Tamanda Chitalo shows how pairing talent with real opportunity lifts entire communities. As one of the first Fellows in our United States Therapist Recruitment Fellowship, she’s paving the way for others. With heartfelt gratitude to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). Tamanda earned her Master of Social Work at Indiana State University and graduated as valedictorian.
From Malawi to Indiana. Tamanda’s journey began in Malawi, where she first saw the gaps in mental-health care. Moving to the United States sharpened her sense of purpose.
Fathers’ UpLift, Inc. as a launchpad. As a fellow, she dove into real-world practice, helping fathers heal, reconnect, and thrive.
Fathers’ UpLift support. Fathers’ UpLift funding removed financial barriers, letting her focus on study and service.
Tamanda believes every person deserves a safe space to heal. She tackles stigma head-on, listens first, and acts with cultural humility. Her words in the clip below challenge all of us to “step into rooms that once felt closed and make them welcoming.”
“My story shows that when doors open, we must walk through and hold them for the next person.” — Tamanda Chitalo
Proof of concept. The Fellowship works. Investing in diverse, mission-driven clinicians strengthens the mental-health workforce.
Community impact. Clients see themselves in Tamanda. Representation builds trust. Trust fuels better outcomes.
Ripple effect. Her valedictorian honor raises the bar for every future fellow.
Here is the link to her valedictorian speech.
Fathers’ UpLift will welcome a new cohort of fellows soon. We need more leaders like Tamanda, people ready to serve, study, and stand up for mental-health equity.
Interested in the Fellowship? Click Fellowship for details on the next application cycle.