Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Venise Predestin Carrier.
Hi Dr. Venise , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Haiti and moved to the United States when I was a teenager. My love of learning really started at home—my mother, Annatholie Predestin, actually began homeschooling me before I was even old enough to attend school, and that set the foundation for everything that came after. My father, Jocelyn Predestin, has always been a steady guide in my life. He taught me how to make thoughtful decisions—when to say yes, when to say no—and helped instill the discipline and motivation that still drive me today. I was also surrounded by a strong, supportive extended family. My grandmother, Cenezia, has always been my North Star, and my aunts and uncles played a big role in mentoring me. In our family, education wasn’t just encouraged—it was something we all believed in and worked toward together.
I originally started out on a pre-med track, but everything shifted after I took a psychology course. That experience helped me realize where I truly belonged. I went on to pursue that path through my studies at Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and Albizu University, and I trained in a variety of settings, including Memorial Regional Hospital, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, and Jackson Health System, in affiliation with the University of Miami and the University of Central Florida.
Today, I’m the founder of Sankofa Psychology, where my focus is on helping people embrace who they are—their identities, their families, their cultures—rather than feeling reduced to a diagnosis. I also teach at Florida Memorial University, and honestly, I learn just as much from my students as I hope they learn from me.
On a personal note, I’m a mother to two incredibly creative daughters, Lo and Zo. They’re truly the joy of my life and inspire me every day with their imagination and energy. I’ve also been married to my husband, Herold, for over a decade, and we’ve grown together through all of life’s ups and downs, still learning to show up for each other as true partners.
At the core, my journey has always been about taking the love, guidance, and support that were poured into me and creating spaces where others feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey hasn’t been a smooth one. Moving to a new country as a teenager meant I had to figure out how to connect with people in a completely different culture, all while navigating racism and gender-based discrimination. During that time, I really leaned on what my grandmother, Cenezia, taught me, along with the values my parents instilled in me. Those lessons became my internal compass as I found my own way. Over time, I had to intentionally develop my identity—as a womanist and as a mental health advocate—and learn to stand by my choices, even when they didn’t fit conventional expectations.
I also worked full-time through much of my education, and I had both of my children before finishing my doctoral degree. Being an immigrant, I was always aware of the opportunities in front of me, and I didn’t want to take for granted what had taken so much to build. So I learned how to prioritize, how to make difficult decisions, and how to lean on my support system—friends and family—so I could keep moving forward and create the kind of future I envisioned for my daughters.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m the Founder and Clinical Director of Sankofa Psychology, which is a culturally inclusive practice focused on supporting individuals, families, and communities in ways that truly honor their identities, lived experiences, and cultural backgrounds. We offer both telehealth and in-person services, and I also provide therapy in Haitian Creole—which is especially meaningful to me, and something not many clinicians in this area are able to offer.
In addition to my clinical work, I consult with other practices to help them strengthen their approach to maternal mental health and to thoughtfully incorporate Caribbean and African-centered psychology into the care they provide. At Sankofa, a big part of my work is helping people recognize strengths they may not even realize they have, so they can feel more confident in their decisions and in the lives they’re building.
More than anything, though, I’m really leaning into the treatment of trauma and affirming neurodivergent experiences. That’s an area I care deeply about, especially because it’s still underrepresented by clinicians who look like me and share similar cultural perspectives. I want to help create space where people feel fully seen and understood in those experiences.
I also developed a framework called BASICS, which is designed to help people meet their needs regardless of where they are in their day-to-day functioning. Beyond that, I’ve created practical tools—like workbooks for couples to better understand their individual and shared values and roles, mantra cards for mothers, and free affirmations that anyone can use to ground themselves and de-escalate during difficult moments.
Sankofa has largely operated as a boutique practice, but we do accept most health insurance plans in Florida, and we offer a sliding scale for private pay to make care more accessible. Even the name “Sankofa” reflects our philosophy—it’s about looking back to understand where we come from, so we can move forward with clarity, strength, and purpose.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I read most days of the week, usually while I’m cooking or commuting, and that’s also when I like to listen to podcasts. These days, because of time constraints, I mostly read through audiobooks—it just allows me to stay connected to learning and storytelling in a way that fits into my schedule.
I really love novels by Edwidge Danticat. I actually had the chance to meet her and introduce her to my oldest daughter, who’s an avid reader and a spelling bee champion, so that was a really special moment for us. Some of my other favorite books include The Four Agreements, The Prophet, Running on Empty by Dr. Jonice Webb, First Born Daughters by Bernie McFadden, and Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing.
Reading and writing have always been part of my environment. My father always has a book on his desk and is constantly writing or taking notes, and that’s something my daughters and I have definitely picked up. And from my mother, I inherited a real love of cooking—it’s one of the ways I unwind and express care.
I also enjoy listening to podcasts—Oprah, Trevor Noah, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus are some of my favorites. And I’ll admit, I love watching dating shows, mostly because I’m fascinated by human behavior and relationship dynamics.
A lot of my inspiration comes from the people around me—my students and the reflections they share, the music, movies, and shows they introduce me to, and especially the creativity and brilliance I see in my daughters, my cousins, and my students.
I also make it a point to stay closely connected to my family, because that grounding is really important to me. And as someone who works in mental health, I also have my own therapist. I truly believe in doing the work myself, not just guiding others through it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sankofapsychology.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sankofapsych/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Sankofa-Psychology-LLC-61553693087258/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvenisepredestincarrier
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1235449
Image Credits
Dr. Venise Predestin Carrier; Annatholie and Jocelyn Predestin (Parents) ; Herold, Lo, and Zo Carrier (family picture); Venise, Lo, and Zo Carrier
