Women's Center for Healing & Transformation 2025 Leadership Council
Anitra Smith Senegal, M.A., is currently employed with NASA/Stennis as the Training Coordinator. She is an Adjunct Instructor with Northshore Technical Community College in the Adult Education Department. She is a highly experienced education professional with over twenty years of experience in education/training, community boards, and non-profit organizations. She has spent most of her career in the non-profit sector, gaining experiences in Volunteer Management, Fund Development, Board Development, and Training.
A Slidell native she is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Belhaven University in Jackson, MS where she received her Master of Arts in Education Degree. Anitra is engaged in various community organizations. She is a member of the Nancy Marsiglia Institute of Justice Inaugural Alumni Association, a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; American Heart Association Certified trainer and Secretary to the Board of Directors for the Mt. Olive Run to Feed the Hungry. She is a member of the International Society of Female Professionals, Women Inspiring Stennis Excellence and a former member of the Junior League of Lafayette and the Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women.
A firm believer in the power of positive thinking, Anitra is a powerful force in the classroom and boardroom. She uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage those around her to work hard and succeed. Anitra is inspired daily by people making a difference and was the catalyst for starting her own business Senegal Grant Solutions (d/b/a Nonprofit Management Solutions) where she helps nonprofits that work on critical issues such as education, healthcare, economic development, and social justice. She loves helping people discover their interests, passions, and, ultimately themselves. Her mantra is a quote from Leo Buscaglia "Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God."
A Slidell native she is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Belhaven University in Jackson, MS where she received her Master of Arts in Education Degree. Anitra is engaged in various community organizations. She is a member of the Nancy Marsiglia Institute of Justice Inaugural Alumni Association, a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; American Heart Association Certified trainer and Secretary to the Board of Directors for the Mt. Olive Run to Feed the Hungry. She is a member of the International Society of Female Professionals, Women Inspiring Stennis Excellence and a former member of the Junior League of Lafayette and the Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women.
A firm believer in the power of positive thinking, Anitra is a powerful force in the classroom and boardroom. She uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage those around her to work hard and succeed. Anitra is inspired daily by people making a difference and was the catalyst for starting her own business Senegal Grant Solutions (d/b/a Nonprofit Management Solutions) where she helps nonprofits that work on critical issues such as education, healthcare, economic development, and social justice. She loves helping people discover their interests, passions, and, ultimately themselves. Her mantra is a quote from Leo Buscaglia "Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God."
Christina Rusca brings over a decade of nonprofit leadership and nearly two decades of business management experience to her role on the Leadership Council of the Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, Christina combines her talents as a podcaster (The Dharma Diaries), writer, speaker, and facilitator to create spaces for connection and growth. She founded Dream Weavers, an in-person women’s circle that fosters community through meaningful conversations that inspire collaboration and expansion. Her work is rooted in authenticity, creativity, and a vision for a more equitable and connected world.
Christina is a lifelong Northshore resident. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southeastern Louisiana University as well as a dual certification in Dharma and Spiritual Life Coaching from ICF-accredited Dharma Coaching Institute. Christina also holds a 200-hour yoga teaching certification. She and her husband, Ralph, live in Mandeville with their spoiled Pomeranian, da Vinci.
Christina is a lifelong Northshore resident. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southeastern Louisiana University as well as a dual certification in Dharma and Spiritual Life Coaching from ICF-accredited Dharma Coaching Institute. Christina also holds a 200-hour yoga teaching certification. She and her husband, Ralph, live in Mandeville with their spoiled Pomeranian, da Vinci.
Cassandra “Coach Cassie J” James-Weathersby is a Recovery Life Coach, an advocate, and a champion for Mental Wellness and Women’s Emotional Healing. As a ‘survivor turned thriver’ of her battles with trauma & and mental illness, Cassandra is working to encourage other Black and Brown Women to stand in their truth; breaking the silence barrier around trauma that has kept many trapped. Since founding the nonprofit organization Black Women DO Heal in 2019, Cassandra has continued to facilitate those meaningful conversations to destroy the lie of the ‘Superwoman Myth’ through their coaching, training, healing conversations, respite events, and wellness activities.
As a result of her inner intentional healing journey and her work, she firmly believes self-awareness, rest, community, and support are some of the key ingredients to taking our lives and power back-striving each day to ‘go be her.’
Cassandra has over 40 years of lived experience in mental health, over 8 years of experience as a Certified Peer Support Specialist, a Recovery Coach Professional and Trainer of Trainers, an ACE Educator, a Certified WRAP Facilitator, a Breathwork Facilitator, and a Target Health Facilitator. She is the author of the manual, Relinquishing the Cape, a training guide for Community Healers. Coach Cassie J is also the CEO of Pure Valley Educational Services, a mental health support, coaching, and consulting agency located in Louisiana.
Coach Cassie J currently resides in the Greater New Orleans area. She is the Mother of three grown rugrats and GiGi of one granddaughter and two grandsons. When she is not working, she can be found enjoying nature from the safety of her window, reading, writing, at karaoke, and spending time with Grands. Cassandra James Weathersby,
RPSS, RCP, RCPF
As a result of her inner intentional healing journey and her work, she firmly believes self-awareness, rest, community, and support are some of the key ingredients to taking our lives and power back-striving each day to ‘go be her.’
Cassandra has over 40 years of lived experience in mental health, over 8 years of experience as a Certified Peer Support Specialist, a Recovery Coach Professional and Trainer of Trainers, an ACE Educator, a Certified WRAP Facilitator, a Breathwork Facilitator, and a Target Health Facilitator. She is the author of the manual, Relinquishing the Cape, a training guide for Community Healers. Coach Cassie J is also the CEO of Pure Valley Educational Services, a mental health support, coaching, and consulting agency located in Louisiana.
