Our Clinicians
Abeke` (Kay) Baker, LMFT
B.A. Psychology & Master's Family Therapy/ Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Abeke Baker, LMFT is a 2011 graduate of Mercer University School of Medicine's Marriage and Family Therapy Master's Degree program. She has a unique career path in the Mental Health/Social Services fields that began at the age of 14. She started as a youth counselor for the Red Cross Lock Key Kids safety program and has more than 18 years of hands on experience ranging from a Program Director of a Howard County Parks and Recreation in Columbia, MD which included youth and young adults diagnosed with developmental disabilities, autism, and mal-adaptive behaviors to Inpatient Crisis Stabilization Hospital for adolescents and adults.
Volunteer Work
Abeke has been an AUU basketball assistant coach since 2003. In 2015, she also began volunteering with a program that helps find housing for homeless LGBTQ youth.
*Available for Intake/Consultations for new clients*
Schedule:
T & W: 10am-10pm
Thur: 10am-6pm
Sun: 12pm-6pm
Denise Spear, LAPC
Licensed Associate Professional Counselor
An Atlanta Georgia native, Denise earned her graduate degree in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University and Post Masters Certification in Trauma Counseling. Additionally, she is a certified educator and teaches Special Education. She has a combined career expanding over 20 years in education and the mental health field. With collaborative experience in private practice, group home settings, quality assurance, inpatient and community based settings, case management, and the foster care system educating foster parents on LGBTQ challenges, this wide scope lends empathy and perception . With a clear understanding of what it is like to live life out and proud, what comes next? Focusing on a safe place to express who you are is her top priority. Perhaps there is trauma that needs to be addressed, or maybe you just need a safe space to help you reconnect with yourself and the world you choose. Either way, she looks forward to providing that safe space for you. Her focus is on delivering situational informed care with symptoms related to LGBTQ+ challenges, anxiety, depression, family conflict, grief, low self-esteem, social skills, and all things mental health. Treatment approaches include CBT, CPT, Person-Centered, Strength Based, Trauma Focused, and Motivational Interviewing to name a few. In her free time, Denise enjoys participating in community service, traveling, hiking, exercising and health, outdoor activities, listening to music, and theatre.
Derrick Sykes, LAPC
Licensed Associate Professional Counseling
Hailing from St Louis Missouri Derrick Sykes is 39 the youngest of three. He is college educated with degrees in Psychology, Sociology, Mental Health Counseling and a master’s degree in African American studies. Derrick has been a therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor for 12 years with a specialization in Trauma Gender and Sexuality Studies. Derrick is co-author "The Black Mans Guide to Graduate in 2013. He is a Member of Phi Beta Sigma, Kappa Sigma Graduate Chapter Spring 2008.
Derrick previously worked for Paraquad Inc. where his job was to advocate for the disabled community in St Louis by making sure the street sidewalks and businesses were accessible. Often during his spare time, he is a disability advocate who is well versed working and learning about Americans Disability Act policies. He hopes to be the visual representation for the community.
Schedule:
M-T-W: 10am-6pm
Chanel Haley
Director of Administrative Operations
Chanel Haley is a national award-winning lgbtq gender policy consultant, speaker, and politico. She is a 2019 Atlanta Pride Grand Marshall and one of 2020 OUT Georgia 100's Most Influential. Ms. Haley holds certification in Diversity & Inclusion from Cornell University.
Office Hours
M-F: 10am-5pm
Charnise Howcroft-Chapple, MFT
A Southern California native and recent Atlanta transplant, Charnise obtained her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in LGBTQ Affirmative therapy from Antioch University Los Angeles. Charnise obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Minor in Human Sexuality, Minor in Queer Studies from California State University, Northridge. Charnise has been an avid volunteer at the Los Angeles LGBT Center for 4 years. Charnise is a United States Army veteran. As an out lesbian woman and a veteran Charnise has a wide understanding of the disparities and unique challenges these communities face.
Schedule:
M-T-W: noon-8pm
