Therapists - Extended Biographies
Read more about what makes all of our team members so great!
Courtney Jordan, LPC
Full-Time Therapist
Education
Masters of Arts in Counseling
Dallas Baptist University (2012)
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Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Education
Southwestern Adventist University (2010)
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Professional Experience
2015 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
2013 - 2016: Sundance Behavioral Healthcare, Director of Outpatient Admissions/Assistant Administrator/Intake Manager/Intake Coordinator/Program Therapist (Elementary, Teen, and Adult)
2014 - 2014: The Warm Place, Group Facilitator
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Personal Background
Courtney is a native to the greater Fort Worth area, where she currently resides with her husband and two mischievous cats. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, volunteering, singing, attending church, and spending time with her family.
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Areas of Treatment
Courtney has always been passionate about working in the helping field and leading others to achieve their fullest potential. She actively sees clients from various backgrounds. She has experience working with a wide range of ages and issues from very young children with severe behavioral issues all the way to adults who simply wish to strengthen their marriage or overall functioning. She was also recently recognized in DFW Child Magazine as one of the 2016, 2017, and 2018 "Mom-Approved Practitioners" for her work in the Counseling field.
Jeffrey "Jeff" Hastings, LPC
Full-Time Therapist
Education
Masters of Arts in Christian Counseling
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminatry, Dallas (2013)
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Professional Experience
2017 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
2016 - 2017: Innovations - Mesa Springs, Program Therapist
2015 - 2016: Sundance Behavioral Healthcare, Program Therapist
2014 - 2015: Bair Foundation, Social Service Worker
2013 - 2014: The Oaks Baptist Church, Interim Youth Pastor
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Areas of Treatment
Jeff enjoys the diversity of working with all ages, individuals, couples, and families. He has significant experience working with adolescents, particularly males, and individuals who may have recently been discharged from inpatient or PHP/IOP settings.
Brooke Melton, LPC
Full-Time Therapist
Education
Masters in Science in Counseling, emphasis in Mental Health
Oklahoma State University (2016)
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Austin College (2014)
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Professional Experience
2018 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
2017 - Present: Sundance Behavioral Healthcare, Arlington, Outpatient Program Therapist
2016 - 2017: Sundance Behavioral Healthcare, Arlington, Lead Intake Specialist
2015 - 2016: Payne County Youth Services, Stillwater, OK, Practicum Student and Masters Intern
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Areas of Treatment
The majority of my experience has been working with children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral issues, including depression, self harm, suicidal ideation, anxiety, trauma/abuse, LGBT issues, spirituality, family conflict, bullying, poor self esteem, anger management, and drug abuse. The population I work with is 9 and up in an individual, group, or family setting. In therapy, I practice using a person centered theoretical orientation but often utilize CBT and Solution Focused therapy to help clients challenge their irrational beliefs and gain self-awareness. As a therapist, I believe ever individual is their own expert and I am here to help guide them to be their most authentic self.
Kali McDonald, LMFT, LPC
Full-Time Therapist & Field Placement Manager
Education
Masters of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy
Texas Wesleyan University (2015)
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Bachelors of Arts in Psychology
Texas State University (2012)
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Professional Experience
2018 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
2016 - Present: The Art Station, Therapist
2015 - 2016: Mesa Springs Innovations, Clinical Therapist
2014 - 2015: The Art Station, Practicum Student Therapist
2013 - 2014: Sundance Behavioral Hospital, Education Coordinator
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Areas of Treatment
Kali is a Tarrant County native and thinks DFW is the best place to call home. Kali graduated from Texas State University in 2012 with a B.A. in Psychology, then graduated from Texas Wesleyan University in 2015 with a M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy. Kali has worked with a broad range of populations and issues, as well as various levels of care from individual and family counseling to inpatient facilities. Kali completed her year long graduate internship at a local art therapy agency and then returned to work for the same agency for over two years and enjoys utilizing therapeutic art directives in her practice with clients. Kali has also worked at a partial hospitalization program with teens, and enjoys helping adolescents navigate the unique challenges that their stage in life often brings.
Kali is passionate about working collaboratively with her clients in a solution focused mindset to accomplish their goals and potential. Kali believes in the importance of viewing problems systemically and emphasizing client's personal values and strengths to accomplish lasting change. She helps clients to search for times when they were able to defeat their problems, and create a new life for themselves based on their successes. She frequently implements concepts of artistic expression and exploration to discover alternate ways of processing identified issues.
