From Humble Beginnings to Dynamic Leader
From Humble Beginnings to Dynamic Leader
How It Started
Embracing My Destiny: Driven by Compassion and Leadership to Help
Nurtured in a working-class community where love and unity prevailed despite poverty and crime, I discovered my propensity for helping others early in life. A striking incident from my high school years affirmed this instinct. A young boy, unheedingly rushing into the street, was hit by a car near my house. Instinctively, I rushed to the scene, took control, ensured the boy's safety, had someone call emergency services, and comforted his distressed mother. The boy survived, and in that moment of crisis, I found my calling. I realized my passion laid in the helping profession, a path defined by compassion and leadership that I was prepared to travel.
From Crisis to Leadership: My Path in Academia and Mental Health Practice
Throughout my academic journey from high school to graduate school, I was determined to uplift communities and individuals who shared my background. I found myself in the middle of numerous crisis situations, whether it was losing friends to violence or aiding children in danger, becoming a dependable and comforting figure in the process.
Upon obtaining my Masters of Social Work from UNC Chapel Hill, I began working with the underserved in Washington DC, but faced a setback after dismissal for attending to a private client during office hours. This was heartbreaking, but a divine intervention landed me a role at Howard University's School of Nursing.
At Howard, I simultaneously built my self-confidence as a Black woman, learned leadership skills, and guided future Black nurses to excel in their careers and goals. It was also during this time I completed my Ph.D. in a study centered on Black women's self-esteem and social support, deepening my interest to help this group.
Post 8 years at the university, in 2005, I founded Transitions Therapeutic Services, a private practice focusing on an array of mental health issues. This endeavor, alongside consulting roles, opened doors for me to grow as a leader in the mental health organizations continually.
The Highlight Reel
As I continued to grow in my profession as a leader in roles such as Assistant Dean, Director, Vice President, Senior Vice President, and CEO, I began to notice the impact of being a Black female leader, and the many obstacles I faced which eventually led me to experience depressed mood and performance anxiety.
In my attempt to regain my power, I wanted to share with others how to address the road blocks that women, especially black female leaders face with balancing work, mental health, and personal life.
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Dr. Sheryl received Lit in DC award for leadership in healthcare.
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Dr. Sheryl delivers a Commencement speech at the Department of Employment Services in Washington DC.
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Dr. Sheryl receives her signed copy of Keeping Hope Alive by the civil right activist Rev Jessie L. Jackson.
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Dr. Sheryl at Bowie State University in Maryland hosting the Greatest of All Time Youth Mental Health Expo.
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Dr. Sheryl as a panelist on youth trauma in Washington DC.
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Dr. Sheryl delivering addressing the stigma of mental health.
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Dr. Sheryl in the community teaching youth coping strategies.
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Dr. Sheryl working with youth on mindfulness.
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Dr. Sheryl address the impact of trauma on youth.
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Dr. Sheryl working with youth to discuss trauma and coping strategies.
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Dr. Sheryl graduates from the Key Makers Senior Leadership Program with Volunteers of America and Cornell University.
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Dr. Sheryl advocating for mental health services in Annapolis Maryland.
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Dr. Sheryl testifies in Annapolis Maryland on the importance of certified community behavioral health clinics in our communities.