Dr. Carman L. Wilkins is a native of Washington, DC, mother of 3 children, and author of "Building Your Table" motivational journal series and published dissertation “Experiences of Compassion Fatigue in Case Managers Serving Homeless Youth While Maintaining Ethics: A Qualitative Study.” Carman grew up in a single-parent household dealing with many generational obstacles.  Dr. Carman worked and engaged in the community with clients who are experiencing generational cycles, such as relying on governmental assistance, limited housing, minimum to no employment, parenting, inadequate education, mental health barriers, lack of financial literacy, and many other societal barriers.

           Dr. Carman received her Bachelor of Psychology from Johnson C Smith University (2003) then went on to obtain her Master of General Studies in Human Behavior at Capella University (2015). Lastly, Dr. Carman received her Ph.D. in General Studies in Human Behavior at Capella (2020). Dr. Carman worked with many influential agencies in the mental health field, suicide hotline, and crisis shelter. Also, in addition to frontline service and administrative duties serving homeless families. 

          She uses her personal, professional and educational experience to encourage others as well as bridging the gap between the community and community agencies. Dr. Carman realized what better teacher than experience. She can connect to the residents of the community because she has experienced most of the trauma that they have experienced. Furthermore, she worked in the agencies and expanded her education to gain the necessary tools to make a positive change. Dr. Carman decided to venture out and become more effective in the community by starting Building My Table, LLC to break the barriers by empowering the community and providing practical training for community agencies engaging with the residents to build their table of success.