About us

Dads With Wisdom seeks to build on men's knowledge, skills and instincts of fatherhood by placing men into groups/teams of potential or current fathers where they can connect, share and receive support from each other and DWW staff with the goal of becoming wiser dads. 

Our Team

Adam Angel

(He/Him)

Founder, League Facilitator

Alyssa Goodman

(She/Hers)

Board Advisor

Adam Angel (He/Him)

Founder

Adam is a clinical social worker with 15 years of experience working with youth, adults, and families. Adam is a licensed social worker and his specializations include postpartum mood and anxiety disorders and developmental trauma. Adam completed his undergraduate at the University of MD and obtained his MSW at Howard University before working in the nonprofit world where he facilitated a number of groups including groups for men. Adam lives in Silver Spring with his wife, two kids and their dog. 

Alyssa Goodman (She/Her)

Board Advisor

Alyssa is an educator/operations specialist turned perinatal social worker and program evaluator. She has spent the last 15 years supporting children and families in a variety of settings. Her work now focuses on supporting the perinatal population.


Alyssa is also a Certified Fair Play Method Facilitator. In this role, she coaches individuals and couples on the Fair Play Method, a game-changing system that helps rebalance the domestic responsibilities and mental load. She offers workshops to groups and organizations on how to get started with the Fair Play Method as well.


Dr. Christopher St. Vil

Board of Advisor Chair

Dr. Chris St. Vil is an Associate Professor at University of Buffalo School of Social Work. His research focuses on Black masculinity, Black men and victimization and socialization. He also supports the evaluation of the Nurturing Fathers Program at Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network. Dr. St Vil is also a full-time Black man serving in overlapping roles of father to 3 children, son, brother, husband, nephew, cousin, friend and educator.

Dad: Rocky

Child: Penny (5 weeks @ start, now 14 weeks)


"My wife signed me up for the group because she was able to ask advice from and swap stories with many friends who were new moms, whereas I didn't have that many new dads in my friend circles. I had some initial hesitation when I found out: I was skeptical of adding a weekly commitment on top of juggling going back to work during the newborn phase, especially as yet another videoconference after a year of increasing Zoom fatigue. I am so glad that I ended up in the group: it has turned out to be an enjoyable and valuable hour of my week. The organization of the group is great for sharing information and getting people engaged, typically alternating between broader discussions and individual one-on-one "dyads" with well thought-out questions to structure the conversation. We have laughed, shared practical tactical tips, and reflected on fatherhood. Especially as a recent first-time father, I benefited immensely from the wisdom and advice of those a few months ahead of me in their journey, and whole-heartedly recommend the experience."


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Dad: Kenny

Child: Kendrix


"My initial motivation was my wife to be honest. She kept suggesting the class, saying it would be good for me. So I figured why not give it a chance and it was definitely worth it. Initially when I signed up I thought it would be more like therapy and a space where I was drilled with questions about my personal life. I also do not like to talk, so I was hesitant about having to be in a space where that’s all you do.

I enjoyed the break out rooms, I think that really helped with the conversations. I enjoyed the different topics and the questions to foster open communication. It was a relaxing space that didn’t put much pressure on me to talk or to come to the program in a formal way. I enjoyed just being able to be myself.

The group was great because it gave me an opportunity to speak with fathers in the same position as me and I was able to have conversations that wouldn’t normally come up on a normal basis. I was also able to learn more about myself and my parenting style as well as ways to foster a better relationship with Kendrix. "