“America’s Psychologist,” Dr. Jeff Gardere, joins Compassion & Choices Board of Directors
Feb 29, 2024 Leadership
Board Certified Clinical Psychologist, Professor, and On-Air Media and News Contributor joins advocacy group to push for equity at the end of life
Compassion & Choices, the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving care and expanding options for the end of life, Thursday announced the appointment of Dr. Jeff Gardere, board-certified psychologist, interfaith minister, and author to its esteemed Board of Directors. Known affectionately as “Dr. Jeff” by millions of Americans, his numerous media appearances have earned him the title of “America’s Psychologist.”
In addition to having a private practice in Manhattan, he is an Associate Professor and Course Director of Behavioral Medicine at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City, and lives in Manhattan and Weston, CT. He has advocated for passing medical aid-in-dying legislation in Connecticut and New York and worked with the Compassion & Choices Community Engagement Team to advise African Americans about the full range of end-of-life care options, including hospice and palliative care.
Some viewers may recognize Dr. Jeff as the featured psychologist on recent seasons of “The Real Housewives,” “Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta,”” Couples Court” and “Paternity Court.” He has also been a regular contributor to the FOX network, the Today Show, MSNBC, and CNN. He was the host of VH1’s “Dad Camp”, and appears in the upcoming documentary film “Let’s Talk: Mental Health in Color.”
Dr. Jeff is also the author of several books, including “Smart Parenting for African Americans: Helping Your Kids Thrive in a Difficult World,” and the co-author of “Practical Parenting” with Montel Williams, the Emmy-award winning TV talk show host (and Compassion & Choices supporter).
"Joining the board of Compassion & Choices is a tremendous honor for me," said Dr. Jeff. “Death touches us all, and empowering yourself with the right information can make all the difference between a good death or a bad death for you or your loved ones. I am excited about partnering with Compassion & Choices to use my voice to help advocate for greater equity in end-of-life healthcare and reach new audiences with the incredible resources the organization has to offer. Together, we can ensure that every individual has access to compassionate end-of-life care that honors their values and preferences.”
Dr. Jeff Gardere and Compassion & Choices Pres./CEO Kim Callinan
Kim Callinan, president & CEO of Compassion & Choices, expressed her enthusiasm for Dr. Jeff's appointment, stating, "Dr. Jeff's deep expertise and his commitment to addressing inequities in healthcare make him an invaluable addition to our board. His perspective will be crucial as we work to improve end-of-life care and empower everyone to choose the care that is right for them."
"After years of partnering with Dr. Jeff in his role as an advisor to Compassion & Choices, I am thrilled to welcome ‘America’s Psychologist’ to our Board,” said Brandi Alexander, chief engagement officer of Compassion & Choices. “I know he will continue to elevate our work to cultivate a more inclusive end-of-life care options movement.”
Dr. Jeff holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from George Washington University and has received numerous awards for his mental health advocacy and education.
