Desarie L. Holmes, PhD received her doctorate of philosophy in clinical psychology from Saint Louis University in 2008.  Dr. Holmes also completed a formal child and adolescent internship at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 2008 and completed a LEAH-Post-Doctoral Psychology Fellowship (Leadership in Education & Adolescent Health) at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2010.  Dr. Holmes received specialized training in adolescent health and previously served in the department of psychiatry, out-patient services, and adolescent medicine at the Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester New York. Over the past 15 years she has worked and advocated for young people in many urban cities across the United States including East St. Louis, Illinois, St. Louis, Missouri, Newark New Jersey, and Rochester, New York. Throughout her academic and professional career, she has been active in the area of evidence-based practice and research whereby Dr. Holmes completed a pro-social-emotional intervention pilot study at the Joseph C. Wilson Foundation Academy in Rochester, New York.  Dr. Holmes is cited in journal publications in the areas of IPV (Intimate Partner Violence) and religiosity and prayer among African American Children. Dr. Holmes also developed the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program at Touchette Regional Hospital whereby she provided therapeutic services to adolescents and their families. Currently, Dr. Holmes serves as a United Way Board Member for the Southern Illinois Region, Executive Board Member for Hoyelton Youth and Family Services, and serves on the Missouri Psychological Association Diversity Committee.