Hetlena Johnson is a Patient Advocate, Author, Community Organizer, Retired Educator and Lupus Warrior. She is devoted to helping others face the trials of life with an open mind and energy. A cheerleader for handling life’s challenges with laughter and spirited resilience, she believes in living your best life while living with lupus.

Dr. Gregory Marcelle is a Licensed Professional Counselor committed to helping youth, adolescents, and adults learn how to manage their mental and behavioral health.

He is the CEO and Clinical Director of L.E.V.E.L.S Mental Health Services LLC providing therapeutic support, behavior management, and skill building to individuals who struggle with mental health and substance abuse disorders.

In observance of Parkinson's disease awareness month, we are excited to speak with special guests Michael S. Fitts and Dr. Reversa Joseph.

Michael S. Fitts recent retiree, served as assistant dean for user access and diversity at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB Libraries). He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011 at age 38. In 2001 he became the first African American faculty member of the Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences and later went on to become both the first African American assistant director and assistant dean. In 2015, Michael was appointed to the UAB/Lakeshore Research Collaborative — an organization whose primary goal is to promote the health and wellness of people with disabilities. In addition to his nearly 30-year career with UAB, he actively serves as an advocate for the education of those with early-onset Parkinson’s by being an example of living successfully and productively with the disease. Since 2018, Michael has served on the Board of Directors for the Parkinson Association of Alabama, contributing to outreach across the state. Additionally, he actively contributes to the Michael J. Fox Foundation Patient Council and serve as a Research Advocate for the Parkinson’s Foundation, supporting research and patient engagement.

Dr. Reversa Joseph began her journey into medicine with a passion for solving problems and seeking answers, which naturally led me to neuroscience. However, witnessing my father, a Vietnam veteran, struggle with Parkinson’s disease (PD) became the pivotal moment that directed her toward Neurology and ultimately specializing in Movement Disorders. This deeply personal experience profoundly shaped her life and her family’s.

One unforgettable experience was transitioning her practice from an academic institution to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to address the unmet needs of veterans with movement disorders. Driven by her father’s condition, this shift was both uplifting and challenging. This significant transition was driven by a clear unmet need and her desire to serve our veterans, honoring my father’s condition and his service to our country.

At the VA, Dr. Joseph developed and leads a Movement Disorders Clinic, directing a Multidisciplinary Care Team to provide comprehensive, integrative care to veterans with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. This endeavor has been deeply fulfilling and reinforced her commitment to serving vulnerable populations and improving healthcare access.

Dr. Joseph’s involvement with the Parkinson's Foundation began in 2018 as a board member for the Great Lakes Chapter. Throughout the years, she has supported the Foundation by giving various presentations on topics such as PD 101, Women and Parkinson's Disease, and Integrative Therapies and PD. She also participates in Moving Day with her team, Vets on the Move.

Dr. Joseph is particularly proud of our efforts to mitigate health inequities in people living with Parkinson’s through targeted and tailored training in research advocacy. One of her

most rewarding contributions has been to help develop a novel Learning Institute using culturally responsive pedagogy to train African Americans living with Parkinson’s and their care partners to collaborate with researchers and scientists as primary partners in the drug development process.

Additionally, Dr. Joseph has given national lectures for the Parkinson’s Foundation to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the Black community, addressing issues such as late and misdiagnosis, treatment and overall care. Dr. Joseph works to provide a framework on how to mitigate these disparities. She has also participated in various podcasts to raise awareness that Parkinson’s also affects African Americans. Her volunteer work is driven by a desire to make a tangible difference, to support an organization that supports so many, and to contribute to t

JT Logan is a serial entrepreneur, business coach, author, musician, minister, and father. He is the Founder and CEO of FOURDEEP – a full-service advertising and marketing agency founded in 2011 with offices in Richmond, VA and Washington, DC. JT and the FOURDEEP team have built brands for Fortune 500 companies, global non-profit organizations, universities, faith-based organizations, and emerging businesses alike. JT is also the founder of The Rare Foundation and Breast Cancer Under 30®.

