Specializing In Autism, ADHD, and Pre-surgical Evaluations

Meet The Team

Dr. Michelle Rinella - CPST Texas
Chief Clinical Psychologist, President, & Founder

Dr. Michelle Rinella

Dr. Rinella founded CPST Texas in 2013. She received her undergraduate degree from Saint Mary’s College in California and her doctorate from Argosy University in Dallas. At CPST Texas, Dr. Rinella works as a clinical psychologist who specializes in the psychology of weight problems. During her time working at CPST Texas, Dr. Rinella has taken great pleasure in connecting with her patients during their weight loss journey, helping them understand that weight gain is nothing to be ashamed of.

Dr. Rinella is the mother of two college students: her son is a senior at Colorado State and her daughter is a Freshman at BAMA. Dr. Rinella is also newly remarried and enjoys spending time walking and working out with her husband.  When she’s not in the office or working out, Dr. Rinella is an avid cook who loves cooking for her family and friends.

Jeffery Pope - CPST Texas
Chief Financial, Operations, & Compliance Officer

Jeffery Pope

Mr. Pope has been a part of the CPST Texas team Since 2019. Mr. Pope received his education from Baylor University and spent 18 years in the Financial Services Industry as a FINRA Principal and Partner. Prior to joining CPST Texas, Mr. Pope was the CEO of HEALing sea turtle LLC, a company that specialized in complex brain disorders. Currently, Mr. Pope is working on his doctoral degree in Neuropsychology. During his time working at CPST Texas, he has taken great pleasure in being able to work with a team of talented individuals who genuinely want the best possible outcome for every patient they serve. 
Outside of the office, Mr. Pope and his wife, a real estate developer. enjoys remodeling homes. They have two daughters that keep them busy.  In his spare time, Mr. Pope is master scuba diver and an avid snow skier.

Melissa Parle - CPST Texas
Chief Practice Administrator

Melissa Parle

Ms. Parle has been a part of the CPST Texas team since February 2015. During her time working at CPST Texas, Ms. Parle has taken great pleasure in being able to help others around her community. She loves going to work every day since she gets to work with a great team of people who are encouraging and hard working. 

When she’s not in the office, Ms. Parle loves to spend time with her husband, children, and granddaughter. Ms. Parle and her husband have been married for 30 years and enjoy riding motorcycles together. 

Chief Adolescent and Child Psychologist

Dr. Florencezell Whitfield-Miles

Dr. Whitfield-Miles has been a part of the CPST Texas team since September of 2017. She received her doctorate from Argosy University and is also certified as a Health Service Psychologist. At CPST Texas, Dr Whitfield-Miles specializes in complex diagnostic cases and dual diagnoses (persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and mental health diagnoses). Her work also focuses on educating caregivers and parents on positive behavior support methods. During her time working at CPST Texas, Dr. Whitfield-Miles has taken great pleasure in providing quality psychological services that lead to treatment recommendations and intervention resources appropriate for the individual and their diagnosis. 

When she’s not in the office, Dr. Whitfield-Miles enjoys reading, appreciating delicious foods, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She is also a Member of the National Association for Dually Diagnosed (NADD) and a proud and active member of the Zeta Delta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Licensed Neuropsychologist

Dr. Natasha Lowery

Dr. Natasha Lowery completed her undergraduate degree in psychology from Oklahoma State University and her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Tulsa. She completed a neuropsychology internship at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, New Orleans and a NIH Research postdoctoral fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in research and neuropsychology. Dr. Lowery is a certified ADHD clinician who has conducted neuropsychological assessments for ADHD as well as for autism, learning disabilities, and dementia. She is also a cognitive-behavioral therapist specializing in depression and anxiety. Her recent career interests include assessments involving bariatric and foster care evaluations.

Dr. Lowery married her college sweetheart, and they have four teenagers, one of whom is a second year Aggie!  She enjoys watching her sons’ baseball and football games and her daughter accomplish higher and higher heights in the high jump event. When not working or watching sports, she is walking the dog, herding the cats, mastering laundry arts, and spending time with family and friends.

