The Team
Who We Are
Cirecie A. West-Olatunji, Ph. D.
Co-Founder
Cirecie A. West-Olatunji serves as full professor and director of the Center for Traumatic Stress Research at Xavier University of Louisiana. She is also a past president of the American Counseling Association (ACA), past secretary of Division E: Counseling and Human Development in the American Educational Research Association (AERA), and a past president of the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD). She has received numerous awards from national organizations and is an ACA Fellow.
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Nationally, Dr. West-Olatunji has initiated several clinical research projects that focus on traumatic stress and systemic oppression. Her publications include three co-authored books, several book chapters, and over 50 articles in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. West-Olatunji has delivered research papers throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Constance West, Ph. D.
Co-Founder
Dr. Constance West is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with 20+ years of professional experience. Her specialties include: Disaster Mental Health, Health Clinical Psychology (primarily, related to HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases), and Juvenile Forensic Psychology. More specifically, Dr. West has considerable experience in the following areas: stress and coping with acute and chronic stressors (such as, natural disasters, chronic and/or infectious diseases) and the promotion of equity (with respect to race and ethnicity) across medical, mental health, juvenile court, and educational settings.
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Over the course of Dr. West’s professional career, she has worked in government, medical, mental health, court, research, and educational settings, including: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center (Atlanta VAMC), the Fulton County Juvenile Court (FCJC), the Grady Infectious Disease Program (Grady IDP), and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Currently, Dr. West operates a private practice (Sankofa Services, LLC; located in Stone Mountain, Georgia).
Dr. Ebony White
Research Fellow
Dr. Ebony White is a counselor, advocate, activist, speaker, trainer, researcher, and mental health expert. She is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Counseling and Family Therapy Department at Drexel University. She has devoted her career to supporting under-resourced, under-served, culturally rich and resilient individuals, families, and communities. Dr. Ebony has been quoted in numerous news outlets including Newsweek, Medium, the Philadelphia Inquirer, PopSugar and the New York Times. She has been a guest expert on CBS News and Fox 29 News in Philadelphia and was featured on TVC News Nigeria. Furthermore, she has done trauma work in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti, provided training to leaders in the healthcare system in Gombe State and Abuja, Nigeria, and created a mental health course for students in Tarkwa, Ghana.
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Dr. Ebony is the recipient of several awards including the Community Service Award from the NJ State Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs and the Carver Youth and Family Center in 2018 and the Dr. Judy Lewis Counselor for Social Justice award from the American Counseling Association. She gave a TEDx talk, titled “You Don’t Get to Name Me,” discussing the experience of holding intersectional privileged and subjugated identities. More important than her educational achievements and awards are her identities as a daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, godmother, and niece. She lives by Ubuntu, “I am because we are, and because we are, I am.”
Jonae Bond
Graphic Designer
Jonae Bond is a multi-creative with a diverse skill set encompassing brand design, product photography, videography, creative direction, and web design. Her expertise lies in the realms of branding, marketing, content creation, website development, and social media advertising.
At the helm of Truly Elevated Agency Inc, a company she founded, Jonae is dedicated to elevating brands through compelling branding, visual storytelling, and strategic marketing solutions. Her mission is to help businesses transform their brand identity and market presence.
A distinguished alumna of Xavier University of Louisiana, Jonae graduated Summa Cum Laude, earning an Honors degree in Marketing Communication.
Kimberlee Bow
Graduate Assistant
Kimberlee Bow is a Graduate Assistant with CRESTSprogram and a Masters's level Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT), and current doctoral student at the University of Arizona Global Campus. As a student, she is a member of the Tau Upsilon Alpha National Organization for Human Services Honor Society, past President of the Human Services Club, current Secretary for the Community for Asian Pacific Students & Allies (CAPSA) Club, and a student leader in the student lead social justice initiative.
A passionate, dedicated, and devoted professional, she has experience ranging from clinical to director-level work and nonprofit program and board leadership. Currently, she is also the owner and founder of AbunDANCE Somatic Center. In addition to her professional experience, she is a passionate volunteer, volunteering with organizations such as the Veterans Administration, Alzheimer's Association, the Red Cross, and National Jewish Health. She is actively involved in rural suicide prevention work as her passion for people and their communities is always in her heart.
Sasha Gabriel
Social Media Intern
Sasha Gabriel is a senior at Florida International University pursuing Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communications with a minor in Hospitality Management. She is also a part of the Honors College and a passionate individual who loves cooking, baking, and exploring new worlds through video games. The beach also holds a special place in her heart, offering a serene escape where she can relax and recharge. She hopes to Graduate in May and pursue her Master’s in Marketing to help her gain insight into marketing trends and pursue new endeavors.
Driven by a hardworking and determined spirit, she approaches every aspect of her life with enthusiasm and dedication. Her outgoing nature allows her to connect with others effortlessly, while her studious mindset keeps her curious and eager to learn. Balancing these diverse interests and qualities has shaped her into a well-rounded individual who embraces personal passions and professional growth with equal fervor.
