Rev. Dr. Michele DeLeaver Balamani

Reverend Dr. Michele Balamani is a native New Yorker and the first of four daughters born to William and Sylvia DeLeaver. While in New York she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, and practiced as a psychiatric nurse. She later pursued graduate studies in Sweden, with a focus on Health Education. Her interest in this field led her to East Africa where she taught Basic Science and Nursing for a year and a half.

Dr. Balamani's travels continued. She married, completed a graduate degree in Counseling Psychology, and began a family during the five years she lived in Germany. She returned to the United States as an Air Force Officer, and began conducting workshops and speaking on minority health issues throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area. She was co-host for Heaven 1580's "Healing Moments", and a writer for Purpose Magazine.

Dr. Balamani earned a Master's of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary and a Doctorate in Pastoral Care and Counseling from United Theological Seminary. As a result of her doctoral studies she developed a model of care for women of color known as S.H.O.U.T. (Sisters Helping Others Understand Themselves). To date hundreds of women have had a S.H.O.U.T. group experience. From her years of experience as a minister and psychotherapist, Dr. Balamani has written a book entitled "Dancing On Our Graves: Healing the Hearts and Souls of Women," which is in it's second printing. She is currently completing her second book, "Sheba's Song: Melodies From The Heart of a Woman Who has Been Loved Right."

Dr. Balamani served as an adjunct professor in Counseling Psychology at the University of Maryland, College Park, and Bowie State University. She is an ordained minister who served as an Elder in the AME church for almost 15 years, before becoming the founding pastor of Prince of Peace Christian Community Church and Healing Center in Lanham, Maryland, which is under the Pastoral Covering of BishopT.D. Jakes.

Dr. Balamani Is also the founding director of Baraka Pastoral Counseling Center in Largo Maryland, and Dancing on Our Graves Institute for Life Enrichment. She has dedicated her life to helping to bring about holistic healing to the world community, and motivating others to join her in this effort. Dr. Balamani is a popular speaker, preacher, teacher, and workshop facilitator with broad experience in empowering diverse populations. She has taught and preached throughout the United States, Africa and the Caribbean.

E-mail:  Rev. Dr. Michele Balamani