Dr. Kenyuatia L. Gash is an esteemed figure in the realm of social work and mental health, bringing forth a rich tapestry of 20 years of experience. Independently licensed to practice as a Clinical Social Worker she is the foundation and visionary behind VA SMILE Foundation, Inc. Beyond therapeutic interventions, Dr. Gash has become a beacon for professional development and extends her expertise into areas of clinical supervision, mental health consultations, trainings and transformative business and professional coaching services.
Dr. Gash has meticulously sharpened her expertise in evidence-based psychotherapies tailored for PTSD and trauma disorders, emphasizing Cognitive Processing Therapy, EMDR, Dialectal Behavior Therapy, and Mindfulness-based interventions. She is Board-Certified Diplomat in Clinical Social Work, a Certified Master Addiction Counselor, Compassion Fatigue Professional, Qualified and Board approved clinical supervisor, an EMDR Certified Therapist and EMDR Consultant in Training. Furthermore, she serves as a Regional Trainer & Consultant in both Cognitive Processing Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Substance Use Disorder for the Department of Veteran Affairs.
At her core, Dr. Gash life's mission is to empower community members with resources to live a life full of Hope, Promise and Fulfillment. Dr. Gash also is the CEO and Senior Clinical Director of KL Gash & Associates and KL Gash Coaching and Consulting Services, LLC.
Lila Elliott is an accomplished mental health professional with a rich background and dedication to serving her community. As a woman of color, Lila brings a unique and essential perspective to her work, aiming to address and bridge the mental health provider shortage, particularly among diverse communities. Holding two master's degrees, one in Human Services Counseling and another in Social Work, Lila is well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to make a significant impact in her field. Currently, Lila is advancing her education as a doctoral candidate, focusing on social work education and trauma-informed care for women of color.
With over 18 years of experience, Lila has specialized in trauma, substance abuse, suicide prevention, and crisis intervention. Lila Elliott’s career is marked by her unwavering dedication to enhancing mental health services and fostering inclusivity within the field. Her work continues to inspire change and empower individuals and communities, particularly those most in need of compassionate and informed care.
Dr. Lenora Carpenter, honorably served 20 years in the United States Air Force; and 12 years with the Veterans Health Administration. Dr. Carpenter is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner, Approved Clinical Supervisor, and a National Certified Counselor. In addition, Dr. Carpenter is an lecturer, researcher- PTSD; military and racial trauma; multicultural issues; social justice and advocacy; behavioral health services for individuals experiencing depression and suicidal ideations; and treatment of substance use disorders coinciding with serious mental illness. Carpenter is a member of the American Counseling Association, the Chi Sigma Iota International Honor Society for Professional Counselors, the National Board of Certified Counselors, Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors, and the Association and Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision.
Mr. Anthony Harris, is a highly skilled licensed clinical social worker and a proud U.S. Army veteran with extensive experience across multiple domains, including veterans' mental health, substance abuse, at-risk youth, and homelessness. As the owner of Resiliency Mental Health Services and Co-Founder of Harris Quality Care Services, LLC, Mr. Harris is dedicated to bridging gaps in mental health care and support for underserved and disenfranchised communities. His compassionate approach and commitment to service define his work, guiding individuals toward resilience and stability in the face of life’s challenges.
Mr. Harris holds a Bachelors degree in Human Services and Social Welfare from Old Dominion University and a Masters degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University. He resides in Newport News with his beautiful wife and six children.
Through his leadership, Mr. Harris works tirelessly to provide vital resources, empowerment, and advocacy to those in need, remaining deeply committed to uplifting and transforming lives in his community.
Dr. Fred Scott is an accomplished Licensed Professional Counselor with years of experience in the mental health field from Suffolk, Virginia. He has worked over 17 years for the Federal Government in various jobs and for different agencies before deciding to start his own private practice, Black Excellence and Mental Health in 2023. He is also a United States Air Force Veteran.
He received his Doctorate in Counseling and Psychological Studies from Regent University in 2023. He holds a master's degree from Walden University in marriage, couples, and family counseling, as well as a bachelor's in psychology from Old Dominion University.
His expertise lies in utilizing solution-focused brief therapy, a unique approach that emphasizes client collaboration and prompt problem-solving. Dr. Scott offers a range of virtual therapy services, encompassing individual sessions for both new and existing patients. He also provides specialized virtual couples therapy, allowing couples to access professional support from the comfort of their own homes.
From the outset of his relationship with a patient, Dr. Scott emphasizes defining the optimal outcome of therapy and actively devises a plan to achieve it by harnessing resources, leveraging personal history, and forecasting future scenarios. Each session thereafter focuses on fine-tuning this approach and maintaining the progress achieved.
Dr. Scott's patient care style is characterized by collaboration, proactivity, and a future-oriented perspective. He believes in the power of therapy to not only resolve existing issues but also to equip individuals and couples with the tools they need to navigate future challenges confidently and effectively. His keen attention to individual needs and circumstances allows him to provide personalized care tailored to each patient's journey.
Evie Woods, LCSW, is a phenomenal Licensed Clinical Social Worker currently practicing in Virginia and Georgia. With 17 years of dedicated service at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Evie brings a wealth of experience and commitment to her work. As an OIF/OEF US Army Combat veteran who served in Iraq, she understands the unique challenges faced by veterans and has dedicated much of her career to supporting them, particularly those experiencing homelessness. Her primary focus is on empowering older veterans to manage their long-term care needs, providing them with the advocacy, support, and resources to enhance their quality of life.
An active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Evie contributes her expertise to several committees, including Strategic Planning, and is deeply involved in various community initiatives through her Sorority. She also serves as Vice President of her homeowner’s association and chairs the Social Work Education Committee at her workplace, underscoring her commitment to both professional and community development.
Evie holds a degree in Human Services Counseling from Old Dominion University and a Master’s in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She resides in Hampton, Virginia, with her 12-year-old son and deeply values time with family and loved ones. Her passion for community service, advocacy, and family remains at the heart of her personal and professional life.
VA SMILE Foundation bridges the gap between disenfranchised communities and wellness support through empowerment, advocacy, awareness, and support
We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
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VA SMILE Foundation
110 Coliseum Crossing, Suite 5142 Hampton VA 23666 info@vasmilefoundation.org
Phone: 757-260-9043 | Fax: 757-260-9043
VA SMILE Foundation is a 501cS non-profit organization. EIN 82-210688. Donations and contributions are deductible as allowed by law.
Copyright © 2024 VA SMILE Foundation - All Rights Reserved. 501c3 organization
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