Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart.
Hi Dr. Ann-Louise, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my private practice, A New Day Pediatric Psychology, here in San Antonio after spending over a decade in hospital and group practice settings. I had reached a point where I wanted to create something that reflected my values, a place where kids, teens, and parents could feel understood and supported without judgment.
When I opened my doors in January 2016, I didn’t have a business background or a roadmap, just a vision and a deep belief that families needed more compassionate, culturally responsive care. Over time, that vision grew into a thriving practice that now serves children, teens, adults, and families through therapy for all ages, parent coaching, life coaching, and school consultations.
As a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, speaker, and author, I’ve been fortunate to share my message nationally. I have had media appearances and brand partnerships, as well as trained educators and guided parents through some of their toughest seasons. My mission has always been the same: to help parents understand their kids (and themselves) better, build stronger connections, and find more peace in the process.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting a private practice with no formal business training was both exciting and overwhelming. I had to learn everything. It was a steep learning curve, from marketing and managing finances to hiring staff and setting boundaries, all while being a wife, mom, and psychologist.
There were moments of doubt, burnout, and fear of failure. I remember wondering if leaving my secure federal job was a huge mistake. But every challenge taught me something valuable about resilience, balance, and asking for help.
As a woman of color in psychology, I also faced the added challenge of finding my place and using my voice in spaces where representation was often limited. Those experiences pushed me to build a practice and a brand that reflects authenticity, cultural awareness, and empathy.
The road wasn’t smooth, but it’s been deeply meaningful. I have absolutely no regrets.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My practice, A New Day Pediatric Psychology, is based here in San Antonio off 1604 and Blanco Road and serves children, teens, adults, and families. We specialize in helping kids and parents manage challenges related to ADHD, anxiety, executive functioning, behavioral issues, and parenting stress. But at our core, what we really do is help families understand each other better.
What sets us apart is our relational and culturally responsive approach. We have qualified and experienced providers from all generations. We don’t just focus on symptoms or behavior; we focus on connection. I believe healing and growth happen when people feel safe, seen, and supported, so that’s the foundation of everything we do.
Beyond therapy, we also offer parent coaching, life coaching, school consultations, and an online community (offering educational books, resources, and membership). I’m proud that our brand has become known for being warm, real, and accessible, especially to families who might not have always felt understood in traditional settings.
Ultimately, I want readers to know that A New Day isn’t just a name, it’s a mindset. Every day is a new opportunity to connect, repair, and grow together as a family.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a thoughtful, observant, and initially very shy kid–the kind of child who noticed everything but didn’t always say much at first. I grew up on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands in a small, close-knit family where we didn’t talk much about feelings, but I was always curious about things and wasn’t afraid to ask questions or challenge the status quo.
I loved being creative, whether it was writing, performing skits at home, acting in school plays, performing in a dance group, playing piano for a crowd, or daydreaming about big ideas. I am Gen-X, so I spent a lot of time playing outside, riding my bike, playing with dolls and action figures, and watching a lot of TV and movies. I probably spent every weekend going to the movie theatre. I loved hanging out with friends, dancing, traveling, trying new hairstyles, and just being creative.
My mom and her sister started and ran a children’s clothing store for almost 30 years, so that was my first job. I held various positions in my mom’s store: gift wrapper, cashier, payroll, fashion buyer, and fashion merchandising (window and store displays). My initial goal when I went to college was to major in business and fashion merchandising, until I changed my mind after seeing all my options once I got there.
My senior year of high school, my island was hit by a major category 5 hurricane, the first one in 100 years. It destroyed my family business, my home, and my island. We didn’t have an income for 9 months, lived with family, and were under martial law. I got dengue fever after being bitten by infected mosquitoes, and we were without running water or power for months. That experience motivated me to get my act together (I was not doing well in school up to that point), do better academically, and graduate well so I could go to the college of my choice.
Looking back, I can see how those early experiences shaped who I am today–someone who values curiosity, connection, and helping others feel seen and understood, especially when it comes to kids and parents.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.anewdaysa.com and www.drannlouiselockhart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.annlouise.lockhart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.annlouise.lockhart
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlockhart/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.annlouiselockhart
- Other: https://www.talkadot.com/s/drlockhart
