Founded in 2008, EmpowerMe! Services (EMS) was born out of my personal experiences as a queer woman of color and my professional experiences working in underserved and systemically disenfranchised communities. Over the course of the past 17 years, EMS has seen many iterations…having served organizations through a systemic lens of service provision to most recently returning back to serving individuals more directly. While our service types may have slightly changed over the years, what has remained consistent is our healing centered approach and deep underlying belief that change and transformation is possible.

I am a licensed clinical social worker and a certified transformation coach. I have extensive experience working in community mental health, serving individuals across the lifespan. I have worked directly with clients, have supervised aspiring clinicians, and have taught over 400 graduate level students as they worked toward their Master’s degree. 

My style is deeply intuitive and somatic (body) based as I partner with my clients to support them in listening to their own inner wisdom. I strive to create space for people to deeply reflect, notice, and strategize toward the change they are seeking in their lives. I am deeply honored to serve as a witness to my client’s journeys and to be entrusted as a guide in their transformation process. 

Past clients have described my approach as empowering, healing, and a balm for the soul.

I am Taquelia Washington Toland
I am African American, rooted in a legacy of slavery
I am the resilience of my ancestors
I am mommy, wife, sissy, Kiki, and Nikki
I am a colleague and friend
I am a facilitator of space and energy.
I am passionately caring for all I serve
I am a healer
I am healing
I am a student, curious, yearning for knowledge, growing each and everyday
I am California, Michigan, Virginia, Japan, So-Cal, Nor-Cal, and connected to the Bay
I am the beautiful calm turquoise of the Caribbean Sea
I am runs around the lake and spiritual podcasts
I am gentle stretches and mindfulness
I am reading books and turning the electronic pages of my burnt orange kindle
I am dedication, passion, and inspiration
I am self-reflection
I am empowered