Dr. Dennis "Ausar" Winkler, Jr., Ph.D., LCPC, NCC

Dr. Dennis 'Ausar' Winkler Jr., Ph.D., LCPC, NCC, affectionately known as Dr. DAW, was born on January 22, 1979, in Baltimore, MD, and is an accomplished entrepreneur, psychotherapist, educator, and community advocate. Married to his high school sweetheart, Camele Winkler, they share two sons, Dennis III and Jamil.

Dr. Winkler graduated magna cum laude from Sojourner-Douglass College with a B.A. in Administration and earned an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University in Maryland, focusing on Spirituality and Psychology. He holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision from Waynesburg University, where his dissertation was titled "Measuring the Relationship of Race-Based Trauma, Racial Identity, and Spirituality."

A lifelong entrepreneur, Dr. Winkler has founded various businesses and institutions in various sectors. To mention a few he is the founder of TNAT Holistic Wellness Center, co-founder of Diasporan Soul Jamaican and American Fusion Restaurant, and co-founder of the Brothers Helping Brothers men's group initiative. He previously served as an assistant professor of graduate counseling at Waynesburg University, where he prepared master's and Ph.D. students for the field of counseling.

Currently, he teaches part-time at Bowie State University in their Department of Counseling & Psychological Studies, specifically teaching multicultural counseling. Dr. Winkler is respected for his Black/African-centered approaches to counseling and psychotherapy, aiding in the growth and development of individuals, families, and communities, particularly within the Black community. In 2023,

Dr. Winkler received the Dr. Maxie T. Collier Phoenix Arising Award: People's Choice for Impact on Mental Health and Substance Abuse in the Black Community, a national honor from the Black Mental Health Alliance. He was also recognized by Grand Temple 13 in 2022 for his sincere commitment to uplifting the community, by UNIA-ACL on February 24, 2024, for his perseverance and dedication to the African community, and received an award on March 24, 2019, for his perseverance and commitment to the African community.

Additionally, he received the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award from the Moorish Science Temple of America (M.S.T. of A. Inc. #78) in 2008 in recognition of his achievements. In 2023, he was honored with The Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award in Baltimore for his contributions to the community. Throughout his career, Dr. Winkler has received numerous awards and honors recognizing his contributions to mental health, community development, and education.

Call 410-777-5020 for speaking engagements, workshops, media appearances, etc.