Dr. Jeff Gardere... Makes a House Visit to Atlanta, GA

• July 06, 2018
  By Lorna Valcin

Dr. Jeff Gardere, better known as “America’s Psychologist”, was born in Manhattan and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. His parents were born in Haiti.

Dr. Jeff is a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor and Course Director of Behavioral Medicine, Cultural Competence and Behavior and Public Health, at the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City.

Dr. Jeff is a well-known personality and no stranger to FOX NEWS. MSNBC, CNN, WPIX, WCBS, WNYW, & WABC. He was the host on Dad's Camp on VH1 and a therapist on The Housewives of Atlanta, Love and Hip Hop, Lauren Lake's Paternity Court, and Couples Court.

Lakol: Why did you agree to be the MC for "PWOCHEN LIDE", The Future Leaders Scholarship Banquet, presented by the Georgia Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce?

Dr. Jeff: For one, it was my duty. I believe it is my responsibility to be able to help such an organization that has made such a huge difference for the Haitian Diaspora, and who really has the right idea about looking to not only our present leaders, but more importantly investing financially & emotionally for our leaders of tomorrow; our new thought leaders who will make a difference in the Haitian Diaspora and a difference for Haiti.

And so when Saurel Quettan decided that I would be the person that he would tap, given his distinguished work with the organization & what they have done, I really had no choice but to say, "Yes". And of course being in Atlanta half of the year, and not really being connected with any Haitian groups, this was a perfect opportunity to be able to connect with this Haitian group. If nothing else, to reach out to other people to become friends of the Haitian community and be part of this group.

Lakol: What advice would you give to the applicants & the recipients of the Future Leaders Scholarship?

Dr. Jeff: Well, to know no bounds in the way that they believe that they can make a contribution, Number one, "To not have fear! Haitians are known to be fearless and are able to tackle any situation that's thrown at us. Genetically that how we have thrived, that's how we have survived and mastered who we are in the human condition.

Secondly, I think it is important for them to be involved with Haiti and the Haitian Diaspora; to embrace who they are and their very unique history. Therefore, they all have a responsibility, every Haitian; especially young Haitians, to get to know the Haitian culture, to advance the Haitian culture, its people, to fight and contribute to building (of Haiti) and being able to surmount the adversity that we so often face.

More than anything else, whatever the projects are that they want to engage in, whatever that they want to do, it's important not only look at only survival but to bring out the beauty of the Haitian culture & the Haitian people.

Lakol: Given an opportunity to speak to the Haitian Diaspora, what would you say to them?

Dr. Jeff: Well, I will speak for myself and say that I am just so proud to be a Haitian! I am so proud that I have come from this particular culture. I know that all of us take pride and should take pride in who we are and where we come from. So I don't think one culture is better than another. But I am just "Over the Moon" if I can use that term, as to being born into the Haitian culture, having Haitian parents, and assuring that my children no matter where they go in life, will always be Haitian!