DR. DENICIA CARLAY

Dr. Denicia Carlay (also lovingly referred to as Docta Neesh) currently serves as Co-Founder and Executive Director of Village Is Possible. Dr. Neesh comes to this work by way of her own lived experience. Originally from the occupied Ohlone Lands of Oakland, CA, her family experienced the social toxicity of the crack cocaine epidemic and the oppressive structures that systematically tore Black families apart in the 1980’s. The grooming, abduction, and sexual violence perpetuated against Black girls that this political endemic fueled within her community had a deep impact on her. By 18, Dr. Neesh made it her purpose to support others navigating through the foster care system, both youth and parents alike, as she understood how these waters cultivated ideal exploitive environments for those trapped within it’s folds. 

Today, Dr. Neesh  is a community healer, complex trauma survivor, scholar, practitioner, and village keeper. Her spirit is that of the hummingbird, filled with joy and a felt sense of peace as navigating these experiences have taught her the expansiveness in every situation, and the wisdom that comes from our wounds. Dr. Neesh roots her practice in love and restoration of inner light. She specializes in embodied, healing centered engagement with children, youth, and families. She has served foster care and juvenile justice impacted youth in various capacities as a social worker, consultant, clinician, and facilitator in the field of child welfare for 17 years. Dr, Neesh remains dedicated to fostering hope and radical healing in ways that promote more equitable outcomes for children and families that have experienced intergenerational ruptures. She holds a Doctorate of Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Social Justice, Licensure in Clinical Social Work, and Pupil Personnel Services Credential but with all these degrees and things, Dr. Neesh just hopes to someday be the "hood mama" for her entire village and anyone in need of community.