Akeesha M. Washington is a mental health leader and educator with over 15 years of experience fostering equity and resilience in marginalized communities. A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CAADC), Akeesha has advocated for culturally responsive mental health services throughout her career.

Her leadership roles include launching Vanna Health, a peer-based healthcare technology start-up in Philadelphia, where she collaborated with stakeholders to support community reintegration for individuals with serious mental illness. She has also worked as a School Counselor with the School District of Phila., Director of Children's Mobile Crisis & Intervention Services, and contributed to Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker's transition team to advance health and wellness initiatives.

A Philadelphia native, Akeesha holds an Executive MBA from Temple University, dual master’s degrees in Education Entrepreneurship and School & Mental Health Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania, a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Kutztown University, and is pursuing an Executive DBA at Drexel University, focusing on improving talent retention in mental healthcare. In her free time, she enjoys international travel, self-care, and being a “fabulous auntie” to over 30 nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Joining CCHS reflects her deep commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based behavioral health services to promote community resilience and growth.

 

Extended Bio:

Akeesha M. Washington is a dedicated mental health leader, innovator, and educator with over 15 years of experience fostering resilience and equity in marginalized communities. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CAADC), and National Certified Counselor (NCC), Akeesha has built a career advocating for culturally responsive mental health services and community-driven solutions.

Her leadership focuses on bridging care systems and individuals through culturally attuned strategies. She helped launch Vanna Health, a peer-based healthcare technology startup in Philadelphia, utilizing psychosocial rehabilitation to enhance outcomes and reduce healthcare costs for those with serious mental illness. As the Director of Community and Partnerships, she collaborated with various stakeholders to establish Vanna Health as a vital resource for community reintegration.

Akeesha has served as a School Counselor, enhancing classroom organization and emotional support, and as Director of Children's Mobile Crisis & Intervention Services, managing crisis care, and advocating equitable access to mental health and educational resources. Her community initiatives include leading an Adult GED Program, creating an Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Program focused on family and community engagement, and supporting the recovery and reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. Additionally, she contributed to Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker's transition team, serving on the Health and Human Services subcommittee to advance health and wellness initiatives.

A Philadelphia native, Akeesha holds an Executive MBA from Temple University's Fox School of Business, dual master’s degrees in Education Entrepreneurship and School & Mental Health Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Kutztown University. Currently pursuing an Executive DBA at Drexel University, she focuses on improving talent recruitment, engagement, and retention in mental healthcare to address systemic challenges like high turnover and burnout.

In her free time, Akeesha enjoys international travel, exploring new cultures, and indulging in self-care, affirming that "self-love is the best love." She also cherishes her role as a “fabulous auntie” to over 30 nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, spreading joy and love within her family.

Joining CCHS reflects Akeesha’s unwavering commitment to ensuring access to compassionate, evidence-based behavioral health and educational services. She is honored to contribute her expertise to advancing the organization’s mission of promoting community resilience, healing, and growth.