Staff Narrative:

Dr. Daniels was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in the small city of Riverdale. He attended Bethune-Cookman University, a Historically Black University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Public Administration.

Following his undergraduate studies, Dr. Daniels moved to Boston to attend Simmons University School of Social Work. He earned his Master’s in Social Work and a certification in Urban Leadership. He was also awarded the Howard Thurman Fellowship, which enabled him to obtain a Master’s in Divinity from The Boston University School of Theology. Continuing his academic journey, he returned to Simmons to complete his Ph.D. in Clinical Social Work. His thesis focused on evaluating the effectiveness of Fathers’ UpLift’s approach to serving fathers.

His research aimed to answer key questions about the program’s impact, including its effectiveness in reducing unmet basic needs, increasing parenting time, improving emotional regulation, and preventing recidivism among recently incarcerated Black fathers. He also explored how program outcomes varied based on participation length, personal traits, prior incarceration history, life distress levels, and types of unmet basic needs.

Before founding Fathers’ UpLift, Dr. Daniels worked at the Boston Public Health Commission Men’s Health and Recovery Program as a substance abuse clinician and oversaw a small shelter for displaced youth in Jonesboro, Georgia.

Professionally, Dr. Daniels looks up to David Simas, the Chief Executive Officer of the Obama Foundation, considering him a role model for his leadership and dedication to public service.

Dr. Daniels is most proud of his children, Clayton and SaMya, who inspire him daily, and his wife, Samantha, who has been his steadfast support through thick and thin.

Why Fathers’ UpLift? Dr. Daniels is driven by a passion for supporting and uplifting fathers, helping them overcome challenges and build stronger family connections.

If I could invite anyone to dinner, it would be: My grandmother, Mattie Mae Marshall. She passed away when I was a child and worked tirelessly as a house cleaner for the wealthy in West Palm Beach, Florida, including the Kennedy family. I would love to ask her about her work ethic and the sacrifices she made for our family, letting her know that her grandson is the first person in the family to earn a Ph.D. I know she would be proud.

When Dr. Daniels isn’t at Fathers’ UpLift, you can find him traveling with his family and trying to fit in some rest amidst his busy schedule.