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 three 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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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, AAPC 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 Certified Physician Practice Manager, 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, cooking and running. 

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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.

Barbara Ellis began her journey with CFGC in January of 2021 as a Practicum student.  Barbara holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.  Barbara currently works with parents, adults, and the elderly population but is learning to provide play therapy. In her spare time, Barbara enjoys crocheting, spending time outdoors, hunting arrowheads and fossils, and playing with her cats and dog. 

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.

Rebekah Irick began her Journey with CFGC in May of 2022 as a Case Manager. Rebekah holds a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Texas Woman’s University.  Rebekah has over 10 years of experience working in Social Work. Rebekah enjoys spending quality time with her family, as well as making crafts, and participating in church events. 

Taylor Klement is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in the state of Texas. Taylor is employed as a full-time Staff 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.

Courtney Maple is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-Associate) licensed in the state of Texas. Courtney is employed as a full-time Associate Therapist and began her journey at CFGC as a practicum student in January 2020. Courtney holds a Master of Art degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University . Courtney enjoys working with a wide range of clients including, adolescents, teens, and families. Courtney has received training in Trauma Informed Care.  Courtney is passionate about advocating for her clients in and outside of therapy. Courtney enjoys spending time with her family, listening to podcasts, camping, and hiking.

Karlie Niehus is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-Associate) in Texas and is employed as a full-time Associate Therapist. She 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.

Simran Shallwani a LPC-Associate. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology at University of Texas at Austin and her Masters of Arts in professional counseling at Amberton University. She has prior experience working with adolescents and adults. Simran is very passionate about working with clients who struggle with anxiety. She enjoy arts and crafts as well as dancing which she finds very therapeutic. Outside of therapy, Simran loves to volunteer and help create awareness about mental health. 

Nicole is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Staff Therapist, at Child & Family Guidance Center (CFGC).  Nicole holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Tarleton State University and Master of Science in Social Work from University of Texas at Arlington, she has more than 14 years of experience in various social work settings.  Nicole is a member in good standing with National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and Soldiers Angels.  She has a love for learning, actively writes book reviews published with NASW and stays engaged within the Texoma Community service agencies.  Nicole embraces self-discovery & professional growth, she enjoys backroad journeys on her Harley Davidson, quality time with her boyfriend, family and friends.

Brianna "Bri" Stowers is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in the state of Texas. Bri is employed as a full-time Staff 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.