JT is focused more than ever to help businesses and organizations transform their products and services through transformative media and marketing. JT's personal life experiences allowed him to redefine his purpose, and help others in the process.

JT is a graduate of The Richard T. Robertson School of Media & Culture at Virginia Commonwealth University, with a specialization in Creative and Strategic Advertising. JT is also a graduate of the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree. JT's mission is to help business owners and leaders discover that focusing on purpose, always grows revenue.

The Reverend Dr. Mia Hash Sloan focuses on curating spiritual well-being spaces across a broad range of religious and spiritual ideologies. She is a third-generation minister that has worked within the congregation and community for over 20 years. She has truly made a religious, spiritual and social impact in her community. Rev. Dr. Mia specializes in holistic well-being with a universal pull towards cultivating transformative, liberating space for individuals.

Rev. Dr. Mia serves as the Faith Project Manager at the Compass Faith Coordinating Center at Wake Forest University. She has committed her virtues, values, and ethics to providing compassionate, non-judgmental, spiritual and emotional ministry regardless of (one’s) religious affiliation.

In an attempt to create work life balance, Mia enjoys meditative walking, archery, traveling, art gallery hopping, discovering beautiful gemstones, and exploring the sweet elixir of life.

Kayla Nixon is a Richmond, VA based public health communicator, community builder, and advocate dedicated to empowering Black women through information, connection, and action.

A uterine cancer survivor since 2019, she founded Uterine Care Collaborative in 2024 to educate Black women on uterine health conditions, improve access to resources, and amplify the voices and stories of women affected by fibroids, endometriosis, uterine cancer and PCOS.

Her passion for fostering community also led to the spontaneous creation of Bloom RVA in January 2025, a space for Black women in Richmond to connect and thrive. In just three months, Bloom RVA has grown to 500 members, hosting low-cost events that bring women together and foster meaningful connections. Through her work in public health and grassroots organizing, she is committed to creating spaces where Black women feel seen, supported, and empowered.

In celebration of Women's History Month, we have a special message from our very own Dr. P! 

Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, Founder and CEO of The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is a phenomenal trailblazer. Dr. Seele is celebrating over 37 years of providing vision and leadership in areas of technical support to strengthen the capacity of faith institutions in the United States and Africa to eradicate health disparities by promoting health education and services within their local communities.

Born in the heart of the south, this Lincolnville native always share a special love for South Carolina. Dr. Seele received her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science from Clark Atlanta University in 1976 & 1979, respectively, later receiving her Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of New Rochelle, NY, in 2007.

As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions. Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.

Dr. Seele is well-known for her extraordinary vision and ability to create national and global partnerships among leaders of various cultures and religious doctrines in the areas of health. As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions.

Dr. Seele is the recipient of numerous citations and honors, including being featured on the cover of Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.

She has worked with three US presidential administrations on issues of health in the United States and abroad. Dr. Seele was an invited guest of former President and First Lady Laura Bush for the State of the Union Address representing a symbol of President Bush’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS in the world. In 2010, Dr. Seele was invited to participate in the Fortune TIME CNN Global Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, along with President William “Bill” Clinton and a host of international leaders and Fortune 100 chief executive officers to focus on challenges and solutions in the developing world.

October 2017, His Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, bestowed the Pierre Toussaint Medallion upon Dr. Seele.

Publishing her first book Stand Up to Stigma! How to Reject Fear & Shame in 2017. Dr. Seele is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Tania Small joined Bristol Myers Squibb as Senior Vice President, Global Medical Affairs in January 2024. Tania brings a strong scientific track record leading Medical Affairs teams in driving innovation that improves the experience and supports better outcomes of people living with cancer and rare diseases. She has successfully built and led global and regional medical organizations in Drug Development and Medical Affairs, advancing access to Oncology, Rare Disease and Hematology patients globally.

Tania is a board-certified pediatric hematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplant specialist with deep experience in clinical research and drug development. She has extensive research experience in oncology, hematology, gene therapy and stem cell transplantation, receiving NIH grants for her translational research in gene therapy and regenerative medicine.

