Building Resilient Futures: DeKyn Rashad Peters’s Dedication to Trauma-Informed Practices

March 4, 2025

DeKyn Rashad Peters is a dedicated social work professional, public health advocate, and mental health champion committed to fostering community wellness. As a first-year Doctor of Behavioral Health student at CGI, he brings expertise in trauma-informed care, behavioral health, and adoption services, striving to bridge gaps in care and ensure equitable access to resources for individuals and families. With a diverse background as an Assistant Program Director, Case Manager, and Adoption Social Worker, DeKyn leverages his experience in social work, counseling, and recreational therapy to support vulnerable populations. In addition to his work in social services, he is actively pursuing doctoral studies in Behavioral Health and Education, focusing on the impact of trauma-informed practices in educational settings. His research aims to enhance academic and social outcomes for children with adverse childhood experiences. A passionate mentor and advocate, he brings leadership and clinical insight to psychiatric evaluations, child welfare, and therapeutic interventions. In this interview, DeKyn shares his goals in the DBH program, his vision for his career, and his commitment to cultivating trauma-informed practices in educational spaces.

How do you see the DBH program expanding your understanding of behavioral health and influencing your career?

The Doctorate in Behavioral Health (DBH) program will significantly deepen my understanding of behavioral health by integrating advanced clinical skills with a comprehensive view of population health management. It will broaden my knowledge of the biopsychosocial aspects of mental and physical health, while also equipping me with the tools to address health disparities and promote patient-centered care.Through the DBH program, I will gain expertise in evidence-based interventions, such as motivational interviewing, integrated care, and behavioral change techniques. This will allow me to more effectively support diverse populations, especially those impacted by trauma and chronic conditions, by addressing both mental and physical health needs. Additionally, I will develop leadership and management skills that will prepare me to take on roles where I can influence organizational policies and practices. In terms of my career trajectory, the DBH program will open opportunities for me to contribute to healthcare system innovation, particularly through trauma-informed care and integrated behavioral health settings. I will be better positioned to advocate for and implement holistic care models that improve health outcomes for underserved populations. Ultimately, this program will help me transition into higher-level roles, such as a director or consultant in behavioral health, where I can influence broader system changes and contribute to the future of healthcare delivery.

What innovative approaches or strategies do you believe can revolutionize the behavioral health landscape?

Innovative approaches and strategies have the potential to significantly revolutionize the behavioral health landscape, addressing existing challenges and improving access to care. One key strategy is the integration of technology, such as telehealth and digital mental health platforms. These tools can enhance accessibility for individuals in remote or underserved areas, allowing for timely intervention and support. Teletherapy and mobile apps for mental health self-management can reduce stigma and encourage more individuals to seek help Another transformative approach is the implementation of trauma-informed care across all levels of service delivery. By recognizing the pervasive impact of trauma on individuals’ lives, providers can create safer, more supportive environments that prioritize healing and empowerment. This involves training professionals in trauma awareness and integrating these principles into organizational policies and practices. Additionally, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare providers is essential. By combining the expertise of mental health professionals, primary care providers, and social workers, we can offer comprehensive, patient-centered care that addresses the holistic needs of individuals. Community-based programs that engage individuals in their care, such as peer support and wellness initiatives, can also promote recovery and resilience. Lastly, advocating for policy changes that expand funding for behavioral health services and prioritize mental health in public health initiatives is crucial. By addressing systemic barriers, we can create a more equitable and effective behavioral health system that serves all individuals and communities. Together, these strategies can reshape the behavioral health landscape, leading to improved outcomes and a more resilient population.

Looking forward to your DBH journey, what key insights or skills do you hope to gain?

During my Doctorate in Behavioral Health (DBH) journey, I hope to gain several critical insights and skills that will advance my professional development. First, I am eager to deepen my understanding of the integration between behavioral health and physical healthcare. Gaining expertise in how mental health conditions affect chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues, will allow me to provide more holistic care to patients and contribute to integrated health systems. I also aim to enhance my proficiency in evidence-based interventions, particularly in motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy, which are essential for influencing patient behavior and improving health outcomes. These skills will enable me to engage patients more effectively and support lasting behavioral changes that positively impact their overall well-being. Another key area of growth will be learning how to leverage data analytics and health informatics to monitor patient outcomes and improve care delivery. Understanding how to use data-driven insights will allow me to identify patterns, predict risks, and develop targeted intervention strategies, ultimately improving care efficiency and patient outcomes. Finally, I look forward to developing leadership and management skills that will prepare me to take on senior roles in behavioral health. I hope to gain the tools to lead interdisciplinary teams, advocate for trauma-informed care, and contribute to healthcare innovation on a larger scale. These skills will be instrumental in shaping my ability to influence policy and practice in the evolving field of behavioral health.

