-About Us-
Mental Health Services
Building Expectations, LLC, was formally established in August 2021 to help people live a life “with purpose on purpose” by offering a range of mental health services as well as coaching services. Our target audience includes children and women and their families. We exist to guide our clients into maximizing their full potential and achieving their desired outcomes.
At Building Expectations, we specialize in helping you gain clarity, while providing brainstorming and planning services. We also prioritize tracking progress to hold you accountable. Our solutions-focused services ensure we address the foundational issues hindering your success, evaluate your choices, and develop action plans for achieving success. We provide a custom and holistic approach into being your accountability partner and offering unwavering emotional support.
Our goal is to help you thrive personally and professionally, while keeping stress levels minimal; and to provide a space where individuals and families find the support and guidance they need. We aim to steer you towards realizing your life goals so that you can live your life with purpose on purpose.
Professionals and Organizations
Some of our services also involve partnering with and providing support for agencies and professionals who serve in the social service and mental health arenas. This includes workshops and training classes, consultation services, leadership development, needs assessments, and program / curriculum evaluation and design or re-design.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to build a compassionate community where women, children, and their families experience healing, growth, and empowerment. We aspire to help individuals embrace their purpose, foster strong relationships, and create a lasting impact of hope and resilience for generations to come.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to serve women, children, and their families with compassionate therapeutic services and empowering personal development programs. Through faith, care, and the spirit of excellence, we strive to foster resilience, nurture emotional well-being, and empower individuals to thrive in their purpose and relationships.
Meet the Team
Tina Marie Jones, LMSW - Founder, CEO
Community Mental Health Practitioner, Personal Development Coach
Tina Marie Jones is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW/GA) and community-based mental health therapist who specializes in providing behavior modification training, crisis intervention, intensive out-patient individual and family therapeutic treatment, and community support. She is also Human Services Management Certified, a Professional Results Achievement coach, and proud US Air Force Veteran with seven years of dedicated service. She holds hold a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Alabama A&M University, where she earned Summa Cum Laude honors. She also holds a Master's of Social Work degree from the University of Pittsburgh, with a focus on Community Organizing and Social Administration. With a strong background in social work and a genuine passion for helping others, Tina Marie has dedicated her career to facilitating personal and professional growth. She collaborates closely with her clients, offering a personalized approach to unlock their full potential and realize their aspirations. Whether it's therapeutic services or coaching services, her goal is to guide you through every step. To Tina Marie, Building Expectations is more than a business; it's a commitment to helping you thrive personally and professionally. Your success is her passion!
Kandace Kent, LCSW
Clinical Director
Kandace is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Alabama, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Alabama Birmingham. She is the Founder and CEO of Kent Consulting Services. Kandace has dedicated her career to addressing the unique psychosocial needs of minority populations to include women and people of color. Her expertise extends to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and related psychological difficulties, marital and family issues, substance abuse, employment, military sexual trauma, homelessness, domestic violence, and bereavement. Believing that Individuals have within themselves vast resources for self-understanding and for altering their self-concepts, basic attitudes, and self-directed behavior Kandace utilizes a person-centered perspective employing a non-authoritative approach, allowing the client to take the lead during sessions. Acting as a compassionate facilitator, Kandace listens without judgment and acknowledges the client’s experience; providing the evidence based support and education needed to aide client's in their process of self-discovery, honing in on their personal strengths and assisting them in building the therapeutic environment needed to cultivate the life they desire and meet their personal goals.
Rhonda Hammonds
Operations Management Specialist
Rhonda Hammonds is a dedicated professional with a diverse background spanning education, contract management, and professional organizing. Currently serving as the Operations Management Specialist, Rhonda manages daily operations such as internal and external communications, customer engagement, and marketing, amongst other roles. Additionally, Rhonda has contributed significantly to education, working as a Substitute Teacher in school districts in Georgia, Alabama, and Virginia. Her commitment to creating positive learning environments is evident through her roles in offering mentorship and encouraging constructive behavior and attitudes. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Alabama A&M University, Rhonda brings a solid educational foundation to her roles. Beyond her professional endeavors, she actively engages in community involvement, working in the Christian film industry and volunteering with organizations like Young Life Ministry, homeless shelters, and disaster relief efforts. Rhonda's passion for encouraging hope and self-improvement aligns with her belief in the fundamental Biblical principle of loving God and loving people, reflecting a life well spent serving others. Outside of her professional pursuits, Rhonda enjoys hiking, comedy movies, playing the acoustic guitar, and spending time with her husband and fur babies, Mango and Kiwi.
