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
Therapist
Candice is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Therapist. 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.
Mariah Price
Therapist
Mariah Price is a dynamic therapist dedicated to empowering Black young adults and teen girls on their mental health journeys through culturally responsive and trauma-informed care. With extensive experience in youth development and program coordination, she creates nurturing spaces where clients can explore their emotions, build resilience, and discover their inner strength. At Sista Afya Community Care, Mariah combines her passion for mentorship with evidence-based therapeutic techniques to make mental health care both accessible and culturally affirming. Mariah graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Counseling from Grace College and a Master's degree in School Counseling from National Louis University.
Amber Jackson, LPC
Therapist
Amber Jackson is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is dedicated to helping clients become the best versions of themselves. Amber takes a collaborative and strengths-based approach to therapy, where she works with her clients, while also highlighting their internal strengths and abilities to promote positive change. Amber’s clinical specialties include working with adolescents, adults, and families, where she utilizes mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Her areas of interest include: depression, anxiety, trauma, transitions and adjustments, interpersonal and family relational problems. Amber received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Iowa State University and her Master’s in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
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.
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.
Tanya Whitten, MA
Donor Relations Coordinator
Tanya is a creative strategist and project management professional with over 20 years of experience working with senior leaders and nonprofit organizations to strategically develop and successfully implement organizational objectives in the areas of fundraising, communications, and operations.
While she enjoys developing systems, structures and strategies for organizations, she is passionate about seeing people thrive and is dedicated to supporting people and organizations who are committed to providing equitable access to opportunities for growth.
Tanya holds both a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and a BA in Ministry Leadership from Williamson College in Franklin, TN .
Jamica Harper, B.S.
Case Management Coordinator
Jamica has extensive experience working with both young and older adults facing challenges such as homelessness, substance use, and mental illness. Her dedication to supporting individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma, combined with her passion for mental health advocacy, enables her to help clients navigate paths to recovery and stability while empowering them to achieve success both personally and within their communities.
​
A graduate of DePaul University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Jamica is currently pursuing her Master's in Counseling Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. This educational foundation enhances her hands-on experience, equipping her with the skills necessary to make a significant impact in the lives of those she serves.
_JPG.jpg)
Amin Bradley
Wellness Facilitator
Amin B, is a Chicago native, yoga instructor, intuitive, doula, and Divine Feminine Healer. Since 2019, she has dedicated her many spiritual practices in helping over 1,000 women heal their feminine energy. She has been featured in several articles and recognized by her community as a person of great influence. Her commitment to spiritual enlightenment and self-healing is reflected in everything she offers.
Songine' Clarke
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.
Danielle Brown
Peer Supporter
Danielle Sheree Brown launched her career at just 16 and has become a dynamic accountant and self-published author. With a strong foundation in trauma training and a passion for violence prevention, she is a certified mental health first aider and natural peer supporter. As a devoted mother of two and a vibrant woman of faith, Danielle transforms her resilience into a powerful force for positive change.
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.