Meet the Team
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Myrna Rochelle Roberts, PhD, MHR
Founder & Principal Strategist
Dr. Roberts is the visionary behind Gladiator Advocates, with a PhD in Strategic Communication and a track record of research on the intersection of sports, advocacy, and communication. Her pioneering work in the field has helped shape the firm’s unique approach to athlete advocacy and performance. Her research focuses on how identity and culture influence communication, particularly within high-performance environments like sports. By examining these issues through innovative frameworks, including the Gladiator Syndrome and Gladiator Complex, Dr. Roberts addresses the complex dynamics athletes face both on and off the field.The Gladiator Syndrome framework explores how athletes’ identities are shaped by external pressures and performance expectations, while Gladiator Complex highlights the challenges they face transitioning beyond their competitive careers. Driven by a commitment to holistic athlete support, Dr. Roberts founded Gladiator Advocates to offer athletes a platform for advocacy and personal growth, helping them navigate identity, performance, and life transitions.
Dr. Roberts is also recognized for her pioneering contributions to peace communication. Her award-winning academic work, published as a chapter in a doctoral-level text, applies Johan Galtung’s peace journalism and framing theory to foster conflict resolution and constructive dialogue in high-stakes environments.
For CV go to: https://myrnaroberts.com/about-myrna.html
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Theron H. Forshee, Jr.
Sports Analyst & Managing Partner
Theron Forshee is an accomplished sports agent, recruiter, and analyst with a strong track record in talent scouting, athlete performance analysis, and strategic recruitment tailored to each athlete’s aspirations. His commitment to building authentic relationships with athletes and their families has earned him a trusted role in pivotal negotiations.Theron began his career in Las Vegas, working with the UNLV Running Rebels and building a reputation for integrity and fairness. His experience spans high-stakes events, including the NCAA Final Four and NBA All-Star games, where he ensures athletes receive optimal support and respect in negotiations. This dedication to his clients consistently secures him access to critical industry discussions across high school, AAU, college, and NBA teams.
An athlete himself, Theron played on one of Oklahoma’s most successful high school basketball teams, leading Star Spencer High School to four state championships with a perfect 28-0 senior year. He continued as a shooting guard and team captain at Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, and played in the NBA Summer Pro League.
Theron is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Providence Bible College & Theological Seminary, broadening his commitment to advocacy and mentorship for the next generation of athletes.
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Emmett R. Roberts, Jr., PhD, LADC, LCSW, MSW
Dir. of Clinical Advocacy and Mental Health Dr. Emmett Roberts brings over three decades of clinical expertise to Gladiator Advocates, where he serves as Director of Clinical Advocacy and Mental Health. A licensed therapist (LADC, LCSW) and core faculty member at a major teaching university, Dr. Roberts is uniquely positioned at the intersection of clinical research, mental health practice, and community impact.
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Dr. Roberts holds a PhD in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, and both his MSW and BSW from the University of Oklahoma. His deep roots in the state and longstanding service through mental health initiatives reflect his commitment to accessible, culturally competent care.
At Gladiator Advocates, Dr. Roberts leads mental health strategy and intervention support for athletes, performers, and their families. He specializes in helping clients navigate the high-pressure demands of competitive environments—addressing identity formation, performance anxiety, trauma recovery, and the impact of external expectations on mental health.
With compassion and clinical rigor, Dr. Roberts works closely with our team to provide referrals, design therapeutic interventions, and develop resilience-based support systems. His approach is grounded in research but tailored to the real-world complexities of arena life—where performance meets pressure, and healing meets hope.
When you’re ready to talk, we’re here to listen. For confidential support or referrals, email:MentalHealth@GladiatorAdvocates.com
In immediate crisis? Call or text 988. -
La Shelle Tennyson
Licensed Therapist & Mental Health Specialist
“One of my greatest passions is helping others on their journey to a better life. We all face challenging moments, my goal is to support you through them with a holistic approach. Whether you've experienced trauma, navigating life-changing events, or dealing with anxiety, depression, or grief, I'm here to help. I specialize in working with those who have faced trauma, including military personnel and veterans. I focus on helping you reconnect with your strengths, find healing, and live the life you deserve.I bring years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. In our sessions, I use evidence-based practices like CBT, EMDR, Image Transformation Therapy, and inner child healing. You can expect a compassionate, supportive environment where we’ll work together to overcome obstacles and develop the tools for a lasting change.
Are you ready to move forward and start your healing journey? I offer both in-office and Telehealth sessions to accommodate your needs. Together, we can work on overcoming the roadblocks in your life. Reach out today through my website or email to schedule a session, and let’s start working toward your best life.“
Our Vision
Gladiator Advocates was born out of the recognition that athletes, particularly those engaged in high-performance environments, face unique challenges—both on and off the field. We are committed to addressing these challenges head-on, using research-backed strategies, compassionate advocacy, and cutting-edge communication techniques.
Whether you’re a professional athlete looking for crisis management, a parent of a child athlete seeking guidance, or an individual in need of personal advocacy, Gladiator Advocates is here to support you every step of the way..
Contact Us
Learn more about how we can help you succeed in your professional and personal life. Visit our Services Page for a full list of our offerings, or contact us today to schedule a consultation.
