Our Team

Courtney Abegunde (she/her) is a mental health educator, support group facilitator, and advocate serving and supporting communities in Pittsburgh for the last 15 years. Courtney has served as a mental health/substance use counselor for justice-involved youth and adults participating in Medication-assisted treatment for Opiate dependence, and as program coordinator for specialized services for teens and young adults newly experiencing psychosis or who have recently been diagnosed with a Serious Mental Illness (like Schizophrenia). Courtney has a depth of experience in the areas of community engagement, outreach and education, counseling, program evaluation and quality improvement, program development, mutual aid and peer support. Courtney holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Arts in Psychology from Chatham University. Courtney has delivered trainings and workshops on Recovery Oriented Systems of Care, Early Intervention for First Episode Psychosis, Cultural Competence and Humility for Mental Healthcare Providers, Improving Mental Health Service Systems for Black Folks, and Healing Justice Strategies for Black Mental Health and Wellness. She has been recognized as a Dignity and Respect Champion by UMPC (2021) and has achieved the Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award from the University of Pittsburgh Department of Psychiatry (2021) and the Women’s Health and Leadership Award from Chatham University (2015).

Courtney currently serves as Operations Director for Steel Smiling, a Black-led “Organization in Residence” of Neighborhood Allies. Courtney furthers Steel Smiling’s mission of exposing Black Pittsburghers to at least one positive mental health experience by 2030 by supporting the daily operations of their flagship programs Beams to Bridges (a 6-month community mental health advocate training program) and Steel Healing (Wellness navigation, peer support, financial assistance for care for Black Pittsburgh residents). Courtney uses her personal experience of racism, mental health problems, and journey towards mental wellness and healing to inform her work and approaches.