The Compton Wellness Collective, a social impact initiative of VCH Prosperity Consulting, dedicated to providing mental health and socio-emotional wellness services with a particular emphasis on addressing disparities in mental health care, especially for black and brown individuals residing in underserved communities such as Compton. Our organization's current work within the community is geared towards meeting the unique needs of the community and collaborating with local organizations in need of mental health and socio-emotional wellness support for their participants. The Compton Wellness Collective is fiscally sponsored by Our Culture Hub Foundation.
Mission Statement:
"To empower underserved communities with knowledge, skills, and resources, fostering holistic emotional & mental well-being among community residents. Through education, support, and advocacy, we strive to create a future where every individual can thrive, regardless of their circumstances."
Vision Statement:
"The Compton Wellness Collective is a visionary collaboration of Black and Brown mental health and wellness practitioners committed to nurturing the well-being of our communities. We are dedicated to healing the hood, embracing the power of collective care, and transforming lives.”
Values:
“Empowering Healing and Resilience”
The Social Impact Initiative of VCH Prosperity Consulting, the Compton Wellness Collective, provides Mental Health and socio-emotional wellness services with a focus on addressing disparities in mental health care for black and brown individuals in underserved communities, our work undoubtedly aligns with the six guiding principles of trauma-informed care. Trauma-informed care prioritizes creating a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and responds to the impact of trauma on individuals. By providing a safe, supportive, and culturally sensitive environment, we are actively working to “heal the hood” through our work.
In order to bolster inclusion, we make an intentional effort to operate from “it takes a village” mentality of community partnerships. By engaging with these grassroots community organizations, it allows us to support the leaders doing the work, as well as understand the specific challenges and needs of the community. This work allows us to develop and deliver tailored programming that addresses specific needs. Our involvement is on the micro level, accessible services, education and outreach. Ensuring that wellness practitioners in the Compton Wellness Collective reflect the diversity of the community, this helps set the tone for equity and inclusion.
The Compton Wellness Collective is community-focused and dedicated to providing mental health and socio-emotional wellness services with a particular emphasis on addressing disparities in mental health care, especially for black and brown individuals residing in underserved communities such as Compton. Our organization’s current work within the community is geared towards meeting the unique needs of the community and collaborating with local organizations in need of mental health and socio-emotional wellness support for their participants and team member
How will this be done?
Community:
•Free to Low Cost workshops and groups
•Access to individual services
•Community wellness events
•Access to mental health & wellness resources
Organizations:
•Mental Health & Socio-Emotional wellness professional development
•Wellness Curriculum Creation
•Wellness support groups
•Access to mental health & wellness resources
What is the Goal?
To equip the community with information, skills, and resources to improve the overall emotional and mental health well-being of community residents. Through the use of individual and group services, the Compton Wellness Collective (CWC) has a plan to equip community residents with the skills necessary to begin the journey to successfully mastering socio-emotional wellness.
Veronica Clanton-Higgins, ACSW, CLC - Founder/Wellness Practitioner
Areas of Expertise: Trauma Informed Practices, Mood Disorders, Mental Health Consulting, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Personal Development, Life & Sexuality Coaching, Mindfulness
Veronica Clanton-Higgins, CEO of VCH Prosperity Consulting, created the Compton Wellness Collective (CWC) in order to increase the amount of people that she was able to provide socio-emotional wellness services to. She recognized that living in a pandemic was having a profound impact on community residents. It is important to Veronica that culturally appropriate services are provided by individuals from the community.
Veronica is a Registered Associate Clinical Social Work, providing clinical services as a therapist for Chapman University. She received her Bachelors in Sociology, with a minor in Psychology, from California State University, Dominguez Hills and her Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California. Currently, she is completing her PhD in Clinical Sexology. Trained in various modalities, Veronica uses an eclectic approach to clinical care which includes mindfulness-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma focused interventions. She specializes in intersectionality related issues, anxiety, depression, sexual issues, PTSD, and stress related disorders. As a certified life and sexuality coach, Veronica uses her skills to help clients with improving self-care, increasing self-esteem, and setting appropriate boundaries.