What are your future career goals, and how do you envision the DBH program contributing to your success?

My future career goals within the behavioral health sector focus on advancing integrated care models and improving access to services for underserved populations. I aim to take on leadership roles, such as a program director or behavioral health consultant, where I can influence policy, practice, and organizational change. By advocating for and implementing trauma-informed care practices, I seek to create supportive environments that address the holistic needs of individuals, particularly those with adverse childhood experiences. I also aspire to contribute to the development of innovative community-based programs that engage individuals in their care. This includes establishing peer support initiatives and wellness programs that empower patients to take an active role in their mental health journey. Ultimately, I envision a career where I can bridge the gap between behavioral health and primary care, fostering collaboration among providers to enhance patient outcomes.The Doctorate in Behavioral Health (DBH) program will be instrumental in achieving these goals by equipping me with advanced knowledge and skills in evidence-based practices, health policy, and leadership. The program’s focus on integrating behavioral health with broader health systems aligns perfectly with my aspirations, enabling me to understand and address the complexities of healthcare delivery. Additionally, the opportunity to engage with experienced faculty and network with professionals in the field will provide invaluable insights and mentorship. Ultimately, the DBH program will empower me to drive meaningful change in the behavioral health landscape, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all individuals.

How do you view the role of leadership in advancing behavioral health outcomes, and how do you see the DBH program preparing you for leadership positions in the healthcare sector?

Leadership plays a pivotal role in advancing behavioral health outcomes by shaping organizational culture, influencing policy, and driving innovation in care delivery. Effective leaders in behavioral health not only inspire and motivate teams but also advocate for holistic approaches that prioritize patient-centered care. They create environments where interdisciplinary collaboration thrives, ensuring that all aspects of a patient’s health—mental, emotional, and physical—are addressed. A leader’s ability to implement trauma-informed care principles is crucial in improving treatment outcomes. By fostering an understanding of trauma’s impact on individuals, leaders can guide organizations in developing supportive practices that enhance recovery and resilience. Additionally, strong leadership is essential for advocating for policies that expand access to behavioral health services, particularly for marginalized communities. The Doctorate in Behavioral Health (DBH) program will equip me with the necessary skills and insights to take on effective leadership roles within the field. Through coursework focused on health policy, organizational behavior, and systems thinking, I will develop a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing behavioral health outcomes. The program’s emphasis on evidence-based practices will prepare me to make informed decisions that enhance care quality and efficiency. Furthermore, the opportunity to engage with experienced leaders and peers in the program will provide invaluable networking and mentorship opportunities. This support will enhance my ability to navigate challenges in the behavioral health landscape, ultimately empowering me to lead initiatives that improve health outcomes and promote equitable access to care.

As DeKyn embarks on his journey in the Doctor of Behavioral Health program, his passion for trauma-informed care, integrated health systems, and community advocacy fuels his mission to create meaningful change. Committed to bridging gaps in behavioral health and cultivating trauma-informed practices in educational spaces, he strives to empower individuals, transform systems,and create lasting change in the lives of individuals and families. Through the insights gained in the DBH program, he is prepared to take on leadership roles that shape policy, enhance service delivery, and foster more inclusive and equitable healthcare and education systems. DeKyn’s dedication to mentorship, innovation, and evidence-based practice ensures that his impact will extend far beyond the classroom—driving a movement toward a more compassionate and resilient society.

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DeKyn Shares What Inspired him to Pursue the DBH

Testimonials

“The totally online DBH program offered by Cummings Graduate Institute of Behavioral Health Studies is focused on the professional I have grown into: a synergistic disrupter for the healthcare industry, who is passionate about Wholistic Healthcare (e.g., health, behavioral health, and Social Determinants of Health and Mental Health), rendered skillfully through interprofessional teams. The program pillars of medical literacy, integrated behavioral health interventions, and entrepreneurship resonate loudly with me. The healthcare industry will continue to change, with doctoral level professionals needed to play a major role in any successful transformation. My goal is to further advance my knowledge-base, professional standing, and industry commitment to be part of these transformational efforts. In this way I can heed the Quadruple Aim: assuring quality-driven patient-centric care is rendered at the right time, through the right population-based treatment processes, at the right cost, and by empowered professionals embracing the work and committed to their charge.”
Ellen Fink-Samnick MSW, ACSW, LCSW, CCM, CRPDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 11, 2020

