Christie Brown

Christie D. Brown was born and raised in Dallas, Texas in a single parent home. She was educated early in the Champion Child Development Center System and later transitioned into the Dallas Independent School District. During her early years, education was instilled within her as one of her primary foundational principles outside of her faith. She attended Robert Lee Thornton Elementary School and Oliver Wendell Holmes Academy where she found a passion for English and writing and was inspired by her 7th and 8th grade English teachers.

After junior high school she attended Duncanville High School. During her time there, she was a member of the choir, Business Professionals of America and the Cosmetology Program. After graduation she attended Texas A& M University- Commerce where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Upon completion of her degree she obtained her first career as a Parole Office with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. During her time as a parole officer she was able to interact with individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds as she attempted to assist others successfully re-integrate into society.

In 2010, Christie earned a Master of Science in Training and Development from Texas A& M University-Commerce. While journeying the career path of a parole officer, she along with other colleagues created a program to empower and encourage women on parole called H.O.W.W. (Helping Our Women Win) which continues to this day. Christie and her colleagues created a specific curriculum which included weekly guest speakers that opened up the door to discuss topics such as: mental health, finances, health and beauty, spirituality, relationships as well as skills building, resume writing and dressing for success. During this time a light was shed on a new purpose and calling for her in the area of counseling. Christie, went on to complete a second masters and graduated from the University of North Texas with a Masters of Education in Counseling with a concentration in Community and Adolescent Counseling. She is currently continuing her educational pursuit as she works towards earning her Doctoral Degree in Counselor Supervision and Education from the University of Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky. She is expected to graduated December 2021.

As she transitioned from the journey of parole officer, she became employed at a psychiatric facility in Dallas County and worked her way through the ranks from discharge planner to Program Manager. She has counseled several populations such as: geriatric, intensive acute populations and children and adolescents. During her time as a Program Manager, she was also employed in other clinical settings such as: clinical private practice and the university setting. She has also worked with Children’s Medical Center in partner with Beacon Health Options as a Clinical Counselor. She has recently sought employment with Aetna Managed Care as a Clinical Care Counselor. Amongst these hats, Christie is currently the founder and owner of the Gathering House, LLC which offers concierge counseling services, tele-mental health, corporate trainings and program development.

Along with her business partners she is the co-founder of Elevating Dreams by H.E.A.R.T.S. which serves marginalized females ages 8-18 and educates them on a variety of topics such as: mental health, financial literacy, education, entrepreneurship and skills building. She is also is a licensed cosmetologist, Bronner Bros educator and co-owner of Beauty Catalyst which provides continuing education credits for licensed cosmetologists and barbers. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and also serves imprisoned female juveniles through the program My Sister’s Keeper within the Dallas County Juvenile System via Mt. Rose Church which she is a member of.