As a community activist and advocate, Veronica serves as Associate Director of the Compton Advocates Coalition, Board Member for the Compton Girls Club, a member of the CA 64th Assembly District Women’s Commission, and a community collaborator with the Yetunde Resource Center. She previously served on several School Site councils, Parent Teacher Associations, and African American Parent committees throughout Compton Unified School District. Veronica created TEDxComptonBlvd and the Intentional Healing Podcast to amplify the voices of Compton folx in order to change the narrative of how people view Compton residents. She recently received the Compton Champion award from the City of Compton and the Women’s Leadership award from the California State Assembly, 64th District. Veronica is dedicated to improving the mental health and socio-emotional wellness of her community, and utilizes all of her skills to do so.
Personal Mantra: “Your words have power, use them to heal not to harm.”
Why did I start the collective? “To address socio-emotional wellness needs on a larger scale with individuals who are experts in their field.”
Sharrica Miller, PhD, RN -
Wellness Practitioner/Foster Youth Advocate
Areas of Expertise: Trauma, Wellness, Physical Well-Being, Coping Strategies, and Anxiety.
Sharrica Miller, PhD, RN, is a distinguished pediatric nurse practitioner, renowned speaker, and advocate whose journey from foster care to esteemed scholar inspires audiences worldwide. A TEDxComptonBlvd speaker with her compelling talk, “Inside Ourselves: How to Stop Waiting for Someone to Save Us,” Dr. Miller candidly shares her harrowing childhood experiences, empowering others to overcome adversity.
Enduring 12 years in foster care, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Howard University. With over 18 years of nursing experience, including pediatrics, palliative care, and hospice, she pursued advanced education, culminating in a PhD from UCLA in 2017. Recognized as 1 of 5 Johnson & Johnson’s Minority Nurse Faculty Scholars for 2 consecutive years, she embodies academic excellence.
Despite challenges like homelessness, Dr. Miller’s determination earned accolades such as the 2019 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award at Cal State Fullerton and the 2021 Casey Family Foundation Foster Youth Alumni Award.
Her documentary “Still Waters Never Crash,” and memoir, “Verses: Lessons Learned from Foster Care,” offer poignant insights. Currently on the tenure track and Chair of Diversity & Student Engagement at Cal State Fullerton, she leads initiatives promoting inclusivity & equity, including a $2.2 million federal workforce diversity grant.
As a sought-after speaker and consultant, Dr. Miller advocates to amplify awareness of issues affecting foster youth and other marginalized populations. Follow Sharrica on Instagram @docmillerspeaks.
Personal Mantra: “Either change your situation, or change your perspective.”
Why did I join the collective? “As a Compton native who grew up in foster care, I joined the CWC so that I could give back to the community that gave so much to me. I am blessed to have the opportunity to work beside a dynamic team of practitioners and feel honored to serve youth who are in the position I once was.“
Ayisha Winn MSW, LCSW - Mental Health Wellness Practitioner
Areas of Expertise: Developing and Utilization of Coping Skills/Techniques, Mindfulness Techniques, Anxiety-Related Disorders, Depression/Trauma, Self-Harm, Relational Issues, and Body image and Self-Esteem Issues
Ayisha Winn, who hails from Compton, California, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, renowned for her extensive clinical experience. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work, with a Mental Health concentration, from California State University, Long Beach, in 2013. Ayisha’s professional journey encompasses diverse roles, including crisis and intensive programs for children, teens, and families in community mental health settings, as well as providing clinical support to the adult population facing mental health and medical-related adjustment conditions in medical clinic settings and private practice.
With a broad spectrum of experience, Ayisha has effectively worked with clients aged 5 through 70. Her commitment lies in delivering exceptional clinical care, utilizing creative intervention strategies, empathy, and creating a safe space for her clients. She is dedicated to establishing lasting and impactful therapeutic alliances with those she works with. Ayisha employs healthy and effective problem-solving strategies, critical thinking skills, and solution-focused therapy techniques.
Ayisha’s approach is characterized by her energy, positive attitude, non-judgmental demeanor, active listening skills, motivation, passion, and insightful support.
These qualities contribute to creating a comfortable and supportive environment for clients under her care, enabling them to embark on their treatment journey with confidence.
