Ms. Tselane Gardner MA, earned her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2014, with a specialization in African American Family Studies and is currently working on her Doctorate in Psychology. She is completing her dissertation, which is based on her experiences creating and implementing the original "It Takes a Village" Older Adults African American Mental Health Support Group at Heritage Clinic in Pasadena, CA. Ms. Gardner has worked in the mental health field over ten years, providing individual and group therapy in a variety of settings. Ms. Gardner specializes in treating severe mental illness with older adults, including, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Substance Use Disorder, Hoarding Disorder; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Personality Disorders.

In addition, Ms. Gardner is a motivational speaker and mental health educator, who has lectured on African American psychology, including the Principles of Nguzo Saba, the seven values of African culture that help build and reinforce community among African-Americans. Ms. Gardner is a consultant and collaborates with practitioners throughout California. In 2017, Ms. Gardner was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Biblical Counseling for her work in the community from United Graduate College and Seminary.