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Onyx Monthly Newsletter

January 2021

If 2020 was a meme, it would be a rollercoaster slide that never ends!!!!

But we made it! We made it through all the challenges and transitions, the fears and worries. We’ve overcome some of our biggest concerns and are able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sure, that rollercoaster picture at the kiosk will have us with our gums showing, mouth open, and hair going crazy, but we can get off the ride and talk about all the twists, turns, highs, lows, screams, and laughs.

And just like our personal lives, Onyx has had some low lows and some major highs but we are still here, striving to the top so we can help as many people as possible. This year, we have:

• Obtained our 8(a) status so we can serve the federal government and larger national interests.

• Joined the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business networks so we can serve small companies and larger corporations.

• Advocated for mental health & awareness through social and mainstream media to include features on TV, magazines, and podcasts.

• Solidified our leadership team so we can focus on business development and client needs .

• Served over 300 private clients and 1000 larger groups

• And very importantly, we have hired 12 new people which provides employment and training in our communities and job security for 12 new families!

There is so much to look forward to in 2021 and we are excited to share it with you.

Thanks for joining us on the rollercoaster ride of 2020 and we will see you back at the top in just a few weeks.

-Dr. LaNail R. Plummer, Onyx Therapy Group Founder & CEO

Dr. Plummer Interviewed by Today Show

While 2020 was at the peak of its community outrage, Dr. P was able to provide insight to the social ills of our time with her contribution to the Today Show. She spoke to the history of us not having our mental health needs met and how black women have always struggled with finding adequate providers that were culturally competent and gave them a sense of belonging. Black women have always had to put an “S” on their chests in our communities and we are at a point where we want to stop this generational curse.

Consciously Unbiased

On October 23rd, Dr. Plummer had the opportunity to virtually sit down with our friends at Consciously Unbiased to discuss what it means to truly be an ally within the workplace, and how employers and fellow employees can show up everyday for people of color. Dr. Plummer states, “One should not automatically call themselves an ally. That should be a title that’s granted to you because others can see the work that you’re constantly and consistently doing.” The discussion was eventually pitched for a virtual 2021 SXSW panel.

Onyx Participates in Adoption Panel

Ayana Malone, Onyx Director of Education and Training, participated in a discussion about adoption where she talked about her decision to adopt and why she chose Barker Adoption Foundation. Ayana shared her experiences with adoption and gave advice to other families looking to adopt. We are so proud of Ayana for giving a voice to a topic that many don’t talk about in our community. We are blessed to have Nyon in our lives and equally blessed that Ayana chose to be an advocate for adoption in our community.

Queer Forty and CIGC Wellness Center

Onyx’s very own Dr. LaNail R. Plummer is the newest Brand Ambassador for fellow DC-based wellness center, The Center for Innovative and GYN Care (CIGC). After struggling with intense pelvic pain from fibroids for years, Dr. Plummer found CIGC after complications with care due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as an ambassador for the female-focused care facility, she is able to share her personal health journey and encourage other women dealing with similar struggles to advocate for their own physical well-being and seek alternative options. You can read the full interview with Queer Forty, here.

BlackGrl Things

Onyx is excited to announce our latest partnership with Black, female-focused community, BlackGrl Things. On December 23rd, Dr. Plummer and Onyx Clinical Director, Shanelle Clay, joined the ladies behind BGT on Clubhouse and IG Live for a discussion on mental health and how it ties into a variety of things impacting Black women. Aptly titled “Let’s Get Real - A Mental Wellness Series,” the women focused on the controversy surrounding the Real Housewives of Potomac, and navigating mental health while being in the spotlight. An on-going series, be on the lookout for more conversations in the New Year!

January 5: Diversify Ice

7:30 PM

Diversify Ice presents a panel discussion featuring Onyx staff about stress management, navigating change, and thriving in the face of adversity.

January 12: Spillin’ the Tea with Dr. P - LinkedIn Live with Special Guest Jai Pelham of Replenish Yoga

2:00 PM

January marks the launch of Dr. Plummer’s new LinkedIn Live Show - Spillin’ The Tea with Dr. P! - the hour long program where Dr. P will interview fellow entrepreneurs and identify the intersections between Mental Health and their field. The first guest is the owner of Replenish Yoga, Dr. Jacquelyn (Jai) Crouch-Pelham. Jaiis a practicing perinatologist caring for high risk pregnant women in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, and received her Masters in business administration with an emphasis on medical services management from Johns Hopkins University. The two will discuss how yoga and meditation can play a key role in our personal mental and spiritual health, with a virtual yoga class set for a later date.

January 23: Envisioning 2021

3:30 PM

We have to admit, 2020 was no walk in the park and it's hard to envision 2021. We are here to assist in this mental health and life coaching lead vision board party. Participants are accompanied by Dr. LaNail Plummer, CEO of Onyx Therapy Group and Deana Kennedy of Kennedy Dean, LLC; a certified life coach.

February 5: Top Ladies of Distinction, INC, Prince George's County Chapter: Status Of Women Go Red Event

6:30 pm

Shanelle Clay, Onyx Clinical Director, will discuss the benefits of mental health as it relates to the heart and physical health.

This month we welcome our new wellness trainer, Allyson Watkins to the team. Allyson has over 15 years’ experience in behavioral health services and leadership throughout the DMV and Los Angeles, CA and we are so excited to have her a part of the Onyx family.

In case you missed it! Watch last month's Convos from the Couch where Dr. Plummer addressed seasonal blues and how to shift your perspective to stay motivated and productive throughout these cold winter months.

We all know that as the temperatures drop so do our moods. We loathe going outside and comfy and cozy is the vibe that we choose over anything else. Although we would much rather stay under the warm blanket, productivity is calling our names. Check out Dr. Plummer’s words of wisdom as we all try to conquer the seasonal blues that may come our way. It’s all about perspective and Onyx always strives to give you one that can shift yours.

Stay tuned for more Convos with the Couch with Dr. Plummer, our next chat will be on January 5th!

Contacts for Crisis

National Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-8355; or dial 988

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

Mental Health Crisis Hotline (DC): 1-888-7WE-HELP

Mental Health Crisis Hotline (MD): 301-429-2185

Mental Health Crisis Hotline (PA): 1-888-796-8226

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Based in Washington DC, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, Onyx Therapy Group is dedicated to cultivating and strengthening the community through mental health practices. With a focus on direct clinical work, professional development/training, and sourcing, Onyx Therapy Group incorporates the values of integrity, respect, loyalty, community, culture, and excellence. As an organization, Onyx Therapy Group has over 15 years in mental health work and 20 years of education and skill-based practice that has positively impacted individuals, educators, and organizations nationally. Onyx Therapy Group is a Black, Woman, Veteran-owned business that believes in and designs transformative healing