Safe Haven Healers for the Foster Care or Adoption community

Hello, I appreciate you creating time to be here. My name is Jean Messeroux (he/him) and I am a Licensed Psychotherapist and Wellness Coach serving the New York area. My professional path began in the classroom as a high school educator of over seven years and social worker of two years, during which I developed a passion for learning and building skills to support others’ mental health journeys and self-discoveries. My education path spans from Massachusetts to New York, by which I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English and African-American Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a Master of Science Degree in Social Work with an Advanced Clinical Practice Concentration from Columbia University. Beyond my work as a Psychotherapist, I am also a creative entrepreneur practicing photography, design, and creative direction. I explore art and creativity as tools for self-expression, healing, and connection, and encourage my clients to do the same.

As a young black male growing up in Jamaica, Queens, there were not many safe havens. It wasn’t until 2015 where Ian Lucas discovered he had a calling to be a clinical social worker as well as in ministry with inner city communities. Ian's experiences range from Foster Care, ACS, Life Coaching, missionary work outside the country, youth ministry to pastoring in NYC. Ian's overall passion has been to break the stigma of counseling and other spaces of healing that has kept people of color from getting the help that they need. Ian longs to see generations of people who are empowered to break the narrative society has written for them and reclaim the power to write their own story, reaching their God-given potential.

Alicia Crooks is a seasoned executive leader and mental health provider with over 12+ year of experience in relationship management and community enrichment. Her diverse background spans to corporate leadership, nonprofit advocacy, and clinical psychology -underscoring her commitment to fostering meaningful connections and positive change. Her dedication to relationship-building led her to establish the Young Black Professionals of Orange County and serve on the Advisory Board of the African American Real Estate Professionals of Los Angeles. Two roles that allowed her to cultivate strategic alliances with community leaders and emerging professionals across Southern California. Complementing her corporate achievements, Alicia embarked on a journey of academic excellence. She earned an MA in Clinical Psychology, specializing in Marriage & Family Therapy. Now in her role as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) & Wellness Life Coach, she leads in developing treatment plans, crafting interventions, and engaging in psychoeducation - showcasing her commitment to fostering wellness among diverse populations. Alicia's profound impact extended to the public health sector, where she served as Program Manager for two government community health divisions. She's supervised teams, guided outreach initiatives, and managed strategic collaborations to enhance public health outcomes. Her prowess in project management and crisis intervention was pivotal in facilitating effective community health education. Throughout her journey, Alicia has amassed a repertoire of certifications and training. Notably, she received certification from the Zero Suicide Institute at the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, alongside other achievements in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-informed care. Alicia epitomizes authentic connection, dynamic leadership, and unwavering commitment to positive transformation. Her drive was nurtured at Howard University where she earned her BS in Psychology & Political Science, which has propelled her towards her lifelong goal - leaving an indelible mark of positive change on marginalized communities, ushering in an era of well-being and abundance for individuals and families alike. Keywords: life transitions, self identity, self confidence, depressed, grieving/grief, struggling, breakup, momma drama, baby momma, anxiety, anger, anger management, self-care, sad, sadness, trauma, PTSD