Dr. Linda Fleming McGhee is a practicing clinical psychologist who speaks and writes nationally on mental health and education.  She received her psychology doctorate from George Washington University. Prior to that, she received a law degree from GWU and was a practicing attorney for a number of years. Dr. McGhee served as the Director of the Teaching and Learning Center at the Landon School.  She also served as a psychologist at Landon for several years. Dr. McGhee worked at other schools specializing in learning disorders (Kingsbury and Chelsea).  She has also served as an adjunct professor at George Washington, Trinity, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and the Washington School of Psychiatry. Dr. McGhee served on the Board of the Kingsbury School and she is currently the Chair of the Education Committee and a member of the Board of Directors of the Maryland Psychological Association. Dr. McGhee is the founder of McGhee & Associates in Chevy Chase Maryland.  She specializes in therapy for adolescents and young adults, assessments for learning differences, and educational consulting. Dr. McGhee has written for the Washington Post and has been quoted widely in the New York Times, the Huffington Post and Grown and Flown.  She speaks nationally on mental health, race, and education.  Dr. McGhee speaks at colleges on behalf of the Steve Fund, an organization devoted to mental health for students of color.  She is a contributor to The Son Rise Project, a support network for adolescent boys. Dr. McGhee regularly appears on television and radio on a variety of topics. She hosts a talk show on Radio One called Good Mental Health to raise awareness about the importance of good mental health.  

Sherone Lewis, a native of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, with a passion for mental wellness, education, and advocacy, has over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, including roles in direct care services, crisis management, regional systems, and state strategic planning. As an author of fictional works reflecting her life journey, available on Amazon, and a licensed minister, she not only contributes to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness but also actively works to improve services for marginalized populations.

Keynote Speaker Richard M. Potter, Jr., an accomplished leader, graduated from Sojourner Douglass College in 2008 and pursued a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership at Wilmington University, graduating in 2010. Mr. Potter has a history of active involvement, serving as President of the NAACP Talbot County Branch and as President of the Character Counts Mid Shore Board of Directors. Co-founder of the Coalition for Justice for Anton Black, he was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Maryland Black Caucus Foundation. Mr. Potter transitioned to Hogan Lovells US LLP in November 2021, initially as Diversity & Inclusion Senior Coordinator and later assuming the role of Delaware Chief Diversity Officer in January 2023. Committed to inclusivity, he focuses on empowering individuals to thrive in their personal and professional aspirations.

Stephanie Slowly currently serves as the Director of Policy and Planning at Maryland Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration. During her time at BHA she has previously served as the Chief of Staff of BHA. In her current role she works to lead the policy initiatives, engages in strategic planning and is charged to create an equitable systematic integration approach within Behavioral Health Administration. Ms. Slowly has over 15 years of experience in direct care service, working as a medical social worker, where she implemented programs, advised on policy, and advocated for the needs of the most underserved and vulnerable populations. Stephanie received her bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology from Norfolk State University, and she earned her Master of Social Work from the Evelyn R. School of Social Work from Norfolk State University. She has become a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical through the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Public Health with an concentration in Behavioral Health Equity at Morgan State University.

Vanessa Holloway-Truxon is a Parent Engagement Coordinator and The Keeper of the Garden at Minarys Dream Alliance with a lifetime of experience helping her community by addressing disparities from affordable housing and health as well as quality education. Specializing in families, Vanessa uses her experience as a cross-generational child to address not only the needs of individuals but also the needs of the family to become a supportive and productive unit.

Benjamin G. Kohl Jr., Ph.D., LSWC-C, is a dedicated social work leader and clinician committed to providing behavioral health services to diverse communities. Educated at Washington College, the New School for Social Research, Hunter College School of Social Work, and New York University, Dr. Kohl brings extensive experience. From 2009 to 2019, he served as the Director of Programs and Training for Eastern Shore Psychological Services and earlier as the Director of Multicultural Practice and Research for Southern Brooklyn Family Services. Dr. Kohl is the President of Hedgelawn Foundation and past president of Mid-Shore Behavioral Health, in addition to being a founding member of the Kent Count Social Action Committee for Racial Justice and a founding board member of Minary’s Dream Alliance. Ben currently serves as an antiracist executive coach for MPG Consulting while maintaining a psychotherapy and clinical supervision practice on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Angel Perez, the Caroline Pride CEO/Founder, is a distinguished community leader honored as the Caroline County Citizen of the Year 2020. With a dedicated commitment spanning 12 years, Mr. Perez actively promotes inclusion, respect, and equity in his community. Currently serving as president of the Rotary Club of Denton and holding leadership roles in various committees, including the Caroline County Local Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council, his impactful contributions continue to positively shape Caroline County.

Donielle Davis, a 49-year-old Easton, Maryland native and Easton High School alum, holds a BA from the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore. As a MSBH board member and community activist, he is a passionate advocate for substance abuse and mental health issues. With 28 years of active recovery, Donielle is a dedicated son, husband, father, Minister, and works with the Affiliated Sante Group-ESCR in Easton. Serving as the Caroline County Safe Station peer, he collaborates with the Sheriff’s office to guide individuals toward suitable treatment options, working to bring positive change to both the community and the criminal justice system’s approach to substance abuse.