Meet Dr. Shericka: Mental Health Coordinator, Therapist, Professor, & Speaker

Dr. Shericka is booked and busy, juggling multiple roles in social work as she strives to promote mental health and give a voice to the voiceless. She serves as the Mental Health Coordinator for the second-largest school district in Kentucky, a graduate professor, a speaker, and the business manager of a therapy practice she co-founded. All of her roles share a common purpose: to heal individuals, which, in turn, helps heal society. And isn’t that what social work is all about?

Name: Dr. Shericka

Occupation: Mental Health Coordinator, Therapist, Professor, Speaker

Background

Dr. Shericka knew from an early age that she wanted to help others. Her mother, whom she described as “a social worker without the degree,” worked with the homeless population and was a major influence on her decision to become a social worker.

One of Dr. Shericka’s most vivid childhood memories is being in her mother’s office at a shelter and witnessing a child being removed from their mother. Reflecting on that moment, she recalls deciding then and there, “Whatever job I need to get to prevent that from happening again, that’s what I want to do.”

Dr. Shericka went on to major in psychology and Spanish as an undergraduate before earning her graduate degree in social work.

Her Current Role is Mental Health Coordinator

As Coordinator of Extended School Services, EES, Social Work, and Mental Health Services, for the second largest school system in Kentucky. Dr. Shericka serves as a district liaison for student support professionals, including school social workers, counselors, and mental health specialists. Based in the central office, she ensures that every school has the necessary mental health resources. If a crisis arises or there’s a need for child services intervention, she is the primary point of contact. Additionally, she provides training and assists in hiring professionals to support students' mental health.

She earned her Doctorate in 2022

Dr. Shericka earned her Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from the University of Kentucky. Her doctoral research focused on Black males and trauma, which led to speaking engagements across the country. She also developed an addition to the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) questionnaire, incorporating cultural factors often overlooked in standard assessments.

She is now a Speaker on the National Stage

Earning a doctorate opened the door for Dr. Shericka to become a speaker on mental health, with a focus on Black males and trauma. She has spoken at conferences across the country on this topic. Most recently, she presented at the Gulf Coast Social Work Foundation Conference in January 2025, and she is scheduled to present at the National School Social Work Conference in April 2025.

She’s also a professor

In addition to her full-time job, Dr. Shericka teaches in the Department of Social Work at the University of Kentucky, working with both master's and doctoral students. What she loves most about this role is the opportunity to mentor aspiring social workers—just as her professors once did for her.

And a Therapist and Business Manager

Dr. Shericka initially co-founded a private therapy practice with a colleague, where she provided therapy services. While she eventually stepped back from therapy, she continues to serve as the business manager, overseeing operations, hiring, and social media engagement. She ensures that mental wellness resources are available to clients and manages administrative duties, including insurance and staffing.

Fun Fact

Dr. Shericka is bilingual, loves to read and travel, and was born on Christmas Eve!  She is also a dog mom to one of the cutest little dogs on the internet, Andy B.  You can follow him on Instagram: andyb_maltipoo