Marika Reese

Academics Faculty

Job title

Highlight

Dr. Marika Reese is a licensed social worker and board certified behavior analyst with experience across adult and children’s mental health, policy, and community-based practice. Her work focuses on bridging clinical practice, systems change, and community engagement.

Started at Bethel

2026

Education

  • University of Minnesota - B.A. in Sociology, 2014
  • Augsburg University - M.A. in Education, 2018
  • University of North Dakota - M.S.W., 2023
  • Minnesota State University - Ed.D., 2025

Biography

Dr. Marika Reese is a licensed social worker and board-certified behavior analyst with experience in adult and children’s mental health, public policy, and community practice. Her work and research focus on public safety and community engagement, with an emphasis on equity and systems change. As an educator, Dr. Reese teaches social work and social justice courses and brings real-world experience into the classroom to help students connect theory, practice, and social responsibility. She is deeply engaged in community efforts centered on equity and advocacy, amplifying the voices of those most impacted by systemic issues. Dr. Reese is also the founder of Ubuntu, a mental health organization dedicated to providing accessible, community-centered services.

Awards

  • Featured in MinnPost (2022) — “How a Serial Social Entrepreneur Is Supporting Black Mental Health in the Twin Cities”
  • Twin Cities Business Top 100 (2023)
  • Equity and Inclusion Champion, Inver Hills Community College (2024 & 2025)

 

Presentations

National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (2025)
A Path to Trust: Addressing Performative Engagement and Building Authentic Relationships 
 
Dakota County Technical College – Communities of Care Summit (2024)
Intersectionality as a Form of Care for Diverse Communities 
 
National Forum for Black Public Administrators Conference (2023)
Sharing Power: Community-Driven Planning to Advance Racial Equity 
 
Collaborative Solutions to Reducing Harm (2022–2023)
Advancing Alternative Response and Community Safety 
 
Minnesota State Bar Association (2022)
A Call to Action for Racial Justice from a Social Entrepreneur 
 
Wilder Foundation – African American Babies Coalition Conference (2022)
Community Resilience

Certificates and licenses

  • BCBA
  • LGSW

Professional organizations, committees, and boards

  • Guild Mental Health Services Board Member (2022-present)
  • 38th & Chicago Re-Envisioned - City of Minneapolis Co-Chair (2022-2024)
  • George Floyd Ward 8 Community Benevolence Fund Committee Member (2023)
  • Ramsey County Corrections Advisory Board Member (2022-2024)
  • Southside Community Health Services Board Member (2021-2025)
  • Closeknit Board Member (2021-2025)
  • Heading Home Ramsey Continuum of Care Governing Board (2021-2024)
  • African American Leadership Forum JRJLA Advisory Committee (2021-2023) 
  • Ramsey County Evaluation Team: Psychotherapy for African American Girls & Their Mothers (2020)
  • Ramsey County Equity Action Circle/Housing Committee Co-Chair (2020-2023)
  • Historical Research Advisory Committee Deputy Chair (2020-2022) 
  • Josie R Johnson Leadership Academy Fellow (2019-2020)
  • YouthCARE Board Member (2018-2021)
  • Roseville Area Middle School Assistant Basketball Coach (2014-2015)
  • MaAfrica Tikkun Cape Town, South Africa (2013)
  • 180 Degrees (2012-2013)
  • Project Footsteps (2011-2013)

Hobbies and interests

Dr. Reese enjoys cooking, reading, working out, and traveling the world with her husband, Ryan.

Research interests

Community engagement, public safety, social word education, and engaging in difficult conversations around social justice.

Quote

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." -Nelson Mandela