The Black Brain Campaign is a non profit 501c3 organization created to eradicate the stigma against mental health 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, MS, LMFT, AS
Farida E. Boyer, MS, LMFT, ASExecutive Director and Cofounder
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, DCFT , LMFT, AAMFT- AS
Dr. Kevana Nixon, DCFT , LMFT, AAMFT- ASClinical Director
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
Jeannine Hinnant Clinical Coordinator
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.
Saniyyah Al-Hadi
Saniyyah Al-HadiExecutive Assistant
Hello, I am Saniyyah Al-Hadi, the new executive assistant at The Black Brain Campaign. I hold both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Social Work from West Chester University and am currently pursuing licensure as a Master’s-level Social Worker (LMSW).Prior to joining The Black Brain Campaign, I worked as a social worker at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), connecting families with essential community resources, and as a Program Coordinator at Girard College, where I created after-school programs based on student feedback. With a strong passion for mental health, especially within the Black community, I am committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health care and advocating for equitable access to support.
Jala McDaniel
Jala McDanielCase Manager
Jala McDaniel is a proud Philadelphia native and a Marketing graduate from Morgan State University. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she is committed
to service, leadership, and community engagement. Jala has gained valuable experience through internships with the City of Philadelphia’s Managing Director’s Office, City Council’s 4th District, and the Office of the Governor for the Southeastern Region. Passionate about both people and creativity, Jala enjoys spending time with family and refining her craft—crocheting—in her free time. She brings a unique blend of professionalism, purpose, and personality to every opportunity she takes on.
Katrina Edmonds
Katrina EdmondsLMFT Supervisor
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.
 Cynthina Byron Williford
Cynthina Byron WillifordLPC Supervisor
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.
Ryan McMillian
Ryan McMillianLMFT Supervisor
Ryan McMillian is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private telehealth practice in King of Prussia, PA. He has trained and educated budding therapist as a lecturer and supervisor. In addition, Ryan serves underrepresented populations and Princeton Theological Seminary and Villanova University. Ryan speaks nationally on an array of topics from emotional intelligence to mental health in the workplace/spiritual setting to the importance of self-care. He has presented for Division 1 sports teams, Fortune 500 businesses and churches and synagogues. His work and research in these areas have helped leaders and executives connect more with their employees and families per self-reports. Formerly a Division-1 student-athlete at Michigan State University, Ryan works and trains youth on a volunteer basis. 
Nichelle Wiggins
Nichelle WigginsLPC Clinical Supervisor
Nichelle Wiggins, LPC, has over 20 years of experience in Social Work and Mental Health, providing evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents, and adults managing Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Trauma, ADHD, and more. She fosters an accepting, collaborative therapeutic environment and advocates for families seeking support for their child’s emotional and social needs.

Specializing in OCD and anxiety-related disorders, Nichelle employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and Habit Reversal Training. She has worked in diverse settings, including Family-Based Services, hospital Crisis Management, Elementary School Counseling, and Partial Hospitalization/Intensive Outpatient programs.

Currently in private practice, Nichelle serves clients in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, continuing her dedication to helping individuals and families thrive.

Schante' Frazier
Schante' Frazier LPC Training Coordinator
Schante’ Y. Frazier is a devoted Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a fervent dedication to guiding women through their transformative journey towards healing and self-discovery. Specializing in trauma-informed therapy, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, and the cultivation of self-esteem and confidence, Schante’ seamlessly merges her professional expertise with her Christian faith to offer comprehensive and empowering counseling services.
Nikindi Mighty
Nikindi MightyFull-Time Therapist
My name is Nikindi, and I aim to ensure that clients feel understood and supported. I aim to help clients reframe their worried thinking, deal with trauma from the past, navigate familial relationships that influence their thoughts and behavior, and discover their own identities. My objective is to assist and nurture clients through collaborative processes through reframing negative self-talk, establishing healthy boundaries to bring about change, improving coping abilities, and exploring a systemic approach for promoting growth and see progress. My areas of interest are interpersonal connections, grieving, and anxiety. I am especially aware of how anxiety impacts a person’s experiences across all systems, how loss impacts coping mechanisms, and how it impacts relationships with friends and family. I’ve worked with couples, children, depression, reunification, and overall anxiety.
Kyle Gordon
Kyle GordonMFT Intern
My name is Kyle Gordon, I am currently in my last year o graduate school for Marriage and Family Therapy at La Salle University, I’m Passionate about working with marginalized individuals to create a space that is free of stigma and judgement. I graduated from Lincoln University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in visual arts, and my love for creativity plays a role in how I approach therapy. I come from a systemic background, which means I focus on how relationships and family history influence who we are today. I use contextual family therapy and transgenerational family therapy to help my clients understand and navigate these influences. I believe that our clients are the captain of their ships and we’re simply navigators. Wherever you are in your journey. I am looking forward to being a part of it. 
Yolanda Clarke
Yolanda ClarkeMFT Intern
As an intern from La Salle University, I am passionate about amplifying Black voices and addressing the stigma surrounding therapy within the Black community. Growing up in South Philadelphia, I witnessed the profound impact of mental health challenges, inspiring my commitment to promoting healing and well-being in my community.

