Dr. Richelle Whittaker, CEO of Next Steps
Together, with leading corporations, we create workplaces where parents are supported, empowered and inspired to unleash their greatest potential.
Dr. Richelle Whittaker is an Educational Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, and a trusted authority on the treatment of mental health issues for women of color. She is a leading champion for empowering parents/caregivers to become strong advocates for themselves and their children via education and implementation of specialized treatment plans that address the unique dynamics of ethnic cultures/communities.
Dr. Whittaker specializes in treating women of color suffering from postpartum depression, reproductive challenges, infertility, and infant loss. She is a certified Perinatal Mental Health professional (PMH-C).
She has over 17 years of experience in counseling and assessment, providing these services via private practice, social service agencies, schools, and transitional living facilities. In addition, Dr. Whittaker provides training and workshops throughout the city to various social service agencies, hospitals, and private organizations.
Dr. Whittaker earned her doctoral degree from Texas Tech University. Her masters degree from Sam Houston State University and her bachelors from Grambling State University.
OUR PODCAST
Dr. Whittaker is the author of Burps, Bibs and Breakdown: A 90 Day Journal for Moms
This is a 90-day journal for moms to take note of their feelings, do frequent check-ins, and receive tips from other moms on the journey. The journal provides a space for moms to take a moment to check-in with themselves and engage in mental/emotional self-care.
I have always had a desire to work with parents – but when I went through an unexpected and challenging birth experience, I started Next Steps because I wanted to be the person that I wished I had — someone I could ask for help and to discuss difficult topics with that moms and dads often feel ashamed to discuss with their loved one