ABOUT ME

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I'm Dr. Beard, a nationally recognized tobacco treatment specialist and a passionate advocate for culturally appropriate cessation services for African Americans. I've successfully piloted my signature program, Free and Proud, a six-week virtual tobacco cessation program, in Atlanta, GA. My work as the community principal investigator for the LA-based study, Regulating Menthol Cigarettes African Americans Attitudes Toward Flavor Bans, has given me unique insights into the challenges and attitudes of my community toward tobacco control and cessation.

I'm currently leading the Breaking Free from Nicotine Project in South LA, which is all about building the capacity of our community to kick the nicotine habit for good. My role as a national spokesperson and certified tobacco treatment specialist with Amplify, the California African American Statewide Technical Assistance Center, allows me to put my passion for public health into action, reaching out to those who need help the most.

I'm known in public health agencies and tobacco control communities for my dedication and commitment to this cause. It's not just about being a keynote speaker, mentor, media contributor, or community research partner; it's about making a real difference.

When I work with people trying to quit smoking, it's not just about the nicotine. It's about understanding the lifestyle, the challenges, and the person behind the habit. I believe in a compassionate, skill-based approach that puts the person at the center of the process. Breaking free and living a good life without nicotine is not about quitting - it's about committing. It’s not about willpower; it’s about the willingness to move out of your comfort zone; it’s not about what you give up; it’s about who you get to be, to do, and to have. 

I'm not just a practitioner, a researcher, or a spokesperson; I'm a dedicated advocate for my community, using my skills and knowledge to help people overcome their challenges and live their best lives and I'm just getting started.