About Us

Erika Saunders, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work

Erika is a compassionate and highly experienced Clinical Supervisee in Social Work with more than 12 years of experience in the mental and behavioral health field. Known for her grounded, authentic, and empowering approach, Erika is committed to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, strengthen emotional wellness, and move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Throughout her career, Erika has supported diverse populations across a variety of clinical and community-based treatment settings. Her areas of focus include emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, behavioral health concerns, relationship challenges, life transitions, and the development of healthy coping skills.

Erika brings a powerful combination of clinical knowledge, real-world experience, accountability, and genuine human connection to the therapeutic process. She understands that every client’s journey is unique and intentionally tailors treatment to meet each individual’s needs, strengths, goals, and personal experiences.

Her therapeutic style is supportive, direct, and solution-focused. Erika creates a safe and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, respected, and encouraged to explore difficult emotions while developing practical tools for meaningful change. She believes therapy is more than conversation it is a purposeful and strategic process of healing, self-discovery, growth, and elevation.

Erika is passionate about helping clients break unhealthy patterns, rediscover their strengths, establish healthier boundaries, build resilience, and step confidently into the best version of themselves. She provides both compassion and constructive challenge, empowering clients to take ownership of their healing while recognizing that they do not have to navigate the process alone.

Outside of her professional work, Erika values balance, creativity, and meaningful experiences. She enjoys DIY projects, cooking, traveling, exploring the outdoors, and embracing new adventures. She views creativity and exploration as powerful ways to recharge, gain perspective, and remain connected to joy.

Erika is not only committed to supporting her clients’ growth she strives to model continued growth in her own life. Her mission is to inspire confidence, resilience, healing, and lasting transformation in every individual she has the privilege of serving.

Rahzel Atkinson, MSW Intern

Rahzel Atkinson, BSW, is from Virginia and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Driven by a deep dedication to helping others, Rahzel believes that everyone deserves respectful treatment, timely support, and a nonjudgmental space to heal and grow. Rahzel emphasizes the power of encouragement and practical support in improving lives, and strives to be a consistent source of stability for clients.

In practice, Rahzel uses relatability and a strengths-based approach to build trust, ensuring that clients understand they are in a safe, supportive environment. Rahzel has a passion for working with youth, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the future, and values the opportunity to mentor and guide young people, especially within communities facing economic hardship and trauma. Rahzel is committed to linking families and communities to essential resources, fostering collaboration, and promoting resilience in low-income areas through compassionate, client-centered care.

Leilani Riddick, MSW Intern

Leilani Riddick, BSW, is originally from Queens, New York, and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and eventually earning a Doctor of Social Work (DSW). Driven by a passion for advocacy and social justice, Leilani believes in creating safe, nurturing spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, supported, and empowered. She is especially passionate about advocating for marginalized youth and addressing the systemic barriers that can impact their access to resources, support, and opportunities.

In practice, Leilani values a compassionate, culturally responsive, and strengths-based approach that recognizes each individual’s experiences, identity, and resilience. She has a particular interest in supporting Black women throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and other stages of perinatal care while increasing awareness of the disparities and stigma that can affect their experiences. Leilani is also passionate about travel and learning from different cultures and communities. Her long-term vision is to combine her interests in social work, travel, and social justice through travel social work, using those experiences to strengthen her ability to advocate for healing, equity, and empowerment within marginalized communities.

Cedric Alexander, MSW Intern

Cedric Alexander, BSW, is a Virginia State University graduate and is currently pursuing his Master of Social Work (MSW) through the Advanced Standing program at the University of Kentucky, with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). With over a decade of experience in behavioral health and human services, Cedric is passionate about mental health, advocacy, and supporting individuals and families as they navigate life challenges. He believes in meeting people where they are, recognizing their strengths, and ensuring they feel respected, supported, and empowered throughout the helping process.

In practice, Cedric brings experience in social services, discharge planning, care coordination, and community-based support, which has strengthened his understanding of the importance of connecting individuals and families with the right resources at the right time. He values a compassionate, person-centered approach and is committed to creating supportive spaces where individuals can openly address their needs and work toward meaningful change. Through his clinical development, Cedric hopes to continue strengthening his therapeutic skills while integrating his years of professional experience with evidence-based social work practice. His long-term goal is to provide meaningful, accessible mental health support that helps individuals and families build stability, resilience, and an improved quality of life.

Diesha Williams, MSW Intern

Diesha Williams, B.A., is a Norfolk State University graduate with a degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Virginia State University with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). With experience across community-based services, residential settings, behavioral health, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Diesha has developed a passion for mental health, advocacy, and helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. She believes in meeting people where they are, recognizing the strengths they already possess, and creating a supportive environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered.

In practice, Diesha brings experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, including individuals with behavioral health needs and Veterans navigating various systems, resources, and life transitions. Her professional experiences have strengthened her commitment to compassionate, person-centered care and her belief that meaningful helping relationships are built through trust, empathy, respect, and genuine connection. Diesha is passionate about supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges, personal growth, and major life transitions while helping them identify resources, build resilience, and work toward meaningful change. Her long-term goal is to become an LCSW and establish a private practice where individuals can receive therapeutic support in a compassionate, welcoming, and judgment-free environment.