Who We Are
Since early 2020, healthcare workers have been overwhelmed with the unprecedented experience of providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many have been working increased hours, days and nights, with increased exposure and risk for themselves and their families. They are witnesses to tremendous human suffering, grief, and unprecedented loss of life. The dedication of these workers to the continued health of our population is inspiring. Unfortunately, the pandemic and its traumatic impact are far from over.
These daily stressors have a substantial impact on the mental health and wellness of healthcare workers. Despite this, healthcare workers are not getting the help they need. There just isn’t enough time in the day to find a therapist who can see them and who takes their insurance. Although employer resources are often available, there also exist widespread concerns that the stigma for reaching out for help could have career consequences.
We started The Emotional PPE project with these barriers in mind. Any worker in a healthcare-related field is welcome to contact the volunteer licensed mental health practitioners in our directory. Each of these experienced therapists is dedicated to providing free sessions. No insurance. No cost. Just a trained professional to talk to.
The Emotional PPE Project. We’ve got you.
Testimonials
Click here to read what healthcare providers have to say about their experience finding support through our directory.
Emotional PPE Board of Directors
Ariel Brown, PhD
Board President & Founder
Ariel is a neuroscientist who has done research on the brain in ADHD and bipolar disorder, and helped develop the first drug approved for postpartum depression. She started The Emotional PPE Project merely by asking a friend “how can I help?” and by tapping into the goodwill of her personal and professional network. Apart from her working life, Ariel is also mom to 2 hip children and a connoisseur of pop music.
Daniel Saddawi-Konefka, MD, MBA
Board Director & Founder
Dan is a practicing critical care physician and anesthesiologist at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He is the Program Director of the Anesthesiology Residency at MGH and oversees 80+ resident physicians. He is devoted to the wellbeing and mental health of his trainees. He is the proud father of four awesome kids, married to an incredible woman, and enjoys woodworking.
Hannah C. Kenny, MA
Board Vice President & Acting Secretary
Hannah is an entrepreneur in the field of healthcare services and a masters level gerontologist. She currently resides in the NY Metropolitan area. She began her career in San Francisco as a program manager for tech startups in San Francisco. She is the mother of 3 wonderful, creative children, has volunteered in hospice and has a pretty decent vegetable garden.
Kate Zeghibe
Board Treasurer
While Kate is currently earning her MBA in Hanover, NH, she has managed biotechnology projects and programs with over $100 million in value for the past eight years. A mental health advocate and former mentor with Minds Matter Boston, she oversees business operations and finances for The Emotional PPE Project, Inc.
Kimberly Johnson, PhD, LMHC
Board Director
Kimberly is a NY LMHC who has worked as a clinician from California to New York to Costa Rica since 1995. Kimberly clinical specialties have included working within the Deaf community, disaster mental health, traumatology, psychological first aid, and compassion fatigue. Kimberly is currently the Program Director for Touro College Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program and has been a proud Emotional PPE provider since April 2020. Kimberly is passionate about her 5 rescue pups (who run the house), her many artistic endeavors, and her patient husband.
AnnMarie Papa, DNP, RN, CEN, NE-BC, FAEN, FAAN
Board Director
AnnMarie currently serves as Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer at Einstein Medical Center Montgomery. Holding a BSN and MSN from Villanova University and a DNP from Waynesburg University, AnnMarie is also a Fellow in both the Academy of Emergency Nursing and the American Academy of Nursing. She is a recipient of the National ENA Lifetime Achievement Award, the prestigious Judith Kelleher Award, the Villanova University College of Nursing Alumni Medallion, Health Leaders Media Top 20 and many other local, state and national awards for leadership, professionalism and team-building. Most recently she was recognized as a legend in Nursing by Mainline Healthcare Leaders. In 2011 she served as the National ENA President.