I focus on community engagement, advocacy, and mental health in Philadelphia, with a therapeutic approach rooted in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Intergenerational Therapy to address trauma and uncover family patterns. Beyond therapy, I explore holistic healing methods like meditation, yoga, and sound therapy, and I stay informed about diverse cultures, religions, and the Philadelphian community.

Committed to mental health awareness, I actively support initiatives like the Brain Campaign, working to destigmatize mental health struggles within Black communities. My goal is to help individuals build healthier relationships and create lasting change in my future clinical practice.

Isabella Reginato
Isabella ReginatoMFT Intern
My name is Isabella Reginato, and I’m originally from Philadelphia, PA. I am currently in my first year at Thomas Jefferson University in the Couple & Family Therapy Masters program. I completed my undergraduate degree at Drexel University in 2019, majoring in Environmental Studies. I was an outdoor educator for many years, traveling across the western U.S., teaching students about the great outdoors and taking them on adventurous excursions. I eventually found myself drawn to the field of psychology, and I got my start in this field as a wilderness therapist
working with adolescents in Utah. I have been working in the mental health field for 2.5 years; my most recent position was working as a youth mentor for a girl’s adolescent treatment center. I am incredibly passionate about working with marginalized communities in hopes of dismantling
the stigmas that exist in these spaces. As a Chilean woman, I bring a multicultural perspective to the therapeutic services I am providing. I approach therapy through a family systems lens, focusing on how relationships and interactions influence individuals’ well-being.
Tanya Folk
Tanya FolkCounseling Intern
Hi, I’m Tanya! My goal is to empower and collaborate with you to bring balance to your life. I emphasize building strong rapport and a solid therapeutic alliance to achieve meaningful change. I utilize Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) for its versatility and focus on compassion, self-acceptance, and personal growth while addressing cognitive distortions and emotional challenges.

I hold a BA in Psychology from Temple University, an MA in Education from Arcadia University, and am completing my MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. My experience includes family planning counseling, teaching, and case management for individuals facing homelessness and mental health challenges.

I believe everyone has the power to achieve mental well-being, and I am committed to helping you reach your goals.

Kina Nichols
Kina NicholsMFT Intern
Kina Nichols is pursuing a Master of Family Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University, expecting to graduate in May 2026. As part of the Health Mentors Program, she collaborates with an interdisciplinary team to create interventions and is earning an Asano Humanities and Health Certificate focused on Anti-Racism in Health. Kina holds a B.A. in Psychology and Educational Studies from Swarthmore College, where she was a Philip Evans Scholar and served as President of Swarthmore Womxn’s Rugby.

Professionally, Kina is the Program Coordinator for Community Promise Academy at Hopeloft, overseeing after-school programs and youth initiatives. Her behavioral health experience includes roles as a Summer Treatment Program Counselor and Behavioral Health Technician. She has also conducted educational research and mentored first-generation college students. Passionate about equity, Kina leverages her skills to support youth and families, especially in underserved communities.

Elizabeth McFall
Elizabeth McFallIntern
Elizabeth McFall is a passionate Afro-Latina LGBTQ mental health professional, advocate, and aspiring Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). A survivor of the juvenile justice and foster care systems, she uses her lived experiences to inform her work in social justice, expressive arts therapy, and culturally responsive counseling. She holds an AA from Touro University and a BA in Psychology, and is currently pursuing advanced studies in Clinical Psychology while working as an ABA Counselor at Melmark, supporting individuals with behavioral needs. Elizabeth aims to open a
private practice that integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive arts, and neuropsychotherapy for marginalized communities, immigrants, and refugees. She
serves on the Youth Advisory Board for New Yorkers for Children and speaks publicly to advocate for foster youth.

Beyond her work in mental health, she is a model who challenges industry beauty standards and promotes body positivity. Elizabeth is also a proud mother to her daughter, Nova, and is committed to helping her embrace her Afro-Puerto Rican heritage and love for the arts. Through storytelling, advocacy, and care, Elizabeth is dedicated to uplifting others and creating spaces for healing.

