James W. Mercer, Ph.D holds a doctorate in counseling psychology and a degree in funeral service. He owns a foster care and adoption agency focusing on the hundreds of children throughout Texas who have suffered abuse. He lives in Austin with his partner and three daughters and finds joy in his Jewish faith and community.

James recently released his memoir Secrets and Shame: Dear Oprah Diaries which has received accolades far and wide for its raw retelling of his childhood and how he came out the other end.  Available now in bookstores and online.