Founder & Executive Director
Kawanna Ward
​DCC, LCSW, CSAC, CSOTP, RPT-S

Dr. Ward is a Doctor of Christian Counseling, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider, and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. Since 1997, Dr. Ward has been committed to providing effective mental health and substance abuse treatment services to underserved populations. Dr. Ward is a proud member of the Suffolk Rotary, Portsmouth Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a Board Member of the Suffolk YMCA, and an active philanthropist in her community. She is also the CEO/Senior Clinical Director of Providence Psychological Services, Inc.

​Assistant Executive Director
Kellie Evans
LCSW, CSOTP

Kellie joins us with more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, clinical mental health expertise, and a passion to serve our community.

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BOARD MEMBERS

Chairman
Renee L. White
BSW, C-CDF

Mrs. White holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia and is a Certified Consumer Directed Facilitator. She has more than 20 years of experience in the field of social work, with a career focus in case management, adults with disabilities, seniors, and prison re-entry. ​Mrs. White is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.​

Treasurer
Lateacia Sessoms
LPC, RPT

Mrs. Sessoms, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. As a native of Suffolk, VA, and the proud owner of Connecting Communities, LLC, Mrs. Sessoms is a passionate leader in the community with more than 15 years of professional clinical experience serving underserved individuals, families, and communities.

Secretary
Renee T. Sandifer
BS, QIDP, QMHP

Mrs. Sandifier is a native of Norfolk, VA and a graduate of Old Dominion University. She has more than 15 years of experience with the Intellecutal Disabilites (ID) population and is the proud owner of Essential Family Services where she assists individuals with ID in reaching their full potential.

Larry Brunson
MBA

Mr. Brunson serves as the Workforce Development Center coordinator for the city of Suffolk, and is also on the board of directors of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP). Mr. Brunson is a Certified Workforce Development Professional holding a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in project management and human resource management.

Vernon Ward

Mr. Ward is a retired employee of the Commonwealth of Virginia after 35 years of service. He is a servant leader who is dedicated to serving the underserved. Mr. Ward spends his retirement volunteering and serving the underserved.

Virginia Ward

Mrs. Ward is a retired "stay-at-home grandma" and professional volunteer. As a native of a rural underserved area, she is passionate about meeting the needs of marginalized individuals, families, and communities.

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THERAPISTS

Therapist
Daria Willis
BSW, MSW

Therapist
Terry Kenworthy
LCSW, CSTOP

She is a outpatient therapist for Blakey Weaver Counseling Center. She have been with this organization since 2020. In conjunction with Blakey Weaver, she work as a mental health Professional at Western Tidewater Free Clinic. She also perform mental health assessments as an admission coordinator with Riverside Behavioral Health Center. She have experience within social services setting as well as the court system. She received her BSW at Norfolk State University and MSW at Virginia Commonwealth University. She's currently working towards her licensure to be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Terry is a graduate of Virginia Wesleyan College (B.A. Psychology, 2007) and Virginia Commonwealth University (M.S.W., 2018).  He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Certified Sex Offender treatment Provider (CSOTP), with experience treating adolescents who have exhibited sexually abusive behaviors.  Terry is passionate about working with children, adolescents and adults.

Therapist
Sheridan A. Meriwether
MSW, CSTOP, Supervisee in Social Work

Sheridan (she/her) is a Supervisee in Social Work and a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider for children and youth. She received a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Children, Youth and Families from Delaware State University in 2009.  Sheridan joined Blakey Weaver in 2023 as a clinician and virtual administrative assistant. She has a passion for empowering the family unit to heal after traumatic experiences and overcome obstacles and challenges. Sheridan has been providing outpatient services for over 7 years with clients ranging from teens to adults and currently sees clients via telehealth. She received certification as a Trained Adoption Competent therapist in 2018. She utilizes frameworks to include person-centered, strengths-based, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).  Sheridan also received her Virtual Assistant Certification in 2022, and she provides administrative support to our team.

Therapist
Ashlee Collister
LCSW, CSTOP

Mrs. Collister is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of New England. She is a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider (CSOTP) and works with youths who have sexually problematic behaviors. She provides counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, and families with specialties in family conflict, sexual abuse, childhood trauma, autism spectrum, and relationship issues. For treatment approaches, she utilizes EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused, play therapy, and always provides a judgment-free zone. She strives to help individuals process what has happened to them and believes that no one is defined by their trauma. In her free time, you’ll find her rock climbing outdoors, basking in the sunshine, and attending concerts.

Therapist
Arielle Shipp
LPC, PMH-C

Therapist
Oxana Radich
MSW, Supervisee in Social Work

Arielle Shipp is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia.  She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Virginia and her Master’s Degree in Urban Education Community Counseling from Norfolk State University.  Arielle has worked with Community Based Services including Mental Health Skill Building and Intensive In-home Services prior to Outpatient Services and has over 14 years of experience.  Arielle is certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).  She provides counseling services to individuals and families using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a focus on trauma, Maternal Mental Health, and Perinatal Mood Disorders.  

Oxana Radich (she/her) is a supervisee in social work who received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work from Norfolk State University. Being born in a foreign country, the Soviet Union, and later raised in Kazakhstan, Central Asia, she enjoys working with culturally and ethnically diverse individuals. For the past three years, she has worked with young children, youths, and adults in various settings. She acquired experience working with young children, ages 3-5, in a child daycare center, and with youths by facilitating an afterschool program and co-facilitating a Youth Trauma Group. Additionally, she provided support services to middle school children in the school environment. With adult clients, Oxana has experience serving hospice patients, co-facilitating a prison re-entry group, a parenting group, as well as providing outpatient counseling services. She recognizes that some of her clients’ circumstances are caused by past psychological traumas in their lives, and therefore, for several years, she has been acquiring education and training in trauma-informed care. Oxana firmly believes that every person has strengths and talents, and is able to overcome difficulties and thrive with adequate support and care.

ADMIN TEAM

MBA, HR Manager, ​Admin Director
​LaToya Shine Greene

Mrs. LaToya Greene holds a Master of Business Administration focusing on marketing, advertising, and public relations. She has over 20 years of experience working with community service organizations.
Mrs. Greene is a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Mocha Moms, Inc.

Virtual Administrator
​Marielle Ann D.V. Ballera

Affectionately known as "Ma-an," she holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from the University of La Consolacion, Philippines (formerly University of Regina Carmeli). She was born and raised in the Philippines. Ma-an joined the Blakey Weaver Counseling Center team in June 2022, and she is currently working virtually. She is a happy and self-driven professional in customer service, cultivating relationships with clients and providing exceptional customer service. She consistently puts forth honest effort. Ma-an is deeply committed to volunteering at her local church and has accumulated over nine years of experience in philanthropy and customer service. She exudes warmth and a strong family orientation. She enjoys eating, reading, and spending time with her loved ones.

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Data Manager
​Dora Marie Parson

Retired with 26 years Customer Service with Kmart Corp. A loving and God fearing mother of two children, and grandmother of 6 awesome grandchildren. Originally from Gary, Indiana, graduate of Roosevelt High School, class of 1975. Relocated to VA in 2006. Active member of the YMCA. I love the water fitness classes and enjoy walking outside, traveling, reading, coloring and spending quality time with family and friends. Living this life, to LIVE again!!!!