Lawanda Peterson-Banks is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Harlem. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Skidmore College in 2011, Mrs. Peterson-Banks attended the University of Pennsylvania's School of Social Policy and Practice. In 2012, while graduating with a Master's in Social Work, she was able to simultaneously complete licensing requirements to become a Licensed Master Social Worker in Pennsylvania. After graduating, she moved back to New York City and over the last 11 years has worked and gained experience in case management, family therapy, and psychotherapy. In 2019, Mrs. Peterson-Banks became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.