Our Staff

Dr. Laura C Taylor is a licensed clinical social worker who has been a faculty member with the University of Memphis School of Social Work since 2011. She has 23 years of professional experience as a social worker, is trained in psychodynamic therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and reflective supervision. Dr. Taylor has been in private practice for 11 years and specializes in supporting African American women's mental wellness.

Dr. Taylor's research interests involve social determinants of health that influence how African Americans seek out and experience mental health care. Her research also includes the experience of infertility among African American couples. Lastly, Dr. Taylor has five published peer-reviewed articles and has been an invited speaker, locally and nationally.

Dianne Stacks has an M. S., an MBA, and an M. Ed. with a concentration in School counseling. She has 15 years of professional experience providing trauma-related services to victims of domestic violence,
sexual assault, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES-related) trauma. Dianne has provided services for ADHD, grief, anxiety, bipolar, relationship issues, self-esteem, co-dependency,
coping skills, depression, family conflict, self-harming, and stress. She seeks to research the systemic effect of inter-generational traumatic experiences within African American communities to empower African American families and other indigenous populations for change. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her son, traveling and experiencing the various other cultures of the world.

Elissa Brooks is a licensed professional counselor with mental health service provider designation (LPC.MHSP) in the state of Tennessee. Elissa received her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice prior to her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Memphis. Her areas of expertise and specialization include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She is experienced in providing trauma-informed therapy to children, adolescents while also working with parents and families. She enjoys incorporating mindfulness, expressive arts interventions, and exploring family systems within her work with clients. She enjoys traveling, being outdoors, reading, thrifting, and trying new places in the Memphis area in her free time.

Kerith Hopper is a licensed master's level social worker (LMSW) in the state of TN and has worked with vulnerable children and families throughout her more than 20 years as a social worker. Kerith has experience providing therapeutic services to individuals of all ages, focusing on children from birth through young adulthood and the relationship between parent and child. Kerith has a strong history of advocacy for children and their families and hopes to expand this advocacy and therapeutic focus by working with Apple Seeds and supporting their mission. Kerith believes adamantly in client-led therapy and approaches all her work with humility seeking to partner with clients and provide a safe and respectful space to support their healing journey. Kerith enjoys spending time with her family, baking, writing, drawing, hiking, being in nature, and learning. 

Cherry Malone obtained a BA in social work in 1997 from The University of Memphis and an MSSW in 2011 from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Ms. Malone has over 25 years of social work practice with diverse populations (child sexual abuse, children and adults with developmental disabilities, child welfare (cps, foster care, adoptions, extension of foster care), victims of domestic violence, and medical social work and behavioral health). During her career, Ms. Malone has provided field instruction to social work interns since 2008 for the University of Memphis and Union University from 2007-2008.

Cherry is currently a full-time faculty member for The University of Memphis School of Social Work; she serves as the MSW Field Director/Clinical Assistant Professor. She oversees the Field Education program and coordinates field placements for MSW students, teaches the generalist seminar courses, and teaches child welfare courses for the BA program.   

In her spare time, she enjoys leisure reading, watching movies, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.  

Madison Neel is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Tennessee (LMSW). Madison graduated from the University of Memphis. She is passionate about ADHD, Young Adults, College Students, Caregivers, and Maternal Mental Health. In addition to being a therapist, Madison assists in data collection for Apple Seeds. Madison also serves as the case manager at the University of Memphis Counseling Center. In her free time, she enjoys making pottery, spending time with family, and watching documentaries.