EmpowerMind Education and Consultation, LLC: Meet the Founder

Welcome back to the EmpowerMind Blog! In the first blog post, I gave you a behind the scenes look at how my small business got started as well as the services I provide. Let's go one step further and get to know each other a little bit, shall we?

Who is the Mind Behind EmpowerMind Education and Consultation, LLC?

My name is Dr. Tiana Kelly, and I am a passionate educator, fierce advocate, and downright dog-loving human! My passion for education started early, having been honored as the salutatorian for my high school graduating class. Dedication to my studies and my interest in learning facilitated my success in graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology as well as earning a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Most recently, I was awarded a Doctorate of Social Science Degree in Prevention Science. The journey to earning this degree refined my professional interests and helped me gain clarity into how much I valued education.

I started my career as a group therapist and later transitioned to providing individual counseling services as a Licensed Professional Counselor and board-certified National Certified Counselor. My competencies as a service provider include offering animal-assisted interventions, working alongside survivors of trauma and violence, as well as treating issues related to infertility, grief, anxiety, and life transitions. I am also passionate about working with veterinary and human healthcare providers to address the systemic issues that hinder their wellbeing.

I made the courageous leap to elevate my career by expanding into the world of education. In

my journey to founding EmpowerMind Education and Consultation, LLC, I facilitated various speaking engagements at local, national, and international levels. I am overjoyed to formally bring my competence and skillset to the table as we collectively work to enrich our lives through learning! My speaking engagements have a focus on mental health and wellbeing and are best suited for veterinary and human healthcare providers, businesses seeking to invest in employee mental health, community and student groups, as well as nonprofit organizations. I also work alongside students, professionals, and businesses to provide quality proofreading and editing services!

Where Have I Been Featured?

While earning my master's degree, I was both inspired and encouraged by my professors to get published. So I did what I do best and blended my interests in assistance dogs with my developing skillset as a then-aspiring counselor. It was shortly after graduating that my article, "Courthouse Facility Dogs: An Intervention for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence," was published. From there, I got a little more creative with my writing and published a book chapter entitled Pinella's Purpose in "The Gifts We Receive from Animals: Stories to Warm the Heart." This story features my Very Important Pet, Pinella, who was once a life-changing service dog in training! I most recently published "Veterinarian Suicide Prevention: Examining Doctorate-Level Veterinary Medicine Programs Through a Qualitative Content Analysis,"which underscores the role of higher education in protecting veterinary mental health.

This year's National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and World Mental Health Day brought amazing opportunities for me! For National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, I collaborated with IndeVets on a guest blog post about our collective responsibility to elevate veterinary mental health. In honor of World Mental Health Day, BBC invited me to participate in a brief documentary about the mental health crisis impacting the veterinary field. I am certainly eager for the opportunities that lie ahead and truly appreciate the power of collaboration to help educate and empower others!

What Do I Do Outside of Work?

When I'm not "on the clock," I dedicate much of my time to the causes most meaningful to me. I have always treasured the power of volunteerism, but it admittedly took several years of trial-and-error before finding organizations with missions that aligned with my own values. Within the last two years, I became a volunteer with Not One More Vet, participating in their education and content committees. In addition, I also dedicate much of my time to Susquehanna Service Dogs. What started as an undergraduate internship blossomed into volunteer puppy raising and founding a Campus Puppy Raising Program. My continued dedication to this program and Susquehanna Service Dogs in its entirety recently earned me the Nancy and Robert Fierer Spirit of Volunteerism Award!

Do I Save Time for Me?

You bet I do! I could talk about the nerdy stuff for days, but what about the things I do for fun? I have always been an avid reader and most enjoy psychological thrillers and the occasional self-help book. I'm always looking for suggestions, so don't be shy if you've got a good book recommendation! When I don't have a book in my hand, I'm playing with, walking, or cuddling my best four-legged friend, Pinella!

Time at the beach is time best spent for me, especially when it's alongside Pinella and my beloved partner. When all else fails or the weather is particularly rainy, I'll turn on some reality TV, kick my feet up, and drink my favorite frozen mocha beverage. I also appreciate daily and intentional movement and do my very best to incorporate an at-home workout and/or a walk in every single day! I can't preach and educate about the importance of self-care unless I participate in it myself!

Until Next Time,

-Dr. T