We’re passionate about helping you grow.
Meet Dr. Robyn Richardson
Dr. Robyn Richardson is the owner and operator of our practice. She began her study of psychology in 1992. She grew up in a military family and has been educated in both England and the United States. She earned a BA from the University of Texas at Austin. After working at a local group home for troubled youth, she returned to school to earn an MA in Counseling at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas.
Dr. Richardson moved to California in 2008 to earn a doctoral degree in 2013 from the California School of Professional Psychology. She has performed extensive research on chronic pain, mood disorders, and emotional regulation. With her roots and heart in Texas, she returned to the Rockwall area to work in nursing homes, provide therapy for private patients, and conduct disability assessments.
She has several years of experience working with adults, children, and adolescents. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, jogging, and sculpting dolls from polymer clay. She has a strong belief in the importance of helping our community. She has worked as a Red Cross Volunteer and created and presented jewelry to patients of a local hospice in Austin, Texas. She has also volunteered at Meals on Wheels and Minnie’s Pantry in Plano, Texas.
Dr. Richardson is a dedicated mother, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur. Brighter Paths Wellness and Counseling was established in March 2019 to provide Dallas residents with exceptional and compassionate therapy services. Her love for helping others has grown into a professional practice that has a consistent goal of putting the client’s needs first.
Meet Dr. Lysa Cage
Dr. Lysa Cage began her studies at the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. She later earned both a Master’s and an Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology from the University of Toledo. Dr. Cage worked as a School Psychologist in Toledo Public Schools and Chicago Public Schools before returning to school and earning her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy in Chicago, Illinois.
With more than twenty years of experience, Dr. Cage has worked with individuals of all ages and in a variety of settings, such as community mental health, private practice, public schools, and university settings. While she specializes in individual therapy, she has also facilitated group therapy and provided psychoeducation with adolescents and adults.
While Dr. Cage typically utilizes a humanistic theoretical approach to therapy, which explores the whole person and assumes individuals are motivated to reach their full potential, she also integrates various evidence-based techniques throughout the therapeutic process to provide effective strategies you may incorporate in your daily life to further assist in managing challenging experiences.
Dr. Cage can support you in working through a variety of challenges that may have resulted in feelings of anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and interpersonal difficulties. Dr. Cage believes that one of the goals in the therapeutic process is to provide you with the space to express yourself fully and authentically while also strengthening your ability to work through a variety of situations.
In her free time, Dr. Cage enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, travelling, and having new experiences (whether or not they involve indoor or outdoor activities). Dr. Cage also enjoys volunteering in her community.
Meet LaTricia Cleveland
La Tricia Cleveland is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Performance from the University of Texas at Dallas and her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from Capella University. With almost six years of experience, La Tricia enjoys helping couples, families, children, adolescents, and individuals to increase self-awareness and gain new perceptions as well as enhance their individual strengths to have a more meaningful life experience.
Her specialties include trauma, individual therapy, couples and family therapy, anxiety and depression, and adolescent (teen) psychotherapy. She is a lover of the arts and, in her spare time, she continues to enjoy acting in the theatre as well as in independent films.
La Tricia Cleveland is a member of the following professional associations and organizations:
· Delta Kappa
· Chi Sigma Iota (CSI)
· The National Society of Leadership and Success
· The American Counseling Association (ACA)
· American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
Meet Simone Davis
Simone Davis holds a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences, where she developed a strong foundation in anatomy and a deep interest in neuroanatomy and brain function. Her passion for understanding the human mind led her to transition into the field of clinical psychology. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Health Psychology at Walden University, Simone is committed to exploring the intricate connections between the brain, body, and behavior.
Her clinical and research interests include the gut-brain axis, anxiety disorders, bariatric mental health, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Simone is particularly passionate about integrative approaches that consider the role of gut health in emotional and cognitive functioning. She is dedicated to providing evidence-based, compassionate care while continuing to expand her knowledge in biopsychosocial models of mental health.