Most recently, Tania served as Head of Global Medical Oncology and was the sponsor of the Global R&D Inclusion Diversity Council at GSK. Prior to GSK, Tania worked for IPSEN as Vice President, Head of Oncology and Rare Disease Global Drug Development.

She is energized by revolutionizing the experience and outcomes for people with cancer, and has worked closely with the US FDA, Congress, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) to improve the diversity of enrollment in oncology clinical trials and elderly programs.

"I'm passionate about partnering to create programs that treat the person - not just the disease. Producing groundbreaking solutions that can change the trajectory of serious diseases and help write the next chapter of patient-driven science is what motivates me every day."

Tania received her medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She has a long-standing affiliation with the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York Presbyterian/Columbia University where she completed her residency and hematology/oncology fellowship with an academic research appointment in heme and bone marrow transplant.

Currently, Tania serves on the ASCO Membership Advisory Committee and is a Board Member of Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA).

Rev. Lamont Anthony Wells is the Executive Director of the Network of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Colleges and Universities and the President of the African Descent Lutheran Association.

Victoria A. Smalls, a Gullah Geechee native of St. Helena Island, SC, is Founder & CEO of Smalls Cultural Resources, where she champions Gullah Geechee communities across the United States and their global ties to Africa’s Diaspora. With more than two decades of experience, she has served as a state Commissioner on the SC African American Heritage Commission, Federal Commissioner on the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission, and Executive Director of the Gullah Geechee National Heritage Area. 

Her leadership has been crucial in preserving the cultural practices, heritage sites, and natural resources of Gullah Geechee communities across the Southeast. Smalls has also contributed her expertise in history, art and culture to the Penn Center, International African American Museum, and the National Park Service. 

Her dedication to community advocacy has earned her numerous accolades, including the Black History USA Community Advocate Award, recognition as one of the 12 Black Leaders to Know in South Carolina, and the 2024 Governor’s Award in Humanities. She has been named a Leo Twiggs Arts Diversity Leadership Scholar, a Riley Fellow, and one of the 50 Most Influential Leaders in Charleston. In 2022, she was awarded The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding volunteer service.

Check out a very special message from our very own Dr. P! 

Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, Founder and CEO of The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is a phenomenal trailblazer. Dr. Seele is celebrating over 37 years of providing vision and leadership in areas of technical support to strengthen the capacity of faith institutions in the United States and Africa to eradicate health disparities by promoting health education and services within their local communities.

Born in the heart of the south, this Lincolnville native always share a special love for South Carolina. Dr. Seele received her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science from Clark Atlanta University in 1976 & 1979, respectively, later receiving her Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of New Rochelle, NY, in 2007.

As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions. Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.

Dr. Seele is well-known for her extraordinary vision and ability to create national and global partnerships among leaders of various cultures and religious doctrines in the areas of health. As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions.

Dr. Seele is the recipient of numerous citations and honors, including being featured on the cover of Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.

She has worked with three US presidential administrations on issues of health in the United States and abroad. Dr. Seele was an invited guest of former President and First Lady Laura Bush for the State of the Union Address representing a symbol of President Bush’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS in the world. In 2010, Dr. Seele was invited to participate in the Fortune TIME CNN Global Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, along with President William “Bill” Clinton and a host of international leaders and Fortune 100 chief executive officers to focus on challenges and solutions in the developing world.

October 2017, His Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, bestowed the Pierre Toussaint Medallion upon Dr. Seele.

Publishing her first book Stand Up to Stigma! How to Reject Fear & Shame in 2017. Dr. Seele is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, Founder and CEO of The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is a phenomenal trailblazer. Dr. Seele is celebrating over 37 years of providing vision and leadership in areas of technical support to strengthen the capacity of faith institutions in the United States and Africa to eradicate health disparities by promoting health education and services within their local communities.

Born in the heart of the south, this Lincolnville native always share a special love for South Carolina. Dr. Seele received her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science from Clark Atlanta University in 1976 & 1979, respectively, later receiving her Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of New Rochelle, NY, in 2007.

