Meet Dr. Detria Walker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Detria Walker.

Dr. Walker, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey has been like a lattice. Using the words briefly and include as little or as much detail threw me for a moment. I will do my best. I had a very traumatic childhood and faced a lot of discrimination in middle school and high school by staff members who were supposed to be my cheerleaders.

At age eighteen, I was told by my doctor that” women do not get heart disease” At age twenty-four, I was given six months to live, and I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. I was enjoying my life with my six-month-old daughter and my husband. I refused to believe my joy of being a mother would be over in six months. I did all I could to pour all the love I had into my daughter. I spent every day with her.

It was not recommended for me to have any more children. It was also determined that I could no longer work as an Early Child Education teacher. I was denied Social Security Disability Insurance. I became an entrepreneur by circumstances. I sang at weddings and funerals and made figurines and corporate gift baskets. I missed my little students so badly; that I decided to become a therapeutic foster parent and adopt one of our foster children.

My cardiologist said I was improving so I enrolled in school. I completed my B.S. M.A. and my Ph.D. degree. During this time, I sat on several non-profit boards and represented them at national conferences Over the last twenty years, I have served the Denver Metro area by providing workshops at Universities, and churches regarding mental health stigma and bullying and suicide amongst school-age children under the age of twelve.

In 2017, I collaborated with Senator Fields on SB 18-151 as an expert witness related to the long-term effects of bullying when the bill passed. My business provides mental services, life coaching, family mediation, care management, and consulting for the aging. and support groups for women with invisible illnesses.

Despite everything I’ve experienced and achieved, I do not have any regrets. My lattice has made me who I am proud to be today. If I never would have become ill, I would not be the woman I am today.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My biggest obstacles were dealing with chronic health issues and reassuring my children that I was not going to die. My children have only known me with health issues. I know that it affected them. I made sure they were in therapy to help them with coping skills.

My health caused inconsistency in my income while raising my two daughters. I had a lot of doctor’s appointments, some hospitalization, school activities for my children, assisting with their homework, and cooking meals. We made it. My daughters are now adults with families of their own. I’m so glad I am still here to enjoy my grandchildren.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Family Preservation Specialist.

My specializations are:

• Psychotherapy
• Life Coach
• Family Mediation
• Advocacy Consulting
• Care Management.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Mental health struggles have been on the rise for many years. I know I will still need to provide services in the community. I hope to create online workshops, podcasts, and public speaking engagements related to the disparities in the medical industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dewhelpme.com

Image Credits
D.E.W. Consulting & Care Management