Meet Dr. Whitney Hardy
Dr. Whitney Hardy was born and raised in the Hoosier state of Indiana. She received her BA in Psychology in 2008 from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Whitney remained at Indiana University to begin a doctoral program in counseling psychology. During the process of completing her doctoral degree, Whitney obtained a Master’s degree in Education with a counseling focus and concentration in learning and developmental sciences in 2011. She completed her PhD in Counseling Psychology from Indiana University in 2015. Currently, Dr. Hardy holds a license in professional counseling and plans to become a fully licensed psychologist in the near future.
Dr. Hardy views her career pursuit within the mental health field as deriving from an innate, spiritual, and experiential draw, meaning that through her God-given nature, upbringing, and life experiences, mental health -related work was a natural trajectory. It was her personal life experiences that guided her to be particularly interested in familial and relational dynamics and their impact on one’s mental/emotional well-being.
Throughout her doctoral training, Dr. Hardy has seen the impact that early relational patterns have had on people in every stage of life. Currently working in private practice, Dr. Hardy enjoys working with a diverse range of individuals, couples, and families with a wide-variety of concerns, involving identity development and racial-identity development, relationship/familial concerns and conflict, trauma, depression, major life transitions, and stress management. She has a special interest in these areas, as they pertain to the lives of women (especially, but not limited to, those specific to African American women). Dr. Hardy interacts with clients compassionately and attentively and thinks about her overall work with clients from a psychodynamic and interpersonal lens. Meaning she places a strong emphasis on the development of the therapeutic relationship and the use of the relationship as an intervention to provide more positive experiences. She also believes in the exploration of relationships and patterns that have historically and are currently either a support or a hindrance to one’s present challenges. Dr. Hardy believes in empowering clients to guide them toward discovering their inner-strength and developing a revitalized mindset that they are capable beings.
Meet Dr. Tamara Starling
Dr. Tamara Starling is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) in Texas and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). She is a provisionally licensed psychologist and is supervised by Dr. Robyn Richardson. Dr. Starling received her PhD in School Psychology from Texas Woman’s University. Dr. Starling brings specialized expertise in understanding and supporting the mental health needs and experiences of individuals across all ages and developmental stages.
Dr. Starling provides comprehensive psychoeducational assessment services for children and adults, helping to identify learning differences, developmental concerns, and educational needs. Dr. Starling partners with students and families navigating K-12 and higher education settings to develop effective strategies for academic success.
Dr. Starling's work is grounded in an integrative approach that combines a multicultural orientation framework, cognitive behavioral theory, and family systems theory. This perspective honors the cultural contexts that shape each client's experience while recognizing the interconnected influences of thoughts, behaviors, and family dynamics on learning and development. Dr. Starling's research focuses on student academic experiences, examining how diverse learners navigate educational systems and how schools can better support all students in achieving their goals.
Meet Mahogany Wamsley
Mahogany Wamsley is a School Psychology Doctoral student at Texas Woman’s University and a practicum student providing supervised therapy at Cerebral Counseling. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas Woman’s University, where she developed a deep understanding of emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs across the lifespan. Her approach emphasizes collaboration and cultural responsiveness, ensuring clients feel understood and supported.
Mahogany works with children, adolescents, adults, and families, and she believes that everyone deserves a safe, supportive space to be heard. She takes a strengths-based, culturally responsive approach, meeting clients where they are and helping them develop practical coping skills that make a real difference in daily life, fostering a sense of being truly understood and valued.
She views therapy as a collaborative partnership and enjoys supporting clients as they explore their experiences, build resilience, and take meaningful steps toward positive change. Mahogany is dedicated to creating a welcoming, affirming space where clients feel understood, empowered, and supported on their journey, encouraging trust and comfort.
Meet Misti Jackson
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Education from the University of North Texas. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Marriage and Family Therapy at Lamar University.
Ms. Jackson has spent the past two decades working with children and families as an educator, helping them navigate the challenges of ADHD, learning disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and a variety of other academic and behavioral needs within the educational system. During the practicum phase of her graduate degree, she worked with individuals experiencing depression, economic hardship, and domestic violence through Hope’s Door, a nonprofit organization that supports families in crisis.
As a counseling intern, Ms. Jackson integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) into her practice. She helps clients explore the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while fostering self-awareness, emotional balance, and healthier relationships. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and the belief that meaningful change begins with understanding and reshaping the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us.