Kali focuses her therapy sessions on meeting the client where they are at in their life, and helping them find creative solutions to accomplish their goals. Kali also works with couples, helping them work together to reach the best version of themselves both within, and independent of their relationships. Kali is passionate about helping her clients discover new possibilities within themselves, and nurture strengths that are often forgotten so they can live the life they want for themselves.

Brandon Van Schaick, LPC
Full-Time Therapist
Education
Master of Science, Counseling Psychology
Tarleton State University (2017)
Bachelor of Science, Psychology
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (2014)
Professional Experience
2020 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
2018 - 2020: Mesa Springs Hospital, Program Therapist
2017 - 2017: Millwood Hospital, Counseling Intern
2017 - 2017: Tarrant County Community College, Counseling Intern​​
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Areas of Treatment
Brandon's clinical experience has been primarily working with adolescents with various behavioral and emotional issues, as well as helping the families of these individuals communicate more effectively, and problem solve to further facilitate the healing process. He has additional experience working with addiction/substance abuse among teens and adults, depression, self-harm, suicidal and homicidal ideation, anxiety, trauma/abuse, impulse control, family conflict, communication issues, LGBT issues, poor self-worth, thinking errors, toxic perfectionism, anger management, bullying, identifying and breaking unhealthy patterns, etc. His main goal throughout the therapeutic process is how he can work together with clients to facilitate a healthier, happier overall client.
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Carrie Ellis-Crnkovich, LCSW
Full-Time Therapist
Education
Masters of Science in Social Work
University of Texas at Arlington (2009)
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Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Franciscan University of Steubenville (2009)
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Professional Experience
2019 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, PRN Therapist
2017 - 2019: Wellspring Family Services, Contract Therapist
2017 - 2018: Wesley Family Services, Behavior Specialist Consultant/Mobile PRN Therapist
2014 - 2017: Vogel Alcove, Clinical Family Support Specialist
2014 - 2016: Catholic Charities Fort Worth, Contract International Foster Care Home Study Writer
2013 - 2015: Opportunities Counseling Center, Counselor
2012 - 2014: Tarrant County, Contract Social Work
2010 - 2012: Early Childhood Intervention, MHMR of Tarrant County, Infant Mental Health Specialist
2009 - 2009: Catholic Charities Fort Worth, Intern, Refugee Services Match Grant Program
2007 - 2008: Missouri First Steps, Family Service Coordinator
2006 - 2006: Trinity Health Systems, Social Work Intern
2005 - 2006: Help Me Grow of Jefferson County(Ohio), Service Coordinator
Areas of Treatment
Carrie is passionate about working with young children and their families and has received the Infant Family Specialist Endorsement (IMH-E II). She has been a practicing social worker for 13 years and enjoys working with children struggling with attachment, behavior problems, anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum disorders, developmental disorders and trauma.
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Abigail Parnell, LCSW
PRN Therapist
Education
Masters of Social Work
Baylor University (2007)
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Bachelors of Arts in Social Work
Baylor University (2004)
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Professional Experience
2019 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
2016 - Present : Baylor Scott and White All Saints Medical Center, Transplant Social Worker
2015 - 2016: John Peter Smith Hospital, Social Worker Inpatient Adolescent Unit Behavioral Health
2014 - 2015: John Peter Smith Hospital, Behavioral Therapist
2012 - 2014: John Peter Smith Hospital, Inpatient Case Manager
2009 - 2012: Waco Center for Youth, Treatment Team Coordinator
2007 - 2009: Communities in Schools, CIS Program Manager
2005 - 2006: Bair Foundation, Foster Parent Recruiter
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Areas of Treatment
Abigail is passionate about working with individuals of all ages, particularly teenagers. She has experience with CBT, Solution Focused, and Strengths-Based to help her clients move forward and make change.
