Our Mission and Vision

Galaxy Counseling Center's mission is to transform lives and families through diverse counseling solutions, education and community outreach.

Our Vision is to empower families in Dallas, Garland, Richardson, and surrounding areas to lead healthier and more productive lives through quality, low-cost counseling services.

Our Philosophy

Galaxy takes a holistic, sustainable approach to treatment, with a goal of breaking the cycle of dysfunction, giving our clients the ability to maintain a healthy life balance. Early intervention and strong family involvement are important components of Galaxy's treatment approach.

Our History

Galaxy Counseling Center, a United Way affiliate, was founded in 1975 by the Soroptimist International of Garland. We have served over 45,000 families and individuals.

Highlights of the organization's history include:

• In 1975, Galaxy Counseling Center was established, making it the first free, nonprofit counseling agency in the Garland area.
• In 1975-76, A student training program in partnership with local universities was implemented to increase the amount of available services without increasing costs.
• In 1977, Galaxy began a program for younger children, including play therapy.
• In 1979, Galaxy became a United Way affiliate.
• In 1984, bilingual services (Spanish) were offered for the first time.
• In 1999, the agency became part of a full-time Pre-Doctoral Internship Consortium. Galaxy also instituted an agency-wide outcome evaluation project to track client progress.
• In 2001, Galaxy pioneered the original Elementary School Truancy Intervention program in North Texas, serving school-age children and their parents in the Garland Independent School District.
• In 2005, Galaxy is recognized for outstanding service by the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas

Staff

Galaxy Counseling Center's highly trained, capable staff believe deeply in the organization's mission. Our therapeutic staff hold a variety of advanced degrees in psychology, social work, and family therapy. Our staff includes licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, and psychologists.

• Lynette Payne, MA, MBA, Executive Director
• Brannon La Force, LPC, Associate Clinical Director
• Lacie Kuhn, Development Director
• Cynthia Reavis-Alford, Administrative Director
• Claudia Campos, Administrative Assistant
• Kathy Reese, Program Coordinator

Our Board of Directors

The board at Galaxy is comprised of individuals from a wide array of interests and fields of expertise. Board Members serve up to two, consecutive, three year terms and provide invaluable strategic direction and support to the organization.

• Sara Garcia Duran, Board President, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
• Greg Zarbo, Board Vice President, Mental Health America of Greater Dallas
• John Beall, Board Treasurer, Beall Business Solutions
• Dianne Saslaw, Board Secretary, Community Volunteer
• Tom Hartsell, Attorney at Law
• Nancy Fares, Texas Instruments
• Teena Le, Capital One Bank
• Dr. Kevin Lambert, Southern Methodist University
• Amy Walton, Jewish Family Services

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Board of Directors please contact Galaxy Counseling Center at 972-272-4429 or mailto:lpayne@galaxycounseling.org

Leadership Council

Serve in an advisory capacity to board members and staff meet once per year but may be called upon periodically for input or advice

• Ruth Collins Sharp Altshuler, Community Volunteer
• Joe Boyd, Community Volunteer
• Michael Gothard, Dallas County Constable
• Paul Mayer, Garland Chamber of Commerce
• Dr. Marilyn Powell-Kissinger, Licensed Psychologist
• Dr. Meera Rao-Bette, Licensed Psychologist
• Dr. Phillip Shinoda, The Memnosyne Foundation
• Scott Smith, KPMG
• Melinda Yee, Deloitte & Touche, LLP