Meet Dr. Luci Papanasiassiou
Luci holds a PhD and is currently completing her practicum and internship here with us for a master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her studies focus on individual, couple, family, and group counseling, utilizing a diverse range of therapeutic techniques. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Career Counseling, Person-Centered Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, and Interpersonal Psychotherapy. Dr. Papanastassiou is dedicated to supporting clients through challenges related to trauma, addiction, communication, conflicts, behavioral issues, career counseling, and understanding self-worth.
Dr. Papanastassiou currently works for the Federal Government, where she serves as a Certified Career Advisor and I/O Psychologist. She also holds a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Philosophy, and a Bachelor of Science, complemented by numerous training and development certifications supporting mental health.
Meet Steffanie Minnifield
Steffanie A. Minnifield, MS, BCBA, is currently pursuing a PsyD in Clinical Psychology at Capella University and is in her pre-doctoral internship at Cerebral Counseling. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, and a Master of Science in Psychology with a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from Kaplan University (Purdue Global University).
Ms. Minnifield has worked with families and individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for almost a decade. She values building therapeutic rapport with her patients, understanding that this is a crucial aspect of their journey toward healing. This approach ensures that she can help them and that patients can help themselves. Throughout the therapeutic relationship, she uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Behaviorism to help promote change in the patient.
Meet Dr. Joy Hallman
Joy is a native of New Jersey and resides in Dallas, Texas. She is an HBCU graduate of Virginia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minors in English and Modern Dance. She earned her Master of Arts degree in School Counseling / Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate University in Encino, California. Joy was awarded a Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University, Los Angeles, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA).
Joy believes that self-forgiveness can unlock powerful opportunities to move forward in life. She seeks to empower her clients to create and become their best selves, and she is most noted for assisting with improving self-esteem and lessening anxiety while creating calm. Her approach to therapy is grounded in Humanistic and Existential Psychology, and she incorporates techniques from mindfulness, narrative, and cognitive behavioral (CBT) therapies. Her primary areas of interest include: relationships/interpersonal issues, women’s health concerns, processing trauma, body image, and life and career transitions. She is also particularly passionate about working with African Americans and college students.
In partnering with her patients, she offers a safe space free of judgment, as she believes that humans are making the best decisions for themselves based on the information that each has in any given moment. Together, she works with her clients to help them let go of those things which no longer serve them, deconstruct negative, false stories and self-beliefs, and begin again by identifying and reshaping goals so that you can author your own success story. In experiencing #alonetogether, she believes in partnering with her patients to increase joy and become one's best self.
Joy's motto: "Never let the shadow of a past failure block the sunlight of success."
Joy's favorite quote: "The key to Joy is unconditional kindness to all of life, including one’s own, which we refer to as compassion. Without compassion, little of any significance is ever accomplished in human endeavor…" – Dr. David Hawkins.
Meet Prentisha Robinson
Prentisha has been helping clients overcome their struggles for 6 years. She obtained her Bachelor’s at Ashford University, then went on to obtain her Masters Of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She works with individuals, couples, and families, helping them with life transitions, depression, anxiety, stress management, grief, marital/relationship issues, family conflict, trauma, self-esteem-confidence building, abuse (sexual, domestic violence, etc.), and life coaching, to name a few.
Prentisha uses an integrative approach incorporating various techniques (CBT, DBT, Realistic, Interpersonal, Solution-Focused, Person-Centered, Humanistic, etc). She believes that no one approach will cover every aspect of the issues that clients bring to the table. She collaborates with the client to identify the most effective course of treatment in order to receive the optimal results desired. In order to effectively help her clients obtain new skills, achieve clarity, healing, and reach their goals, she utilizes techniques with the most favorable approach to fit the needs of each situation. At the end of your time together, her wish is for you to be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary, enlightened, driven, confident, and empowered to continue on your new enriched path.
Prentisha has always had a passion for listening and helping people overcome and develop healthier ways of viewing and engaging in life. She loves building people up to be more empowered with more confidence and control over their lives. She believes that the more self-awareness we build about how we translate life events, the more we can understand how we respond to life. But FIRST we have to go back to the beginning. So Let's Begin.
