Working in the community to change lives through personal empowerment of individuals has been the life work of Dr. Parris Gainer. She is a clinical social worker with 20 years experience working with children, adolescents, teens, and adults who have grappled with a range of complex challenges. Her experience includes individual and group therapy for issues such as anger management, grief and bereavement, postpartum adjustment, parenting challenges, trauma, relationships, anxiety, and depression. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Parris Gainer has also been active as a community organizer, building collaborations throughout Pittsburgh and surrounding communities. As a consultant, she is a grant writer and grant reviewer, mental health counselor, tutor and public relations consultant.

Parris Gainer relocated to Richmond VA in 2007 where she continued her private practice and community work. Parris Gainer earned her Master of Social Work (MSW), and Master of Education (M.Ed.) both from the University of Pittsburgh. She has a Masters of Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and Doctor of Divinity from Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology. Dr. Parris Gainer has extensive work experience in program administration, community and school mental health, behavior modification and resolution counseling.