Ask An EXPERT

Alexandra T. Cunningham

Alexandra T. Cunningham B.A., M.Ed., Ph.D. LMHC, QS is an Associate Professor, Counseling and Core Faculty, Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. Her specialization is in counseling individuals with social and behavioral challenges to develop enhanced relational skills. Her clinical passion and professional niche is working with people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their loved ones to improve these skills through an integrative treatment approach. She combines evidence-based practices from cognitive-behavioral therapy, positive psychology and family systems theory to accomplish positive treatment outcomes. Since 2007 she has worked with the local community helping families, professionals and the public learn how to offer best practices for people with ASD and other social, behavioral challenges.

Mordecai Samels

Mordecai Samels is a Holocaust survivor, Boca resident, and the namesake of the movie iMordecai out in theaters now. A heart-warming movie based on a true story, iMordecai stars Academy Award-nominated and two-time Emmy-winning actor Judd Hirsch as Holocaust survivor Mordecai Samels and Academy Award-nominated actress Carol Kane as his wife, Fela, both survivors from Poland, who are now living in Miami. Their son, Marvin, is an ambitious cigar maker trying to support his own family while still being there for his aging parents. But when Mordecai’s ancient flip phone breaks, he starts to take lessons from Nina, a young employee of Ultratech. She tutors Mordecai on his new iPhone, opening him up to all kinds of novel experiences and adventures, which makes him feel like a kid again.

The Source asks YOUR questions to a lived and learned expert. Lived experts have experienced behavioral health challenges and/or are family members, caregivers, faith-based leaders, neighborhood champions, and influencers. Learned experts are behavioral health professionals, nonprofit agencies, local government, educational institutions, system leaders, and funders. Email thewell@ bewellpbc.org with “The Source” in the subject line to ask a question or contribute as an expert.

The information presented is for the purpose of educating people. Nothing contained in this publication should be construed nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Should you have any health care related questions, please call or see your physician or other qualified healthcare provider promptly. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this publication.

At the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, Palm Beach County Mayor, Gregg K. Weiss, presented a proclamation declaring May 2023 as Mental Health Awareness and Trauma Informed Care Month in Palm Beach County.

Members of the Get Your Green On (GYGO) Planning Committee and the Birth to 22 United for Brighter Futures Alliance were present and encouraged everyone to wear green on Thursday, May 18, to support mental health awareness and trauma-informed care.

#MentalHealthMatters #GYGO2023 #GetYourGreenOn#