Garica Sanford , PsyD, LP

Dr. Garica Sanford

Dr. Sanford received her bachelors degree from Tennessee State University and her masters and doctorate degrees from Spalding University. She completed her doctoral internship at Momentous Institute in Dallas, Texas and then served as an early childhood psychologist for several years before becoming the training director for more than 10 years. Dr. Sanford is licensed as a clinical psychologist and has extensive experience providing therapy, assessment and consultation services for children, adolescents, couples, and families. Her training in interpersonal, attachment and cognitive-behavioral theories, complex trauma, and complicated familial systems has allowed her to work efficiently with diverse clients across the lifespan. She has worked across various settings including nonprofit organizations, private practice, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, the prison system, schools, residential treatment centers and the child welfare system. Collaboration, cultural responsiveness and continuous learning are foundational in all aspects of her work. Personally, Dr. Sanford grew up in the Midwest and has been in Dallas for almost 15 years. She enjoys  traveling and spending time with friends and family in her free time. 
Dr. Sherri Burney - CPST Texas
Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Sherrie Burney

Dr. Burney began working for CPST Texas in 2014 as a pre-doctoral intern in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Burney has a love for children and is specialized in Adolescent Evaluations in Complex Patients. Prior to returning to school to obtain her Doctorate, Dr. Burney worked successfully as a Licensed Professional Counselor for many years in psychiatric hospitals as well as in private practice providing clinical therapy to adult, adolescent, and child therapy clients. Dr. Burney has also worked as an adjunct psychology professor teaching psychology, sociology, and criminal justice classes.

Bio For Morgan Sowell

Dr. Morgan Sowell

Dr. Morgan Sowell is a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed and Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. She obtained her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in School Psychology, masters from UT Southwestern Medical School at Dallas in Rehabilitation Counseling Psychology, and bachelor’s from Texas Tech University in Psychology. She has trained and worked in a variety of locations including MD Anderson Cancer Hospital in Houston, TX, Center for Child Protection in Austin, TX, and worked for four major school districts in Texas. Dr. Sowell has trained new mental health professionals and professor and clinical supervisor. Across settings she has worked with individuals from infancy into adulthood to identify developmental, behavioral, and mental health concerns to help support and develop comprehensive care. Dr. Sowell has a focused interest in working with individuals with autism and ADHD, as well as trauma histories.

When she is not in the office, Dr. Sowell enjoys getting outdoors to hike and camp. Opportunities to travel with family and friends and learning new food to cook.  

Licensed Psychologist

Dr. John Saglime

Dr. John Thomas Saglime Jr PsyD is a clinical psychologist with over 10 years of clinical experience in assessment and counseling with a specialty in trauma, multidisciplinary treatment, and chronic pain care.  Prior to joining the team, Dr. Saglime was the Director of behavioral health at a rural community health center that focused on multidisciplinary treatment approaches.  He earned his bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University in 2005 and his Doctorate at the Texas School of Professional Psychology Argosy University in 2012.  Prior to his work as a mental health provider, he served in the United States Marine Corps.

When he is not in the office, Dr. Saglime is an avid reader, focusing on history and philosophy.  He also is a foodie who enjoys cooking.  Dr. Saglime also spends his free time painting, hobbying, and traveling.   

Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Mikala Hanson

Dr. Mikala Hanson is a Licensed Psychologist who completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Princeton University and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University. She completed her predoctoral internship and her postdoctoral fellowship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins School of Medicine working with clients in their Pediatric Developmental Disabilities Clinic. She is also a doctoral level Board Certified Behavioral Analyst. She also has her PSY PACT Certification.

She has worked with children, adolescents, and their families, treating those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities. Common behavioral concerns addressed include tantrums, noncompliance, anxiety, ADHD, sleep, toileting difficulties, and more. She has also worked with those diagnosed with Anxiety, OCD, and Related Disorders, implementing empirically supported treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT), and Parent Management Training. Current career interests and experiences also include conducting Autism Spectrum Disorder evaluations and helping families navigate next steps to receiving services after a diagnosis.

Dr. Mikala Hanson lives with her husband and enjoys traveling, food, Orangetheory workouts, watching shows and movies, and spending time with family and friends.

Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Verena Harter

Dr. Harter is a Licensed Psychologist who has practiced in the DFW area since 2010. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of North Texas in 2001 after transferring from the State University of New York. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology in 2005 and her Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from the Texas School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Dallas in 2008.

Dr. Harter completed an APA-approved pre-doctoral Internship at Central Louisiana State Hospital and Pinecrest Developmental Center, allowing her to expand her knowledge in the areas of severe mental illness as well as intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Upon completion of her doctorate, she joined Metrocare in Dallas as a post-doctoral fellow in 2010. She subsequently worked at Metrocare as a Licensed Psychologist as well as Chief Psychologist, leading a behavioral treatment program for individuals diagnosed with IDD/ASD and dual diagnoses.

Dr. Harter has extensive experience with individuals across the lifespan and has practiced in many settings, including community mental health clinics, psychiatric hospitals, residential facilities, and private practice. She currently focuses on providing pre-surgical assessments to adults and ASD/ADHD evaluations to children, adolescents, and adults.

Dr. Harter grew up in Germany and spent time in California and New York prior to moving to Texas 25 years ago. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, RVing, reading, and spending time with her husband and two daughters, as well as with the family pets, including three dogs and two cats.

