where wellness is justice & healing is revolutionary.
Meet the Founder
Clarissa Wadley, LCSW
Clarissa Wadley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Faith-based Life Coach from Philadelphia, PA. While working as a child and adolescent therapist in her hometown, Clarissa realized that one of the major barriers for children of color, was the parenting style of their caregivers. She began to engage with the parents and caretakers of her young clients to get a better understanding of their experiences. Quickly it became clear that generational trauma, undiagnosed mental health conditions, and extreme burnout were plaguing many of the parents, especially black women, who were often the sole caretakers of their children, grandchildren, and loved ones. Clarissa began to look at her own family history and experiences growing up and realized that this discovery seemed to be true in her personal life as well. So, she decided to do something about it.
A graduate of the illustrious Spelman College, with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in social work from Temple University, Clarissa was taught by her own therapist that “politics and social work intersect at social justice”. Thus, BGH was born, focusing on wellness as a vehicle for justice within the black community.
Clarissa is committed to fighting issues of social injustice and addressing mental health concerns within the black community. She hopes to use her platform, influence, and resources to inspire, uplift, and equip black women, children, and communities, to be unapologetic in living fulfilled lives and pursuing their God-giving purpose. With a focus on black millennials and Gen Z(who tend to be the catalyst to inspire change in their families, neighborhoods, and communities), Clarissa seeks to create spaces that expand the modalities and accessibility of healing practices across the African Diaspora. She believes that for black folk, the personal is political, and our commitment to our health and wellness is our means of seeking justice and beginning a revolution. Black Girls Healing is Clarissa’s way of giving back to the community that has given her so much to be proud of, aspire to, and heal through.