Dr. Harris is a specialist in clinical social work who has dedicated her career towards the social, emotional, and psychological development of traditionally oppressed populations.
Dr. Harris is a Licensed Psychotherapist, Certified Hypnotherapist, Certified Life Coach and Consultant based in NYC. She is a full-time lecturer at Columbia University’s School of Social Work and operates a private practice in NYC, providing therapy and coaching to individuals, couples and families. Jalana also hosts solution focused conversations and facilitates workshops for professional organizations geared towards the social, emotional and psychological development of traditionally oppressed populations.
Jalana completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Social Welfare at Stony Brook University, where she also received her MSW and was a distinguished Turner Fellow. She has an extensive history in social development and community organizing, having worked as Director of Youth and Family programs for the NYC Parks Department overseeing the training and program development for 35 youth programs in the five boroughs. She also worked as a trainer/facilitator for Planned Parenthood of Nassau County developing and implementing trainings and workshops on sexuality education and overseeing their Teen Advocate Program. Additionally, she has worked as a trainer/facilitator for the Research Foundation at Hunter College in NYC where she developed and implemented trainings on Safety and Risk Assessments for Child Welfare, Foster Care and Preventive agencies throughout the five boroughs of NYC.
Jalana is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer having served in the Dominican Republic where she worked with small business owners, government and local non-governmental organizations providing training and facilitation (in English and Spanish) on strategic planning, leadership and program development. She received her BA from Emory University in Atlanta, GA, with majors in both Business Economics and Dance; she also received certificates in Dance and Music from both the Edna Manley School of the Performing Arts in Kingston, Jamaica, and the University of Havana in Havana, Cuba.
