Further information

As a Black woman in the UK, Nerissa is well versed to Racism. Nerissa's first racial experience was as a young child. Now, as an adult the racial injustices continues. She is a mother to two small children and works as a therapist in a Primary school in Islington. Nerissa first started her career working in the music industry. Her dream as a child was to either become an Artist or to discover artists and help them to flourish and live their dream. An unexpected change came along when she saw an advert for a job in a Children’s centre. The rest as they say is history. After graduating, she knew as a Black therapist she would need to develop and learn new skills to further help her clients especially those who identify as Black. Noticing themes of racism, oppression, isolation and hopelessness, she has been trying to find ways to support and give a voice to the feelings that for some have been suppressed. Nerissa went on to train as a Master in challenging racism in therapeutic practice and black issues with Dr. Isha Mckenzie-Mavinga who is a retired transcultural psychotherapist, author, lecturer, trainer and supervisor. Working alongside Isha and learning about her work as a therapist has provided concepts and offered the language to help Nerissa further understand the work she has been doing with the children and families she works with. Having been awakened and inspired, Nerissa has vowed to help continue the legacy of Isha’s work by helping other therapists of all backgrounds reflect on their work with Black children and families. Her desire to support people and inspire them to free their minds and open their hearts has motivated her to become the founder of Awakening Our Roots.