BeWell Summit Bios

Christina Lalama has 20 years of experience as a mental health counselor and a qualified supervisor in the State of Florida. Christina is fully bilingual and specializes in therapy services for trauma survivors, particularly children and adolescents who have experienced sexual abuse. Currently, she is the Clinical Supervisor and Outreach Education and Training Specialist for the PACTT (Providing Adolescents and Children with Trauma-focused Treatment) Initiative at Jewish Community Services of South Florida. The Initiative is a federally funded program aiming to provide therapy services to children and adolescents ages 5-17 who have experienced trauma. In addition, she provides group and individual treatment for the non-offending caregivers of children who have experienced sexual abuse.

Christina has provided educational workshops in the areas of violence prevention — specifically teen dating violence and rape prevention education — developing healthy relationships, and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. She has been a guest speaker at several Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Miami Dade College, where she provides workshops for students and teachers on identifying violent behaviors and the prevention of sexual violence throughout the community. Christina earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology and degrees in psychology and women’s studies from Florida International University. In June 2011, she became a qualified supervisor for mental health counselor interns registered in the State of Florida.

Dr. Carly Namdar brings a passion for supporting the wellbeing of students, families and educators in building resilience and breaking down stigma associated with mental health. She is the School-Based Services and Resilience Programs Director for Ohel Children’s Home & Family Services, and oversees Ohel’s helpline for educators. Carly is an educational psychologist and holds an EdD from Azrieli Graduate School. She has extensive experience developing and delivering social-emotional learning programming, professional development and implementing interventions to support school communities. Carly was awarded the Robert M. Sherman Young Pioneer Award from the Jewish Education Project in 2020 and was also a psychologist at Ohel's Camp Kaylie. She mentors community leaders through the OU Women's Initiative.

Melissa Orshan Spann, PhD, MBA, is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and clinical supervisor with a demonstrated track record in behavioral health leadership and program development. With a deep passion for her work, Dr. Spann is recognized as a skilled presenter and dedicated clinician, specializing in the treatment of complex eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, and adolescent development. She is an active member of many organizations, including the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, serving on the national certification committee, education committee, supervision faculty, and the board of her local chapter. Dr. Spann holds a Doctoral degree from Drexel University, an MBA from Florida Gulf Coast, an MSEd from the University of Miami, where she is currently an adjunct professor, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. A native Floridian, she resides in Miami with her husband and pup while attempting to parent two teenagers.