Faith, Family & Mental Health: A Conversation with Sister Sayeedah

In this episode, we sit down with Atlanta-born Author and Advocate, Astrid Serika Ross, affectionately known as Sister Sayeedah . A mother, grandmother, suicide loss survivor, and fierce voice for mental health and education, Sister Sayeedah shares her journey of transforming personal tragedy into powerful advocacy.

As Executive Director of the Mental Health Support Network and a 20-year leader at the City of Knowledge Islamic School , she has dedicated her life to breaking the stigma around mental health, especially in communities of color. Certified through NAMI, a leader of the Gwinnett Comm-UNITY Mental Health Task Force, and a newly published author of children’s books on emotional wellness, her impact spans classrooms, communities, and policy circles.

In this conversation, she opens up about: Her journey as a suicide loss survivor and how she found purpose through pain The importance of early mental health education for children Her new children’s books that empower kids to embrace emotions Why representation and advocacy in politics and education matter more than ever Her vision for mental health equity across Georgia schools and beyond This is a powerful episode for parents, educators, advocates, and anyone committed to transforming mental health in our communities.