Coach Cassie J currently resides in the Greater New Orleans area. She is the Mother of three grown rugrats and GiGi of one granddaughter and two grandsons. When she is not working, she can be found enjoying nature from the safety of her window, reading, writing, at karaoke, and spending time with Grands. Cassandra James Weathersby,
RPSS, RCP, RCPF
Monique Jackson, MBA-HRM is currently employed with the Department of the Navy, Learning and Development Directorate as a Human Resources Assistant. Monique is the CEO/Owner of Real Talk T.Y.M.E. (Transforming Your Mind Events) LLC https://www.realtalktyme.com/ and provides coaching/consulting as a Total Wellness Coach. Monique is combat veteran and served in the United States Army for almost 13 years. Her various positions over her military career before medically retiring were Human Resources Supervisor/Manager, Human Resources Specialist and an Administrative Assistant. She is also a Mental Health Advocate and has a Nonprofit Organization called Real Talk TYME (RTT) Foundation https://realtalktyme.org/
Her organization believes in the power of open dialogue and shared experiences to heal and transform. RTT’s mission is to create a safe, welcoming space where individuals can connect, share, and grow together. Whether you're here to share your story, seek advice, or simply listen and observe, you are an essential part of RTT’s community.
Monique has a master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management. Monique is a certified life, health and recovery coach. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc; Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority, Inc; Order of the Eastern Star; Black Women Do Heal; Women’s Leadership Academy Alumni at Loyola University; AKLF (Legacy Foundation), Women Veterans Network, Alumni of Beneath the Service (Mission Continues) and many other affiliations to include but not limited to the Wounded Warriors, American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
Monique has served in different leadership positions across her organizations to include but not limited to Chapter President, Regional Director, National Paraphernalia Director, State Emergency Response Coordinator, Physical and Mental Health Chair, Social Action Chair, Board Secretary, Sexual Healing Ambassador, Peer Leader and many other positions.
Monique is a Servant Leader in her community. Monique loves to serve. Her favorite quote is:
"Success isn't about the money you make. It's about the difference you make in people's lives!" ~~Michelle Obama
Her organization believes in the power of open dialogue and shared experiences to heal and transform. RTT’s mission is to create a safe, welcoming space where individuals can connect, share, and grow together. Whether you're here to share your story, seek advice, or simply listen and observe, you are an essential part of RTT’s community.
Monique has a master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management. Monique is a certified life, health and recovery coach. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc; Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority, Inc; Order of the Eastern Star; Black Women Do Heal; Women’s Leadership Academy Alumni at Loyola University; AKLF (Legacy Foundation), Women Veterans Network, Alumni of Beneath the Service (Mission Continues) and many other affiliations to include but not limited to the Wounded Warriors, American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
Monique has served in different leadership positions across her organizations to include but not limited to Chapter President, Regional Director, National Paraphernalia Director, State Emergency Response Coordinator, Physical and Mental Health Chair, Social Action Chair, Board Secretary, Sexual Healing Ambassador, Peer Leader and many other positions.
Monique is a Servant Leader in her community. Monique loves to serve. Her favorite quote is:
"Success isn't about the money you make. It's about the difference you make in people's lives!" ~~Michelle Obama
Jessica Edwards is an accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in business operations and accounting. She currently serves as the Accounting Manager at Southleft, LLC and also works as a Talent Coordinator for Paper Doll Promotions.
Originally from New Hampshire, Jessica has deep family roots in Louisiana and has been a resident of the Northshore for over two years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of New Orleans in 2014.
A proud mother of two handsome men and a devoted dog mom to her sweet and feisty pup, Jessica is passionate about holistic well-being and personal growth. She is a certified Reiki Level II practitioner and is currently studying Lithotherapy to expand her knowledge of healing practices.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and creating meaningful moments with her family. Her commitment to professional excellence, lifelong learning, and fostering a sense of community drives her to continue making a positive impact in all areas of her life.
Originally from New Hampshire, Jessica has deep family roots in Louisiana and has been a resident of the Northshore for over two years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of New Orleans in 2014.
A proud mother of two handsome men and a devoted dog mom to her sweet and feisty pup, Jessica is passionate about holistic well-being and personal growth. She is a certified Reiki Level II practitioner and is currently studying Lithotherapy to expand her knowledge of healing practices.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and creating meaningful moments with her family. Her commitment to professional excellence, lifelong learning, and fostering a sense of community drives her to continue making a positive impact in all areas of her life.
Darra Shelton:
With over ten years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Darra utilizes both her heart of service as well as her extensive knowledge of nature’s remedies to promote holistic healing. She is dedicated to empowering her community through fellowship and good food. Spirit-led in her work, she uses her ever-growing knowledge of herbalism, nutrition, and curating safe, healing spaces to nurture health and wellness within herself and others.
With over ten years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Darra utilizes both her heart of service as well as her extensive knowledge of nature’s remedies to promote holistic healing. She is dedicated to empowering her community through fellowship and good food. Spirit-led in her work, she uses her ever-growing knowledge of herbalism, nutrition, and curating safe, healing spaces to nurture health and wellness within herself and others.
Women's Center for Healing & Transformation
PO Box 1112
Mandeville, LA 70470
(985) 377-9201
[email protected]
PO Box 1112
Mandeville, LA 70470
(985) 377-9201
[email protected]
