Meet Our Team
Dawn James-Russell LMFT-Associate, LCDC, Life Coach
Founder/CEO of Love & Therapy PLLC - Supervised by Rachel Pendergraft, LMFT-S
Education:
Masters in Marriage & Family Therapy - Amberton University / Masters in Human Relations & Business - Amberton University / Bachelors in Secondary English Education - Paul Quinn College
G.L.O.W. Philosophy:
Starting therapy is a significant step, and I commend you for considering this journey. My personal experience with the transformative power of therapeutic partnership has inspired me to create a safe and supportive environment where healing and happiness can flourish.
At Love & Therapy, I specialize in working with Couples & Marriages undergoing life transitions, as well as Executive-Level Leaders who seek personal and professional growth. Utilizing effective techniques such as our Signature G.L.O.W. Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, my aim is to empower you to your fullest potential.
I strive to cultivate a collaborative atmosphere where you feel seen, valued, and inspired to take steps toward achieving your life goals, creating a pathway of HEALING towards HAPPINESS.
The GLOW Team
Alvinette (Rita) Richardson, LPC
LEAD Clinical Therapist
Hello, I’m Rita, a Licensed Professional Counselor. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in trauma from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and my master’s degree in counseling from Missouri Baptist University.
I believe therapy is a restorative process that builds confidence and supports overall well-being—mental, physical, and emotional. life’s challenges, while painful, can also be powerful catalysts for growth, transformation, and empowerment.
My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can freely express themselves and receive supportive feedback that promotes healing. Together, we work to build resilience, discover solutions, and gain new perspectives while setting achievable goals.
I use a collaborative, client-centered approach that integrates evidence-based techniques. I work with young adults, individuals, couples, and families on a variety of concerns, including: Anxiety, Depression, Grief & Loss, Trauma and Life Transitions.
At the heart of my practice is the belief that a change in thought creates a change in behavior—and ultimately, Changing Lives for Good.
Dr. Charm Lipscomb, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Hello, I’m Dr. Charmeka Lipscomb, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, a doctorate prepared dual certified nurse practitioner (family & psychiatric mental health) with over 25 years of nursing experience and over 13 years as a nurse practitioner. I’ve worked in postpartum, school nursing, orthopedics, case management, MHMR, HIV & jail health.
I’m passionate about working with people living with and/or affected by HIV and/or mental health, as they are two of the most stigmatized disease processes in our community. I’d love to meet and discuss with your background and goals, with hopes of ending the rise of new diagnoses in Texas. There’s no need to suffer in silence, I am here to serve and support your health and healing journey- Let’s do it TOGETHER!!
Beverly Carroll, LCDC
GLOW Groups Leader
Hello, I am Beverly. As a License Chemical Dependency Counselor with three decades of experience working with adolescents, adults and women with children, I am passionate about resolving the problem and focusing on the solution.
I earned by bachelors degree from UT Southwestern Medical School which includes all facets of disabilities. I believe that music is healing for the soul, & I’ve been DJ’ing for 25 years. I’m looking forward to partnering with you on this journey!
Chiedozie Okafor, LPC-Associate
Clinical Therapist - Supervised by Taran McGowen, M.A, LPC-S
Hi, I'm Chiedozie - as a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate, Certified Life Coach, and consultant with 12+ years of experience working with individuals, couples, and organizations, I really enjoy being a thought partner to my clients. I'm passionate about working with those who are ready to be accountable, challenged, and do the hard work that comes with being vulnerable, growing, and healing. I continue to build my expertise in working with couples (completing Level 2 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy), on men's issues, and with individuals struggling with trauma, grief, and ADHD.
I have a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Midwestern State University and two Master's degrees (MBA and Higher Education) from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor as well as a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Texas A&M University - College Station. Family is core to my foundation and when I'm not spending time with my wife, loved ones, or friends, I can be found cycling, playing golf, trying new restaurants, or hanging out with my Aussiedoodle, Yaji.
Dana Gorham, LPC-Associate
Clinical Therapist - Supervised by Charisa Placker, LPC-S
Hello, I’m Dana. As a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with 15 years of experience working with adults from diverse backgrounds. Because I grew up strongly impacted by chronic illness, I enjoy focusing on helping people coping with medical issues and injuries, and/or living with disabilities. Other areas of specialization include work/life balance issues and working with neurodivergent individuals.
My most recent work involved psychedelic facilitation in clinical trials for new psychiatric treatments seeking FDA approval. I earned a Master degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Bachelor degree in Rehabilitation Studies, and a certificate in Substance Abuse & Addictions from the University of North Texas. I live with my partner Cameron, bagle hound puppy Lucy, and excessive collection of vintage odds & ends in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas..
Jessica Martin, LPC-Associate
Clinical Therapist - Supervised by Marsha Wells-Pegram, LPC-S
Hello, I'm Jessica, a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. I enjoy working with adolescents and young adults, supporting them as they navigate life's stressors and explore who they are during important transitional stages. I'm passionate about walking alongside the next generation, helping clients build self-understanding, confidence, and resilience in a safe and supportive space.
Kyla Begay, LPC-Associate, LCDC
Clinical Therapist - Supervised by Angelou Johnson, LPC-S
Hi, I’m Kyla, a licensed mental health counselor with a heart for helping people heal, grow, and rediscover their strength. With over seven years of person-centered, faith-based experience in mental/behavioral health, I bring a strong foundation of clinical knowledge, cultural competence, and a genuine passion for supporting individuals across the lifespan, especially with treatment connected to mental health challenges, alcohol and substance-use addictions.