Why did I join the collective? “My passion for my community, culture and women’s empowerment drove me to join this organization. Growing up in a community where mental health is not always focused on, or resources are not always readily available, inspired me to be a part of the solution. I am excited to be on the ground level of such a monumental initiative.”
Ayana Shepard, LCSW - Mental Health Wellness Practitioner
Area of Expertise: Youth Services, Self-Care and Group Psycho-education, Women Empowerment
Ayana Shepherd is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the human services field for over 20 years with varying populations. Individuals that she has supported over the years include, at-risk youth, individuals in recovery, individuals with special needs, and individuals who have experienced trauma related to sexual assault.
Ayana obtained her bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in English with a Minor in Child and Family Development. As she began working with children in educational settings as an undergraduate, she recognized that she could be an educator and support youth in other ways outside of a classroom environment. It was her employment at a residential facility where her budding interest in social work began. After working and volunteering within multiple facets and with varying populations (at-risk youth, substance abuse and persons with developmental disabilities) within the social work realm, she went back to school to obtain her Masters in Social Work. Since obtaining her MSW, she has provided group therapy to youth in a residential setting, coordinates support services for individuals with developmental disabilities and provides training to professionals who collaborate with individuals with developmental disabilities where they work and live.
With over 20 years of experience in social services and a life committed to helping others, she recognizes the importance of taking care of yourself and being intentional in this daily task. To maintain longevity and health in a profession that is equally as rewarding as it is demanding, she understands that self-care is a necessity and hence began “Self-Care Advocacy” as a passion project to encourage people to routinely engage in self-care. Self-Care Advocacy has since blossomed into an entrepreneur endeavor that provides education, resources and community connection for women evolving in their journey to better taking care of themselves. In 2020 she published Free Your Mind: A Self-Care and Mindfulness Activity Book to promote convenient practical ways that individuals can engage in self-care.
Ayana Shepherd is the Co-Founder of B2B Support Services (Blessed to Be a Blessing) which is a nonprofit organization that provides support to individuals in the inner city of Los Angeles County such as Compton, Watts and South Central Los Angeles. In all facets of her work, she stresses the importance of self-care in order to promote balance, self-love, confidence, and overall well-being.
Personal Mantra: “All things work together for good” – Romans 8:28.
Why did I join the collective? “I joined the collective because the founder’s energy and passion to serve exuded with minimal effort. Veronica’s intentions to help heal the City of Compton were apparent. Additionally, I joined The collective because I understand the value in collaboration and the importance of relatable and shared experience when working with people that look like me and are from where I am from. Like Veronica, I desire to provide the City of Compton with access to resources that will improve the well being of both individuals and the city.”
Meghan Shamburger, LMFT - Mental Health Wellness Practitioner
Meghan Shamburger, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, is deeply committed to supporting individuals on their healing journey by providing a secure space to process trauma. With a passion for empowering clients to embrace their true selves, Meghan believes that unhealed trauma can hinder personal growth, causing individuals to navigate life with uncertainty and a fragile sense of self.
Specializing in working with couples, Meghan focuses on those with past traumas that impact their ability to securely attach to one another. Her current client base spans a diverse range, including trauma survivors, families, and couples of all ages. Meghan’s decision to become a therapist stems from her own experiences of childhood and adolescent trauma, fostering a genuine understanding of the challenges related to attachment, expressing emotions, and embracing one’s identity.
Meghan’s therapeutic approach emphasizes empowerment rather than quick fixes. She sees therapy as a tool to prepare clients to live and experience life fully, acknowledging both its positive and challenging aspects. True healing and emotional health, in Meghan’s perspective, involve embracing the full spectrum of emotions, rather than avoiding sadness or anger.
Beyond her therapy practice, Meghan serves as the Principal of a private Preschool-8th grade school, providing valuable insights into the stressors faced by educators, parents, and students. Additionally, she hosts the podcast “Hot Chocolate Chats,” dedicated to conversations about love, life, and mental health. Committed to destigmatizing mental health in minority communities, Meghan actively engages in psychoeducation through her social media presence, speaking engagements, volunteer opportunities, and collaboration with the Compton Wellness Collective.
