Scope of Our Work
Provide educational programs, training, and resources to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to understand, manage, and enhance their mental well-being.
Offer transitional housing solutions.
Provide wrap-around support services, including individual therapy, individual rehabilitative services, peer support, mentorship, and case management.
Latia Parker, Founder & Executive Director
Latia Parker is the heart and soul behind Parker's Hope for Mental Wellness & Betty Jackson Counseling Services.
As the founder, Latia brings extensive expertise to the organization in her roles as a Licensed Professional Counselor/Supervisor, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor/Mental Health Professional, and ADSAC Assessor. She specializes in working with individuals encompassing trauma, chemical dependency, and more.
Work Experience
With over 20 years of clinical experience, Latia has significantly influenced the mental health landscape of Tulsa and its surrounding areas. Her career spans roles with organizations such as Tulsa Casa, Goodwin and Goodwin Law Firm, Tulsa County Court Services, New Discoveries Youth and Family Services, and Youth Services of Tulsa. However, her unwavering commitment to at-risk youth and adults defines her professional journey.
For the past 14 years, Latia has steered BJCS towards success, providing comprehensive and compassionate care to her clients. Latia uses strategies and interventions from multiple therapeutic modalities, from home and school-based interventions to community outreach and office-based therapy. She navigates the complexities of co-occurring disorders, trauma, chemical dependency, and myriad mental health issues with grace and expertise.
Education & Upbringing
Latia was born and raised in the North Tulsa area. Latia's journey to excellence began with her education in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She graduated from Memorial High School in 1992 before embarking on her collegiate path at Tulsa Junior College and later Langston University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Corrections with a minor in Criminal Justice. Her thirst for knowledge led her to The University of Oklahoma, where she obtained a Master of Human Relations and pursued coursework toward a Doctorate in Adult Education through Oklahoma State University.
Professional Credentials
Licensed Professional Counselor / Supervisor - LPC-S
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor / Mental Health - LADC / MH
State-Certified ADSAC Assessor
(A professional who conducts an Alcohol and Drug Substance Abuse Course (ADSAC) assessments to reinstate an Oklahoma state driver's license)Case Manager III
Our Board Members
Carolyn Burns, LCSW
Board President
Carolyn S. Burns, LCSW, brings over two decades of dedicated experience in social work to her role as an Instructor and Field Liaison at the University of Oklahoma's Online Campus. With a focus on trauma-informed care, Carolyn has devoted her career to empowering individuals to overcome adversity and reclaim their lives. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Carolyn has honed her skills through diverse roles, from her early days as a Resource Center Coordinator in public housing to her tenure as a Program Coordinator at the Tulsa Dream Center. Her journey includes owning a private practice and serving as an overnight intake counselor at Laureate Psychiatric Hospital, where she provided crucial support to individuals in crisis.
Throughout her 23-year career, Carolyn has maintained a steadfast commitment to serving marginalized communities, particularly adolescents and those impacted by extreme trauma. Her passion lies in facilitating healing and empowerment, helping individuals break free from the grip of trauma to pursue fulfilling lives. She believes deeply in the resilience of every individual and strives to create a safe space where they can navigate their journey toward healing and success. Carolyn's work is driven by her unwavering dedication to social justice and her belief in the inherent worth and potential of every person she serves. Through her teaching, mentoring, and clinical practice, she continues to profoundly impact the lives of those she encounters, inspiring hope and transformation at every step.
Sedalia Parker
Treasurer
Sedalia Parker is driven by a profound passion for aiding those in need. Hailing from Tulsa, she pursued her academic journey at Oklahoma State University, where she earned her Master of Science in Accounting in 2019. That year marked a significant milestone in her career as she obtained full certification as a Certified Public Accountant in Oklahoma.
Sedalia's dedication to leveraging her accounting expertise for the betterment of others shines through in her commitment to assisting small organizations and businesses. She recognizes the financial challenges they often face and finds fulfillment in providing her services, which would otherwise be cost-prohibitive, to support their growth and success.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Sedalia enjoys traveling and experiencing new places. She firmly believes that exploring diverse cultures and landscapes enriches her perspective and enhances her ability to serve others effectively.
