SMART Connections
Connections & Updates
đź“° News & Announcements
Stay informed about the latest developments at the SMART Center, including program growth, new initiatives, and community impact.
- Program and service updates
- New partnerships and collaborations
- Grant funding and project announcements
- Staff achievements and recognitions
CURRENT NEWS
- Big news from UofM SMART! The University of Memphis ICHC Clinic has officially opened its Play Therapy Education, Training, and Research Center—an innovative, university-based center that is the only program of its kind in Memphis, dedicated to advancing high-quality play therapy services, training, and research. To learn more about the Play Therapy Education, Training, and Research Center visit our website: Play Therapy Education, Training, and Research Center.
- Building on this exciting milestone, the clinic is now offering Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), two highly effective, evidence-based approaches that help strengthen family relationships, support children’s emotional development, and promote healing from trauma. With these expanded services, UofM SMART is proud to provide leading-edge care for children and families in our community.
SMART Connections: Hosted by Dr. Susan Elswick and SMART Center Staff
Explore insights, discussions, and expert perspectives from the SMART Center team and its partners through SMART Connections, a dynamic podcast designed to support those working with children and families.
SMART Connections empowers teachers, mental health clinicians, and caregivers with fresh insights and practical strategies to support the social, emotional, and mental well-being of children from Pre-K through 12th grade. Developed in partnership with Dr. Susan Elswick, Director of the University of Memphis SMART Center, the podcast delivers expert knowledge in an accessible, conversational format.
Each episode explores timely topics, best practices, and hands-on tools that can be applied in real-world settings—whether in the classroom, in the clinic, or at home.
Podcast content includes:
- Episodes focused on key mental health topics
- Interviews with clinicians, researchers, and community leaders
- Educational discussions centered on trauma-informed care and prevention
- Practical strategies and tools to support children’s emotional and behavioral well-being
SMART Connections provides meaningful, real-world guidance to help adults make a lasting impact and support children in thriving across environments.
👉 Listen Now | Explore Episodes
Episode 1 - Early Intervention Services
Featuring: SMART Center Team and Community Partners
Featuring:SMART Center Clinical Team
Featuring: SMART Center Clinical Team
Episode 4-Adverse Childhood Experiences
Featuring: Trauma-Informed Care Specialists
Episode 5- Exploration of Culture: Communal Conversation with Dr. Gregory Washington and Theresa Okwumabua (3 Part Series)
Featuring:Dr. Gregory Washington and Dr. Theresa Okwumabua
Part 1-Understanding Cultural Perspectives
Part 2-Building Cultural Responsiveness
Learn strategies for creating inclusive, culturally responsive environments in schools, clinics, and communities.
Part 3-Applying Cultural Understanding in Practice
Episode 6 - Positive Psychology
Episode 7-SMART Center Overview
Featuring:SMART Center Leadership Team
Episode 8-Developmental Disabilities Awareness
Featuring:Developmental Services Professionals
Episode 9-Dove Self Esteem Project
Featuring:Community & Program Partners
Featuring:Program Partners
Episode 11-Mental Health Awareness Month
Featuring: Mental Health Advocates and Clinicians
Episode 12-Verbal De-escalation
Featuring:Clinical and Crisis Intervention Specialists
Episode 13-Seasonal Depression-
Featuring:Licensed Clinicians
Featuring:Clinical Experts in Anxiety and Trauma
SMART Connections♦Talk the Path Podcasts:
The SMART Center is proud to partner with the University of Tennessee–Knoxville and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to offer a specialized podcast series through the Pathways to Behavioral Health Careers Project.
This initiative is designed to educate and inspire high school students by introducing them to the wide range of career opportunities within the behavioral health field. Through engaging and accessible content, students gain insight into the roles, responsibilities, and day-to-day experiences of behavioral health professionals, as well as the educational pathways needed to pursue these careers.
By highlighting the meaningful impact behavioral health professionals have on individuals and communities, this project encourages students to explore careers in the field and supports the development of a stronger, more prepared workforce—contributing to a healthier future for Tennessee.
Monthly Newsletter:
Stay connected with everything happening at the SMART Center by exploring our monthly newsletter. Each edition features updates on our services, highlights from upcoming community events, and practical mental health tips you can apply in your everyday life.
Our newsletter is an easy and engaging way to stay informed, discover new resources, and find inspiration to support your own well-being and the well-being of those around you.
👉 Explore the latest edition and see what’s new this month.