Dr. Terry Mullins - CPST Texas
Licensed Professional Counselor

Dr. Terry Mullins

Dr. Mullins is a licensed professional counselor practicing in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area. He has twenty-four years of experience working with men, women, couples, adolescents, and children. He specializes in psychological assessment, abuse, trauma, and attachment. Specifically, Dr. Mullins likes to engage with people, thinking together about how different issues have affected their ability to form and enjoy meaningful relationships.

Dr. Mullins completed graduate school in 1997 at Colorado Christian University where he earned his Master of Arts in Professional Counseling.  He earned his doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2015 from Texas School of Professional Psychology of Argosy University, Dallas.

Dr. Mullins has helped thousands of patients/clients obtain access to therapy, psychological evaluation, and weight loss surgery through pre-surgical psychological evaluation. Per his own words and testimony…

“I have found that the deepest learning comes through suffering and the loss of hope. Most of us find it hard to be still, rest, look within, and ask for help to calm the storm that rages. My desire is to offer a “safe harbor” for people to heal as they take personal inventory and feel the breeze of grace. Frederick Buechner put it this way: “Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery it is. In the boredom and pain of it, no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell, your way to the holy and hidden heart of it, because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.”

“I have been married to my wife since 1978. I have five adult children, two amazing daughters-in-laws, and four grandchildren. I love reading, running with my wife/friends, family dinner parties, traveling, and retreating for times of prayer, contemplation, silence, and solitude.”

Licensed Psychological Associate

Dr. Karen L. Fox

Dr. Karen Fox is received her Master’s in Clinical Psychology in 2009, LPA license in 2010, and Doctorate of Clinical Psychology in 2015 Dr. Fox specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Dr. Fox has been with CPST Texas since 2015. She is so grateful to do what she loves every day!

In her free time, she enjoys tending to her five acres with her husband, spending time with their children and grandchildren, and traveling.

Licensed Psychological Associate

Dr. Anglea Scott Mason LPC, PLP

Dr. Angela Scott-Mason has been with the CPST Texas family since October 2022. She earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Tougaloo College and a Master’s of Science in Counseling from Mississippi College. She later earned a Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) from the Texas School of Professional Psychology/Argosy University, Dallas. Dr. Scott-Mason has worked in the mental health field for 20 years. Over the years, she has provided psychotherapy to children and adults, including the geriatric population. She also served as a clinical coordinator, providing support services for those with a history of mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries(TBI) and their families. Dr. Scott-Mason was instrumental in developing a cognitive rehabilitation program focused on overall wellness, brain health, and quality of life post-TBI. She has worked with various populations, including people with visual impairments, learning disabilities, neurodegenerative diseases (i.e., Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and emotional distress due to daily circumstances.

During her leisure, Dr. Scott-Mason enjoys dancing, cooking, arts and crafts, and spending time with her family. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., American Legion Post #220, and Tougaloo College-DFW Alumni Chapter. She feels particularly blessed to be married to a wonderfully made, God-fearing man, and they have three amazing angels. 

Director of Therapy Services

Brenda Shipley

Ms. Shipley is the Director of Therapy Services for Comprehensive Psychological Services.  She has been with CPST Texas since 2018, providing therapy for adults and children, conducting CANS assessments, and overseeing the clinical staff.  Ms. Shipley has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1996, and has been working as a therapist and/or treatment director for the last 25 years She has a BASW from Texas Tech University and an MSSW from UT Arlington.  Ms. Shipley has a long history of treating Trauma and Bariatric Surgical Patients.

Licensed Psychological Associate

Stephanie Wilson, LPA, LSSP

Ms. Wilson is a Licensed Psychological Associate and Licensed Specialist in School Psychology who specializes in assessment and therapeutic services for children and adolescents. After earning her Masters in School Psychology from Trinity University, Ms. Wilson spent 11 years working in public education serving children with emotional and behavioral difficulties as well as Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Developmental Disabilities. Following her work in public education Ms. Wilson transitioned to the private sector where she gained experience working with clients across the lifespan conducting psychological, neuropsychological, and Autism evaluations as well as providing counseling services for children, adolescents, adults, and couples. Ms. Wilson has a particular passion and fondness for guiding and assisting clients who have experienced traumatic brain injuries and as well as those diagnosed with brain-based disorders which impact mood and personality. In her free time, Ms. Wilson enjoys hiking, going on adventures with her dogs, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Medical Care Administrator

Jodie Gibson

Ms. Gibson has over 20 years of medical expertise working with surgical patients. For the last 14 years, Ms. Gibson has focused on working with weight loss patients. Ms. Gibson recently joined CPST Texas after working for many years with a top weight loss surgeon in the DFW area. In Ms. Gibson’s free time she enjoys being with family, traveling and being outdoors.

