Oluwakemi Dauda

As a clinical psychology doctoral student, Oluwakemi Dauda hasdemonstrated outstanding academic achievement and exceptionalclinical skills, particularly in trauma-informed and multiculturalinterventions. Her clinical training has exposed her to a widerange of populations and presenting problems, including trauma,anxiety, depression, and interpersonal difficulties. However, thework that resonates with her the most is with clients who haveexperienced trauma, particularly those from underrepresentedand culturally diverse backgrounds. She aims to provide aculturally sensitive, supportive space where clients feel understoodand empowered, driven by a commitment to expanding access tomental health care and resources for underserved populations.

These experiences have reinforced the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and the needfor mental health professionals to actively engage with the communities they serve.Oluwakemi’s desire to work with children and adolescents stems from a deep commitment tobeing a safe and healthy presence during a crucial and impressionable time in their lives.

Oluwakemi’s dedication to serving underserved Black and Brown children and adolescents isevident in her choice of practicum experiences. During her second academic year, she wasan extern at the Haven, an outpatient clinic in Piscataway High School, where she providedtherapy to students navigating complex trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders. Additionally,her work with refugee clients at the International Refugee Committee has strengthened herability to deliver culturally responsive care to children and families facing displacement andsignificant adversity. Currently, she is an extern at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia,where she provides psychological support to pediatric patients and their families managingchronic medical conditions and acute stressors. Some of her most meaningful work has beenas part of multidisciplinary teams that coordinate care for pediatric patients experiencingabuse, abandonment by foster parents, and placement instability. She actively participates inteam and family meetings, collaborating with medical providers, social workers, and childwelfare agencies to ensure that children in foster care receive comprehensive psychologicalsupport. These experiences have introduced her to the field of pediatric psychology andhave deepened her empathy for pediatric patients experiencing mental health concernsrelated to medical diagnoses.