Our Founders

Founders: Paula Anderson, LCPC, Carisa Oyebanjo, LCPC, & Jendayo Grady, Ph.D.

The Renew and Revitalize Marriage & Family Institute is a non-profit 501 (C) (3) organization that provides services to marriages, families, youth, and adults. The mission of the Renew and Revitalize Marriage & Family Institute is to educate, encourage, and empower couples and families be functional, fruitful, and fulfilled in their relationships. The Renew and Revitalize Marriage & Family Institute offers marriage conferences & retreats, marriage/premarital & family training, marriage/premarital & family counseling sessions and groups, train the trainer workshops, and child & family empowerment programs. We provide necessary resources and referrals to the families and individuals we serve. We intend to influence the significant reduction in the divorce rate, reduction in child abuse/neglect, and influence the significant increase in the number of healthy marriages and families.

The founders are three sought after professionals in the counseling field in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. Dr. Jendayo Grady is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Senior Pastor and Paula Anderson and Carisa Oyebanjo are Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors and Nationally Certified Counselors. Each speaker has been married for over 18 years and have children. Dr. Grady, Paula Anderson and Carisa Oyebanjo are Christians who have allowed God to be the center and leader in their own marriages. In addition, combined the founders have over 40 years of experience in helping individuals and couples breakthrough their challenges and arise renewed.

OUR TEAM

Maggie Blackburn

Licensed Certified Social Worker–Clinical

Maggie, LCSW-C is a counselor who has experience working in residential treatment facilities, mobile crisis and in the school system. She is experienced in family, group, couples and individual counseling. Maggie has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and has experience working with anger management, social skills, and anxiety.

Maggie strives to create a welcoming environment where all of her clients feel safe. Maggie believes that using a strengths-based approach paired with a person-centered approach creates an environment where the client is able to be an active role in their therapeutic process.

Maggie also has experience providing training and workshops for different universities, businesses, and organizations on topics such as workplace boundaries, transitions, problem-solving, and different therapeutic modalities.

If you'd like to work with Maggie, please reach out today to schedule an appointment!

Ashley Andrews

Program Coordinator & Marketing Strategist

As a passionate marketing strategist and program coordinator, Ashley brings a unique blend of creativity, data-driven insights, and a deep commitment to mental health advocacy to Renew and Revitalize Marriage & Family Institute. With extensive experience in nonprofit environments, Ashley excels in developing and executing marketing strategies that amplify the reach and impact of vital counseling services.

In their role, Ashley works collaboratively with staff and community partners to create effective campaigns, raise awareness, and engage the community in support of mental wellness. By combining innovative marketing tactics with a compassionate approach, Ashley ensures that the center’s programs and services are accessible to those who need them most.

With a strong background in both strategic planning and program management, Ashley is dedicated to strengthening the center’s presence, increasing client engagement, and advancing its mission to provide affordable and high-quality counseling services to individuals and families in need.

When they’re not brainstorming new marketing initiatives or overseeing program development, Ashley enjoys spending time outdoors, checking out local coffee shops, and playing with her little one.