Sydney currently serves as our Sickle Cell Social Worker here at Cayenne Wellness. She is purposed in identifying the barriers that prevent marginalized groups from accessing mental health care and improving behavioral health outcomes for minority groups. Sydney’s identified area of focus in social work is in integrated health, and is interested in how physical health conditions impact the mental health of individuals and their families. Sydney is a passionate advocate for health equity and has spent her early career working in Black maternal and infant health, working at the City of Long Beach Black Infant Health Program as well as having spent 7me in Ohio serving as a residential support staff in a maternity home. Understanding how physical and behavioral health are interconnected and impacted by several social determinants of health, Sydney is focused on continuing to identify structural barriers and provide services to underrepresented groups in efforts to increase their mental health and well-being.
Sydney holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and double minors in Counseling & Social Change and Child & Family Development from San Diego State University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from California State University, Long Beach. Her efforts to reduce health disparities in marginalized groups have been recognized through her award of the Council on Social Work Educa7on’s Minority Fellowship Program, and she is interested in continuing to be a part of the effort to increase the presence of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in behavioral health seRngs. Sydney was born and raised in Long Beach, California and enjoys thrift shopping, traveling, and discovering new restaurants.
