La Donna Harris, LPC, ME.d, LPC President- Executive Director

Ms. Harris holds an Associate of Science in Human Services from Mt. Wachusett College, a Bachelor of Arts in Law Enforcement from Western New England University, and a Masters of Education in Counseling Psychology from Cambridge College and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Counseling. Her counseling credentials are Certified Guidance Counselor for Middle and High School teens and Professional Counselor License - LPC. Ms. Harris Professional Memberships are Texas Counselor Association, Mid Texas Counselor Association, American Psychological Association, and American Counseling Association. She has obtained Highest Honor Dean's list on several occasions and received recognition from the Killeen Education Foundation, The STARS 2004 teaching excellence award.

Ms. Harris has over twenty years of professional experience and documented success in Education and Counseling. She is a creative, dedicated, hardworking educator/counselor who has worked with diverse people, including adolescents from economically disadvantaged and military personnel. As a Psychology Instructor, she can engage all learners to make a positive impact. Her educational philosophy is to empower, equip, and encourage all learners. She believes all students can achieve academic success according to their learning style. As an instructor, she sets the tone for the course by exhibiting enthusiasm, creativeness, and maintaining current knowledge for psychology that inspires students to attain a higher level and critical thinking. 

Also, Ms. Harris was previously employed as a High School Guidance Counselor for over eight years, where her passion for working with at-risk youth blossomed. Students sought her for social and emotional issues, along with academic and life guidance. She influenced youth to strive for the best and never to give up. Furthermore, Ms. Harris's passion for working with youth began over two decades as a bible school teacher and youth leader. She currently holds the position as a Youth Pastor at a local church where she inspires and encourages young people to be the best versions of themselves. 

 Ms. Harris has experience working with individuals of all ages, from young children to adults, faced with multiple challenges and transitions. She works with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, abuse, trauma, ADHD, ODD, anger, and faith-related issues. Ms. Harris has had the opportunity to gain experience in her field by working in a vast array of settings, including residential treatment facilities, shelters, foster homes, schools, non-profit agencies, private practices, correctional facilities, and military outpatient clinics. She uses an eclectic counseling style to provide client-centered care tailored to each person's unique needs and goals. 

Ms. Harris supports people with developing positive coping skills to tackle life challenges better. She offers faith-based Christian counseling upon request. To engage her clients in the therapy process, Ms. Harris utilizes various counseling techniques (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy). Her expertise includes working with authority defiant and resistant youth with anger issues, social-emotional learning, low self-esteem, and substance abuse problems. Ms. Harris is very skilled in establishing a rapport that helps her clients to communicate openly about their issues.  

Ms. Harris is the author of two books, Book of Questions for Teens and Express Mail: Words of Encouragement. Furthermore, she is a Play-Writer and Producer of two plays, "What Mama Don't Know Will Hurt: Secrets (Unmasked) and "If Only the Parents Knew: Out of Darkness." She has received numerous awards. Ms. Harris is a phenomenal motivational speaker that knows how to captivate her audience. She has been the keynote speaker at several engagements. She has received several recognitions and awards to motivate and inspire others to transform their lives. Furthermore, Ms. Harris was selected as a Commencement Speaker to encourage and motivate high school graduates. Ms. Harris is committed to making a difference in her community, and she enjoys inspiring others to be encouraged, empowered, and equipped for a better person and future. Some of her professional presentations are as follows:    

• Unlocking your Future with the Keys to Success Texas A&M University-Central   
• Mentoring At-Risk Youth for Change- Adult Child and Family Counseling Center 
• Empowering Women-Fort Hood, Texas
• Parenting for the Millennium Manor Middle School 
• Texas Women Leadership Coalition Empowering Young Women for the Future 
• Childhood Mental Health Disorders: Boys and Girls 
• Stressing Less and Taking Life, day by day-Health Human Services 
• Mental Health Issues for school-age children – Community In Schools 
• Understanding Eating Disorder in children and youth –Community In Schools 
• High School Commencement Speaker Transformative Charter Academy 
• Boys and Girls Club-Professional Speaker-"Never Quit 
• Communities In School-Professional Speaker – Childhood Mental Health Issues  
• Mentoring at-risk youth Lawton Oklahoma – Collaboration for a better teen 
• Communities in School-Professional Speaker-Anger Issues in Children and Youth 
• Juvenile Probation Office-Knowing Your Purpose 
• Living in the Light-Women's Day Workshop