Our Staff
Pennie Beauchamp
Executive Director
Pennie Beauchamp is the Executive Director of Mental Health America of Greater Dallas (MHAD), a community-focused organization dedicated to improving mental health through advocacy, education, and peer support. With over 75 years of service, MHAD has been a cornerstone in the Dallas community.
A Louisiana native, Pennie's journey led her to Dallas, where she raised a family and built a successful career in the nonprofit sector. Her passion for connecting people with the resources they need drives her work at MHAD. With a creative mind and a forward-thinking approach, Pennie is committed to driving impactful change in the community.
The most rewarding aspect of her role is witnessing the tangible, positive outcomes MHAD delivers to those in need. Pennie's dedication and expertise have made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals and families in the Dallas area.
Holly Brousseau
Outreach Coordinator
Holly is the Outreach Coordinator for MHA Dallas. Before joining the team, Holly had a career in corporate sales for the hotel and pharmaceutical industries, spent many years volunteering with various philanthropies, and non-profit organizations; all while raising two children. Holly is very passionate about helping others and dedicated to serving in the mental health community.
When not working or volunteering, Holly enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter and traveling to watch their son play collegiate baseball.
Anne Beckman
Education Coordinator
Anne Beckman is the Education Coordinator for Mental Health America Greater Dallas. Anne is passionate about the WHO mission, helping children learn how to handle potentially dangerous situations that may lead to abuse.
Anne joins the Mental Health America of Greater Dallas team after retiring from 30 years in education. She was a teacher for 15 years before moving into Educational Leadership. Prior to joining MHA, Anne had been a principal for 10 years ranging from K-12th grade. Presently, Anne is a school board trustee in the town where she lives in Navarro County. Supporting counselors, teachers, and students is right up her alley!
Julia Schneider
Communications Strategist
Peer Support Group Leader
Julia Schneider is MHA's Communications Strategist and Peer Support Group Leader. Julia has run her own digital marketing firm supporting non-profits for 15+ years. She also has extensive knowledge in grant writing and fundraising. In her free time, she loves animal rehabilitation and nursing wildlife back to health, and is a glass artist. She uses this skill to make stained glass pieces and palm stones to help with anxiety relief.
Julia runs our Anxiety and Recovery Peer Support Groups, and has plans to launch additional groups soon. She's a Certified AWBW Facilitator and uses art-based support techniques in groups and when giving presentations and workshops. She's a Recovery Support Peer Specialist and Certified ARISE Interventionist Intern.
Katie Anderson
Community Outreach Liaison
Katie attended Texas A&M University where she received her degree in Education and Human Development. Katie has 7 years of teaching experience in Title 1 schools where she cultivated a passion for her community and the significant importance of literacy. Katie now services Mental Health America of Greater Dallas as a Community Outreach Liaison by providing opportunities and resources to our local businesses and organizations, as well as planning special events. Katie is the Founder and President of MHA of Greater Dallas’ Young Professionals Organization where she coordinates volunteer opportunities, networking events, and fundraisers for the Young Adults in her community.
Outside of work, Katie spends her time golfing, practicing yoga, spending quality time with her friends and family, arts & crafts, and enjoying the outdoors.
Cielo Carreno
Community Health Coordinator
Cielo Carreno serves as the Community Health Coordinator for Mental Health America of Greater Dallas, specializing in adolescent mental health and substance use disorders. Committed to health equity, she brings experience from other North Texas non-profits, focusing on reducing mental health disparities among marginalized youth. While at Mental Health America, she pursues a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from a top-ranked program, following her Master's in Public Health from the same university. A 2023 graduate with a Bachelor's in Public Health and Psychology from Austin College, she is a nationally recognized researcher passionate about improving health outcomes in underserved communities.
In her personal time, Cielo prioritizes quality time with loved ones, being a proud dog mom of her 13-year-old canine companion and reading a good mystery book.
Anita Valle
Mothers and Babies Coordinator
Anita is the Mothers and Babies Coordinator for MHA Dallas. She is passionate about helping new moms find their strength and overcome hurdles.
Anita brings to MHA her years of office management experience and previous roles as a substitute teacher working with small children. She enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom, raising her three children, and having the opportunity to volunteer in various capacities at her children's school.
