Dr. Thomas Bendu, a seasoned social work professional, brings over two decades of experience in public mental health and child welfare, primarily serving at-risk children, youth, and families in the Washington, D.C., and Maryland regions. Licensed by the Maryland State Board of Social Work Examiners, he is also certified in Mental Health First Aid and Adult CPR. Known for his exceptional communication, leadership, and strategic thinking skills, Dr. Bendu has devoted his career to supporting vulnerable populations through direct service delivery, supervision, and therapeutic intervention.

As the CEO and Founder of Wellness Group and Consulting Services, established in July 2024, Dr. Bendu continues his commitment to social work by offering consulting services aimed at enhancing mental health and social services. His previous tenure as a Social Worker II with Howard County’s Department of Social Services spanned 24 years, during which he provided critical family preservation services, risk assessments, crisis intervention, and community outreach. He supervised family support staff, handled intake for child protective services, and linked individuals to essential social services like SNAP and Medicaid.

In his role as a therapist with Maryland Health Alliance and previously with National Pike Health Center, Dr. Bendu focused on diagnosing and treating mental health issues among youth in outpatient settings, employing his expertise in trauma-informed care and evidence-based interventions. His work has extended to research, notably his published doctoral dissertation exploring social support, substance use, and mental health service utilization among African Americans. Additionally, he has identified medically underserved areas in Baltimore’s Southern Park Heights community, advocating for equitable healthcare access.

Dr. Bendu’s academic achievements include a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Walden University, a Master of Social Work from Howard University, and a Bachelor of Science from Njala University in Sierra Leone. His career is marked by numerous accolades, including the “Caught You At Your Best” awards for exceptional service at the Howard County Department of Social Services and the “Quality-Q” award from Prince George’s County’s Department of Mental Health and Hygiene.