Tomekia Edwards, LPC-S a licensed professional counselor and clinical supervisor based in Houston, Texas, has been awarded National Board Certification by the American Association of Bariatric Counselors (AABC). After completing AABC’s specialized training program in bariatric science, was recently credentialed as a Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor (BCBC).

She earned her Master of Education in Counseling and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of New Orleans. Tomekia also holds active professional licenses as a California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).

Tomekia is the proprietor of Balanced Life Therapy, a private practice based in Houston. Tomekia provides individual counseling and clinical services. Throughout her 20-year career, she has practiced in many mental health settings: telehealth, hospital, managed care, military service and community behavioral health settings. Her expertise includes clinical assessments, crisis intervention, case management, discharge planning, behavioral health coaching, quality improvement, provider support, documentation compliance, and clinical supervision.

Recognizing the need for specialized training in Bariatric Science led her to pursue certification with AABC. She was awarded an academic scholarship for her diverse clinical excellence and dedication to bariatric care. Her certification as a BCBC will help advance 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
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/american-association-of-bariatric-counselors/

Dr. Roselyn L. Burnett, Ph.D., is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Qualified Supervisor (QS), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and recently earned the distinguished credential of Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor (BCBC) through the American Association of Bariatric Counselors (AABC). After completing specialized training in bariatric science and behavioral health, she achieved board certification, further expanding her expertise in the psychological care and long-term success of individuals undergoing bariatric and metabolic treatment.

Dr. Burnett earned her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University and her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Advanced Human Behavior from Capella University. She has been practicing in the mental health profession for more than 18 years, providing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals, couples, and families.

She is the founder and clinical director of ICHOOSE CHANGE LLC, a private practice in Melbourne, Florida, where she provides in-person and telehealth psychotherapy services. Her clinical specialties include trauma, anxiety, depression, prolonged grief, relationship and couples counseling, emotional regulation, communication, and intergenerational family dynamics. Dr. Burnett is also dedicated to supervising and mentoring the next generation of mental health professionals as a Florida Qualified Supervisor.

Recognizing the growing need for specialized behavioral healthcare within bariatric medicine, Dr. Burnett pursued advanced education through the American Association of Bariatric Counselors to expand her role as a behavioral health partner for bariatric success. Her Board Certification as a Bariatric Counselor complements her extensive trauma-informed and behavioral health expertise, allowing her to provide comprehensive psychological assessment, education, and support to individuals navigating obesity, bariatric surgery, and long-term.

Email: glenda@aabc-certification.org
Website: www.aabc-certification.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aabcorg
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/american-association-of-bariatric-counselors/

Dr. Tonya Peavy-Mays, PsyD, is a Provisionally Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas. She has been awarded National Board Certification by the American Association of Bariatric Counselors (AABC) and, after completing AABC’s specialized training program in bariatric science, was recently credentialed as a Board Certified Bariatric Counselor (BCBC).

Dr. Peavy-Mays earned her bachelor’s degree in child and family development and completed graduate study in Clinical Community Psychology at Texas Southern University. She later obtained a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Walden University and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from California Southern University. Her interest in bariatric science began during her undergraduate years as a Ronald McNair Scholar at Texas Southern University, where she conducted research on childhood obesity in toddlerhood and infant feeding patterns as early predictors of obesity.

With more than 14 years of clinical experience, Dr. Peavy-Mays has provided mental health services to diverse populations across community behavioral health, juvenile justice, adult corrections, and inpatient psychiatric settings. Her clinical background spans trauma-focused care, depression, anxiety, forensic mental health, crisis evaluations, and pre-employment psychological assessments for law enforcement agencies. She also holds certification in mindful nutrition and is a published coauthor of Feed Your Brain: A Guide to Eating for Optimal Mental Health. In addition to her professional expertise, Dr. Peavy-Mays brings lived experience to her work, having undergone Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) weight-loss surgery.

Dr. Peavy-Mays currently practices at Psychology Works (www.psychologyworkstx.com), where she conducts pre-surgical bariatric evaluations, provides pre- and post-surgical counseling, and completes comprehensive psychological assessments. She also facilitates online court-mandated programs for adult probation and offers clinical supervision for Licensed Professional Counselor-Associates in Texas.

Her commitment to advancing bariatric care led her to pursue specialized training and certification with AABC, where she was awarded an academic scholarship in recognition of her clinical excellence and dedication to the field of bariatric science. Dr. Peavy-Mays’ professional training, extensive clinical experience will further 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
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/american-association-of-bariatric-counselors/