Dr. Sakara Wages
Dr. Sakara Wages is a CCS service provider whose expertise spans critical pedagogy, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive support. With a Ph.D. and Master of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Dr. Wages brings a rare combination of academic depth and real-world experience to her work with youth, adults, and families. Her services align with multiple CCS service arrays, including Psychoeducation, Wellness Management and Recovery Support, Individual and Family Psychoeducation, and Employment-Related Skill Training.
Sakara offers Psychoeducation services rooted in anti-oppressive practice, supporting participants in understanding how race, identity, gender, and systemic barriers impact emotional wellness and recovery. She uses education as a tool for transformation—helping individuals unpack internalized messages, reconnect with self-worth, and build insight into their mental health journey through frameworks grounded in Black Feminisms and Critical Theory.
In her Wellness Management and Recovery Support work, Sakara partners with individuals to build practical, culturally grounded wellness plans. Her support includes identity development, emotional regulation, self-advocacy, and exploring the intersections of trauma, resilience, and systemic oppression. Her experience as an educator and scholar enables her to translate complex ideas into accessible, affirming conversations that promote personal growth and long-term wellbeing.
For youth and families, Sakara delivers Individual and Family Psychoeducation by supporting caregivers and children in identifying communication barriers, understanding behavioral responses through a cultural lens, and building healthier relationships grounded in mutual respect. She works especially well with families who may feel overlooked or misunderstood in traditional systems, creating space for healing and honest connection.
Through Employment-Related Skill Training, Sakara supports individuals—particularly youth and emerging adults—who are navigating barriers to work or higher education. She offers guidance on goal-setting, decision-making, and exploring professional identity with an emphasis on self-determination and breaking cycles of systemic marginalization. Her services are particularly impactful for Black and Brown youth who may feel unseen or unsupported in academic or employment settings.
Sakara is also the founder of Subversive Social Work, a platform that uplifts critical consciousness and transformative practice in service of equity and liberation. Her experience teaching college-level courses in Social Work, Psychology, and Ethnic & Gender Studies, coupled with her deep commitment to anti-oppressive frameworks, makes her a powerful partner on any care team.