Meet the Presenters

First Lady Jarrette Thomas is a proud native of Memphis, TN, and the cherished only child of Beatrice Kimmons and Gerald Buford. She received her foundational education within the Memphis City Schools system before going on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Women's Studies from Mercer University in Macon, GA. Her passion for the field led her to Towson University in Baltimore, MD, where she earned a Master of Science in Women's Studies with a concentration in Women's Health in 2006.

First Lady Jarrette began her professional career as a Reproductive Health Educator and went on to build an accomplished career spanning over 17 years in education and healthcare. Her experience includes serving as an Adjunct Professor in the Women's Studies Department at Towson University, a Transplant Assistant at UPMC Central PA, guiding patients and families through the renal transplant process, and as an Education Project Specialist at UPMC Central PA, where she supervised medical students and Advanced Practice Provider students.

Her commitment to service is equally evident in her church and community involvement. Within the church, she leads the Destiny Women's Ministry, serves as a Discipleship Facilitator, and has contributed to the Music Ministry and Fine Arts Ministry. Within the community she serves as an Advisory Council Member for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and has been a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for over two decades.

First Lady Jarrette and her husband, Rev. Dr. Walter Scott Thomas Jr., were united in holy matrimony in 2009 and are the blessed parents of two children, Lillian Grace and Walter III.

A woman of deep faith and purpose, First Lady Jarrette Thomas is a living testament to a life of service. She strives each day to embody the spirit of the words, "If I can help somebody as I travel along, then my living shall not be in vain."

Dr. Toni Boulware Stackhouse is the Co-Founder of A New LIFE Ministries alongside her husband Elder Samuel Andrew Stackhouse III. John 10:10 is the foundation of New Life Ministries and their mandate is telling others about the abundant life that Jesus came to ensure for us all! Dr. Stackhouse has great faith in God and believes in His power to transform lives for His glory!

Dr. TABS, which she is also known as is a Counseling Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for the state of Maryland, currently seeking multistate licenses in DC, Paand the state of Virginia. Her passion for ministry is outreach and this passion extends to the marketplace where she has been serving those experiencing homelessness and mental health concerns in many different capacities for the last twenty-five years. Dr. TABS is currently the Founder and Operator of Life Matters Wellness, where she specializes in helping individuals, couples and families experience healing from past and current trauma, anxiety, and depression so that they can live an abundant life. Her treatment approach is Person Centered, and she is certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy and EMDR both are evidence-based treatment models. Other models used by Dr. Tabs include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused therapy and Prepare and Enrich for couples. Dr. Tabs believes that therapy is both healing and empowering for those who are willing to engage in the process.

Dr. TABS is passionate about helping others discover God’s vision for their lives and she finds fulfillment and purpose in assisting individuals in developing strategies to manifest their God given vision. Manifest Your Vision NOW, with Dr. TABS and this book is being published currently! She is the author of “It Don’t Make Sense Not to Trust God”, this is a documented journey of her Faith in action and how God responds when we trust in Him! She also published “Trauma Informed Care for Caregivers” for those individuals who find themselves caring for their loved ones and omitting their own self-care. Dr. Tabs has also published a mental health journal helping others to experience healing through writing. She along with her mom Rev. Dorothy Scott Boulware has recently released a prayer journal for families to document their prayers and answers to prayers for their children and grandchildren to understand the importance and power of prayer. Dr. Tabs can be described as passionate, relatable, and authentic! Dr. Tabs is highly sought after to conduct mental health workshops and presentations for churches as well as marketplace industries. She is a Preacher, Teacher, Intercessor, Author, Counseling Psychologist, Life Coach, Entrepreneur, Conference and Retreat Host, and her only desire is for God to use her for His glory!

Dr. TABS has a Doctoral Degree in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University, a Master of Human Services Degree with a concentration in counseling from Lincoln University, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership from Nyack College, and an Associates of Arts Degree in Human Services from The Community College of Baltimore County. Dr. TABS is a graduate of The Leadership Baltimore County class of 2021. She has a passion for both learning and teaching. She is currently an adjunct faculty member for Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine where she teaches Social and Cultural Foundations in Counseling for new clinicians.Dr. TABS is a member of the Board of Directors for The Family Crisis Center in Maryland, who houses families experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence. She is also a member of the Patient Advisory Committee at The Upper Chesapeake Hospital in Bel Air, Maryland. 

Dr. TABS, along with her husband Elder Samuel A. Stackhouse III have two adult children, Trenae’ L. Watson and Son in Love Arlen L. Watson and Stepson Marcus Stackhouse. They also have two grandsons AJ and Ayven. In her spare time, she loves traveling, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.

Fun Facts about Dr. Tabs, she is an avid Baltimore Raven’s fan; she loves football and during the football season she can be found watching the lineup of games on any given Sunday.   

Dr. TABS has been a caregiver for her husband for seven years now and she understands both personally and clinically the demands of caregiving and the necessity for self-care. It is most important for caregivers to understand this concept otherwise the greater sacrifice is of themselves which is detrimental for everyone involved. Trauma Informed Care for Caregivers her newest publication has been written with you and your needs in mind. Take a moment for yourself to be restored and restructured, it will bless your life!  

India McCleod is a minister, speaker, coach, and consultant who leads with authenticity and faith who empowers individuals to unleash their potential to live in their purpose. Through her work, she equips people with practical tools to break through barriers, build resilience, and walk boldly in their calling.

As the founder of I. McCleod Consulting, India blends her background in operations, communications, human resources, and project management to provide solutions to small businesses. Through consulting, she provides strategic guidance across industries by helping clients streamline operations, develop people first leadership, and execute mission driven events. 

India’s mission to Enlighten, Inspire, and Empower drives her speaking engagements, workshops, and pastoral counseling/coaching practice. She is the founder and host of the Enlighten, Inspire, Empower Women’s Summit, a gathering that nurtures the spiritual and personal growth of women through impactful teaching and connection with subject matter experts.

In 2019, India accepted the call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In 2021, she became a licensed Associate Minister at New Psalmist Baptist Church, where she served as an associate minister, pastoral counselor, small group facilitator, and Village Ministry leader (ages 40-59). Her deep care for congregational wellness extended through her service to bereaved families by officiating funeral services and offering grief support. She also served faithfully in local missions and community outreach ministry to meet both the spiritual and practical needs of the community.

India currently serves as a minister and First Lady of Unity Baptist Church in Elkridge, Maryland. She remains committed to enlightening, inspiring, and empowering others through transformational learning experiences, coaching, and empowerment events.

She is the creator and host of the Enlighten, Inspire, Empower Women’s Summit, a dynamic gathering designed to equip women with the tools, confidence, and the spiritual foundation needed to walk boldly in their purpose and embrace their greatness.

India is a graduate of Towson University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication/Public Relations and holds a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling with a concentration in Life Coaching. She is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program. India is the honored wife of Reverend Devron McCleod and proud mother of Chloe and Isabella.