Greetings,

I’m both a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) and a prevention scientist, with substantial experience in psychotherapy, leadership, coaching, clinical supervision, training and education. I’ve been called a “truth teller” and I’d agree with that characterization. My work is centered on social justice-informed and culturally responsive psychotherapy; mental illness prevention in Black Diasporic communities; research related to the social determinants of mental health in Black communities; and translating research concerning the Black Diaspora into treatment and preventative interventions.

I received a Bachelor of Social Work from Delaware State University in 2006, and began my career initially serving in public child welfare and juvenile justice systems–directly impacting children's lives and enhancing program effectiveness. My dedication to and curiosities about the practice of social work led me to complete the Master of Social Work  program at Howard University in 2008. I then continued my work in child welfare as a social worker and life skills specialist focused on empowering youth for a successful transition to adulthood.

My career is marked by being the CEO of Eye In Me since 2013 along with other middle management and clinical roles within various public and private organizations in the Washington DC Metro Area. Notably, I pioneered the DC Mandatory Review Program within the Guardianship Assistance Program at DC Superior Court. My affiliation with the University of Maryland School of Social Work saw me collaboratively designing, implementing, and evaluating a ground-breaking diversity pilot course–subsequently adopted by all first-year Master of Social Work students. Further, I managed community-based programs within mental health clinics, with a keen focus on underrepresented minorities. Through this, my interest and dedication to working for and with Black people grew into my specialty practice area.

In August 2023, I earned my Doctor of Social Science degree from Wilmington University, where I solidified my role as a prevention scientist focused on preventing mental illness in Black communities throughout the Diaspora. Through my clinical practice, working mostly with Black women across the Diaspora, I recognized a phenomenon where relational aspects present in mother-daughter dyads directly influenced the psychological well-being of adult women. I used my dissertation study to develop and test my conceptual model and further explore the dynamics seen in clinical practice. In May 2024, I accepted a post doctoral research associate position at the George Washington University School of Public Health to focus  on mental health and wellbeing over the life course in Black sexual minority communities. This research focus is intended to extend my research on cultural and community dynamics as determinants of mental health and wellbeing.

As a clinician and social scientist in the field of prevention, my passion lies at the intersection of prevention science, psychological well-being, and mental illness prevention in Black communities across the Diaspora. I have amassed and continue to refine my understanding of the unique cultural factors and historical contexts shaping mental health experiences and I look forward to seeing how this work continues to evolve.

For speaking or presentation inquiries, please email shatiea@eyeinme.com