Meet Edwina Vah

This Black History Month, we at St. David’s Center are learning from some of the incredible professionals of the African diaspora who work, every day, to provide life-changing therapeutic care to children and their families. We had the chance to connect with Edwina Vah, who shared insights from her experience during her education, training, and therapeutic work with both children and adults. As she shared with us, she draws inspiration from the children whose lives she transforms, as well as from her own experiences with professors and her experience migrating from Liberia to Minnesota.

Q: Let’s start easy—or hard, depending on how you look at it. Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about where you’re from and what you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?

A: I was born in Morrovia, Liberia but mostly raised in the U.S. I lived a bit in Liberia, then in the Ivory Coast from kindergarten to second grade, and after that in Guinea. Because of war my family came to the U.S. when I was 8. I’ve been here ever since, and Minnesota’s become my home. As for hobbies, I love to read—anything from books and articles about mental health, to reading that is simply fun. And I absolutely love to travel. It helps me to see the world from a different point of view and gives me new insights. When I’m on a flight, I’m able to spend time with my deeper, personal thoughts, I just love it.

Q: Did your personal experiences influence your choice to work in mental health? Or was it something else?

A: Yes, my personal experiences absolutely did influence my choice of career. I did my undergrad in Human Services at Metropolitan State University, then worked in group homes and residential care, serving people  with autism, and Down syndrome—it sparked my interest in these and other kinds of disorders. What really hit me was when a medical social worker helped my dad, who had cancer, by getting him the services he needed. That pushed me towards social work. I ended up at St. Thomas for my master’s in clinical social work—I was loving the clinical, diagnostic, and mental health elements of the field. By the first year, I knew that psychotherapy is where I wanted to be. I started as an intern at St. David’s Center and elsewhere, where I worked directly with clients and fell in love with the job. Now, I’m at St. David’s Center again!

Q: It’s beautiful that you decided to stay with St. David’s Center! On your path back here, were you influenced by other Black clinicians, or by Black mentors or professors in the field? Can you talk about that impact?

A: Oh, yes. Seeing Black professors at St. Thomas, having mentors and supervisors who looked like me—it was such an honor. It helped me see like, ‘Okay, I belong here.’ It’s comforting and empowering, you know? I had amazing mentors, including Mr. Steven Banks and my current supervisor who has been in practice for over 30 years. They’ve really helped shape the clinician I am and continue to become.

Q: What are your thoughts about the value of having Black mental health professionals in the field?

A: It’s so important. Like, when the kids see someone who looks like them, they connect faster. It’s a safety thing. They think, ‘This person gets it.’ Whether it’s about being a Black girl in America or understanding the struggles they face after immigrating to the US and dealing with all those challenges. For kids to feel like they will be understood, it makes a big difference in how readily and easily they open up and engage in therapy.

Q: Lastly, any advice for Black clinicians starting out?

A: I’d say, let your passion guide you. This field needs passion because it’s a tough job but so rewarding. Don’t be scared to dive in. Go for it, and find a place that fits your values, where you feel you belong. That’s crucial. And just know, we need more clinicians like you who are ready to make a difference.

Talking with Edwina truly reinforced the need for Black mental health professionals and culturally responsive care in our communities. That’s why St. David’s Center remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where clinicians and clients alike can thrive. We know that only by embracing and supporting the unique backgrounds and perspectives of our staff can we truly understand, and serve, the diverse, and sometimes complex, needs of our community. We are grateful to Edwina for her openness, passion, and dedication to the work she does every day. And this Black History Month, we are grateful too for the contributions of so many Black mental health professionals, whose contributions to the understanding and practice of psychology will continue to benefit us all, for generations to come.