Because Only Together We Can
Imago Dei Wellness Institute
Who We Are
Imago Dei Wellness was founded by Thai Makia Gambrell, a trauma‑informed PhD student, faith‑rooted leader, and advocate for children, families, and the communities who hold them. As an educator, and storyteller, Thai brings together evidence‑based practice, spiritual formation, and lived experience to create spaces where healing is possible and dignity is restored.
Grounded in the belief that every person is made in the image of God, Thai leads Imago Dei Wellness with a commitment to compassion, cultural humility, and justice. Her work centers on equipping the adults who shape children’s lives—parents, teachers, caregivers, and faith leaders—with the tools, language, and confidence to recognize trauma, respond wisely, and cultivate resilience.
Thai’s leadership is shaped by her deep roots in Philadelphia, her academic training in social work and trauma‑informed practice, and her calling to serve communities facing adversity with both skill and spiritual grounding. Through Imago Dei Wellness, she bridges research and real‑world application, offering training, advocacy, and wellness programs that honor the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
Imago Dei Wellness exists because Thai believes healing is communal, restoration is possible, and hope is a practice. Her mission is simple: to help adults heal so children can thrive, and to build communities where every image‑bearer is seen, supported, and empowered.
Rasheeda Little is Vice Chair of the Board and an emerging leader in community-based wellness and youth advocacy. With a passion for holistic healing and trauma-informed care, she is dedicated to creating safe, empowering spaces for women and at-risk youth.
Rasheeda brings experience in program development, mentorship, and community engagement, with a focus on integrating creative expression and emotional wellness into healing practices. In 2020, Rasheeda completed her Associates of Science Degree in Behavioral Health and Human Services. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Change, further strengthening her commitment to impactful leadership.
Deeply rooted in her faith and love for writing, Rasheeda uses her voice to inspire growth, reflection, and transformation. Her work is driven by a vision to build stronger, healthier communities through compassion, connection, and purpose.
What We Do
Imago Dei Wellness is a faith‑centered, trauma‑informed organization committed to restoring dignity, strengthening families, and equipping communities to respond to adversity with compassion and skill. We believe every child and every adult is an image‑bearer of God—worthy of safety, belonging, and the opportunity to heal.
Rooted in both evidence‑based practice and spiritual formation, we partner with schools, churches, and community organizations to create environments where resilience can flourish. Through training, advocacy, and whole‑person wellness programs, we mobilize the adults who shape children’s lives—parents, educators, caregivers, and faith leaders—to recognize trauma, respond wisely, and cultivate hope.
Our work spans two interconnected arms:
— Imago Dei Wellness Institute
which provides community training, psychoeducation, and practical tools for healing.
— Imago Dei Advocacy
which elevates public awareness, advances ACEs education, and champions systems‑level change.
At Imago Dei Wellness, we envision communities where dignity is honored, compassion is practiced, and healing is accessible. We exist to walk alongside those who serve children, helping them lead with courage, clarity, and care—because when adults heal, children thrive.