Child / Adolescent Practice Administrator

Alisha Heller

Ms. Heller joined the Comprehensive Psychological Services of Texas team in April of 2015. As the foster care referral coordinator and relations Administrator. Ms. Heller finds great joy in assisting families and agencies in providing their children with psychological & developmental evaluations, CAN’s assessments, play therapy, autism testing, ADD & ADHD testing and testing for learning differences. Ms. Heller works very closely with all our case managers, keeping in constant communication with them concerning their children’s progress. Ms. Heller and her husband of 15 years have 4 children.

Director of Report Writing

Camdyn Wood

Mr. Wood is a recent graduate of Colorado State University with a BS in Psychology. Mr. Wood has responsibility for a team of 8 other report writers and scorers in assisting our doctors deliver patient reports. Mr. Wood started with CPST Texas as an intern in 2021 before coming aboard fulltime in 2022. Mr. Wood is currently pursuing his doctorate in Organizational Psychology. When not working Mr. Wood enjoys playing hockey in an adult recreational league.
Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Ciondria Hughes

Dr. Ciondria Hughes, PsyD, ASOTP is a Licensed Psychologist as well as an Affiliate Sex Offender Treatment Provider. She earned her B.A. from Hampton University in Virginia. She then earned a M.S. in Juvenile Forensic Psychology from Prairie View A&M University. Dr. Hughes went on to earn a M.A. and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Texas School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. She completed her Pre-Doctoral Internship at Harris County Juvenile in Houston, Texas. Upon completion of her doctoral degree, Dr. Hughes worked at MetroCare Services as a Psychology Fellow working with individuals diagnosed with IDD and Autism. From there, Dr. Hughes became the Clinical Coordinator of the Dr. Jerome McNeil Jr. Detention Center and the Marzelle Hill Transition Center within Dallas County Juvenile Department, where she was responsible for crisis intervention, assessment coordination, and therapy coordination for seven years. Dr. Hughes’ duties included training practicum students on crisis management and assessment, conducting higher-level assessments including certification as an adult and competency evaluations, individual therapy, and group therapy for youth with sexual behavior problems. While employed at Dallas County Juvenile, she served as a UT Southwestern Volunteer Faculty as a part of the Juvenile Department’s practicum and internship training programs. Dr. Hughes has a well-rounded perspective on the juvenile justice population as she worked full-time as a Juvenile Supervision Officer for Dallas County while pursuing her doctorate. Dr. Hughes worked for Comprehensive Psychological Services of Texas as a part-time clinician from 2017 to 2020. She recently returned in a full-time capacity. Dr. Hughes has experience working with children and adolescents presenting with intellectual, emotional, and behavioral difficulties, as well as adolescents with sexual behavior problems. 

Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Kayla Nichols

Dr. Nichols is a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Specialist in School Psychology in Texas, who specializes in assessment with children and adolescents. After earning her Doctoral Degree from Duquesne University, she completed an APPIC-Approved internship with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) with a focus in mental & behavioral health, crisis intervention, and child abuse. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship in Arlington, TX at the Center for Psychological Services, where she received advanced training in the assessment of mood disorders, behavioral disorders, ADHD, foster and child protective service (CPS) evaluations.

Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Kellie Curreri

I am Dr. Kellie Curreri, a licensed psychologist with a focus on children’s and adolescents’ psychological and behavioral wellness. I love the work I have been called to do to help young people value themselves and them and their caregivers understand their strengths and differences. Within the context of mental wellness. I have 24 years of training and experience, serving as a psychologist in large public-school districts, ensuring that the needs of young people with moderate to severe emotional behavioral disorders were accurately identified and addressed by their families and school staff. Within my 24 years in schools, I spent the last 15 years leading special education school psychology, counseling, and behavior specialist teams to effectively program for children and adolescents with the most significant emotional, developmental, and behavioral disorders in their school settings. I specialize in evaluating and treating young people with ADHD, autism, trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, learning differences, intellectual developmental disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, and thought disorders. When I am not working with and treating children and adolescents, I enjoy time with my family, including my 4 dogs.
Licensed Psychological Associate – Independent

Todd Osborn

Mr. Osborn is a Licensed Psychological Associate with Independent Practice. Mr. Osborn received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Missouri – Columbia. He received his master’s degree in clinical psychology from Stephen F. Austin State University. He has worked with children as young as three years old with Head Start of Greater Dallas and children in foster care settings to the geriatric population in nursing homes. Mr. Osborn has worked in a psychiatric hospital, outpatient practices and with juveniles (Denton County and Dallas County Juvenile Departments, as well as the State of Texas Juvenile Department). Mr. Osborn’s primary focus has been testing and diagnosing since receiving his license in 2001. He has conducted individual and group psychotherapy with adolescents and adults since 2004.