Meet Our Board Members

Founder/Executive Director/Chair
Kawanna Ward
​DCC, LCSW, CSAC, CSOTP, RPT-S, ADS

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, a founding member of Visionaries for Change, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and an active philanthropist in her community. 

Vice Chair
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.

Secretary
Veronica Bell-Robinson
MBA

Veronica Bell-Robinson is a Certified Residential Appraiser, dedicated philanthropist, and active member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She brings extensive expertise in real estate valuation, community leadership, and service to others. Her passion for strengthening families and communities makes her a valuable member of the Blakey Weaver Counseling Center, Inc. Board of Directors.

General Board Member
Vernon Ward

Treasurer
Virginia Ward

Ms. Ward retired from retail management, and spends her retirement crafting and volunteering. 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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General Board Member
Sharon Waters
​PhD

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.

As the Chief Executive Officer of Innovative Grant Concepts, Inc., Dr. Watters os celebrating  over 40 years of successful grantsmanship experience in government, Defense, NASA, non-profit, educational, corporate and foundation sectors. Served as lead grant writer resulting in over $50 million in awards. Dr. Waters is a founding member of Visionaries for Change, and a proud active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 
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Meet Our Main Therapists

Therapist
Sheridan A. Meriwether
LCSW, CSTOP

Therapist
Oxana Radich
MSW, Supervisee in Social Work

Sheridan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider for children and youth. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Delaware State University and joined Blakey Weaver Counseling Center in 2023 as a clinician and virtual administrative assistant. With over seven years of outpatient experience, she specializes in trauma-informed care, utilizing person-centered, strengths-based, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) approaches to help individuals and families heal and thrive.

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.

Meet Our Administrative Team

HR Manager/Admin Director
​LaToya Shine Greene
MBA

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.

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!!!!