Board of Advisors
Board of Advisors
Dr. E. Dashanaba King
Queen Mother Dunenyo 1st of Ghana
Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Dr. King has received prestigious awards, including the "U.S. Department of Commerce – Minority Business Development Agency Award," akin to the Academy Awards for Business. Her expertise extends to academia, having lectured at esteemed institutions such as DeVry University, Clark Atlanta University, Bauder College, and the University of Ghana. Beyond her business acumen, Dr. King is deeply involved in humanitarian efforts. She was enstooled as Queen Mother during Ghana's 50th Independence Celebration and served as an international business advisor in Kenya through the IFESH/Teachers for Africa Program. She is a lecturer in Business, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership at United States International University-Africa. Passionate about youth empowerment, disability advocacy, and women's empowerment, Dr. King is actively engaged in various organizations and initiatives. She is a Women in Africa Board Member (WIA), supports the Heritage Crest Awards, Birmingham Soup Kitchen, and Gospel Trail Blazers Awards, and spearheads Black History Month Celebrations in Kenya. She holds a B.A. and M.A. degree from Wayne State University and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Dr. King also holds an Honorary PhD degree from Blessed Hope College. She leverages her speaking abilities, honed during her involvement in the USA Civil Rights Movement, to inspire audiences globally. Currently hosting the QUEEN MOTHER SPEAKS talk show, she continues to impact issues that matter significantly and provides insights into expatriating to Africa. Dr. King is also the producer of the Bonga Dada Bonga Show, which amplifies women's voices and changes inclusive perspectives, highlighting the voices of people with disabilities in Nairobi, Kenya.
Christy Byrd
Christy Byrd is a US Army veteran with 6 years of honorable active duty service. She is a results-driven Strategic Information Technology Manager with a proven track record. A skilled navigator of modern technology, she excels in translating technical requirements into practical business solutions. Christy's expertise includes EMR systems, project leadership, network infrastructure support, and the establishment of service agreements. As an Ancillary Services Contractor, Christy manages Dialysis, Hospice, Urgent Care Centers, and Skilled Nursing Facilities. Her responsibilities include monitoring and auditing contracted ancillary providers, negotiating contract rates, and resolving configuration issues to ensure accurate payments. Before her current position, Christy was an Intake Provider Operations Specialist and Provider Data Manager, demonstrating proficiency in onboarding processes, contract management, and database audits. She also has expertise in legal notices, claims research, and medical billing. With a keen eye for detail and strong analytical skills, Christy consistently delivers efficient and effective solutions in the ever-evolving landscape of information technology and healthcare management.
Misha Thornton
Misha Thornton, MSW, is a dedicated professional with a Master of Social Work degree from Samford University and a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Alabama A&M University. She brings a comprehensive academic background with an Associate of Arts degree in History from Wallace Community College. Currently serving as a Background Investigator at Peraton in Orlando, FL, Misha excels in conducting face-to-face interviews and performing thorough record searches. Her expertise includes FWS, PIPS, FDR, and data management. At Written Expressions, LLC., she served as an administrative analyst who demonstrates exceptional organizational skills and contributes to policy development. Misha's experience extends to research assistance at Samford University. Her work at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama and Top of Alabama Regional Council on Government showcased her commitment to social work, with accomplishments in volunteer management, program development, and Medicaid services compliance. Misha Thornton is a life member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society, actively involved in community service through various affiliations and memberships. She is certified in "HIPAA and OSHA" training and "Protecting Human Research Participants" from the National Institutes of Health. Featured in TARCOG COG Connections, Misha is a well-rounded professional making a positive impact in her field.