Who We Are
Our Story
Founded in 2021 by dedicated mental health professionals Dr. Shaneika Smith and Cathy Emerson.
The Braid Foundation emerged from over a decade of dedicated service to schools and our community. Our journey began with a shared frustration with the barriers hindering mental health access in our community. Dr. Smith's extensive experience as a crisis counselor, school counselor, and therapist, combined with Cathy's background as a school psychologist, provided the foundation for our mission.
Dr. Shaneika Smith is an anchor in the mental health field, with a rich background as a crisis counselor during the TN Recovery Program and later as a pivotal figure in shaping equitable practices and supportive systems as a school counseling coordinator. Her Ph.D. in Counselor Supervision from the University of Memphis underscores her commitment to advancing mental health services in our county.
Cathy's journey through the educational and mental health systems equipped her with invaluable insights into the systemic challenges facing our youth. She understands that true change begins with empowering the adults and systems that shape young lives.
Youth Connect
Three ways to get involved
03.
Our Values
What we hold onto
Authenticity
Adaptability
Collaboration
Grace
Resilience
Our Board
Meet our board
Toya Leftwich
Managing Director of Student Management Systems at Gestalt Community Schools with seventeen years in education. Toya is driven to stay with a problem until it is solved; her tenacity keeps her continuously innovating and mastering new skill sets. She holds a B.S. in Biology from LeMoyne-Owen College and an M.S. in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership from the University of Memphis.
Kelsey McElderry
A special educator with eight years of experience in Little Rock and Memphis, currently fulfilling her role as a new mother. Kelsey is passionate about education equity and knows firsthand how important inclusivity and diversity are to our community's future. She holds a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from Louisiana Tech University.
Nichole Crane
Managing Director of Scholar Support for Gestalt Community Schools with 20 years in education as a teacher, coach, leader, and advocate. A certified Behavior Analyst practitioner, she is a fierce advocate for our youth, especially those who face challenges. She holds degrees from Rust College, the University of Memphis, and Cambridge College.
Susan Deason
Executive Director for Memphis Allies, an initiative to reduce gun violence in Memphis, with 27 years at Youth Villages. A certified leadership coach and Collaborative Problem Solving practitioner, she wholeheartedly believes in people's capacity for change given the right conditions. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Rhodes College and an M.A. in Counseling from the University of Memphis.
Cathy Emerson
A school psychologist whose journey through the educational and mental health systems equipped her with invaluable insights into the systemic challenges facing our youth. She understands that true change begins with empowering the adults and systems that shape young lives.
Dr. Shaneika Smith
An anchor in the mental health field: a crisis counselor during the TN Recovery Program and later a pivotal figure in shaping equitable practices as a school counseling coordinator. Her Ph.D. in Counselor Supervision from the University of Memphis underscores her commitment to advancing mental health services in our county.
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