As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions. Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.

Dr. Seele is well-known for her extraordinary vision and ability to create national and global partnerships among leaders of various cultures and religious doctrines in the areas of health. As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions.

Dr. Seele is the recipient of numerous citations and honors, including being featured on the cover of Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.

She has worked with three US presidential administrations on issues of health in the United States and abroad. Dr. Seele was an invited guest of former President and First Lady Laura Bush for the State of the Union Address representing a symbol of President Bush’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS in the world. In 2010, Dr. Seele was invited to participate in the Fortune TIME CNN Global Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, along with President William “Bill” Clinton and a host of international leaders and Fortune 100 chief executive officers to focus on challenges and solutions in the developing world.

October 2017, His Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, bestowed the Pierre Toussaint Medallion upon Dr. Seele.

Publishing her first book Stand Up to Stigma! How to Reject Fear & Shame in 2017. Dr. Seele is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Pamela D. Price currently serves as the Deputy Director for The Balm In Gilead, Inc., managing the various health initiatives of the organization. Under her leadership, the organization provides support to faith institutions in areas of program design, implementation and evaluation, which strengthen their capacity to deliver programs and services that contribute to the elimination of health disparities. In addition to her role as Deputy Director, she also serves as the Director for The National Brain Health Center for African-Americans.

As the Center’s director, she co-developed a six-part educational curriculum for nurses and allied healthcare professionals aimed at addressing knowledge gaps related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affecting African Americans. She also co-authored and facilitates an accredited training for healthcare providers and clinicians; aimed at increasing cultural competencies related to the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of dementia in African Americans among providers.

Price holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Public Health and has more than 20 years of experience in public health, epidemiology, and healthcare. She has served as a member of the U.S. Army Nurse Corp and excelled in both government and non-governmental agencies providing leadership and guidance on program management, quality improvement, and project development. Price has conducted hundreds of training sessions across the country with various nursing associations, healthcare organizations and conferences.

D. Lamar Handy, a native of Athens, GA, founded The DL Handy Foundation to be a change agent for the community and to lend a helping hand for empowerment and mental health awareness.

The DL Handy Foundation provides supportive outreach services and vital resources to those in need in the Northeast Georgia and surrounding metro Atlanta area through community service, programming, scholarships and fundraising initiatives.

Yolanda is the Owner, President and CEO of Eudora Enterprises, LLC where she functions in the knowledge, understanding and workings of the Proverbs 31 woman. She purchases real estate and invest in other capital ventures. “She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers."

Yolanda is the Owner, President and CEO of Credential America, Inc. Credential America is a nationally recognized Credentials  Verification Organization that assist healthcare facilities with their credentialing and enrollment needs.  She is currently a member of the Medical Staff State Associations of Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York and her home state of Virginia and the National Association.

Yolanda is a co-founder and member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Richmond Metropolitan Chapter.  She serves on the Diaconate Ministry of First Baptist Church of South Richmond. Yolanda enjoys spending time with her daughter and business partner (Leah), family and friends.  She also enjoys international travel and listening to jazz. She loves to share her entrepreneurial faith journey.

Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, Founder and CEO of The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is a phenomenal trailblazer. Dr. Seele is celebrating over 37 years of providing vision and leadership in areas of technical support to strengthen the capacity of faith institutions in the United States and Africa to eradicate health disparities by promoting health education and services within their local communities.

Dr. Seele is the recipient of numerous citations and honors, including being featured on the cover of Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.

She has worked with three US presidential administrations on issues of health in the United States and abroad. Dr. Seele was an invited guest of former President and First Lady Laura Bush for the State of the Union Address representing a symbol of President Bush’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS in the world. In 2010, Dr. Seele was invited to participate in the Fortune TIME CNN Global Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, along with President William “Bill” Clinton and a host of international leaders and Fortune 100 chief executive officers to focus on challenges and solutions in the developing world.

Rev. Domanic A. Smith is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and the organizing pastor of The Ezekiel Church and Ministries in Dundalk, MD.