In her free time, Anita enjoys spending time with her family, working out, and traveling.
Mia Lopez
Executive Assistant
Mia Lopez holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Dallas Christian College and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. She is deeply passionate about creating accessible mental health resources, particularly for the Hispanic community. As a bilingual professional, Mia is committed to bridging cultural and linguistic gaps to ensure everyone has access to the support they need.
With over six years of professional experience, Mia has excelled in program coordination, data analysis, and organizational support. As an After-School Program Director at St. Rita and Lamplighter, she managed a program serving over 180 children and led a team of 15 staff members, fostering a supportive environment through academic assistance and teamwork.
Mia’s global perspective was shaped by an internship in Guatemala, where she guided community tours, helped build homes, and taught English and Bible classes. Her commitment to community impact continued in her role as a Data Support Specialist at The Concilio, where she managed and analyzed grant-related data to drive meaningful programs.
Currently, Mia serves as the Executive Assistant at Mental Health America (MHA), ensuring seamless operations while supporting the organization’s mission to promote mental wellness. She is dedicated to leveraging her education, bilingualism, and experience to advocate for mental health equity and serve the Hispanic community with compassion and care.
Board Members
Sylvia Lopez, Ph. D. Chair
Dr. Sylvia A. Lopez is the former Director of Counseling Services for the 2nd largest school district in Texas. She spent 41 years of her educational experience as a school counselor and as a principal in an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. She also served as the Director of Counseling Services, she facilitated the implementation of the school counseling program, coordinated district wide initiatives and actively supported and sponsored many of the College and Career Readiness Initiatives. Dr. Lopez was directly responsible for approximately 385 elementary, middle and high school counselors.
In August 2017, Dr. Lopez co-founded the Lone Star State School Counselor Association (LSSSCA) in 2017 to address the needs of school counselors and provide quality training and information for all school counselors across Texas. She also has a consultant business to help school district leaders understand the importance of a quality school counseling program by providing training and designing systems to benefit the school counselor.
Shirley Weddle Chair-Elect
Shirley Weddle, a graduate of Paris Junior College and Texas A&M Commerce, is a community liaison and Mental/Brain Health and Suicide Prevention awareness advocate. After she and her husband Brad lost their only child Matthew, age 22, to suicide in 2014, she began the search for the “why” of suicide and now collaborates with multiple organizations and individuals to promote brain/mental health, prevent suicide and support those that have lost someone to suicide. She feels that her efforts provide a way to honor Matthew’s memory and allow him to continue to help others through her.
Shirley is the Charter President and co-founder of the cause-based Suicide Prevention and Brain Health Rotary eClub, a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor, ASIST and QPR Certified, Facilitator of a Survivors of Suicide Loss Grief Support Group, Mental Health America Greater Dallas Board Co-Chair, AFSP North Texas Chapter Volunteer and prior Research Connection chairperson, Rotary District 5810 Mental Health representative, State Legislative advocate, ambassador and volunteer for the UT Dallas Center for Brain Health and team member of both the VA Mental Health Community Task Force and North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church Mental Wellness Initiative Team, building upon her knowledge and experience as a Medical Imaging and Informatics Healthcare Professional for over 35 years.
D'Andrala Alexander Board Member
DeDe is a lifelong public servant and a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in Texas. Professionally, she has served at a variety of community organizations including, Habitat for Humanity as an AmeriCorps VISTA, Metrocare Services, and provided inpatient and residential treatment with psychiatric and criminal justice populations. As a clinician, she helped children and families navigate mental health challenges and build their lives after a mental health crisis. Her clinical specialties are Trauma focused-CBT, DBT, parent training, and crisis intervention.
In addition to her career as a mental health professional, she is a community activist and public speaker focusing on mental health, racial and social justice, and diversity equity, inclusion, and belonging. She is the co-founder of an affordable housing organization in Dallas (Neighbors for Housing).
DeDe is currently serving as a Director of Clinical Partnerships at Spring Health
Dr. Tracey Brown Board Member
Dr. Tracey Brown is President/CEO of MPOWERING YOU Counseling and Consulting where she provides mental health services to a wide range of clients in private practice. She is a licensed professional counselor supervisor who works with LPC associates to help them gain the knowledge and skills needed to earn their professional license.