Lauren Heiple, LPC
PRN Therapist
Education
Masters of Arts in Counseling
Dallas Baptist University (2015)
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Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Dallas Baptist University (2012)
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Professional Experience
2018 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
2016 - Present: Community Counseling Associates, Therapist
2014 - 2017: Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County, Therapy Intern
2012 - 2016: Green Oaks Hospital, Mental Health Technician II & Financial Counselor
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Areas of Treatment
Lauren is a Licensed Professional Counselor & Certified Anger Management Specialist I. Along with her work with anger management, she is very experienced working with children and adolescents, especially those who have experienced trauma. With training in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, & Play Therapy, Lauren specializes in working with individuals ages 3 & up dealing with trauma/abuse, PTSD, anxiety, depression, anger, ADHD, behavioral issues, as well as couples & families. Lauren is able to provide faith-based services upon request.
Lauren will be seeing clients at the Plano location.
Stacey Selby, LPC
Full-Time Therapist
Education
Masters of Education in Counseling Psychology
Tarleton State University (2015)
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Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
University of Texas at Arlington (2006)
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Professional Experience
2019 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
2017 - 2019: Johnson County Child Advocacy Center, Therapist
2016 - 2017: Star Council on Substance Abuse, Counselor Intern
2015 - 2016: Star Council on Substance Abuse, Group Leader
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Areas of Treatment
Stacey has experience working with children and adolescents who have suffered abuse, including sexual abuse, and/or other types of trauma. Stacey also has experience with adults facing stage of life adjustment issues, relationship problems, depression, anxiety, poor coping and poor self-image. Stacey has spent extensive time working with both adults, mostly women, and teens with substance use issues, and has experience with teens experiencing anger, and self-harming behaviors. Stacey works with ages 5 and up, and with both individuals and couples. She uses solution focused therapy, trauma informed therapy and other therapy modalities, as she walks alongside her clients on their journey.
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Melinda Kallmeyer, LPC
PRN Therapist
Education
Masters of Education in Counseling
Tarleton State University (2011)
Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies
Texas Tech University (1998)
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Professional Experience
2017 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
2013 - 2017: ACH Child and Family Services, STAR Counselor
2010 - 2016: The Parenting Center, Counseling Intern
2012 - 2013: YWCA, Counseling Intern
2013: Trauma Support Services of North Texas, Counseling Intern
1998 - 2008: Crowley Independent School District, Teacher
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Areas of Treatment
Melinda is Trained and Certified as a Facilitator in the PREPARE/ENRICH for dating, engaged, and married couples and on the Twogether in Texas Website as a Marriage Education Service Provider. Along with her work with couples of all ages, she is very experienced working with school-aged children and adolescents, especially those who have experienced trauma. She completed training in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as in Play Therapy Strategies for Tweens and Teens at UNT.
Ebony Skinner, LPC
Full-Time Therapist
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy
Texas Wesleyan University (In Progress)
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Master of Arts in Counseling
Texas Wesleyan University (2014)
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Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Texas Woman's University (2010)
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Professional Experience
2019 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
2019 - Present: The Parenting Center, Therapist
2018 - 2019: Wellbridge Hospital, Outpatient Therapist
2018 - 2019: Wellbridge Hospital, Interim IOP Director
2015 - 2018: Wellbridge Hospital, Director of Referrals and Admissions
2015 - 2015: Wellbridge Hospital, Intake Admissions Coordinator
2014 - 2014: Mesa Springs Hospital, Counseling Intern
2014 - 2014: Excel Center, Counseling Intern
2010 - 2010: Denton County MHMR, Case Management Intern
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Areas of Treatment
Ebony is currently pursuing a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy. She believes problems are relational and that courage, confidence and strength can grow in connection. Ebony has experience working with adults and children in a variety of therapeutic settings including inpatient hospital settings, community mental health clinics and intensive outpatient therapy programs. She has worked alongside clients dealing with issues related to depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem/issues related to self worth, phase of life adjustment, grief/loss and trauma.
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Alma Garcia, LCSW
PRN Therapist
Education
Master of Science in Social Work
University of Texas at Arlington (2003)
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Bachelor of Social Work
University of Texas at El Paso (1997)
Professional Experience
2018 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Bilingual Therapist
2015 - 2018: Legacy Counseling Center, Bilingual Psychotherapist
2003 - 2015: Parkland Health & Hospital System, Mental Health Counselor
1994 - 1999: Sexual Trauma & Assault Response Services, Outreach Advocate / Counselor
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Areas of Treatment
Alma was born and raised in El Paso, TX. She attended and graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1997 with a Bachelor’s in Social Work. She found her first social work job at the local rape crisis center. It was a work she thoroughly enjoyed and grew to be passionate about. She moved to Dallas in 2000 to continue her education. After graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2003 with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, she immediately began working as a medical social worker. In her work as a medical social worker she discovered a passion for helping those who suffer with anxiety and depression. She also found that she could successfully help patients with chronic health issues using similar techniques. Most recently she focused her efforts on working with people living with HIV/AIDS. She has also worked with people struggling with substance abuse issues. Alma is bilingual in English/Spanish, as well as proficient in American Sign Language. She is passionate about working with families and individuals ages 13+ at the Arlington North and South locations.