Aside from his pastoral leadership role, Rev. Smith is the Coordinator of Community Pastoral Outreach for the LifeBridge Health System, Department of Population in Baltimore, and leads LifeBridge Health in all of its faith-based community relations and initiatives.

Rev. Smith holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Studies from Morgan State University (Baltimore, Maryland) and a Master of Divinity Degree from Duke University Divinity School (Durham, North Carolina). He also studied at Shaw University Divinity School, Raleigh, North Carolina. Rev. Smith is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry Degree with a focus on faith and health from Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Rev. Smith was licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 1999 and ordained into the Gospel ministry in 2003, through the combined efforts of St. Paul Baptist Church, Baltimore, Maryland and Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Apex, North Carolina. He has held position (s) and active involvement with the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Inc., New Hope Missionary Baptist Association, and the United Baptist Missionary Convention and Auxiliaries of the State of Maryland, Inc., where he now serves as the first elected Executive Secretary.

He is a hands-on father to his son, Dillon-Seth Anthony Smith.

Tamira M. Moon is a community driven visionary leader and national health equity strategist committed to activating the ethos of "good trouble, necessary trouble," to address health disparities and social determinants of health while promoting Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. Aside from her work in the public health space, she is the Founder and CEO of To the Moon & Back Foundation, Inc.

Dawn is the Founder of Green Living, Inc. based in Richmond, VA. She is the author of Facing My Giants: Overcoming Obstacles for Optimal Health where she shares her journey with chronic illness, hoping to inspire and uplift those who are going through similar challenges and create a sense of community and empowerment for individuals navigating the complexities of chronic illness.

Meet Tomalisa Washington, the ultimate multitasker and real-life superwoman! She juggles more hats than a circus performer as an executive director, wife, mom, first lady, doctoral student, mentor and community leader. 

Raised in Mobile, AL, her roots are now planted in Tuscaloosa, AL. As a product of teenage parents, life wasn’t handed to her on a silver platter, and she is immensely grateful for the amazing support system she has built and the opportunities she seized that led her to the place she is today. 

She is the Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Central West Alabama where she has the opportunity to collaborate with key community partners, elected officials and serve as the face of the community in Central-West Alabama to be a help to people in times of need and ensure communities are ready to respond to disaster. 

Prior to joining the Red Cross, Washington spent fifteen years at the University of Alabama’s Brewer-Porch Children’s Center. During her tenure, Washington authored several classes related to mental health, trained staff, provided therapy and case management for the adolescent program, served on several committees, as well as oversaw the entire training department for fifteen years of service to the University of Alabama’s Brewer-Porch Children’s Center. Most recently, she served as the Director of Student Development within the division of Student Affairs at Stillman College where she specialized in trauma, crisis intervention, conflictresolution and anger management. Washington brings her diverse background and relationships to help build communities that are more resilient.

Washington, a mental health professional for more than twenty years, received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the University of Alabama and her Master of Science in Continuing Education in Counseling/Psychology from the University of West Alabama.

As an ordained elder, Washington serves in ministry, alongside her husband and pastor, Overseer Freddie L. Washington. Together, they have two daughters, Jasmin Tyri and Nailah Grace. She is well-recognized throughout the community and serves diligently as the Chaplain of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Benjamin Barnes YMCA women’s council as well as a dedicated member of the Eta Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Tomalisa is a doctoral candidate now at the University of Alabama, pursing her EdD in Higher Education Administration.

This week on Dr. P on the Pod, we dive into a critical discussion about Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)—a common yet often overlooked heart condition that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. AFib, a type of irregular heartbeat, affects millions of people, particularly African Americans, who are more likely to experience severe outcomes from the condition.

On this episode, we are excited to welcome Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, legendary basketball player, committed social activist, and award-winning writer to speak with us about his journey with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). Kareem was diagnosed with AFib after he initially ignored his symptoms and is now sharing his story to help others learn from his experience. 

