May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and a great time to celebrate the cultures, contributions and stories of AAPI communities. We are excited to share experiences from Loralin and Tamula, two Easterseals PORT Health team members.
Loralin and Tamula
Loralin is an Outpatient Therapist in Statesville, NC. She provides in-office therapy to clients starting at age 5 who are experiencing behavioral and mental health challenges. Loralin is Laotian and believes AAPI Heritage Month is a great opportunity to celebrate AAPI’s rich cultures and to recognize individuals whose stories inspire others to pursue their goals. She celebrates by attending cultural festivals, such as the Charlotte, NC International Art Festival and exploring new cuisines. She sees food as a powerful expression of identity and tradition. Thinking about our IDEAL principles of Inclusive Culture, Different Voices, Embracing Potential, Authentic Self and Learning & Growing, Authentic Self resonates most with Loralin. She shares, “When we’re not given the opportunity to be true to ourselves, it stifles our ability to reach our full potential.”
Tamula is an Outpatient Therapist in New Bern, NC. She works with individuals in both one-on-one and group settings, using active listening and empathy to support them in managing mental health and substance use recovery. Tamula, a Karen American born in Thailand and raised in the U.S., sees AAPI Heritage Month as a meaningful time to celebrate diverse cultures and preserve her own identity through language, traditions and food. The Karen are an ethnic group from Myanmar and Thailand. She celebrates the Water Festival in April, a New Year event in Thailand where playful water fights happen in the streets. Tamula shares that AAPI Heritage Month is not only a time to honor her own heritage through these celebrations, but also an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the deep and complex histories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Tamula connects most with the IDEAL principle of Learning & Growing, sharing, “I believe when people are more open to learning about our differences, we can grow together in our understanding about different cultures.
Thank you Loralin and Tamula for sharing your stories and perspectives. Your experiences highlight the importance of cultural celebration and connection, values that continually strengthen our community! Learn more about Child Mental Health Services at eastersealsport.com/mental-health-for-youth. Learn more about Adult Mental Health Services at eastersealsport.com/mental-health-for-adults.
ABOUT US
Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy, compassionate partner providing exceptional disability, behavioral health and addiction treatment services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our diverse and inclusive 2,600 member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home, facility and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia. Learn more at eastersealsPORT.com.