Kristin Bruce-Cardwell, LPC
Full-Time Therapist
Education
Masters in Counseling and Expressive Arts Therapy
William James College (2015)
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Bachelor in Equine Science: Therapeutic Riding
University of New Hampshire (2013)
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Professional Experience
2019 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
2015 - 2019: Adapt Community Solutions, Crisis Intervention Specialist
2014 - 2015: Bradley Hospital: Art Therapy Intern
2013 - 2014: Dynamy Youth Academy, Intern
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Areas of Treatment
Kristin has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Kristin's experience includes serving those with a history of trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders in inpatient, outpatient as well as community settings. Kristin is a Path Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and a Certified Crisis Worker through the American Association of Suicidology.
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Mariana Marquez Vega
Full-Time Mid-Level Therapist
Education
Master of Social Work
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (2018)
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Professional Experience
2020 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
2019 - 2019: Wellbridge Healthcare, Therapist
2018 - 2019: Southwest Key Programs, Clinician
2018 - 2018: Tropical Texas Behavioral Health, Case Manager
2018 - 2018 Tropical Texas Behavioral Health, Intern
2017 - 2017: Rio Grande State Center, Intern
2017 - 2017: Cameron County Mental Health Task Force, Intern
2015 - 2016: Edinburg Parks and Recreation, Group Leader
2015 - 2015: Amador Rodriquez Juvenile Boot Camp, Intern
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Areas of Treatment
Mariana is bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish. She found her first job as a case manager at a Behavioral Health clinic for youth and families. She then expanded her career as a Clinician at an immigrant shelter for teenage boys. During that experience, she discovered a passion for mental health in teenagers with diagnosis such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, PTSD, gried, and anger management. She then relocated six hours north to the outskirts of Fort Worth and expanded her experience to adults and geriatrics.
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Denver Dykes,LPC
Full-Time Therapist
Education
Master of Arts in Counseling
Dallas Baptist University (2014)
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Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
Dallas Baptist University
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Professional Experience
2020 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
2017 - 2020: Cenikor Foundation, Mental Health Counselor
2015 - 2017: Community Healthcore,Therapist - Qualified Mental Health Professional II
2015 - 2015: Management & Training Corporation, Substance Abuse Counselor I
2014 - 2015: Advance Counseling Centre, LPC- Intern
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Areas of Treatment
Denver is an EMDR trained therapist who has experience working with all age groups. She is experienced in working with individuals and families, including those with depression, grief and loss and substance abuse/use.
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Marie Steffens, LCSW
Full-Time Therapist
Education
Master of Social Work
Florida State University (2007)
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Bachelor of Social Work
Florida State University (2006)
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Professional Experience
2020 - Present: Alliance Child and Family Solutions, Therapist
2017 - 2020: PSP Counseling, Therapist
2016 - 2013: Baycare Homecare, Medical Social Worker
2013 - 2010: Meridian Behavioral Healthcare,Therapist
2010 - 2009: Christian Family Services, Adoptions Therapist
2009 - 2008: Suncoast Center, Inc., Family Therapist
Areas of Treatment
Marie has experience working with children, adolescents and adults. Her theoretical approach is cognitive behavioral and solution focused, as well she is well versed in adjusting her therapeutic approach to meet client's needs. Marie's client interests include: family conflict, domestic violence, survivors of physical and emotional abuse, postpartum depression, anxiety, trauma and self-esteem. She enjoys talking to clients without judgment.​

Ana Boise, LPC
Full-Time Therapist
Education
Master of Arts in Community Mental Health and Counseling
Argosy University (2014)
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Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Marymount University (2010)
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Professional Experience
2020 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
2019 - 2020: Bacon Street Youth and Family Services, Clinician
2018 - 2019: Elk Hill Farm, TDT Counselor
2016 - 2018: Family Priority, LLC, In-Home Counselor
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Areas of Treatment
Ana has experience working with children and adolescents who have suffered from a range of issues, including ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar and other childhood onset disorders as well as various types of trauma. Ana has experience with adults experiencing adjustment issues, relationship problems, anxiety, depression, poor coping. Ana works with all ages, individuals, couples and families. She uses solution focused therapy, trauma informed therapy and other therapy modalities to assist clients through the counseling process.
