EP 74: "Change The Trajectory" featuring school Psychologist Dr. Ayanna Peake

Dr. Ayanna Peake is originally from Louisville, KY.  Dr. Peake- completed her Psy.D. in Applied Psychology at Western Kentucky University, her MS/Specialist degree in School Psychology at the University of Rhode Island, and her BA degree in Educational Studies: Human Development at Brown University. Although she recently accomplished her childhood goal to become Dr. Ayanna Peake-in August 2021, Dr. Peake- has worked as a school psychologist  for 16 years.  Ayanna has served as a school psychologist for students in Pre-K to 12th grade in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Kentucky since 2005. She is very passionate about removing barriers to learning so that school is a safe place for all students regardless of their background, and all students have access to social mobility through education. Through her work in public education, Dr. Peake- has noticed how mental health needs negatively impact education and that there are disparities in access to high-quality mental health services for disadvantaged communities.  Dr. Peake- aspires to provide quality mental health services for children and families in underserved communities to address this disparity to access and to remove barriers to learning and self-actualization.  Ayanna has most recently begun training to specialize in working with parents of children with disruptive behaviors and youth impacted by trauma. These are two areas that negatively impact school and overall quality of life for the child and family. Dr. Peake- aspires to provide quality mental health services with compassion and integrity so that her clients are able to cope with life in safe and healthy ways. Her ultimate goal is for her clients and/or students & their families to become empowered to advocate for their needs so that they can accomplish their dreams.  Her hobbies include reading, traveling, cooking, trying new cuisines, hiking with her dogs, and domestic & international community service or missions work.  Her favorite international destination so far is Broșteni, Romania where she works with Bread of Life Children’s Home & Youth Transition Program. She has served there for 4 summers and hopes to return again next summer.  As a Christian and ordained minister, she attributes her passion for helping others as an example of her faith in action.  Second to international missions is Dr. Peake-’s passion for serving in children’s ministry. She formerly served as a co-pastor in children’s ministry.  Last but not least, Dr. Peake works to give back to her local community by connecting youth to co-curricular activities to expand their horizons and build their character. She often participated in such programs as a youth and throughout her schooling, and she believes that she is at this point in her life and career because of the sacrifices and generosity of those who’ve gone before her. She wants the youth she mentors to understand that their present sacrifices can definitely help them reach their personal and professional goals.  Follow her story on IG @peakeayanna, twitter @lamonePeake, and on Facebook.