Reverend Dr. D. “Melynda” Clarke acknowledged her call to ministry while successfully employed in the United States Federal Government. Dr. Clarke enjoyed an impressive career, where she rose to executive ranks and completed her master’s degree in public administration, at American University. She was liaison to Congressional and Presidential officials during the crucial time of our nation’s history, during the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

Dr. Clarke left federal service to follow a greater calling. She obtained her graduate degrees in theology and mental health counseling from Wesley Theological Seminary and Capella University. She received her Doctorate in Divinity from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. She has preached and conducted missionary and evangelistic work in Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. She currently serves as Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church located in Montclair Virginia. She is also a member of the A.M.E. Church’s Writer’s Guild where she writes curriculum for the Liberating Faith Studies Sunday School Lessons.

Dr. Clarke is nationally certified in mental health counseling and is a certified supervisor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland. She worked for over fourteen years advocating for legislative changes to serve victims of crime and expand Maryland counselor licensing to other states. She recently retired from the University of Maryland Medical Center where she was the Program Administrator for a hospital based dual service rape crisis and domestic violence program. As Administrator, she oversaw all therapeutic services for survivors, supervised a 24-hour crisis line, oversaw extensive community outreach including educational and social services.  

Dr. Clarke is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is married to Leo G. Clarke III, where they are blessed with two adult sons, Clifton and Christopher, a daughter-in-love, Jessica, and a beautiful granddaughter, Peyton.

Her favorite scripture comes from Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi.

“I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3: 13 – 14 NKJV