Cleveland G. Oakes Jr. is a dynamic mental health counselor, author, and speaker with a powerful story of transformation and resilience. With over three decades of professional experience across corporate leadership, hospitality, and counseling, Cleveland brings a unique, multidimensional perspective to mental health advocacy.
A graduate of Johnson & Wales University with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism, Cleveland spent 13 years in the entertainment industry, including a respected tenure as an executive at NBCUniversal, before answering his true calling—helping others heal and reclaim their lives.
He holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University and currently practices as a counselor at both the Metropolitan Center for Mental Health and Phidaly Counseling in Brooklyn, NY.
Alongside his wife, Lindsay Oakes, Cleveland co-hosts The Devil You Don’t Know, a podcast that explores the complexities of mental health, relationships, and personal growth through open, heartfelt conversations. He is also the author of Waiting for White Jesus: Reclaiming Agency in a World That Tells You to Wait, a deeply reflective book that blends memoir, psychology, and social critique to inspire readers to embrace self-agency and live with intention.
Born and raised in Brooklyn during the height of America’s crack epidemic, Cleveland witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of addiction, racism, and systemic inequality. These early experiences, combined with his Christian faith and dedication to mindfulness practices, inform his empathetic and compassionate counseling style. He specializes in empowering individuals to break cycles of trauma, overcome adversity, and build purposeful, authentic lives.
When he’s not counseling or speaking, Cleveland can be found engaging with his community through his writing on Substack and LinkedIn, promoting mental wellness, and sharing insights on resilience, hope, and personal growth.