Our Leaders
Committed to the Cause

Dr. Gloria Okere, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Gloria Okere, Ph.D.
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Dr. Gloria Okere serves as the Executive Director of L&G Mental Health Housing and Resources. In this role, she provides executive leadership, strategic planning, and organizational oversight to support the mission and vision of the organization. Dr. Okere works closely with the Board to help establish the cultural tone, goals, and long-term direction of L&G Mental Health Housing and Resources.
As Executive Director, Dr. Okere is committed to providing housing resources and mental health services that improve the lives of individuals within the community. She oversees the development and implementation of programs that promote access, dignity, diversity, and meaningful support for individuals and families in need. Her leadership reflects a strong commitment to creating programs that are responsive, inclusive, and centered on helping individuals achieve stability and independence.
Dr. Okere is a passionate advocate for reshaping the lives of individuals living with a mental health diagnosis. She believes in providing services that empower each person to regain control of his or her life while connecting them to the resources necessary for long-term success. Her work focuses on helping individuals build confidence, access supportive services, and move toward a healthier and more stable future.
Before joining L&G Mental Health Housing and Resources, Dr. Okere served as a Certified Mental Health Clinician for seven years, providing mental health services, housing support, counseling resources, and client-centered care. She also has experience working within the school system as an at-risk juvenile and adult specialist, where she developed curriculum and provided skills training using a holistic approach.
Dr. Okere holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Administration of Justice, a Master’s Degree in Counseling Education, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with an emphasis in Journalism. Through her education, professional experience, and dedication to service, Dr. Okere continues to lead efforts that strengthen communities and support individuals on their path toward healing, stability, and self-sufficiency.

Dr. LaSheria Nance-Bush, Ph. D.
Chief Operating Officer
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LaSheria Nance-Bush, Ph.D.
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LaSheria Nance-Bush serves as the Chief Operating Officer of L&G Mental Health Housing and Resources, where she oversees operational and administrative functions that support the organization’s mission, housing programs, and mental health training initiatives. In this role, she identifies and implements cost-effective strategies to deliver quality, client-centered programs and resources. She also develops curriculum, assessments, and supportive tools designed to meet the needs of individuals seeking housing stability, mental health support, and community-based resources.
LaSheria has a demonstrated history of working in housing, community development, public safety, behavioral health, and criminal justice. Her professional experience includes work with Assertive Community Treatment, Outpatient Competency Restoration, and Assertive Outpatient Treatment programs. Through these services, she has supported individuals in gaining access to housing, employment, medication education, treatment coordination, and other resources that help them live safely and independently within the community.
Dr. Nance-Bush earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Administration of Justice from the Barbara Jordan–Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University. She also holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Sam Houston State University.
Prior to her work with L&G Mental Health Housing and Resources, LaSheria served as a Master Peace Officer and Certified Mental Health Officer, bringing more than 15 years of experience in law enforcement, aviation security, healthcare security, investigations, training, and public safety. Her background includes crisis intervention, community engagement, workplace violence prevention, active shooter preparedness, mental health response, and security training program development.
LaSheria is the founding President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives Texas Southern University Collegiate Chapter. She is also affiliated with several professional and educational organizations, including the American Society of Criminology, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, and other public safety and security organizations. Through her leadership, training, and advocacy, Dr. Nance-Bush remains committed to strengthening communities, supporting vulnerable populations, and advancing programs that promote safety, dignity, and long-term stability.
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Valda Washington
Treasurer
Board of Directors
Making A Difference
Tavis White
Chair
A native Houstonian, Tavis White is an advocate for community organization and change. He serves as the Chair of L&G Mental Health Housing and Resources in which he oversees the board and committee meetings. Tavis has a Master’s in Public Administration in which he
currently works within the City of Houston as an administrative supervisor and provides guidance as it concerns the health and safety of Houston residents. Tavis brings over ten years of expertise relating to community structure and cohesiveness. Tavis has a strong devotion to the mission L&G Mental Health Housing and Resources and is passionate about helping others
regain control of his or her life
Diana Gallego
Secretary
Diana Gallego has a deep appreciation for mental health equity and awareness. Holding an undergraduate degree in Psychology, Diana has extensive experience working with adolescents, families, and adults and has devoted more than five years of working with underserved communities as it relates to providing community resources towards health, wellness, and rental assistance. Diana has an impressive array of clinical skills as she serves as the Secretary of L&G Mental Health Housing and Resources. Diana currently works within the community of Houston providing housing resources to Houston residents in the realm of real estate.
Valda Washington
Treasurer
Valda Washington is an individual of great trust and integrity. Valda serves as the Treasurer for L&G Mental Health Housing and Resources and devotes her time to establishing financial management policies. She has thorough knowledge and understanding of the organization’s financial reports and prepares and presents budgets for new and ongoing work. Valda hails from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, where she proudly holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and has years of experience in the human resources realm. This includes over 25 years of experience specializing in Employee Retention and Diversity and Inclusion. She also has experience as a leasing consultant in which she prides herself on working closely with residents to maintain communication between management while assisting in a multitude of administrative tasks. Valda seeks to elevate her community by supporting and promoting the organization’s funding and resource development efforts and serving as an advocate of L&G Mental Health Housing and Resources.