At Fathers’ UpLift, we believe the future of behavioral health depends not only on who enters the profession, but also on how well we prepare, support, and invest in them.

That is why we are excited to welcome the 2026–2027 class of our USTR Fellowship—nine emerging social work professionals representing universities across the country.

This year’s Fellows are:

• Oluronke Ajayi — University of Nebraska
• Aliyah Armour — Jackson State University
• Donovan Sanders — Boston College
• Ruth Cormier — Cambridge College
• Tyeone Barner — Boston College
• Anthony Delgado — Boston College
• Jessy Chinaenyeze — Simmons University
• Christopher Lacking — Jackson State University
• Maria Cunha — Framingham State University

More Than a Fellowship

The USTR Fellowship was created because we saw a gap. Talented social work students were entering the profession with tremendous passion and potential, yet too many—particularly students from historically underrepresented backgrounds—were encountering barriers between earning their degree, becoming clinically prepared, passing their licensure examination, and building sustainable careers in behavioral health.

We wanted to help change that. At Fathers’ UpLift, Fellows do more than observe the work. They learn alongside experienced clinicians, participate in individual and group supervision, strengthen their clinical skills, prepare intentionally for licensure, and gain experience serving fathers, children, and families.

Our goal is simple: prepare emerging professionals not merely to enter the field, but to thrive in it.

Building a Stronger Behavioral Health Workforce

There is something powerful about this year’s class. Our Fellows come to us from both Historically Black Colleges and Universities and predominantly white institutions, bringing different experiences, perspectives, and strengths into one learning community.

That diversity matters because the families we serve deserve a behavioral health workforce that is skilled, compassionate, culturally responsive, and prepared to meet people where they are.Through the USTR Fellowship, we are investing in that workforce one student at a time.

And we are already seeing what is possible. Across previous cohorts, 26 Fellows have participated in the program, and our most recent licensure outcomes have reinforced our belief that when students receive intentional preparation, mentorship, supervision, and support, longstanding gaps can be challenged.

Welcome to Fathers’ UpLift

To Oluronke, Aliyah, Donovan, Ruth, Tyeone, Anthony, Jessy, Christopher, and Maria: welcome. We are honored that a portion of your professional journey will happen with us. We hope you leave this fellowship with stronger clinical skills and greater confidence. But even more, we hope you leave knowing that your presence in this profession matters.

There are fathers who need you. There are children and families who will benefit from your training.There are communities waiting for the gifts you are still developing. And there is a field that will be stronger because you chose to be part of it.

Welcome to the 2026–2027 USTR Fellowship Class. The work continues—and we are grateful to have you with us.