Maria Immaculata is an educator and practitioner in therapeutic play skills, with a background as both a counselor and teacher in academic settings. Her primary concern lies in fostering people's emotional well-being, and she envisions a world where individuals thrive by maintaining a good state of mental and emotional health. Maria's empathetic approach has created a lasting and positive impact on the well-being of those she serves.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Trauma-Informed Community: A Pilot Project for Indonesia

This project increased awareness and understanding surrounding the topic of trauma. A series of seven video podcasts was produced featuring guests who discussed their mental health journeys, including the struggles, the support systems and the strategies to maintain well-being. The podcasts serve as a platform to generate meaningful discussions and bring mental health issues to a wider audience. The YouTube Channel where the podcasts were posted had 1,900 views by the end of the project, with the seven episodes getting between 64 and 655 views each. The podcast series laid the groundwork encouraging individuals to find a safe space to share their stories and experiences related to trauma.

View The video Podcasts here

"Thank you, it means a lot for my life in 2024. Please keep on making great content like this." - Podcast Viewer

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Maria participated in the IVLP Project Strengthening Mental Health Social Policies in the Post-Pandemic Era, organized by the U.S. Department of State and World Learning.

Maria's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "Witnessing a good model of trauma-informed care in the U.S. inspired me to also develop a model that will work for Indonesia and that is why I initiated this IVLP Impact Award project."

U.S. Communities Visited

Sacramento, CA; Washington, DC; Akron, OH; Houston, TX

"Through IVLP, I met a lot of amazing people and organizations that develop trauma-informed care models that I can work together with to develop a trauma-informed care model for Indonesia." - Maria Immaculata

Country: Indonesia

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