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Our Team
Our clinical team is a diverse group of multidisciplinary professionals. We merge personal background and experience, education, creativity, and passion into a professional vision: commitment to client-centered care
in both theory and practice. We are committed to empowering clients to identify internal strengths while assisting in creating a healthy path toward emotional and social wellbeing.
Counseling and Education Services THAT VALUE
DIGNITY
RESPECT
ACCEPTANCE
OUR VALUES
We have the collective goal of prioritizing the needs of our clients and believe that each individual has a purpose, meaning, and objective value in society. Allison & Associates values the uniqueness of individuals and treats each client with dignity, respect, and genuine concern for their overall well-being.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Creating a safe space where individuals and families can get professional help and guidance with learning how to identify and apply personal strengths, skills, and abilities to grow into the individual they desire to be through the utilization of counseling and access to education services.
Kayla Allison, Ph.D., LMSW, ACSW, CSAT
Meet Dr. Allison, the clinical director and owner of Allison & Associates Counseling and Education Services, LLC. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Louisiana and Arkansas, with extensive experience in behavioral health, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Allison holds the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) credential, which is the most recognized and respected social work credential. She is also a trainer for the Nurturing Parenting Program and holds a Certificate in Sexual Abuse Trauma (CSAT) from the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress.
Dr. Allison serves individuals with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, parenting, and HIV/AIDS-related issues. She uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Psychoeducation, and Solution Focused Therapy as her treatment modalities.
Dr. Allison earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Social Work and Master of Social Work (MSW) from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. She also earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Psychology from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA. Dr. Allison is a member of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW), National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC).
“I believe that all people are worthy and capable of change. My passion is working to help people find their inner strength and create a safe space that fosters personal growth!” – Dr. Allison, LMSW, ACSW, CSAT.
Gwendolyn Smith, LCSW
Meet Gwendolyn Smith, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Louisiana and Florida with 13 years of experience in marriage and family counseling and 10 years of experience in substance abuse and mental health. Gwendolyn is a compassionate listener who specializes in working with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, anger, and other mental health diagnoses.
She uses evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Psychoeducation, tailored to each client’s specific needs.
Gwendolyn holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Troy University and a Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work from the University of West Florida. She is also a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
“Let me take this time to encourage and applaud you on your decision to seek counseling, for that step takes courage. The reward of a happier, more fulfilling life at the end of this journey far outweighs the struggles that have been impeding your mental well-being. I look forward to reassuring you that people do heal and helping you to create your success story.” – Gwendolyn Smith, LCSW
Francis Bellow III, LPC, NBCC
Meet Francis Bellow III, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years in the mental health field. He has held a professional license for 5 years and is licensed in both Louisiana and Oregon. Francis is skilled in providing teletherapy services, which he has extensive experience in. Francis’ experience in working with a diverse client population is extensive, including individuals diagnosed with severe mental illnesses (SMI).
He is experienced in working with clients with a wide range of concerns, such as depression, anxiety, anger management and self-esteem issues. In addition, he is skilled in nonprofit organizations, crisis intervention, case management, and public speaking on mental health issues. His primary therapeutic modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Francis received his education from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology, Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He is a member of both the Louisiana Counseling Association (LCA) and National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). He has earned the Telemental Health Training Certificate (THTC), which is a comprehensive training for behavioral health clinicians.
“Taking this step is commendable and I would like to encourage you to continue on your journey of wellness. Therapy is life altering and eye opening, it’s sometimes scary and difficult, but at the end of the process a better version of yourself is revealed. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this journey with you.
I look forward to working with you!” – Francis Bellow III, LPC, NBCC
Markelle Moore, BS
Advanced MSW Intern
Meet Markelle Moore, an advanced-level intern pursuing a master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in Advanced Clinical Practice from Walden University. Markelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies from the University of Lafayette. Markelle also studied Social Work at the baccalaureate level at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA.
Markelle brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our clinical team. Before joining us, Markelle worked for the Calcasieu Parish School Board as a Family Engagement Specialist and Lead Pre-K teacher. Markelle also served as a case manager for a national program focused on maternal mortality rates and improving health and child development outcomes. Markelle is dedicated to supporting the success of individuals and families in a manner uniquely tailored to each individual’s needs.
Markelle has certifications in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, Lactation Consultant, and Child Passenger Safety. Markelle is also trained in facilitating the Nurturing Parenting Program and the Parenting Partners curriculum. With Markelle’s experience in working with children and families, she specializes in parent education, perinatal wellness, child and adolescent mental health, and postpartum depression and anxiety.
“Every day brings a new opportunity to devote ourselves to change and wellness. The journey towards healing is beautiful but can come with discomfort. You are here, taking the first (and hardest) steps towards renewal and wellness. Trust yourself and the process because the reward will outweigh the hardship” – Markelle Moore, BS
Denzel Thompson, MS, MSW Intern
Meet Denzel, a dedicated individual pursuing his Master of Social Work degree from Howard University in Washington, D. C. He has previously obtained a bachelor’s degree with at minor in Sociology and a Master’s in Criminal Justice from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA.
As part of our team of clinicians, Denzel brings his passion and a wealth of knowledge to the table. Denzel currently holds a leadership position in a local non-profit organization serving individuals living with mental illness and facing homelessness.
Denzel is dedicated to advocating for and serving vulnerable populations. He believes that his life’s calling is to improve human well-being, assist individuals from diverse backgrounds in overcoming obstacles, and helping people recognize their inner strength.
“You did it! You decided to put yourself first and prioritize your mental health. That takes tremendous strength and courage. As humans, we can do little alone, but together, we can do so much. While it will not be an easy process it is certainly achievable. I look forward to meeting you, and congratulations for starting this journey of becoming a better you!” – Denzel Thompson, MS
Our Statement of Diversity
Allison & Associates Counseling and Education Services is committed to providing culturally aware and culturally sensitive behavior health services. Given the diversity of our community, clients come to Allison & Associates with varied life experiences specific to their race and/or ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, social class, religious affiliation, and/or disability status. We offer services that are inclusive and give voice to these experiences, by providing a safe, non-judgemental space to be heard, supported, and empowered.
We celebrate the rich diversity that exists in Southwest Louisiana, which is an integral part of the culture at Allison & Associates. We like to encourage awareness, acceptance, respect, tolerance, and understanding of our differences and similarities.
By fostering these processes, we believe that individuals will broaden their scope of awareness, become more empathetic toward others with different life experiences, challenge longstanding stereotypes and biases, and serve as models for civility and social change.
Our clinical team has extensive experience working with individuals of varying social identities and backgrounds. To enhance our professional knowledge and skills, we routinely engage in continuing education trainings in cultural diversity. By taking advantage of these learning opportunities, our clinical team remains mindful and conscious of similarities and differences between diverse groups, and better able to respond to the cultural needs and strengths of those we serve.