Our Team
Our team addresses the needs of our community by providing a culturally-centered, holistic approach to mental wellness care.
Camesha L. Jones - Brandon, LCSW
Founder & Executive Director
​Camesha L. Jones - Brandon, LCSW is a Community Mental Wellness Changemaker who serves at the intersection of culture, community, and social justice. Camesha has over 10 years of experience providing exemplary mental health care to Black women and girls. She is a master collaborator with the belief that it takes everyone to work together in tandem to be changemakers in the mental health field. In 2020, Camesha launched Sista Afya Community Care NFP, a nonprofit that provides affordable community mental healthcare to women experiencing multiple barriers to care in Chicago. Prior to 2020, Camesha was the Founder of Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness, a social enterprise providing mental wellness care centered on Black women's experiences. Camesha's work at Sista Afya has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, PBS Newshour, Crain's Business, TEDx, and CBS Chicago. Camesha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who graduated from Spelman College with a Bachelor's in Sociology and received her Master's in Social Work from the University of Chicago. Camesha strongly believes in eliminating barriers in the mental health field that people of diverse cultural backgrounds experience by creating affordable and accessible care that centers the well-being of the whole person.
Candice Gant, LCSW
Clinical Care Program Manager
Candice is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Care Program Manager. Her therapeutic approach is eclectic and incorporates multiple orientations and techniques to meet the client where they are. She believes in fostering the strengths of each person and working towards sustainable healing. She is certified as Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and Financial Social Worker. She has trained in providing integrative evidence-based behavioral health services with young and middle-aged adults. She has previously provided services to people who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, substance use, sexual assault, developmental issues, and interpersonal difficulties. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and her Master's degree in Social Work from Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
April Threatt, LPC
Therapist
April is a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience assisting women who are facing depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, conflict resolution, major life transitions, and self-esteem challenges. She is dedicated to being compassionate and present with her clients as they uncover their inner strengths to effect positive change. Her approach is person-centered, and she believes that building strong relationships with clients is essential for helping them navigate their issues, overcome obstacles, and become the best versions of themselves. She received her Master's degree in Community Agency Counseling from Saint Xavier University, Chicago. She serves as a Community Alignment Board Member with Family Connects Chicago with a focus on improving family connection to healthcare services during a vulnerable time for birthing people. April is passionate about advocating for maternal mental health, reproductive justice, and birth equity.
Gabrielle Carlwell, LSW
Therapist
Gabrielle Carlwell, MSW, LSW, is a trauma-informed therapist with a Master’s in Social Work from Dominican University and a Bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has extensive experience supporting individuals and groups across diverse ages and backgrounds, including survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, older adults, and court-mandated clients. Gabrielle has completed specialized trainings in domestic violence, intimate partner abuse, sexual assault, and EMDR, and integrates modalities such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR into her client-centered practice. Her mission is to provide a safe, empowering space where clients can process experiences, overcome obstacles, and develop effective coping tools to support healing and growth.
Abajah Johnkin, LSW
Therapist
​Abajah is passionate about helping the Black community with mental health awareness and wellness. She's been in the social work field for 5 years and has helped clients that struggle with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, postpartum issues, and trauma by using a client-centered approach which supports the people she serves through empathy and building upon their strengths. She received her Bachelors degree in Social Work from Western Illinois University and my Masters in Social Work from Aurora University.
Nayesha Pruitt, LPC
Therapist
Nayesha is a Licensed Professional Counselor dedicated to supporting Black and Brown women, and LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults in reclaiming their narratives and building paths towards healing. When the pandemic hit, she shifted her focus from her role as a School Counselor to therapist because she saw firsthand how anxiety and depression were impacting not only her students but her colleagues as well, and she wanted to go deeper. She believes that her clients are the experts of their own lives and sees her role as a guide toward sustainable restoration and self-empowerment. Her trauma-informed, healing-centered approach acknowledges the impact of political, cultural, and social systems on mental health and emphasizes collective healing. Nayesha holds a Master’s degree in Counseling from National Louis University in Chicago. Her work centers on culturally affirming care, community connection, and holistic well-being.
