Authors' Biography
Amber N. Hearn, DMFT
Dr. Hearn is a native of Los Angeles, California. In the Spring of 2009, Dr. Hearn received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff,
then. graduated from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in June 2011, with her Master of Family Therapy. In the fall of 2012, Dr. Hearn was led by God to attend Loma Linda University, in California, for her Doctorate. During her doctoral journey, like a gift from above, Dr. Hearn had the
opportunity to receive training in the fields of Program Development, Program Evaluation, Administration, Marketing, Marriage and Family Therapy, and grant writing, just to name a few. With the guidance from the Lord, Dr. Hearn received her Doctor of Marital and Family Therapy (DMFT) in 2016, with a concentration in Professional Consultation and Systems Relations, at Loma Linda University. She gives all the glory to God! Not only is Dr. Hearn the founder of Vessels of Strength, she is also passionate about families who experience homelessness. Dr. Hearn was the lead author of two articles in the Social History of the American Family Encyclopedia, published by Sage Publication 2014; entitled: Housing Crisis and Work and Family. Dr. Hearn completed her doctorate by publishing her final DMFT project titled, Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness: A Grounded Theory Needs Assessment.
Note: To read Dr. Hearn’s published work, please e-mail: vesselsofstrength@gmail.com
Ernest Griffin, B.A., Phorode brown,B.S. & Dr. Emanuel Officer
Mr. Griffin is a native of Gardena, California. Raised by a single mother, his father had a part in his life. He graduated in 2012, and completed his
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication, with a minor in Marketing. As he continues to work in the field of marketing, he plans to return to school to study Business Administration.
Mr. Brown is a native of Bennettsville, South Carolina, and was raised by his family. In 2011, he graduated from Benedict College, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Child and Family Development. At certain points in his college career at Benedict, he was acknowledged for his matriculation, not only academically, but also for service.
Dr. Officer is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana; the Midwest. Dr. Officer graduated high school, and college was the last thing on his mind. However, in 1990, Emanuel picked up a book on Systematic Theology. Four years later, he enrolled in the Muskegon Bible Institute (MBI) in 2007. There, Emanuel received his Associate’s Degree and felt compelled to continue his education, as he seemed to have