Dr. Jaih Craddock
President
Experience & Expertise
Dr. Jaih Craddock is a public health social worker, therapist, and researcher with a mission to amplify the voices and experiences of marginalized communities. As a co-founder of the Black Girls Mental Health Collective Foundation (BGMHCF), Dr. Craddock brings over a decade of experience in clinical practice, community-based research, and innovative program development to address systemic inequities in mental health and reproductive health care.
With a background in implementation science and social network analysis, Dr. Craddock has led groundbreaking research on sexual and reproductive health, HIV prevention, and maternal mental health. She has published over 24 peer-reviewed articles and secured more than $5 million in funding for projects aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of Black women and families. Dr. Craddock’s work has been cited 500+ times in academic journals. Her leadership spans academia, direct service, and industry, where she has served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland and the University of California-Irvine and as a UX Researcher for Google Ads' Responsible AI team.
Leadership in maternal mental health
At BGMHCF, Dr. Craddock focuses on creating culturally affirming interventions for Black mothers, such as therapy voucher programs for low-income women and scholarships for birth worker training in perinatal mental health. Her research has highlighted the systemic barriers Black women face in maternal health care, and she has assisted in the development of tools like the CHOICEs measure to improve shared decision-making and combat obstetric violence. Her dedication to birth equity and mental health is reflected in her work designing trauma-informed care models and training culturally competent providers..
Innovative Research & Impact
Dr. Craddock’s interdisciplinary approach combines technology, public health, and community engagement to develop equitable solutions. Her expertise includes leveraging social networks and digital platforms to optimize health communication and expand access to care. She has also contributed to the development of evidence-based mental health interventions for young Black women, emphasizing resilience and culturally tailored care.
Vision & Commitment
Dr. Craddock’s work is deeply personal, inspired by her lived experiences and her commitment to uplifting Black families. As a wife and mother of two, she understands the importance of supporting mental health during the perinatal period and beyond. Her vision for BGMHCF is to dismantle systemic barriers to mental health care, empowering Black women and girls to thrive emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Through her leadership, research, and advocacy, Dr. Craddock is transforming the landscape of mental health and reproductive care, creating pathways for healing and resilience for generations to come.