Dr. Sablo's work is informed by decades of experience in mental health, higher education leadership, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. From public housing in the Bronx to executive leadership roles, his journey fuels a deep commitment to empowerment, healing, and justice.
Together We Rise!Dr. Kahan Sablo is not just the founder of Elevation C³ — he is a therapist, coach, and tireless advocate whose life experience fuels a deep passion to empower others. With humble beginnings in the Marble Hill Houses, a public housing project in the Bronx, NY, his journey has been defined by overcoming every obstacle and committing to justice and holistic well-being.
A prostate cancer survivor, a personal weight loss champion of over 200 lbs, a former EMS Paramedic, a martial artist, former National Facilitator of Adodi, and a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. — Dr. Sablo brings a unique perspective and genuine empathy when empowering clients to reach their most ambitious goals.
With over 20 years of experience serving diverse communities, Dr. Sablo has served as Dean and Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Dean and Vice President for Student Affairs at Academic institutions. He holds a Doctor of Education degree, a Master of Social Work, and a Master of Science degree in Counseling and Psychological Services. He is currently enrolled in seminary, working on a Master of Divinity (M. Div) in Chaplaincy, a Master of Arts in Social Transformation, and a Certificate of Sexuality in Religion.
He is LGBTQ+ affirming, culturally grounded, and spiritually anointed in his call to serve Black, Brown, and other diverse communities — meeting every person exactly where they are.
A prostate cancer survivor, Dr. Sablo runs 5Ks in support of the annual ZERO Prostate Cancer race. He has served as a full-time Mental Health Therapist and Behavioral Health Weight Loss Program Coordinator.
A Living Example — Having achieved a personal weight loss of over 200 lbs, Dr. Sablo brings a unique perspective and genuine empathy when empowering clients to reach their own ambitious wellness goals.
Before credentialing as a mental health therapist and coach, Dr. Sablo worked in higher education, holding Dean and Vice President titles in both Student Affairs and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Despite the political attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, Dr. Sablo remains a fierce advocate for equity and justice — integrating these principles into his counseling and coaching practice.
His extensive background counseling and coaching students pursuing academic and life goals built a solid foundation for this work. He is called to help individuals and organizations pursue their biggest aspirations.
As an African American and Latino, same-gender-loving (gay), Christian man, Dr. Sablo is intrinsically driven to support individuals with intersectional identities. While he proudly serves all clients, he has a deep commitment to the mental health and wellness of the African American community, LGBTQ+ individuals, and men — with a special passion for the mental health of men of color.
Also, as a licensed minister and church musician, he is particularly passionate about engaging with people of faith committed to the principles of liberation theology within African American spiritual traditions.
Whether in a boardroom, a classroom, or a counseling session, Dr. Sablo brings the same steady presence — earned through decades of clinical practice, executive leadership, and lived experience.
Having served as both a Chief Diversity Officer and a Chief Student Support Services Officer, Dr. Sablo partners with organizations pursuing supportive, inclusive working, healing, and learning environments. He is known for candid answers to difficult questions and a laser-sharp focus on creating spaces where every member of a community feels honored, valued, and appreciated. His experience includes responding to racially toxic organizational climates and bias-related incidents — including campus cross-burnings and a state supreme court hearing provoked by attacks on his own intersectional identities.
His commitment to service includes 20+ years of EMT/paramedic services with local volunteer EMS/fire departments and serving as the National Facilitator/President of Adodi — the oldest same-gender-loving spiritual organization for Black men. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first Black Greek-Letter Organization for African American men.
When he is not supporting individual and organizational transformation, you can find Dr. Sablo outdoors — gardening, kayaking, and hiking — or engaged in the discipline of martial arts. A former student of Judo and Karate, he is now learning the discipline and skill of Kung Fu.
To ignite the human spirit by providing culturally competent counseling, coaching, consulting, and professional speaking services, meeting individuals and organizations where they are and unlocking their inherent potential. We partner with clients and challenge them to elevate beyond their current goals.
Together We Rise!
To be recognized as the vanguard for empowering individuals and organizations to elevate beyond their highest dreams and aspirations — a trusted partner in transformation for every community we serve.
Together We Rise!
The Elevation C³ logo represents the human experience and our commitment to a transformative partnership.
Black, Red & Green Mountains
The mountains are colored black, red and green — a nod to our founder's cultural pride. Although these reflect our cultural roots, the services at Elevation C³ are available to everyone. You are empowered to bring your whole self here.
Peaks & Valleys
The overlapping mountain tops represent the inevitable highs and lows of life. We traverse forward through the valleys — bravely, unapologetically, and affirmed. Elevation C³ is your partner through every high and low.
The Upward-Trending Arrow
The sharp arrow cutting across the mountainous landscape signifies commitment to progress. Through every valley, elevation is coming. Obstacles become launching pads for growth.
Taking the first step is the hardest part. We honor that. Your free introductory consultation is a no-pressure conversation about where you are, what you are navigating, and how we can walk this road together. No commitment required. No judgment. Just a real conversation with someone who truly understands.
Your first consultation with Dr. Sablo is completely free. Use this time to ask questions, share where you are, and determine together how Elevation C³ can best support your growth and healing.
Contact Us TodayA clear, supported process — from your very first conversation with Dr. Sablo to lasting transformation in every area of your life.
Many clients think they need support and plan to seek help "some day." TODAY is that day. Reaching out is the single most powerful step you will take.
We may need to schedule your consultation call to work around your existing commitments. Even better — we may be able to book your first session right away.
Your consultation will take 15 to 30 minutes. Give yourself time to re-center afterward. Discussing personal challenges can be emotional — especially the first time.
You have been carrying this long enough. Be honest about where you need support. You cannot overcome or heal from what you cannot name. This is your safe space.
In addition to holding a Bachelor’s degree in Public Justice, Dr. Sablo holds a Doctor of Education degree, a Master of Social Work, and a Master of Science in Counseling and Psychological Services. He is currently enrolled in seminary, working on a Master of Divinity (M. Div) in Chaplaincy, a Master of Arts in Social Transformation, and a Certificate of Sexuality in Religion. Prior to becoming a full-time therapist, Dr. Sablo has served as Dean and Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Dean and Vice President for Student Affairs at academic institutions.
Yes. Dr. Sablo is LGBTQ+ affirming and culturally grounded. He meets every person exactly where they are. For approximately ten years he provided leadership to Adodi, the Nation’s oldest spiritual organization for Black same gender-loving (gay) men.
Yes. Dr. Sablo celebrates people of all faith traditions, including those who identify as “spiritual” and those with no religious or spiritual affiliation. In addition to being a licensed minister, he has 20+ years of experience as a Minister of Music, which includes playing piano and leading choirs. Dr. Sablo is currently enrolled in seminary at the Pacific School of Religion working on a Master of Divinity (M. Div) in Chaplaincy, a Master of Arts in Social Transformation, and a Certificate of Sexuality in Religion.
Call (773) 720-8091 or book through the contact page to schedule a free consultation. The consultation takes 15 to 30 minutes. In most cases your first session can be booked on the same call.
Schedule your free consultation today. Dr. Sablo is accepting new clients for counseling, coaching, and consulting. Located in Chicago, serving clients virtually nationwide.