Meet The Panel
Dr. Laklieshia Izzard
Dr. Laklieshia Izzard is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia and New Jersey, Georgia Certified School Counselor, a National Certified Counselor, an Approved Clinical Supervisor, Tri-Care Mental Health Counselor, Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Instructor, Youth Mental Health First Aid Certified, Executive Public Speaker, and the Author of Faith Inspiration Therapy along with multiple publications.
Dr Izzard is the founder and CEO of Shekinah Counseling a virtual private practice with more than 19 years of community mental health counseling experience with diverse populations. Dr. Izzard services include counseling, clinical supervision, mentoring, speaking, and training. Dr. Izzard is an Adjunct Professor for the past 11 years. Dr. Izzard is the founder and Coordinator of Shekinah Counseling’s Black Men Thrive Wellness Symposium for the past 4 years. Dr Izzard served on the board of directors for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Georgia from 2020-2023, currently serves as an Advisory Board member and is the lead founding member of their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Dr. Izzard was recently elected to serve on the NAMI national Board of Directors. Dr. Izzard is a founding member and has served as President from 2019-2020 for the American Counseling Association of Georgia.
Dr Izzard obtained her doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from Argosy University Sarasota, Dr. Izzard is a double HBCU Alumni with a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the largest HBCU in the nation North Carolina A&T State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Fayetteville State University another great HBCU! Dr. Izzard is a long-term member of Berean Christian Church! Dr. Izzard has won multiple awards for her pioneer and trailblazer service in the Mental Health space for diverse and underserved communities!
Dr. Jason Branch
Dr. Jason Branch has almost 20 years of experience in the mental health and counseling profession. Dr. Branch obtained a dual degree in psychology and sociology from the University of West Alabama. He completed his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Branch earned his doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from Auburn University.
Dr. Branch has worked in higher education, community and agency mental health centers, city government, and substance abuse treatment facilities. Dr. Branch is the Founder and CEO of J. Branch and Associates, a virtual clinical group private practice that provides therapy services to adults, adolescents, couples and families in multiple states (CA, GA, NJ, PA).
Dr. Branch is an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and a National Board for Certified Counselor (NBCC) Minority Fellow (2016). Dr. Branch is also a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC), a consultant, and a counselor educator that engages in professional and scholarly work focused on Black male experiences, mentoring, cultural awareness, and increasing the practice of self-care for helping professionals.
Nafis Ricks
Nafis Ricks is a mental health advocate. A former professional basketball player, who looks to bridge the gap between sports and community. My primary goal is to reconstruct the narrative surrounding Mental Health in the African American community, by providing tools through speaking engagements, workshops and seminars
Dr. Anthony Newkirk
Dr. Newkirk is a strategic human resources leader with a background in professional counseling, diversity, equity and inclusion and leadership development. A graduate of NC A&T, he holds t a BA in Communications/Public Relations, MS in Counseling and a PhD in Leadership Studies. He currently resides in Raleigh, NC.