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Colby Perez, LMFT
Full-Time Therapist
​Education
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Nova Southeastern University (2012)
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Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
Texas Tech University (2010)
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Professional Experience
2020 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
2019 - 2020: Child and Family Guidance Center, Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts
2018 - 2019: Grayson County Children’s Advocacy Center, Clinical Therapist
2016 - 2016: Youthworks, Shelter Care Attendant
2013 - 2015: Metrocare Services, Qualified Mental Health Professional
2013 - 2013: Benchmark Family Service, Case Manager
2012 - 2013: Aids Outreach Center, Patient Navigator
2011 - 2012: Sun Serve, Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee/Intern
2011 - 2011: The Brief Therapy Institute, Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee
2006 - 2006: Canyon Lakes Residential Treatment Center, Psychiatric Care Specialist
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Areas of Treatment
Colby works with all ages, individuals, couples and families. He has experience working with adults and children in a variety of therapeutic settings. He has completed training in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Colby’s professional and client interests include: LGBTQI issues, gender issues, social justice-informed practice, feminism informed, trauma, anxiety, depression, family conflict, and relational issues. Colby hopes to make a space for clients that is safe for all and without judgment.
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Jasmine Ricks, LMFT
Full-Time Therapist
Education
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
University of Louisiana Monroe (2016)
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Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Louisiana State University (2014)​
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Professional Experience
2020 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
2018 - 2020: MHMR Of Tarrant County, Juvenile Probation Department Therapist
2017 - 2018: True Mental Health Services, Case Manager
2017 - 2017: Metrocare Services at Westmoreland — Center & Pharmacy, Crisis-Qualified Mental Health Professional
2016 - 2016: House of Hope, Program Specialist
2016 - 2016: Dynamic Family Solutions, Therapist
2015 - 2016: University of Louisiana Monroe, Marriage And Family Counselor - Intern
2015 - 2016: The Wellspring Family Violence, Domestic Violence Advocate/ Case Management
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Areas of Treatment
Originally from and formally educated in Louisiana, Jasmine earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Louisiana Monroe in Marriage and Family Therapy. Prior to that she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University in Sociology. Jasmine is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Texas. She is experienced working with families, individuals, youth and conducting groups in varying settings. Her preferred approach to therapy is incorporating family and systems in the therapeutic process.
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Krystin Loper, LPC
Full-Time Therapist
Education
Master of Education in Counseling
University of North Texas (2015)
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Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Southern University and A&M College (2008)​
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Professional Experience
2020 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
2019 - 2020: The Council on Recovery, Counselor
2018 - 2019: MInd Above Matter, Program Therapist
2017 - 2019: Holman Family Services, Therapist Intern/Therapist
2017 - 2018: Sundance Behavioral Healthcare, Program Therapist
2015 - 2017: Transicare Inc., Qualified Mental Health Professional/Jail Liaison
2015 - 2015: Dallas Children's Advocacy Center, Therapist Intern
2014 - 2015: Metrocare Services, Qualified Mental Health Professional
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Areas of Treatment
Krystin is passionate about helping individuals of all ages find their own voice through meeting them where they are and working with them towards their goals. She has training in play and activity therapy and she employs a variety of treatment modalities which include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT), Person Centered, Social Emotional Learning and Play Therapy techniques. She has worked with individuals who have experienced trauma as well as facilitated groups for depression and mentorship for young ladies navigating teenage years.
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More therapists coming soon ;)
Full-Time Therapist
Education
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Professional Experience
2020 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
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Areas of Treatment
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More therapists coming soon ;)
Full-Time Therapist
Education
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Professional Experience
2020 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
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Areas of Treatment
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More therapists coming soon ;)
Full-Time Therapist
Education
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Professional Experience
2020 - Present: Alliance Child & Family Solutions, Therapist
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Areas of Treatment
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