MEET the

CLINICIANS

  • My name is LaKetia Baker. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, teacher, speaker, and ordained minister with over 15 years of experience working with people who are ready to embark on their healing journey. I possess a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California, a Master of Divinity, and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. I have also earned a Doctor of Social Work Degree from Capella University. I am also a proud United States Army Veteran.

    Driven by a passion to empower others, I seek to provide services for individuals, couples, and families, creating opportunities for clients to engage in critical discussions that cultivate healing, change, and the development or enhancement of healthy and sustainable relationships.

  • My name is Jenny Chin, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master of Social Work degree from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. With years of experience in the field, I have dedicated my career to providing strong advocacy and clinical support to individuals, couples, and families who need it most. My passion lies in creating a sense of empowerment, as I help clients navigate the challenges they face in life.

    Throughout my professional journey, I have cultivated a deep commitment to building meaningful connections and fostering resilience in my clients. I believe in the transformative power of empathy and understanding, which guide my approach as I work alongside individuals on their paths toward healing and personal growth.

    I adopt a person-centered approach tailored to meet each client’s unique needs, ensuring that our work together is personalized and effective. Together, we will collaborate to create a path toward a more fulfilling and hopeful future, equipping you with the tools and insights necessary to thrive in all aspects of life. Whether you're facing anxiety, relationship issues, or life transitions, I am here to support you every step of the way.

MEET the

SUPERVISEES

& INTERNS

  • Hello! My name is De’Andra Oliver. I am a CSAC supervisee and Qualified Mental Health Professional for Adults (QMHP-A). I have been working in the mental health field for over 15 years. I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University and my Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Longwood University.

    I have extensive experience working with incarcerated offenders, sex offenders, children, adolescents, adults, and military families. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am an Active Parenting facilitator and I am an approved educator through the Virginia Court to educate parents using the Two Parents, Two Homes Co-Parenting curriculum. I also facilitate a Smart Recovery group for individuals suffering from any addictive behavior.

  • Hello! My name is Kiara Hurt. I am a Qualified Mental Health Professional for adults and children (QMHP-A/C). I have been working in the mental health field for over 10 years. I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree from Longwood University and my Masters of Social Work from Radford University. My ultimate goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). 

    Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with both children and adults who’ve faced trauma, stress, and a range of mental health challenges. Whether it’s helping a child make sense of big feelings or supporting an adult through a tough chapter, my goal is always to create a safe, welcoming space where people feel seen and supported.

    Not only do my clients learn from me, I learn from them, too. Everyone has their own story, and I feel honored to walk alongside people as they heal, grow, and reconnect with their inner strength.

  • Deanna Anthony is a dedicated Master of Social Work candidate at Virginia State University, specializing in Trauma-Informed Practice. A proud alumna of VSU, Deanna’s passion for social work is deeply rooted in her lifelong commitment to community outreach, empowerment, and healing.

    As the founder of Violet Dreams Girl’s Empowerment Organization, she has spent years mentoring young women and teen girls, helping them recognize their worth, embrace resilience, and realize their full potential. Through awareness & educational initiatives and community-based programs, Deanna creates spaces where women and girls feel seen, heard, and supported.

    Deanna’s professional interests include school and community programming, group counseling, and trauma-informed interventions that uplift marginalized and underserved populations. Her work reflects a genuine dedication to serving others with human decency, dignity, and respect—values she considers essential in promoting lasting change and empowerment.

    She is inspired by the words of Stacey Garrett-Koju, who said, “We live in a society where we are all inextricably intertwined, and as much as we can, we should give to others — it's important to keep us all lifted and moving forward.” This guiding belief fuels Deanna’s mission to help individuals and communities heal, grow, and thrive together.

  • Army Veteran

    Trauma-Informed Social Worker

    Certified in Trauma Recovery

    My journey into the world of healing and advocacy began during my 20 years of service in the U.S. Army. During that time, I served as a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and Victim Advocate, walking alongside individuals during some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments of their lives. Those experiences didn’t just shape my career, they shaped my purpose.

    I hold a Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology with a focus on Clinical and Abnormal Psychology from Park University and earned my Master of Social Work from Widener University in 2024, where I was inducted into the Phi Alpha Honor Society. I am also certified in trauma recovery, which strengthens my ability to support those navigating the lasting effects of trauma.

    I continue to work with individuals impacted by sexual assault, domestic and family violence, and other forms of trauma. I understand that trauma can create deep emotional and mental barriers-but I also know that healing is possible. My passion is helping people find their voice, rebuild their confidence, and move forward with purpose and hope.

    This work is more than a profession for me – it’s personal. And I’m honored to walk beside others as they begin their journey toward healing. “Your trauma is valid, but so is your healing. You are not what happened to you, you are what you choose to become. You were never meant to carry it all alone. Healing happens in connection, not isolation.”

  • Cherisse “Red” Staten is a retired Army veteran and dedicated social work student committed to uplifting marginalized communities of color through trauma-informed care, advocacy, and holistic healing.

    With a deep passion for supporting individuals navigating trauma recovery, intimate partner relationships, and sexual wellness, Cherisse strives to create safe, affirming spaces for healing and growth.Rooted in a strengths-based and culturally responsive approach, Cherisse believes in the power of remembering and reclaiming joy while navigating grief. Through research, community engagement, and direct support, she aims to help individuals and families rebuild their lives with resilience, self-compassion, and empowerment. Cherisse is particularly interested in addressing systemic barriers to mental health resources, promoting healthy relationships, and fostering open conversations about sexual well-being.

    Her ultimate goal is to advocate for inclusive, trauma-informed policies and practices that honor the lived experiences of those they serve.

  • I am pursuing my Master’s degree in Social Work with the aim of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. It brings me great joy to be a catalyst for change in people’s lives. I aspire to help individuals realize their full potential and recognize the strengths that others see in them, which they may not yet see in themselves. Ultimately, I envision establishing my own Outpatient Therapy practice and creating a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting young girls who have experienced trauma. I also intend for both my practice and the non-profit to be rooted in faith.

  • Hi! I am Jamese L. Jones, a native of Williamsburg, Virginia, currently an MSW student at Virginia State University and an intern with Purposed Healing, LLC. I am the founder of Armslength Community Support Services (ACSS), an emerging initiative that empowers youth and families through outreach, advocacy, and community engagement. With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Jamese has worked with at-risk youth and advanced into leadership roles in behavioral health as a client services liaison, project manager for an ABA clinic, and client services director for MHSB, IIH, and Crisis programs managing 3 regions Tidewater, Tricity and Fredericksburg. She also gives back by hosting community kickbacks twice a year to connect families with resources, replenish student supplies, and strengthen families access to local support services. A honored mother to her two-year-old son, Kingston, Jamese also volunteers as a youth basketball coach with Petersburg Parks and Leisure Services in the Winter.


  • My name is Miguel Martin. I'm a graduate student in the Clinical Social Work program at Virginia Commonwealth University. I'm driven by a strong desire to support marginalized communities, especially those impacted by mental health challenges, systemic oppression, and social injustice. With a background in psychology and criminal justice and real-world life hardship experiences, I bring a unique perspective that blends compassion, advocacy, and practicality.

    I am particularly passionate about working with individuals at risk of entering the criminal justice system and those reentering society post-incarceration. I believe in breaking cycles of recidivism through trauma-informed care, access to mental health services, and community-based support. My mission is to be a licensed clinical social worker and a voice for the voiceless, amplifying the needs and stories of those often overlooked or silenced. Whether through clinical practice, policy advocacy, or grassroots community work, I aim to empower people to reclaim their dignity and build better futures.