About Us

Since its inception, PHS has delivered quality mental health care through telehealth for people of color and has championed the utilization of telehealth to address access to care challenges experienced by our communities. Our approach is to address mental health issues through a public health social work (PHSW) framework. Public health social work is a trans-disciplinary approach that incorporates public health and social work principles and practices to address health and social issues. Therefore, we employ approaches that integrate mental and physical health with behavioral and spiritual interventions. We have a holistic view of the factors that contribute to mental well-being, which include family, friends, work, community, and spirituality and we work to incorporate those aspects in the care we deliver.

PHS Staff

Myrtise Maurice, MSW/MPH, LICSW
Founder & Clinician

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker and public health professional with over 20 years of experience integrating public health and social work principles to address health and mental health problems. I started PHS in 2015 after two of my adolescent clients used FaceTime and text messages to communicate with me between therapy sessions. I was concerned about security and HIPAA (Health Information Patient Portability Act) and started researching secure ways I can accommodate the tools they wanted to use to communicate. This research led me to learn about telehealth. I thought it was such an efficient way to deliver care that I decided to open a practice that offered services solely through telehealth. I am eternally grateful to my two former clients who led me to such a wonderful way of delivering care.

My clinical work focuses on infant and early childhood mental health, depression, cultural identity, adolescent and young adult issues, the relationship between mental health disorders and physical health conditions. I worked primarily with children, adolescents, young adults, and families in various settings such as schools and outpatient mental health clinics. I have spent decades working in Haitian communities in Boston and Miami with children, adolescents and their families on issues related to migration stress and acculturation. As a Clinician, I employ a holistic approach to care delivery, and I have extensive experience using solution-focused, strength-based, and integrated health interventions to help my clients improve their quality of life.

I have Masters degrees in Public Health and Social Work from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston College. 

Sophia Cadeau, B.A.
Behavioral Health Practice Manager

I have 20 years of experience working with the Haitian community and underserved populations in the state of Massachusetts in outreach and education. I assist individuals in connecting to mental health services and in accessing needed support services in their communities.

Prior to joining PHS, I worked at Germaine Lawrence and Judge Baker Children’s Center Child-At-Risk-Hotline. Both organizations offered opportunities to work with the Haitian community and support children and families who are involved with the Department of Children and Families. As the Practice Manager at PHS, I work with individuals to facilitate access to behavioral health care in a timely manner.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Sociology from Wells College.

Betty Dunny Skeete
Clinician

I am an experienced and highly skilled clinical social worker specializing in school-based mental health. I support the therapeutic environment at the Mather Elementary School by providing counseling services. This includes individual, group, and psychoeducational classroom presentations. I support students and families in identifying and developing social emotional goals for their Individual Educational Plan (IEP). I also collaborate with collaterals, teachers, and parents to develop behavior intervention plans, safety contracts, and social service interventions.
Prior to my work with Boston Public Schools, I worked as a Crisis Response Facilitator at the Trauma Center. In this role, I responded to and initiated crisis response to families dealing with homicides, natural disasters, and other traumas. I also worked as a Family Stabilization Team Social Worker at The Home for Little Wanderers, where I clinically supported families to address presenting issues including past trauma, substance abuse, domestic violence, separation & loss issues, and parenting issues.
I received my Master of Social Work in Clinical Practice from Boston University in 1998, and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development/African American Studies from Boston College in 1993. I have received training in Safety Care, Social Work Supervisor Training, Restorative Circles, Critical Incident Stress Management Training, Second Step Curriculum Training, and Cooperative Discipline Training. I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker #215955 and School Social Worker/Adjustment Pupil Counselor #MEPID: 53746278.

E. Maurice, M.F.A
Reiki Practitioner, Intuitive Specialist

I believe literature is therapeutic. Reading literature gives us the words we, many times, are unable to find to express the emotions that confuse and confound us. Writing allows us to navigate our feelings, which helps us to better understand ourselves and make senses of our experiences. I incorporate literary therapy, healing, and intuitive modalities my clients are comfortable with to assist them in reaching personal and professional goals, as well as taking charge of her/their/his own happiness.

I have a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Lesley University. I am a certified Reiki II Practitioner, and have practiced many intuitive modalities for over five years.

Yvens Saint Cry
Finance and Billing Specialist

I am an experienced accounting professional with over five years in financial management, record-keeping, and accounting software with a proven track record of maintaining accurate accounting records. In my various roles in the retail industry, I have developed skills in schedule management, financial report writing, forecasting, and payroll. I graduated from Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, GA and I am bilingual in Haitian Creole and English.

Provider Partners

Emmanuel Dorvelus, M. Ed., LMHC 

I am a licensed mental health counselor with 8 years of experience working with children and families under the Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative. I am trained in Family Systems Therapy, Trauma-informed Family Therapy and Strength-based Therapy. I am fluent in Haitian Creole and French. For almost a decade my work has focused on immigrant and minority children and families. My skill sets include:

  • Biopsychosocial assessment
  • Assessing needs and strengths of clients, including needs of families
  • Connecting clients to needed services and programs
  • Educational Advocacy
  • Expertise in trauma, mental health, special education, adolescent development, brain science, and immigration

I have a master’s degree in education with a concentration in clinical counseling from Cambridge College and have a private practice, Comprehensive Counseling & Consulting Services (CCCS).

Christiana Egwim, APRN, NP 

I am a Family Nurse Practitioner with comprehensive training in primary care and behavioral health. I have over a decade of nursing experience in in-patient and outpatient settings. As a behavioral health provider, I work with adults with a focus on older adults. My primary care practice, Stelwin Medical offers medical and mental health care including medication-assisted treatments for a variety of disorders. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Curry College and a Master of Science degree in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner from Chamberlain University.