Meet The Team

Founder

Crystal Gayle, Ph.D., LSSP

Crystal Gayle, Ph.D, LSSP is the founder of Gayle Psychology PLLC. She is a Texas licensed psychologist who enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Gayle is passionate about using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to work with clients to begin to live their best lives. She is specialized in treating OCD and other related disorders, such as skin picking and hair pulling. She also treats mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, in addition to school and parenting challenges. Dr. Gayle also conducts psycho-educational assessments. Dr. Gayle is also passionate about training the next generation of psychologists and mentoring them on how to succeed in private practice.

Doctoral Intern

Inger Meekins, MS

Inger is a fourth-year clinical psychology doctoral student at Capella University. She has 10 years of teaching experience working with all school-age children (PreK-12th Grade). Prior to teaching, Inger worked as a clinical specialist in the juvenile justice system with children and adolescents ages 10-17. In her role as a clinical specialist, Inger provided intensive cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills training to the juveniles and their families through a REACH curriculum. Additionally, she provided 24-hour availability to families in case of emergency or crisis situations. She also improved rehabilitation outcomes by developing and implementing individualized treatment plans for juvenile offenders and enhanced facility safety by conducting thorough security checks and addressing potential risks promptly.

Although Inger is passionate about working with children and adolescents, she also enjoys facilitating services for adults. She is passionate about building a strong therapeutic alliance that enables clients to feel secure, vulnerable, and most of all themselves. Inger’s therapeutic approach integrates CBT, person-centered therapy, and client-centered therapy. She believes in a humanistic approach, it is important to emphasize the personal worth of the individual, the centrality of human values, and the creative and active nature of human beings. The humanistic approach integrates person/client-centered therapy by recognizing and trusting human potential, providing clients with empathy and unconditional positive regard to help facilitate change.

Inger is from New Orleans, Louisiana. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Texas College in Tyler Texas. During that time, she received the distinction of honor roll. Additionally, Inger has a master’s degree in criminal justice with a concentration in juvenile justice from Southern University at New Orleans. Currently, Inger is in the final stages of obtaining her doctorate in psychology from Capella University. She has been inducted into The International Honor Society in Psychology (Psi Chi), and in The National Society of Leadership and Success. She also made the president’s list at Capella University: Spring 2021, Summer 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2021 and Winter 2022. Inger is supervised by Crystal Gayle, Ph.D., LSSP.

Licensed Professional Counselor

Advanced Doctoral Practicum Student

Krystal Nicodemus, LPC

Krystal is a nationally certified Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) completing her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Capella University. Krystal specializes in treating mood disorders, trauma, post-traumatic stress, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and substance abuse. She completed her practicum and internship working with correctional clients employing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to enhance client functionality and reduce recidivism. She currently works in a private practice setting. Krystal has completed an EMDR training course and offers EMDR therapy as a treatment modality for trauma, PTSD, phobias, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, stress, sexual and physical abuse, disturbing memories, complicated grief, and addictions. She is dedicated to fostering a warm, empathetic environment where clients feel safe and supported in processing their experiences. She offers individual and couples therapy that empowers clients to develop adaptive coping strategies, build resilience, and overcome challenges, guiding them toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. With a strong belief in the potential for recovery and growth, Krystal collaborates with each client to help them achieve their personal goals.Krystal's journey into clinical psychology began as an enlisted military service member, where she specialized in Psychological Operations (PSYOP). PSYOP operators work with cultural leaders to promote social cohesion, reduce cultural conflicts, and empower communities toward resilience and advancement. Her early interest in cultural competency, human behavior, and the social dynamics of communities sparked her passion for multicultural awareness. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology, which enables her to incorporate biological insights into her clinical work. Krystal earned a CACREP-accredited master’s degree in clinical mental health from Capella University in 2020, and driven by a passion for knowledge, she is now pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology to further deepen her understanding of the human experience.

Advanced Doctoral Intern

Terreca Cato, M.S., M.A., RBT

As New Orleans native, Terreca brings doctoral-level expertise in School Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi, an APA-accredited, NASP-approved, and a course sequence verified by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board BCBA. Terreca has completed all Ph.D. requirements except dissertation defense, including coursework, comprehensive exams, internship, dissertation proposal, and data collection. Terreca has a strong foundation in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and behavioral consultation with her work with children, families, and schools. With over a decade of experience spanning psychological assessment, behavior intervention, and consultation, she specializes in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), early intervention, learning disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and disruptive behavior disorder (DBD) across clinical, educational, and community settings.

Her academic path includes a Bachelor of Science with a minor in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana, a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in ABA from Capella University, and doctoral-level training at the University of Southern Mississippi in School Psychology with integrated ABA sequence that encompassed a separate Master of Arts in Psychology. Additionally, she has over five years of providing direct clinical services and supervising staff members and ABA therapy programs.

Her advanced clinical training includes work with the University of Southern Mississippi, behavioral consultation at Pearl River Valley Opportunity Inc., pre-doctoral internship at Emory University/Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at the Marcus Autism Center, and UT Southwestern Medical Center/Children’s Health at the Center for Autism Care.

Her research and clinical work encompasses advanced parent training, teacher consultation, and telehealth-based behavioral interventions. She has published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at national conferences, and contributed to systems-level change in clinical and school settings.

As a consultant, Terreca blends clinical expertise, evidence-based practices, and culturally responsive care to empower children, families, and professionals to achieve meaningful and sustainable outcomes.

Administrative Assistant

Sophia Velasquez, B.S.

Sophia Velasquez is a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Science in Child Learning and Development. As an administrative assistant, she manages the schedules of new clients, produces material for the Gayle Psychology website and LinkedIn, distributes appointment reports to professional providers, and various other administrative duties.

Sophia aims to obtain a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, empower young people from marginalized communities, and guide them in overcoming personal and cultural obstacles in an uncertain and ever-changing world. She feels that providing psychological solace at an individual level has a cascading effect on families and societies, fostering compassion and opening doors for constructive change.

Interested in Training with Us?

See our Opportunities Page for more information!

or email direactly at: crystal@gaylepsychologypllc.com