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Our Leadership Team

Shaping Change and Transformation

At the heart of our leadership team is a deep-rooted commitment to recovery and collective wellbeing. We believe that healing is a transformative journey, and we embody this core value in every aspect of our work.

Thulani DeMarsay

Chief Impact Officer

Yvette Zihhalirwa

Admin

Valeria Chambers

Board Member

Wiwik Bunjamin

Board Member

Tamara Ziba

Advisor

Gina Milton

Board Member

Joseph Feaster

Advisor

Doreen Bwalya

Board Member

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Shanaaz Majiet

Lead Facilitator

Shanaaz Majiet is a seasoned human rights activist with a disability and a person with lived mental wellness experience. Shanaaz was a promising student preparing to graduate high school when she was accidentally shot by a friend. The incident left her in a wheelchair. Throughout her difficult recovery, she persevered, determined to achieve her goals. She has since become a leading voice for the rights of people with disabilities globally, as well as a recognized thought leader. A master facilitator, Shanaaz skillfully and thoughtfully facilitates group processes for individual and collective transformation.


Shanaaz is passionate about fostering inclusive cultures and developing strategic partnerships that enhance organizational effectiveness and sustainability. Her work challenges patriarchy and engages power and agency in organizations to recover from systemic racism, harassment, conflict, and the impact of unconscious biases. Shanaaz is a global Gestalt Organizational Development practitioner, Master executive coach, seasoned process facilitator, coach mentor, coach supervisor, and trainer. She brings an intimate understanding of complex contexts, navigating terrains, building high-performing teams, and transforming dysfunctional behaviors. Her extensive experience includes roles as a senior public servant and consulting on learning and development interventions to help large organizations recover from institutional decline and refocus on global relevance and impact.


Shanaaz earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Cape Town (UTC). She has a master’s degree in Disability Studies from UTC, she is a graduate of the Harvard Business School and the Kennedy School of Government. In addition, she holds a post Graduate Diploma in Organization and Management from UCT.


Shanaaz facilitates several of Sankofa’s trainings and healing circles.

LGBTQIA+ 

This specialized track is designed for LGBTQIA+ individuals in recovery, offering culturally responsive coaching tools tailored to the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. To provide participants with a strong foundation, completion of the Recovery Health Coach Training is required before enrolling in this track.

This program empowers participants to support their peers as they navigate substance use recovery and the intersectional experiences of identity, discrimination, and marginalization. Coaches will be equipped with the skills to provide compassionate, identity-affirming, and culturally sensitive support.

Who Is This For?

  • LGBTQIA+ individuals in recovery
  • Allies and professionals who wish to enhance their ability to support LGBTQIA+ individuals in recovery.
  • Organizations serving LGBTQIA+ populations that want to build culturally competent coaching teams.

Learning Outcomes 

  1. Identity-Affirming Coaching: Learn how to provide compassionate, culturally responsive coaching that honors the unique identities of LGBTQIA+ individuals in recovery.
  2. Addressing Intersectionality: Understand how discrimination, marginalization, and identity-based trauma intersect with substance use and how to support individuals in navigating these challenges.
  3. Building Resilience and Empowerment: Develop strategies to foster resilience and empowerment in LGBTQIA+ individuals as they work toward sustained recovery and personal growth.
  4. Culturally Responsive Practices: Gain tools to offer coaching that is sensitive to the cultural, social, and emotional needs of LGBTQIA+ clients, promoting holistic and inclusive recovery.
  5. Supporting Emotional Well-Being: Learn to support emotional well-being by creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and respected, while staying within the boundaries of a recovery coach’s role.
  6. Promoting Belonging and Connection: Cultivate techniques to foster a strong sense of belonging and community among LGBTQIA+ individuals, helping them build supportive recovery networks.

Program Structure

12 hours of immersive learning, delivered over three 4-hour virtual sessions.

Course Fee

$425 USD

Reentry and Returning Individuals 

The Reentry and Returning Citizens Track is specifically designed to support Black, Hispanic, and other communities of color as they navigate the unique challenges of reentry after incarceration. Communities of color are disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system and incarceration. For example, as of 2021, Black Americans are incarcerated at nearly five times the rate of white Americans, and Hispanic Americans at a rate 1.3 times higher than whites. The transition from prison to community is especially difficult for returning citizens from these populations, as they often face additional barriers related to racial inequity, economic marginalization, and discrimination.

