We recently connected with Vanessa Goodar Phd and have shared our conversation below.
Vanessa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?
I was born and raised in Chicago, IL, by grandparents and teen parents who had limited knowledge of how to navigate the public school system. Despite this, I was fortunate to have key protective factors in school, specifically mentors and my involvement in the marching band that helped build my confidence and convinced me I could succeed in higher education.
Reflecting on this, I believe the educational system needs to place more emphasis on nurturing the confidence and potential of students from all backgrounds. Too often, students lack the guidance and support they need to envision and pursue their future careers, especially when their families may not have the resources or knowledge to help them navigate the path.
Access to education is fundamental, and we must prioritize creating equitable pathways for all students, particularly those from underserved communities. Supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is also crucial in this regard, as these institutions not only provide a space for academic excellence but also offer a nurturing environment for Black students to thrive both academically and personally.
For me, mentors played a pivotal role, and I believe we can better prepare students for a fulfilling life and career by fostering more mentorship programs and extracurricular activities that build both academic skills and self-confidence. After attending college in-state, I returned home and began a teaching fellowship, which was an opportunity that helped me further understand the gaps in education and how mentorship, community support, and access to institutions like HBCUs can make all the difference.
Vanessa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Dr. Vanessa Goodar, and I am an assistant professor of psychology at Hampton University, a community psychologist, and a dedicated Decolonial practitioner. My work centers on self-care, participatory action research, and the power of Black women’s narratives as a form of health promotion. I specialize in qualitative methods like Photovoice, using visual storytelling and lived experiences to explore barriers to self-care and reimagine wellness from a culturally grounded perspective.
As the founder of the HU Path 2 PEACE Lab, I mentor psychology students in developing culturally relevant wellness initiatives that integrate nature, storytelling, and community engagement. My work bridges research and practice, demonstrating how self-care, when rooted in cultural traditions and collective healing, can mitigate chronic stress, promote health equity, and empower future Black psychologists to create transformative healing spaces.
What sets my work apart is its commitment to community-driven solutions and the rejection of one-size-fits-all approaches to wellness. Rather than focusing solely on individual coping strategies, I emphasize collective care, liberation psychology, and the ways historical and social contexts shape well-being.
I am most proud of the ways my research and mentorship create real impact, whether by equipping students with the tools to serve their communities, helping Black women reclaim their wellness narratives, or advancing a vision of psychology that is inclusive, affirming, and deeply rooted in cultural wisdom.
For those looking to collaborate, learn, or engage with my work, I invite you to join in this movement toward decolonized self-care, research that uplifts, and psychological practices that honor the richness of our lived experiences.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of the most significant moments in my journey came during a period of intense personal and professional challenges. I faced mental health struggles I had never experienced before and my family, though supportive in their own way, wasn’t equipped to fully understand or help me navigate this new terrain.
It was a tough time, but I made the bold decision to take a leave of absence from teaching to focus on my healing. During this period of reflection, I realized that I had a calling to continue my education. I went back to school, and after years of hard work and self-discovery, I earned a PhD in Community Psychology.
Today, I am honored to serve as an assistant professor at Hampton University, an illustrious HBCU, where I get to pour my passion for self-care, community healing, and cultural empowerment into the next generation of psychologists. Looking back, I am grateful for the resilience I found through nature, culture, and the strength of community. These elements helped me navigate the darkest moments and ultimately led me to the work I do now.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
What has helped me build my reputation within my field is my focus on community-centered self-care and my ability to create meaningful connections among participants during workshops. I design activities that foster a sense of belonging and community, which I believe is essential to promoting healing and wellness. This approach sets me apart by emphasizing the power of collective care and shared experiences to create lasting impact.
Additionally, my experience working in K-12 education and in leadership roles within schools has been invaluable in expanding my community self-care research both in Virginia and beyond. Collaborating with diverse groups of people in these settings has allowed me to deepen my understanding of the unique needs of different communities and integrate those insights into my work.
Image Credits
Pic1- @tahitian_treat
https://www.instagram.com/tahitian_treat?igsh=eW1ieWtsM29oaWlr
Pic 2-AB Photography