A Chat in the Garden with Monique AJ Smith

Miranda Giddens serves as the Associate Director of Academics at the University of
Arkansas, Fayetteville, where she supports the Football and Gymnastics programs.
Prior to joining Arkansas, she was an Academic Advisor at the University of South
Carolina, working with the Women’s Basketball and Women’s Track and Field teams.
She also held academic support roles at The University of Alabama, supporting the
Football, Women’s Basketball, Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country, and Men’s Golf
programs.

While at Alabama, Miranda co-led the voter registration initiative “Make an Impact”
2020, which successf...

Dr. Raylene Ross is in her fourth season as the Director of Sport Leadership and Mental
Performance at the University of South Carolina. Her unwavering dedication is evident
in her commitment to helping student-athletes and coaches optimize performance,
manage mental stress, and navigate the unique pressures of competitive environments.

Dr. Ross's collaborative and integrative approach to performance and well-being is a hallmark of her role. She works closely with various departments such as sports medicine, mental health, sports science, nutrition, and strength and conditioning. Her leadership is evident in individual and team consultations, presentations, and work...

With over 25 years of experience, Ann Seeney is on a mission to transform people and organizations into equitable leaders and environments. Ann has led the charge as an agent of change to promote integrity in an inclusive and distinct culture. Ultimately, her aim is to transform organizations through truth-seeking and critical conversations and progress culture and DEI by centering efforts around leadership development. Her life and the diverse educational experiences provided by Hampton University, an HBCU, ignite her passion for mentoring students as well as partnering with colleagues to help them find what's next. With the addition of a Master...

This episode is a replay from Season 9 that originally aired on August 3, 2022. Courtney Pruitt, Director of Athletics at Kilgore College, joined Monique A. J. Smith for A Chat in the Garden.


Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 11. Seasons 1- 10 and season 11 (through December 2025) can be found on 200plus.ex...

Erin is currently serving as the Senior Client Relations Manager at Athletic Training
Solutions. In this role, she provides industrial athletic training services while developing
other leaders within the organization. She has been fortunate enough to oversee the
organization and administration of various wellness initiatives on many different
construction sites, supporting the mental and physical wellbeing of employees across
the nation.

Erin received her bachelor's degree in athletic training from Bridgewater College in
Virginia. The small, liberal arts school offered enormous opportunities for hands-on
experiences in a variety of settings, encouraging...

Dr. Alaina S. Davis is an Associate Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Communication Sciences. She is a licensed Medical Speech-Language Pathologist with over 15 years of clinical experience and a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer with the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists.

Dr. Davis has expertise in neurologically based communication disorders, specifically cognitive-communication disorders associated with traumatic brain injury and concussion in the adolescent and adult population. Her research lab, The Center for Cognitive-Communicative Skills, addresses health care disparities and cultural responsiveness related to populations with acquired cognitive-communication disorders. She hosts the Life, Language, & Lyrics p...

This episode is a replay from Season 1 (October 2014). Dr. Sharon Beverly, 2025 NACDA Hall of Fame Recipient, joins A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith.

Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 11. Seasons 1- 10 and season 11 (through December 2025) can be found on 200plus.expert.

Natasha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Psychotherapist, and Certified Sports Social Worker. As the founder of Learning Alternative Ways to Channel Euphoria, LLC (L.A.C.E.), she has established a boutique private practice that integrates mental health therapy with creative expression and athletic performance optimization.

Coined "The Game Changing Therapist," Natasha specializes in helping professional and student athletes reframe their challenges through innovative perspectives, equipping them with enjoyable, practical strategies to overcome performance barriers and life stressors.

L.A.C.E. represents Natasha's distinctive philosophy—creating a therapeutic catalyst that fuses mental health educat...

Lisa Daniels, Ph.D., CMPC is a Sports Psychotherapist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant® at Howard University. She was most recently featured on ESPN First Take during the HBCU Spotlight for her impactful performance interventions implemented at Howard University. Dr. Daniels provides counseling services and performance interventions to athletes and students at Howard University. 

Dr. Daniels is a native Washingtonian and a proud graduate of D.C. Public Schools. She earned a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Howard University and a Master of Teaching in Special Education from the University of Virginia. Dr. Daniels completed postdoctoral coursework in...

Matisse Lee is a long-standing member of the Claflin University family. She is in her third year as the Senior Associate Athletics Director /SWA and has been with the Claflin University athletics department for over sixteen years.  For over five years, she served as the Assistant Athletics Director for Internal Operations/Student-Athlete Affairs and as the advisor for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Most recently, her efforts were recognized when she was honored as the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Senior Woman Administrator of the Year in 2024. 
 
As a part of the department's senior staff, Lee's resp...

Shannon Allen was named the Associate Athletics Director of Compliance in August 2023.

She returns to her alma mater after serving as the head volleyball coach and Senior Woman Administrator at Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI. While there she oversaw the volleyball program.
In addition, as a part of the administrative staff she was in charge of department fundraising that included a partnership with the Milwaukee Brewers, transportation, supervision of the Athletic Training staff, and was the advisor of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee.

Allen served as the head volleyball and softball coach at Livingstone College...

