Meet the Guests from On the Path to Practice!
Featured on Episode 11
Paul Allen, LMFT
Paul Allen Jr. is a distinguished Licensed Marriage Therapist (LMFT), a public speaker, a business owner, and a community leader, dedicated to advancing mental health and wellness within diverse communities. Paul has experience working with couples (Gottman & EFT), clients in life transitions, grief, and many other challenges.
As the founder and CEO of Hue of Mental Health Inc., Paul leads a team of professionals committed to providing culturally competent therapy services. His innovative approach integrates evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by marginalized populations.
Paul's passion for education is evident in his role being a clinical supervisor to interns and associates. His dedication to shaping future therapists and counselors is matched by his commitment to community education. He frequently conducts workshops and seminars aimed at destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting wellness.
Contact information: www.huemh.com, Facebook profile
Featured on Episodes 9-10
Ericka Cables, PhD, ACS, LPC
Dr. Ericka Cables (she/her) is a dedicated counselor educator, researcher, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and LPC supervisor. She holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, as well as a MAC in Professional Counseling and School Counseling K-12. Her passion for serving the community is a cornerstone of her professional identity.
With nearly a decade of experience, Dr. Cables has worked extensively with diverse populations, facilitated mental health workshops, and presented at both local and national forums. Much of her career has been devoted to providing clinical supervision and consultation to master’s level students and post-master level counselors pursuing independent licensure.
Dr. Cables is the founder of the Institute of Cultural Wellness (formerly Thoughts Out Loud Counseling), a private mental health practice specializing in culturally responsive wellness services that empower individuals and organizations. Additionally, she serves as Vice President for a nonprofit organization focused on addressing systemic poverty by prioritizing social and emotional health.
Contact information: ericka@culturallywell.org, www.culturallywell.org
The Institute of Cultural Wellness aims to address the pressing need for culturally responsive mental health services by (1) providing comprehensive training, education, and resources for mental health professionals, (2) clinical supervision for emerging counselors, and (3) organizational evaluations and recommendations to promote culturally responsive wellness activities.
Featured on Episode 13
Melissa Douglass, LCSW, BC-TMH
Melissa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Founder of GDC Wellness Services (previously Goal Driven Counseling), one of the first Black-owned, 100% virtual, mental wellness groups in the U.S. Her work and passion meet at the intersection of modern tech utilization and trauma-informed wellness strategy implementation as a clinician, educator, and consultant. Melissa skillfully uses 10+ years of direct-care, supervisory, and leadership experience in diverse non-profit, hospital, education, and government settings to help organizations improve employee wellness and productivity by enhancing workplace culture, leadership effectiveness, and team cohesion through a trauma-informed systems of care lens. Melissa values the depth of opportunities change management presents, and enjoys partnering with individuals and organizations alike to guide actionable, solution-focused, and practical strategies that uplift embracing individualistic human experiences as the catalyst for sustainable impact.
Melissa has also served as an Adjunct Professor at her alma mater for 5+ years teaching graduate courses on integrating telehealth and social work practice to developing clinicians. Above all, Melissa holds in high regard the rewarding roles of both wife and mom of three incredible individuals.
Contact information: www.gdcwellnessservices.com, www.melissadlcsw.com, LinkedIn Profile
Featured on Episodes 17-19
Pierre, LMHC, LPC, NCC
Pierre is a Black psychotherapist (LMHC, LPC, NCC), electronic notary public, and NYC community gardener. He is an EMDR-trained somatic trauma therapist, providing psychotherapy services to Black people in New York, Georgia, and Florida. He currently works in 2 private practices: Therapy to a Tea, Co and Mental Health Counseling for Our Communities PLLC, a donation-based practice Pierre founded where he provides free somatic trauma therapy to low-income Black people. Pierre is the founder and writer of Queeringpsychology.com, a psychotherapy blog/resource website where he works to make psychological and therapy concepts more accessible.
Contact information: queeringpsychology@gmail.com, LinkTree (social media), Therapy to Tea
Featured on Episode 15
Michael Rose, LPC
Michael Rose, MA, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH, is a licensed professional counselor and the founder of Wild Minds Consulting, a mental health practice offering individual, couples, and family therapy. With licenses in Colorado, Illinois, and Missouri, Michael specializes in helping families and young adults navigate transitions, heal relationships, and create balanced home lives. He also supervises provisionally licensed professional counselors, guiding them through the early stages of their careers. Michael offers virtual services as well as a unique Balance Bootcamp, a 12-week program designed to revitalize family dynamics and support young adults transitioning into independence.
Outside of his practice, Michael enjoys outdoor adventures, whether hiking in the mountains or walking on the beach, building LEGO sets, and engaging in thoughtful discussions on politics, religion, psychology, and sociology.
Contact information: www.wildmindsconsulting.com
Featured on Episodes 7 & 12
Kacie Smart, PhD, LPC
Kacie Smart is a passionate helper dedicated to developing intentional humans, organizations, and communities. She brings over 15 years of experience in behavioral health in her approach to leadership development and organizational health. Her journey from mental health counselor to strategic consultant demonstrates her commitment to addressing systemic barriers through transformative solutions. Holding a Ph.D. in Business Psychology from The Chicago School, Dr. Smart applies psychological principles to create effective leaders and high-performing teams. Her work as a consultant has been instrumental in driving transformational change in various organizations, emphasizing the integration of emotional intelligence and strategic thinking into organizational systems and structures. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Dr. Smart’s approach is uniquely empathetic yet results-oriented. She fosters the conditions for leaders and teams to harness their potential through practices that build their capacity for intentional planning and action to create an inclusive and empowering organizational culture.
Contact information: smartcounselingsolutions.com, LinkedIn Profile
Featured on Episode 5
Melissa Webb, LPC
Melissa is a licensed professional therapist with ten years of experience in the mental health field. Her mission is to raise awareness about mental health and promote healthier relationships within the Christian community. She encourages people to rebel against cultural norms and seek guidance for dating and relationships from the Word of God. She does this through therapy, speaking engagements, and hosting her podcast called "Untoxicify Your Relationships.”
Contact information: Untoxicify Your Relationship Podcast, Facebook Profile