Dr. Dretona Maddox

Dr. Dretona T. Maddox, DSW, BSN, RN-PHN, LCSW, is an associate professor of social work for the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (CBSS) at California Baptist University. She is a suicide loss survivor who endured homelessness as a teen. Dr. Maddox overcame adversity, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix, her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California, and her Doctor of Social Work from California Baptist University, where she studied barriers to health equity in maternal health for pregnant Black teens. Her current research interests focus on Black Adolescent Maternal Health. Dr. Maddox is the founding executive director of Purposely Chosen, Inc., which provides support and advocacy services to pregnant/parenting teens in foster care. This organization includes two maternity homes in the Inland Empire of Southern California.