Tierra Sydnor-Diggs
LCSW-C; Doctoral Candidate
Presenter's Bio
Tierra Sydnor-Diggs, LCSW-C—known as the “Savvy Soul Social Worker”—is a licensed clinician, educator, consultant, and mental health expert with over 23 years of experience serving children, families, schools, and communities. A proud Baltimore native, she is a graduate of Coppin State University and the University of Maryland School of Social Work and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Social Work at Walden University with a focus on Impact Leadership. Tierra is a sought-after speaker and trainer who has partnered with organizations such as the NFL Players Association, NASW, and the Jamaica Diaspora Task Force. Her expertise spans trauma-informed care, restorative practices, youth engagement, positive school climate, and culturally responsive leadership. She co-directs Sanity in the Sanctuary and has served as an adjunct professor at UMB. Grounded in faith, family, and service, Tierra is dedicated to empowering communities and transforming systems through compassionate, culturally anchored practice.
Hip Hop Therapy Techniques for Engaging Youth and Young Adults in Schools and Communities: Using Hip Hop Culture as a Catalyst for Tier 1 & Tier 2 Supports”
Course Summary
Hip Hop Therapy is an innovative, culturally responsive approach that uses the elements of hip hop—music, lyrics, rhythm, and self-expression—as tools for engagement, emotional regulation, and positive identity development. As a clinician working with youth and young adults, Hip Hop Therapy techniques can be integrated into both Tier 1 (school-wide prevention and wellness promotion) and Tier 2 (targeted small group interventions) supports within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the history and core principles of Hip Hop Therapy, understand its alignment with SEL (Social Emotional Learning) competencies, and learn practical strategies for embedding hip hop-based practices into classroom guidance, group work, and counseling sessions. Through case examples, music analysis, and activity demonstrations, participants will walk away with tools to increase engagement, foster resilience, and build authentic relationships with youth and young adults.