Finding Freedom in Graduate School: From Dr. Charisse's Ed.D. Journey to Mentorship That Supports Every Student

Pursuing an advanced degree often feels like the natural next step for strong undergraduates. Yet graduate school success requires more than strong standardized test scores - it demands creativity, curiosity, communication, and critical thinking. For students who felt boxed in by traditional classrooms, including many neurodivergent learners, graduate school can be freeing: a place to explore ideas, connect purpose to practice, grow, and express their unique selves.

Dr. Charisse, Ed.D. offers holistic mentorship through Another Degree for graduate and professional school admissions consulting, research coaching, and career guidance.

That experience is central to Dr. Charisse's graduate school journey, and how she guides others as a mentor. An Ivy League‑trained educator with an Ed.D. from Columbia University’s Teachers College, Dr. Charisse has decades of experience leading schools and school districts. She is passionate about creating inclusive, healing‑centered spaces in education through teaching, mentorship, and program development that uplifts and supports students facing mental health challenges, trauma, neurodivergence, and difficulty finding belonging. As a member of the Another Degree mentorship collective, she draws from her own journey, from overcoming challenges in school to earning her doctorate, to empower others to define success on their own terms. Her work bridges education, equity, and emotional well-being, helping both students and professionals thrive.

She brings this expertise and experience to mentees seeking support for graduate and professional school admissions consulting and application review, research and dissertation coaching, along with interview prep and career counseling for graduate and professional school students, all while centering equity and learner well-being.

In this interview, as a part of our Meet the Mentors blog series, Dr. Charisse reflects on an educational momentum that began from birth, her mother's aspiration and support for her daughter to become a doctor, and Charisse proving that one doesn't have to be a doctor of medicine to make a world of difference in people's lives.

Dr. Charisse's schedule is currently open for bookings! Learn more about Dr. Charisse through her biography page.

(Curious about what it means to get an Ed.D versus a Ph.D.? Learn more at our post: Graduate School Basics: Colleges vs. Universities, Academic vs. Professional Degrees, and How to Evaluate Programs.)

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Q1: Did you always know post-graduate studies and your career path were in your future - or did your path unfold differently?

Dr. Charisse:  I had no idea postgraduate studies were in my future. I always knew I’d go to college because my mom, who had me at 17 during her first year of college, emphasized the importance of education. She had to leave school to care for me, but she made sure I understood that education opens doors. When I first went to college, I actually majored in the sciences because my mom used to tell me, “I want you to be a doctor.” At the time, I thought that meant becoming a medical doctor, but I realized that wasn’t the right path for me. I didn’t become a medical doctor, but I did eventually become a Doctor of Education! My career path has always centered around serving children and vulnerable communities. I didn’t have it all figured out, but I knew I wanted to make a difference, and that purpose guided me every step of the way

Q2: What’s something you loved about your graduate school experience? 

Dr. Charisse: What I loved most about graduate school was the freedom to express my ideas and think differently. I’m a neurodivergent learner, and in traditional school settings, I often felt boxed in by structure and standardized tests. Graduate school gave me space to explore, question, and create. Even though I wrote a lot of papers, I found that writing became my way of expressing myself. I also loved learning from professors who were leaders in their fields, people whose books I had read and admired. Being in that environment was inspiring and validating in so many ways.

Q3: What’s one insight or piece of advice you wish you had before starting grad school?

Dr. Charisse:  I wish I had known how important it is to intentionally connect your graduate studies to your career goals. During my master’s program, I was so focused on coursework that I didn’t always think about how to translate what I was learning into professional opportunities. I wish I had worked more closely with career services and mentors to bridge that gap. For my doctoral program, I wish someone had walked me through the dissertation process earlier, especially around setting timelines and choosing the right dissertation chair. Having that guidance upfront could have made the journey a little smoother.

Q4: What are you working on right now that excites you - whether in research, work, or creative projects? 

Dr. Charisse: Right now, I’m building my own educational consulting firm, NextGen Learning Partners. It’s a global visionary consulting and innovation firm that helps schools, social service agencies, and community organizations create inclusive and healing-centered environments. We deliver culturally responsive and trauma-informed professional development, strategic advising, and engaging programs for educators, staff, and youth. Our focus is on supporting those who are often overlooked or marginalized, and empowering every learner and leader to reach their full potential. This work is really close to my heart because it combines everything I care about: education, equity, and healing. I’m also working on a policy brief that critiques an executive order reinstating “commonsense school discipline” policies. The order removes accountability measures that protect historically underserved students, especially Black and Brown students with disabilities. My brief calls for a trauma-informed and equity-driven approach instead. I’m passionate about this because it brings advocacy and research together to create more just educational spaces.

Q5: What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of that wouldn’t show up on your resume or CV? 

Dr. Charisse: I’m most proud of my journey, not just the accomplishments listed on paper, but what it took to get there. I grew up with limited resources and faced many academic and personal challenges along the way. I struggled with standardized tests and was often told what I couldn’t do. I was placed in a resource room in high school and tested in separate locations. But I kept going. With my mom’s support and my own determination, I pushed through every obstacle, eventually earning my doctorate degree and graduating from an Ivy League university, something I never imagined possible. When people see my CV, they might assume everything came easily, but behind every line on that document is a story of perseverance, resilience, and believing in myself even when the odds were stacked against me. That’s what I’m truly proud of.

Q6: What do you hope mentees take away from working with you?

Dr. Charisse: I hope my mentees walk away feeling supported, and empowered. I want them to know that their paths don’t have to look perfect or linear to be meaningful. My hope is that they gain confidence in their purpose and their capacity to create impact, no matter where they start. I also hope they take away the importance of perseverance, that even when things get hard, they can still move forward with faith and determination. Above all, I hope they recognize that their unique way of thinking, learning, or leading is not a limitation, it’s a strength

Q7: What’s a book, podcast, or resource you often recommend to mentees? 

Dr. Charisse: I often recommend “The Light We Carry” by Michelle Obama because it speaks to resilience, self-doubt, and learning to trust yourself, especially in spaces that weren’t always designed for you. Her reflections remind readers that our identities and imperfections are sources of strength. For those navigating academia, I also recommend The Academic Woman Amplified podcast, which shares practical tips about managing grad school, publishing, and maintaining balance in the process. It’s relatable and empowering, especially for women and first-generation scholars.

Q8: What changes do you hope to see in graduate and professional education over the next decade? 

Dr. Charisse: I hope graduate and professional education becomes more inclusive and humanizing. Too often, higher education focuses on productivity and perfection instead of wellness and belonging. In the next decade, I’d love to see programs that center mental health, trauma-informed teaching, and culturally responsive mentorship, spaces where students from all backgrounds feel supported and valued. I also hope we see more flexibility in learning, whether through hybrid models or alternative pathways that reflect real-world experiences. Ultimately, I want higher education to evolve into a place where brilliance is defined not by conformity, but by creativity, authenticity, and care.

Q9: What’s your favorite way to relax or recharge?

Dr. Charisse:  I love to recharge by traveling - exploring new cultures and places helps me reconnect with myself. One of my most recent trips was to Malta, next I’m going to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, and then to Hurghada, Egypt. I love drinking herbal teas which are very relaxing, visiting Martha’s vineyard, and gardening. I also love going on cruises and spending time with family, who keep me grounded and bring so much laughter into my life. When I’m home, I love comic relief - watching comedy shows, lighthearted TV, and anything that makes me laugh. Taking time to rest, laugh, and explore the world keeps me inspired and ready to pour back into others.

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