Laura Avalos Sluder

Laura (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Oregon, the home and sacred land of many Native people, to include the Wasco, Paiute, and Stl’pulmsh (Cowlitz). She honors her own ancestral Indigenous and European lineages that have given her the opportunity to be alive and of service to human healing and potential. Laura came to the United States from Costa Rica at the age of six years old and has straddled various cultural worlds her entire life.

Laura has partnered with the BIPOC and underserved communities since 1997 as an Americorps member in Ohio. Thereafter, Laura earned her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Boston College, a program focused on social justice and has worked with the Latinx, low income community in the mental health sphere since 2008 with care and dedication. Her clinical experience includes clinical roles at Boston Medical Center's Child Witness to Violence Project, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the Latin American Health Institute serving as both a clinician and a supervisor, and at Instituto Familiar de la Raza in San Francisco, California providing consultation to preschools in the Mission District. She has been serving in volunteer capacities at other Latine immigrant serving organizations since then and is trained and certified as a mindfulness meditation teacher. Laura is excited to integrate Brainspotting into her somatic, mindfulness and trauma-informed clinical practice.

Most of Laura’s experience working with the mental health needs of the Latine community has focused on the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief/loss as well as early childhood and maternal mental health. Laura has had the opportunity to learn from families and individuals who have shared their stories, expanding her understanding of both our diversity as a humanity as well as all that connects us. Further, she has had the opportunity to learn from Indigenous Central and South American elders (both from her own Huetar/Pacaca lineage as well as others) during the last eleven years, amplifying her ability to affirm, honor and attune to ways of seeing and living in the world unique to these communities.

Laura believes that through Brainspotting our consciousness, given permission to heal on its own terms, paves the way for the alleviation of symptoms and a profound and renewed connection to life. Laura believes that all people have the potential to free themselves from the patterns of the past, of legacies left by unhealthy ancestors and traumatic life experiences and bring to life their soul’s calling. She believes that no matter the circumstance, there is always a gift...and if we are brave enough to reach out for help when we feel alone and vulnerable, that strength and courage will also lead us to uncovering the jewels that are waiting out of our most profound pain. From there, we can walk forward into our lives with more connection, compassion and joy.

Laura relishes time with family and friends, traveling, reading, singing, taking care of her plants, looking up at the sky, and playing her beloved guitar.

Glenda Carter

Glenda Carter, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor and a native of Atlanta, Georgia. She is the founder of Mindset Development, a private practice built on her belief that when you transform your mind, you can change your life. Glenda empowers school-age children, adolescents, adults, and families to overcome challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful, fulfilling lives.

She provides individual therapy for school-age children using play therapy and expressive interventions to help them safely explore their emotions, build coping skills, and strengthen self-awareness. For adolescents and adults, Glenda supports clients managing life transitions, career development, relationship challenges, and the long-term impacts of trauma. She helps clients identify strengths, clarify goals, and take actionable steps toward personal and professional growth.

Glenda also has extensive experience supporting justice-involved individuals as they transition back into the community. She provides guidance on emotional regulation, employment readiness, relationship rebuilding, and community reintegration, helping clients regain confidence and stability after incarceration.

Her professional experience includes work in inpatient psychiatric hospital settings, providing crisis intervention and support for individuals experiencing acute mental health challenges, as well as outpatient therapy, offering ongoing counseling for stabilization and growth. Her approach is compassionate and client-centered, focusing on practical strategies that empower individuals to process emotions, shift unhelpful patterns, and navigate life with greater ease.

With a career spanning inpatient psychiatric care, outpatient therapy, private practice, and individualized therapy for school-age children, adolescents, and adults, Glenda brings a wealth of experience to every client interaction. She is excited to incorporate advanced trauma-processing techniques, which will allow her to help clients access and resolve deeply rooted emotional experiences more effectively, adding a powerful dimension to her practice. At Mindset Development, she continues her mission of helping individuals and families heal, grow, and transform their lives from the inside out.

Outside of her professional work, Glenda enjoys reading, often exploring stories that expand her perspective and inspire new ways to support her clients. She loves music and theatre, finding joy in storytelling and creativity, and sees travel as a way to experience the world and bring new insights into her life and practice. Her family is her anchor, motivating her to help others grow and heal, and reminding her of the importance of compassion and connection in every stage of life. She treasures the opportunity to assist children while they are growing, before trauma dictates their world.

Delissa Cooper

Delissa Cooper, LSCSW, is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker in Kansas, Missouri, and South Carolina with extensive experience supporting individuals, families, and communities through mental health care. She earned her graduate degree in Social Work in 2012 and has spent her career specializing in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and integrative approaches to healing.

Delissa is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), blending somatic-based therapies to address trauma held in both the body and mind. Her clinical style emphasizes compassion and the belief that every client carries the capacity for resilience and growth.

