 | Fort worth area psychological association |
Executive Committee 2023
PresidentDR. Joycelyn Williams ThomasDr. Joycelyn Williams Thomas is a Licensed Psychologist and has earned a post-doctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology. She is in private practice as the owner of Spiritual and Behavioral Health Consultants, LLC. While her current practice is general in focus, she has specialized in working with individuals and families who have experienced abuse, trauma, and violence/assault, and in forensic psychological services. She most recently worked for Harris County Public Defender’s Office, and MHMRA of Harris County (now The Harris Center) forensic services. She has done determination evaluations for MHMR of Tarrant County and The Center for Life Resources. She has also been an Adjunct Psychology Professor. She has previously served as President of the Houston Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists. She has also served in volunteer leadership roles on committees with the Texas Council on Family Violence. Dr. Williams Thomas has given presentations on both the state and national level. Dr Williams Thomas earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston, a post-doctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology from Alliant International University, a Master of Arts in Counseling from Sam Houston State University and a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Relationships from the University of Texas at Austin. |  |
| Past president DR. ARTHUR SMITH-VAUGHAN
Dr. Smith-Vaughan is a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience providing psychological assessment and therapy for high risk child, adolescent, and adult populations. He first began working with high risk adjudicated youth in Rhode Island followed by working in conjunction with the courts in Detroit, Michigan. Subsequently, he worked with incarcerated adult offenders. These experiences presented Dr. Smith-Vaughan the opportunity to work with a diversity of disorders and patient presentations. Since 2017, he has been working in a private practice setting near Fort Worth that serves patients from both rural and urban environments who present with a wide array of psychological concerns.
Dr. Smith-Vaughan has a B.A. in Psychology from Brandeis University in Massachusetts and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from University of Detroit Mercy. Additionally, his practice and training includes evaluation and assessment of psychological and neurological disorders. Dr. Smith-Vaughan has lived portions of his life in England, Nicaragua, and the United States. Drawing from his earlier life experiences, he believes that one key to progress and growth resides in being open to novel and culturally unique experiences. Dr. Smith-Vaughan plans to ensure that FWAPA members have the opportunity to experience relevant and current continuing education experiences and hopes that his boundless energy and receptive disposition may be of service as FWAPA navigates the shifting landscape of mental health services in Texas. |
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President-ElectDr. Emily Dixon
Dr. Dixon has B.A. in Social Behavioral Sciences from Soka University of America in California, a M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University in California, a M.A. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in California. Dr. Dixon carries a specialty license to treat individuals who engage in sexually deviant behavior (LSOTP). Dr. Dixon enjoys rendering assessments and providing therapy. She completed her clinical training working with incarcerated individuals and maintains a private practice within the metroplex area. Dr. Dixon enjoys volunteering and helping others, she has a desire to become more connected to her community which is a reason why she is interested in serving as president elect. In her free time, Dr. Dixon enjoys spending time with her two dogs and her husband, as well as traveling.
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| TreasurerDr. Matthew MordhorstDr. Mordhorst obtained his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Iowa in 2003. He completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Neuropsychology at the University of Michigan. He is currently employed at Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation, providing neuropsychological assessment and support counseling services through the Day Neuro clinic. He has practiced in the Fort Worth area for over 12 years.
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Secretary
Susan F. Franks, PhD, ABPP Dr. Franks is a Board Certified Clinical Health Psychologist and Associate Professor with tenure in the Department of Family Medicine at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine/UNT Health Science Center, where she has worked for more than 29 years advocating for psychologists to become valued interprofessional contributors to medical education, research, and clinical care. Dr. Franks developed and direct the TCOM medical school curriculum around humanism, clinical interviewing, clinical communication skills, patient-centered care and emotional intelligence development. Dr. Franks is currently involved in creating an innovative curriculum to empower physicians to become active participants in the whole-person collaborative care of medical patients. Dr. Franks continues to see patients clinically for psychotherapy and neuropsychological consultation. Her efforts at UNT Health Science Center have placed psychologists in key roles in medical curriculum development and are sought out for our unique perspectives in institutional committees and collaborative research. |