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About Dr. Kerdis Clarke
Dr. Kerdis J. Clarke is a distinguished health advocate with over a decade of dedicated service in the field of mental health. Her journey began at the age of 10, when she witnessed the challenges faced by individuals living with mental illness. Dr. Clarke holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, a Master of Science degree in Counseling and Clinical Psychology, and a Doctor of Psychology degree in Clinical Psychology, making her the only clinical psychologist on Nevis.
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Throughout her professional career, Dr. Clarke has worked at the Mental Health Unit, providing crucial support to individuals and families while engaging in proactive outreach efforts aimed at destigmatizing mental illness. In her subsequent role at the Department of Youth, she notably supported children, adolescents, and young adults—a demographic she remains committed to serving. In recognition of her contributions to youth development, she was awarded by the Nevis Department of Youth in 2024. In pursuit of expanding psychological services on Nevis and challenging conventional perceptions of mental health, Dr. Clarke established her private practice, The Respite, in 2024.This endeavor on which she embarked despite receiving various regional and international job offers, reflects her determination to enhance the mental health landscape on the island.
To further her understanding of mental health challenges in Nevis, Dr. Clarke has conducted research on various topics, including marriage degeneration, mental health stigma among Nevisian youth, and identity formation in justice-involved youth. Her ongoing contributions to the mental health field earned her recognition as one of the 2025 International Women’s Day awardees. As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Clarke aims to inspire individuals to cultivate their best selves with purpose, intention, and without hesitation.
​Furthermore, the establishment of The Respite, a modern and specialized mental health facility, was largely self-funded and supported by community contributions. Dr. Clarke actively advocates for mental health awareness and education within the community. She serves as the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Specialist for the St. Kitts and Nevis Red Cross Society, the Health Ministry’s Leader of the Brown Hill S.D.A. Church, a Board Director of Taino Inc., and the Clinical Supervisor of PEARLS. Through her community efforts, she provides free mental health screenings and generates interest in mental health education. Her training background includes roles as a drug prevention specialist, mental health first aid specialist, trauma specialist, and a trainer of trainers in mental health and psychosocial support.
Education
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Doctor of Psychology | California Southern University | 2019-2023
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Masters of Science in Counseling and Clinical Psychology | National Dong Hwa University | 2014-2016​
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Bachelors of Science in Psychology | Andrews University | 2009-2013
Training
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Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Specialist | International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society (IFRC) | 2018-2022
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Social Crime Prevention Trainer | United States Agency for International Development (USAID) | 2017
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Mental Health Global Action Plan Trainer | Pan American Health Association (PAHO) | 2017
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National Drug Prevention Trainer | Organization of American States (O.A.S) | 2014
Experience
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Founder and Consultant Clinical Psychologist | The Respite (Nevis)​
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Director | Department of Youth (Nevis) | 2019-2023
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Senior Youth Officer | Department of Youth (Nevis) | 2016-2019
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Mental Health Counselor | Nevis Mental Health Unit | 2013-2014
Membership and Activities
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Vice President and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Focal Point | St. Kitts-Nevis Red Cross Society
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Youth Policy Consultant | St. Kitts-Nevis Red Cross Society
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Constitutional Reform Committee Chair | St. Kitts-Nevis Red Cross Society
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Vice Chair | National Board of the Nevis Land and Housing Development Corporation
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Board Member and Clinical Supervisor | Taino Inc.
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Board Member | Caribbean Psychosocial Support Interagency Consortium
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Clinical Supervisor | Maude Smith Pre-School