Meet The Founders
Danielle Palmer, Ph.D, Co-Founder
Danielle Palmer is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist who earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Howard University and her Ph.D. in School Psychology from Michigan State University. Dr. Palmer utilizes her training and expertise to provide culturally relevant interventions and treatment to students, as well as strengthen the knowledge, skills, and capacity of those who work closely with children across various settings.
In recent years, Dr. Palmer co-created the Teacher Training Institute in collaboration with Children’s National Medical Center to increase teacher knowledge of mental health and wellness and the impact in the classroom setting. Dr. Palmer continues to express her passion for the intersection of mental health and academic success through her work as a Technical Assistant Manager on the DC Comprehensive School Mental Health Expansion Grant and as an appointed Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at George Washington University. Dr. Palmer also has experience providing culturally relevant instruction at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Dr. Palmer is the co-founder of Bridges Mental Health Consulting whose mission is to provide mental health consultation and training to professionals and organizations who work with children. In her free time, Dr. Palmer enjoys playing sports, spending time with friends and family, and traveling.
Monique Leopold, Co-Founder
Monique Leopold is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Co-Founder of Bridges Mental Health Consulting. She has spent most of her career ardently examining the connection between student wellness and education. Monique uses her expertise to provide comprehensive care through a collaborative medium to students and families. This is well demonstrated in her skilled consultation, training and educational programs provided to organizations and medical professionals.
Through Bridges, Monique has co-developed a multidisciplinary teacher training institute in partnership with Children’s National Hospital, delivered social-emotional workshops to youth in the community, and was featured on National Public Radio (NPR) to discuss mental health supports in schools.
Born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Monique earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Virginia and her Master’s in Education and Educational Specialist Degree from The College of William and Mary.
Currently, Monique is sharing her knowledge and skills by working on the DC Comprehensive School Mental Health Expansion Initiative as a Technical Assistance Manager. She serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at The George Washington University, and sits on the advisory board of Effective To Great Education, a social-emotional learning and mindfulness tech start-up. Monique is inspired daily by her husband and their two daughters. In her free time, Monique enjoys hobbies such as cycling, reading mystery novels and putting together complex puzzles.