Brenda Hayward, Executive Director

Brenda holds an MBA from Texas Woman’s University and has been employed as the executive director of the Child & Family Guidance Center since 2002. She is passionate about the center’s work that provides hope and healing for Texoma children and families. Brenda believes whole-heartedly that the trauma-informed-care model is the best practice framework for treatment of clients and care of staff.

Brenda specializes in nonprofit management, grant writing, fundraising, and community advocacy for mental health. She is a fierce advocate of advancing efforts to address the severe mental health professional workforce shortage in our region and across Texas.  Brenda manages a staff of 20 plus employees, oversees agency operations, works closely with an active board of directors and serves on the board of the Texoma Behavioral Health Leadership Team (TBHLT).  She loves to “Fun-Raise” for the cause, which to her means giving community members an opportunity to join other passionate people to support and further the critically important work of CFGC.

Brenda has been married 37 years to the love of her life, Scott. They have two grown sons, beautiful daughters-in-law, and two precious grandchildren. Brenda loves to take long walks, read, practice yoga and meditation, spend time with family, friends and her two adorable yorkies.

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Tiffany Dancer, LPC-S, Clinical Director

Tiffany Dancer is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) and the Clinical Director of CFGC. Tiffany has been with CFGC since April 2014. Tiffany holds a Master of Science degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce. She specializes in the treatment of individuals with chronic pain or illness as well as individuals on the Autism spectrum.

She has received extensive training in TF-CBT, ARC, and Trauma Informed Care.  Tiffany serves on several committees that work to improve the lives of Texoma residents. She also co-founded the Texoma Mental Health Provider Network that provides free training to local mental health providers.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and dog. 

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Jessica Hamilton, Office Manager

Jessica Hamilton has been the Office Manager at Child & Family Guidance Center since 2006. Jessica received her training and education in Office Management and Insurance billing through Parker University and American Medical Billing Association. She leads the administrative team to ensure that trauma-informed, quality care is being provided to clients when they are scheduling their appointments and discussing financial matters. With having over 23 years of experience with office management, insurance credentialing and contracting, she oversees insurance and patient billing and she understands the importance of educating clients on their insurance coverage and payment options. She enjoys being able to use her skills to increase funds for CFGC because it makes it possible for low income individuals to have access to care.  She is also a Texas Notary Public and is certified in Mental Health First Aid.

Jessica loves spending time with her four amazing daughters (two of which are grown) in her spare time.  She also loves traveling, listening to music, reading, running, cooking, watching 80’s movies, and cuddling with her Yorkie, Buddy and cat, Zeuss.

Click here to email Jessica

Tiffany Dancer is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) and the Clinical Director of CFGC. Tiffany has been with CFGC since April 2014. Tiffany holds a Master of Science degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce. She specializes in the treatment of individuals with chronic pain or illness as well as individuals on the Autism spectrum.

She has received extensive training in TF-CBT, ARC, and Trauma Informed Care.  Tiffany serves on several committees that work to improve the lives of Texoma residents. She also co-founded the Texoma Mental Health Provider Network that provides free training to local mental health providers.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and dog. 

Rachel Carey is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in the state of Texas. Rachel is employed as a full-time staff therapist and began her journey with CFGC as a practicum student in 2013. Rachel holds a Master of Science degree from the Texas Woman’s University. She loves incorporating art and activities in therapy. Rachel has received training in TF-CBT, Trauma Informed Care, and ARC. Rachel loves spending time with her family and attending sporting events in her free time.

Melinda Gossett is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) licensed in the state of Texas. Melinda is employed as a full-time staff therapist at the Child & Family Guidance Center since January 2016. Melinda is a Registered Play Therapist. Melinda holds a Master of Science degree from Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. She specializes in the treatment of children using play therapy and sand tray. Melinda has received training in TF-CBT, Trauma Informed Care, the ARC model of treatment. Melinda enjoys sewing and being active in her church.

Ashley Hinson is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor licensed in the state of Texas. Ashley is employed as a full-time staff therapist and has been with CFGC since September 2020. Ashley holds a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University. She received extensive training in Family Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Play Therapy. She specializes in working with adolescents, children, and families. Ashley enjoys playing music and traveling with her husband and children. She also enjoys being outdoors, in bodies of water, and/or in bed napping.  

Lindsey Hughes is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in the state of Texas. Lindsey is employed as a full-time staff therapist and has been with CFGC since 2019. Lindsey holds a Master of Science degree from the University of North Texas. She specializes in play therapy with children and Child Parent Relationship Therapy. Lindsey has received training in TF-CBT, Trauma Informed Care, and ARC. Lindsey enjoys traveling with her dog and hanging out with her friends in her free time.

Taylor Klement is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-Associate) licensed in the state of Texas. Taylor is employed as a full-time Associate Therapist and began her journey at CFGC in July of 2020. Taylor holds a Master of Science degree from University of North Texas. Taylor is passionate about trauma informed care and working with domestic violence survivors. Taylor has received training in play therapy, suicide prevention and addiction. Taylor enjoys spending time with her family and people watching with her cat.

Beth Lewis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in the state of Texas. Beth is employed as a full-time staff therapist and has been with CFGC since 2017. Beth holds a Master of Education degree from the Texas Tech University. She works with a wide range of clients including couples, personality disorders, and utilizes play therapy. Beth has received training in TF-CBT, Trauma Informed Care, and ARC. Beth is passionate about advocating for her clients and enjoys spending time with her family in her free time.

Christi Nelson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) at CFGC. Christi holds a Master of Arts degree from Amberton University. She specializes in the treatment of individuals with mental illness and addiction combined.

She has received extensive training in substance abuse counseling. She is experienced in advocating for clients with CPS and probation officers.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her puppies at her cabin and spending time with family.

Karlie Niehus is employed as a part-time Support Specialist, and began her work with CFGC in October 2020. Karlie holds a Master of Education degree from Oklahoma City University. Karlie has received training in CBT and Trauma Informed Care. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and going to see plays and musicals with friends/family.

Brianna "Bri" Stowers is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-Associate) licensed in the state of Texas. Bri is employed as a full-time Associate Therapist and began her journey at CFGC as a practicum student in 2018.  Bri holds a Master of Science degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Bri's specialty is working with members of the LGBTQ+ community and she is passionate about helping couples and families improve their communication and foster positive relationships. Bri has received training in TF-CBT, Trauma Informed Care, and ARC. Bri enjoys traveling and seeing new places.

Kelsey Ticer is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in the state of Texas. Kelsey is employed as a Staff Therapist and has been with CFGC since 2018. Kelsey holds a Master of Arts degree from the Stephen F. Austin State University. She is highly effective with clients of all ages and with a wide array of struggles. Kelsey has received training in TF-CBT, Trauma Informed Care, and ARC. Kelsey enjoys curling up with a good book and reading in her spare time.

John Trader is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) licensed in the state of Texas. John is employed as a full-time staff therapist and has been with CFGC since 2013. John holds a Master of Science degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce. He specializes in the treatment of individuals in the LGBTQ community. John has received training in TF-CBT, Trauma Informed Care, and ARC. John is passionate about staying up to date on the latest research. John loves Stars Wars and reading comic books in his free time.