In Their Words: Black Men's Behavioral Health Professionals Panel

From R2R 04/18/2024
Dr. Jihad Aziz - Director, VCU Counseling Services
Dr. Jihad Aziz is a graduate of South Carolina State University where he earned a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. He earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University and is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Before arriving to VCU Dr. Aziz worked at Ball State University in Muncie IN as a staff psychologist and the Assistant Director for Diversity Initiatives. Dr. Aziz currently serves the Executive Director of University Counseling Services and the Director of Athletics Psychological Services. He is currently responsible for overseeing University Counseling Services, Survivor Support Services, and Rams in Recovery. Over the course of his career he has conducted numerous workshops on diversity issues, leadership, and violence assessment.
Anthony Hayden - Outreach Specialist, Health Brigade
Anthony Hayden, a professional with over two decades of dedicated service, serves as an Outreach Specialist, Ryan White Part B Case Manager, Tester, and Counselor. A prominent and respected figure within the LGBTQ community, Anthony has played a pivotal role in supporting and advocating for community members. His expertise extends to various roles, including outreach, case management, testing, and counseling, reflecting his comprehensive commitment to the well-being of others. With a wealth of experience, Anthony continues to make meaningful contributions, embodying resilience, and compassion in his work
Darius Pryor - HIV Testing and Prevention Program Manager, Health Brigade
Darius D. Pryor was born on January 14th, 1989, right here in Richmond, VA. He attended Richmond Community High School where he graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Arts and Humanities in 2007 before going on to attend Northeastern University in Boston Massachusetts. It was here in Boston that he was first introduced to the field of HIV Prevention, volunteering at the renowned Fenway Health. Upon returning home to Richmond, he began volunteering at Health Brigade, helping men’s social and support groups, and eventually becoming employed there as a HIV Test Counselor. In 2010 Darius found out that he himself was HIV Positive and his work in prevention brought new meaning and understanding to his life. Darius prides himself on making sure that through his work, clients feel seen, understood, and supported during what can be uncomfortable or life-changing moments. He has worked at several agencies across the east coast, becoming a phlebotomist, and case manager; gaining skills and knowledge that help him deliver seamless services to clients that are most in need. Today, he utilizes those skills and knowledge at Health Brigade where he oversees the agency’s Community Testing Program as the HIV Testing and Prevention Program Manager helping to ensure services remain client centered and that clients have what they need to achieve better health outcomes.
Mark Taylor MSW, QMHPA, RPRS, CSAC - Addiction Clinician and Clinical Assessor, River City Comprehensive Counseling Services
Mark is a lifelong resident of Richmond and a graduate of Richmond Public Schools. Mark is a 2005 Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) graduate, earning his B.S. in Business Administration and Management, and a recent 2023 graduate of the Master in Social Work Program-Clinical Concentration at VCU. Mark received his Substance Abuse Counseling Certification at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in 2018.At Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Mark was a mentee with the African American Alumni Council (AAAC) and a participant in the Rams in Recovery Collegiate Program at VCU. Mark has an extensive and robust history in human services, addiction, and recovery, starting in 2005 when he was one of the founding facilitators in a Christian recovery ministry at First Baptist Church of South Richmond. This specialized ministry provided Men from the recently built Healing Place, a homeless shelter and treatment center, with a spiritual pathway to recovery. Because of this unplanned journey of volunteerism, Mark became employed with At-Risk Youth as a Therapeutic Mentor at a mentoring agency, motivating a career path outside of his initial desire to work in the field of Business. Mark Taylor is an Addiction Clinician with River City Comprehensive Counseling Services. Mark combined his lived experiences with numerous years of supervision and training to work with individuals who live with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, to serve as a Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS), Qualified Mental Health Professional with Adults (QMHPA), and is looking forward to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) after completing all licensing post-graduate requirements. Mark enjoys comedy, concerts, movies, reading, running, and spending time with family and loved ones in his spare time.