About Us
The New Normal Way
Imagine waking up every morning for the last 12 years to serve your community through various agencies but constantly finding yourself being placed within a certain limit of what you could do because of organizational, political or systematic issues. Imagine watching the very people who claim they are here to help, capitalize off of the pain and the trauma in your community oftentimes leaving them much worse than before they begin servicing them. Imagine watching the state of our children, families and communities be in a constant state of crisis and survival; Just to be met with the same reactive “solutions” time and time again.
Realizing that this reality was severely impacting the internal power, peace and unique purpose of our children, families and communities we knew something had to change. It was time to take the steps to change the narrative, to hold on to hope that things would and could be different.
"It was time to stand on the belief that our communities didn't need to be “fixed” or “treated” ; they needed to be empowered through tools, strategies, resources and support BEFORE crisis, stressors and challenges occurred."
With those thoughts in mind The New Normal Academy was born. The New Normal Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on empowering children and the adults that impact them to Own Their Power, Walk In Their Purpose and Live in Peace utilizing a healing centered and holistic approach to overcome barriers of success.
Our Approach
Culturally competent social emotional development, life skills enrichment, trauma informed mental health support, mentorship & mindfulness programming and curricula and much more! We are committed to creating strong foundations, instilling hope and supporting children, families and communities from the inside out.
Our Founder
Chauntia Postell
Founder & Executive Director
Chauntia Postell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Social Emotional and Mindfulness Expert, and Self-Care Advocate. She is a proud Prince George's County, MD native, with over 10 years of experience providing mental health services to children and families through schools and community organizations, creating and implementing International SEL Programs in India, conducting SEL research, and much more. She is a Certified Grief and Trauma Specialist, Mindfulness Practitioner, Workplace Mindfulness Facilitator, and Staff Wellness Coordinator.
Through her journey working in many different roles with children and families; One thing that has remained constant is the impact that unhealed trauma has had on families for generations. Impacting the mental, physical, emotional, basic needs, and overall well-being of the entire family and communities. Constantly being told what they shouldn’t do but not given the proper skills about what they should do instead and how to apply these practices in their daily lives.
She also noticed that as a result of the many trials and barriers her families faced that they would lose their voice and ultimately their hope. When people lose hope they are merely existing and letting the world and those around them control their destiny. She knew something had to be different and that there had to be a better, more proactive solution. She wanted to help families, schools and communities go from simply surviving to thriving. She wanted to give resources, skills, practices and tools that supported the individual needs of each person. She wanted to create an organization for children and families to feel safe, supported and inspired to live the life meant for them. She wanted children and families to be exposed to more than just what they see around them but the endless possibilities this life has to offer. She wanted to create a space that normalized healing and wellness, embraced wholeness, prioritized peace and embodied individuality and inclusion.
Board Members
