Lea Silvert holds a master's in clinical psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is curious about all things related to psychology, spirituality, and experience. Part of Lea's training involved studying childhood trauma and its long-term effects on adult development and relationships. Through her studies, she came to the understanding that many marginalized communities-- including incarcerated individuals-- face unique stressors and stigma that disempower and disconnect a person from themselves and their communities. She believes that these unique stressors warrant specific practices and policies at the relational and systemic level in order to harness growth. Her research focuses on identity and ways to reclaim voice and agency.