After competing in the National Football League for ten seasons, I retired with the hope of chasing a deferred dream. I’ve always desired to share my life experiences with those who might benefit from them. I had neither a roadmap nor a mentor who could provide guidance and insight.

Fortunately, an acquaintance from college provided me with the opportunity to serve as the director of player development for my alma mater, the University of South Carolina. The position focused on assisting student-athletes with their transition to college sports and providing personalized support throughout their collegiate experience. This afforded me the opportunity to have one-on-one discussions with players regarding their personal concerns and career prospects.

I served in that capacity for five years before accepting an opportunity to support my local United Way as its youth program manager. During my eighteen months of service to United Way, my mission as the youth program manager was to coordinate a community coalition committed to recognizing and responding to the impact of childhood trauma. As the youth program manager, I was also tasked with facilitating community awareness events on adverse childhood experiences (ACES) to further educate the community on toxic stress.

One important lesson I learned during my tenure as youth program manager was that I was woefully unequipped for the position. I simply didn’t know enough about toxic stress or how to recognize childhood trauma and properly respond to it. During one of the community events that I organized, an agitated eight-year-old threatened to kill me. I had asked him to leave cookies for the rest of the group, and he was triggered by my request. I had an overwhelming desire to learn the details of his situation because I had an inkling that his story mirrored my own.

I searched for resources that could help me better serve an already underserved community; a community in which I’m deeply rooted. I knew that I needed to learn everything I could about toxic stress, childhood trauma, and the experiences of the children I so desperately wanted to help. After carefully researching my options, I decided to further my education with the goal of becoming a licensed professional counselor. In my opinion, there aren’t enough black males in the industry. Maybe my athletic career and background will help build credibility with men having similar aspirations. I wasvcompelled to obtain my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. I returned to my alma mater to intern as a counselor in training. Now as a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-A), I’m committed to doing the work and serving my community.​

 

A Good Man

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Credentials and Background:

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Bachelor of Science in SPTE from The University of South Carolina
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South University
Executive Education in Athlete Development from The Wharton School, UPenn

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Personal Statement

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Challenge Your Self. The most important liberty is the freedom to be one’s authentic self. Often we trade in what’s real for role-play, theatrical performances we believe to be more appealing and entertaining to public audiences. We construct false narratives and get lost in the melodramatic portrayals.

Psychotherapy increases self-awareness by broadening personal perspective and creating progressive solutions to regain a sense of self. By removing the social mask and being more accepting of the work needed for personal transformation, we rewrite our stories.

I specialize in Individuation, the distinct manner in which we identify from others. Together we bring internal conflicts into awareness and reconstruct the perception of external adversities. The goal for all clients includes an alliance of emotional intelligence, mental transparency, and overall wellness, which increases life satisfaction.

I’ve engaged in psychological warfare. As a former professional athlete, I’m well-versed in mental manipulation and its’ ability to distort thoughts; stifling potential. My personal experience has enhanced my skills as an LPC-A, intensifying my desire to improve the quality of life of my clients.

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