Hello! I’m so excited you’re here and interested in learning more about Acacia Vitality. I’m Dr. Diedre Wade, a licensed mental health counselor in three U.S. states (KY, FL, VA). I have a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and teach full-time at a university.  I also have over 15 years of experience across various settings, including private practice, inpatient behavioral health, residential treatment, Drug Court, and a jail. All these experiences have shaped me into a compassionate provider who genuinely wants to help people grow.

I’m also a former competitive bodybuilder, so I understand firsthand how performance pressure and big goals can fuel perfectionism and anxiety. I’m currently working toward my yoga teacher certification as well, and that training continues to remind me that wellness isn’t a “one and done” destination- it’s something we often have to rebalance as seasons of life, stress levels, and responsibilities change. Sometimes growth looks like pushing forward, and sometimes it looks like slowing down, listening to your body, and rebuilding sustainable rhythms that support long-term health.

Acacia Vitality was renamed after I visited Kenya for the first time. Seeing the strength of the acacia tree- thriving in harsh conditions and standing firm even when challenged- became a powerful reminder that resilience is often built through adversity. That trip also sparked a bigger vision: creating a wellness retreat experience that blends restoration, reflection, and meaningful cultural connection. It continues to inspire my work, my research, and the kind of experiences I hope to offer through Acacia Vitality.

Picture on Left: Taken in Blonia Park, Krakow, Poland

Picture on Right: Taken on the Zambezi, the 4th longest river in Africa!