Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Sheehan, Pilar Delgado, And Nicole Bortnik.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The CHAT Lab was created to help kids learn evidence-based mental health skills, understand how their brains work, and know when and how to ask for help. The CHAT Lab was founded by two sisters, Pilar Delgado and Diana Sheehan, after experiences with their own children and children in their family who were impacted by significant mental health challenges. Soon after, they partnered with licensed therapist Nicole Bortnik, who brought deep clinical expertise to their vision. Together — and in collaboration with The Child Mind Institute — they built a foundational mental health skill-building program for 3rd to 5th graders. What started as a deeply personal need has grown into a movement to give kids tools they wish every child had from the start.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As with any new program, some of our biggest challenges have come during the start-up phase. We built our brand and nonprofit identity entirely from the ground up, which required significant time and effort. We have also been focused on developing strong community partnerships and increasing awareness of our work.
At the same time, we have remained deeply committed to ensuring fidelity to our program model and maintaining the highest quality standards in implementation. Preserving the integrity of our curriculum and approach has always been a priority, even as we grow.
As you know, we’re big fans of The CHAT (Children Having Authentic Talks) Lab . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The CHAT Lab is a proactive mental health and life-skills program designed to cultivate emotional intelligence, resilience, and empathy in children; and we do it in a way kids genuinely love. Rooted in evidence-based cognitive behavioral practices, our curriculum teaches students how to understand and manage their emotions, regulate stress, shift unhelpful thinking patterns, and navigate social challenges confidently. Through interactive games, hands-on activities, and engaging group experiences, children don’t just learn these skills, they enjoy practicing them. We believe emotional intelligence should feel empowering, exciting, and accessible.
What sets The CHAT Lab apart is our commitment to help EVERY child learn what it looks like to care for their mental health and learn practical tools to manage life’s ups and downs. Our program is unique in that it is not therapy, and it is not just for those who show signs of mental health challenges or need professional support. Currently serving students in grades 3–5, The CHAT Lab partners with schools, after school programs, and community organizations throughout Miami to bring our programs directly to families. This June, we’re excited to host our own three-day summer program in Pinecrest. We will be offering children an immersive, fun-filled camp focused on building the emotional and social tools they’ll carry for life.
How do you define success?
Success for us is when children leave our program with stronger emotional awareness, healthier coping skills, and greater empathy. It also means building trusted partnerships with schools and communities so these skills can reach and benefit more children.
Pricing:
- Yes — we offer sponsored cohorts for community agencies that want to bring The CHAT Lab to their students or families. Through partnerships and sponsorship support, agencies can apply to have a cohort funded, making our programming accessible to communities who may not otherwise have the resources. Our goal is to ensure cost is never a barrier to building critical mental health skills early in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thechatlab.org
- Instagram: thechatlab_
