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JARof Hearts Inc

About

From the Classroom to the Clinic to the Community

Every intervention I deliver is built on real clinical training and real community experience, not theory.

I'm John Alante Richards, an MSW candidate at Hunter College Silberman School of Social Work, a Brooklyn-based SEL consultant, and a community strategist with a track record of driving measurable change.

My work sits at the intersection of clinical mental health, social-emotional learning, and community development. I've trained school staff on de-escalation and crisis recognition using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, conducted wellness sessions for college students navigating academic and personal challenges, and built community asset maps that connect organizations to resources they didn't know they had.

I hold a BA in Psychology (cum laude) from Brooklyn College. I am a past Federman Fellow, a current Roothbert Fellow, and a Blanton Peale BIPOC Fellow. I've earned the Lead Impact Award at BLMI's Leads Retreat. I'm currently completing my MSW at Hunter College, with a clinical focus on individuals, families, and groups.

I partner with schools, CBOs, and nonprofits to build internal capacity, helping organizations move from survival mode to sustainable, thriving communities.

John Alante Richards smiling in a dark blazer and turtleneck.

Highlights

  • Clinical Training

    C-SSRS trained, collaborative care model, school-based mental health at New York Presbyterian / Turn2Us.

  • Academic Credentials

    LMSW Candidate · B.A. Psychology · A.A. Journalism and Communications.

  • Proven Results

    +42% student retention and +30% membership growth, documented outcomes from Hunter BMI.

  • Community Roots

    Built partnerships across CUNY, Brooklyn Public Library, and NYC community organizations.

  • Lead Impact Award

    Recognized at BLMI Leads Retreat for outstanding impact in student mentorship and program development.

Impact

30%
Increase in active program membership through strategic facilitation and community engagement (Hunter College BMI).
42%
Improvement in student retention and graduation rates through targeted mentorship and program design (Hunter College BMI).

Where This Work Comes From

Every service I offer is informed by real clinical and community experience across New York City.

  • New York Presbyterian

    July 2025 – Present

    Social Work Intern, Turn2Us School-Based Mental Health

    Created community asset maps; delivered SEL and PD training for school staff; participated in collaborative care clinical observations; administered C-SSRS for intake and referral sessions.

  • CUNY Hunter College BMI

    July 2025 – Present

    Program Coordinator

    Raised active membership by 30%; improved overall program retention and graduation rates by 42% through strategic programming and community partnership building.

  • CUNY Brooklyn BLMI

    August 2024 – June 2025

    College Assistant Peer Mentor

    Mentored students on academic, social, and emotional challenges; designed and facilitated skill-building programs; connected mentees with tailored community resources. Awarded the Lead Impact Award.

  • CUNY Brooklyn ISSO

    August 2024 – June 2025

    Federman Fellow, Peer Advocate & Wellness Fellow

    Conducted wellness sessions with Brooklyn College students; produced and served as creative director for the Federman Fellows podcast Figuring it Out; built community partnerships including Brooklyn Public Library.

  • Community Roots Charter Middle School

    February 2025 – May 2025

    DOE / DOH Intern

    Developed and led interactive, academically-integrated afterschool projects; mentored students; mediated conflicts and ensured a safe, inclusive environment for all participants.

Education

  • MSW, Clinical Practice

    Hunter College Silberman · 2025–2027

    Focus: Clinical Practice with Individuals, Families & Groups.

  • BA Psychology, cum laude

    Brooklyn College · 2025

    ISSO Scholar · Dean's Honor Roll.