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I was born in Harlem, New York. My parents are from towns in South Carolina but met and married in Harlem, NY. I am a proud African American- Black woman.
I attended Mercy College and graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in psychology. I remained at Mercy College for most of my academic studies. I then graduated from Mercy College in 2003 with a Master of Science degree in School Psychology, and in 2006 I graduated from Mercy College with a Master of Science degree in Leadership. I wanted to focus more on in depth clinical counseling so I decided to study at Alfred University. In 2020 I completed my Certificate of Advance Study in Mental Health Counseling through Alfred.
I decided to pursue a career in counseling after seeking mental wellness for myself after experiencing some challenges in my personal and professional life. With the assistance of a therapist I was able to identify issues and implement change. I would like to help others that same way and help them to understand their power on their journey to mental wellness.
I enjoy working with older adults and have even volunteered with YM & YWHA in Washington Heights and Inwood (Manhattan) as a shopping aide to senior citizens, I have been a Volunteers of America- homeless outreach supervisor and provided domestic violence counseling through a domestic violence shelter in Westchester County, NY.
I have also enjoyed working with children and have taught in the NYC education department and worked in mental/emotional health provider roles with the NYC education department. I have been a 5th Grade teacher and an Individualized Education Program plan (IEP) Specialist in the Bronx, a School Psychologist in the Bronx and Harlem and a Supervisor of School Psychologists in the Bronx and Manhattan. I have also been an Assistant Teacher with Carol and Frank Biondi Education Center.
I care about Black people because we are beautiful, resilient and still here making great strides. I love our people like I love myself. I have dealt with racism it is woven throughout all aspects of my life. When I am able to identify racism I address it immediately by creating a plan and methods for dealing with racism while protecting my psyche. Many times I have wished I did not have to experience any racism, but all that I have experienced has shaped me into the Black woman that I am today.
The clinical approaches that I practice in therapy with clients are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I believe once a concern is verbalized and acknowledged the initial work can begin to mental wellness, I am also trained as a Permanent NYS and NJ Certification School Psychologist and School Administrator. Permanent NYS Certification as a Special Education teacher.
Clients have stated that they looked forward to therapy with me weekly. I am very professional and caring. I am a conscientious therapist that understands that all clients are different and may require me to adjust my approach.
I am easy going, very funny and I love to laugh out loud. I like African American fiction novels.