Dr. Meleeka Clary
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Dr. Meleeka Clary | |
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| Nationality | American |
| Birth Date | October 14, 1973 (Age 51) |
| Birth Place | Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Education | BA and MA in Criminal Justice, Paralegal Certificate, PhD in Clinical Psychology |
| Occupation | Clinical Psychologist, Director, Writer, Actress, Model, TV Host |
| Website | drmeleekaclary.com |
Dr. Meleeka Clary is a versatile American clinical psychologist, director, writer, actress, and TV host. Born on October 14, 1973, in Boston, Massachusetts, she has a rich background in both mental health and the arts. She holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology and has worked extensively in counseling and education. In addition to her psychological practice, Dr. Clary is an accomplished actress, known for roles in TV series such as *Greenleaf* and *Nashville*. She made her directorial debut with *Three Corners of Deception*, a film inspired by her personal experiences. Dr. Clary is also a passionate advocate for social justice, mental health, and women’s empowerment.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Meleeka Clary was born on October 14, 1973, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Andrew Lee Clary and Larriana Clary. From a young age, she demonstrated an innate talent for the performing arts, enrolling in Vicki’s School of Dancing and Acting at the age of eight to study tap, ballet, and jazz. Her passion for acting emerged when she portrayed Harriet Tubman in a middle school production, marking the beginning of her journey in the arts.
Dr. Clary pursued academic excellence alongside her artistic endeavors. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Curry College in 2000 and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from the same institution in 2004. She further expanded her legal expertise with a Paralegal Certificate from Northeastern University in 2005. In 2021, she earned a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Walden University, demonstrating her dedication to understanding human behavior and mental health.
Career
Professional Beginnings
Dr. Clary’s career began at the intersection of law and counseling. She served as an office manager at Alternative Solutions and a paralegal at William/Rangulong Law Office in Malden, Massachusetts. Her passion for supporting vulnerable populations led her to work as a counselor at Hilderbrand Shelter and Inn Transition Shelter, assisting individuals facing challenges such as domestic violence, addiction, and HIV.
Dr. Clary’s dedication to education saw her teaching medical and technical courses at institutions such as Premier Education Group, Lincoln Tech Career Institute, ITT Tech Institute, and Ivy Tech Institute. Currently, she works as a Clinical Psychologist at HMWP Psychology Counseling in Carmel, Indiana, specializing in helping mentally challenged patients develop communication skills in a therapeutic environment.
Arts and Entertainment Career
Dr. Clary has been active in the performing arts since her youth, participating in community plays, fashion shows, and productions addressing societal issues. Her early modeling achievements included showcasing young teen fashion for Dominique Fashion Design in Somerville, Massachusetts.
Acting Roles
Dr. Clary has appeared in various television productions, including Greenleaf, Nashville, The Resident, Dr. Bird's Advice for Sad Poets, Heels, and Genius, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Directorial Debut
In 2018, Dr. Clary wrote, directed, and starred in Three Corners of Deception, a film inspired by her personal experiences during a contentious divorce and custody battle. The film, which explores themes of systemic injustice, resilience, and empowerment, debuted in 2021 and received critical acclaim, screening at international film festivals.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Clary has received numerous accolades for her work in film and mental health, including:
- Best Human Rights Director – Toronto International Women’s Film Festival
- Best Female Director – San Francisco Indie Short Festival
- Best Actress – Global Film Festival LA
- Recognitions at Red River Film Festival
- Screenings at Berlin International Art Film Festival and Paris International Women’s Festival
Her film Three Corners of Deception continues to inspire audiences globally for its bold storytelling.
Advocacy and Public Outreach
Dr. Clary hosts The Dr. Meleeka Clary Show on the Bold Brave TV Network, addressing topics such as mental health, social justice, and empowerment. She volunteers at Fuller Carter Hospital for the Mentally Ill, mentors youth through Wipeout Drug Abuse for Teens, and supports women and children at Third Phase Inc., a shelter for those in need. She is an active member of the American Psychological Association.
Personal Life
Dr. Clary is a proud mother of three children—Cradeaja Clary, Meleesha Clary, and Michael Ghosh Jr. Her faith and daily prayers serve as a foundation for her strength and resilience. Balancing her career and family, she continues to inspire others as a role model.
Filmography
As Director
- Three Corners of Deception (2021)
- The Dr. Meleeka Clary Show
As Actress
- Greenleaf
- Nashville
- The Resident
- Dr. Bird's Advice for Sad Poets
- Willpower
- Bittersweet
- Eclipse: The Rise of Ink
- Heels
- Genius