FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 August 25, 2025

JEKYLL ISLAND, GA – The Georgia Commission on Family Violence (GCFV) proudly announces Dr. Gloria Smith Cissé, LPC, LMSW, CTRTC, as the recipient of the 2025 Catalyst for Change Award, to be presented during GCFV’s 31st Statewide Conference in Jekyll Island. This prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Cissé’s transformative work advancing accountability-focused interventions for individuals and communities impacted by family violence.

A nationally recognized mental health professional, educator, and community leader, Dr. Cissé brings more than 25 years of experience to her work as the co-founder and CEO of The Southern Center for Choice Theory, LLC. Under her leadership, the organization provides counseling, consultation, and training deeply rooted in trauma-informed care.

“Dr. Gloria Cissé is a leader in the field of family violence intervention,” said GCFV Chair Judge Paige Whitaker. “Her innovative work emphasizes accountability and inspires meaningful, lasting change through intervention, cultural responsiveness, and a deep commitment to justice. She embodies everything the Catalyst for Change Award represents—commitment to safety and justice for victims of family violence while ensuring that offenders are held accountable.

A licensed professional counselor and licensed master social worker, Dr. Cissé is a certified Reality Therapy practitioner and trained forensic evaluator. She has consistently fostered positive change and strengthened communities through exceptional family violence intervention. She is the creator of the Choosing Peace for Men and Choosing Peace for Women curricula, which have redefined how accountability and personal growth are facilitated within Family Violence Intervention Programs (FVIPs). 

Beyond her clinical and programmatic work, Dr. Cissé is a respected academic. She formerly served as an assistant professor and field education director at Fort Valley State University, where she helped shape the next generation of social workers and secured major grant funding to support their education. She is also a published researcher and frequent presenter at state and national conferences, further amplifying her impact on the field.

The Catalyst for Change Award honors FVIP providers or facilitators who demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovation, and leadership in their communities. Recipients are recognized for their efforts to hold offenders accountable and for their lasting contributions to systems that promote safety, healing, and justice.

Dr. Cissé’s lifelong mission has been to create communities where healing is possible and equity and human dignity are non-negotiable. Her work empowers individuals to uncover their inner strength and live healthy, resilient lives.

Contact:
 Georgia Commission on Family Violence
 Email: [email protected]
 Website: www.gcfv.georgia.gov