Without proper support while incarcerated, there is a high probability of recurrence, overdose, and re-incarceration. The period immediately following release is particularly vulnerable due to forced abstinence during incarceration. Forced abstinence can significantly lower an individual’s tolerance to substances, making them more susceptible to overdose if they relapse upon release. Studies have shown that recently released individuals are up to 40 times more likely to die of an opioid overdose within the first two weeks after leaving prison compared to the general population.

This track empowers coaches to address the systemic inequities, social stigmas, and personal challenges that these returning citizens face. Participants will be equipped with tools and techniques necessary to guide individuals through reentry, helping them reclaim their lives, achieve sustainable recovery, and build a sense of purpose. By providing targeted support, we aim to reduce recidivism rates—which currently stand at about 70% within five years of release—and improve the overall well-being of returning citizens from marginalized communities.

Who Is This For?

  • Peers: Individuals from Black, Hispanic, and other marginalized communities with lived experience of incarceration.
  • Recovery Coaches: Coaches working with formerly incarcerated individuals who wish to provide support to this population.
  • Reentry Program Workers: Individuals  working within community reentry programs and services

What You Will Learn

  1. Understanding Systemic Barriers: Gain insight into how systemic inequities, racial discrimination, and social stigmas impact individuals returning from incarceration, and learn how to support them in navigating these challenges.
  2. Building Resilience and Empowerment: Develop strategies to foster resilience and empowerment in formerly incarcerated individuals as they work toward sustained recovery and personal growth.
  3. Culturally Responsive Practices: Acquire tools to offer coaching that is sensitive to the cultural, social, and emotional needs of Black, Hispanic, and other communities of color, promoting holistic and inclusive recovery.
  4. Supporting Emotional Well-Being: Learn to support the emotional and psychological well-being of returning citizens by creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and respected, while staying within the boundaries of a recovery coach’s role.
  5. Facilitating Rebuilding and Reintegration: Cultivate techniques to assist formerly incarcerated individuals in rebuilding their lives, including navigating housing, securing employment, rebuilding relationships, and managing the stigma of incarceration.
  6. Promoting Financial Empowerment: Discover strategies to support clients in developing financial literacy, creating budgets, building savings, and accessing employment or entrepreneurial opportunities that do not discriminate based on criminal records, empowering them toward financial independence.
  7. Fostering a Growth Mindset: Learn how to encourage a growth mindset and sense of purpose in returning citizens, guiding them to set meaningful goals for their future and take ownership of their recovery journey.
  8. Reducing Overdose Risk: Understand how to mitigate the heightened risk of overdose for individuals returning from incarceration, especially those who lacked adequate addiction support while incarcerated.

Program Structure

12 hours of immersive learning, delivered over three 4-hour virtual sessions.

Course Fee

$425 USD

Veterans and Military Personnel 

The Veteran and Military Personnel Recovery Coaching Track, developed by the Sankofa Institute for Collective Wellbeing, is designed to empower veterans and military personnel with the skills and knowledge necessary to support their peers facing addiction and substance use challenges. By drawing on the shared experience of military life, this program offers a space where veterans can guide each other toward recovery, focusing on resilience, wellness, and community support.

Why This Track is Important

Addiction and substance use are significant challenges within the veteran and military population, often driven by trauma, stress, isolation, and the complexities of transitioning back into civilian life. This track is designed to offer trauma-informed and culturally responsive coaching strategies that recognize the unique needs of veterans and promote long-term recovery and wellness.

Who Should Attend:

  • Veterans and military personnel who have lived experience with addiction and recovery.
  • Peer recovery coaches who work with veterans and wish to deepen their understanding of military-specific challenges.
  • Providers and professionals who support veterans in addiction recovery settings.

