Georgia Psychological Foundation (GPF) is non-profit [Section 501 (c)(3)] with a focus on public interest. Specifically, the purpose of the Foundation is to contribute to the health and well-being of the public in the state of Georgia through psychological services, research, education and training. GPF’s mission is to build a collaborative network to increase the visibility and value of psychology with the vision of expanding the impact of psychology in Georgia. GPF is inclusive and values diversity and is therefore seeking support from a wide range of constituents supportive of the Foundation’s purpose, mission and vision.
Georgia Psychological Foundation engages in cooperative relationships with organizations that promote free and reduced fee work with populations in need in the state of Georgia.
GPF engages in efforts to raise awareness and inform the public about mental health issues, and supports the continued training and promotion of research supported and evidenced-based specialized knowledge and skills for professionals working with marginalized and at risk populations of people.
GPF engages in efforts to support free and reduced fee mental health and psychological services to the public through recognition, awards, and training.
Dr. Thomas serves as the Foundation Board President. He has been a psychologist in Georgia for over 40 years. During that time he has held leadership roles in the American Psychological Association, the Georgia Association of School Psychologists and the Georgia Psychological Association, including as President in 2010. He has been on the advisory boards for numerous local schools and educational organizations.
Dr. Peeler serves as the Foundation Board Secretary. She has served in multiple leadership positions within the Georgia Psychological Association, and held an appointment to the Continuing Education committee of the American Psychological Association. In addition to thirty years in private practice, her professional positions include that of an adjunct graduate school faculty member, a consultant to Delta Airlines as a member of their Disaster Response Team, and as a staff psychologist at both St. Josephs Hospital and Shallowford Medical Hospital.
Dr. McMahan serves as the Foundation Board Treasurer. She is a Licensed Psychologist in private practice in Athens, Georgia. Dr. McMahan is also a Part-time Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Development at the University of Georgia. She has worked in non-profit, foundation and educational sectors for most of her career.
Dr. Gard is a licensed psychologist and an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory School of Medicine. She is Past President of the Georgia Psychological Association. Dr. Gard has served in leadership roles in many nonprofits including the Red Cross in disaster services and serving the armed forces, the International Rescue Committee and Innovative Solutions for the Disadvantaged and Disabled. Dr. Gard has a private practice in Sandy Springs and specializes in child/adolescent/couples and family work as well as in assisting those whom have experienced trauma.
Mr. Henderson is an attorney with twenty years of experience as a felony prosecutor. He currently practices law in Gwinnett County, Georgia,
Dr. Moore is a licensed psychologist and the Founder and Clinical Director of Moore to Life Counseling and Consulting, LLC, and also Assistant Director of Outreach at Georgia Tech Counseling Center. Dr. Moore's interest and research areas include police and public safety psychology, racial trauma, and culturally responsive interventions. Dr. Moore is on the Fire Service Psychology Association Board of Advisors.
Dr. Smith is a Psychology Program Manager with the Atlanta VA Health Care System and has been involved in psychology leadership at the state and national arenas for most of her career. She specializes in working with older adults and end of life care. She thinks being a psychologist is the best job in the world.
Dr. VanderPlate is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in Health Psychology. He has been an Assistant Professor of Emory University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, and is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor. He is Past President of the Georgia Psychological Association, and has served on the Board of Directors for GPA intermittently since 1986. He is a Diplomat in Clinical Psychology of the American Board of Professional Psychology.