Dr. Dionne M. Hill is originally from the Motor City– Detroit, Michigan. She has led her life following her motto, “Don’t talk about it– just do it,” which led her to be the first in her family to complete a doctorate degree (Ed.D.) from Texas Southern University. Dr. Hill received a master’s from Kent State University and a bachelor’s from Central Michigan University. She is a licensed professional counselor supervisor and has over 25 years of mental health experience working with underserved and at-risk adults and children. She will be pursuing specialized training in animal-assisted therapy to complement her mental health work.
As a manager at the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, over the years she became an analytical healthcare leader and trend setter that influenced change. Currently, she manages the Southwest Adult Mental Health Clinic, where over 2,500 clients with a severe mental illness receive treatment. She oversees clinic staff such as psychiatric physicians, nurses, clerical and administrative staff, licensed therapists, business office professionals, caseworkers, and the first Psychiatry Residents Training Clinic offered in collaboration with UT Health and Baylor College of Medicine.
During her tenure with the Harris Center, she has been instrumental in developing opportunities for clients to become more engaged in their treatment. Dr. Hill developed the first Client Success Wall in 2015. Framed pictures of current clients and their recovery story are posted daily on the wall to instill hope, decrease stigma and show that mental health recovery is possible by seeing other clients with lived experience. She created the first Mental Health Rejuvenation Room at the clinic for staff to partake during the day to reinforce wellness and self-care. She has been interviewed on KPRC 2 for Mental Health Awareness Month 2024.
Dr. Hill has a dynamic spirit with the talent for inspiring students to develop their clinical skills by way of being an educator. She has been an adjunct professor at the following colleges in mental health counseling: Springfield College, Lone Star Community College, Walden University, Texas Southern University, Argosy University and St. Edwards University. She received the Excellence in Education-Outstanding Educator Award from Texas Southern University in 2019. Her passion to teach didn’t stop at the classroom– it carried over into the community. She received the 2023 Distinguished Clinician Award from the Winner’s Circle Group of Texas, where she coaches and presents to qualified mental health providers on best practices when working with those in foster care and/or child protective services.
Dr. Hill has volunteered with numerous organizations to make a difference. With over 30 years of servitude in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and being a chapter member of North Harris County Alumnae Chapter, being committed to public service comes easy. Answering the question posed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.– “What are you doing for others?” — she finds gratification in volunteering with Northwest Assistance Ministries, Houston Food Bank, Galveston County Food Bank, and the George R. Brown Convention Center’s Annual “Super Feast” Houston.
She is an advisory council member with Landing, an anti-trafficking organization. In addition, she has served as an advisory board member with Texas Transgender Non-Discrimination Scholars, whose mission is to strategically look at issues and policy development surrounding gender identity. Dr. Hill was the first keynote speaker of color for Texas Transgender Non-Discrimination Scholars in 2019 to speak on advocacy.
Dr. Hill is married to retired U.S. Army Colonel Cedric G. Hill, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Practice Manager, Southwest Adult Clinic
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
Houston, TX 77074
Dionne.Hill@TheHarrisCenter.org
www.theharriscenter.org