Ayo Afejuku Gathing, M.D. is not only a board-certified psychiatrist and seasoned C-suite healthcare executive; she is a humanitarian, wife, mother, loving family member, and friend to many. Dr. Gathing specializes in building healthy relationships and families, innovative health solutions, and decreasing the stigma of mental illness. As a professor, best-selling author and dynamic speaker she inspires others while imparting her knowledge of medicine with strategies for maintaining wellness.

Dr. Gathing brings her expertise in the field of psychiatry to the masses through practical discussions and relatable delivery of subject matter. She brings a psychological perspective to modern concepts such as relationships, parenting, career planning, and use of technology with features in national media including CBS Good Day, HLN Weekend Express, and The Tom Joyner Morning Show. Dr. Gathing is the co-author of bestselling self-help gem The Modern Trophy Wife: How to Achieve Your Life Goals While Thriving at Home as well as Black Women’s Mental Health Balancing Strength and Vulnerability, and is a regular contributor to national media outlets.

Dr. Gathing graduated with a medical doctorate from the Morehouse School of Medicine and remains adjunct faculty. She completed her psychiatric and fellowship training at the Emory University School of Medicine where she received numerous awards and accolades and was nominated as the chief resident. She also obtained a B.S. from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Applied Biology where she graduated with honors. Dr. Gathing is currently a Chief Medical Officer and Regional Vice President in healthcare administration where she oversees the appropriate delivery of quality care and services to indigent and special needs populations. Dr. Gathing has instituted numerous programs within organizational systems like juvenile justice and child and family services to bridge the disparities gap in behavioral health. She also continues to practice clinical medicine in the juvenile justice system.

In partnership with her mother and sister she founded the Black Rose Foundation for Children whose mission is to provide resources to organizations seeking to empower children. Together they have written two children’s books as writing is all of their passion with all proceeds benefiting the foundation, I am Love and J is For Justice.