My name is Shacoya Bates I am a fourth-year Clinical Psychology doctoral student attending Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pa. I hold a B.S. in Psychology, dual B.A.'s in Africana Studies, and an A.S. in Biology. In addition to my degrees, I have earned a Strength-Based Family Worker Credential through Temple University. I am a wife, mother, and lifelong learner passionate about education, social justice, and advocacy work. I aspire to normalize seeking therapy within the black community, deconstruct stereotypical ideas used to marginalize and dehumanize people of color, and open and operate a community school where I provide psychotherapy, support, and connect community members. My long-term goals are to empower young ladies of color to embrace their whole selves and continue working with communities to build foundational connections that result in cohesiveness and collective action. I have more than eight years of experience working in social services between the mental health system and the foster care and adoption system. I love to dance, listen to music, sing karaoke, and host gatherings with family and friends!