Meet Dr. Tekeyah Sears
ED.d, MPH, MCHES
The goal of It Begins With I AM is to foster an environment where the organization and the priority audience feel seen, heard, and appreciated, ultimately creating a space where people can learn, prepare, and grow.
I enjoy serving and supporting communities in the fields of health and wellness, public health, social-emotional learning, and social determinants of health.
Through my experiences, whether working with vulnerable populations in nonprofit organizations, providing workshops for young women on leadership, self-love, and mentorship, or teaching and advising college students in higher education, I have learned that it is valuable to focus on the needs of the audiences you serve.
Evidenced-Based Practices
Integrating evidence-based models and theories is important and useful for identifying, developing, and implementing health programs, curricula, workshops, and related activities.
Health models, such as the Six Dimensions of Health/Wellness, emphasize health interdependence, meaning that when one area of health is affected, it can negatively affect another.
For example, mental health is a pertinent topic that can impact other areas of someone's health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2021), "only about 17% of US adults are considered to be in a state of optimal mental health," compared with 2010, when "79.1% of US adults self-reported having good or better mental health."
Relying on evidence-based practices as the key component of what I do enables me to support and serve your organization's mission, goals, and the people you serve.