Inyene Udoh
She Heals Intern
Inyene Udoh earned her degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at the University of Chicago. She has experience working with people across different age groups, providing crisis counseling, and engaging in mental health advocacy. Inyene is passionate about making mental health care more accessible and culturally responsive, with a focus on providing representation and support for Black communities, especially Black women. She draws from cognitive-behavioral and person-centered approaches, centering validation, empowerment, and practical skill-building. Her goal is to build spaces where Black women and communities can see themselves reflected in care and feel valued in their healing journey.
Ami Abdullahi, BA
Mental Health First Aid Trainer
Ami Abdullahi’s (they/them) passion is to work on initiatives and programs that are centered on the wellbeing and liberation of folks with multiple intersectionalities. At Sista Afya Community Care, Ami facilitates Mental Health First Aid trainings to provide community members with tools to respond to mental health crisis and extend community support to people living with mental health conditions. Ami is enthusiastic about servicing and empowering our Chicago community through professional development training and education.
Songine' Clarke
Community Care Program Manager
Songiné Clarke (she/her) is a writer, screen printer, and a community organizer. As a community organizer, Songiné believes in using her voice to free herself and encourages others to do the same, whether through her writing or as the co-founder of the Black Women Revolutionaries Study Group, a space dedicated to creating space for others to be seen and heard while learning about Black women revolutionaries. She believes in the transformative power of art, restorative justice, and community. Having spent years as an after-school art teacher, she is also a certified peace circle keeper. In her free time, Songiné enjoys dining out with friends, practicing yoga, and reading a good book.
Heal TogetHER Peer Supporters
Corina Alexander
Peer Supporter
Corina Alexander is a passionate advocate for holistic wellness, with a strong belief in the transformative power of movement for healing. With a background rooted in holistic practices, she champions a comprehensive approach to well-being that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. Through her work, Corina inspires others to embrace a pathway to overall health and vitality, fostering a community dedicated to living fully and authentically.
Brittany Winters
Peer Supporter
Brittany is a dedicated mother, community healer, and restorative justice practitioner. With years of experience supporting youth, families, and women across Chicago, Brittany brings a unique blend of cultural arts, wellness practices, and trauma-informed care to her work. Her background spans community engagement, facilitation, arts and wellness programming, rooted in her belief that healing happens through connection, storytelling, and culturally grounded support. She is passionate about emotional wellness, collective healing, and supporting Black women and girls. Brittany integrates her lived experience and deep commitment to community in every space she steps into.
Kisha Wilson
Peer Supporter
Kisha Wilson is a dedicated counselor with a strong commitment to promoting mental wellness, particularly within the African American community. After spending three years serving as a post-secondary counselor, Kisha discovered a deeper passion for mental health advocacy and the transformative power of therapeutic support. This led to the decision to pursue a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, where she is currently training to become a certified clinical mental health counselor. Drawing from experience in academic guidance, student support, and community outreach, Kisha brings a compassionate, holistic approach to counseling.
Kathleen Sanders
Peer Supporter
Kathleen ‘Kay’ Sanders is a women’s wellness advocate who has walked her own healing journey, and understands the power of community, connection, and support. With a background in wellness coaching and nonprofit work, she creates safe, empowering spaces for women and girls to strengthen their mental well-being. Through her community wellness programming, she helps participants build confidence, heal, and grow. With years of experience in movement-based healing and circle keeping, she is deeply committed to making mental health care accessible, especially for women of color seeking whole-person wellness.
Ebony L. , MBA
Operations Manager
Ebony is a seasoned healthcare leader with over a decade of experience, is
results-driven, passionate about operational excellence, and patient-centered
care. As a healthcare management expert, she has successfully streamlined
workflows, optimized financial performance, and driven strategic growth within
organizations she has served.Ebony holds both a bachelor’s and an MBA in Healthcare Management. Throughout her career, Ebony has dedicated herself to making healthcare more efficient and accessible for everyone. She leads with integrity, vision, and a deep
commitment to improving healthcare operations and patient outcomes.