“In the time that I have been a student at CGI, I have learned that integrated healthcare is no longer the exception; providers want behavioral health clinicians on their team. My courses demonstrate that the services that a DBH can offer are valuable and the opportunities abound. I’m learning that as a DBH, I can work to create a new norm in healthcare, one that promotes holistic care provided by a collaborative team delivering diverse services. I now view behavioral healthcare as a crucial piece of the medical care puzzle, rather than a separate entity. I can see the gaps in care that a DBH can fill and why including a DBH in treatment is critical. I am beginning to see how I will play a role in disrupting healthcare to provide quality treatment while advocating for my patients. Although I may still have to explain my role at times, I am learning that once I do, others will seek out my services. I am gaining confidence in what I bring to the medical team and am continuously expanding my knowledge of what else I can do.”
Jennifer KellyDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - July 26, 2020

“As a Social Worker, I believe my main mission includes advocating for and empowering patients. The DBH degree will allow me to fully integrate the “medical side of the house” with the “behavioral health side”. My experience working side-by-side with medical providers (PCM’s, ED docs, Hospitalists, etc…) has shown that most of them do not understand behavioral health issues nor how medical symptoms or diagnoses can effect a patients’ mental health and vice-versa. Alternatively, I have worked with a multitude of behavioral health providers who have very limited knowledge of how medical issues might affect their clients. I have often wondered how many patients I have had who were diagnosed with depression or anxiety or other DSM-V diagnosis when in reality the origin was medical. Earning a DBH will allow me to push the envelope when it comes to consulting with medical providers and promote the inclusion of “behavioral healthcare” within “healthcare” as its ALL healthcare! As Mahatma Ghandi said “be the change you wish to see in the world”; earning a DBH will enhance my ability to “change the world” – even if it’s one medical provider or one patient at a time.”
Diane Scott, MSW, LCSWDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - August 7, 2020

“My friend and I were talking about the challenges and frustrations that we face daily in our careers with the clear divide between mental health and physical health and how we wished we had the knowledge and skills to shake up healthcare and bridge the gap. She brought up researching doctorate programs and how interested she was in the DBH. My reponse was, “What on earth is a DBH?” She laughed and said it was a newer doctorate degree in behavioral health, that focused directly on integrated care and doing exactly what we were dreaming of doing….shaking up healthcare and bridging the gap and treating the person as a whole. I had a hard time believing her. It sounded too good to be true. How was there a degree out there that fit my goals and aspirations to a T without me knowing about it? I had been looking periodically throughout my 20 year journey in behavioral health for a program that resonated with me. It was here all this time? How had I missed it? I immediately spent hours scouring the internet to find any crumb of information that I could about the Doctorate of Behavioral Health and the programs associated with it. Then I hit the jackpot. I found the Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies.”
Amy McConnell, LCSWDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - September 18, 2020

“During my tenure as a student at CGI, I wrote a book review that was published in the International Journal of Integrated Care. One of my papers became a newsletter article, a pitch for my population health class became a poster presented at a CFHA conference, a book chapter was developed based on a paper I wrote for my independent study, and I am submitting my CP project to a journal this weekend. So, everything that you write during the program is potentially publishable! You have the advantage of having faculty read and give you feedback on it before submitting it. Take risks! The worst that can happen if you submit a paper for publication is receiving a rejection letter. Well, if you don’t send it you’re already acting as if the paper had been rejected. 😉 Plus, if you receive a rejection letter, it usually comes with feedback, so you can improve your paper and send it again!”
Dr. Liliane de Aguiar-Rocha, DBH, BCBADBH Alumni, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - October 9, 2020

“There is a substantial need for integrating care between our physical, and mental health. The gap between these domains are more so overlooked among those with developmental delays and intellectual disabilities – the very population I serve as a Behavior Analyst. Filling these gaps entails work that demands for a DBH who is competent, empathetic, and altruistic.”
Pauline Pablo, BCBADBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - November 11, 2020

“My interest in a DBH degree grew out of frustration and hope. On one hand, I grew frustrated with the quality of care my clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities were receiving. As members of a marginalized population who lack the skills to advocate for themselves, the clients I serve receive subpar medical care, mental health care, and behavioral health care. Many healthcare providers are not trained to address the unique language and cognitive challenges present when serving a person with Autism and I/DD.

