Parenting in a Racist Context - 11/9/2020

Conversation Overview

Anthony Pennant, Carmela "Dr. Max" Martin, & Ahmad Bennett discuss Parenting in A Racist Context.

Anthony Pennant earned his Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Drexel University in 2012 and is a licensed marriage and family therapist and approved supervisor through the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). He is currently a 2nd year PhD student in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Antioch New England and is full time faculty in the Couple and Family Therapy department at Antioch University-Seattle. Anthony has extensive experience in working with individuals, couples and families including Neurodiversity in children. In addition to his work with family, he has served on various nonprofit organizations including the Minuchin Center for the Family as well as the Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy serving as the incoming President Elect. At this time, Anthony maintains a private practice in Seattle supporting people of color, transracial families, and children with special needs and their families.

Carmela ("Dr. Max") Maxell obtained her doctorate (PsyD) in clinical psychology from Antioch University Seattle in 2019 and has been working with children and families in behavioral health for over a decade across the United States. She has done a majority of work in the State of Washington with under-served families and at-risk youth, as well as individuals who received primary care services. Carmela obtained her BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan Dearborn. She worked as a special education paraprofessional for a school in Dearborn, MI, prior to beginning her graduate studies at the University of Detroit Mercy in 2010 and received her MA in Clinical Psychology in 2012. Dr. Maxell works as a senior faculty lecturer and part-time faculty for Antioch and Seattle Central College teaching masters and BA students in mental health, counseling, sociology, and health services. She also works as an MHP for the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office. Dr. Maxell utilizes an integrative, collaborative approach to therapy with an emphasis on mindfulness. She believes in encompassing all aspects of an individual when developing treatment plans and solutions with clients. She integrates culturally sound recommendations for parenting assessments and other services that she provides, taking into account the various circumstances and challenges presented to under-served communities and people of color. She is a mother of 4 and an advocate for families in Snohomish County.

Ahmad H. Bennett, a recent alum of AUS Undergraduate Studies, is a Marriage & Family Therapist (Intern) working at Valley Cities Behavioral Health at the Rainier Beach in Seattle, working toward the completion of his MA in Marriage & Family Therapy at Antioch University Seattle. His theoretical orientation is based on family systems theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, emotionally focused therapy, motivational interviewing, active listening, and play therapy for children and adolescents. His goal is to support all family dimensions in increasing better communication, creating emotional supports, and supporting family members during transitions and changes to the family system. He is trained in working with children aged 5-17 years of age in the areas that affect childhood development. Professionally, Ahmad is a United States Navy veteran and has served in many capacities as a former homeless case manager with Catholic Community Services and the YWCA, a military veteran employment specialist with Snohomish & King Counties, and also work in higher education by managing the veteran program and Lake Washington Institute of Technology in Kirkland, Washington. Ahmad believes in supporting veterans, spouses, and children of members served in the Armed Services and supporting all families. He has been married for fifteen years and is a father of five amazing daughters and grandparent to two outstanding grandchildren.