Meet The Team

Melissa Ifill is a guide to inner knowledge and wholeness with a passion for blending traditional healing practices with clinical understanding. Holding a B.A. in Public Affairs '99, a Masters of Social Work '06, and an Advanced Certificate in Women’s Studies '06 from Syracuse University, Melissa is trained in EMDR, Trauma Conscious Yoga, Reiki (attuned to "master" Level), and is exploring the integration of psychedelics into clinical therapy. As an Iyalosa (priest of Oshun in an African Traditional Religion), Melissa is also trained in sound healing, breathwork, and meditation, bringing a diverse range of healing modalities to her practice.

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In her private practice serving NY, GA, and Florida, Melissa specializes in providing individual therapy to Black women across faith practices, integrating their faith and healing from trauma. Through her group work focusing on wellness, Melissa creates spaces for Black women throughout the diaspora to (re)learn themselves and the skills needed to heal, connecting in community with like-minded women. Melissa’s passion lies in helping Black women get unstuck and thrive in the fullness of the lives they long for, encouraging them to see themselves as whole and thrive in spite of past trauma. Her work has been featured in Essence Magazine, Parents Magazine, Therapy for Black Girls Podcast, and Love and Hip Hop Miami.

Samara is a dynamic California native with a unique blend of business acumen and mental health expertise. Holding a Bachelor's in Psychology from Hampton University and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Samara has a strong educational foundation in mental health and decades of business experience.

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Her career took off when she founded The Stone Foundation in 2005, a Maryland-based behavioral health firm, establishing herself as a pioneering leader in the behavioral health field. Recognized for her business acumen, she launched PerfectedPractice.com in 2013, providing a comprehensive guide for behavioral health professionals to build successful private practices.

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Known for her innate ability to connect with others and dynamic presentation style, Samara is a coach who strikes the perfect balance between compassion and accountability. She offers insightful strategies while nurturing the emotional resilience of professionals and entrepreneurs.

Tenique Bernard is not your average publicist—she's a seasoned media maven with over fifteen years of experience in fashion and lifestyle PR. Starting her journey at the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America), Tenique honed her event planning skills at Calvin Klein, setting the stage for her dynamic career path. Her passion for PR, especially in women's fashion, flourished while working with jewelry designer Stephen Dweck. Moving on to Ralph Lauren, where she rose from freelance PR assistant to Public Relations Director, Tenique immersed herself in luxury fashion and accessible styles, setting the stage for her next big leap. As Senior Publicity Director at KCD, a global fashion PR agency, Tenique led the charge in publicity efforts for top-tier brands and designers, adding her unique touch to runway shows and red-carpet events.

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In 2021, Tenique embarked on a new adventure, launching Tenique Bernard Consulting (TBC). With TBC, Tenique isn't just about PR; she's on a mission to empower brands and individuals to achieve their PR goals with a heart-centered approach. Her vision is to uplift emerging brands, black-owned businesses, and women-led ventures, making diversity and inclusion integral to her work. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Tenique is not just a powerhouse in the PR world; she's also a devoted mother, finding balance and inspiration in her son Kingston.