Meet Danesha Clayton

We recently connected with Danesha Clayton and have shared our conversation below.

Danesha, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

I’ve had seasons where depression and anxiety tested my focus and energy. But I learned to see those moments as part of my growth journey not the end of it. I leaned into therapy, prayer, movement, and structured routines to stay grounded. It reminded me how powerful consistency and grace are. Those experiences deepened my empathy and made me a better clinician. I understand firsthand how healing isn’t linear, and that insight helps me meet clients where they are with patience, compassion, and practical tools for resilience.I’ve faced periods where my own mental health, particularly depression and anxiety, challenged my consistency and focus. Instead of letting it define me, I took a proactive approach I got into therapy, developed structure through journaling and exercise, and learned evidence-based tools like mindfulness and grounding. Over time, I built routines that keep me balanced and centered even when things get hard.

Managing my mental health taught me how to practice what I encourage in clients self-awareness, boundary setting, and grace through the process. It also strengthened my empathy and ability to recognize early signs of burnout or emotional fatigue in others. I’ve learned that persistence doesn’t mean perfection it means showing up consistently, utilizing resources, and staying committed to growth. I be always been so scared to admit I struggle will battle with mental health but I’ve learn to use it to my advantage. Believe it or not, I almost talked myself out of becoming a clinician because I felt like my mental health struggles were my identity. For a long time, depression and anxiety tested my focus and energy, and I questioned whether I could help others while still learning how to help myself. But over time, I realized that those same experiences actually shaped me into a more grounded and empathetic social worker. I know that my purpose is bigger than my battle or insecurity in having to overcome mental health issues.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My name is Danesha, and I’m a Clinical Social Worker from Washington, D.C., on a mission to spread humanistic connections and restore hope in communities that need it most. I hold a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Clark Atlanta University and a Master’s in Social Work from Howard University.

Beyond my clinical work, I moved to LA and found an amazing Boones partner Tatyana and we founded T.A.D.A.A. Take Action, Defy All Adversities, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting individuals who are often overlooked or underserved. Through TADAA, we host community outreach events that provide essentials like clothing, food, and hygiene products — but just as importantly, we offer compassion, conversation, and connection.

What excites me most about the work I do is seeing people realize that they matter — that someone sees them, hears them, and believes in their potential. Every event reminds me that healing doesn’t just happen in therapy rooms — it happens in the streets, in shared meals, and in moments of genuine human care.

I have a deep desire to expand TADAA’s mission by one day opening my own clinic using services of TADAA. I then have a long term goal of having different apartment complexes in different states to provide housing and mental health services for individuals transitioning out of hardship or foster care. I’m currently looking to collaborate with others who share that vision and can bring knowledge, resources, and connections to help make it a reality.

next community event is happening November 22 with TADDA, and we’re collecting clothing and hygiene products to give back in a big way. To follow our journey or get involved, connect with us on Instagram @tadaallc follow, show love, and join the movement to Take Action and Defy All Adversities.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, empathy, and vision.

Resilience taught me how to keep showing up, even when things felt uncertain or heavy. There were seasons where I faced personal and professional challenges, but pushing through those moments built my confidence and trust in God’s timing. My advice to anyone starting out is: don’t run from the hard parts — lean into them. That’s where you learn who you are and how strong you can be.

Empathy shaped how I connect with people. As a clinical social worker, understanding someone’s pain without judgment is everything. I’d tell newcomers to really listen not just to respond, but to understand. That skill will open more doors than any degree ever could.

And lastly, vision having a clear sense of purpose beyond the moment. For me, that’s been creating TADAA and dreaming of opening a clinic and housing program. My advice here is: write your vision down, even if it feels too big. Every small action builds toward that dream when your heart is aligned with it.

Altogether, those three resilience, empathy, and vision have grounded me, guided me, and reminded me that my work is bigger than me. My best advice is DONT GIVE UP

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Honestly, the most helpful force in helping me overcome challenges has been God truly. Prayer and remembering who He created me to be have grounded me in every season where I felt lost or uncertain. That spiritual foundation reminds me that I’m never walking alone, even when the path gets dark.

I’ve also been blessed with an incredible support system that has carried me through so much — from my god parent Veeta and Tuwanda, my siblings Robert, Danielle, Dechanta, Hakeem, Janita, Marlon, Wahid, Chardonna, and Keene, to my best friends Ashley, Billy, Stoni, Joelee, April, Candace, and Tae. They’ve shown up for me mentally, spiritually, and physically in ways I didn’t even know I needed.

I don’t always say it enough, but I’m truly grateful. Every person who’s poured into me whether with encouragement, prayer, or simple acts of love has helped me rebuild strength when I didn’t have it on my own. They’ve been living reminders that healing is never meant to be done in isolation. I went through a healing 2024-2025 so far that caused me to draw closer to God and put a fire in me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Tadaallc
• Other: Personal igHeyitsnesha_

  Social worker TikTok

  @unhingedsocialworker

  Please I am looking to Collaborate with others