Donnovan Somera Yisrael ('89), MA
About
Through his work, Donnovan helps answer the question, “Why do people do risky things?” That is, he helps people understand how culture/society/institutions affect our health decision-making (and ultimately our health) and what we can do about it. More recently, Donnovan has integrated the tenets of emotional intelligence and positive psychology into his work with students to with the intention of adding meaning and happiness to their healthiness. Donnovan was trained as a grief educator and volunteer with Kara in Palo Alto and has a passion for teaching people about the skill of grieving everything from disappointment to death. He received his MA in Sociology and BA in Psychology from Stanford University. Access Donnovan's Stanford CAP profile here.
Well-Being Coaching
Supporting all students.
Specialties/Interest Areas
Living with purpose, motivation, procrastination, decision-making, relationships, sexual health, gender roles, facing uncertainty, disappointment & grief, wrestling with religion/spirituality, the science of happiness and adding inspiration to your aspirations. All other topics also welcome!
Additional Information
Education
MA, Sociology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, BA, Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Professional Interests
Through my work, I help answer the question, “Why do we do risky things that endanger our health and our lives?” That is, help people to understand how our cultures/institutions, our psychology and our deep need to connect socially affect our health decision-making and what we can do about it. I heavily integrate the tenets of emotional intelligence and positive psychology into my work with students with the intention of helping them add meaning and happiness to their healthiness. Related to this, I was trained as a grief educator and volunteer with Kara in Palo Alto and have a passion for teaching people about the skill of grieving everything from disappointment to death.
Personal Interests
Being with, my wife, Aly (‘95) and daughters, Isaiah and Avishai, as well as participating in other activities that invigorate the heart and the spirit. I am a big proponent of adoption. Ask me about it! I am also a skateboarding, skating and hockey (ice and roller) enthusiast. Wear your helmet!