As a wife and mother of 5, her days are filled with a lot of fun and chaos. So she values peaceful moments like playing outside with her kids, singing, dancing, laughing, and vibing with family friends. She LOVES to laugh and enjoy life.
Meet Sky Taylor
Sky received her Master’s in Mental Health and Wellness from New York University. She has over 6 years of experience working with clients ranging from 6 to 73 years old. Sky is passionate about helping her clients grow into who they want to be by walking alongside them and creating a lasting, foundational relationship. She meets her clients where they’re at and aims to provide an open, calm, and welcoming environment.
Sky specializes in sports therapy and postpartum anxiety/depression. She loves helping athletes reach their full potential and helping caretakers discover the underlying issues to what they’re experiencing. She also enjoys working with adolescents who are navigating critical changes in their lives.
Sky utilizes her knowledge and expertise to address anxiety, depression, relationship/family issues, pre/postpartum, personality and mood disorders, life transitions, self-esteem/confidence, stress management, suicidal thoughts, and eating disorders. She implements a variation of Person-Centered, Gestalt, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Meet Charlie McMillin
Charlie is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. She received her Master's in Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary. She enjoys working with individual adults to help them navigate anxiety, depression, mood disorders, grief, trauma, and any other challenges they may face. Charlie believes therapy is a collaborative process and her goal is to help clients move towards healing and wholeness, no matter where they are in their journey.
Charlie knows that starting therapy can sometimes feel intimidating, and she wants to move at a pace that feels safe and kind for the client. She invites curiosity and compassion as her clients work towards change. She believes clients are experts in their own lives and considers her role to be one of support and guidance. While Charlie works from a person-centered approach, she incorporates tools from a variety of theories.
Meet Elizabeth Tayem
Elizabeth Tayem is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, author, and speaker dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families find healing, rebuild connection, and thrive. She brings a culturally attuned, client-centered approach rooted in empathy, authenticity, and deep respect for each person's unique journey.
Originally from Cameroon, West Africa, Elizabeth is fluent in English, Pidgin English, and several African dialects. With over 20 years of residency in Texas and a heart deeply connected to her cultural roots, she offers a rich, cross-cultural perspective to her clinical work. She is especially passionate about supporting immigrant families, new mothers, and couples navigating significant life transitions.
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Child Learning and Development. She earned her first Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas, specializing in Human Development and Early Childhood Disorders. Her second Master’s degree is in Marriage and Family Therapy from Amberton University in Garland, Texas.
Administration Team
Meet Kayla Johnson
Administrative Assistant
Kayla Johnson serves as the Administrative Assistant at Cerebral Counseling and is often one of the first friendly faces clients encounter. She plays an essential role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the practice while helping create a calm, welcoming, and organized environment.
Known for her warmth and attentiveness, Kayla assists with scheduling, communication, and coordination, ensuring clients feel supported and informed every step of the way. Her compassionate approach helps ease the process of getting started and fosters a sense of comfort and care.
Kayla is deeply committed to helping Cerebral Counseling remain a space where professionalism, kindness, and genuine connection come together.
Meet Terrell Houston
Social Media & Marketing Director
Terrell Houston leads social media, marketing, and digital storytelling at Cerebral Counseling. With a background in brand development, visual communication, and community-focused strategy, Terrell brings a thoughtful and intentional approach to how the practice communicates and connects.
His work centers on clarity, consistency, and authenticity, ensuring that Cerebral Counseling’s mission, clinicians, and values are reflected with care across every digital touchpoint. From shaping the website experience to guiding content and visual direction, Terrell focuses on creating spaces that feel approachable, grounded, and human.
At the heart of his work is a belief that mental health environments should feel supportive long before someone ever reaches out. Built on trust, understanding, and a sense of belonging.
We can help.
Bring your ideas to life
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
Build your confidence
It can be intimidating to start your own business. Learn to present yourself and your concepts with confidence.
Expand your potential
We want to help you meet your maximum potential, whether it’s helping you building brand loyalty or expanding your business offerings.