About Us
At Transform U Institute, we provide structured, Trauma-Informed Peer Support and Re-Entry Coordination for women ages 18+, who are transitioning from incarceration and have co-occurring substance use and mental health diagnoses. We also offer Youth Peer Empowerment & Re-entry Support programs to expand peer-led behavioral-health and re-entry services for youth ages 7 to 18 in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, and Gaston Counties, NC. We provide trauma-informed, strengths-based support for youth impacted by mental-health or substance-use challenges, family incarceration, or justice involvement. Our vision is to promote resilience, recovery, and long-term community reintegration.
Meet the Founder
Dr. Shakina J. Murphy is a PhD-level educator, program supervisor, and certified CBT facilitator with over 15 years of experience working with adolescents, parents, and professionals in both educational and mental health settings.
She has led parenting classes, anger management programs, grief support groups, and life skills training for schools, day treatment programs, and community organizations.
Currently completing life coaching and anger management facilitator certifications, Dr. Murphy brings a unique mix of academic expertise, hands-on program leadership, and compassion to every group she leads. Her mission is simple: equip people with tools to transform pain into power, and frustration into resilience.
Transforming into the greatest version of YOU
Our Mission
To provide accessible, evidence-informed coaching and group learning that helps individuals and families transform challenges into growth — fostering emotional resilience, stronger relationships, and a healthier future.
Our Values
Empowerment: Helping people build practical skills to face real challenges.
Inclusivity: Serving diverse families and communities with respect and cultural sensitivity.
Practical Growth: Teaching tools that can be applied right away — not just theory.
Compassion: Meeting every participant with understanding and dignity.