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Who Am I?

A renowned counselor
and play therapy specialist.

2026

About Dr. Garrett

As a loving mother and Mom-mom (mother once removed), her family inspired Marquita to explore exceptional children, young adults (15-35), and women in transition. For over 30 years, she has worked to help others understand their purpose, identify their gifts, and cultivate a vision for their next steps in life.

As a Licensed Practicing Counselor and National Certified Counselor, Marquita has assisted many in reaching their social/emotional goals. She graduated from Albertus Magnus College with a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Psychology. Marquita earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling specializing in Exceptional Children from Wright State University. She received her Philosophy Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from Walden University.

Dr. Garrett., as she is fondly called by her university students and as a professor, is passionate about helping other behavioral professionals find their niche in the counseling/ play therapy realm. She is an Approved Clinical Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor and her research includes supervision & gatekeeping, play therapy for all ages, and the art of self-care.

Dr. Garrett. is a Marvel Comic fan and an avid reader; her all-time favorite artist is Prince, a huge dog lover and enjoys many water sports.

A little story about me

Through the years

1970

Back when I was a child, before life removed all the innocence, I learned about advocacy and social justice on The Green in New Haven Ct. Early 70’s with my parents.

1975

My first public speaking and news worthy event! I wanted to be a veterinarian and I loved informing others. Kit and Clare were among my first friends in Toledo, Ohio. We lost Clare, a great soul, and strong advocate for justice to breast cancer in February 2023.

1984

Started my family with my first love and our first daughter in Connecticut 1984. My husband had such a great fashion sense and he loved to dress us in similar fashion. My daughter was clearly a Daddy’s girl!

1992

1992 – My first professional headshot. Just changed majors and decided to attend Albertus Magnus College in Connecticut. The same place and same major as my mom. We graduated 20 years apart. Yes I loved Hip-Hop, Prince and dressed like Janet!

1994

First Degree!!!! April 1994 BA in Child and community psychology. So glad I made it in my Poetic Justice style! I thought I was about to embark on my spoken word journey, write children’s books and head to a wonderful PsyD program.

1998

My family grew with my second husband. We had a second set of beautiful babies and adopted the coolest chow ever. He was already named Blackie when we got him and we gave him a complete name of Blackie D’ OGie Knight! This was the pet therapy training origin. My kids loved him and he loved us!

2005

In 2005 I was inducted into Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) at Wright State University. I graduated 3 months later with a Clinical mental health degree and specialization in Exceptional Childhood. I really enjoyed my learning experience and met some wonderful people along the way.

2013

Being a mom, and mom-mom is the highlight reel of my life. My heart is full of joy when the grands became a part of it. This was in 2013 since then we added a couple more!

2018

In 2018 I started my private practice in Richmond VA.

2020

I completed all my requirements for being a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor during the pandemic! October 2020.

2021

During the pandemic, many things changed and the need for mental health rose. My offices were expanded to meet the need. We added a wholistic component in 2021 to address the growing mental health crisis.

2023

Graduated with a Doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision – dissertation topic was “Clinical Counseling Supervisors’ Perspectives of Gatekeeping During Prelicense Supervision.”
Love being a gatekeeper and working with interns and residents!

2025

Co-Authored the “Climate Change and Environmental Justice Competencies for Counselor Education”