Meet Our People
Here at Empowered Citizens, we have a team of dedicated people that work tirelessly to keep this organization running. We are thankful for all they do.
Here at Empowered Citizens, we have a team of dedicated people that work tirelessly to keep this organization running. We are thankful for all they do.
Kimia Bell is a two-time graduate of North Carolina Central University, holding her B.S. and M.S. in Criminal Justice; concentrating in Juvenile Justice. The desire for just and fair treatment of all individuals has and continues to influence the majority of her decision-making. She continues to practice humility and kindness through various community service events; acquiring a wide array of management, leadership, and communication skills from her time servicing both local and international communities as the Alpha Phi Sigma National Vice President and Eta Lambda chapter president.
Ms. Bell’s research has been recommended by the NCCU Criminal Justice department for participation in many of the organization's major research scholarships; once receiving a $2000 scholarship reward for one of these projects. In her graduate studies, she worked as a Graduate Assistant for the Distance Education (DE) Coordinator; wherein, she promoted collective efficacy by utilizing time-management, problem-solving, computer literacy, along with verbal and written communication skills. Finally, working with the Eta Lambda chapter of the Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society to increase the amount of community involvement and graduating with a 4.0 GPA in 2024.
Dr. Johnson is a trained practitioner-scholar who graduated at the top of her class and earned the award for outstanding dissertation/recognition for contribution of excellence in scholarship. Her research interests include reducing health disparities, social justice, religion, and acculturation.
She developed an award-winning culturally sensitive diagnostic assessment protocol for Somalis living in the Twin Cities, which is used to improve cultural competency among mental health providers with the goal of reducing health disparities for the Somali community.
Dr. Kenneth R. Freeman II is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and educator with over a decade of experience in direct practice, supervision, and program development. A graduate of North Carolina Central University (BSW, MSW) and Tulane University (DSW), his work centers on culturally responsive mental health care, particularly for marginalized communities such as Black same-gender-loving men. He serves as lead therapist and clinical supervisor for a multidisciplinary community support team, consults with Legal Aid of North Carolina, and teaches research and evaluation courses as an adjunct professor at NCCU. Dr. Freeman’s scholarship and workshops explore spirituality, identity, clinician wellness, and social justice, reflecting his commitment to HBCUs and his passion for empowering communities through education and advocacy.
Julius is 62 years of age and born in Halifax, North Carolina. He is a graduate of Central Texas College with a M.S. in Divinity and World Religion. After serving in the US Army, Julius medically retired. Since then, he has been 16 years in recovery and being of service in numerous positions helping others. Julius has a personal passion to help youth and adults and his goal is to especially help the disadvantaged. An interesting fact about Julius is that he also has a book that he is writing about himself and his family, which is almost finish
Dr. Malaika Edwards is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and qualified supervisor with over 15 years of post-graduate experience. Her professional background includes counselor education, training, research, and community mental health practice.
She is currently the co-owner of Radical Love & Liberation Counseling in Raleigh, NC. Dr. Edwards earned her PhD in Counseling and Counselor Education from North Carolina State University and her Master of Science degree from Northeastern University in Boston, MA.
Yolonda is a human services professional, with empathy and a passion for advocacy. She has 15 years in community mental health, training, and managed care. Yolonda is a clinician at heart and through consultation, teaching, training, supervision and consultation, she has held executive positions within the behavioral health community.
Yolonda has gained a new passion for the providing professional development for individuals within the human services field to ensure quality care for vulnerable populations. Yolonda would like to credit her mentors and others that have taught her in accreditation, credentialing, billing and policy practices. Yolonda has since professionally grown to develop her own models in which to assist other with these practices. These experiences have given her a different perspective on practice.
Dr. Edgerton has a Master of Social Work from Fayetteville State University and a doctorate from National University. Yolonda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (NC, LA, VA, MD), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and a Certified Clinical Supervisor.
Candace has over 20 years of experience providing home- and community-based services to children and families, with expertise in early childhood relational health, child welfare, and early intervention. She has focused on supporting neurodivergent children and their families since 2012. Candace earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Central Florida in 2005 and her Master’s in Psychology, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis, from Capella University in 2016. She has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since 2017.
Candace is Ukeru Systems® certified (a trauma-informed, restraint-free crisis management approach developed by Grafton Integrated Health Network).
Her approach to clinical care focuses on creating a safe, compassionate, and collaborative space where learning is fun. She is committed to supporting each child’s growth through play-based learning, connection, and data-driven progress.
Dr. Wendi Watson is Founder and Executive Director of Empowered Citizens. Dr. Watson has worked in the Substance Use and Mental Health profession for the last 17 years. Dr. Watson earned her PhD. from Walden University in Social Work with a specialization in Addiction in August of 2024. Dr. Watson also graduated with honors from North Carolina Central University in the Social Work department in 2017 where she is now a Clinical Lecture. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LSCW) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS). Dr. Watson's passion and commitment to working with youth who struggle with substance use and mental health is motivated from her own personal life experiences.
Carla Mullins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate who earned her Master of Social Work degree from North Carolina State University in 2018. She has extensive experience providing both individual and group therapy to youth and adults living with mental health challenges, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and substance use disorders.
With a deep passion for helping others, Carla creates a supportive and collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to work toward personal growth and healing. She integrates evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to meet each client’s unique needs.
Carla’s authentic, empathetic, and compassionate approach guides her practice, allowing her to connect meaningfully with clients and foster trust. She utilizes a biopsychosocial, person-centered framework to address the whole person—promoting emotional well-being, strengthening interpersonal connections, and improving overall life circumstances.
Wilkins is an experienced educator and mentor currently serving as a contracted teacher with Empowered Citizens’ Alternative Peer Group (APG). With a strong background in teaching, leadership, and youth development, he brings both classroom expertise and a passion for supporting young people in achieving academic and personal success. His work emphasizes creating supportive, structured learning environments that help adolescents and young adults build confidence, strengthen skills, and pursue positive pathways for the future.
Vivian Castellanos joined Empowered Citizens in December 2024 as the organization’s Bilingual Office Assistant. In this role, she provides administrative support, client communication, translation services, and community outreach to ensure Spanish-speaking families have equitable access to services. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Vivian plays a vital role in building trusted relationships and supporting program operations.
She is currently pursuing an Associate’s degree in Human Services with aspirations of becoming a social worker. Vivian’s commitment to service, strong organizational skills, and cultural competence make her an asset to the Empowered Citizens team and to the communities she serves.
