NaShey Ingram, LCSW-C, RPT-S

NaShey is a pioneer in mental health, founding African-Centered Play Therapy to address the cultural gaps in therapeutic practices for children of African descent. With over 15 years in child welfare, Ms. Ingram is dedicated to fostering healing throughout children's lives.

Baltimore native, Ms. Ingram began her commitment to child welfare as a teenager by advocating for children impacted by abuse and neglect in the Park Heights community. This early experience ignited her lifelong passion for helping children of color heal from trauma. She emphasizes the importance of creating therapeutic spaces that are free from judgment, language barriers, and stigma, ensuring that healing is accessible to all children.

Kashya Brooks, MSW

Kashya holds a Master’s in Social Work from Barry University and a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Coppin State University. During her time at Coppin, she actively served as the Secretary of the Social Work Association, a mentor for Our House, a Maxie Collier Scholar, and a Dean Ambassador.

Kashya has 13 years of experience as a liturgical dancer and has taught for 6 years, using dance as a form of healing and self-expression. Her long-term vision is to open a holistic empowerment center that integrates therapeutic arts and self-care strategies to support community healing. She remains deeply committed to community service, working with a local religious organizations to meet the needs of Baltimore.

As the Program Support Specialist at Playful Minds Therapy, Kashya provides clinical support, facilitates social support groups, and contributes to program coordination.

Shanika Walters

Shanika Walters, a Baltimore native, is pursuing her BSW at Coppin State University, with plans to graduate in May 2025. She is passionate about creating trauma-informed healing spaces for children and families. With a background in early childhood education, she is a certified Mental Health First Aid responder, and the Senator of the Association of Black Social Workers at Coppin (Whew, she does it all doesn’t she?!)

Shanika has over 20 years of experience in customer service, the medical field, and outreach within Baltimore City communities. She began her journey as a community engagement intern at Baltimore Corps and has volunteered as an events coordinator with Coach G Academy. Shanika believes that by helping one child, you help an entire village.

Jerai Key, LMSW

Jerai is a therapist with a Master of Social Work from Barry University and a Bachelor of Social Work from Coppin State University. She is trained in African-Centered Play Therapy™ (ACPT) and is actively working toward her Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential. With experience in case management, housing navigation, and providing vital community resources, Jerai has supported youth and families through roles at Homes for America and Springboard Community Services.

Her passion for mental health and advocacy was evident early on, as she served as a leader in Coppin State’s Social Work Association and was a Maxie Collier Scholar. Jerai is committed to ensuring that Black children have access to culturally affirming therapeutic spaces where they feel seen, valued, and empowered. She brings a strengths-based approach to therapy, creating safe and engaging environments where children can process emotions, expand communication skills, and develop essential life skills.

Tia Brooks, LCSW-C

Tia, is an intuitive, eclectic, affirming, and strengths-based therapist and clinical supervisor who believes in honoring the whole self. Rooted in a commitment to equity and inclusion, their work centers the healing experiences of Black, Indigenous, Brown, Multiracial, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

They emphasize the importance of honoring the intersections of identity and promoting radical self-acceptance through community support, individual guidance, and comprehensive teaching and training.

Tia holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Towson University. With decades of experience in the field, their journey spans from college activism for Black and Brown LGBTQ+ communities to grassroots community outreach in Baltimore City to providing free books to children and their families.

Marsha Phillips

Marsha brings over 15 years of experience in administrative management and project support, with a background in government contracts, commercial businesses, and hospitality. As Operations Coordinator at Playful Minds Therapy, she ensures that daily operations run smoothly by managing scheduling, logistics, and administrative support for the team.

Her expertise in organization and process coordination allows Playful Minds Therapy to function efficiently, ensuring that therapists, interns, and clients have the support they need. Marsha’s ability to keep things running behind the scenes makes her an invaluable part of the team, creating a structured and welcoming environment for all.

Barbara Cannon

Barbara brings over 15 years of experience in subcontracts and financial management, supporting federal prime contractors and overseeing large-scale government contracts. With a strong analytical background, she has worked extensively with federal acquisition regulations, procurement compliance, and financial oversight, making her an invaluable asset to Playful Minds Therapy.

In her role as Financial Analyst & Program Manager, Barbara ensures the financial health and operational efficiency of our programs, using her expertise in budgeting, compliance, and strategic planning to support our mission. Her experience allows Playful Minds Therapy to sustain and expand its impact in providing accessible, culturally affirming mental health care.

Barbara’s extensive knowledge ensures that our programs are structured, well-funded, and aligned with best practices. She is passionate about creating financially sustainable programming that uplifts children, families, and clinicians.

Chukwuemeka ‘Meka’ Iyke-Azubogu

Meka is a visual artist, educator, and ceramicist dedicated to exploring identity, culture, and storytelling through clay. Born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and raised in Baltimore, he holds a BFA in Fine Arts from Morgan State University and has been working with ceramics since 2015. His work has been exhibited in various galleries, including the James E. Lewis Museum of Fine Art, Brentwood Art Exchange, and Noir: DC Pop-Up Gallery.

As Expressive Arts Instructor at Playful Minds Therapy, Meka integrates sculpture, ceramics, and creative expression into therapeutic spaces, helping children and teens process emotions, build confidence, and explore identity through art. With experience teaching in Baltimore County Public Schools, Jubilee Arts, and Arts for Learning, he brings a deep understanding of arts education and its role in emotional and cultural expression.

Meka’s work is deeply personal, reflecting his journey of bridging African heritage with lived experiences in America. Through his teaching and artistic practice, he fosters joy, creativity, and self-discovery in young people, making art a powerful tool for healing and self-expression.

Jermarco Bennett, Jr.

Jermarco is a passionate dance enthusiast, educator, and program leader dedicated to using movement as a form of self-expression, connection, and healing. With a Master’s in Higher Education and extensive experience in program development, event coordination, and community engagement, he brings a unique blend of leadership and artistry to his role as Movement Arts Facilitator at Playful Minds Therapy™.

Jermarco believes in the transformative power of movement, creating spaces where children and teens can explore emotions, build confidence, and connect with their bodies through dance. His ability to lead, mentor, and develop engaging movement-based programs makes him an invaluable part of the team, helping to integrate creative expression, rhythm, and physical movement into therapeutic experiences.

With a strong background in mentorship, training, and community outreach, Jermarco’s approach fosters joy, self-discovery, and empowerment in every session. His dedication to movement as both an art and a tool for emotional well-being reflects his lifelong commitment to helping others express themselves through dance.

Maya Williams

Maya (she/they), is a Baltimore County native who is dedicated to preserving the legcay of resistance and strengthening equity in all parts of life. Maya is currently pursuing her masters desgree in Women and Gender studies at the College Univeristy of New York’s (CUNY) Grad Center, where she will soon complete her thesis on racialized attraction development. Before New York, Maya worked at the Baltimore Museum of Art where she was a house manager and sales associate.

In her free time, Maya is an avid movie goer. As a proud Cinemark Club and AMC Stubs member, she has never missed a discount on movie Tuesday (iykyk!).