IMARI CHILDS Chief Executive Officer, Therapy by Moonlight, Inc.

Meet Imari Childs, LCSW, a dedicated therapist with a passion for social change and community empowerment. Imari had embarked on his academic journey at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Social Welfare. Inspired by the opportunity to address social injustices and advocate for underrepresented populations, he pursued advanced studies in Social Work at the University of Chicago and a Master's in Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University. During his time at Berkeley, Mr. Childs had immersed himself in understanding the complexities of social systems and their impact on individual well-being. His coursework and field experiences fueled his commitment to social justice and laid the foundation for his future work in mental health and policy advocacy. At the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration, Mr. Childs further developed his clinical skills and deepened his understanding of trauma-informed care and evidence-based interventions. Simultaneously, his studies at Carnegie Mellon provided him with a comprehensive understanding of policy analysis and implementation strategies, equipping him with the tools to effect systemic change. Throughout his career, Mr. Childs has worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between mental health services and policy reform. He has served in various capacities, from from providing direct clinical services to underserved communities to advocating for policy initiatives that prioritize mental health equity and access to care via research and leadership roles to provide effective and compassionate care. With a strong belief in the power of collaboration and community engagement, Imari is committed to fostering partnerships across sectors to create lasting change. He views therapy as a collaborative process, empowering individuals to navigate life's challenges while also working to dismantle the structural barriers that contribute to their distress. In addition to his clinical practice, Mr. Childs is a passionate educator and mentor and is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc, dedicated to training the next generation of leaders. An Art Deco, History, and deliberative discourse enthusiast in his spare time. He is deeply invested in cultivating a more inclusive and equitable society, where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive. Through his work, Mr. Childs strives to create a world where mental health is prioritized, and social justice is the foundation of every policy decision. Imari has seen the limitations to access quality and client driven care, one being time, thus he established his California based private practice Therapy by Moonlight, Inc. to offer clients evening and weekend care.