Christie D. Brown is a product of both the Dallas and Duncanville Independent School Districts. During her journey at Duncanville High School, she followed the path traveled by her grandmother, grandfather and other family members and enrolled into the cosmetology and barber vocational program. This decision would have a lasting impact and come full circle fourteen years later as a licensed cosmetologist. While attending this program and thereafter, she attended and participated in multiple diverse hair shows, educational courses and cosmetology pursuits. After graduation she attended Texas A& M University- Commerce where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science Degree in Training & Development. Upon completion of her degree, she obtained her first career as a Parole Officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. While journeying the career path of a parole officer, she along with other fellow officers created a program to empower and encourage women on parole called H.O.W.W. (Helping Our Women Win). Christie and her colleagues created a specific curriculum which included weekly guest speakers that opened the door to discuss topics such as: mental health, finances, health and beauty, spirituality, relationships, resume writing and dressing for success.
During this time, a light was shed on a new purpose for in the area of counseling. Christie went on to complete a second masters and graduated from the University of North Texas with a Master of Education in Counseling with a concentration in Community Counseling. Christie has an extensive background in psychiatric care as a therapist, program manager and clinical director overseeing the implementation of therapeutic services for pediatrics, adolescents and adults struggling with a variety of issues to include substance abuse and comorbidity.
Christie is the owner and founder of the Gathering House, LLC Counseling and Consulting Firm which provides concierge counseling services, tele-mental health and personal developments. As a licensed counselor and cosmetologist, she intermixes both professions to educate other licensed cosmetologist, barbers and salon professionals to recognize their need for help as they serve as lay counselors to their clients. She has at some of the leading beauty shows including Bronner Bros. and Houston Beauty Image Expo. Her days are usually spent conducting assessments, group, individual and family therapy sessions for adults who experience mental distress from all professional backgrounds. Christie is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky with an expected graduation date of May 2023. She is an active member in her community, volunteering with various organizations including the C.A.L.E.B. Foundation and My Sister’s Keeper. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and Phi Beta Kappa.