The member spotlight highlights individual achievements, contributions, and unique qualities within the group work community and as members of ASGW, fostering recognition, connection, and inspiration. It acknowledges members' efforts, motivates others through their successes, and builds camaraderie by sharing personal stories. Additionally, spotlights promote diversity, inclusion, and knowledge-sharing while reinforcing ASGW’s core values. This practice strengthens community bonds and aligns group members with shared goals through platforms like newsletters, social media, and events.
Monica G. Wood, M.S., M.A.C.P.
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Dr. Wood brings more than 30 years of experience at the intersection of communications, counseling, and community leadership. She is the founder and principal of The Soul Deep Agency, a Charlotte-based consultancy that blends strategic communications, crisis management, and behavioral-health-oriented services for diverse clients—including faith-based institutions, nonprofits, corporations, and youth-serving organizations.
A seasoned publicist, Monica has represented high-level clients in the entertainment and sports industries, providing media strategy, brand stewardship, and crisis communications support. This expertise, combined with her counseling training, equips her with a unique ability to navigate both public narratives and personal healing.
Her educational journey began with a B.A. in Speech Communications from Morgan State University, and was deepened by a Master’s in Christian Practice at Duke Divinity School and a Master’s in Counseling from Northwestern University. This “three-legged stool” of education, communications, counseling, and community practice shapes her distinctive approach to group work. Monica is preparing to enter the Ph.D. program in International Psychology (Organizations & Systems concentration) at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where her research will explore global mental-wellness frameworks for adolescents and communities.
As a facilitator, Monica emphasizes group work as a healing and empowering tool. She has designed and led group spaces for youth, women, and faith communities, creating environments where participants feel seen, supported, and inspired to thrive. Most recently, she launched the Soul Deep Moment Mental Health Care Community, an initiative offering caring circles and curriculum modules for teen girls ages 12–18, addressing self-esteem, resilience, and emotional wellness.
Monica is also an author, public speaker, and advocate. Her children’s book, What Does Beauty Look Like?, anchors the Beauty Looks Like Me Campaign, a social media-focused initiative that looks to partner with national organizations to promote positive identity among young girls. Throughout her career, she has spoken at national and regional conferences, most recently at the NABJ Regional III Conference, on the importance of balancing work in journalism and mental health.
Monica is passionate about creating soul-deep impact, whether in a counseling circle, a boardroom, or a community campaign. Her guiding belief is that “humanity must win,” and her work reflects her commitment to nurturing safe spaces for growth, healing, and transformation
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