Meet Our Board

Dr. Jeanetta G. Edwards, affectionately known as Dr. Jay, is a distinguished licensed psychotherapist, community leader, women’s activist, professor, social entrepreneur, mentor, coach, and counseling supervisor. With a compassionate and insightful approach, she is deeply committed to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s complexities while fostering resilience, healing, and personal growth.

Dr. Jay is the founder and CEO of Mother’s Luv Community Organization, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women and families through counseling, mentorship, and holistic support services. She also owns Living Well Community Counseling Center, providing high-quality mental health services in Illinois and Arizona. Passionate about holistic healing, she is expanding her practice to integrate wellness-focused approaches while offering training opportunities for counselors and interns.

In November 2021, Dr. Jay became the director of the Illinois Tutoring Initiative, a $3 million federally funded grant designed to combat learning loss due to COVID-19. Under her leadership, the initiative served over 405 students across 18 schools before concluding in September 2024.

A respected professor at Governors State University, Dr. Jay teaches in the Master of Counseling program and the Doctoral Interdisciplinary Leadership - Not-for-Profit/Social Entrepreneurship Leadership program, shaping future leaders in mental health and nonprofit sectors.

Dr. Jay’s expertise and leadership have been recognized globally. She has been highlighted by the Women of African Descent Development Institute-Global, Mother’s Love Community Organization, CAMP 1302, and the Day in the Life Series - Navigating Breast Cancer. She also serves on the Community Advisory Board for the NIH Study for African American Women at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease.

In September 2024, Dr. Jay was honored with an award from The Healing Institute for her contributions as a mental health professional. She was featured in a marketing campaign with Affiliated Oncologist as a Breast Cancer survivor, using her journey to inspire and educate others.

A champion for holistic healing, advocacy, and mentorship, Dr. Jay continues to make a profound impact by equipping individuals with the tools they need for lasting change, empowerment, and wellness.

Rosa Shelton began her career in banking in 1976 at The First National Bank of Chicago, where she held several positions, including being promoted to teller manager. She continued her career at several neighborhood banks before joining Northern Trust Bank in 1999. At Northern Trust, Rosa held positions but quickly advanced and was promoted to Relationship Associate for bankers. After three years, she became a Private Banker, earning promotions to Officer and eventually Vice President. Rosa also served as an Administrative Staff Manager, training administrative staff, bankers, and tellers. She retired after a distinguished 20-year career as a Private Banker.

Rosa remains actively involved in her community. She volunteers at Community Hospital and previously supported Catholic Charities Meals on Wheels and Franciscan Hospital in Hammond, Indiana. In 2017, Rosa became the on-site camp director for CAMP1302, where she managed day-to-day staffing and scheduling for the six-week camp. She works closely with the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the American Campers Association to ensure compliance with their guidelines. Additionally, Rosa serves as a board member for Mother’s Luv Community Organization and as Financial Trustee and Business Manager for the Rose of Light Missionary Baptist Church.