Dena Batrice

she / her / hers 

An Arab-American social worker and passionate LGBTQI+ human rights activist, Dena is an international mental health clinician utilizing technology, innovation, and scaling to ensure the mental health revolution reaches the world’s most underserved communities in mental health deserts.  A founding member of SameSame, Dena is the organization’s Director of Clinical Programs, leading creation and adaptation of all LGBTQI+ affirming mental health and wellness content.

Prior to joining SameSame, Dena was the Director of Technical Learning and Innovation for StrongMinds, where she guided clinical practice standards across three countries in service to more than 100,000 clients. Dena’s work has expanding the boundaries of mental health in Africa through development of two ‘first of their kind’ mental health interventions designed to rapidly scale low cost, high quality, and effective depression therapy treatments to the unreached.

Dena spent the last decade on the ground, supporting public and mental health projects across 15 countries in Africa and Asia focused on orphans and vulnerable children, HIV/AIDS, TB, and nursing / midwifery. Dena began her career in the USA as a therapist and activist for people with substance abuse issues, HIV/AIDS, the under-housed, and those in prison. Her self-care includes refinishing vintage furniture, creating / collecting industrial art, and working on cars.