Dr. Cruse is a practical theologian, mental health theologian, minister, educator, and nonprofit founder whose work sits at the intersection of theology, pastoral care, mental health, and community wellness.

Her scholarship advances Mental Health Theology, bringing biblical and theological wisdom into responsible conversation with evidence-based mental health practices to help faith communities reduce stigma, strengthen pastoral care, and create meaningful pathways to support.

Dr. Cruse is the developer of SAFE SPACE GPS™  Guidance • Prayer • Support, an original Mental Health Theology framework emerging from her doctoral research on mental health stigma within the Black Church. The framework equips faith leaders to respond to mental health concerns while maintaining appropriate pastoral boundaries, honoring prayer and spiritual care, and strengthening connections to professional support.

She is Founder and Executive Officer of Steadfast Women in Ministry, Inc. (S.W.I.M.), a Christian, interdenominational nonprofit advancing Christ's ministry of healing through Mental Health Theology and serves as Minister of Prayer & Mental Health at Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York under the leadership of Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, where her ministry brings prayer, pastoral care, mental health education, and supportive resources into the life of the congregation.

Dr. Cruse earned her doctorate from Virginia Union University's Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, with a concentration in Community Health and Sustainability. She holds a Master of Divinity, magna cum laude, with a concentration in Pastoral Care and Spiritual Counseling from New York Theological Seminary, where she received the Keith A. Russell Preaching Award, and a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from St. John's University.

As an educator, speaker, and trainer, she works with clergy, faith communities, healthcare organizations, and community partners to strengthen the Church's capacity to respond to mental health needs without asking faith leaders to become clinicians.