As part of our community protection program launch, we're hosting a series of teach-ins from subject matter experts on specific topics. Our first teach in is "Caring for your Community's Mental Health." We're hosting this as part of #BIPOCMentalHealthAwareness Month.
Our special guest, Chaka Holley, Mdiv, LCSW, will show participants how to identify mental health concerns, common mental illnesses, and how to care for self and others that are living with mental health challenges.
You don't want to miss this! Get your tickets now.
About Our Guest Expert
Chaka Holley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Grand Rapids, Michigan and CEO of A New Day Mental Wellness Center in Illinois. She received a Master of Social Work Degree from Western Michigan University with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. She began her career as a therapist working with college students predominantly addressing academic and family concerns.
Throughout the years, she has provided both psychotherapy and Spiritual care and counseling to people from an array of backgrounds. Her clients have included people experiencing the challenges of homelessness, incarceration, juvenile justice, foster care, chronic illness and poverty, as well as clergy, activists, people navigating the professional work world. She specializes as a Mental Health Integrative Medicine Practitioner, Brainspotting Therapist, EMDR Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, and certified Prepare/Enrich Premarital counselor. Chaka is also the president of Coloring Mental Health Collective, which advocates and organizes for the mental wellness of Black and Brown people. It also seeks to dismantle oppressive ideologies and behaviors that cause emotional suffering.
In addition to counseling, Chaka has been known for her advocacy work in various cities across the country with organizations like Black Lives Matter, Our Kitchen Table, Michigan Organizing Project and the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference. She is trained in various forms of community organizing and has worked on campaigns to end Mass Incarceration, Education Reform, Food Justice and more.
Chaka also received a Master of Divinity Degree from Chicago Theological Seminary. Chaka is an ordained minister and has been known for providing memorial services and officiating weddings for people experiencing homelessness. She has held many religious leadership roles including senior pastor and Chaplain.