What You Will Learn

  1. Recovery in a Military Context
    Understand how addiction manifests within military life, including the stressors related to service, reintegration, and isolation. Learn how to approach addiction in a way that respects the unique culture of the military, acknowledging the complex issues veterans face such as survivor’s guilt, combat trauma, and the pressure to stay “strong.” Coaches will learn how to address these issues with empathy and authenticity, helping peers navigate the transition back to civilian life.
  2. Addressing Trauma and Addiction in Military Populations
    Learn how to support veterans in exploring the root causes of their addiction, including service-related trauma, PTSD, and grief. Coaches will be trained to use trauma-informed approaches, offering a safe space for veterans to process their experiences and reduce emotional triggers that may lead to substance use.
  3. Building Emotional and Mental Resilience
    This module focuses on strategies to help veterans reconnect with their emotions in a healthy way, fostering mental resilience and emotional intelligence. Participants will learn how to help veterans cope with emotional triggers, stress, and anxiety using practical tools for emotional regulation.
  4. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
    The high-stress nature of military service leaves many veterans in a heightened state of arousal, making it difficult to relax or disengage from hypervigilance. Learn how to introduce mindfulness practices that help veterans calm the nervous system, manage anxiety, and reduce stress.

Program Structure 

This track consists of three 4-hour virtual sessions 

Course Fees

$425 USD

Newcomers and Global Citizens 

The Recovery Coaching Track for Newcomers and Global Citizens is designed to provide culturally sensitive and trauma-informed addiction recovery coaching, specifically supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds as they navigate the challenges of substance use and addiction. This program addresses the unique experiences of newcomers, global citizens, and immigrant populations, offering a comprehensive, community-centered approach to addiction recovery and wellness.

This track focuses on the intersection of cultural displacement, systemic discrimination, and trauma as contributing factors to substance use. It equips participants with tailored coaching methods to support individuals from African, Latin American, Haitian, and other immigrant populations on their recovery journey. Participants will also explore how the political and social landscape influences mental health and substance use patterns, providing the tools to offer compassionate, culturally informed support.

Why This Program Matters

Newcomers and global citizens often face significant trauma and stress related to displacement, systemic discrimination, and violence. These experiences increase the risk of substance use and addiction, which can be exacerbated by barriers to mental health services and recovery support in their new environments. For individuals from countries like Haiti, Mexico, Latin America, and Africa, the trauma of resettlement is compounded by systemic inequities that can further fuel addiction. This program offers a culturally relevant and trauma-informed approach to recovery, addressing the specific needs of these communities.

Who This Program is For

  • Peer recovery coaches, community health workers, and allies working with immigrant and global populations.
  • Leaders and advocates within cultural and community organizations.
  • Health professionals and service providers seeking to enhance their understanding of culturally responsive recovery coaching.
  • Individuals with lived experience who wish to support others from immigrant and newcomer communities in their addiction recovery journey.

Learning Outcomes 

  1. Supporting Substance Use Recovery in Immigrant Communities: Learn effective coaching practices to help immigrant communities address substance addiction and misuse, focusing on culturally relevant strategies that meet their specific needs..

  2. Culturally Inclusive Recovery Coaching: Discover how to integrate cultural backgrounds into recovery plans, ensuring respect for traditions and values to enhance substance misuse recovery efforts within immigrant communities.

  3. Empowering Mindset and Agency: Understand how to foster empowerment and self-efficacy in immigrant communities, equipping individuals with tools to take control of their recovery journey and reduce substance misuse.

  4. Overcoming Language Barriers and Social Isolation: Develop strategies to address language barriers and social isolation, enhancing access to substance misuse recovery services and support networks for immigrant communities.

  5. Building Stability: Gain skills to help immigrant communities establish stability through employment, education, and community involvement, crucial for reducing substance addiction and misuse.

  6. Supporting Emotional and Mental Health: Understand how to address the emotional and psychological toll of migration linked to substance misuse, recognizing signs of mental health issues and facilitating appropriate support within immigrant communities.

Program Fees

$425 USD

Interfaith Community 

The Interfaith Track for Recovery Coaching is a specialized pathway within the Recovery Health Coach Program designed for individuals in faith communities who are committed to addressing addiction with compassion and cultural sensitivity. Whether you are a layperson, minister, or faith leader, this track empowers you with the tools and knowledge to support those struggling with addiction and guide them through their recovery journey using a faith-based, culturally responsive approach.

