The Black Brain Campaign is a non profit 501c3 organization created to eradicate the stigma against mental health in the Black community by providing a holistic approach to therapy treatment. Our services include free individual and family counseling, training courses for therapists, supervision, and community resources.
OUR TEAM
Farida E. Boyer is the Executive Director and Cofounder of the Black Brain Campaign Association. As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and an Approved Supervisor, Mrs. Boyer is responsible for improving mental health, strengthening community and client relationships as well as business development.
Dr. Kevana Nixon is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who services the Philadelphia and Delaware area. Kevana currently serves in several roles that include her being an AAMFT approved clinical supervisor at Drexel University, Clinical coordinator at The Black Brain Campaign-LEAP program, and Adjunct professor. Dr. Kevana obtained her Doctorate in Couple and Family Therapy from Drexel University to become a leader in the field of CMFT and provide innovative assessment and treatment with individuals, couples, and families. In addition, Kevana supports her community by lending her time and talent to local organizations that promote and support mental health initiatives. Kevana’s love and purpose is to transform the lives of people by providing healing in a safe and supportive environment.
Jeannine Hinnant is a native of Philadelphia, PA. Jeannine holds an undergraduate degree in Speech and Hearing Science from Temple University, a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Springfield College. Jeannine is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field.
Cynthia Byron-Williford is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a National Certified Counselor, and a School Counselor certified in Pennsylvania. She has over 25 years of experience in the mental health field, working with children and adults in community and school settings. Currently, she operates a private practice in Cheltenham, PA. Ms. Byron-Williford has provided supervision to aspiring counseling professionals for over five years.
Katrina N Edmonds, LMFT-AS is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Supervisor who has been practicing for 21 years and has historically serviced the Philadelphia & South Jersey areas. Katrina is known for her family of origin/genogram work and for addressing issues such as the impacts of chronic illness on families, religion/spirituality, self-esteem/self-worth, trauma, grief/loss, parenting, forgiveness/reconciliation and addiction. Katrina is devoted to helping people acknowledge and accept their past so they can inform their present and improve their future.
Alisha Alexis is a Marriage and family therapist intern who provided services for the Philadelphia and Delaware region. Alisha is currently working as an intern for The Black Brain Campaign-LEAP program, where she will work on licensing. At the end of this internship, Alisha will have a Master’s degree as a licensed Marriage and family therapist with a concentration in children and adolescents. Alisha also works with clients using Cognitive-behavioral family therapy, including individual, relational, and couples therapy as well as working with individuals of all walks of life.
Xeng Is a Marriage and Family Therapy student-intern from Drexel University. He uses a systemic approach to teach and provide insights for his clients. Xeng is from the state of Wisconsin, the land of cheese.
Mia Sumlin is a native of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. She graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Millersville University in 2015 and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Family Therapy from Drexel University, believing that collaborative communication is the foundation for healthy family relationships.
Jamie is a family therapy intern from Drexel University, and enjoys working with families and adolescents. She likes to work with individuals who have undergone medical trauma, as well as deal with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Jamie hopes to build a collaborative relationship with each client and utilize different therapeutic techniques to set all clients up for success.
Marcus graduated from Montclair State University with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a minor in psychology. After completing his undergraduate degree Marcus began working in the field of addiction, becoming a certified drug and alcohol counselor (CADC) in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Having seen how his patient’s families were influenced as a result of addiction issues, Marcus decided to begin a graduate program in hopes of helping families deal with the wide range of issues they face in modern society. He currently works as a Community Liaison in which he helps link patients with various treatment facilities in the Philadelphia area. Marcus works from a trauma informed framework with a focus on intersectionality and collaborative approaches.
Case Manager for the Black Brain Campaign. I was inspired to pursue a career in both education and mental health after learning someone near and dear to me was suffering from mental health issues. Unable to understand what was happening or how to help lead me on this path and I haven’t looked back.
James A. March is a graduate of Delaware State University. He has worked over 20 years in Social Services. Now as a Resource Case Manager for the B.B.C James finds fulfillment in working with other community organizations and institutions to secure continuity of care for clients. He knows how important it is to help clients get the best care possible in the best setting for the individual. James’s favorite part of his job is working with his team of case managers, social workers, and therapists as well as interacting with clients and their families on a regular basis.
Luvonda Fuller is from North Philadelphia. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Rosemont College in 2023. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Villanova University. She is currently interning at The Black Brain Campaign. Luvonda is passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health care in the Black community and hopes to achieve this goal through her work.
TESTIMONIALS
“The Black Brain Campaign is an incredible collaboration that breaks the stigma of mental health. Many times it is easy to discuss illnesses like cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. However, it is still challenging for people of color to talk about depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
The mission of the Black Brain Campaign is to break down the walls and demystify emotional wellness. Through their leadership, m constituents participated in an intimate yet impactful conversation last year. I look forward to staying connected and working with them in the future.”
“According to the US Census, in 2010, African Americans are incarcerated five times more than other ethnic groups. In Pennsylvania 8.9 % of African Americans we incarcerated due to mental illness.
I applaud the Black Brain Campaign and their commitment to helping the black community learn more about the overlooked and often stigmatized issue of mental health. The impact they are making will have a ripple effect far beyond treatment, but helps individuals build a better future for themselves by receiving proper, culturally competent treatment.”
“I knew Ms Boyer, whom I called Fareedah as a friend before getting into the program. When first being approached about it, I did not know what to expect. Looking at the program, it appeared challenging and I must admit I was apprehensive at first. My first week was hectic, as I was getting adjusted to the schedule. The 2nd and subsequent weeks after, I enjoyed every minute. The best part was the supervision and having direct access to the supervisors with questions and concerns and being able to just ” talk” when needed. I highly recommend this program to anyone that is looking to get their license and be prepared to not only learn but experience growth that will make you a better clinician.”
“LEAP gave me the opportunity to grow professionally. Because of this program, I was able to pursue my goal of being an Approved Supervisor. LEAP not only provided me with the clinical skills I needed to be an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, it provided mentoring, peer support, and the opportunity to serve the people in my community. I was proud of the work I did in LEAP and the clinical support I provided my trainees.”
Working with Leap has been a game changer. I was challenged, I grew and developed . It was a pleasure to be among some wonderful women of color that were experienced therapist. Everyday wasn’t roses but my experience I will forever be grateful!!
Eradicate the stigma of mental health in the black community!
“Removing the stigma of mental health through community education and advocacy.”