On the other hand, as I learned more about the DBH program, a potential solution came into view. I believe this program will allow me to acquire the knowledge and skills to become a better advocate for my clients, and new job opportunities will open up in positions in which I will be able to make a bigger impact on a system level, thus improving quality of life for many clients. A DBH degree will command interest and respect from other healthcare professionals who are evaluating their practices and noticing areas in which they are not being effective, namely the behavioral health side of the equation. As we are learning in our first classes about the Biodyne Model, the Integrated Care Model is not widely accepted or known in the healthcare field, despite its proven track record. I believe a DBH degree provides the necessary tool to change the landscape of healthcare provision by arming my passion for this topic with knowledge and concrete strategies.”
Valeria ParejoDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - January 15, 2021

“As a Doctorate of Behavioral Health (DBH) student my vision for healthcare is to disrupt the current model, close gaps to care and create healthcare improvements. In the evolving world of healthcare I believe behavioral healthcare providers (BCP) are essential to the development of integrative healthcare. Once I obtain a DBH degree, I know I will gain a leadership role and be able to add quality to the creation of integration efforts worldwide. I know I will graduate with the essential tools I need to stand at the forefront of integrated healthcare. I want to create healthcare improvements for marginalized populations that are typically underserved or forgotten. As an individual of two minority groups; woman and African American, I am very passionate about helping reduce cultural, ethnic, social economic and geographic disparities within healthcare systems.”
Ebony WatsonDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 30, 2021

“Since beginning my studies at CGI, I have been awakened to how much I truly did not know and understand despite my specialty training in Social Work and behavioral health needs. The classes at CGI allow me to explore topics that I may not have thought to investigate and encourage me to question and think outside the “normal” delivery of behavioral health services. Services that I previously thought were quality and designed to meet the needs of special populations, I now believe to be woefully inadequate to serve the needs of the patients. Patients cannot receive the best quality, efficient, and timely care they need and deserve within institutions that are not integrated. Institutions that continue to silo and do not encourage collaboration and integration are not focused on the needs of the patient.”
Amanda BarnardDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 30, 2021

“I believe, as a DBH, I will disrupt the current healthcare systemby promotingguaranteed health care for allasa right, not a privilege.I willadvocate fora national, rather than state, licensing of providers. This will allow clinicians (medical,behavioral health, etc…) to provide care across state lines using telemedicine.Finally, the skills I have learned at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies allow me to identify healthcare delivery concerns, propose alternative interventions and cost–effective solutions and evaluate theirreturn on investment.”
Diane ScottDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 29, 2021

“Since entering CGI, I have more confidence in discussing the need for healthcare systems to have a population health approach to care, and to put in place “upstream” programming. I have always been proud of working in a hospital and delivering care, working as a multidisciplinary team member, and making a difference. I now realize I have been part of healthcare’s focus of “treating the sick” rather than being an influencer for preventative care.

Preventative care can be part of service delivery from a hospital system; we should not rely only on public health programs to tackle social determinants of health. COVID-19 is not only impacting mental health but also how we are delivering medical care. Could COVID-19 be an unintended force for healthcare policy change? Apostolopoulos et al. (2020) reports the complexity presented to the health care system by COVID-19 has created change that will continue in healthcare for years to come. The needed changes to delivery and access will require a policy shift in all levels of healthcare (Apostolopoulos et al., 2020).”
Billie RatliffDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - December 13, 2021

“The DBH is exactly the type of doctorate degree that I’ve been searching for. A doctorate that is clinical focused is where my interest lies. I am motivated to pursue this degree, and courses like Pathophysiology, Psychopharmacology, Neuropathophysiology, only add to that excitement. One must be motivated to complete any degree program. The Doctor of Behavioral Health fits that bill for me. In fact, I would say that I am beyond motivated.”
Arthur Williams IIIDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - July 8, 2022

“As a member of the AAPI community, I’m very familiar with the barriers to mental health services and the need to break through the glass wall of cultural stigma that prevents many from receiving potentially life–saving treatment. I was the only Asian American person in my master’s cohort, the only Asian American person in many of my clinical work settings, the only Asian American person to walk into many of the professional settings that I pushed myself to show up to. In my current practice, I’m constantly reminded by my patients of how difficult it is to find an Asian American mental health provider, though this reminder constantly informs me that more needs to be done for my community. Day after day, I read stories of Asian American people who die by suicide as a consequence of our culture’s avoidance of mental health topics. As a DBH, my biggest goal is to use my expertise in whole–person care to amplify the conversation around mental health and help my community understand that mental healthcare is not a privilege that we are not entitled to, it is a crucial part of our healthcare that will manifest differently in us than what many Western psychology or psychiatry textbooks will describe, and that our unique experience of mental health issues are valid, important, and is time to be part of the larger conversation.”
Willam ChumDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - September 16, 2022

“Pursuing a doctorate in behavioral health is essential in helping to transform my thinking as a healthcare provider; moving from a more traditional mindset, embracing change and a “different world view” of tools for successful client outcomes. This type of advanced study will equip me with the clinical and leadership skills to be a leader on the cutting edge of behavioral health. This type of training would make me an asset to the healthcare workplace; specifically to function effectively as a change agent for the successful outcomes of the workplace and its clients.”
Judith AllenDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - September 23, 2022 Previous Slide