RCCD Expands “Soulful Circle” to Include First-of-Its-Kind Mental Health Workshops for Online Learners
04/15/2026
Soulful Circle is a supportive online community within the Riverside Community College
District (RCCD) designed to foster the mental well-being, sense of belonging, and
academic success of African American women enrolled in online learning. Now integrating
culturally responsive, equity-centered canvas mental health support, the first of
its kind within the Canvas-based Soulful Circle community; the initiative creates
a safe and empowering space for connection, mentorship, and access to essential resources.
While open to all, Soulful Circle intentionally centers African American women, a
population often impacted by exclusion in virtual spaces. With more than 858 African
American women enrolled fully online at RCCD, the program reflects the District’s
commitment to meeting students where they are and supporting their resilience, persistence,
and overall well-being.
Held weekly on Mondays at 6 pm for the month of April, Soulful Circle mental health
support initiative was intentionally designed to support students at the start of
the week virtually, when stress and emotional strain often begin to surface. The program
combines facilitated group sessions with optional 30-minute one-on-one counseling
opportunities later in the week, creating space for both community connection and
individualized care in an online setting.
Grounded in an equity-centered framework, the new mental health support component
within the Soulful Circle mental health canvas space addresses systemic barriers that
can limit access to mental health services, including stigma, cultural mistrust, limited
representation among providers, and the competing demands often experienced by online
learners. By centering lived experiences and culturally affirming practices, Soulful
Circle both in a group setting environment and with one-on-one care that the community
comes together to help create a safe, supportive virtual space where participants
can engage, reflect, and build community.
“For many online learners, particularly women of color, access to mental health support
can be limited by time, responsibilities, and isolation,” said Mary Rankin, PsyD,
LMFT. “This program allows us to reach students who may not otherwise engage with
services and helps foster meaningful connections; something that is essential for
mental health and overall well-being.”
Rankin emphasized the importance of designing services specifically for online students.
“We saw during COVID and beyond that the mental health needs of online learners continue
to grow,” she added. “Soulful Circle brings resources directly to students, ensuring
they don’t fall through the cracks and that they feel connected, supported, and seen.”
The program is co-facilitated by Rankin and Deshonai Burton, MS, AMFT, APCC, both
women who bring both clinical expertise and a strong commitment to culturally responsive
care.
“Representation matters, especially in mental health spaces,” Burton said. “This program
creates an environment where students can feel safe, supported, and empowered, without
judgment, and where their lived experiences are understood and valued.”
Burton also highlighted the importance of accessibility for online learners. “Many
students choose online education because of the responsibilities they’re balancing.
Bringing mental health support directly to them ensures that care is not something
they have to seek out; it’s available to them in real time, wherever they are,” she
said.
In addition to group sessions, participants have access to optional follow-up counseling,
allowing for deeper, individualized support and pathways to ongoing care. The program
also emphasizes community-building as a key component of healing, particularly for
students who may experience isolation in virtual learning environments.
“This space allows students to feel understood without having to explain their experiences,”
Rankin added. “That level of validation and connection can be transformative.”
Shawna BúShell, Ed.D., Dean of Educational Services and Distance Learning, underscored
the importance of innovation in online student support. “Soulful Circle reflects RCCD’s
commitment to reimagining how we serve online learners,” BúShell said. “By designing
services that are both accessible and culturally responsive, we are creating meaningful
opportunities for students to engage, connect, and thrive in a virtual environment.”
As RCCD continues to center equity and servingness in its work, Soulful Circle represents
a critical step in ensuring that online learners have access to the support systems
they need to succeed, academically, personally, and professionally.
Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications