SUPERVISEES

& INTERNS

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.

  • Hello, I'm De'Andra Oliver, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Substance Abuse Counselor-Supervisee (CSAC-Supervisee), and Sex Offender Treatment Provider-Trainee (SOTP-T) committed to empowering individuals and families to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. With over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, I've developed a deep understanding of the complexities of human experience. I earned my Bachelor of Science from Liberty University and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Longwood University. My expertise includes working with diverse populations, including incarcerated offenders, sex offenders, children, adolescents, adults, and military families. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and utilize a strengths-based approach to help clients build resilience and create lasting positive change. I am a Virginia Court-approved co-parenting educator and a facilitator of SMART Recovery groups, reflecting my dedication to providing comprehensive and supportive services. As a CSAC-Supervisee and SOTP-T, I am actively engaged in advanced training and supervision to provide the highest quality care in substance abuse and sex offender treatment.

  • 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.

  • Hi, I’m Isis Miller-Boyd, MSW, Supervisee of Social Work. I’m a dedicated social worker and mental health advocate with approximately 10 years of experience in mental health services, including Mental Health Skill-Building, Intensive In-Home Services, crisis intervention, and care coordination. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to support individuals and families as they navigate challenging circumstances, access needed services, and work toward greater stability and independence.

    I earned my Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and my Bachelor of Social Work from Virginia State University. My educational background, combined with my professional experience, has strengthened my commitment to providing compassionate, person-centered, and strengths-based support to the individuals and families I serve.

    I am passionate about mental health awareness, advocacy, and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. I believe every person deserves to feel seen, heard, respected, and empowered throughout their journey. My approach is rooted in compassion, empathy, collaboration, and the belief that individuals possess strengths and abilities that can help them move forward, even during difficult seasons.

    As I continue to grow professionally, I remain committed to expanding my knowledge, serving my community, and supporting individuals in reaching their personal goals. One of my long-term goals is to establish my own outpatient therapy practice, where I can provide compassionate, person-centered, and faith-based counseling to individuals seeking support, healing, and personal growth. I am especially passionate about the connection between emotional wellness, personal growth, and faith, and I hope to create a meaningful and welcoming space where people can find encouragement, healing, and hope.

  • 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.”

  • 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.

  • I’m Jailyn Ceara Powell, LMSW, a licensed therapist and U.S. Navy veteran providing trauma-centered, culturally responsive care for millennial Black Christian women and Black veterans navigating anxiety, burnout, identity shifts, and life beyond survival mode. My work is rooted in the belief that we are done romanticizing pain, healing isn’t about being stronger, but about learning how to move through what hurt you with compassion, intention, and truth. I create a supportive space where faith is welcomed (not forced), boundaries are built, self-trust is restored, and clients are supported in regulating emotions, healing relational wounds, and breaking cycles that no longer serve them. I approach therapy with warmth, honesty, and evidence-based practices, helping clients stop surviving and start becoming their most grounded, whole selves.  

  • 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.

  • Hi, I’m David Baker, an MSW intern. I work with individuals and families, with a particular focus on supporting men navigating stress, emotional challenges, life transitions, relationship conflict, and trauma-related concerns. Under clinical supervision, I employ evidence-based, strengths-focused, and solution-oriented approaches to assist clients in enhancing communication, cultivating healthier thought patterns, and developing effective coping skills.

    With over 15 years of experience in law enforcement and 18 years of military service, along with my roles as a husband and father, I bring a grounded understanding of the pressures men often face related to identity, responsibility, emotional expression, and seeking support. I am especially passionate about helping men and veterans process difficult experiences, manage stress, and reconnect with purpose and meaningful relationships.

    I am currently completing my Master of Social Work at Norfolk State University, with a focus on mental health, culturally responsive care, and research-informed practice. At Purposed Healing, I am committed to walking alongside clients with compassion, respect, and integrity as they work toward healing, growth, and lasting change.

  • Takiyah “Tee” Shands is a seasoned professional with 26 years of service, currently serving as Emergency Preparedness Specialist II. Residing in Richmond, Tee is a proud mom and wife, with three daughters and five grands. Her strong faith has been a cornerstone in her life, especially during her recent journey as a cancer survivor. Tee's resilience and unwavering faith played a crucial role in her recovery, and she now shares her story to inspire others.

    Tee holds a degree in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and is pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW). With a passion for training and developing people, she has implemented programs that improved processes and performance. Tee volunteers at VCU, helping new students acclimate to college, and has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, advocating for children in foster care.

    Outside of work, Tee enjoys spending time with family, cultivating lifelong friendships, and traveling. She looks forward to using her educational background and life experiences to continue to make a difference in the world. Tee's journey is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and unwavering faith, bringing compassion and a heartfelt commitment to her field and community.

     

  • My name is Amna Al-Sulaimani, and I am a proud mother, U.S. Army veteran, and Philadelphia native. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies and am currently pursuing my Master of Social Work (MSW) at Virginia State University. I am passionate about helping individuals, families, and communities while making a meaningful impact through social work. My aspirations extend beyond traditional social work settings, as I hope to explore various opportunities within the field, including beginning my journey in travel social work in 2027. I look forward to using my education, experiences, and passion for service to make a difference wherever life takes me.