ABOUT ME

My research focuses on the mental health and service utilization of individuals from underserved groups experiencing symptoms of psychiatric disorders. Specifically, I explore the illness and recovery experiences of Black Americans, particularly those with depression.  The goal of my research is not only to contribute to the existing scholarship on depression, help-seeking, and service use among Black Americans, but also to push the field forward by taking into the account the heterogeneity of the Black American population.  By examining variations in their experiences, I hope to better understand mental illness in Black communities and design more culturally-informed and thus, -appropriate interventions aimed at improving Black Americans' mental health and wellness. 

My research also pays particular attention to the role that race, class, and gender play into how patients/clients are seen, heard, and treated in clinical settings.  Specifically, I focus on how racism, sexism, and classism impact those crucial doctor-patient interactions and subsequent medical treatment.  Moving beyond simply noting that disparities exist based on a person’s identity, my work looks closely at how power, privilege, and discrimination turn an identity marker into a marginalized status that leave certain patients/clients underserved and particular health service providers underrepresented in their fields.

Teaching is a particularly rewarding part of my job in academia. When teaching in clinical social work, I have three main goals for student learning: to help students 1) see people, not disorders; 2) understand the contexts in which people live and the lens through which others see themselves, their illnesses, and help; and 3) develop their identities as social workers.  I have taught a number of direct practice courses in the School of Social Work: Assessment and Psychopathology; Social Work Treatment with Groups; and a course I designed entitled Direct Practice with African American Adults, Children and Families.  I also taught in the doctoral program: an introductory course in qualitative methods.  

In 2019, I was recognized by the Council on Social Work Education's Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education through their Mentor Recognition Program. 

Direct social work practice is very close to my heart, and I miss it a great deal.  I view practice as an important part of my scholarship and teaching, firmly believing that "in order to do good work, you have to stay connected to the field."  To that end, I hold active masters-level social work licenses (LMSW) in Texas and previously Georgia.  

I am especially passionate about destigmatizing mental illness as well as encouraging self-care among Black Americans and social work practitioners.   Many of the continuing education sessions and talks that I have given include messages on these topics as do the interviews and podcasts I have recorded.

I am committed to social justice particularly in the areas of racism, ableism, and mental health; you will detect these themes throughout my teaching, writing, and service.  I maintain active profiles on LinkedIn and Facebook where I do a great bit of social media activism and advocacy in those areas.  Because of this work, I was nominated for a Thought Leadership Award in the subcategory of Outreach and Communications with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s New Connections Program (2019).  Also, colleagues and students alike have thanked me privately for my bravery and candor, crediting my engagement on such issues as “eye-opening” or a "call to action" for them.