Most Impactful Psychologists to Watch In 2025: Bridging Education, Psychology, and Advocacy for Lasting Change
In this edition of Most Impactful Psychologists to Watch in 2025: Bridging Education, Psychology, and Advocacy for Lasting Change we are honored to highlight the inspiring journey of Dr. Ashley E. Poklar. Her path from the classroom to her current role as Clinical Director at the Sentinel Foundation embodies a remarkable commitment to children, families, and communities. She stands as a powerful example of how psychology, when combined with compassion and advocacy, can transform both individual lives and entire systems of care.
On Cover
dr. Ashley e. Poklar
Clinical Director , Sentinel Foundation
In the landscape of modern psychology, where the intersection of education, mental health, and community advocacy grows increasingly vital, few professionals embody the transformative power of purposeful career evolution like Dr. Ashley E. Poklar. Her journey from special education teacher to clinical director represents more than professional advancement; it illustrates how authentic passion, combined with unwavering commitment to youth welfare, can reshape entire systems of care.
Pierrette Kengela
Founder & Executive Director | JOY4ALL NPC & J4A Public Health Consulting
Pierrette Kengela has never approached her work conventionally. Beginning as a nurse in a public hospital in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, she witnessed suffering that could have been prevented—experiences that ignited a determination to address not just symptoms but systems. From those early days to her current position as Founder and Executive Director of both JOY4ALL NPC and J4A Public Health Consulting, Kengela has built a career dedicated to dismantling barriers to health equity across more than 40 countries.
Christine Colburn
Founder/Owner/Therapist | Beacon of Hope Counseling Services, LLC
In the evolving landscape of mental health care, few practitioners have mastered the delicate art of trauma therapy quite like Christine Colburn. As Founder, Owner, and Therapist at Beacon of Hope Counseling Services, Colburn has pioneered an approach to healing that transcends traditional methods—one that places authenticity, connection, and cultural sensitivity at the heart of therapeutic practice.
Carey MacCarthy
Founder & CEO | START-UP! Art Therapy to Rewire Your Brain™
In a world where nearly half of all children globally face mental health challenges, innovative approaches that transcend traditional therapy are revolutionizing trauma treatment. At the intersection of neuroscience, art, and cultural healing stands Carey MacCarthy, who has created a groundbreaking framework for addressing trauma through creativity and whole-brain integration.
