I am a 1st generation American. My parents are Jamaican and English. I am the second oldest of 7 children from my father. I am a mother and a step-mother to three kiddos and I am a wife. I enjoy random adventures and quiet time. I am starting to garden and recently got a greenhouse. When my granddad lived in England he liked to garden and he had a greenhouse. Over the last few years, I have realized that I enjoy playing in the dirt and I feel like when I am gardening I am close to him and where I came from.
2. How/why did you become a psychologist and mental health therapist?
I am licensed as a School Psychologist, Licensed Psychological Associate, and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I was a shy child and after my parents divorced I withdrew. My school counselor noticed me when a lot of people didn't (because I was quiet and didn't cause problems at school). My older brother on the other hand acted out when all of the changes happened and there was no one who helped him. He was essentially a throwaway kid. When I was applying for grad school I decided I wanted to work in schools because I wanted to be the person who noticed the quiet kids and advocated for the throwaway kids. After 9 years of working in the schools, I realized that I could do more. I wanted to work with parents and families to help those children in a more comprehensive way. I earned my LCMHC and LPA and began working in private practice.
3. What is the mission or primary focus of Waite Psychological & Therapeutic Services?
The primary focus of WPTS is to help people identify ways in which they want to change their lives and the lives of their children in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
4. Do you have any specialties or areas of expertise?
I specialize in parenting, life transitions, and working with Black women to process life experiences so that they can live a "soft life". In the area of psychological evaluations, I specialize in ADHD, Autism, and Learning Disabilities.
5. What makes Waite PTS unique and how do you best serve your clients?
What makes us unique is that we believe that there is no right or wrong way to live but however you choose to live should be on your own terms. We incorporate mindfulness, meditation, dance, and self-care in client treatment.
6. What are the best & most challenging parts of being a business owner and mental health practitioner?
The best part of being a business owner is being able to say "Umm get somebody else to do it." The most challenging part of being a business owner is maintaining balance in life because I have had to learn that not every bag is worth my energy.
7. Where do you see your business in 5 years?
In 5 years, we will have expanded to our own building and will be hosting therapeutic treats and wellness retreats for people of color. My goal is to create safe spaces that allow women of color to explore their soft life.
8. Tell me about your most recent business win.
We opened our new office space. It is a soft and welcoming space that I hope will be a space that women will love.
9. Please share any upcoming events or programs you will participate in or any special offerings for new clients.
We are going to start offering Executive Functioning skills groups for middle schoolers transitioning to high school. Young adult transitions Executive Functioning skills groups. Self-care Saturday Events for women and #FTK events for mom so that they can have a space to focus on themselves and their needs.
This summer we are going to start a podcast that is going to be fun and informative.