Kearsten Peoples is a dedicated professional in academic advising and student-athlete
development, focused on helping athletes excel academically, athletically, and personally. With a
strong foundation in academics and a deep passion for student-athlete success, Kearsten has built
a career supporting athletes in balancing their academic responsibilities with the demands of
competitive sports. She works tirelessly to ensure that student-athletes not only graduate but also
thrive beyond their athletic careers. With her experience in higher education and athletics, she
has a proven track record of enhancing student success through innovative programming,
mentorship, and academic...

This episode is a replay from Season 9 (June 28, 2023). Crystal Massenburg, Director of Athletics at Garner High School, joined Monique A. J. Smith for A Chat in the Garden. 

Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 11. Seasons 1- 10 and season 11 (through December 2025) can be found on 200plus.expert.

Tiffeany Roderick has over 20 years of experience in the corporate sector, specializing in Account Management, Project Analytics, Training, and Client Relationship Management. In 2021, she established 1st & Ten, motivated by her interest in football and her father's
background as a multi-sport coach. The company aims to educate women about football through online and in-person experiences for all levels of knowledge and interest.

Tiffeany holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication and a Master's degree in Organizational Management with a focus on Organizational Leadership. These qualifications support her ability to lead and educate others. Tiffeany is originally from Southern California.<...

Carla has been a part of the Chicago Bears Football Club since 2018, joining the team in a full time role in 2020. As the inaugural full time team clinician, she has built the mental wellness program to support players, coaches and support staff through individual/group therapy, rookie programming and organization wide psychoeducation.

Prior to joining the Bears, she served as a mental health clinician at the Wellness Center of Loyola University Chicago. Her clinical areas of focus include working with emerging adults on issues such as identity development, anxiety, depression and life transitions.

She earned a Bache...

With an always activated will to win, Natasha Camy is a powerhouse playmaker, breaking
barriers, making history, and creating a legacy. As a veteran NCAA Women’s Division I
basketball official, entrepreneur and public speaker, Camy’s goals and aspirations
transcend beyond average.

Born into humble beginnings in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Camy’s maturation throughout
her career has taken her across the globe, bringing about more purpose and passion for the
growth of the game of basketball and the increasing role that women play within the sport.

In January 2024 she was announced as an...

This episode is a replay from July 2015 (Season 1). Tina Sloan Green, 2025 NCAA Theodore Roosevelt Award Recipient, joins Monique A. J. Smith for A Chat in the Garden.


Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 11. Seasons 1-6 can be found on 200plus.expert, previously broadcasted on Survival Broadcast Network. Seasons 7-1...

A native of Jamaica, Inez's journey began at Barton Community College, where she earned an impressive 16 National Junior College All-America honors and set multiple school records. She also won the 1993 Division I NJCAA Championship in the 800m.

She continued her success at Texas State University, earning a B.S. in Exercise and Sports Science. There, she won back-to-back NCAA championships in the 800m. 

Inez represented Jamaica at the 1996 Olympic Games, competing in the 800m and the 4x400m relay. She won gold in the 800m at the 1994 Commonwealth Games and bronze in the 4x400m relay a...

Jo Ann Pugh, also known as the 50 Yard Line Mom, is a bestselling author, mentor, and advocate for the health and well-being of athletes at all levels. As the founder of 50-Yard Line Mom®, Jo Ann works tirelessly on behalf of families and professional athletes to improve health outcomes through education and reform.

Jo Ann has held senior-level and key leadership roles at major corporations, including Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 organizations. Her medical background and business experience proved invaluable in helping her son Jordan navigate a career in the NFL.

Jo Ann serves on several Advisory boards, i...

Alisha Lassiter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate and the proud owner of Stay N the Game LLC, providing holistic sports therapy to athletes and their families. She is also a Content Contributor/Chat Consultant for AthleteTalk, a mental health
and wellness app for athletes. Additionally, she serves as an Outpatient Mental Health Therapist.

Alisha holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in Children and Families as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a certification in Education. She also attended the Certified Clinical Sports Social Work Institute (CCSSWI) where she...

Lila Grooms, Hampton University Associate AD of Academic Achievement and Leadership, joins Monique A. J. Smith for A Chat in the Garden. A native of Hartsville, SC, she received a B.S. in Biology from Francis Marion University and a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Phoenix. She also earned an Ed. S. in Educational Leadership and Administration from Walden University.In addition to Lila's current position at Hampton, her professional experience includes:
Educator of Science, Mentor, Coach, Marlboro Co., Darlington Co., Richland CO. School Districts, 2001-2016  (18yrs)National Board Certification Assessor, 2014-2018Assistant. Athletic Director/L...

This episode is a replay and originally aired in 2021. Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes, current Commissioner of HBCU Athletic Conference and former Dillard University AD, joins Monique A.J. Smith for A Chat in the Garden. 


Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 11. Seasons 1- 10 and season 11 (through December 2025) can be...

Welcome to A Chat in the Garden: Where Significance Booms in Athletics and Sports Business. Your host is Monique A. J. Smith.

A Chat in the Garden is a nationally recognized, weekly, interview-style podcast where women of color in athletic administration and sports business are spotlighted. Each guest shares her career journey, advice for others and current initiatives.

Fall 2024 marked the show's 11th season, with a listener base that has grown to 1.7K members in our private Facebook community: A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Seasons 1- 10 and season 11 (through December 2025) can...