Why It’s Important

Addiction impacts every community, including faith communities, and yet many faith leaders and members may feel unequipped to address it with the compassion and expertise it requires. This track bridges that gap by offering recovery coaching practices tailored specifically to the intersection of faith and recovery. Faith leaders often serve as a source of support, hope, and guidance for individuals in times of crisis, and addiction recovery is no exception. By approaching addiction with understanding and cultural responsiveness, faith leaders can create safe spaces for healing while incorporating spiritual and emotional well-being into the recovery process.

Who Is This For?

  • Laypeople: Those who serve in faith communities and wish to provide more informed and compassionate support to individuals and families affected by addiction.
  • Ministers and Clergy: Faith leaders who want to integrate recovery coaching practices into their pastoral care and counseling, helping congregants navigate the complexities of addiction with empathy and spiritual guidance.
  • Faith-Based Counselors: Those offering formal or informal counseling in religious settings.
  • Faith Leaders from All Traditions: The track is inclusive of all religious and spiritual backgrounds, allowing participants to explore how their faith tradition can enhance recovery efforts.

What You Will Learn

  1. The Role of Faith in Recovery: Explore how faith and spirituality can be powerful tools in supporting addiction recovery, offering meaning, purpose, and hope to individuals on their journey.
  2. Cultural Responsiveness in Recovery: Gain insights into the importance of cultural humility and responsiveness in coaching those from diverse faith backgrounds, ensuring that recovery is a respectful and inclusive process.
  3. Recovery Coaching Skills for Faith Communities: Learn practical coaching techniques designed to meet the needs of individuals seeking support from their faith leaders, including motivational interviewing, positive psychology, and trauma-informed care.
  4. Pastoral and Spiritual Care in Recovery: Understand how to integrate pastoral care with recovery coaching, addressing both the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals struggling with addiction.
  5. Tailoring Faith-Based Coaching for Communities: Discover how to adapt the program for your specific faith community, whether in small group settings, one-on-one pastoral care, or broader congregational initiatives.

Program Structure

This 12-hour track is delivered over the course of three 4-hour virtual sessions. 

Course Fees

$425 USD

Sankofa Recovery Coach Application

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What Your Investment Covers:

  • Cost of the 5-day in-person program, including breakfast and lunch
  • 3 weeks of online learning to reinforce skills
  • Ongoing mentorship and skill-building support
  • Membership in the Community of Practice, ensuring continuous learning and growth
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Donation Total: $425.00

Octavia Hendricks

Octavia Hendricks, a person in long-term mental wellness recovery, brings over 15 years of experience as a seasoned facilitator of transformational learning experiences. She skilfully facilitates self-development and self-discovery workshops across South Africa and the United States. As a senior facilitator at Sankofa, Octavia leads training sessions and facilitates healing circle gatherings, creating spaces for both healing and personal growth.

Facilitating the process of deep connection and exploration within the context of self and wellbeing, Octavia not only joins communities to enhance our call to purpose, but also advocates being an active participant within the process of life.

Octavia’s journey serves as a bridge between the corporate world and the spiritual sphere, demonstrating the power of integration and synergy. She provides a distinct perspective to her work, fusing strategic thinking with spiritual reflection to promote holistic wellbeing on both an individual and organisational level. The idea that genuine empowerment originates from within is the cornerstone of Octavia’s philosophy. As an inspirational speaker, she encourages audiences to have a closer relationship with themselves and the outside world by connecting to their inner wisdom. She draws from her vast experience as a Wellness and Spirituality specialist in corporate organisations in Southern Africa and internationally, , unapologetically bringing Love back into the boardroom. She is well-versed in the fundamental concepts influencing our reality through her extensive study of energy and human consciousness, which enables her to mentor others into higher states of awareness and fulfilment. Her all-encompassing approach to wellness includes fostering adaptability, self-awareness, and inner peace in addition to symptom relief, enabling people to flourish in all spheres of their lives.