Dr. Brown specializes in mental health-related issues including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and trauma. She also serves as a mental health consultant working with various companies and organizations in the U.S. and abroad to advance the field of mental health.
Dr. Brown is a retired educator of more than 30 years. Her tenure includes service as an elementary school teacher, professional school counselor (all levels), school counselor supervisor, Director of Counseling, and Executive Director of Mental Health Services.
Dr. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of North Texas, a Master of Arts degree in counseling and certification in professional school counseling from Dallas Baptist University, and a Ph.D. in psychology from Walden University. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Dallas Baptist University in the School of Education.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Brown is an award-winning author of 2 books, Single Mom, PhD and Ebb and Flow. She is also a well sought after keynote speaker and seminar host for various companies and organizations in the U.S. and abroad.
Dr. Brown is the proud mother of one son and daughter of Jessie (deceased) and Barbara Brown.
She enjoys reading, traveling, exercise, faith-based activities, and spending time with family and friends!
Jaime Cabrera Board Member
Jaime Cabrera is a visionary leader passionate about driving positive change through innovative programs, equitable resources, and impactful public policy to empower individuals facing adversity. With extensive nonprofit and healthcare leadership experience, she is deeply committed to reducing stigma, promoting education, and driving systemic change. Jaime’s strategic thinking and cross-sector collaboration consistently deliver transformative results.
As Vice President of Advancement for Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas, one of the largest affiliates in a national network, Jaime leads fund development, marketing, and advocacy to empower girls and advance equity. Previously, as CEO of a statewide Colorado nonprofit, she drove significant growth in revenue, staffing, and programs, establishing the organization as a national leader in maternal and infant health through policy-shaping and funding collaborations.
Jaime holds a Master of Public Health in Management and Policy from UCLA and serves on the boards of The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health and Mental Health America of Greater Dallas. She is also a member of the Dallas Regional Chamber Public Policy Advisory Council. In addition, Jaime has mentored her Little Sister, Mary, through Big Brothers Big Sisters for 13 years. She lives in North Texas with her husband and their two rescue dogs.
Dr. Summer Martin Board Member
Dr. Summer Martin is a dedicated advocate for mental health and counseling in educational settings, currently serving as the Executive Director of Counseling and Prevention Services for Richardson Independent School District in North Texas. In this role, she oversees comprehensive counseling, mental health, prevention and intervention services, as well as pregnancy-related services, foster care, and behavior management initiatives, all aimed at fostering student success and well-being.
With two decades of experience as a counselor, Dr. Martin has a deep understanding of the challenges students face and the support they need to thrive. She also shares her expertise as an adjunct professor of school counseling at Dallas Baptist University, where she nurtures the next generation of counselors.
A former president of the Lone Star State School Counseling Association, Dr. Martin is actively involved in the SMU District Leadership Fellows Program, furthering her commitment to improving school counseling practices. Her passion lies in advocating for mental health resources in schools, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve their highest potential.
Outside of her professional commitments, Summer is a devoted wife to Jason, with whom she has been married for 24 years. She is also a proud Army mom, with her son Kyle serving in the U.S. Army, and she treasures her role as the mother of 17-year-old Kadence, a high school senior. Summer’s personal and professional life reflects her unwavering dedication to supporting and uplifting the lives of students and families in her community
Hilda McClure Board Member
Hilda McClure is the Chief Operating Officer at Cannenta Center for Healing and Empowerment and a founding board member at the Cannenta Foundation. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Dallas Baptist University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), specializing in working with adults, and is trained in EMDR therapy and Somatic Experiencing. Hilda’s career began in education, where her passion for teaching elementary school students inspired her to help children and youth overcome trauma and mental health challenges. She developed an evidence-based intervention program for children living with their single mothers in a residential program and has provided extensive counseling to individuals struggling with childhood trauma, mental illness, depression, anxiety, and life stressors.
An OpEd Fellow and published writer, Hilda has been recognized for her advocacy work with the Emerging Leader Award from the Texas Women’s Foundation. Her writing has been featured in the books Self-Care for Chingonas and Hispanic Stars Rising, amplifying her voice on issues of empowerment, resilience, and cultural identity. She is dedicated to empowering women and girls, training professionals to serve Hispanic families, and equipping others to navigate the acculturation process. Hilda also shares her expertise as an Adjunct Professor and as a presenter on child development and trauma-focused interventions for professional audiences.