In addition to her work with clients, Delissa is an entrepreneur who develops therapeutic resources for both providers and clients. She is the author of IFS 101: A Gentle, Illustrated Guide to Parts Work and creator of The Moody Social Worker: A Laughing but Very Serious Coloring Book, which mixes humor and authenticity to encourage reflection and wellness for helping professionals. She is passionate about combining clinical expertise with creativity to make mental health tools more accessible, practical, and empowering.

When she’s not in session or creating resources, Delissa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, nurturing the connections that sustain her. As well as reading and shopping.

She is also excited about her Brainspotting Fellowship and the opportunity to expand her work with this powerful modality to better serve marginalized communities.

Sherrie Gilbert

Sherrie Gilbert-Ramsey is a highly accomplished law enforcement leader with 27 years of service and a Licensed Professional Counselor with 19 years of clinical experience, specializing in trauma-informed care for first responders. She is recognized for integrating evidence-based, brain-body approaches into her work with law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other public safety professionals.

Sherrie is the founder and CEO of her own Employee Assistance Program (EAP) company, through which she partners with police departments and public safety agencies to provide mental health services, crisis intervention, wellness programs, and tailored training initiatives. She is the author of Fit 2 Respond, a guide designed to help first responders build resilience, manage stress, and maintain optimal mental health in high-demand careers. As a corporate trainer and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Specialist, Sherrie delivers workshops and training that equip organizations to effectively respond to traumatic incidents and support their personnel through recovery.

Within her own department, Sherrie established the first-ever mental health co-responder program, bridging the gap between clinical services and frontline policing. This program exemplifies her commitment to creating innovative, sustainable systems that reduce stigma, increase access to care, and promote long-term well-being among public safety personnel. Internally, she supports her officers within her department through innovative wellness programs and initiatives.

Throughout her career, Sherrie has demonstrated a rare combination of operational expertise, clinical skill, and leadership, allowing her to understand and address the complex mental health challenges faced by those who serve on the frontlines. Her work is dedicated to fostering resilience, enhancing performance, and ensuring that first responders have the tools, support, and resources they need to thrive both professionally and personally.

Tamara Houston

Tamara Houston, LISW-CP, is a Clinical Social Worker with nearly 20 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s most challenging seasons. She resides in South Carolina and is the founder of Renewal Life Counseling, LLC, a hybrid group counseling practice that also serves North Carolina. Tamara specializes in relational trauma, anxiety, and grief, using evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. She is specifically trained in Somatic and Attachment-Focused EMDR as well as Resilience-Focused EMDR.

Tamara earned her Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies with an emphasis in Child Development from Berea College and her Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia in 2005, with a concentration in Community Empowerment, Program Development, and Gerontology. Over the past 13 years, she has cultivated Renewal Life Counseling into a thriving group practice offering both individual therapy and intensive therapy packages tailored to client needs.

She is also the creator of Healing Through Time™, a resource brand offering education, virtual services, and printed materials to support individuals in their grief journey. In addition to her current specialties, Tamara is excited to expand her clinical work around dissociation, deepening her understanding of complex trauma and integrative healing.

Her expertise extends to facilitating wellness events, leading clinical trainings, and providing critical incident debriefings for organizations across the Southeast. She also offers clinical supervision, EMDR consultation, and private practice consultation to help practitioners strengthen their skills and grow with confidence.

Tamara values all aspects of self-care and views this fellowship as an opportunity to honor her work while cultivating greater work-life harmony. Her ultimate goal is to expand community partnerships that increase access to care through intensive therapy, group work, and wellness retreats—creating spaces where more people can receive meaningful support in a shorter period of time.

Jamil Matthews

Healing is both an art and a journey—and I believe everyone deserves a space where they can exhale, reflect, and rebuild. As an African American Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my work is rooted in compassion, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to helping others rediscover their strength and peace.

With over six years of experience in private practice, I’ve walked alongside individuals, couples, and families navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, and identity struggles. My approach is both practical and heartfelt—integrating evidence-based techniques with real conversations, humor, and a sense of hope. I believe healing happens when we can be fully seen, heard, and accepted for who we are—without judgment.

As the Co-founder of Anchored in Healing Counseling and Coaching, I’ve made it my mission to create spaces that feel safe, authentic, and empowering—especially for men, fathers, and people of color who have often been told to “just push through.” My goal is to help clients slow down, reconnect with themselves, and build the tools needed to move forward—anchored, resilient, and whole.

Kianna McIntosh

Kianna McIntosh, LICSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 8 years of experience supporting individuals across diverse settings. She is the owner of Resonate Empowerment Solutions, a private practice dedicated to helping clients overcome challenges and step into their full potential. 

