Dr. Karla, LPC-S (GA), LMHC-S (FL), RYT-500, is a dedicated and seasoned mental health professional with over 14 years of experience. With a passion for helping others, she has worked in a diverse range of settings, including juvenile probation, acute psychiatric hospitals, and correctional facilities, providing therapeutic support to individuals facing complex challenges.

Dr. Karla specializes in working with challenging populations, including offending populations, substance use/addiction disordered populations, and individuals with co-occurring disorders. Her expertise allows her to provide compassionate and effective counseling to those who often face complex mental health issues. Her dedication to promoting mental health and well-being goes beyond traditional methods, as she integrates the transformative power of yoga into her practice.  With her RYT-500 certification and along with several specialized yoga-related certifications, she helps individuals achieve holistic balance and overall wellness.

With a deep commitment to social justice and public policy advocacy, Dr. Karla goes beyond her clinical work to address systemic issues affecting mental health. Recognizing the importance of creating a more equitable society, she actively engages in public policy discussions and collaborates with community organizations, government agencies, and fellow professionals to advocate for change.  Dr. Karla’s expertise in working with marginalized populations has made her a strong voice for those who are often under-served and overlooked. By raising awareness about the impact of social determinants of health on mental well-being, she strives to dismantle barriers and improve access to mental health services for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

In addition to her advocacy and work, Dr. Karla is a sought-after speaker and presenter, sharing her expertise and insights with the wider community. As an accomplished scholarly author and speaker, Dr. Karla has contributed to the advancement of mental health and social justice advocacy knowledge through her writing and speaking. Her insightful research and publications, as well as keynote speeches and presentations have earned her recognition within the mental health community.

Dr. Karla’s commitment to education is further exemplified by her role as an adjunct faculty member at esteemed institutions, where she imparts her knowledge and passion to aspiring mental health professionals. She has served as an adjunct faculty member at prestigious institutions, including South University – Savannah Campus in the Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, Georgia Southern University – Armstrong/Liberty Campus in the Psychology Department, and currently, Grand Canyon University in the Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Her commitment to shaping the next generation of mental health professionals is evident in her teaching approach.

Throughout her career, Dr. Karla has been honored with several awards, which speak to her dedication, expertise, and the positive impact she has made in the lives of her clients and colleagues. Her efforts in the field of public policy have earned her recognition for her valuable contributions and impact advocacy work, to include the 2020 Black Mental Health Symposium Advocate of the Year Award, 2021 One-Minute Congressional Speech on the House Floor by U.S. House of Representative E. Buddy Carter (R-GA-01), 2022 Florida Counseling Association Advocate of the Year Award. Dr. Karla’s influence extends beyond the therapy room as she endeavors to shape and influence policies that address systemic inequalities and promote social justice in mental healthcare, as evident as her playing an instrumental role in the passing of the Counseling Compact Legislation in the State of Florida with unanimous bipartisan support.

Dr. Karla’s multifaceted experience, passion for counseling, and commitment to advancing the field of mental health make her a respected and valued professional in her community. Dr. Karla’s remains dedicated to supporting individuals, promoting inclusivity, and striving for positive change within the mental health field and society.

Dr. Karla is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.