“Perry educated me on topics outside of the classroom like practicing empathy and patience in therapeutic relationships, setting boundaries, and living a healthy and balanced life as a therapist while walking in my purpose to make a positive impact in the world. Those are lessons I didn’t learn from a book and I’m so grateful to have experienced a season with Perry.”

Parker continually sought ways to enhance her knowledge through volunteer services and dedicated work in the mental health field. One of her many experiences include a period working with adolescents at the local youth developmental center. While many view this as a “jail” for juveniles, Parker saw it as an opportunity to be creative and search for ways to offer therapy in a way young people could relate to.

Continuing to fortify her expertise, Parker spent time working one-on-one with people from all backgrounds who struggled with substance use disorder including professionals, athletes, actors, and other social service providers.

Throughout her career, Parker worked extensively in crisis management services, substance-use disorders, dual diagnoses, clinical research and private practice. Now she is focused on serving the Black and Brown community and specializes in women issues among adolescent and adult women.

Parker’s commitment to mental health and her own desire to support underrepresented minorities merged in 2019 when she founded Fortified Counseling PLLC. She participated in Dope Therapist Academy to gain practical skills that help her effectively provide therapy while running her practice.

In 2022, she graduated from the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business program where she acquired an extensive amount of business intelligence from experts throughout the Goldman Sachs company and their partner, 1863 Ventures.

Parker is devoted to improving her clients’ lives by providing individualized care that strengthens support, builds resiliency, and enables life-changing outcomes. She is also passionate about providing guidance and resources to other mental health providers who serve as critical supporters in their communities.

Her personal mission is to redefine the “Strong Black Woman” narrative to a reality in which Black women no longer struggle mentally, emotionally, or financially, endure abuse and trauma, or lack healthy boundaries. And it all starts with having the right people to lean on and learn from. Just as Parker’s motto goes, “HELPING YOU, HELP YOURSELF.”