Chalee Rivers Board Member
Chalee Rivers, RN, BSN, brings 18 years of diverse healthcare experience, including 11 years specializing in behavioral health. As the Chief Compliance Officer at Clearfork Academy, Chalee oversees medical, regulatory, and operational compliance while fostering a culture of safety and quality improvement. With expertise in strategic leadership, she has successfully led Joint Commission and CARF accreditation surveys and implemented innovative solutions to enhance patient care and organizational efficiency.
With a strong focus on adolescents struggling with mental health, substance use, and eating disorders, Chalee is dedicated to creating supportive and effective treatment environments that promote long-term recovery. She is also a committed advocate, having participated in initiatives such as CCBHC Day at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., and Nurses Day at the Capitol in Austin, Texas, to drive positive change in healthcare policy.
Amy Watson Board Member
Amy is a licensed professional counselor who has worked with children, adults, and families for the past 27 years, focusing primarily on those in foster care and adoption. She has worked in private practice and the non-profit sector. Ms. Watson has a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University. She has counseled child and adult survivors of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse and has extensive experience working with children with behavioral and emotional issues. Ms. Watson provides trauma-informed services for children and families with a collaborative, strength-focused approach. Amy is the Clinical Director at Mosaic Family Services and maintains a part-time private practice. Amy has served as a clinical director at multiple agencies and has been responsible for building and implementing new programs her entire career. Amy is a Licensed Child Care Administrator and a Licensed Child Placing Agency Administrator through TDFPS. In addition, Amy supervises counselors, counseling interns, employees, foster parents, and parents to provide children and clients with the best care. Amy is also an active board member for a small non-profit, Way Alliance, and trains mentors for youth aging out of the foster care system. Amy is married and has two sons in college.
Dawn Wilson-Hawkins Board Member
Dawn Wilson-Hawkins is a Licensed Master Social Worker with over 12 years of experience working in child welfare and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has a Bachelor of Social Work from Texas Woman’s University and a Master of Social Work from Walden University.
Dawn is also certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid, which has equipped her with a solid foundation in mental health support, client advocacy, and evidence-based practices. In addition to her professional roles, she has actively contributed to the community through volunteer work and advocacy related to mental health and adoptee rights.
Amanda Pels Board Member
Amanda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with almost a decade of experience; she currently serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at Network of Community Ministries in Richardson, TX. She oversees all mental health programming and case management services. Before coming to Network, Amanda worked at CitySquare, where she served for 5 years, initially as a clinical case manager and eventually as the Assistant Director of Clinical Services. In this role, she was able to develop and implement a comprehensive mental health pilot, facilitate staff trainings, and create organizational policies for higher quality services. Prior to CitySquare, Amanda worked for 3 years at Parkland Hospital on the inpatient psychiatry unit, where she gained strong compassion for adults experiencing severe mental health conditions.
Amanda graduated from Baylor University (sic ‘em!) with a degree in Child & Family Studies, then continued to obtain her master’s degree in social work, with a specialization in direct practice in mental health, from the University of Texas - Arlington. She is currently licensed in the state of Texas as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker- Supervisor, and she enjoys teaching and mentoring the next generation of mental health professionals. She is committed to providing services that treat each client with dignity, care, and respect, while honing clients' strengths and opportunities to improve their circumstances.
Our Interns
Hirah Ashiq
Intern
Hirah Ashiq is an intern focused on public policy at the University of Texas at Dallas, where she is pursuing an undergraduate degree in accounting on the pre-med track and is a National Merit Scholar. Originally from Pennsylvania, she moved to Dallas for college and has gained experience in grant writing, event organizing, and identifying legislative bills to support. In her free time, she volunteers at an eating disorder helpline and is a member of a baking club.
Nour Karajeh
Intern
Nour Karajeh is currently a psychology student at the University of Texas at Arlington with minors in Clinical Health and Neuroscience.
