Dr.
Joy Leary has been lauded as having among the most dynamic and
inspirational messages currently being presented on the topics
of culture, race relations and contemporary social issues. Past
clients have included academic institutions such as Harvard, Columbia,
Fisk and the University of Chicago. She has also presented to
federal and state agencies such as The Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI), Probation and Parole agencies, The Juvenile Justice Judges
Association and Police departments. Dr. Leary has worked with
major corporations such as Nordstrom’s and Nike, as well
as Jane Fonda’s renowned Georgia Campaign On Adolescent
Pregnancy Prevention.
A little history Dr.
Leary holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications,
a master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), a master’s
degree in Psychology, and a PhD in Social Work Research. She
is an Assistant Professor at Portland State University. Her
eighteen years of practical experience as a professional in
the field of social work offers practical insight into various
cultural and ethnic groups that form the basis of contemporary
American society. Dr. Leary’s workshops also go far beyond
the topic of cultural sensitivity; she provides specialized
clinical work in areas of mental health and ecological resilience.
Workshops
Among Dr. Leary’s most significant workshops are those
on Axiology and “Post
Traumatic Slave Syndrome - America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing”.
Her discussion and model of Axiology is derived from work and
association with noted clinician Dr. Edwin Nichols and delves
into the study of primary values that shape cultures. In brief,
Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome theory proposes that varying levels
of both clinically induced and socially learned residual stress
related issues were passed along through generations as a result
of slavery. Dr. Leary presents facts, statistics and documents
that illustrate how the destruction of the African culture (i.e.,
belief systems, customs, and values) continues to effect traumas
resulting from inequality, racism and oppression policies.
A time for healing
The workshops, lectures and keynote speeches conducted by Dr.
Joy DeGruy Leary are based on her commitment to the health and
healing for all people.