Personal Mantra:” You have to make a choice in life. Would you rather tiptoe through it or walk heavy in all that you were meant to be?”
Why did you join the collective? “I joined the collective because I believe in its vision as a Compton girl who loves mental health! I want to bring healing to my city in any way possible and the CWC provides not only a method to do this but empowering leadership and camaraderie from women I aspire to be like that!”
Brittany Pollard, BS - Sound/Energy Practitioner
Area of Expertise: Mindfulness Meditation, Sound Healing, Trauma Informed Wellness, Life Coaching, Nutrition, Fitness, Program Operations, Project Management.
Brittany Pollard is a wellness practitioner, meditation facilitator, and the founder of “Our Wildest Dreams”. With a passion for holistic well-being, she guides individuals in mindfulness and meditation, fostering a deeper connection between mind, body, and spirit. As the visionary behind Our Wildest Dreams, Brittany helps people craft and achieve their life visions, promoting intentional and purpose-driven living.
Brittany’s expertise extends across a 15-year career in wellness, first obtaining her B.S. in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, and from there she has worked to guide clients through trauma-informed life coaching, breathwork, meditation, and fitness & nutrition. Brittany is also a highly skilled program operations consultant and project manager for online wellness companies and has helped thousands of people around the world. Her multifaceted approach addresses the diverse needs of her clients, fostering healing and personal growth on multiple levels. Brittany is not only a practitioner but a compassionate guide, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace.
Brittany Pollard’s mission is clear: she is on a quest to help people awaken their inner visionary and connection to their bodies.
Through her diverse skill set, genuine empathy, and commitment to personal transformation, Brittany guides individuals towards a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. In every interaction and endeavor, she strives to inspire others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and embrace the limitless possibilities of their wildest dreams.
Personal Quote/Mantra: “How are you feeding your spirit?”
Why did I join the collective? “I️ joined the Compton Wellness Collective because community healing is a core value of mine. Being in the wellness industry for so long I️ have come to understand that WE are the light WE need, especially in cities like Compton. When you become an active participant in your city, you see beyond the issues. You see the possibility. You start to dream and act on the solutions because in your heart, you understand the collective needs. Each person on this team is so skilled, talented, and intentional. I️ am grateful and excited to be here.”
Carmen Tanner, BS - Creative Healing Practitioner
Area of Expertise: All things creative, Project Management, Business Management
Carmen Tanner is a self-taught artist with a creative nature, who aspires to be the light in and around her community. Creativity is her fuel, and she uses it in all aspects of her life. One of her goals is to show people that despite age or ability there is an artist within all of us. Life is full of ups and downs, and she uses creativity and art as the navigation to sometimes, just get through. She believes that creativity should not only be encouraged but applauded in our youth because without creativity there can be no innovation.
As Owner of and self-proclaimed “Creative Engineer” at DragunfliDesignz, she curates art for all and provides avenues for creative expression despite any and all demographics. At DragunfliDesignz, we offer paint instruction in a fun and relatable setting both online and in-person. We also create pre-drawn canvases and kits for mindfulness and anti-anxiety activities. Essentially, we use art as a way to not only celebrate life but to live it completely.
She is the Co-Owner of DejahDesignz, an amazing graphic design firm that she runs with her husband, Joseph Tanner III. She also serves as Program Director/Treasurer on the Board of a Nonprofit organization called The GIRLS Group that serves to empower, inspire, and motivate African American tween and teen girls and women who are or have been in dysfunctional and/or disadvantaged lifestyles.
Carmen has a BS in business management and a certificate in Small Business & Entrepreneurship. She also has a passion for baking, sewing, and spending quality time with her family.
Personal Quote/Mantra: “Why Not?”
Why did I join the collective? “It is an honor and a privilege to work towards the goals that Veronica has set out for the Compton Wellness Collective. And as a native of the city, I joined so that I can do my part to “heal the hood.”
Yoselin Sanchez, BA - Yoga/Meditation Practitioner
Areas of expertise: Mental Health, Trauma Informed Care, Leadership, Yoga, Meditation, Public Speaking, Philanthropy.
