Welcome to

THE POWER TO FLOURISH

Meet our Key Note

Dr. Jeannelle Perkins is a distinguished author, international speaker, and licensed marriage and family therapist with over two decades of experience in mental health and relationships. With academic credentials that include a Bachelor's in Organizational Communications, a Master's in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, she brings a rich and informed perspective to the intersection of mental health and relationships. Dr. Jeannelle is passionate about guiding individuals and couples through emotional and relational challenges, equipping them with tools to foster deeper connections and personal growth.

As the Founder & CEO of Haruki, a Gen-AI mental health company, Dr. Jeannelle pioneers innovative solutions tailored to support the emotional and relational wellness of first responders and military personnel globally. Her leadership is central to Haruki’s mission of delivering resilience-building tools that address the stressors unique to high-stakes professions. Locally, she serves on the boards of Charleston Hope and Landmarks for Families, contributing to community-based efforts focused on nurturing strong families and empowering children. Dr. Jeannelle also serves as the Board Member-at-Large for the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors and Liaison for the American Counseling Association.

In 2024, Dr. Jeannelle graced the TEDx Charleston stage with a compelling talk on how systemic racism affects Black intimacy, a theme deeply explored in her acclaimed book Into-Me-See. Her work delves into the psychological, emotional, and relational needs of Black couples while offering practical tools for healing and connection. As a scholar and speaker, her knowledge spans topics like anxiety, depression, PTSD, military trauma, RBTS, and relational intelligence.

She is a sought-after voice at global conferences, podcasts, media outlets, and community platforms, and her expertise has been featured on stages for the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT), the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors (IAMFC), the Lowcountry Mental Health Conference (LMHC), People’s Climate Innovation Center, Charleston Literary Festival, and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF). Dr. Jeannelle also consults on TVOne's show Fatal Attraction and has been featured in Essence Magazine, Newsweek, Vice Magazine, and other publications. She has appeared on AFRO News, Fox 24 Charleston, and Lowcountry Live, among others. Driven by purpose, Dr. Jeannelle continues to champion emotional well-being and relational health through her research, speaking, and global engagement.

From Maryland, Dr. Jeannelle now lives in Charleston, SC, with her dog Jade. She has two amazing daughters and a loving partner. She describes herself as a "capacity expander" and believes that "the greatest generational wealth is mental and emotional wellness."

OUR PANELIST MODERATOR

Dr. Jerez Mitchell is a Licensed Psychologist and respected mental health advocate with a deep commitment to promoting emotional well-being across the lifespan. She offers expert mental health consultation, psychoeducational programming, and advocacy for individuals of all ages. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Mitchell facilitates workplace wellness workshops designed to promote mental health in professional settings and leads continuing education workshops for therapists, helping to strengthen the skills and resilience of those in the mental health field.

Currently she is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the Evidence Based Practice Clinic at the Ralph H. Johnson Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina. She is an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California and holds an adjunct appointment at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.

Dr. Mitchell earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Spelman College, followed by both her master's and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Howard University. She completed two post-doctoral specializations: the first in Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention at the University of South Carolina’s Counseling and Psychiatry department and the second in Couples and Family Therapy at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston. In addition to her clinical and academic contributions, she actively consults with various boards and coalitions on mental health, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

As the co-founder of Southern Conduits, LLC, Dr. Mitchell brings a holistic approach to wellness that honors the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Southern Conduits is a multidisciplinary consulting firm specializing in wellness management, wardrobe and image consulting, community engagement, and clinical services including individual, couples, and group therapy. Through this work, Dr. Mitchell helps individuals and organizations cultivate environments that support both personal growth and collective well-being.

When she isn’t working, you can find Dr. Mitchell on the radio sharing practical mental health tips with the community, energizing a room while leading a Zumba class, or enjoying quality time with her family.

Our Panelist

Dr. Anne Gutshall

A Professor at the College of Charleston, Dr. Gutshall is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a school psychologist. With over 17 years of teaching experience, she also serves as the Mental Health Faculty Fellow at the college's Counseling Center, contributing significantly to the mental health and well-being of the academic community.
Morgan Curry Brown

As a Senior Facilities and Energy Engineer at Bosch in Charleston, Morgan leads initiatives focused on energy efficiency and sustainability. Her expertise in engineering and commitment to environmental stewardship have been pivotal in advancing Bosch's sustainability goals.
Diane Arnold, MA, LPC, LPCS

With over 35 years of marriage and three adult children, Diane is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor specializing in family and marriage therapy. She is certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), focusing on trauma and betrayal recovery. Diane co-founded The Family Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring personal connections and communications within families.