At MHAD, Nour mostly works in advocacy and is focused on educating, raising awareness, and advocating for reform on issues regarding mental health. Whether it is working on campaigns, community outreach, or content creation, Nour loves being part of efforts that empower people to take charge of their mental well-being.
Outside of MHAD, Nour likes to read, listen to music, experiment with new drink recipes (her lattes are really good), and spend time making art. Nour is really passionate about the cross-over between mental and physical health. Her goal is to pursue a long-term career in Clinical Psychology, which will allow her to continue supporting others through both research and direct care.
Veda Devata
Intern
Veda is an undergraduate student at UT Dallas, majoring in biochemistry with a minor in public health. She plans to pursue a PhD in pharmacology/pharmacodynamics in the future. At UTD, she is a member of the CV Honors program, serves as a Student Ambassador, and engages in on-campus research. In her free time, she enjoys watching crime shows and K-dramas and occasionally bakes. At MHAD, Veda works with Dr. Sylvia Lopez and the MHAD staff to identify and apply for grants that support the organization’s projects.
Katie Ham
Intern
Katie Ham is a McDermott Scholar at the University of Texas at Dallas, where she is majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Sociology. She currently serves as an intern with the Mental Health America of Greater Dallas (MHAD) Young Professional Group, assisting with event coordination and data collection to support the efforts of the executive director and program coordinators.
Katie’s interest in mental health grew from her experiences working with older adults and recognizing how often emotional well-being is overlooked in conversations about health. Through her volunteer work in memory care, hospice, and primary care settings, she saw firsthand how mental health challenges—especially among the elderly—can go unnoticed or untreated. Wanting to be part of the solution, she joined MHAD to help raise awareness, advocate for better support systems, and learn how community-driven efforts can make a real difference. In the future, Katie hopes to pursue an MD with a focus in either gastric surgery or geriatrics.
Saesha Dravekar
Intern
Saesha is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Dallas as a part of the Hobson Wildenthal Honors Program. As an intern at Mental Health America of Greater Dallas, she supports a variety of initiatives by assisting with grant outline development, creating presentations for symposiums, writing speeches, and organizing key information to help further the organization’s mission and events. She hopes to continue growing with MHA Dallas and further develop her skills in teamwork, leadership, and community outreach and is excited to learn more about the mental health space and non-profit work at MHAD.
Outside of her internship, Saesha is an avid dancer, performing with a Dallas-based dance team and training in the classical Indian dance form Kathak. She also enjoys baking, playing pickleball, traveling, and spending quality time with her friends and family.
Alex Lao
Intern
Alex Lao is a second-year Master of Public Health (MPH) student studying epidemiology at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health at the Austin Regional Campus. Alex’s research interests are psychiatric/mental health, sexual health, harm reduction, substance use, adolescent, and racial and ethnic minority health. He received a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from The University of Texas at Austin in 2023. He is currently interning with Mental Health America (MHA) Dallas and is assisting the Mental Health America team through researching and addressing mental health provider shortages in underserved/marginalized communities around the DFW metroplex utilizing Tableau. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Epidemiology following graduating with his MPH degree.
In his free time, Alex loves to read, explore coffee shops, volunteer for non-profit Asian American organizations, and thrift.
Samsara Rodriguez
Intern
Im Samsara, A senior at Texas Tech University pursuing a degree in psychological sciences and soon applying to graduate schools for counseling psychology. I decided to pursue a career in mental health due to my community and culture not acknowledging how important mental health is and I hope to bring more awareness to it.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and planning events with my sorority. I like being part of campus organizations and hope to join more this upcoming school year. Volunteering at the animal shelters is probably one of my favorite things to do, I am a huge animal lover and being able to spend time with them.
Interning at MHA of Greater Dallas has guided me towards new resources for mental health and shown me everything that goes on behind the scenes to make something great.
Nadah Ouri
Intern
Nadah Ouri is an undergraduate psychology student on the path to becoming a therapist. As a Palestinian, her passion for mental health advocacy inspired her to give back to her community in any way she can. Through her internship at Mental Health America of Greater Dallas, she has developed the skills and knowledge first hand about the struggles of mental health advocacy from both a political and informational viewpoint. She hopes to use these abilities in her future work to advocate for the mental health of the Palestinians and other oppressed minorities.