TJ is a first-year MSW student at the UNC School of Social Work based in Durham. She is interested in direct practice with children and hopes to bring about radical healing through therapy that is grounded in African traditions of community care and play after graduating from the program.

TJ attended Duke University and graduated with a double major in Psychology and German. Prior to her time at UNC and Helping Education, she was a Clinical Research Specialist, Sr. on a joint Duke-UNC longitudinal follow-up study of adolescent mental health. In this role, she and her fellow research team members recruited, administered surveys, and conducted structured diagnostic interviews with youth and their caregivers to understand how mental health develops as individuals age from preschool to adolescence. This role further solidified her interest in building relationships with youth in Durham. 

TJ is excited to be joining the Helping Education Team and looks forward to helping support students’ learning journeys. 

In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, attending concerts, watching and playing soccer, reading, and spending time with friends and family.