Meet The Team
Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness
Camesha L. Jones, LCSW
Founder &
Executive Director
Camesha L. Jones, LCSW is a Community Mental Wellness Changemaker who serves at the intersection of culture, community, and social justice. She is the Executive Director of Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness, a social enterprise providing low-cost mental wellness care that centers the experiences of Black women in Chicago. Since Sista Afya's founding in 2017, they've served over 1000 Black women through their innovative, community-driven programs. In 2020, she launched Sista Afya Community Care NFP, a nonprofit that provides free mental wellness care and education to women experiencing multiple barriers to care. Camesha's work at Sista Afya has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Vogue, Allure, TEDx, and Rolling Out. Camesha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who graduated from Spelman College with a Bachelor's in Sociology and received her Master's in Social Work from the University of Chicago. Camesha strongly believes in eliminating barriers in the mental health field that people of diverse cultural backgrounds experience by creating affordable and accessible care that centers the well-being of the whole person.
Betty Hailu, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor
and Therapist
Betty is a Clinical Supervisor and Therapist at Sista Afya. Born and raised in Ethiopia, Betty Hailu has always been an advocate for mental health awareness and well-being. Betty’s background encompasses a range of tasks providing therapy to clients of diverse backgrounds, with behavioral problems, trauma, mental illness, life transitions, and stress. Betty also brings many years of hosting various educational events, activist, and social programs for Black and minority communities, offering her voice to amplify others to tell their own stories. Betty graduated with a Bachelor's in Human Services from Northern Illinois University and a Master's in Social Work from Illinois State University.
Melanie Clavelle, LSW
Therapist
Melanie is a Licensed Social Worker, who enjoys serving young adults, women, and families. IShe specializes in working with those struggling with complex trauma, depression, anxiety, and managing life challenges. I believe each individual has their own unique story and is worthy of positive change. Her therapeutic approach involves creating individualized plans to reflect each individual and their needs. In doing so, she uses empowering, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness techniques to support one’s journey to healing. Melanie received her BSW and MSW from Governor's State University.
April Threatt, MA
Maternal Mental Health Coordinator
and
Therapist
April is a Qualified Mental Health Professional who serves as a Therapist at Sista Afya. She specializes in servicing women and adults. She empowers her clients to understand various factors in their lives that contribute to their unhappiness. She is committed to being compassionate and present with her clients as they discover their inner strengths to bring about desired change. Her approach is person-centered and she believes that building relationships with clients is essential in therapy in order to assist them in working through issues, overcoming obstacles, and becoming the best version of themselves. She received her Master's in Community Agency Counseling from Saint Xavier University at Chicago.
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Ngozi Williams, LPC
Therapist
Ngozi is a Mental Health Therapist that is deeply aware of the courage it takes to advocate for oneself, and to stay committed to the healing journey. This is why she creates and maintains a safe space for you to explore feelings, thoughts, and personal insights regarding your relationships and lived experiences. Safety, connection, collaboration and active listening are priorities in her intention as your therapist in walking alongside you and empowering you to know that things can be different.
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Ngozi works with individuals who experience anxiety, depression, self-esteem/body confidence, daily life stressors, trauma/PTSD/C-PTSD, intergenerational trauma, and grief.
Ashle' Anderson, LPC
Therapist
Ashle’ Anderson, LPC is a Chicago native and Licensed Professional Counselor with over 7 years of experience in the mental health field. Ashle’ is passionate about empowering you to break barriers and discover your inner strength. Ashle’ specializes in working with African- American individuals and underserved multicultural communities. She supports people facing various challenges such as self-esteem, substance use, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues. Ashle’s collaborative therapeutic approach incorporates cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and solution-focused therapy that aims to transform your mental well-being. As a Christian woman, Ashle’ integrates spirituality into her work, providing a non-judgmental and authentic space for healing. Ashle’ graduated with a Master’s Degree in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University. If you are searching for authenticity and validation, you have found the right person. Ashle’ is enthusiastic about working with you so you can experience a full, whole, and vibrant life.