The Rev. J. Bernard Ma’at-Kynes, MDiv, LMFT and Dr. Imani Ma’at-Kynes, Ed.D, M.Ed

Sankofa Institute for Wellness, LLC 

I am James Bernard Ma’at-Kynes, an African American ordained minister (M.Div.) and a state licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in private practice.  I am a Clinical Member and an Approved Supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and an ACPE Psychotherapist. I have been in practice since 1992. My experiences inform me that we seek an understanding and relief from our emotional, social, spiritual, and relational stress surrounding our daily activities. I provide coaching, consultation and counseling for individuals, couples, families, groups, and workplace organizations, by creating a safe place and space for open conversation and dialogue, so that a process for growth, healing and transformation from life complexities can be experienced. I am also a Veteran of 27-years serving on active duty for 3 years in the US Army, the GA Army National Guard and the US Reserve. I have published articles and essays and I have post-graduate work and a graduate degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, GA and undergraduate degree from Georgia Southwestern University in Americus, GA.

I am Dr. Imani Ma’at-Kynes, an African American Health and Wellness Advocate, Author, and Speaker with 22 years of experience at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where I worked in HIV/AIDS and Health Disparities; and spent another 5 years as Manager of Educational Services for the DeKalb County Sheriff.  My Healthy Haiku Workshops blend my love for public health and poetry. My last book is entitled-Healthy Haiku 3: How to Fight Childhood Obesity One Poem at a Time. My current book project near completion contains stories and poetry from the DeKalb County detainees. In addition to speaking engagements, I offer wellness coaching, Healthy Haiku Workshops, wellness podcasts, books, wellness technology and more! Degrees received from Mount Holyoke College, M.I.T, Harvard, and Columbia University Teacher’s College.

As the Sankofa Institute for Wellness, LLC Team we provide wellness services for organizations and their personnel to explore the overall effectiveness of their organization. We are dedicated to facilitating the transformation of the communities and organizations that we serve. As such, we offer group coaching and consultation with respect to staff and organizational challenges.