Dejaneara-Jeannette Carter

Dejaneara—known as DJ to the kiddos, adolescents, and many of the families she supports, is a licensed social worker with nearly a decade of experience serving children, youth, and families across school systems, non-profit organizations, and the child welfare and foster care system in both Kansas and Missouri. They hold both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work and are currently completing their clinical supervision toward independent licensure (LCSW).

DJ brings a deep understanding of how systems interact; schools, families, community agencies, and mental health supports, and works at the intersections to empower youth and caregivers with culturally responsive, trauma-informed care approaches. Whether supporting a preschooler navigating big feelings, a teen processing loss, or a caregiver trying to break generational cycles, DJ brings warmth, insight, and a strengths-based lens to every session. Her clinical experience spans early childhood through adolescence, and she specializes in supporting individuals and families through challenges with identity, transitions and/or unique grief and loss, depression, PTSD, familial challenges, and complex trauma. Dejaneara is passionate about helping clients reconnect with themselves and their relationships by creating safe, nonjudgmental spaces where healing and growth can unfold.

DJ utilizes a range of modalities, including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Family Systems Theory, and expressive interventions like play and art therapy. Her background in crisis intervention, risk assessment and follow-up, domestic violence, and sexual trauma equips her to provide steady, grounded care even in the most difficult moments.

Core areas of expertise:

   •    Grief and loss with children, teens, and families from a culturally responsive and person-centered lens

   •    Trauma-informed care and PTSD

   •    Depression and emotional dysregulation

   •    Crisis response and risk assessment

   •    Caregiver support and intergenerational healing

   •    School-based and foster care system collaboration

   •    Play and art-based therapeutic interventions

Above all, DJ believes in the power of relationships, resilience, and culturally grounded healing. She is committed to walking alongside her clients with compassion, authenticity, and an unwavering belief in their ability to grow and thrive.

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