Pinnacle Financial Partners Celebrates Dr. Poklar and Dr. Johnson for Community Leadership and Advocacy
- Pinnacle Financial Partners honors Dr. Ashley Poklar and Dr. R. LeWayne Johnson for their contributions to community welfare.
- Dr. Poklar enhances child wellness and trauma care, aligning with Pinnacle's mission of fostering positive community outcomes.
- Dr. Johnson advocates for social justice, reflecting Pinnacle's commitment to impactful initiatives that improve community well-being.
Pinnacle Financial Partners Honors Leaders in Child Wellness and Social Justice
Pinnacle Financial Partners recognizes the impactful contributions of Dr. Ashley Poklar and Dr. R. LeWayne Johnson as Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence honorees. Their dedication to their respective fields not only enhances community welfare but also aligns with Pinnacle's values of service and commitment to societal improvement. Dr. Poklar, the clinical director of The Sentinel Foundation, has been instrumental in advancing child wellness and trauma care since her appointment in 2023. By implementing holistic strategies that address the complexities surrounding vulnerable children, she significantly transforms the landscape of trauma-informed care. Her background as a special education teacher and experience in the mental health field, including a clinical internship at a Juvenile Detention Center, underpin her advocacy for at-risk youth, making her an invaluable leader in this domain.
Dr. Poklar’s educational credentials—including a Ph.D. in counseling psychology—coupled with her research interests in trauma-informed care and child exploitation prevention, position her as a leading voice for systemic change in mental health interventions. Her initiatives focus not only on direct care but also on enhancing awareness among parents and caregivers about the mental health challenges facing children today. Consequently, her ongoing work aims to build robust support systems that empower families and communities to better respond to the needs of young individuals facing trauma. This commitment to child welfare resonates deeply with Pinnacle’s mission of fostering positive community outcomes.
Equally noteworthy is Dr. R. LeWayne Johnson, whose extensive career in public service and advocacy reflects a profound commitment to social justice and equal opportunities. A veteran with over three decades of military service, Dr. Johnson has dedicated his life to influencing public policy and community development, particularly for marginalized populations. His work in founding the Florida Coalition to Prevent Veteran's Homelessness and his role as Executive Director of the Mercy Foundation's Homeless Veterans' Program illustrate his deep engagement in addressing critical societal issues. By championing the reintegration of veterans into society, he not only improves individual lives but also strengthens community cohesion.
As both leaders are recognized for their exemplary contributions, their work serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership in driving social progress. Dr. Poklar's focus on child wellness and trauma care, alongside Dr. Johnson's advocacy for veterans and marginalized communities, highlights the diverse ways individuals can enact meaningful change. Their accomplishments align with Pinnacle Financial Partners' broader vision of enhancing community well-being through dedicated service and impactful initiatives.
