Self growth, Education, Vedanta, Mental Health (Ageing, Sucide Prevention, Career Programs) , Integrated health practices, social entrepreneurship, environmental causes, classical music, writing, community building, taking care of eldery
Bhawana Bora
Community Development Director
Pune,MH
Summary
Early-career mental health practitioner and student of life, with a background in behavioural health sciences and a deep interest in human well-being, community, and self-discovery. I bring experience in mental health advocacy, peer support, and creating safe spaces through empathetic listening and authentic engagement.
Guided by Indic values and currently exploring mindfulness and Vedanta, I am on a continuous journey of learning, reflecting, and understanding how to contribute meaningfully to individuals and communities.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Community Development Director
The Emelie Foundation
07.2025 - Current
- Lead community engagement initiatives for single mothers and adolescent girls from economically vulnerable backgrounds.
- Mentored directly by the founder in aligning program execution with organizational vision, values, and beneficiary-centered impact.
- Work with board members on program execution, organizational growth, and strategic development.
- Facilitate safe spaces and group sessions focused on emotional support, confidence-building, and communication skills.
- Manage social media, outreach, and stakeholder engagement, strengthening visibility and communication of impact.
- Started Emelie Voices, monthly initiatives of documenting benficiaries stories to learn from each others journey.
Mental Health Counseling Intern
PRATITI Center for Mental Health
04.2025 - 05.2025
- Supported in achieving rehabilitation goals for 50+ residents diagnosed with a chronic mental health condition, increasing engagement in therapeutic practices.
- Conducted and documented five detailed case histories from a male unit diagnosed with dementia, alcohol use disorder, OCD, personality disorder, and major depression (age range 23-65).
- Facilitated group recreational and cognitive stimulation activities for elderly residents.
- Participated in case presentations, psychiatric consultation, and emergency admission, adding exposure to multidisciplinary case management in rehab settings.
- Weekly psychoeducational sessions for residents, nurses and caregiver.
Remedial Teaching Intern, Peer Buddy
Swadhaa Waldorf School
02.2025 - 03.2025
- Worked with a grade 3 neurodivergent children. Developed personalized learning materials and a behavioral modification toolkit.
- Psychoeducated shadow teacher in working with kids in specturm.
- Collaborated with the remedial teacher, class teacher, and principal to develop a supportive plan for learning.
- Participated in waldorf teacher training sessions led by school founders.
Life Skiils Peer Mentor
Itti's Skill School for Climate Action
02.2024 - 03.2025
- Conducted awareness sessions on emotional well-being, sleep hygiene, and preventive habits.
- Designed and delivered engaging spoken English, confidence building, enabling peer sharing, and an increase in stage participation.
- Collaborated with teachers and the principal for workshops on creating a safe, inclusive classroom, and identifying warning signs and distress levels early.
Market Research Intern
Toprankers Udaan (Career Counseling Wing)
05.2024 - 06.2024
- Led a funded research project with a career counselor focused on successful career counseling organizations across India.
- Utilized and analyzed psychometric assessments, compiled key findings into a structured report, delivering future program strategy.
Mental Health Ambassador
Symbiosis Centre for Emotional Wellbeing
11.2022 - 09.2023
- Spearheaded mental health events on World Mental Health Day, Suicide Prevention, International Happiness Day, and Schizophrenia Awareness, engaging over 100 students on the campus.
- Suppoted peers through listening, referring to professioanl help and teaching preventive techinques to manage distress.
- Delivered a panel address on "Digital Media and its impact on Mental Health".
- Created inclusive, safe spaces for students to share lived experiences and encouraging community healing.
Education
PG Diploma - Mindfulness Based Counseling: Embodied Presence
Just Being Center And St. Mira's Girls College
Pune 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Behavioural Health Sciences
Symbiosis International University
Lavale, Pune 04.2001 -
Skills
Active Listening
Collaboration
Mental Health Advocacy
Psychological First Aid
Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper
Interpersonal Communication
Partnership building
Accountability
Experiential Facilitation
Basic research skills
Certification
Policy Bootcamp: Deepening Democracy and gearing up governance, Rishihood University, Sonipat
Interests
Timeline
Community Development Director
The Emelie Foundation
07.2025 - Current
Mental Health Counseling Intern
PRATITI Center for Mental Health
04.2025 - 05.2025
Remedial Teaching Intern, Peer Buddy
Swadhaa Waldorf School
02.2025 - 03.2025
Market Research Intern
Toprankers Udaan (Career Counseling Wing)
05.2024 - 06.2024
Life Skiils Peer Mentor
Itti's Skill School for Climate Action
02.2024 - 03.2025
Suicide Prevention: Empowering Students and professionals in healthcare services by Maharashtra Institue of Mental Health
09-2023
Policy Bootcamp: Deepening Democracy and gearing up governance, Rishihood University, Sonipat
06-2023
Mental Health Ambassador
Symbiosis Centre for Emotional Wellbeing
11.2022 - 09.2023
PG Diploma - Mindfulness Based Counseling: Embodied Presence
Just Being Center And St. Mira's Girls College
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Behavioural Health Sciences
Symbiosis International University
04.2001 -