Olivia Yearns is a licensed clinical social worker, clinical supervisor, private practice owner, and community advocate with over 22 years of experience in child welfare and social services. Throughout her extensive career, she has held leadership roles in New Jersey's child protection agency, focusing on critical casework related to child safety, family stability, and permanency planning. Additionally, she has mentored the next generation of social workers as a field liaison for Rutgers University's Master of Social Work program, where she obtained her MSW degree. She also holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Kean University.
Olivia is pursuing a Doctor of Social Work degree at the University of Kentucky. Her research focuses on enhancing the Black community's relationship satisfaction and family stability. For her capstone project, she applies Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to the mate selection process. She provides tools for Black women to make values-aligned relationship choices that foster long-term family health. She is passionate about creating lasting change for Black families and communities.
In addition to her child protection and research work, Olivia founded Liv Well Lab, a boutique virtual therapy practice specializing in culturally responsive care for Black women navigating life transitions. Committed to addressing mental health disparities, she is an active member of the New Jersey National Association of Social Workers, the Clinical Social Work Association, and the New Jersey Association of Black Social Workers. A proud mother of two incredible teenagers, Olivia has enjoyed nearly 20 years of unwavering support from her best friend and life partner.
DSW Showcase Student Presentation
Olivia Yearns
DSW(c), LCSW
The Silent Influencers: What Drives Black Women to Choose Their Mates
Concentration - Clinical Social Work
- Tuesday, April 29, 2025 -
- 10:30 am
Abstract
This presentation will showcase a comprehensive composite paper that integrates three key components: a systematic literature review, a conceptual framework, and a practical application paper. Grounded in the Drive Alignment Framework, this work explores how aligning needs and values can empower Black women to make intentional relationship decisions that foster healthier partnerships and strengthen family structures within the Black community.
The first section, a systematic literature review, examines the values, needs, and cultural influences shaping Black women’s mate selection processes. It identifies critical themes, such as parental influence, systemic barriers, and societal expectations, providing a foundation for understanding the challenges in this domain. The second section introduces the Drive Alignment Framework, a conceptual model grounded in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. This model highlights the importance of aligning emotional, psychological, and practical needs to promote self-awareness and improve relationship dynamics.
This composite paper’s third component is the practical application paper, which provides clinicians with actionable tools to support Black women in making value-aligned mate selection decisions. Utilizing the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy modality, this section incorporates assessments to help clients identify and prioritize their values and needs. These tools promote clarity, self-awareness, and relationship intentionality while addressing systemic and cultural challenges. This presentation aims to foster healthier relationships, challenge stereotypes, and contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of the Black community.