I grew up in Harlem and witnessed a lot of drugs, gun violence, and everything that comes with growing up in a community under pressure. As the first person in my family to graduate college, I felt like I wanted to be the change.
Originally, I planned to study marine biology and help sharks. But I realized my community needed me more than the ocean did, and helping people felt more urgent than research. So I changed course completely.
I’m Alexis, and to become that change, I uprooted my life and attended Delaware State University, an HBCU in Dover, Delaware. Being around people of higher standards who looked and spoke like me and who were excelling in their careers inspired my own. I finally knew I wanted to help people, but I wasn’t sure how yet. I settled on psychology with a minor in criminal justice, and the deeper I got into my studies, the clearer it became that I wanted to work with young people before they developed into troubled teens and lost adults.
Throughout my programs, I sought out community service projects and jobs revolving around mentorship and adolescents. I’ve held many roles working with at-risk and troubled teens, including as a juvenile delinquent correctional officer. Those experiences showed me what happens when young people don’t have the right support early enough.
Today, I’m pushing forward with my mission of giving back and providing a sense of safety for my community. I work with all ages, but definitely have a soft spot for teens, especially young women 13-19. When I was that age, I never had an outlet to speak freely about teen issues so I want to be that person for them.
My therapy style is relatable and adaptable. I give you the power to feel heard and seen while guiding you and providing the tools you need, even if that’s just an open ear. Clients often tell me that maybe therapy isn’t so bad because I have helped them to see another side of themself. Creating that connection where you can finally be yourself is what matters most to me in my therapy room.
Frederick Douglass said “Without struggle, there is no progress,” and I believe that deeply. Growth doesn’t happen without some discomfort, but you don’t have to go through that discomfort alone.
If you’re hesitant about starting therapy, I get it. I hear “Why would I speak to a stranger about my personal business?” all the time. But eventually, you will explode like a soda that’s been shaken. Everyone needs someone or something to release pressure in a positive, healthy way. That’s what I’m here for.
