Sponsored by Pediatric Chaplains Network
In an era of unprecedented youth mental health needs, chaplains can play a vital role in the transition from primary healthcare facilities to youth mental health treatment. How can chaplains best serve pediatric patients and their families, as well as support healthcare staff, in these in-between moments for vulnerable youth?
The Rev. Anoma Abeyaratne, Staff Chaplain at Franciscan Hospital for Children: The Rev. Anoma Abeyaratne is also Priest Associate at All Saints Brookline. She served as a Cox Fellow at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul and the Diocese, and as a chaplain at Boston Children’s Hospital. Prior to her call to ordained ministry Anoma worked as a Clinical Nurse at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital. Anoma is a Registered Nurse, a Board Certified Chaplain and holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Episcopal Divinity School and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Michigan State University.
She was an active lay leader in the diocese of Massachusetts for many years prior to being ordained and maintains a passion for issues of social justice, particularly around the issues of diversity. Her interests include contemplative prayer, walking outdoors, cooking and needlework.
Kristin Canavera, PhD, Clinical Psychologist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Kristin Canavera, PhD, is a pediatric psychologist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. She provides psychological services to children with cancer and hematological diseases.
She is the psychology liaison to the leukemia and ICU services, and her research focuses on psychosocial outcomes for critically ill patients in the ICU. Dr. Canavera also has additional training in bioethics and health policy and serves on the St. Jude ethics committee. Prior to St. Jude, she worked with children with anxiety and mood disorders, OCD, and disruptive behavior disorders.
Dr. Fatima Watt, Director of Behavioral Health Services at Franciscan Children’s Hospital: Dr. Watt received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Georgia School of Professional Psychology.
She completed her clinical training in pediatric psychology at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta-Egleston followed by an internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Franciscan Children’s. Prior to returning to Franciscan Children’s as the Director of Behavioral Health Services, she served as a pediatric psychologist at the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children.
Dr. Watt is committed to providing therapeutic services to underserved populations, including low-income, medically and psychiatrically complex, and racially diverse youth and families. Dr. Watt is credentialed by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists.
