Leah is the Global Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Technical Advisor for Heartland Alliance International (HAI), currently based in Cali, Colombia. She received a PhD in Social Psychology and Social Work, and a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Michigan. She has experience designing, implementing, and testing MHPSS and gender-based violence (GBV) interventions in conflict, disaster, and other humanitarian contexts. Other areas of focus include capacity building of non-specialist MHPSS providers, peer support group interventions, and staff support and well-being. Dr James has been a Research Fellow at the Institute of Behavioral Science at the University of Colorado and has provided mental health technical and research support to organizations such as the Center for Victims of Torture, the International Medical Corps, the International Rescue Committee, and Humanity and Inclusion.