Walnut Creek, CA - July 26, 2022 - Neolth is thrilled to welcome Toni Bankston to the team as an Education Specialist! Toni is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and trauma specialist with 31 years experience as a clinician, teacher trainer and administrator. She is often called to consult with schools and youth organizations in initiating trauma-focused mental health programs for children and families.
Toni's personal and professional mission is to be a catalyst for healing and empowerment for children and families exposed to trauma. In her 31 years as a clinician, trainer and administrator, she has enjoyed working in diverse settings including the mobile mental health program for the Baton Rouge Children's Health Project, Neighbors Keepers Foundation and the Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless One-Stop Service Center. She formerly assumed the position of Executive Director for the Baton Rouge Children's Advocacy Center after working for three years as its Clinical Director, overseeing the expansion and development of its trauma recovery program for youthful survivors of violent crime and their families. This project led to partnerships with the Mayor's Office and the Department of Education as they seek trauma-informed law enforcement agencies and classrooms.
Toni's continued service as a trainer for the U.S. Faculty and with Global Trauma Relief Team of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, Washington, D.C. enriches her career with frequent episodes of work in population-wide healing both in the U.S. and internationally. She has responded in areas such as Israel, Gaza, Haiti, the V.A., Sonoma County and Parkland, Florida following the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
During her role with the local Mind-Body Center of Louisiana, her work focused on bringing relief and education to areas in her home state impacted by poverty, violence and disaster. This included assignments with individuals impacted by homelessness in Baton Rouge, at-risk children in school-based settings and other Coastal residents in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and the Horizon BP Oil Spill.
Making wellness accessible by all is a priority for Toni. Neolth is excited to work with her as we expand our reach, supporting mental health for more youth and schools across the country!