Sankofa Recovery Health Coach Application

Yvette Zihhalirwa, BA

Program Coordinator

As the Program Manager for Sankofa, event brings a wealth of experience. She is an experienced early childhood development specialist with a strong background in health and education. She holds an NQF Level 5 Diploma in Early Education Development (EDC) and a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from Unicaf University. Yvette is a trained Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) Life Coach with Achology: The Academy for Modern Applied Psychology, and she has received Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training in Education Institute Management from Unicaf University and Nutrition and Health Advisor training from The Nutrition Network.
Armed with extensive experience in health and education, Yvette took the TEDxYouthCapeTown stage in January 2023 to amplify her social impact by uniting her love for education, food, and nutrition. She re-addressed something that has long been resting on our plates and added a bold dash of imagination as to how we could better promote good health in African regions.
Having worked with multiple communities across Africa and international organizations and spearheading initiatives aimed at community development, Yvette has a comprehensive understanding of program development and implementation specifically designed to aid the reformation of African public health and education systems. She leverages her skills and talent in resource distribution to adaptive strategies that meet the evolving needs of communities of color.
Additionally, Yvette is an alumna of the prestigious Mamandla Fellowship. She is deeply motivated by her strong determination to contribute to the circular economy development of African communities, which resonates greatly with her personal and professional aspirations. From a young age, she has been driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. This passion comes from watching her mother and her mother before her take care of their community, inspiring her to specialize in education and health management within the non-profit sector.

Cornell Coley

Cornell Coley, M.Ed., is an award-winning percussionist, dancer, teacher, and public performance artist whose work spans performance, community development, education, and health. Drawing from the rich drum and dance traditions of West and Central Africa, the Caribbean, Brazil, and the USA, Cornell creates vibrant and transformative experiences. He is a trained HealthRHYTHMS drum circle facilitator and is certified by the Drum Circle Facilitators Guild.

Cornell has received numerous local and national grants and awards from esteemed organizations such as the Mass Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, The Boston Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. His academic contributions include teaching Afro-Latin dance at ten major colleges. As the founder and director of the Afrika Gente Music Project, he collaborates with top local musicians and artists across various genres.

Recent projects produced and performed by Cornell include “Rhythm Recipes: BIPOC Joy and Healing” (2022) and “An Evening in Ghana” (2023). Upcoming in 2024 are “Rhythm Recipes-Sankofa” and “An Evening in Brazil,” promising to continue his legacy of cultural enrichment and community healing.

To learn more about Cornell and his work, please visit

Introduction

“Explore the profound and far-reaching effects of collective trauma in our ‘Collective Healing’ workshop. Delve into how trauma impacts groups, societies, and generations, moving beyond individual experiences to a broader understanding.”

Key Benefits

  • Gain a deep understanding of the nature and impact of collective trauma.
  • Analyze real-world case studies and historical events for insights into collective trauma patterns.
  • Develop empathy and learn vital skills for supporting community solidarity and healing.
  • Discover practical strategies to engage in and facilitate collective healing processes.

Detailed Description

In “Collective Healing,” participants will embark on an exploratory journey through the dynamics of collective trauma. This workshop takes a comprehensive look at how traumatic experiences affect not just individuals but entire communities and societies. By examining historical events and cultural narratives, attendees will gain a nuanced understanding of how trauma is shared and perpetuated across generations. The workshop’s focus is not just on understanding these dynamics but also on harnessing the power of community for healing and resilience. Participants will be equipped with tools and strategies to foster empathy, solidarity, and active engagement in collective healing efforts.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is ideal for community activists, educators, mental health professionals, and anyone with an interest in social justice and community work.

Introduction

“Explore the profound and far-reaching effects of collective trauma in our ‘Collective Healing’ workshop. Delve into how trauma impacts groups, societies, and generations, moving beyond individual experiences to a broader understanding.”

Key Benefits

  • Gain a deep understanding of the nature and impact of collective trauma.
  • Analyze real-world case studies and historical events for insights into collective trauma patterns.
  • Develop empathy and learn vital skills for supporting community solidarity and healing.
  • Discover practical strategies to engage in and facilitate collective healing processes.

