Ghazala “Gia” Yasmeen is an Advanced Certified Professional Specialist, and she is also trained in CPR, Crisis Management, Community Based Prevention of Tobacco Use, Alcohol Prevention in Teens, communication, and Cultural Competency. Gia serves as the Youth Prevention Indicated (YPI) Director and Community Coalition Director for Phoenix House Texas. Prior to this, Gia served as a clinical psychologist at the Giddu Hospital in Pakistan.
Gia earned her Master of Arts in Behavior Science at the University of Houston Clear Lake, where she focused her studies on human behavior. She also studied at the University of Sindh, Pakistan, where she received her Bachelors in Physiology and Psychology and a Master of Science in Psychology. At the University of Sindh, Gia spent time coordinating volunteer opportunities and working with patients with mental health disorders and individuals dealing with substance abuse. At PHT, she spends additional time organizing community events, focusing on youth projects to educate and involve adolescents in drug prevention activities.
Prior to becoming director, Gia was a Licensed Chemical Dependency Intern, where she facilitated group and individual counseling sessions for adolescents with substance use disorders. Gia has transitioned from treatment to prevention, as it allows her to work with individuals with the risk factors of becoming chemically dependent, where she feels she can have a greater impact. This allows her to work closely with communities and youth groups in a fun and educational way.
Outside of work, Gia enjoys walking her dog, cooking, interior design, and listening to music.