I created the healing-centered conversations podcast to create a safe space for healing conversations. In the spirit of healing, it sometimes means having tough but honest discussions about harm or wrongdoings that might have been caused, even if unintentional.
I had the opportunity to have conversations with several Black women I hold in high esteem about the platforms I created and not acknowledging or naming the hard work Black women have been leading in school psychology for decades. A big part of healing means noticing and reflecting on your role within systems. It means being responsible and accountable for what you do or don’t do, intentionally or unintentionally. It also means correcting instances of harm and doing better.
As we kick off 2022, I intend to acknowledge the role Black women have historically played in the field I love. I am making an intention to recognize the platform and voice I have in the area of School Psychology and, importantly, to use my voice/platform to elevate Black women and other marginalized voices in this space.
Fortunately, I had the opportunity to begin acknowledging the work of Black women as the New York Association of School Psychologists (NYASP) held a critical conversation about equitable practices in the field of School Psychology. What was powerful about this opportunity was that my mom, a Black woman who is a nurse, was in attendance! I had a chance to shout out my mom for raising four Black boys.
Then, I had the opportunity to name Black women who have been doing this work in the field of School Psychology, including (but not limited to):
Dr. Sherrie Proctor - Professor Queens College, CUNY
Dr. Antoinette Miranda - Professor and Director of the School Psychology Program at The Ohio State University. Dr. Miranda was elected to the State Board of Education in November 2016 and was re-elected in November 2020.
Dr. Janine Jones - Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Dr. Deborah Crockett - School Psychologist, first Black female President of NASP, NASP Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
Dr. Erika Wood - School Psychologist
Dr. Celeste Malone - Associate Professor and Coordinator of the School Psychology Program at Howard University. President-Elect NASP
Dr. Erin Harper - Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and Special Education at Texas A&M University-Commerce
Dr. Stacey Williams - Assistant Professor and a Licensed Psychologist, Marist University
Liz A’vant - School Psychologist
Dr. Charity Brown Griffin - Assistant Professor at Winston Salem State
Dr. Tamika La Salle - Associate Professor, School Psychology Program at UConn
Dr. Desiree Vega - Associate Professor, Disability and Psychoeducational Studies at University of Arizona
Dr. Kimberly Daniel - Associate Professor and Coordinator of the School Psychology Program in the Department of Counseling at Bowie State University
April Turner - School Psychologist and 2022 School Psychologist of the Year
My internship supervisor Melinda Thomas
Dr. Linda McGee
I also have to shout out the new class of Black women School Psychologist who are crushing it:
Dr. Kelsie Reed
Alexandria Lockhart
Aline Milfort
Jenadra Harvey
Halima Alhassan
And soo many others
I am grateful for the relationships I have built, for the women I have learned from, for those who share knowledge and wisdom with me, and who can correct me with love. To my Black women School Psychologists, thank you!
p.s., I will always have an open invitation on my podcast to Black women who want to take advantage of the platform I've created. You can share your story, promote your product, share your message, or just have a healing-centered conversation! Feel free to email or DM me.