Detailed Description

In “Collective Healing,” participants will embark on an exploratory journey through the dynamics of collective trauma. This workshop takes a comprehensive look at how traumatic experiences affect not just individuals but entire communities and societies. By examining historical events and cultural narratives, attendees will gain a nuanced understanding of how trauma is shared and perpetuated across generations. The workshop’s focus is not just on understanding these dynamics but also on harnessing the power of community for healing and resilience. Participants will be equipped with tools and strategies to foster empathy, solidarity, and active engagement in collective healing efforts.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is ideal for community activists, educators, mental health professionals, and anyone with an interest in social justice and community work.

Introduction

“Explore the profound and far-reaching effects of collective trauma in our ‘Collective Healing’ workshop. Delve into how trauma impacts groups, societies, and generations, moving beyond individual experiences to a broader understanding.”

Key Benefits

  • Gain a deep understanding of the nature and impact of collective trauma.
  • Analyze real-world case studies and historical events for insights into collective trauma patterns.
  • Develop empathy and learn vital skills for supporting community solidarity and healing.
  • Discover practical strategies to engage in and facilitate collective healing processes.

Detailed Description

In “Collective Healing,” participants will embark on an exploratory journey through the dynamics of collective trauma. This workshop takes a comprehensive look at how traumatic experiences affect not just individuals but entire communities and societies. By examining historical events and cultural narratives, attendees will gain a nuanced understanding of how trauma is shared and perpetuated across generations. The workshop’s focus is not just on understanding these dynamics but also on harnessing the power of community for healing and resilience. Participants will be equipped with tools and strategies to foster empathy, solidarity, and active engagement in collective healing efforts.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is ideal for community activists, educators, mental health professionals, and anyone with an interest in social justice and community work.

Alexandra Creamer

Alex bio details

Wiwik Bunjamin-Mau

Wiwik is a certified Psychosynthesis Life Coach and a dedicated mystic activist, deeply committed to facilitating safe spaces for both individual and collective trauma healing. She encourages individuals to tap into their inherent intelligence, creativity, and wisdom. With a longstanding commitment to spiritual exploration, Wiwik serves as a guiding “midwife” in the rebirthing journey of others, supporting their transformative paths with empathy and insight.

Throughout her professional career, Wiwik has been immersed in the field of community development, with a keen focus on advocacy and active engagement with marginalized groups. Her extensive experience encompasses project management across various initiatives aimed at community strengthening and empowerment.

Tamara Zibo

Tamara Ziba is a visionary business leader, mental health advocate and founder of companies in various sections including technology, logistics, plant-based foods, fintech and event management.

Despite encountering financial obstacles in her early years, she overcame these obstacles by attending college for accounting and business in night school and working jobs during the day.  Tamara faced a setback with a failed startup at the age of 24 but transformed it into a learning opportunity. Undeterred, she successfully established a diverse portfolio of ventures, now employing over 150 team members, predominantly young Zambian women, across her different enterprises.

Tamara actively promotes mental health awareness within her organizations, integrating weekly professionally facilitated mental health sessions in her organizational culture and emphasizing the importance of a supportive work environment. She has personally faced mental health challenges, overcoming depression and anxiety after experiencing miscarriages. Tamara is a qualified counselor, using her training to help both herself and the community.

Her commitment to mental health extends to charity work, where she supports individuals facing financial challenges. Tamara’s faith guides her actions, believing that God orders her steps. As an advocate, she destigmatizes mental health issues and encourages seeking help.

Tamara possesses essential skills in communication, empathy, active listening, facilitation, cultural sensitivity, and evaluation. Her dedication to mental health and compassionate leadership helps empowers members of her community to prioritize mental well-being for holistic success.

Ken Granderson

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Joseph D. Feaster

Joseph D. Feaster, Jr., Counsel at Dain, Torpy, Le Ray, Wiest & Garner, P.C., has established himself during his more than 45-year legal career as one of the deans of the Boston bar. Since his time as the Chair of the Boston Zoning Board of Appeal, Feaster has become one of the City’s most prominent development and permitting attorneys. His practice also encompasses general real estate and licensing, corporate, litigation, employment and labor law, and probate.

Feaster practiced at McKenzie & Associates, P.C. and at Wynn & Wynn, P.C. before joining Dain Torpy. Feaster is also President of Feaster Enterprises, a strategic planning, organizational development, and community outreach consulting firm.

