Dr. Meleeka Clary: Multifaceted Clinical Psychologist, Director, Actor, and Award-Winning Host
Dr. Meleeka Clary (born October 14, 1973) is an accomplished American clinical psychologist, paralegal, model, actor, and the director of Three Corners of Deception. She has won several accolades, including Best Human Rights Director at the Toronto International Women’s Film Festival. As an actor, Clary has been featured in television commercials, public announcements, and well-known shows, including Eclipse: The Rise of Ink, Nashville, Bittersweet, Greenleaf, and The Resident.
Early Life and Education
Clary was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to Andrew Lee Clary and Larriana Clary. At the age of 8, she enrolled in Vicki’s School of Dancing and Acting, sparking a lifelong passion for performance and storytelling. In 2000, Clary earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, followed by a master’s degree in the same field from Curry University in 2004. She continued her academic journey, obtaining a paralegal degree from Northeastern University in 2005. In 2008, Clary pursued a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Walden University, which she completed in 2021.
Gala and Personal Connections
At the Luxury Gala 2025, Clary was accompanied by close friends and family, including Mary Skirett, Esther Erousseau, and Rhea Nannan, who were there to support her during this significant achievement.
Clary’s work, both in her professional and entertainment careers, continues to inspire those around her. Her dedication to human rights, storytelling, and mentorship is evident in the impact she’s had on both her field and her audience.
Career
Clary’s professional career began in 1998 as an office manager at Alternative Solutions, later working as a paralegal at the William/Rangulong Law Office. She transitioned to counseling, helping individuals affected by domestic violence, drug addiction, and HIV at various institutions, including the Hilderbrand Shelter and Inn Transition Shelter.
Psychology Counselling
Clary’s commitment to education led her to become an instructor at Premier Education Group and other institutes, where she taught career students pursuing higher education in the medical field. Currently, Clary serves as a clinical psychologist at HMWP Psychology Counselling.
Entertainment Career
Clary’s passion for the arts began early, participating in a Franklin Park Young and Youths Organization fashion show at just 12 years old. By the age of 13, a director noticed her talent and cast her as Harriet Tubman in her middle school play. From there, Clary continued to pursue acting, enrolling in Vicki’s School of Dancing and Acting and performing in various commercials and community shows.
TV shows
In 1994, Clary became involved with Black Essence, a group focused on using role-playing to combat violence. She starred in the original play When Your Sons Don’t Come Home And Why Me. As she advanced in her career, Clary appeared on numerous TV shows, including Greenleaf, Nashville, The Resident, and acted in Dr. Bird’s Advice for Sad Poets as Kwame’s Mother. In 2021, Clary made her directorial debut with the film Three Corners of Deception, inspired by her personal experience of a divorce and custody battle in Indiana.
Recent Accolades
Clary’s directorial work has earned her several accolades. Three Corners of Deception won numerous awards, including Best Human Rights Director at the Toronto International Women’s Film Festival, Best Female Director at the Toronto International Women Film Festival, and Best Female Director at the San Francisco Indie Short Festival. The film was also honored with several nominations and awards from festivals like the Berlin International Art Film Festival and Paris International Women Festival.
Recent Accolades
Additionally, in 2025, Clary received a prestigious recognition at the Luxury Gala 2025 Screening of the Oscar’s Samara Network. She was honored with the Best Host award for her Dr. Meleeka Clary Show on the Bold Brave TV Network. This award recognized Clary’s impactful hosting abilities and her commitment to meaningful television programming. While she is known for her work as the director of Three Corners of Deception, this award celebrates her role as a host, separate from her film work.
