Stacey R. Stanley raised her daughters as a single mother with the support of family and excellent role models as being key ingredients to her academic and entrepreneurial success.
At the age of 14, Stanley gave birth to her first daughter She’Tia Washington at 14. Stanley would then have her second daughter Sanaya. Now 37, Stanley has earned undergraduate and graduate degrees, and is currently working on her doctorate. She’Tia, 22, is a 2nd Lt. Officer in the Army Reserves, recently received her B.S. degree in Sociology, and a minor in Criminal Justice from Morgan State University. Sanaya is now in the fourth grade, crafts jewelry and is looking to start her own clothing line.
However, Stanley said a key ingredient on was missing missing from her support system – an ingredient she says will be offered through her new mentoring program, Xpressions Mentoring and Consulting.
“Resources,” said Stanley. “That’s what was missing for me – resources. There was a lack of resources out there to encourage and motivate teens to be successful. That’s where I want to help. I founded Xpressions Mentoring and Consulting because I want to offer a program that provides guidance and resources for young girls.
“Through this program, I wanted to be able to teach these youth how to fill out job applications, give them job interviewing skills, help them prepare for college entrance, and help show them how to connect to others socially and professionally. The program is designed to be an enhancement to their lives.”
Stanley is a 1997 graduate of Milford Mill Academy. For 23 years, she has worked as a cosmetologist, and for 10 years, she operated her own hair salon. She retired from cosmetology in March of this year to start Xpressions Mentoring and Consulting.
“Xpressions Mentoring and Consulting is officially open,” said Stanley. “The vision of Xpressions Mentoring and Consulting is to create a healthy mental and physical path to help these young ladies to reach their goals. We are going to help them to develop their social skills, build their self-confidence, inspire them to bring about positive social change, and prepare them for independent living.”
According to Stanley, Xpressions Mentoring and Consulting will target females ages 6 to 21.
“My dream has always been to reach out and help our youth,” said Stanley. “Xpressions Mentoring and Consulting is my way of doing that. As a mental health professional, I want youth to know that help is out there. I am big on mental health, especially when it comes to children and adolescents. This program will assist our participants with finding mental, emotional, and physical balance. I am dedicated to constructing and demonstrating a positive path for my daughters and other youth.”
Xpressions Mentoring and Consulting also offers a Saturday program, developed to teach social skills, etiquette, and personal hygiene, among other important skills associated with healthy youth development. We will also have various professionals to come in and talk with them.”
The program’s brand ‘#xpressME,’ said Stanley, “means giving detail without giving limits, or expressing your feelings without being judged,”
Stanley received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Morgan State University, her master’s degree in child and adolescent psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and is currently a general psychology doctoral student at Capella University. She is currently a student affiliate member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and National Association of Professional Women (NAPW).
Xpressions Mentoring and Consulting will hold a workshop on October 8, 2017 from noon until 7 p.m. at Morgan State University.The event will feature speakers, vendors, and more.
Xpressions Mentoring and Consulting is based out of 8600 LaSalle Road in Towson, MD. For more information about Xpressions Mentoring and Consulting, or their upcoming workshop, call (410) 908-1429 or send an email to therapyworker7@gmail.com