Meet some of the Doctoral Candidates of Wilmington University's Cohort 3 Prevention Science Program who will be planning and implementing prevention programming with FLS from 2/2021-8/2021!
Keonna Freeman, DSocSci(c), MS, CFLE, BCCHP (She/Her) "I am the Founder/Executive Director of FreeLee Life Services for Individuals & Families, Inc. and the owner of FreeLee Integrated Health Wealth, LLC. I am a Nationally Certified Family Life Educator, Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, and a Pre-Licensed Mental Health Therapist. I previously worked in the Pharmacy and Nursing field for 18 years before shifting my career to Social/Human Services. I am a Youth Mobile Crisis Clinician where I provide therapeutic support and educational interventions to youth who have experienced trauma. I am also an Outpatient Therapist for Journey Wellness Delaware where I conduct individual therapy. I previously mentored a local high school Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) club where I provided educational programming to youth of diverse sexual orientations/gender identities, as well as their allies. I am a life-long scholar as I continue to grow my knowledge, skills, and expertise in both the Social and Health Sciences. I received an Associate degree in Health Science, with a Nursing Concentration from Salem Community College, a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science from Wilmington University, a Master’s degree in Applied Family Science from Wilmington University, and am currently a Doctoral Candidate in the Prevention Science program at Wilmington University. My area of focus is Trauma Prevention in black families. I have used my education and experience to assist and advocate for underrepresented and under-resourced populations comprised of BIPOC, women and LGBTQI+ individuals throughout the State of Delaware. As a family and community-oriented professional, mother and same-sex life partner, I understand the importance of diversity and inclusion and hope to make a lasting impact on the State of Delaware, while working endlessly to prevent families and individuals from experiencing crises through family life education and preventative interventions that include holistic care and programming." |
Nichol Killian, DSocSci(c), MA, MS
(She/Her) "I have been teaching college-level anthropology and sociology courses for the past seventeen years. I completed my Master of Arts in Anthropology at Wayne State University in Detroit and my Master of Science in Biotechnology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. I am currently a doctoral candidate in Social Science: Prevention Science at Wilmington University. My area of focus is trauma-informed teaching and learning as a measure to promote student success. My career has taking me into several domains, such as the clinical hospital setting, commercial labs, and higher education (faculty and student support services). Although these areas may seem unconnected, there is an underlying theme of being part of a Helping Profession. This is my passion, and it is one of the many reasons that I enjoy teaching social science courses at the college-level. To me, one of the most important aspects of the social sciences is the ability to see others as they may see themselves (cultural relativism) and not how we "think they should be" (ethnocentrism). Diversity and understanding differences may be the key to a more globally inclusive and resilient world. If I can help introduce and nurture these concepts in our communities, then I will feel that I have made a difference. When Keonna offered me the exciting opportunity to volunteer with FreeLee Foundation (FLS), I could not resist. The mission of FLS to “to strengthen family and community systems, prevent crises and help individuals develop resilience to learn, live, love and laugh freely through charity, advocacy and evidenced-based family life education” appeals to every part of my personal and professional goals. Providing the helping hand (and in turn be helped!) so that we can all reach a heightened quality of life is true Prevention Science." |
Natasha Scott-Knight, DSocSci(c), MS (She/Her) "I subscribe to the pursuit of happiness and the power of one. Meaning all it takes is one person to change many lives, which is true directly or indirectly. The dreams or aspirations you hold are not there by accident, and we have the option to push forward even if we stumble or give up and fill our heads with all the reasons why it will never happen for us. I dabble in a little of everything because life is just as unpredictable. My beginnings are the same as many who grow up in a low-income, urban community and are considered at-risk. However, I was blessed to see how one person's actions, even a stranger, could make my life better. There were many meals, clothes, and gifts brought into our home, which made me want to be someone who encourages others in the same way. I believe in lifelong learning and the responsibility of sharing that knowledge in whatever way works best for you. " Natasha Scott-Knight is a native of Portland, Oregon, married for 20 years, mother of two daughters after being told she would not have children of her own. She has earned an A.S. in Logistics, a B.S. in Behavioral Science, and an M.S. in Human Services Administration. She is currently working towards achieving a doctorate in Prevention Science. Natasha has been a Human Service professional for the last 14 years, serving diverse populations from homeless families, children, disabled veterans, college students, and incarcerated men. She is also a retired, disabled Air Force Veteran, entrepreneur, author, wedding officiant, and licensed nail technician. |
Meet DeShanna, a Master of Science Candidate in Wilmington University's Applied Family Science Program and FLS' Intern who will be planning and implementing Family Life Education programming with FLS from 1/2021-5/2021!
DeShanna Neal is a local and national public activist for LGBTQ rights, Black Lives Matter, and a mother of 4. She has been part of policy change in the state of Delaware, is a published author, and founder of Intersections of Pride Foundation.
After completing her Bachelor's of Science in Psychology at University of Phoenix in 2015, she now is close to completing her Master's of Science in Applied Family Science from Wilmington University and looks forward to becoming a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE).
DeShannna Neal, MS(c), BS-Psy
(She/They)
Founder of Intersections of Pride Foundation
Activist
Author
Mom
Queer
Melanin blessed
After completing her Bachelor's of Science in Psychology at University of Phoenix in 2015, she now is close to completing her Master's of Science in Applied Family Science from Wilmington University and looks forward to becoming a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE).
DeShannna Neal, MS(c), BS-Psy
(She/They)
Founder of Intersections of Pride Foundation
Activist
Author
Mom
Queer
Melanin blessed