Christian Moses
Voting Member
Christian Moses is a compassionate individual dedicated to nurturing and guiding others. Raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Christian's upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for diverse stories and struggles.
Believing in giving back, Christian actively mentors youth, drawing from her own experiences and empathetic nature. She teaches at World Won for Christ Church, tutoring children in reading and empowering them with the confidence needed to succeed academically.
In her personal life, Christian raises two young ladies and supports families in need, embodying love and service in her community. Driven by a profound sense of compassion and desire to make a positive difference, she stands as a beacon of hope and support within her community, embodying the principles of love and service in all she does.
Caitlin Hoagland, OTR/L
Voting Member
Caitlin Hoagland, a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, comes from a family dedicated to serving children and young adults. She graduated in 2017 with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. As the Director of Occupational Therapy at a non-profit pediatric clinic in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Caitlin specializes in aiding children and young adults up to age 21 with developmental disabilities. She employs personalized interventions, prioritizing activities like play, education, self-care, and social engagement.
Caitlin's approach focuses on skill-building in hand motor control, visual perception, sensory processing, and cognition while considering task and environmental demands. She excels in recommending modifications to enhance performance. Beyond her clinical expertise, Caitlin aims to cultivate meaningful connections within her clients' communities, fostering lasting relationships and a sense of belonging. Through her dedication and innovative methods, Caitlin empowers her clients to navigate their environments confidently and purposefully.
Michelle Hazley
Voting Member
Michelle Hazley was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1985. She pursued higher education at Langston University, where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in December 1989. With over 32 years of dedicated service at Tulsa Public Schools, Michelle has worked extensively within the alternative education setting, supporting students who face significant challenges, including those who have been suspended, are homeless, or are incarcerated juveniles, as well as those hospitalized due to mental health crises. In addition to her full-time role, Michelle also serves part-time as a Youth Specialist at Youth Services of Tulsa, where she works with youth aged 12-17, many of whom are in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
Her passion for working with young people is driven by a deep commitment to helping them navigate obstacles and empowering them to make the most of their lives. Michelle believes that providing guidance and serving as a role model for youth is one of the most rewarding aspects of her career. She lives by the motto, "Knowledge is power," and is dedicated to ensuring that every young person she encounters knows their potential to succeed, no matter their circumstances.
Kailynne Parker-White
Voting Member
Kailynne Parker-White was born and raised in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and is a junior at Sapulpa High School, set to graduate in May 2026. She is an accomplished student-athlete, serving as the starting point guard for the varsity basketball team, where she assisted her team to win the Class 5A Oklahoma State Championship in 2023. In addition to her athletic achievements, Kailynne is deeply involved in leadership roles at her school. She serves as the President of the NAACP and Treasurer of the Student Council for the 2024 academic year. She is also an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). With a GPA of 3.9, Kailynne is dedicated to academic excellence and plans to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to pursue a degree that will prepare her for a career as a General Surgeon or Pediatric Doctor.
Outside of school, Kailynne enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including basketball, shopping, traveling, painting, cooking, and spending quality time with her family. She also volunteers at Betty Jackson Counseling Services, assisting with various office duties. Kailynne is passionate about helping others and believes in the importance of staying on the right path and working hard to achieve success, equipping herself with the tools needed to navigate life’s challenges.
Betty Jackson Counseling Services, PC
Betty Jackson Counseling Services works with individuals and family members to strengthen their ability to handle life’s issues with support, while working on self-growth and living a healthier lifestyle. BJCS provides individual, group, family therapy, case management, peer recovery support, psychosocial rehabilitation, and crisis-intervention services. Drug/alcohol and bio-psychosocial assessments, and licensure supervision is available for LPC candidates. Home and school-based services are also available.
BJCS is accredited through CARF International and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse as an outpatient site for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. BJCS adheres to an elevated level of ethical standards.
Accreditations
Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program Certification with Special Distinction
Outpatient Treatment: Integrated: AOD/MH for both Adults and Children/Adolescents
US Small Business Association - HUBZone Certified
US Small Business Association - 8(a) Certified