The following installment is part five of our Alumni series, Albertus Small Business Saturday. Please view the corresponding social media posts on Instagram and Meta. Are you an Albertus alumna or alumnus who owns a small business? Click here to be our next feature!
Albertus Small Business Saturday: The Story of Dr. Erica Reshard ’07 and Sankofa Counseling.
Healing starts with understanding—and for Dr. Erica Reshard ’07, that understanding begins with purpose.
As the founder of Sankofa Counseling, a private mental health practice, Dr. Reshard brings compassion, clinical excellence, and mentorship to the forefront of behavioral healthcare. Sankofa Counseling offers professional support to individuals seeking mental wellness, while also serving as a training ground for emerging human service professionals working toward clinical licensure.
A Journey Rooted in Service and Growth
Dr. Reshard’s path to entrepreneurship was paved with education, perseverance, and a deep commitment to serving others.
After earning her undergraduate degree from Albertus Magnus College, she pursued her Master of Social Work at Southern Connecticut State University—and then, five years later, a Doctor of Social Work from the same institution. In 2015, she launched her practice, beginning as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and later becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Today, Sankofa Counseling not only offers quality care to clients—it’s also an incubator for the next generation of social workers. Dr. Reshard employs provisionally licensed professionals and provides the supervision required for them to earn full clinical licensure.
The Albertus Impact: A Foundation for Purpose
Albertus Magnus College played a key role in shaping Dr. Reshard’s journey. “Albertus gave me the foundation I needed to grow personally and professionally,” she shares. “It helped me align my values, my vision, and ultimately, my purpose.”
That alignment—between heart and mission—is at the core of everything she does.
Advice for Aspiring Albertus Entrepreneurs
When asked what she would share with fellow Falcons dreaming of starting their own businesses, Dr. Reshard doesn’t hesitate: “Align your dream with your purpose. Find something you absolutely love and it won’t even feel like work.”
It’s a powerful reminder that successful entrepreneurship is sometimes less about the hustle—and more about being grounded in something meaningful.
Looking Ahead: Building Opportunities for Others
Sankofa Counseling is currently hiring, and Dr. Reshard is excited to connect with Albertus students interested in internships or job opportunities in mental health and human services. She sees it as a way to give back—and to build up the future of the field.
Whether you’re a student pursuing a career in counseling or an alumna or alumnus dreaming of starting your own practice, Dr. Reshard’s story is proof that when passion meets purpose, the possibilities are endless.
Ready to connect or learn more?
Visit the Sankofa Counseling website HERE or contact Dr. Erica Reshard at ereshard@hotmail.com (be sure to mention you are part of the Albertus Magnus College family).