I'm Barbara, my specialty is helping people that have been marginalized, those dealing with stress, feeling over-whelmed, trauma, relationship concerns, financial concerns, anxiety, and depression. We develop a plan to move you from feeling stressed and over-whelmed to feeling in control again. We work to improve your relationships with your loved ones and yourself. If you are feeling stuck and do not know where to turn. We will help you lighten the burden. We do not judge you because our goal is to help you accomplish your goals whatever they may be. You'll be able to face new challenges with greater confidence.

Hello I'm Jessica,

My specialty is helping people that have experienced trauma and focusing on their strength.  I help people that feel overwhelmed by life and have lost hope. I help them to see the light to create solutions using your own skills.  

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As a Native American, Mexican, Irish, Italian woman, I understand the challenges that you may face have had to cope with being judged and make sure that stereotypes are not perpetuated. My biggest hope for you is that your grow in an understanding that your skills shine brightly even if it is different than others.  

Hi I'm Elena,

I am a first generation immigrant and I have overcome a lot of life transitions and challenges. I have 6 years of clinical experience working with individuals who struggle with a wide range of life issues, from most severe mental illness to situational life adjustment.

We live in a fast pace environment and constantly changing world. Sometimes it gets overwhelming as we learn to adopt living in it. Sometimes it feels like no one understands. Anxiety, helplessness, depression, anger are feelings that familiar to all of us but managing them doesn't always come easy. 

I believe that every one of us is incredibly strong and capable. I can help you to discover your strengths, process life events, learn new ways to cope with mental illness, and achieve the higher quality of life and relationships.

Hi I'm Serita,

I Empower, Promote Healing and Assist with Creating an Optimal Lifestyle for Professional Women, Paraprofessional Women and College Women looking to find balance in their multi-demanding roles and responsibilities. By reducing stress, anxiety and depression from past and current pain, past and current disappointments, various forms of past and current traumatic events associated with Societal-Cultural-Spiritual in-balances preventing Women from Living a Balanced Optimal lifestyle.

Hello, my name is Tabitha.

I can help you get through difficult times in life that may include but not limited to mental health (such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders), grief, trauma, relationships, addiction, and transitions. I have worked in the field for over 10 years and have my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from Liberty University. It is important to treat the whole person looking at each area of their life. Understanding the person through their past experiences and development, can help plan for the future. In addition, our past experiences can help us understand our strengths and weakness to help overcome the current challenges. It is important to have an open, safe, supportive and non-judgement space to work through the challenges for a healing peace and overall happiness.

Hello I'm Sharla,

I am an intern here at BF Empowerment Center. I am currently working towards my master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University. In addition to marriage and family counseling, I specializing in trauma and attachment disorders, with an end goal to conduct research. I have extensive knowledge of the nuances of chronic illness, and processing grief for a life that has been forever altered. My undergraduate work is in studio art (ceramics, photography, and printmaking), and I have experienced firsthand the remarkable impact of art and expression on healing deep wounds. I have genuine hope for my clients in their journey's towards living their best lives, and look for creative ways to draw on their existing strengths and talents. I am focused on building resilience, self-esteem, and pride in my clients. Too many people walk around feeling unworthy, unheard, and unable. I feel passionate about instilling a sense of hope, and walking with clients as they begin this journey of personal growth.

Hello I'm Beverly,

My role here at BF Empowerment as a counseling intern, is an extension of what I've done my entire career. I take the trust clients have placed in sharing their journey with me seriously.

I am honored to use my training and past experiences to serve The Lord through clients with compassion, empathy and integrity as they navigate obstacles toward achieving their personal goals.

I love using my gifts to help others reach their God-given potential.

My specialties include assisting with boundaries, domestic violence, homelessness, conflict coaching, mediation, trauma-informed issues, depression, PTSD and everyday hardships of life.

My favorite methods to assist clients are person-centered, narrative, solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Hello I'm Rhonda,

I understand navigating Life Can be difficult, and from time- to -time we all need a helping hand in moving ourselves to the next level. I seek to do just that with the clients I serve, and within the community of helping professionals.

I possess experience with both adolescents and adults in both group and individual settings, who are overcoming anger, alcohol & drug addiction, depression & anxiety. I am versed in providing trauma informed care techniques, coping skills, improving communication, and strengthening self- esteem.

My goal is to partner with clients on setting goals and achieving them, to live their optimal life. I look forward to working with you.

Be Well & Stay Safe!

Hi, my name is Richard Gibson, 

I am the Case Manager Supervisor here at BF Empowerment Center.

I'm a First Generation college graduate within my family, earning a Dual Bachelor's Degrees in Psychology and Pan- African Studies. I can truly say my academic journey humbled me to discover my life passion and Career which is Mentoring, Counseling and Mental Health within underrepresented and disadvantage communities.

Looking back at my beginnings, I would've never envisioned my life to go the way it did and to be now blessed. Growing up I saw a lack of representation of success, which led me into encountering tremendous struggles to forge my own path.

I grew up in a low-income area and was raised by a single mother. All my life, I saw the amount of effort my mother put in to raising my siblings. And all I witnessed, was the hardship, so I knew that I needed to make a difference.

My goal is to assist youth with self-esteem, emotional support, and ultimately share my life experience to instill a sense of belonging in them. 

Hi, my name is Takisha Strowder and I am a case manager here at BF Empowerment Center. I’m currently attending The University of Phoenix for my Master’s in Mental Clinical Health in Counseling. I enjoy using my therapeutic skills and techniques to contribute to the need of mental health services in Northeast Ohio.

I believe I can help my clients by being authentic, sincere, empathetic and understanding. I understand that life can be challenging, frustrating and overwhelming at times because I struggled with homelessness, grief and unemployment for many years. I also watched my family struggle with mental health and addiction. I also saw many barriers being removed for myself and my family by being engaged with community support, resources and therapy.

I graduated from Shaw High School in 2008 majoring in Criminal Justice. I also attended Central State University in 2012 and graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. While attending Central State, I was on the dean's list and I obtained The Psi Chi membership. Psi Chi is the International Honor Society in Psychology. I also obtained membership for The National Society of Leadership and Success due to my G.P.A. And academic performance while attending The University of Phoenix. My hobbies are shopping, planning events and playing with my dogs. My overall goal is to remove barriers that people may face due to mental health and to normalize mental health while spreading awareness. 

 I’m excited to be a part of an amazing team here at BF Empowerment Center.