Mental health care is evolving to meet the needs of diverse populations. With growing awareness around accessibility, cultural sensitivity, and early intervention, licensed social workers are leading this shift. Tracey Taldon, LICSW, has made it her mission to break down barriers and build support systems for underserved communities across Massachusetts.
As deputy director of the Haitian Mental Health Network and founder of multiple outreach initiatives, Taldon combines leadership with advocacy to drive meaningful change.
Meeting Mental Health Needs With Heart
Taldon brings over a decade of experience in clinical social work. “I specialize in relational issues, cultural conflicts, PTSD, depression and anxiety,” she says. “I work with both adults and adolescents.”
Taldon founded Wellness for Our Future LLC in 2022 to provide psychotherapy services for individuals, families, and groups. “My goal was to expand mental health services and improve accessibility for different ethnicities,” she explains. “We’re also working to destigmatize treatment within those communities.”
Taldon’s efforts extend to migrant families through Healing and Wellness: Empowering Migrant Minds, a nonprofit she co-founded in 2023. “We offer mental health crisis stabilization at transitional residential sites,” she explains. “We help families gain stability, secure employment and housing and rebuild their lives.” Despite being a small team of 10, Taldon says, “They are highly effective. I’m proud of the team we’ve built.”
Rebuilding Support Networks From the Ground Up
In 2023, Taldon assumed her role as deputy director of the Haitian Mental Health Network, an organization established to support individuals displaced by Haiti’s devastating earthquake. “This work connects me to my roots,” says Taldon, a first-generation Haitian American. “It felt right to help bring the network back to life and ensure its mission continues.”
Taldon’s leadership helped revitalize the once dormant nonprofit, allowing it to serve displaced and marginalized communities in Massachusetts once again.
How Basketball Shaped Her Leadership
Before launching her career in social work, Taldon played college basketball at Simmons University, where she earned a Master of Social Work. “My coach, Karen Tessmer, shaped my approach to leadership,” she says. “She challenged and pushed me in ways I didn’t think possible.”
Taldon credits her persistence to those early experiences on the court: “I’m always eager to take on challenges. That mindset of never shying away from hard things has stayed with me.”
Today, Taldon serves on the advisory board of the Junior Celtics Academy. “I help develop a curriculum that incorporates mental health into youth basketball,” she explains. The program teaches coaches and referees how to communicate with kids and guides parents in creating supportive environments.
Recognized for Service and Dedication
In honor of her work with youth and mental health, the Boston Celtics presented Taldon with the Heroes Among Us Award. “It meant a lot to be recognized by a team I admire,” she confirms.
Taldon remains committed to advocacy, representation, and equity. “Wellness for Our Future prioritizes cultural knowledge and responsiveness in everything we do,” she adds.
Looking Forward: Expanding the Impact
Taldon has big goals for the future. “In the next five years, I plan to expand everything I built on a larger scale,” she says. “I want to increase the reach and impact of our work across the state and beyond.”
Outside of her professional roles, Taldon enjoys working out, playing basketball, and spending time with her four sons. “Self-care is essential,” she explains. “When I take care of myself, I’m better able to care for others.”
