Dr. Shatavia Thomas, an Atlanta-native, is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), national certified counselor (NCC), and owner of Dr. Shay Speaks, LLC. She earned her master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University in Atlanta and her doctorate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. With more than 20 years of experience as a mental health professional and 15 years of experience in higher education as a professor and administrator, Dr. Shay’s specialties include holistic wellness, couples, parenting, grief and caregiving, healthy communication, family business dynamics, and sports and entertainment families. As a thought leader in her field, she is a sought-after speaker, staff trainer, and continuing education workshop facilitator. Known for her compassionate, curious, collaborative, and creative style, she empowers clients through strengths-based therapy. As a holistic wellness practitioner, she also teaches beginner mat Pilates and is a mindfulness meditation teacher on Insight Timer. In addition to her clinical and holistic wellness work, Dr. Shay is a published author and poet, with peer-reviewed journal articles, freelance publications, and two self-published volumes of poetry. She has been married for 17 years and has a 15 y/o son.