Stephanie's Story

I’m a Midwestern girl raised in a home adorned in Black art, music, literature, culture and steeped in Black Baptist traditions. To this day, I find myself thumbing through the maroon National Baptist Hymnal and humming or singing some of my favorite hymns at random. From Faith Ringgold on the walls, to Toni Morrison on the shelves, and old-school R&B spinning through the house, my upbringing and my faith instilled a deep pride in my heritage, and a love for storytelling, creativity, and community that still guides me today.

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My academic path took a few turns—Nursing, and then Psychology at Fisk University, a master’s in Sociology, and ultimately a second master’s in Counselor Education—each step clarifying my calling to become a therapist. Through personal experiences, faith, and growth, I felt led toward soul-centered, culturally grounded mental health work.​

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When I’m not in session, I’m creating, coloring, crocheting, listening to music, podcasts or audiobooks, or watching historical and sociocultural documentaries and classic Black sitcoms. I’m a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., a wife to my best friend Bobby "BJ", a mama to one radiant daughter Kia, a dog mom to Bentley Lamont Burton, and a caregiver in the sandwich generation—held up by strong women, deep friendships, and a whole lot of love.​​​​