Kianna specializes in working with individuals navigating ADHD, anxiety, and relationship wounds—empowering them to reclaim their voice, regulate emotions, and build balanced, meaningful lives. Her approach integrates evidence-based practices with empathy and cultural responsiveness, allowing her to connect deeply with clients and guide them toward resilience and growth. 

She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Troy University and a Master’s in Social Work from Alabama A&M University. Over the course of her career, she has provided care in hospitals, community agencies, and private practice, equipping her with a broad skill set to empower individuals at every stage of life. 

Outside of her professional work, Kianna enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and exploring new restaurants. She is excited to join the SEBI Fellowship cohort and continue advancing her passion for healing and empowerment.

Laura Moreno-Marin

Laura Moreno-Marin exemplifies dedication as a medical social worker at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and as a psychotherapist at Samara Center, both located in Memphis, TN. Originally from Madrid, Cundinamarca, Colombia, she earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at La Salle University in Bogotá, where she worked with a diverse group of women involved in the sex trade. She later obtained her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Memphis, where she was honored with the prestigious Ida B. Wells Award and inducted into the Phi Alpha Honor Society for her outstanding leadership and academic excellence.

At Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Laura began her career in the emergency department, where she witnessed families enduring traumatic experiences such as accidents, acts of violence, and more. These experiences fueled her deep compassion for trauma-affected patients and allowed her to provide support during some of the most challenging moments in their lives. After transitioning to the inpatient General Medical Unit, Laura observed the struggles faced by Hispanic families in navigating the hospital system. In response, she championed the establishment of a Hispanic aid group, which received enthusiastic approval from the hospital. Today, she conducts a weekly support group for Hispanic families and provides various interventions to families and patients in her unit. At Samara Center, Laura offers therapy to clients dealing with traumatic events related to immigration, family separation, and racism against Hispanics, among other issues. She understands the importance of accessibility and offers a special fee structure for clients with financial needs and those who are uninsured. With a strong commitment to advocating for international families, she possesses a profound understanding of the challenges her community faces and dedicates herself to making a meaningful difference in their lives. Additionally, Laura is currently pursuing her LCSW license in Tennessee and aims to apply the knowledge she gains in the Brainspotting Fellowship to support minority and diverse populations.

Recognizing the importance of self-care, Laura nurtures her own well-being while supporting families through their most difficult times. Outside of her professional endeavors, she finds joy in exercising, dancing, and embracing the Vallenato music of her home country.

Abigail Mullen

Abigail Mullen, LCSW, is a clinical social worker based in New Orleans, LA. She earned her Master of Social Work from Louisiana State University and has over a decade of experience working with children in school settings, first as a teacher and later as a school social worker. In addition to her school-based work, she has spent time in the behavioral health setting at Manning Family Children’s Hospital, where she supported children and families navigating complex emotional and psychological challenges. These experiences strengthened her commitment to creating supportive environments where individuals can access their strengths. 

In her current clinical practice, Abigail focuses on serving both adults and children in the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. Her therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, curious, and sometimes humorous. Abigail focuses on offering clients an affirming space to connect with their authentic selves. Drawing on both psychodynamic and somatic approaches,

she helps clients uncover unconscious patterns, process emotions, and explore the sometimes murky relationship between body and mind. 

In her personal time, Abigail enjoys spending time in nature, especially the ocean, as well as sewing, pottery, reading science fiction, and sharing time with family and friends.

Calvin Smith

Calvin is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) whose work reflects a deep commitment to education, equity, and healing. Originally from Chicago, IL and now based in Atlanta, GA, he brings distinctive insight shaped by both his roots and his wide-ranging career in education and counseling.

His professional journey began as a high school educator, where he witnessed firsthand the systemic challenges faced by students of color. This experience propelled him into school psychology, and later into roles as a behavior intervention specialist and postsecondary instructor. Across these positions, Calvin developed a nuanced understanding of student development, resilience, and the barriers often faced by marginalized learners. 

Today, Calvin serves as a therapist in private practice and higher education settings. He primarily works with students between the ages of 15 and 32 and specializes in providing support to medical students at HBCUs. Calvin’s counseling approach is rooted in African-Centered Psychology, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practices that affirm identity and agency. Drawing from techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and narrative therapy, he helps high-achieving students process pain, release emotional burdens, and reconnect with their inner strength as they pursue rigorous academic and professional paths. 

Calvin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, followed by Master of Science and Education Specialist degrees in Counseling and Human Systems from Florida State University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Psychology at Georgia State University. His aspirations are to advance research and practice that deepen understanding of motivation, strengthen educator-student relationships, and expand the role of empathy in promoting well-being of Black students.

Beyond his professional work, Calvin remains active in his church ministry and finds creative renewal through theatre, photography, and music.