Our Village Services
Building resilience. Strengthening communities.
Our Village Services (OVS) exists to bring mental wellness out of the shadows and into everyday life—into schools, workplaces, court-connected systems, and community spaces.
Vision & Mission
Communities where mental wellness is part of daily conversation, not a last resort—and where students, employees, and neighbors have real skills to handle stress, conflict, and change.
To make mental wellness accessible, equitable, and practical by embedding it into the systems where people live, learn, work, and heal.
How we work
Our core values—Community First, Authenticity, Access & Equity, Resilience, and Compassion with Accountability—show up in how we design, deliver, and refine every program.
OVS programs are:
Community-centered – We listen first and tailor to your culture, needs, and constraints.
Evidence-informed & skills-based – Grounded in clinical practice, translated into usable, everyday tools.
Equity-focused – Intentional about serving communities often overlooked or underserved.
Relationship-driven – Built on safety, dignity, and respect in every interaction.
Meet the Founder: Tanya Henderson
Founder & Director, Our Village Services
Dr. Tanya Henderson is the Founder and CEO of Our Village Services and 1st Step Mental Health Counseling, based in New York’s Capital Region. She launched Our Village Services in 2019 as a group practice dedicated to providing culturally responsive community mental health services for BIPOC individuals and families.
As the organization grew, it became clear that the community’s needs extended beyond traditional counseling. This insight led to a strategic shift—clinical counseling services were housed under 1st Step Mental Health Counseling PLLC, while Our Village Services LLC evolved into a hub for community-based programming, prevention, and education.
Dr. Henderson’s work is rooted in the belief that mental health should not be stigmatized or hidden—especially in Black and Brown communities. Through school-based programs, wellness initiatives, and community partnerships, Our Village Services focuses on reducing barriers to care, increasing visibility, and creating safe spaces for honest dialogue and healing.
With over a decade of experience in behavioral health and community leadership, Dr. Henderson remains deeply committed to normalizing mental health, strengthening community connections, and ensuring that support is accessible, affirming, and responsive to the needs of those historically underserved.
Credentials, Accreditation & Affiliations
Licensure & Certifications
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) – New York State
Master CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor)
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
EMDR-Trained Clinician
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate – University of South Florida
Education
EdD, Executive Leadership – St. John Fisher University
MSEd, Mental Health Counseling – The College of Saint Rose
Professional Affiliations
American Counseling Association (ACA)
New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA)
NAADAC – The Association for Addiction Professionals
Capital Region Chamber of Commerce
Albany Black Chamber
Minority & Women’s Business Enterprise (MWBE) – Minority women-owned practice
Community & Leadership Recognition
Albany Business Review – 40 Under 40, Class of 2022
Capital Region Chamber Entrepreneur Boot Camp – Class of 2022
Keynote & Panel Roles, including:
Capital Region Chamber Entrepreneur Boot Camp (Keynote Speaker, 2023 & 2024)
Albany Community Police Review Board dialogues (Facilitator/Support)
NAMI Capital Region NY – Children’s Mental Health Awareness Fair
Albany Black Chamber panel on substance use disorder and Black families
“I first met Tanya when she joined the Capital Region Chamber’s Fall 2022 Entrepreneur Boot Camp to focus on her business and community expansion plan for Our Village Services. As an active and diligent member of the class cohort, Tanya provided valuable contributions and connections to fellow entrepreneurs. She graduated the course and won first place in the Fall 2022 business plan competition. Since graduation, Tanya has continued to grow her services and give back through her business. In addition to serving as a Keynote speaker to subsequent graduating classes and providing mentorship to other community entrepreneurs, Tanya has built a powerful network of resources and support to make care more accessible for all communities with an unrelenting focus, professionalism, and strength through compassion.”
- LAURA MANN
Vice President, Business Resources
Capital Region Chamber of Commerce
Your Questions, Answered
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Our Village Services (OVS) is a community-based organization focused on prevention, education, and wellness programming. We partner with schools, employers, and community organizations to deliver impactful mental health and wellness initiatives.
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OVS focuses on community-based programs, training, and partnerships, while 1st Step Mental Health Counseling provides clinical therapy services. Clinical counseling appointments are scheduled through 1st Step only.
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We serve schools, employers, community organizations, and individuals seeking group-based, educational, or wellness-focused support. Our programs are designed to be culturally responsive and community-centered.
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School-Based Suspension Diversion Program
Impaired Driving Assessments (non-therapy)
Mental wellness workshops and trainings
Speaking engagements (workshops, panels, keynotes)
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No. OVS does not provide therapy, crisis intervention, or emergency services. Individuals seeking counseling should contact 1st Step Mental Health Counseling or emergency services if in crisis.
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A pre-screening call is a brief, informational call to review requirements and eligibility. It is not a clinical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment.
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You can schedule a Program Interest & Partnership Call through our website to discuss your needs, program fit, and next steps.
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Yes. All workshops and wellness offerings are tailored to the needs, goals, and culture of each organization.
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Depending on the program, we offer in-person, virtual, or hybrid options.
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Yes. We offer workshops, panel facilitation, and keynote presentations on mental health, wellness, equity, and community engagement.
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Pricing varies based on the program scope, duration, and delivery format. Details are discussed during the initial consultation.
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Join our interest list on the website to receive updates about upcoming programs, events, and registration details.