Monica, aka "Mon" is a licensed clinical social worker, educator, and mental health advocate with more than 25 years of experience serving individuals, families, and communities throughout the Pittsburgh area. Her work spans healthcare, education, child welfare, geriatrics, criminal justice, and community outreach, giving her a uniquely holistic perspective on mental health and human connection.

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Raised in an interracial family in a small town, Monica developed an early understanding of cultural identity, empathy, and the complexities of navigating social differences — experiences that continue to shape both her clinical approach and advocacy work today.

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Monica discovered her passion for social work at just 13 years old and has pursued that calling with purpose ever since. She currently serves as a therapist with Thriveworks and Cerebral, where she specializes in supporting clients experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, and the unique challenges often faced by women and people of color. She also provides counseling to children and families through TRAC Services.

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In addition to her clinical work, Monica has served as an adjunct professor at Carlow University and PennWest University, teaching undergraduate and graduate-level social work courses, including Introduction to Social Work and Social Work with Families. She also helped develop a curriculum focused on cultural humility and co-taught Cultural Awareness for Human Services Professionals.

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Monica co-led a civil rights service-learning course that contributed to the documentary Democracy: A Steady, Loving Confrontation, further reflecting her commitment to advocacy, education, and social impact.

Her expertise and insights have been featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, NPR, and KDKA AM, and she has been quoted in national publications including HuffPost and Newsweek. Through her work and platform, Monica continues to advocate for conversations around Black mental health, trauma, caregiving, and emotional wellness with compassion, honesty, and purpose.