Additionally, Feaster previously served as the court-appointed Receiver for Roxbury Comprehensive Community Health Center for 5 years, as the Interim Town Manager of the Town of Stoughton, as President of the Massachusetts Community and Banking Council (MCBC), Acting Director of Real Estate for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, Interim Administrator of the Boston Housing Authority (one of the largest public housing authorities in the country), Assistant Secretary and General Counsel in the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Administration and Finance, Associate Counsel in Prudential Insurance Company’s Northeast Home Office, and as an attorney at the National Labor Relations Board’s Boston Regional Office.

Feaster currently serves as chairman of the board of directors of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (ULEM); as an Executive Committee member of the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health, Inc. (MAMH); and as an Advisory Board Member of the Samaritan, Inc. He previously served as President of the Boston Branch NAACP, as vice chairman and board member of Neighborhood Health Plan (NHP), as Speaker of the House of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), as a board member of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers (MLCHC), as a board member of Dimock Community Health Center, which tenure included serving as board chairman and as the Center’s Interim President, and on the Executive Council of the Massachusetts AARP.

Keith Earley, PhD, JD

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DOREEN BWALYA

Doreen Bwalya is an innovative leader with experience leading organizations for non-profit and providing business insight to local development challenges.  A proactive, adaptable and passionate leader with over sixteen years’ experience in both private and Non- Governmental Organizations in Zambia and South Africa.  She possesses an in-depth understanding of project management and influenced not only the organization’s trajectory but also shaping social development change; she strived and dedicated her career towards fighing injustice in some parts of Zambia and made a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most, especially the women and girls.

 

 Doreen is an eloquent speaker and passionate about development. She exhibits high levels of stewardship in managing resources well.  Until recently, she served as Country Director for an international Organization; HOPE worldwide Zambia and she was a Board Member under different management for several years. The NGO serves Vulnerable Children and Orphans as well as Women Empowerment.

Valeria Chambers

Valeria Chambers is a Certified Peer Specialist, and a person in long term mental health recovery.  She is a Sr. Community Researcher at the Health Equity Research Lab, Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), and a Research Consultant for the Center of Excellence for Psychosocial and Systemic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital.  In the spring of 2023, she began consulting regarding the integration of Recovery Coaches and Certified Peer Specialists at Cambridge Health Alliance’s Community Behavioral Health Center.  As the founder and lead facilitator of Black Voices: Pathways4Recovery, Valeria realizes the importance of providing a lived experience, racially aware, diverse, equitable and inclusive lens to mental health service engagement and community based participatory research.  Her primary goal is to address barriers to care and quality of life facing people of racial, ethnic or culturally minoritized status, who are seeking help for mental health, trauma and substance addiction. 

 

Valeria holds a Master’s degree and Certificate of Advanced Studies in Counseling and Consulting Psychology from Harvard University. She is a member of the State Mental Health Planning Council, a former fellow for the Center of Mindfulness and Compassion, CHA, and has completed a 6-year term as co-chair of the Department of Mental Health, Multicultural Advisory Committee. Valeria is a curriculum consultant for the Recovery Education Collaborative, teaching a course she co-designed: Mental & Wellness for Recovery Coaches and other Peer Workers. 

 

Valeria has additional education and training in Psychological Anthropology from the University of Chicago, and World Religions and Pastoral Counseling from Harvard Divinity School.  She contributes over 2 decades of experience providing peer support services and peer support training to individuals who have or are receiving treatment in mental health systems.  Valeria brings a community stakeholder perspective to behavioral health interventions that are being developed in collaboration with people from various communities along with behavioral healthcare and criminal legal systems.

 

In her spare time, Valeria enjoys music, foreign movies, yoga, playing with friends with fur, as well as finding more ways to tone the vagus nerve.

Sheron Morrissey

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Nhlanhla Mncwango

Nhlanhla is a certified NLP Coach known for her exceptional organizational abilities. She has recently achieved her International Gestalt Organisational Leadership Development (IGOLD) Certificate, demonstrating her commitment to personal and organizational growth. With a Master of Science in Construction Project Management from the University of Natal, Durban, Nhlanhla brings a strong educational foundation to her work.

