Who We Are
Host & Co-Creative Director: Joanna Rosa, MS, LPCC, LADC
As the Co-Creative Director of Bridging the Gaps: Reimagining Opioid Recovery Podcast, Joanna is deeply committed to amplifying the voices and lived experiences of individuals from marginalized communities navigating recovery. This podcast serves as a platform to challenge stigma, elevate underrepresented narratives, and spark dialogue that centers equity. Her passion lies in addressing the systemic racial disparities that persist in substance use treatment and mental health care, and Joanna believes in using storytelling as a powerful tool to advocate for more just, inclusive, and culturally responsive approaches to healing.
Producer & Co-Creative Director: Dr. Cedric Weatherspoon, LMFT, DMFT
Dr. Cedric Weatherspoon is the President & Clinical Director of Empower Therapeutic Support Services, Inc, a practice he co-founded in North Minneapolis. Cedric is passionate about providing a space for community members to grow and learn about their overall wellness. Cedric’s training as a Marriage and Family Therapist inspired him to offer collaborative leadership supporting the whole person and family. Cedric believes when people are empowered and treated with respect, they will make a positive impact on their families and communities.
Cedric is also a Minnesota Marriage and Family Therapy board approved supervisor and an LPC and LPCC board approved supervisor who uses over 20 years of experience and extensive knowledge to increase the effectiveness of unlicensed mental health practitioners and community agencies who are committed to implementing client center practices in their work with African American children and families.
Cedric is passionate about centering the lived experiences of marginalized communities in every aspect of care. He believes that meaningful, equitable mental health services begin with listening, which is why he dedicates time to engaging with community leaders to better understand the unique challenges and strengths within their communities. This ongoing dialogue informs how we adapt our clinical practices to be more culturally responsive, inclusive, and grounded in trust.