Solstice Announces Scholarship Recipients
As appeared on Bernews. October 8, 2025:
Solstice has announced the recipients of its 2025 Solstice Scholarships and Awards, including Maleeka Robinson, recipient of the inaugural Dr. Gemma Harris Professional Development Award, and scholarship honourees Danté Sousa, Keren Smith, and Jordan Loving.
A spokesperson said, “Solstice, Bermuda’s leading holistic wellness centre, is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Solstice Scholarships and Awards – a total of $10,000 in support for Bermudians dedicated to advancing mental health and wellness in the community.
“This year, Solstice awarded three Solstice Scholarships and introduced the inaugural Dr. Gemma Harris Professional Development Award, established in memory of the late Dr. Gemma Harris – a beloved psychologist, colleague, and mentor whose compassion, integrity, and commitment to lifelong learning continue to inspire the Solstice team.”
“Gemma had a profound impact on everyone she met,” said Kelly Madeiros, Managing Director of Solstice. “She cared deeply about her clients, her colleagues, and the future of mental health care in Bermuda. This award is our way of honouring her legacy and investing in the next generation of mental health professionals who share her values of kindness, courage, and care without judgement.”
2025 Recipients
The spokesperson said, “The Dr. Gemma Harris Professional Development Award was presented to Maleeka Robinson, who recently completed the AUSOME Training by COTHÚ – a neurodiversity-affirming programme developed and delivered by trainers with lived experience of autism.
“COTHÚ [pronounced ka-hoo], the Irish word for “nurture,” takes a human-centred approach to understanding and supporting autistic children and teens, focusing on empathy, connection, and inclusion.”
“AUSOME Training has given me insight and information that have allowed me to be more client-centred and to better understand the lived experiences of people in our community who have a diagnosis on any part of the autism spectrum,” said Maleeka Robinson. “I plan to use this training at Solstice to help ensure we continue to offer evidence-based, clinically excellent services and spaces that are inclusive, respectful, and affirming for all neurodivergent clients.”
The spokesperson said, “The Solstice Scholarships were awarded to Danté Sousa, Keren Smith, and Jordan Loving, each of whom has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the field of psychology and mental health through their studies and placements at Solstice.”
“My time at Solstice has helped me gain a deeper understanding of the psychology field, with the team providing invaluable guidance throughout my learning journey,” said Danté Sousa, who begins his studies in Psychology at Dalhousie University this autumn.
“Interning and now working at Solstice has deepened my passion for psychology. My time there, especially working with kids in clinical group camp sessions, has shown me the power of connection, patience, and creating a safe space for others,” said Keren Smith.
Jordan Loving, a former volunteer intern who became a Clinical Psychology Assistant at Solstice, shared: “Throughout my time at Solstice, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a diverse and talented team that has played a significant role in my professional growth. These experiences – from assisting with neuropsychological assessments to participating in Tree of Life workshops – have strengthened my clinical and professional skills while reaffirming my passion for mental health advocacy.”
The spokesperson said, “Jordan is now pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at the University of Kent, with the goal of becoming a Clinical Psychologist.
A Decade of Investing in Bermuda’s Mental Health Future
“Since launching its scholarship programme, Solstice has supported numerous Bermudians in their academic and professional development journeys. Previous recipients include Ashlee Lambe, Treasure Tannock, Christopher Jackson, Tomei Talbot, and Dr. Lizzy McManus – all of whom have continued their studies and made meaningful contributions to the mental health field.
“Tomei Talbot began volunteering at Solstice in 2020, where she quickly became an integral part of the Child and Adolescent Programme. She assisted in co-facilitating Social Skills and Empowerment Groups and supported the Homework Club under the supervision of Dr. Eloise Pitts Crick. Recognised for her professionalism and compassion, Tomei advanced from volunteer intern to paid intern before receiving a Solstice Scholarship to pursue her studies in Psychology. Now, having completed her Bachelor’s degree, she has returned to Bermuda and rejoined the Solstice team as an Applied Psychology Assistant, gaining further experience as she works toward becoming a Psychologist.
“Dr. Lizzy McManus, one of Solstice’s first interns, also embodies this full-circle success. After completing her training abroad, she returned to Bermuda last year to join the Solstice team full-time as a Clinical Psychologist, specialising in work with children and adolescents. Her return reflects Solstice’s long-term vision of cultivating Bermudian professionals who bring their skills and expertise back home to serve the community.”
“By investing in future practitioners, we’re helping to build a more resilient, empathetic, and sustainable mental health ecosystem for Bermuda,” said Ms. Madeiros.