Cherisse Hunter-Southern: Passionate About Mental Health and Community Transformation

For Cherisse Hunter-Southern, mental health is more than just a subject—it's a lifelong journey. As a psychology instructor specializing in developmental psychology, Cherisse brings a wealth of real-world experience and a deep passion for helping others to the classroom. Her journey to teaching, however, didn’t follow the traditional path, and it’s clear from her story that her dedication to mental health stems from a genuine desire to give back to the community.

Cherisse's story begins in a field far removed from psychology. Initially, she had aspirations of becoming a pharmacist, believing that this was the best way to help people, especially in the realm of mental health. However, a combination of racial tensions and challenges in the chemistry department at Cal State led her to reconsider her path. "I was like, 'What's another avenue where I can still help people?' And that’s when I shifted toward Human Services," she recalls.

Her passion for education had always been present, as she had long been involved in tutoring and helping students through programs like Upward Bound. It was through these experiences that Cherisse discovered a deeper interest in understanding the developmental struggles that hindered individuals from pursuing higher education. Her work with academic support programs and guidance counseling soon led her to pursue a career that intertwined both mental health and education.

"I was already doing guidance work, so I thought counseling and guidance would be the perfect way to merge my passion for mental health with helping students overcome barriers," Cherisse explains. This decision propelled her into the realm of counseling, where she observed firsthand the powerful impact that untreated mental health challenges had on students' academic lives. This experience was a turning point that led her to pursue a doctoral degree in psychology.

"People don't listen to you unless you're a doctor," Cherisse says, acknowledging the unfortunate reality that many great ideas go unheard without the academic credentials to back them.

This drive to make a meaningful difference fueled her doctoral journey at Argosy University, where she also took on the challenge of accumulating 3,000 hours of clinical service required for licensure. At the time, mental health services were not as widespread as they are now, and finding spaces to complete her hours in California was a struggle. Yet, this challenge only strengthened her resolve. Alongside her doctoral studies, Cherisse co-founded a nonprofit organization, H.E.A.L.S—short for "Healthy, Easy Applicable Life Skills"—dedicated to reducing mental illness stigma and increasing mental well-being through engaging, fun, and accessible programs.

Her background in both business and psychology gives Cherisse a unique perspective on the intersection of mental health services and entrepreneurship. “Business is business, and psychology is psychology,” she explains. “But they don’t always align. It’s challenging when you’re providing services while also figuring out how to run a business.”

Her experience in the nonprofit sector has shaped her approach to teaching, as she regularly shares case studies from her work with incarcerated populations, rehabilitated individuals, and even sex offenders. This hands-on experience brings real-world relevance to her students, and many report feeling more self-aware and empathetic after taking her classes.

"My biggest goal is for my students to become more self-aware, because that's when they learn compassion," Cherisse says.

Her teaching style reflects this philosophy, blending textbook concepts with the lived experiences of her students. "Life be life’ in," she says. "I don't need a hundred emails about late homework. We all have real lives and challenges. I just want students to apply what they’ve learned and know they can succeed, regardless of obstacles."

Cherisse’s influence extends beyond the classroom, where she encourages students to see themselves as more than their diagnoses. "You're not your disease. The disease is just a part of you, not your identity."

For students dealing with mental health diagnoses like bipolar disorder, Cherisse offers a beacon of hope and compassion. One student, who was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, confided that attending her class helped her realize that her diagnosis didn’t define her life. "She was able to see that there is life beyond the diagnosis," Cherisse says, reflecting on the impact she had on that student’s journey.

Looking ahead, Cherisse sees herself continuing to teach and run her nonprofit, H.E.A.L.S, a space where mental health is destigmatized through fun, accessible activities.

"I’ve made it in my mind that this is where I want to be in life," she shares. "Being able to help people, whether they're just starting college or changing careers later in life, feels like the perfect position."

Cherisse's story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and community. From her work in mental health to her role as an educator and nonprofit leader, she continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of those she serves. Her commitment to improving the mental well-being of individuals and creating positive change in her community remains unwavering, reminding us all the profound impact one person can have when they lead with compassion and a heart for service.