigate the ups and downs, mental health issues, and break the cycle of generational trauma.
I hope working in the field of mental health will be your passion.

Welcome. I am Cheryl Panosian, and I hope you'll consider a career in mental health. I'm inspired by the joy of helping youth and families navigate the ups and downs, mental health issues, and break the cycle of generational trauma. While therapy is about the present, it's also about planting seeds for the future. On my most challenging days, I recall former teen clients who reached out to me as adults to share their progress and the importance of our work together. I have a master's in psychology and I'm licensed as a professional counselor, which provides the flexibility to work around my family's needs. Currently, I work for an agency serving teens and their families and have a small private practice. Additionally, I am the poet laureate of Danbury. I've always integrated my love of words into my work and encouraged clients to connect with their muse or discover their passions. I hope working in the field of mental health will be your passion.