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Dr. Lekisha Yvonne Edwards Alesii
Dr. Lekisha Edwards Alesii was born in Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill, PA a borough of Harrisburg, PA on November 9, 1976 to the late Sgt. First Class Earl Edwards (Father) and to Mrs. Beverly Jackson Edwards (Mother) and passed away surrounded by family and friends on December 31, 2019.
Dr. Edwards Alesii was a graduate of Bishop McDevitt High School and moved to the South to obtain doctoral training and to pursue her dream of becoming a psychologist focusing on health-related issues (health psychology). She took an interest in health psychology because of her own personal experience in dealing with chronic, life-threatening illness. She also had interest in providing therapy to military personnel and veterans. Dr. Alesii worked at Fort Bragg as a civilian health psychologist providing therapy and evaluation to service members who were having emotional difficulties and health concerns. Many of her family members have served in the Armed Forces and this is why it was of great interest to her.
Dr. Edwards Alesii had over 15 years of graduate level experience in the mental health field and as a graduate of the University of South Carolina specializing in health psychology. As a licensed psychologist, she worked with a broad spectrum of clients in her own practice. Included in her areas of expertise were chronic pain management, coping with medical conditions, and coping skills for managing challenging situations including military trauma.
Dr. Edwards Alesii presented at national and international conferences and to general audiences speaking on the topics of chronic pain, medical management of illnesses and stress management strategies. With each individual, she worked to help them build on their strengths and attain their personal growth they were committed to accomplishing.
Education:
B.A. in Psychology from Millersville University in Pennsylvania
M.A. in Applied Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University, Capital College
Ph.D. in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of South Carolina
Predoctoral Internship in Medical Psychology from Duke University Medical Center
Postdoctoral Fellowship from Duke University Medical Center
Licenses & Certifications:
NC Licensed Psychologist
Training Certification in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT Web) for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Awards and Acknowledgements
Honored by the Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce for opening the Center for Health and Emotional Wellness, PLLC. (July 1, 2019).
Student Loan Reimbursement Award, Department of Defense (2014)
National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Program Recipient (2011-2013)
Fellow, Institute on Randomized Behavioral Clinic Trials, National Institute of Health (2012)
Acceptance into AAMHRS (African American Mental Health Research Scientist Consortium (2009)
Mentor in the Duke Meredith Mentorship Program (2008-2010)
Award for Outstanding Contribution to the South Carolina Psychological Association
(2005 &2006)
Professional Activities and Memberships:
Supervisor for the University of North Carolina’s Division of Rehabilitation Counseling & Psychology’s Student Practicum Rotation
American Psychological Association
Dr. Edwards Alesii is survived by her husband, Mr. Erminio Paolo Alesii of Durham, North Carolina, a daughter, Elena Paulene Alesii, also of Durham, North Carolina, her mother, Mrs. Beverly Edwards of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, her mother-in-law, Ms. Julia Alesii of Texas who recently moved to Durham, North Carolina and a brother-in-law, Mr. Andrés (Andy) Alesii of Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Edwards Alesii is preceded in death by her father, Mr. Earl Edwards and her brother, Mr. Kevin Edwards. She, also, leaves behind her aunts, Ms. Vivian Waters, Ms. Shirley Jones, Ms. Winderlin (Windy) Connor, Ms. Gloria Jackson, and cousins with whom she had a special bond, Mrs. Lorrie Lassiter and Mrs. Britany Altigieri and a host of other cousins and friends.
Dr. Edwards Alesii was known for helping others and was loved by all who knew her.
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