From Dream Job to New Dreams: My Journey in Behavioral Health and Beyond

If you had told me a few years back that I'd be writing this as a single Black mom, pushing through a doctorate at a PWI, and running my own consulting business, I probably would've laughed it off. Or maybe cried a little, because back then, I was just doing what I thought was the dream: securing my spot as a VP in a behavioral health nonprofit. To me, that was everything I'd worked for—my dream job. But life has a funny way of flipping the script.

Getting There: The Dream Job

After years of dedication, I landed a VP position that felt like a dream come true. I was working in behavioral health, doing what I loved: leading, creating impact, and working with folks who needed it the most. It was a big deal, especially for a single mom like me who had already beaten so many odds. I was finally where I wanted to be, or so I thought. But, as some of us know, even dreams can be taken away in a heartbeat.

When I lost that job, I felt like my whole world turned upside down. The imposter syndrome kicked in heavy. Who am I to start over? Can I really build something from scratch? It was a feeling that dug deep, a little voice telling me I wasn’t ready or good enough. But there was another part of me that knew better—a part that reminded me of everything I’d accomplished and the passion that had brought me this far.

Navigating Motherhood, School, and a Whole Lot of Pressure

This journey was never easy, especially being a single mom and a PhD student at a predominantly white institution (PWI). Being in that space, you’re often reminded that you don’t quite fit the mold. I was juggling coursework, motherhood, and the responsibilities of my job, all while feeling like I had to prove myself over and over again. There were days when I didn’t know if I could keep up, and days when I didn’t want to. But as any single mom knows, you don’t just get to quit. You keep pushing, no matter how heavy it gets.

That pressure pushed me to keep growing, even when it was hard. I was on a path, making a difference for other Black families and making sure that our voices and experiences were heard. When I lost that job, it wasn’t just about the paycheck; it felt like my purpose was stripped away.

The Pivot: Starting My Own Consulting Business

Starting a business was never really in my plans. But sometimes, when life takes something from you, it’s only because there’s a different path waiting. So, I leaned into that fear, that doubt, and pushed forward with my consulting business. Healing Bells was born not out of certainty but out of resilience and the need to keep my passion alive.

Imposter syndrome and anxiety were real, though. Starting a business in mental health—specifically focused on Black families and making mental health accessible to our people—was terrifying. But each step forward was a step toward something that felt right. I wanted to make sure that families who looked like mine could get the support they needed in a language they understood. I wanted to create a safe space where cultural authenticity wasn’t just accepted but celebrated.

Finding My Passion

So here I am, still in that PhD program, still raising my child, and now building something that’s deeply personal and fulfilling. My passion has always been about making mental health accessible, especially for African American families. I want to make sure that we all have access to the resources, the care, and the support we need to thrive. My dream might look different now, but it feels even more real, even more meaningful.