Meet Our Team

Laqwanda Roberts-Buckley, MSSW

Executive Director/Founder

With over 17 years of mental health experience, Laqwanda Roberts-Buckley is the Founder/Executive Director of Healing Black Women which serves as a safe space designed to encourage and promote all forms of wellness/healing for black women. She is also the Chief Editor of HealingBlackWomen.com.

Laqwanda is a suicide attempt survivor who manages Bipolar I Disorder and PTSD. She is no stranger to outpatient treatment, hospitalization, and crisis intervention. At one point in her mental health journey, she was unable to work, live on her own, or care for her child. Through several treatment failures and successes, Laqwanda has been able to experience recovery in order to support herself and serve her community. 
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Today, she is an established/nationally recognized speaker and has spoken on various platforms/panels with entities such as Eventbrite, Human Rights Campaign (HRC), DC Jazz Festival, Austin Black Pride, Environmental Protection Agency, Council on Social Work Minority Fellowship Program, Kaiser Permanente, Entrepreneurs’ Organization and local county governments to name a few.
 
Laqwanda is served as the Coordinator of Diverse Students' Mental & Wellness for Mississippi State University and held the position of Director of Outreach for the national office of Mental Health America. In addition, she has served on the Board of Directors for Recover Program Solutions of Virginia, Inc. and NAMI Northern Virginia.  As a Black Queer woman and mental health provider, she understands the importance of inclusiveness and has extensive experience supporting individuals from diverse and underrepresented populations/communities. 

She is the Host of Minding Your Purpose Podcast,  Host of the Youtube show Livestream Wellness Series, and the Content Creator for the Youtube Channel Laqwanda. In addition, she has demonstrated her passion for self-care as a former Writing Contributor with PsychCentral.com through the blog Self-Care Today.
 
 Laqwanda is a Reiki Master, Certified Life Coach, holds a Master of Science in Social Work, a Bachelor of Art in Sociology and plans to pursue future studies in Communications.
 
Laqwanda lives life by the simple words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The purpose of life is not to be happy, it is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” It is her goal that the work done in her life touches and inspires the lives of others. 
​@laqwanda





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TAJA WATKINS - SCOTT, BS

PHYSICAL HEALTH & WELLNESS ASSOCIATE

My name is Taja Watkins-Scott and professionally, I am a holistic bodywork therapist specializing in Swedish massage, sports massage and rehabilitation and acupuncture. I come from a sporting background both academically and physically and have participated in sport and fitness as far back as I can remember. In addition to bodywork, I also provide energy readings as a service. I would describe myself as a nurturer and spiritual being navigating the human experience of life and while on this journey, I am using my gifts to bring love, light and healing to as many people as I possibly can to raise the vibration of the world around us. I am a firm believer that our health should be considered holistically as every aspect of our lives; physically, spiritually and emotionally are all interconnected. I take this approach with my own life and treat my clients accordingly. Although I am a bodywork therapist, many of my clients have found a safe space in me to be vulnerable and let go of anxieties they may be holding on to. As someone who also lives with anxiety it warms my heart that others can find a safe haven in me to let go of theirs.

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​​MIRRALLE BENNET, MHRM

SELF-CARE & WELLNESS ASSOCIATE

Mirralle is in the Coast Guard Reserve, and Logistics Specialist as a civilian for the Army. Self Care has been a focus for the last 7 years, after being left empty it was time to fill my cup with love, be kind to myself. Also take accountability for my whole health. I'm here to normalize self care, we often spend is much time caring for others, working to accomplish great things and forget about taking care of ourselves. It’s important we as black women take time to prioritize caring for self. Rest is revolutionary! Mirralle holds a Master's Human Resource Management from Central Michigan University. 

CYNITRA F. OLIVER, MBA

FINANCIAL WELLNESS ASSOCIATE

I am a wife of 10yrs to the love of my life, proud mother to an 18yr old daughter, a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., in which I have dedicated my time and financial expertise to the Financial Secretary role for my local chapter. As well as my current role as the chapter Parliamentarian. I have worked in the financial industry for over 17 years and have held several roles; from Licensed Banker to Branch Manager to Women’s Business Advocate. My goal/aspiration is to become financially free from all debt and create wealth for my family and all those I encounter; leaving behind a legacy for my daughter to continue. I love spending time with close friends and family. 

TAMIKA BECK

SUPPORT GROUP COORDINATOR/PODCAST CO-HOST

Tamika Major is a trained Certified Life Coach, Accredited Mediation Practitioner, and Small Business Owner of Momentz by Mika and Mika Major Media.  My entire existence was devastated by the sudden passing of my older sister. The grief and darkness that I encountered changed my life in so many ways. As a Healer, I use my stories of hurt, loss, and growth as tools of empowerment. My passion is to teach others who are living under the heaviness of illness, grief, and fear, the life-changing benefits of choosing to heal.

CRYSTAL ROBERTS

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/LOGISTICS MANAGER

Crystal is the Content Creator for the Youtube Channel Krystal Renee. Her channel focuses on motivational cleaning and DIY videos to help you push through the hard days. No matter if you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, or just a bad day, her channel will inspire you to make each and every day not only productive but possible. ​

RENEE

GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN

Renee is a student and artist. She is interested in reading, writing, and art. Her future plans include obtaining a degree in creative writing and Japanese. 

SHEILA KING, AA 

MENTAL HEALTH & RECOVERY ASSOCIATE

Sheila King holds an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies from University of the District of Columbia. She has served women experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC for years. She has experience in crisis de-escalation, conflict resolution, and group facilitation. She is passionate about mental health and substance use issues. As a Black woman with mental health concerns, she wants to support all black women on their mental health journey.  

MOLOVE J. SIMMIONS, MSC

BOARD MEMBER/PODCAST CO-HOST

MoLove is an Educator, Entrepreneur, Advocate, MoLove spends her life working to help others become who they want to be with small steps in achieving their greatness. She was born an Artist and became an educator by destiny. She created her first business at the age of 10 by using both natural born skills. She continues to growth her entrepreneurships under the umbrella of MoLoveMadeIt LLC. MoLove holds a Master of Strategic Communications from University of Maryland. 

​MAJORIE E. ROBERTS, BSBA

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Marjorie E. Roberts is a professional with a diverse background in banking, finance, insurance, customer service and business ownership spanning over 18 years. She offers mentorship on how to establish a business, register with agencies and successfully bid on government contracts. Her passion for financial wellness extends beyond the corporate world as she has established herself as a financial educator within her community. In this capacity, Marjorie has taught numerous classes in both the public-school system as well as faith-based institutions. She is also the Owner/CEO of Right Destination Travel. Marjorie holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Accounting from Mississippi College.

​MEME EDWARDS, BS 

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS ASSOCIATE

Meme is a personal lifestyle blogger with a passion for advocacy & social justice. Having been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2008, she's managed to fight the disorder meanwhile making strides towards eradicating the many stigmas associated with mental health issues. Meme holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Emmanuel College. 

​ALICIA STEVENS, BA

SELF-CARE & RELATIONSHIP ASSOCIATE

Alicia Stevens holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Hunter College. She has been an Executive Assistant in Finance and in charge of planning the Firm’s social events for the last 10+ years. In her free time, Alicia has always enjoyed writing blogs and short stories. She first started writing in her journals during her childhood as a coping mechanism. Years later, while processing a setback in life, writing became her therapy once again in the form of blogging. She is passionate about self-care and its importance in relationships. As a woman that didn’t always practice self-care, she has come to learn the significance of putting your own oxygen mask on first and wants to stabilize this act for other Black women as well. 
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