Chikeitha Owens, LPC, a Licensed Professional Counselor from Corinth, Texas, has been awarded National Board Certification by the American Association of Bariatric Counselors (AABC). After completing a specialized fellowship training and education program in bariatric science she was recently credentialed as a Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor (CBC).

She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Southwestern Adventist University and her Master of Art in Counseling at Argosy University/Dallas. The scope of her practice includes substance abuse, foster care, teenagers, adults and marriage counseling.

Chikeitha is the founder of Abundance of Hope Counseling that provides Virtual Therapy services in Texas and New Jersey. In addition, she has created W-A-I-T Management, a trauma focused bariatric counseling program. Her public health service includes being a Board member of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and an active advocate for the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community. Chikeitha is the author of “Living Life for What It Is” “and “Living Life for What It Is Examination Guide.

Recognizing her professional stature in the health care community, commitment to public health and vast clinical experience, AABC awarded her a fellowship scholarship. As a certified bariatric counselor (CBC) she will help fulfill the AABC global mission of providing best practices in the care, treatment and prevention of obesity and related disorders.

Email: glenda@aabc-certification.org
Website: www.aabc-certification.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aabcorg

Jane Bogursky, RN, LICSW, a trained Nurse and Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Meredith, NH, has been awarded National Board Certification by the American Association of Bariatric Counselors (AABC). After completing a specialized fellowship training and education program in bariatric science she was recently credentialed as a Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor (CBC).

Jane began her career as a registered nurse. After eight years of nursing, Jane decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work and graduated from Simmons College in Boston Ma. Currently, Jane combines both her nursing and social work knowledge (mind and body) to help those struggling with mental health concerns. Recognizing the need for specialized training in Bariatric Science led to her receiving a fellowship from AABC. Jane looks forward to incorporating this specialty into her telehealth private practice.

As a result of her unique training in both the medical and social sciences and professional accomplishments, AABC awarded her an academic scholarship. Her professional stature and clinical experience will help fulfill the AABC global mission of providing best practices in the care, treatment and prevention of obesity and related disorders

Email: glenda@aabc-certification.org
Website: www.aabc-certification.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aabcorg

Tania S. Gorham, LMFT-QS, a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist from Merritt Island, Florida, has been awarded National Board Certification by the American Association of Bariatric Counselors, (AABC). After completing a specialized fellowship training and education program in bariatric science, she was recently credentialed as a Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor (CBC).

Mrs. Gorham completed her undergraduate studies at Florida International University and completed her Master of Science, psychology graduate training at Carlos Albizu University. She has also received specialized training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy from Rowan’s University and as a Qualified
State supervisor, she supervises other mental health professional.

Tania works with women, children, families, LGBTQIA+ community and those experiencing developmental disorders. Her clinical experience includes, in-home therapy, outpatient community mental health, IOP, PHP, eating disorder treatment centers, substance abuse treatment centers and residential therapy for sexually exploited children.

Currently, she provides services at her private practice, Nurture Emotions, a 100% telehealth center, which allows those in rural areas, or a lack of flexible scheduling, to obtain treatment.

Recognizing her professional stature, unique and diverse clinical experience, AABC awarded her a fellowship scholarship. Undoubtedly, she will help fulfill the AABC global mission of providing best practices in the care, treatment and prevention of obesity and related disorders.

Email: glenda@aabc-certification.org
Website: www.aabc-certification.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aabcorg

Debra Hawkins, RN, a registered nurse from Tonkawa, Oklahoma, has been awarded National Board Certification by the American Association of Bariatric Counselors (AABC). After completing a specialized fellowship training and education program in bariatric science she was recently credentialed as a Board-
Certified Bariatric Counselor (CBC).

Debra completed her professional nursing training at Northwestern Oklahoma State University as well as earning a Bachelor’s of Sociology degree. Currently she is in the process of completing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at the University of Oklahoma.

In addition to her clinical nursing experience at Fairfax Community Hospital as Clinical Coordinator, she has held many leadership roles. This has included more than a decade of service, as the Health Service Administrator for an 1800 bed health center, where she implemented a free women’s health clinic and free diabetic education clinic that continues to provide free health services today.

At Fairfax Community Hospital she is now focusing on the needs of the community and will be an integral team member of their recently opened bariatric department.

Recognizing her esteemed professional stature, clinical acumen, philanthropy, and leadership, AABC awarded her a fellowship scholarship. She most certainly will contribute to the AABC global mission of providing best practices in the care, treatment and prevention of obesity and related disorders.

Email: glenda@aabc-certification.org
Website: www.aabc-certification.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aabcorg