Compassionate and driven, Nhlanhla is dedicated to serving humanity, particularly the vulnerable, voiceless, and underprivileged. Her impactful contributions include service to the Impact Community Trust, an organization established by the Hatfield Christian Church to uplift disadvantaged communities. Nhlanhla excels as a change agent, fostering individual transformation and guiding organizations toward achieving their transformational goals.

Her current practice revolves around assisting individuals and organizations in aligning their intentions and aspirations with tangible goals, making her an invaluable asset in the field of personal and organizational development.

Gina Milton

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Thulani DeMarsay, Ph.D. 


Founder and Chief Impact Officer


A Boston native, Thulani is the visionary founder and dedicated Chief Impact Officer of the Sankofa Institute for Collective Wellbeing. She is a person in long-term recovery from substance use and mental wellness issues, devoted to supporting others on their recovery journey.

 

For close to a decade, Thulani was as a senior facilitator and consultant for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health – Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS). She delivered trainings for the peer recovery community throughout the state, provided mentorship and coaching for the statewide team of facilitators, contributed to the creation of a statewide recovery coach learning community, and developed comprehensive curriculums and training materials.

 

Thulani’s personal journey and her consulting work revealed a significant gap in services and education tailored to the experiences of people of African descent, which inspired her to establish Sankofa Institute, which aims to provide high quality, culturally responsive learning experiences that empower the recovery workforce and community-based organizations with a keen focus on communities of color.

Thulani also serves as senior faculty at Cambridge College, where she teaches courses on brain health, self-care, and employee wellness.

 

Educational Background:

  • BS in Psychology, Cambridge College
  • Master of Management Degree in Leadership & Organizational Dynamics, Cambridge College
  • Master’s Degree & PhD in Human Development, Fielding Graduate University
  • Diversity & Inclusion Certificate, Cornell University
  • Certificate in Alcohol & Drug Counseling, University of Massachusetts, Boston
  • Recovery Coach Certificate,  Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR)

resilience

We celebrate the power of resilience, believing in the strength of communities and individuals to overcome challenges, expand their capacity, and thrive with hope.

INDIGENOUS Wisdom

We honor the wisdom passed down through generations and draw from it to guide our actions. We recognize the importance of cultural heritage and traditional knowledge in promoting healing and well-being.

ancestral

Holistic recovery refers to an approach to healing and wellness that considers the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than focusing solely on specific symptoms or ailments. In the context of health and well-being, holistic recovery recognizes the interconnectedness of various aspects of an individual’s life and seeks to address the root causes of issues rather than merely alleviating symptoms. This approach often involves a comprehensive and integrated approach to treatment, incorporating various modalities such as traditional medicine, alternative therapies, psychological support, and lifestyle changes. By recognizing the importance of mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being alongside physical health, holistic recovery aims to promote overall balance and harmony in an individual’s life.

Holistic recovery extends beyond the realm of physical health and can be applied to various aspects of personal development and self-improvement. It emphasizes the idea that true healing involves nurturing all dimensions of a person’s being, fostering a sense of wholeness and interconnectedness. This approach encourages individuals to take an active role in their own well-being, engaging in practices that support not only their physical health but also their mental and emotional resilience. Holistic recovery recognizes the inherent complexity of human existence and acknowledges that true wellness is achieved through a harmonious integration of all facets of life.

Innovative Approaches

We are forward-thinking, striving not only to meet the current challenges but also to reliably predict and prepare for the future. By staying at the cutting edge of solutions, we ensure that our efforts remain effective, relevant, and impactful.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is the heart of Sankofa Institute. We believe in the interconnectedness of all individuals and communities. We embrace the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which reminds us that ‘I am because we are.’ It guides our actions, fostering unity, compassion, and shared responsibility.

empowerment

⁠We empower individuals and communities to take charge of their well-being. Through education, resources, and support, we inspire people to discover their inner strength and create positive change.

Holistic

Holistic care is at the core of Sankofa Institute’s approach. We recognize that well-being encompasses mind, body, and spirit. Our holistic perspective ensures that we address the complete health and healing needs of individuals and communities.

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