Meet Dr. Martia L. Carter

B.S., (Hon.) D.Hum.

Founder | Mental Health Christian Life Coach | International Chaplain | Simply Wisdom Mental Health & Life Coaching |
Founder, Deborah’s Daughters Transitional Housing & Outreach Services

Martia L. Carter is the Founder of Deborah’s Daughters Transitional Housing & Outreach Services and the visionary behind Simply Wisdom Mental Health & Christian Life Coaching. She is a Mental Health Christian Life Coach, International Chaplain, nonprofit founder, community advocate, and mentor with over 40 years of combined life, ministry, and professional experience walking alongside individuals and families toward healing, stability, and purpose.

A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Martia has devoted her life to empowering women, families, and underserved populations. Having raised two daughters and a son as a single mother, she has also raised and supported many children from the community as her own—extending care far beyond biological ties. She is also a spiritual mother to countless individuals whom she has mentored, counseled, and guided in faith and life.

Martia’s professional journey began in healthcare as a certified nurse’s aide and home health aide, later supervising individuals with special needs. In 2013, she stepped away from corporate management to fully dedicate her life to ministry and community service through Deborah’s Daughters. Her calling continued to expand as she earned her ministerial credentials and began serving in broader leadership roles, including her service as a Minister with Wright’s International Ministry.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling from Scripture Therapy College and Seminary and received her International Chaplain certification through the same institution. Martia continues advanced studies through Light University in Mental Health Christian Life Coaching, strengthening her integrated approach to care that addresses the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of those she serves.

Martia currently works with Partners In Housing Indy, supporting individuals who are transitioning from being unhoused into stable housing. She has dedicated the past 10 years specifically to serving the homeless community and individuals with serious mental health and substance use challenges. This work represents the fulfillment of her long-standing calling to walk closely with those often overlooked, offering dignity, advocacy, and consistent support.

In response to urgent community needs, Martia also operates a small emergency food pantry, providing immediate assistance to individuals and families facing food insecurity. She is actively working toward expanding the pantry to a larger capacity in order to help fight hunger on a broader scale and serve her community more effectively.

An author and creative voice, Martia is the forthcoming author of Dancing in the Rain, has collaborated on writing projects with other authors, and has written two journals designed to support healing, reflection, and identity restoration. She is also deeply committed to uplifting other women, intentionally promoting successful women in the community by supporting their businesses, products, and creative work.

At the core of Martia’s philosophy is a simple but powerful truth: she does not see problems—she sees people and their God-given purpose. She believes in doing life with people, not just showing up for a moment, but walking faithfully alongside individuals as they heal, grow, and step into who God has called them to be.

In 2026, Martia will be honored with an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities, recognizing her lifelong impact in mental health advocacy, faith-based leadership, community service, and humanitarian work.