Saphonia Michelle Butler, PhD, has lent her wealth of knowledge to government affairs for more than four decades, culminating in her most recent role as a special agent and counselor with the United States Capitol Police. Serving in this capacity from 1987 until her retirement in 2023, Dr. Butler was responsible for protecting members of Congress and their families and ensuring the safety of the members’ environment across the United States and abroad. Additionally, she aided in the establishment of their daily activities for security purposes. Alongside this appointment, Dr. Butler has served as an event and wedding planner through Your Appointed Time Weddings and Events since 1985 and is a crisis intervention and mental health counselor in Prince George’s County in Maryland. She also continues to thrive as a victim witness officer, advocate, and counselor for the United States Capitol Police.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Butler was a data analyst with the Federal Aviation Administration and the United States Department of Transportation from 1984 to 1987. She also served as a word processing specialist with the Prince George’s County Court from 1983 to 1984 and as an office administrator with the United States Air Force from 1982 to 1983. To prepare for her esteemed career, she pursued a formal education at Prince George’s Community College, receiving an associate degree in business administration and management. She subsequently attended Logos University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 2015, a Master of Arts in 2016 and a Doctor of Philosophy in ministry and Christian counseling in 2020.
Adjacent to her primary duties, Dr. Butler has contributed significantly to her community, having been a counselor through her local church and a volunteer and donor for several youth foundations and programs. She gives credit for her success to the influence and support of her many mentors and family members, including her grandparents, spiritual parents, and biological parents. She has also been supported by numerous coaches along her professional path. Among her many career milestones, she is particularly proud of receiving her multiple degrees while working in a high-demand field.
In the coming years, Dr. Butler endeavors to become a licensed counselor and establish a faith-based counseling and wellness center in her community. In addition, she would like to create counseling workshops for individuals in her region who may need extra support and resources. Dr. Butler lives and works by the phrase, “I am nothing without God, but I am everything because of Him.”