I graduated from Southern Arkansas University with a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, and my professional journey has allowed me to work in a variety of settings, including youth residential services, outpatient services, crisis services, adult rehabilitation programs, and senior care environments. These experiences have shaped my deep understanding of age-appropriate support, trauma-informed care, and the importance of collaboration across disciplines.
Outside of my professional work, I enjoy cooking, reading, traveling, and spending quality time with my family. These passions help keep me grounded and connected, and they inform the warmth and authenticity I bring into my client relationships..
Magan Bonner, LPC-Associate
Clinical Therapist - Supervised by James Rogers, LPC-S
I’m Magan, a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, and I support children (ages 8+), teen girls, and women navigating trauma, grief, and emotional overwhelm. I have over a decade of experience supporting individuals and families impacted by abuse and complex trauma through roles in child advocacy, forensic interviewing, and community-based settings. I hold a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University and a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology from Walden University, with a specialization in victimology.
Life has seasons, and some seasons can feel so heavy that you’re not sure how you’re going to get through them. This can look like trauma, anxiety, or grief—including losses that don’t involve death, like family separation or major life changes. My goal is to create a calm, supportive space where you feel understood, empowered, and able to move toward healing at your own pace.
My approach is trauma-informed and centers on helping you understand how your experiences show up in your body. I integrate evidence-based practices with mindfulness, grounding, and nervous system regulation to support healing in a way that feels steady, safe, and manageable.
Mia Calhoun, LMSW
Clinical Therapist - Supervised by David Marsden, LCSW
Hello everyone, I’m Mia. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker with experience supporting individuals and couples as they navigate life transitions, relationship challenges, and emotional stressors. My work is rooted in a trauma-informed and holistic approach, recognizing how past experiences—particularly relational and developmental trauma shape emotional well-being, attachment patterns, and present-day relationships.
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for couples and individuals as well as Emotionally Focused Therapy, with focused experience addressing relational trauma, childhood trauma, and attachment wounds.
In my work with individuals, I help clients explore how early experiences influence current thought patterns,emotional responses, and relationship dynamics. In couples counseling, I support partners in increasing emotional safety, improving communication, and breaking unhealthy cycles rooted in unresolved trauma.
I believe healing is collaborative and individualized. I work alongside clients to develop treatment plans that integrate evidence-based interventions with holistic practices such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, and increased self-awareness. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel empowered to process their experiences, strengthen their relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Tani Bankale, LMFT
Clinical Therapist
"Hi there, I’m Tani and I’m a Licensed, Marriage and Family Therapist.. You've experienced hurt. You’ve likely caused hurt, too and you might be struggling—that’s okay because who hasn’t? My goal is to support you, by equipping you with the skills to recover and overcome so you can move towards a new, freeing and fulfilling reality with yourself, your relationships and your experiences.
I enjoy working with couples and families across the lifespan—from young adults and new parents, to empty nesters and parents of adult children. Together, we work to establish trust and respect, fairness and reciprocity in addressing issues that may include communication, friendship & intimacy, reconciliation and renegotiation. With me, you can expect warmth, understanding, encouragement and humour. However, you can also expect me to thoughtfully challenge you along the way..
I earned a BA in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas at Arlington and a MSc in Couple, Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Tech University. My therapeutic approach is grounded in systemic methodologies, including Contextual Family Therapy, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I take a holistic perspective that acknowledges the interconnectedness of individuals, their relationships, [adverse] life experiences and broader social contexts. My integrative and collaborative style ensures that you receive tailored care and unwavering support as you navigate challenges, strengthen relationships and reach greater settledness in life.
Outside the therapy room, I really enjoy movement and mobility, reading, and live concerts.
Tammy Marshall, FNP-C
Family Nurse Practitioner- Board Certified
"Hi there, I’m Tammy and I’m a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) with a passion for creating a sanctuary of relaxation, rejuvenation, and top-tier treatments just for you. My philosophy is rooted in restoration and purpose. I believe that wellness begins with balance, combining evidence-based strategies with a personal touch that honors both the science and the soul of health. My faith and compassion guides me, allowing me to serve our clients with empathy, excellence, and integrity.
Through my partnership with Love & Therapy and being apart of the Love D.E.L.U.X.E. Experience, I have expanded my health, beauty & recovery services to heal more. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our shared mission — to restore love, healing & happiness with guidance and grace.
I currently hold a Bachelor’s in Sociology, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Master of Science in Nursing. I specialize as a Primary Care Provider, supporting clients with hormone replacement therapy, metabolic health, and preventive medicine, using clinical precision and holistic care to restore balance from the inside out. My expertise extends into body contouring, recovery services, and comprehensive wellness solutionshelping clients look and feeltheir healthiest.
Vanessa Watkins, LCDC-I
GLOW Groups Leader
Hi, I’m Vanessa Watkins — a Group Facilitator with experience in outpatient care, working primarily with adults facing mental health and substance use challenges. I specialize in leading psychoeducational groups that support insight, accountability, and recovery. I hold an Associate Degree in Mental Health & Substance Abuse Counseling and am preparing for my LCDC exam. I will be continuing my education in Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington in the Fall of 2026.
Driven by personal experience and a strong sense of empathy, I’m passionate about supporting individuals in meaningful, sustainable change. Originally from Canada, I now call Texas home and enjoy the heat. Outside of work, I spend much of my time with my German Shepherd, my best friend and her babygirl, and cheering on the Cowboys.
Our Mission
We offer a safe, confidential environment for individuals, couples, and families to heal, grow, and thrive. Our G.L.O.W approach addresses trauma, enhances communication, and restores love and happiness to relationships.