Leisa Walker-Akinrolabu

I would like to examine the intersections between race, mental health and ability to increase our understanding of "disabled" male students of color. I believe further differentiation between special education classifications and mental health diagnoses is important to guide interventions. Accurate identification of student needs, effective mental health treatment, and appropriate educational placements may decrease black males’ special education utilization and improve their social outcomes across the lifespan.

Leisa Walker-Akinrolabu is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and LCSW Supervisor. She has a private practice in the Middlesex County area, where she provides psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults. She specializes in the areas of child sexual abuse, sexual assault, trauma and crisis intervention. You can find more information about her practice at https://www.leisawalker.com Additionally, Leisa is a certified School Social Worker. She currently works as part of the Child Study Team in an elementary and an intermediate school in Piscataway, NJ. She is skilled at public speaking, professional training, report writing and strategic planning.

Hobbies: In her personal time, Leisa enjoys writing, reading, scrapbooking, gardening and traveling. She published her first children’s book, “Hugs for Jahai,” in the Summer of 2022. Her second children’s book, “Sebastian’s World,” will be released this Fall 2022. For more information, check out https://leislittlelibrary.com

Home Life: Leisa is mother of three children: Camryn- 16 years old, Jahai- 15 years old and Sebastian- 7 months old. She, her husband and their children reside in Piscataway, NJ. They enjoy attending local football and basketball games, as well as barbecues with their extended relatives.