Rukisha Hodge is a Board-Certified, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Rukisha brings over a decade of experience in psychiatric and community nursing to her role as a board member of DABC. She earned a Master of Science from New York University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The College of New Rochelle. Throughout her career, Rukisha has specialized in supporting clients across the lifespan – facing challenges such as major life transitions, complicated trauma responses, mood and anxiety disorders, and neurocognitive disorders. Rukisha’s personal connection to this work is deepened by currently supporting and advocating for her son in his academic journey with learning differences. This experience fuels her passion for ensuring that every student, regardless of their challenges, has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive both academically and personally.