Nurturing Our Children and Communities: A Conversation with Alia Bonner EL
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The Importance of Community and Support
In the latest episode of the Out & About with Antionette Podcast, host Antionette Blake opens the conversation with heartfelt gratitude for the supportive communities and resources available to African American families, particularly those with sons who face unique societal challenges. Reflecting on her 34-year-strong marriage and her deep, meaningful conversations with guests like Alia Bonner EL, Antionette underscores the power of connection and mutual aid.
My guest, Alia Bonner EL, is a multifaceted individual—a mother, wife, and the visionary founder of Charter Behavior Management. Beyond her work in behavioral health, her diverse expertise extends from clinical excellence to effective business marketing, making her a remarkable guest with insights that span multiple arenas.
Behavioral Health Services: Ensuring Inclusive Support
Charter Behavior Management, under the leadership of Alia, offers a wide array of behavioral health services, including behavior assessment, treatment, and clinical oversight. These services are particularly focused on individuals with diagnoses like autism, ADD, ADHD, and speech delays. Utilizing evidence-based assessments and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Charter Behavior Management is dedicated to improving the behaviors and the quality of life of these individuals.
During the discussion, Alia and I delved into the concept of “double duty,” a term describing how individuals with special needs must navigate both their own world and the broader society. They challenge societal pressures for conformity, advocating instead for supportive environments that honor each individual’s unique journey.
Upcoming Events and Community Engagements
Charter Behavior Management is gearing up for several upcoming events. Key dates included a patient intake on October 18, a Ribbon-Cutting event on November 7, and a parent training session on November 14. Additionally, Alia is organizing a Sister Circle Brunch Workshop on December 7, aimed at creating a supportive network for women in the community. These events are a testament to Alia’s commitment to outreach and community building.
Navigating Public Spaces with Behavioral Challenges
As a lifelong caregiver for my oldest child with intellectual disabilities, I shared the complexities and emotional burdens of such a role. Alia resonated deeply with these challenges, highlighting the struggles families face in public spaces due to behavioral issues and encouraging them to seek support before issues escalate.
“Being a parent of a child with special needs comes with its own set of fears and anxieties, particularly when it comes to public judgment,” says Alia. This candid discussion underscores the importance of empathy, community support, and accessible behavioral health services.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Behavioral Health
Alia and her team at Charter Behavior Management are staunch advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion. They are committed to serving all communities, with particular attention to the stigmas faced by Black and Brown individuals regarding mental and behavioral health. Partnerships with schools and healthcare providers are crucial for increasing access to services like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), ensuring that no one is left behind.
Alia also highlights the disparities in diagnosis between Black and White children, noting the ways conditions like oppositional defiance disorder and ADD are assessed differently. This disparity often results in either overmedication or misdiagnosis, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnoses and comprehensive treatment plans.
Alia Bonner EL: A Story of Resilience and Mission
Alia’s life is a testament to the power of resilience and purpose. Having become a mother at 17 and growing up amid the challenges of poverty, drug epidemics, and violence in north Philadelphia, her journey has been anything but easy. Despite being told she would need lifelong medication for health issues, Alia has defied the odds, married the father of her first child, and built a thriving business.
She emphasizes the significance of mindset in overcoming life’s challenges and the importance of keeping one’s ego in check. For Alia, recognizing a mission larger than oneself is a driving force behind her success.
Supporting Families and Building a Better Tomorrow
Our conversation is a rich dialogue filled with insights on business growth, behavioral health, and the invaluable support of communities. As the episode draws to a close, I expressed her gratitude to Alia for sharing her story and contributing positively to the community.
For those interested in appearing as guests on the Out & About with Antionette Podcast, I invite you to send an email, [email protected].