We are also joined by Dr. Andrea Phillips, a family medicine doctor from Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Phillips has been in practice for more than 20 years and is passionate about ensuring people of all backgrounds have access to the medical care and information they need, and work with a healthcare professional to get the care they need.

Dr. Phillips does not personally treat Kareem. This podcast episode was sponsored by the BMS-Pfizer Alliance 'No Time to Wait' campaign, for which Kareem and Dr. Phillips are paid spokespeople.

The Reverend Doctor Ayo Jordan, a native of Washington, DC, was raised and educated in Virginia. Her spiritual relationship began when she accepted the Lord as her Savior at an early age and was baptized at Hungary Road Baptist Church in Glen Allen, Virginia. Dr. Ayo received and acknowledged the consecrated opportunity to be used by God and was licensed to preach the Gospel in 2005. Dr. Ayo accredits her ministerial introductions to her initial sermon which was a eulogy for her uncle and politician at the South African Consulate in Chicago, Illinois. That moment was the trajectory of Ayo’s call to congregational ministry and community leadership.

Embracing but not negating her Pentecostal roots, Ayo joined the Baptist church for spiritual growth, formation and educational experience in 2008. It was at the historic Gravel Hill Baptist Church, where Dr. Ayo became the youngest and 2nd ordained female minister in its history. In 2016, Dr. Ayo became the Associate Pastor of Congregational Care. An advocate for women, youth and young adults, Dr. Ayo is a popular preacher with a powerful voice and agent of change for the Body of Christ.

Educated in the Henrico County School system and committed to education, Dr. Ayo attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore; where she was an honor student. She earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University; a Masters in Science Degree in Patient Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University and the Doctor of Ministry Degree at United Theological Seminary where her doctoral cohort and focus group was 21st Century Congregational Development & New Faith Communities.

 Dr. Ayo has served in a bi-vocational role along with her ministerial duties. She has a demonstrated history of working in multi-faceted roles in diverse populations of the community; including funeral homes, cemeteries, hospitals, churches, assisted living communities, hospice and crisis-stabilization facilities. Her love for the underserved, grieving and brokenhearted makes her no stranger to the Death-Care Industry with over 18 years’ experience. Dr. Ayo is a Virginia Licensed Cemeterian, committed to providing excellent care to families while assisting with cemetery arrangements both Pre-Need and At-Need. Because of her rich skillset and professional relationships, Dr. Ayo is a sought-after consultant, working at several historic funeral homes and managing cemeteries in both the Richmond and Tidewater areas. Dr. Ayo is the CEO of Life Vault & Memorials, a company where she provides quality memorial options and services for both traditional and cremation. Further, she is a trained chaplain experienced in Patient Counseling and Pastoral Care. Currently, she is employed with an Organ Procurement Organization in their Transplant Services Division advocating for organ, tissue and eye donation; as well as a Spiritual Support Coordinator for Children of the Kings Daughters in Norfolk VA.

 Dr. Ayo is active in her community, receiving many honors and recognitions in her lifetime. Dr. Ayo is honored to be a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and a faithful sister in the Order of the Eastern Star. She is humbled by her spiritual gift of “humor” and the prophetic mandate for ministry that God has placed on her life which is a divine call and passion for the healing of the broken-spirited. She is passionate about her purpose, which is to laugh, love, lead and labor and is unashamed to use her life as a teaching lesson to encourage, educate and empower to those she encounters.

Obadiah Galley, Ph.D. is a dedicated mental health counselor, coach, educator, and health and wellness advocate with a passion for supporting individuals in achieving holistic well-being. He integrates therapeutic techniques with coaching strategies to empower his clients to navigate life's challenges effectively. 

Alongside his counseling practice, Dr. G is actively involved in education, conducting workshops and seminars on mental health awareness and self-care. He is a vocal advocate for promoting health and wellness initiatives within communities, aiming to foster a culture of resilience and positivity. He holds a deep commitment to helping others thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically, believing in the transformative power of compassionate support and personal growth.

Join Dr. Pernessa Seele, Founder/CEO of The Balm In Gilead, as she touches on a range of issues impacting the health of Black communities.