MENTAL WELLNESS · PROGRAMS · COMMUNITY
Therapy Is BAE — Before Anything ElseDONATE
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PURPOSE

MEET THE
BOARD.

People with different experiences. One shared commitment to more honest conversations and stronger communities.

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Portrait of Dr. Sidney Jackson Jr.
BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE

DR. SIDNEY
JACKSON JR.

Founder & Executive Director

Sid founded Therapy Is BAE to make room for meaningful conversations and connection around mental and emotional wellness. He brings more than two decades of leadership experience to community engagement, education, and advocacy.

Read our story
OUR BOARD

DIFFERENT PATHS.
SHARED PURPOSE.

Advocates, educators, founders, and community leaders helping guide the work forward.

Portrait of Dr. Lauren Naraine-Norris
BOARD MEMBER

Dr. Lauren Naraine-Norris

Mental health & justice reform advocate

Lauren is an educator, criminal justice professional, and mental health and justice reform advocate with more than a decade of experience. She supports mental health awareness, community partnerships, and access to resources.

Portrait of Dr. Curtis Jasper
BOARD MEMBER

Dr. Curtis Jasper

Psychologist & community leader

Curtis is a psychologist and founder of I AM International. His work brings together counseling, education, and culturally aware conversations about mental wellness.

Portrait of Jermail Shelton
BOARD MEMBER

Jermail Shelton

Founder, Undugu Foundation

Jermail creates welcoming spaces for men of color to talk openly about masculinity, emotional growth, and connection through the Undugu Foundation.

Portrait of Dr. Camilia Harris
BOARD MEMBER

Dr. Camilia Harris

Founder, justUs MH Foundation

Camilia founded justUs MH Foundation and has led mental health initiatives focused on awareness, conversation, and stronger access to resources.

Portrait of Lamar Handy
BOARD MEMBER

Lamar Handy

Founder, DL Handy Foundation

Lamar leads the DL Handy Foundation, which centers volunteerism, scholarships, and community support. He also works in finance and education.

THE WORK CONTINUES

LET'S BUILD
TOGETHER.

Our board guides the work. Our community brings it to life.

GET INVOLVED
BOARD MEMBER · FULL BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Lauren Naraine-Norris

EdD, MCJ

Mental health & justice reform advocate

Dr. Lauren Naraine-Norris is an educator, criminal justice professional, and mental health and justice reform advocate committed to equity, awareness, and meaningful community change. With more than a decade of experience in criminal justice, community supervision, investigations, and administrative leadership, she brings a perspective shaped by the connections among mental health, public safety, education, and community well-being.

She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and a Master of Criminal Justice Management. Her professional and academic experiences have strengthened her commitment to advocacy, education, and systems that treat people with dignity, compassion, and understanding. Her work addresses how mental health intersects with the criminal justice system while encouraging awareness, prevention, and access to supportive resources.

As a board member of Therapy is B.A.E. (Before Anything Else), Dr. Naraine-Norris supports the organization’s mission to reduce mental health stigma and create spaces for honest conversations, healing, and emotional well-being. She contributes to its work in community engagement, education, advocacy, mentorship, and experiences that encourage connection and personal growth.

Dr. Naraine-Norris draws on her experience in education, leadership, advocacy, and criminal justice to strengthen community partnerships and encourage people to seek support without shame or judgment. She believes meaningful change begins in environments where people feel seen, heard, supported, and empowered to put their well-being first.