Tanya Moronge
Tanya MorongeIntern
My name is Tanya Moronge, and I am a second-year Master’s student at the University of Pennsylvania with over a decade of experience in mental health and wellness. My work is rooted in a holistic approach that honors the deep connection between mind, body, and soul. I believe mental health is just as vital as physical health, and I approach healing through a sociocultural lens, recognizing the impact of systemic barriers on individual well-being. I am passionate about supporting immigrants, minorities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals on their personal growth journeys. My practice integrates mindfulness and somatic-based techniques within a trauma-informed framework to foster brave, healing spaces. Drawing from psychodynamic, gestalt, feminist, DBT, and mindfulness-based approaches, I tailor each session to meet the unique needs of every client. I believe in the power of slowing down, listening deeply, and creating space for people to reconnect with themselves on their own terms.
Truth Mjumbe
Truth MjumbeIntern
Truth Mjumbe is a counseling intern in the Master of Philosophy in
Education (M.Phil.Ed.) Professional Counseling Program at the University
of Pennsylvania and a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Morehouse College
with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in computer science.
His clinical and research interests center on memory, aging, and culturally
responsive tools to support Black elders facing grief, loss, and cognitive
decline. As the founder of Recall Aid, a digital memory support platform
being studied in multiple U.S. communities, he is committed to integrating
evidence-based counseling with culturally grounded innovation. Through
his internship with the Black Brain Campaign, Truth provides affirming
care to older adults while furthering his dedication to holistic,
community-centered mental health, with a long-term goal of advancing
understanding and support of memory across the lifespan through
compassionate clinical work and scalable, tech-driven solutions.
Taleah Gainey
Taleah GaineyIntern
Athena Gainey is thrilled to join The Black Brain Campaign as an intern. Athena joins us from the PASS Study Team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where she served as a Clinical Research Assistant/Community Health Partner. Athena assisted in research for parent training interventions for families of children with ADHD. Prior to her role in PASS, she worked in health equity and identity formation research at Ursinus College and UNC Chapel Hill. She is passionate about advancing equitable reproductive health outcomes, intergenerational mental health, and is enthusiastic about continuing her career and education with The Black Brain Campaign team. Athena is also enrolled as a graduate student in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania for counseling psychology with aims of working in family counseling and family planning.
Najla Ross-Green
Najla Ross-GreenIntern
Najla Ross-Green is a first-year graduate student in the Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) School and Mental Health Counseling program at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hampton University and holds a Master of Science in psychology.

She brings several years of experience as a Medical Case Manager within Penn Medicine’s Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinics, where she has coordinated care for patients across specialized programs in psychiatry and psychotherapy. She is especially passionate about supporting individuals navigating life transitions, relational challenges, and the pursuit of balance and emotional well-being.

Through her work, she is committed to integrating evidence-based counseling practices with cultural humility and advocacy, with the long-term goal of advancing accessible, holistic mental health care in diverse communities. She strives to combine compassionate clinical practice with a strong dedication to equity, empowerment, and client-centered growth.

Jalani Chapman
Jalani ChapmanIntern
Jalani Chapman is in their final year of the Marriage and Family Therapy program at La Salle University. Through their work with children as a behavioral health technician and patients as a mental health services navigator, they have seen the impacts of what the absence of and barriers to mental health care can do.
Jalani graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a B.A. in Anthropology and a minor in Sexuality and Gender Studies. Learning from the culture and experience of others was an influential factor in their choice to pursue anthropology, and is an even more significant one in their decision to become a therapist. They believe that alongside our individual differences there are common experiences that we share as humans. Among those are loneliness, trust, grief, love, anger, and joy. Therapy can provide a healthy environment that is safe and nonjudgmental for emotional and mental processing. Their goal is to normalize therapy and make mental health services accessible, especially for individuals from low-income backgrounds, underserved communities, and the LGBTQ+ populations. Jalani approaches therapy through a relational, strengths-based, person-centered lens and uses Narrative and Feminist theory.

She brings several years of experience as a Medical Case Manager within Penn Medicine’s Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinics, where she has coordinated care for patients across specialized programs in psychiatry and psychotherapy. She is especially passionate about supporting individuals navigating life transitions, relational challenges, and the pursuit of balance and emotional well-being.

Through her work, she is committed to integrating evidence-based counseling practices with cultural humility and advocacy, with the long-term goal of advancing accessible, holistic mental health care in diverse communities. She strives to combine compassionate clinical practice with a strong dedication to equity, empowerment, and client-centered growth.

Shanel Coghiel
Shanel CoghielIntern
My name is Shanel Coghiel, and I am a graduate student at Capella University pursuing a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as a graduate certificate in Counseling with a specialization in Addictive Behavior. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Pre-Counseling focus.

