My Bio

Carlita L. Coley is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Author and Advocate.  She is the founder of Melanin Mental Health and Wellness, PLLC and the Rescue Black Project.   

 

A native of North Carolina, Carlita began her studies at North Carolina A&T State University in 1992 but financial and mental health challenges caused her to withdraw from school after completing her junior year. She began dating in 1995 and married a naval officer in 1996. Carlita gave birth to three children in four years and spent seven years as a stay-at-home mom. When her youngest son was three years old, she returned to school and completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Bowie State University in 2004. While working full-time and managing three active children, she returned to academia and earned her master's degree in community counseling in 2010 from Old Dominion University.

 

 Carlita's 18-year marriage ended 2014, and at the end of 2016, she found herself unable to walk without support and was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. After a year of unemployment and uncertainty, Carlita regained her mobility and returned to work with renewed focus in 2017. In 2018, she bought her first home, established her private practice in 2020, and in 2023 began writing to educate, empower and inspire women to heal, grow and prosper despite adversity.

 

Carlita enjoys the ocean, problem solving and living in peace.