Dr. Shaayestah Merchant (she/her/hers) is a practicing clinical psychologist and founder of Essential Dialogues LLC in Denver, Colorado. She has been a clinician for over 15 years and has a wealth of experience working with those in marginalized communities including immigrants, people of color, and those in the LGBTQ+ communities. Dr. Merchant has worked as a consultant and trainer with organizations such as the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA), the Denver District Attorney’s office, and the Colorado Organization for Victims’ Assistance (COVA) among others. She has also taught at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Merchant believes that each one of us has the capacity and resources within us to thrive and live our lives in accordance with what we value most. She has learned from her clients and through her experiences over the years as a clinician, Muslim, woman of color, and an immigrant that there is no one way to understand and deal with life’s tough issues. Her two- and five-year-old children never hesitate to remind her of this! When she is not working or parenting….wait, that’s not a thing. Dr. Merchant tries to have a healthy sense of humor when it is possible.

If you are interested in Marisol Solarte-Erlacher supporting your business or organization by speaking or training on topics such as Work Trauma for BIPOC women, Racial Battle Fatigue, supporting mental health in traumatic times, and building resilience in employees and resilient leadership in BIPOC women. Contact her directly at [email protected] if you want to learn more.

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Music: Inte-Gritty by Bianca Mikahn

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