I am passionate about supporting individuals and families in improving their relationships, strengthening communication, healing from grief and trauma, and managing stress to enhance overall well-being. My therapeutic approach draws from Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Bowen Family Systems Theory, allowing me to guide clients toward practical solutions while considering the influence of family dynamics across generations.

My mission is to create a safe and trustworthy space where individuals feel seen, heard, and understood. I am honored to be a part of The Black Brain Campaign’s mission to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community. My goal is to serve as both a representative and an advocate for mental health, empowering individuals to navigate life’s challenges and create meaningful, lasting change.

Dionne T. Johnson
Dionne T. JohnsonIntern
Dionne T. Johnson, M.Ed., M.A. is a mental health professional with over 20 years of
experience in child development, family therapy, and special education. She specializes in strengthening relationships, improving communication, and creating therapeutic spaces where individuals and families feel empowered to grow.
Tahirah Thea Gaillard
Tahirah Thea GaillardIntern
Tahirah Thea Gaillard, MS is a therapist, life coach, educator, author, podcast host, and sound healer committed to supporting individuals in living with clarity, resilience, and purpose. She integrates narrative therapy, somatic practices, and a deep appreciation for EMDR into her work, helping clients process their stories, reconnect with their bodies, and find new pathways to healing. With a background in mental health and wellness, Tahirah combines evidence-based approaches with holistic care that respects both the mind and spirit. As the founder of The Well-Center, she creates spaces for growth and transformation through therapy, coaching, and restorative workshops. She also hosts the Tea Time podcast, where she explores the intersection of faith, mental health, and storytelling to encourage rest and renewal. Guided by the belief that love is sacred and joy is medicine, Tahirah walks alongside clients on their journey toward wholeness, self-connection, and meaningful relationships.

Michelle Kane
Michelle Kane Intern
I am a mobile therapist with over ten years of experience in the field of mental health. I earned a bachelor’s degree in behavioral health and a master’s degree in clinical counseling from Alvernia University. My professional background includes providing outpatient and inpatient therapy for individuals of all ages, conducting clinical assessments, participating in case consultations, and making referrals for services. I specialize ni offering comprehensive mental health support, focusing on areas such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), work- related stress, relationship challenges, and substance use.

With compassionate and client-centered philosophy, I utilize a person-centered approach, drawing from evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices and Psychodynamic. Iam passionate about creating a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore and process their emotions while developing healthy coping strategies.
In my free time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family

Davonyaa Christy
Davonyaa ChristyIntern
I am a dedicated mental health professional with diverse experience in behavioral health counseling, multisystemic therapy, service coordination, and group facilitation. I hold a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Holy Family University. I am committed to empowering youth and families through evidence-based practices, compassionate support, and collaborative partnerships.
Ayanna Malik
Ayanna MalikIntern
Ayanna Malik is a Howard University graduate with a B.S. in Psychology and minors in Business Administration and Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies. She is currently pursuing her M.Phil.Ed. in Professional Counseling at the University of Pennsylvania. Passionate about mental health equity and culturally responsive care for Black and LGBTQ+ communities, Ayanna aims to earn a doctorate, teach at an HBCU, and open an inclusive private practice. In her free time, she enjoys music, travel, museums, basketball, reading, and spending time with loved ones.
Sultan Saleem-BrownAdministrative Assistant

The Black Brain Campaign was founded in 2016 by Farida E. Boyer and Jaynay C. Johnson. Farida is currently the Executive Director of BBC LEAP. Farida’s vision is to increase the number of Black Licensed therapists by providing an opportunity for training, supervision and clinical experience. Farida continues to advocate for mental health and encourages other to seek mental health treatment.

The Black Brain Campaign helps the community learn more about mental health and advocates to ensure therapy treatment includes cultural humility. Since its inception, BBC has hosted and have been partners of over 50 events. Currently, BBC is providing free therapy treatment and assisting Black clinicians in completing Pennsylvania’s licensure requirements for Marriage & Family Therapy, and Professional Counseling as well as assisting Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in becoming Approved Supervisors with the American Association of Marriage & Family Therapist.

“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.”

“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.”

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.”


Joanna McClinton, State Representative 191st Legislative District of Pennsylvania

“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.”


Morgan Cephas, State Representative 192nd Legislative District of Pennsylvania
“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.”
Sahir Muhammad
“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.”
Isabelle Gauthier
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!! 
Schante Frazier

Eradicate the stigma of mental health in the black community!

“Removing the stigma of mental health through community education and advocacy.”