Executive Staff
Bernice Patterson, PhD
Chief Executive Officer/Founder
Dr. Bernice Patterson is passionate about seeing the worlds of psychology and spirituality come together to speak to the real and relevant needs of the people and organizations that she serves.
Education:
Western Michigan University: Doctorate of Counseling Psychology
Wheaton College: Master of Clinical Psychology
University of Michigan: Bachelors of Psychology
Licensed and Ordained Clergy Member
Bio
As a psychologist and consultant, I am passionate about being able to give voice to the mental and emotional trauma that is a result from facing systemic racism daily, while also addressing the common feelings of helplessness and hopelessness that result from being a part of an oppressive system of division and hate.
Know without a shadow of doubt that you have value, you have a voice, and you are allowed to show up. These three core truths are at the heart of my work. I partner with organizations and their staff to gain a deeper understanding of themselves as an individual and within community. By embracing a dynamic person-centered approach that works from a cultural humility lens, I am able to partner with clients to do the difficult but necessary “heart” work that is the foundation to long term and sustainable personal and organizational growth
Clinical Specialties:
Adoption / Foster Care Issues
Anxiety Disorders
Grief and Loss
Mood Disorders (Depression / Bipolar Disorder)
PTSD / Trauma / Sexual Abuse
Spiritual / Religious Issues
Consultation Specialties:
Self Care & Wellness Development
Mental Health & Spirituality
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Public Speaking
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Jamila Gaskins, MA
Chief Operating Officer
Jamila K. Gaskins, she/her, is an equity-minded, justice oriented, trauma-informed, coach, consultant, speaker. Her life’s work is devoted to freedom and living in a way that doesn’t violate the truth of who she is, or who you are, but honors and celebrates everyone's uniqueness.
Education:
Antioch University - MA, Urban Sustainability
Kalamazoo College - BA, Theater and Communications
Eastern Mennonite University - Training in Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience
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Bio
As a coach, Jamila holds space for and believes in a vision for women to live fully integrated, resilient lives. Together, Jamila and her client's clear the static and noise to hear and honor their unique, powerful voices, align with their guiding principles, and take action to claim and create a life of freedom, joy, agency, and connection.
As a consultant and speaker, she partners with organizations to co-create more inclusive, equitable workplaces. She utilizes a platform of storytelling, relationship building and interconnectedness to advance learning, and to celebrate and design better organizations.
She believes a world of equity, justice, care, and wellbeing is possible. We must imagine it and choose it, then be intentional in how we live and work in relationship with ourselves and others.