Meet the Experts

Cathy is a school psychologist who works with schools and the community to support our youth in becoming their best selves. Cathy believes that supporting and improving the systems and the adults in our youth’s lives is essential to their learning and healthy development. 

Louisana native, Cathy worked and served in the Memphis community for the last ten years. She started her journey in Memphis as a school psychologist with Memphis City Schools. Working in the public school and mental health systems provided the experiences that helped Cathy understand and navigate through the barriers that our youth, schools, and community face in serving the whole child. 

As a school psychologist, Cathy is trained in implementing and evaluating multi-tiered systems of support, data and program evaluation, counseling, consultation, and intervention. In the last five years, Cathy completed a multitude of training focused on social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, culturally-responsive practices, adverse childhood experiences, crisis assessment, and strategies supporting positive school climates. In 2018, Cathy was awarded the CMO Impact Award for her work within a local charter school network. 

Cathy’s current passions are helping break the school-to-prison pipeline, eliminating the stigma around mental health, creating equitable access to resources and mental health support for the Memphis community, and supporting schools, adults, and families who want to learn how to support the social-emotional development of not only themselves but also the youth in their lives. At her core, Cathy loves training, coaching, and supporting the adults who enrich our youth’s lives. 

Cathy holds a Master’s degree in School Psychology from the University of Central Arkansas and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Louisiana Tech University. 

Dr. Shaneika Smith is a South Carolina native and was raised in McClellanville, SC. From an early age, she had an interest in psychology and advocacy, framed by early experiences advocating for her younger sister that was born with unique abilities associated with cerebral palsy. Dr. Smith attended the University of South Carolina- Columbia, where she majored in Experiential Psychology and minored in African American Studies. She received her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of South Carolina-Columbia in 2005. After receiving this degree. Dr. Smith followed her dream of helping children and families by working as a counselor at a residential facility in Memphis, TN. Her work at this residential facility prompted her to change course and work in the preventative sector of mental health. In 2008, Dr. Smith entered the School Counseling Master's Degree program at the University of Memphis, and she graduated in 2010.

After graduating from the University of Memphis,  Dr. Smith worked as the lead crisis counselor for the TN Recovery Program and worked to assist families in the MidSouth that were displaced and otherwise impacted by the flood that impacted the Midsouth in 2010. After two years of supporting children and families in this role, Dr. Smith was hired as a school counselor in the inaugural year of a charter school founded in North Memphis. During her tenure as a school counselor, Dr. Smith was an integral component in creating systems and processes that addressed school climate, equitable practices, and systems that supported the 'whole child'. Her ability to build relationships both in the school and with external partners and her ability to re-imagine wrap-around services for children and families catapulted her to the position of School Counseling Coordinator for an urban charter network in 2016.

In an effort to hone her skills in mental health and counselor supervision, Dr. Smith enrolled in the Ph.D. program in the area of Counselor Supervision at the University of Memphis in 2015 and graduated in 2020. Dr. Smith now desires to use her expertise as a school counselor, school counseling supervisor, and mental health clinician to provide contracted counseling services and consultation to area school networks, businesses, and organizations. 

Hailing from the vibrant city of Memphis, Kimberly's innate desire to make a difference ignited at a young age. While her journey began with aspirations of becoming a medical doctor, her path soon evolved into a desire to help people with their mental health wellness.  

While pursuing her Bachelor's degree at The University of Memphis, Kimberly shifted her degree to Sociology with her sights set on a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health. Throughout her time as a student in the counseling program, she engaged with individuals across generations - children and adults who were grappling with abuse or struggling with dual diagnosis challenges. Her commitment to her craft was evident as she continued to champion the well-being of both young minds and grown spirits. 

After obtaining her Master’s degree in Counseling, Kimberly worked with children and families in both residential and in-home settings. Armed with a treasure trove of evidence-based practices, she not only provided unwavering care but also shared her expertise by assisting with the training of clinical interns and educating community organizations on the need for early intervention, as well as, the impact of childhood and intergenerational trauma. During this time,  Kimberly became a Nationally Certified Trauma-Focused, Cognitive Behavioral therapist (TF-CBT). 

Her experience with clinical training and community education propelled her to pursue a Ph.D. in Counseling, Education, and Supervision at the University of Memphis; Kimberely anticipates completing her doctoral degree in the fall of 2023. 

Kimberly continues to harness her extensive experience and passion by offering transformative, therapeutic services to children and adults within our community. Her therapeutic foundation rests upon the pillars of profound understanding, unwavering compassion, and an unyielding drive to aid others in cultivating essential skills needed to realize and embrace their fullest potential.

Meet Brittain Wells, a Memphis native and board-certified behavior analyst, who brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal passion to her work. As a devoted wife and mother, she is deeply committed to fostering positive behavior change that promotes growth and independence for individuals and communities alike.

With a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Memphis and a Master's degree specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis and Organizational Behavioral Management, Brittain's academic journey laid a solid foundation for her career.

Over the past 12 years, Brittain has made significant contributions to the Memphis community. She has provided invaluable behavioral therapy to neuro-diverse youth in school and community settings, offered training to parents, teachers, and leaders on effective behavioral strategies, and championed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within organizations. Currently, she focuses on collaborating with organizations and communities to instigate transformative and enduring change within their systems.

As a passionate advocate, Brittain dedicates herself to helping caretakers navigate the challenges of supporting loved ones with autism. She empowers families, educators, and caretakers with the knowledge needed to advocate for children requiring extra support, ensuring their success in both school and life. Additionally, Brittain is deeply committed to improve understanding and support to justice-involved youth on their path to success.

Brittain is committed to leveraging her expertise to uplift her community. She works tirelessly to equip individuals with the tools to support youth with disabilities and collaborates with community and business leaders to shift societal thinking and their corresponding behaviors towards both an authentic inclusivity and crime prevention. Through her dedication, Brittain strives to create a thriving, diverse, and equitable community for all.