Menu
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.
Dr. Kayla Allison, LCSW, ACSW, CSAT
Dr. Allison is the owner and clinical director of Allison & Associates Counseling and Education Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the states of Louisiana, Texas, and Illinois with extensive experience in mental health, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS and provides LGBTQ friendly services.
She holds the prestigious Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) credential, the most recognized and respected credential in the social work field. 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 received specialized training in forensic social work focusing on forensic court systems, reporting, and testifying. She has served as an expert witness in the family court system and is experienced in completing court-ordered substance abuse, anger management, and mental health assessments in both criminal and family courts.
Dr. Allison earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Master of Social Work (MSW) from Louisiana State University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and an Associates of Arts in Psychology from El Camino College in Redondo Beach, California.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Allison is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
“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, LCSW, ACSW, CSAT
Gwendolyn Smith, LCSW
Gwendolyn is 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
Francis is 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
Tawana Smith, LCSW-BACS
Tawana is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Louisiana, where she also serves as a Board-Approved Clinical Supervisor (BACS). She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from McNeese State University and a master’s degree in Social Work from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Currently, Tawana is in her second year of pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Tx.
Her extensive background includes various roles in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors, including administration, program development, and direct practice. Tawana has worked with diverse groups, including individuals with intellectual disabilities, incarcerated populations, the homeless, and those diagnosed with substance use disorders. She specializes in working with children and families and is dedicated to providing end-of-life services.
Tawana is also employed by the Veteran’s Healthcare Administration as a Senior Social Worker, where she provides counseling to veterans with serious mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, Tawana serves as field supervisor to social work interns at Allison & Associates. In her spare time, Tawana enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, shopping, and simply enjoying the present moments that life affords.
Joshua Buller, MA, PLPC
Joshua is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) in the state Louisiana and enjoys working with children and adolescents ages 5-17, adults, couples, and families. Joshua has experience providing counseling in a variety of settings including schools, communities, clinics, and telehealth. Joshua also works with a wide range of conditions that clients may be struggling with such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and family conflict.
Joshua utilizes a client-centered approach and will tailor treatment based on client-specific needs. He also uses techniques from Somatic Therapy, which focuses on the mind-body connection to process and release trauma, stress, and emotions. Joshua is trained in Functional Family Therapy (FFT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Joshua completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and obtained his Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA.
“If you’ve been in counseling for years, talking about our issues but feel no relief – let’s try something different! I love helping clients get out of their mind and reconnected with their body, where I believe the healing really starts.”
– Joshua Buller, MA, PLPC
Jasmine Smith, MA, PLPC
Jasmine is a counselor, educator, and advocate committed to guiding individuals and families through healing, personal growth, and emotional transformation. As a Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) in Louisiana, she brings an extensive background in behavioral health, crisis intervention, education, and faith-based support, specializing in emotional wellness, personal development, and breaking generational patterns. Jasmine provides holistic, person-centered care, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, strengths-based interventions, psychoeducation, and emotional regulation strategies.
Her clinical experience spans working with adolescents,
adults, and families facing anxiety, grief, complex trauma, and major life transitions. Jasmine holds a Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Management from Grambling State University, and an Associate of Science (AS) in
Business Management from Southern University.
“Sometimes the change you’re looking for starts with
simply not giving up on yourself.” – Jasmine Smith, MS, PLPC
Vean Rademeyer, MA, PLPC
Vean is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) in the State of Louisiana who enjoys helping clients explore their identities, build resilience, and create more meaningful lives. Vean is committed to supporting men’s mental health, immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities, and individuals navigating depression, anxiety, and life transitions. He strives to create a welcoming, affirming space where clients feel safe to grow at their own pace.
Vean draws upon evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. He works collaboratively with clients to understand their thoughts and emotions, discover the root cause(s) of their struggles, and connect with their strengths and goals.
Vean completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Baylor University in Waco, Texas and earned his Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.
“The hardest step in the counseling journey is recognizing that change is possible. The second hardest is finding the right person to walk alongside you.
Thank you for taking those first steps, and for inviting me to be part of your journey. The view at the end of this path will be worth every effort we take together.” – Vean Rademeyer, MA, PLPC
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.