God has used Dr. Karen Hollie's life greatly: as a pioneer when she became the President and Founder of Grace International Seminary in 2007. It is the only women's seminary in the southwest offering Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral degrees.

 

Her commission from God to plant a globally diverse celebratory church is being fulfilled daily. Upon her commission, Lifeway Church of Dallas was founded and established in March, 2008. It is a church that empowers, enlightens, and encourages the unchurched, the alienated, and the lost; leading them to a life-changing new beginning through teaching, preaching, and evangelism. Prior to founding Lifeway, she served for four years as the first female pastor of the historical Johnson Chapel Community Church in Desoto, Tx.

 

Dr. Hollie enjoys the opportunity to bridge her psychological background with her ministerial calling. She says she preaches for two reasons: "to comfort the disturbed" and to "disturb the uncomfortable". Her unique style of ministering is motivational, uplifting, and embraces practical solutions for positive living. She strongly believes in and teaches the Bible as an application to everyday situations that are particularly challenging to working professionals.

 

She graduated valedictorian from Oak Cliff Christian Academy. She went on to earn a Bachelor's in Political Science, a Masters in Guidance and Counseling, and a Ph.D. in Psychology. She graduated in the class of 2001 from the prestigious Leadership Southwest representing the Chamber of Commerce for the cities of Desoto, Duncanville, Cedar Hill, and Lancaster.

 

Dr. Hollie served as president of Altrusa International Inc., a business and professional women's organization. In 2003, she won the coveted National President's Award for leading Altrusa International, Inc. to a nine-point merit of excellence.  Professionally, Dr. Hollie worked as a counselor for the Wilmer-Hutchins, Texas ISD for eight years and for the Catholic Diocese of Dallas for ten years. Additionally, she has worked for the past three decades as a therapist in private practice. She also travels nationally as an Educational Consultant for Twenty First Century.

 

She is the author of Ask Dr. Hollie: Therapy in a Flash, a collection of psychological and inspirational advice. She is the host of the Ask Dr. Hollie show airing on the Your Now Network (www.yournownetwork.com) seven days a week at 7:30 am Central time.

 

Certifications:

Certified School Counselor 

State of Texas Certified Teacher  

State of Texas - Social Studies

Anti Bully Prevention Trainer  

21st Century Anger Management

Peer Mediation Conflict Resolution

2nd Step Violence Prevention Trainer & Facilitator

Individual Counseling

Diagnostic Testing

Pastoral Counsel

Couples Counseling

Pre-Marital Counseling

 

List of Awards:

2003 - Woman of Achievement Award - Dallas Beautician Association

2003 - Educator of the Year - NAACP Dallas Chapter

2004 - Outsanding Community Service - D.O.T.Y. Award

2005 - Woman of the Year - Just One Look Production

2006 - Who's Who of Professional Business Women

2007 - Women of Excellence - Elite News

2007 - Inducted into Religious Hall of Fame

2008 - Recognized by the Senate of the State of Texas - Community Service Award

2008 - Woman of the Year - National Council of Negro Women