Who we are
The word Suma means “my” in Wolof, a native language spoken in Gambia. So when we say Suma Haven, we’re really saying My Haven, a space that feels like it belongs to you.
We’re a team of mental health and healing providers with a clear mission: to create a safe, welcoming space where people from underserved communities can heal, in particular the BIPOC community.
We believe everyone should have easy access to support.
No matter who you are, where you’re from, or whether you’ve tried therapy before.
By connecting you with therapists who respect and reflect your cultural background, we’re here to make sure you feel seen, heard, and truly understood.
We provide care that honors your unique story, especially your cultural and ethnic experiences.
We hope it leads to powerful healing and helps break the stigma around mental health in our communities.
Cultural Safety
We aim to ensure that all our providers operate from a perspective of Cultural safety. What does that mean?
Cultural safety is a care approach that centers the client’s sense of respect, belonging, and understanding, especially for individuals from BIPOC and underserved communities. It encourages therapists and health providers to reflect on their own culture and how it might influence the therapeutic relationship.
Cultural Safety goes beyond cultural competency.
Unlike cultural competency, which often focuses on learning about the “other,” cultural safety shifts the attention to the practitioner. It requires providers to examine their own biases, assumptions, and power dynamics in the room that might influence their practice. This includes questioning stereotypes or unconscious beliefs that can lead to lower-quality support.
Rooted in the work of Māori nurse Dr. Irihapeti Ramsden in 1980s New Zealand, cultural safety was created to address the harm caused by a healthcare system that often overlooked or disrespected Indigenous experiences. Today, cultural safety guides therapy practices that honor the whole person and create spaces where clients feel truly safe, seen, and empowered in their healing journey.
THE SUMAWAY
Overtime we aim to provide a service that provides health and healing providers using our unique, whole-person approach. We care for all parts of you, your mind, body, spirit, and your connection to your environment and community (E & C health). You will see this as we expand our offering in different ways. We also educate practitioners in cultural Safety training.
We believe true healing happens when every part of you is seen and valued.
Our approach is shaped by the rich cultures and experiences of the BIPOC communities we serve. We honour this diversity and aim to bring that understanding into every step of your healing journey.
Mind health
E & C health
Body health
Spirit health
The suma squad
Jabou Foon - Founder & Stresstherapist
Nicole Mirembe - Co-Founder Marketing strategist.
Michael Adams - Co-Founder Human behavior specialist & Neuroscience coach.
Mona Laskar - Co-Founder Cultural curator and anti-racist therapist.
our message
We created this space with love and intention, a place where you can feel safe, supported, and seen on your healing journey.
Healing isn’t just about individual support; it’s also about community.
Being part of something bigger, where you feel a sense of belonging, is just as important as working with a therapist, coach, or healer.
That’s why we focus on BIPOC communities, not just as a platform, but as people from these communities who care deeply. We’re here to help break the stigma, offer real support, and create a space where you feel represented and not alone.
Many of us have struggled to find help that truly understands us. Suma Haven is our offering to fill that gap.
We hope this becomes your go-to place for support.
Wishing you love and strength on your journey,
Jabou, Mona, Nicole, and Michael