Yoselin Sanchez is a first generation multi-faceted millennial from the world-famous city of Compton. She received her Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology with a concentration on Deviance and Social Control from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). She was recognized as a philanthropist for her extensive community work from her alma mater organization, Alpha Phi Omega at CSULB. As a philanthropist, she has served her community through food banks, clean-ups, serving the unsheltered, tutoring the youth, and campaigning for local/state representatives. One of her achievements is holding the title as Miss Compton People’s Choice Queen 2018-2019. Miss Sanchez shared her transformational journey as “The Rose That Grew From Concrete” on YouTube for the first ever TEDxComptonBlvd event in 2020. In 2021, Forbes coined her the Hometown Hero for her service in the community as she was immortalized with a mural inside the Compton Footlocker Community Store by local artist Melissa Depaz. Yoselin’s professional background includes life coaching, public speaking, mental health advocacy, servant leadership, health and wellness, education, and political consulting. Her life’s mission is to lead with love and pay it forward by sharing her vision and using the power in her truth to inspire and change the world.
Kelli Bradwell - Sacred Ceremonies Practitioner
Areas of expertise: Mental Wellness, Self-Care practices, Women’s Empowerment, Curating Safe Spaces.
Kelli Bradwell, based in Los Angeles, California, is a seasoned Reiki practitioner and wellness creator with a focus on curating transformative experiences within group settings. With a career spanning over two decades, Kelli has immersed herself in diverse environments, ranging from community mental health organizations to private retreats, as well as one-on-one client interactions.
Kelli’s professional journey has been dedicated to assisting individuals across the lifespan, extending support from children to older adults, as they navigate a spectrum of concerns and healing endeavors. Her primary commitment is empowering women of color who have experienced trauma, including survivors of domestic violence, childhood abuse, and those affected by suicide-related experiences.
At the core of Kelli’s practice is the establishment of a secure and nurturing therapeutic environment, encouraging participants to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences freely. She is unwaveringly committed to building a strong alliance based on trust, empathy, and mutual respect.
In addition to conventional methods, Kelli offers a distinctive approach involving her signature Sweet Freedom Sugar Scrub. This intimate ceremony allows participants to engage in self-love rituals, using the power of their words and senses, while delving into their innermost desires and needs.
Through this holistic approach, participants can anticipate reconnecting with their bodies, gaining deeper self-awareness, and viewing their surroundings with newfound clarity. With an unwavering dedication, Kelli Bradwell is honored to guide others on their journey toward healing, self-discovery, and personal freedom.
Personal Quote/Mantra: “Do it afraid!”
Why did I join the collective? “To share my experiences and practices in hopes that anyone who participates will feel empowered to begin their journey to freedom, healing their hearts and building a stronger and more aware community. I am committed to holding emotionally safe spaces and vibration for people to gather, uplift and support each other.”
Joseph Tanner III - Creative Healing Practitioner/IT
Area of Expertise: Merging creativity, technology, and humor for the enrichment of the community.
Joseph is a passionate creative artist who from an early age discovered a love of drawing and taking things apart to learn how they work. Because of his love for technology, he learned how to create art using programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and more. Seeing what was once visualized drawn out, come to life is like a breath of fresh air – and there is nothing like fresh air! Joseph is commited to community service by developing initiatives that combine artistic expression with a tech-savvy mindset to make a positive impact on others, enhancing the health, well-being, and overall resilience of the community.
As Owner of DejahDesignz, a graphic design firm, we seamlessly combine artistic ingenuity with strategic thinking, embrace technology, and consistently exceed client expectations through a collaborative and detail-oriented approach. We push the boundaries of design with fresh, original concepts that captivate and resonate. Our team thinks outside the box to create visually striking and memorable branding, web design, packaging, or print materials to suit diverse client needs.
He is the Co-Owner of DragunfliDesignz with his wife, Carmen Tanner (fellow CWC Practitioner). He also serves as Assistant Director on the Board of a Nonprofit organization called The GIRLS Group that serves to empower, inspire, and motivate African American tween and teen girls and women who are or have been in dysfunctional and/or disadvantaged lifestyles.
Personal Quote/Mantra: “Loving Life and Living It”
Why did I join the collective? “CWC gives me a great opportunity to help the place I call home and beyond”