Family Therapists
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Amber Kissner
LMSW
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Anita Sharma
LPC
TBRI Trained
TF-CBT Trained
EMDR TrainedAnita Sharma
LPC
TBRI Trained
TF-CBT Trained
EMDR TrainedAnita Sharma received her master’s degree in child development and family relationships from The University of Texas at Austin. She has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years in community mental health clinics, a counseling agency, and a behavioral health hospital. Ms. Sharma’s goal is to stay positive and hopeful, and respect, support, and encourage children and families needing help. Ms. Sharma loves to spend time with her family, explore plant nurseries, and experiment with new cooking recipes.
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Aurelia Cortez
LCSW
Spanish speaking
TBRI Trained
TF-CBT Trained
EMDR TrainedAurelia Cortez
LCSW
Spanish speaking
TBRI Trained
TF-CBT Trained
EMDR TrainedAurelia Cortez, LCSW, is a Spanish-speaking therapist in the Fort Worth office. Ms. Cortez received her undergraduate degree from the University of North Texas in Denton, and her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. Ms. Cortez is a Fort Worth native who has worked with children and adolescents in academic and nonprofit settings since 2013. She hopes to provide a safe environment in which clients have the support to heal, adjust, and achieve their personal health and wellness goals. In her spare time, Ms. Cortez enjoys exercising, spending time outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
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Courtney Landes
LCSW
Spanish speaking
TF-CBT National Certification
TBRI Trained
EMDR Certified TherapistCourtney Landes
LCSW
Spanish speaking
TF-CBT National Certification
TBRI Trained
EMDR Certified TherapistCourtney Landes received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Texas at Austin. Ms. Landes has previous experience serving in AmeriCorps and working as the inpatient social worker for Women’s Services at JPS Hospital. She joined Lena Pope in 2013, and over the years has worked with children, adolescents, and families through JJAEP, FWISD Family Resource Centers, counseling, and Project SAFeR. Ms. Landes’ passion is to supportively work alongside clients as they seek to make positive changes in their lives. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercising, traveling, and cooking.
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Dakota Torres
LCSW
Dakota Torres
LCSW
Dakota Torres , LCSW is the full-time family therapist at Lena Pope’s Weatherford office. Dakota received her bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista University and her master’s degree from Capella University. Dakota was born in Iowa and moved to Texas about three years ago. While in Texas, Dakota has primarily worked in private practice but prior to this worked in Iowa at a community mental health center. Dakota’s goal is to normalize therapy and mental health needs for individuals and families. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family or reading a book.
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Dawn Edwards
LCSW
TF-CBT Trained
TBRI Trained
EMDR TrainedDawn Edwards
LCSW
TF-CBT Trained
TBRI Trained
EMDR TrainedDawn Edwards is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is both new and old to Lena Pope. She attended Texas Christian University as an undergraduate then started working with Lena Pope. During her time with Lena Pope she completed her Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington. She recently moved back to this area after living in southern Maryland for 10 years. Ms. Edwards’ goal in life and work is to make a positive difference in others’ lives through helping empower them to reach their own goals. Outside of work she tries to spend time with family and friends. She has a 15 year old son (who sometimes allows her to hang out with him) and enjoys watching the antics of her cats, who tend to rule the house. She looks forward to attending TCU games and visiting the Fort Worth Zoo and local museums.
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Derek Bassey
LPC
TBRI Trained
TF-CBT Trained
EMDR TrainedDerek Bassey
LPC
TBRI Trained
TF-CBT Trained
EMDR TrainedDerek Bassey received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Texas. Since 2012, he has worked with children and adolescents through Tarrant County Juvenile Services. His primary focus at Lena Pope is working with children through play therapy. Mr. Bassey’s goal is to put his energy and focus into helping clients in times of distress. In his spare time, Mr. Bassey enjoys reading, exercising, playing guitar, and spending time with family and friends.
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Elizabeth Brown
LPC
TBRI Practitioner
EMDR Certified Therapist
TF-CBT TrainedElizabeth Brown
LPC
TBRI Practitioner
EMDR Certified Therapist
TF-CBT TrainedElizabeth Brown received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas A&M University and her master’s degree in professional counseling from Texas Wesleyan University. Ms. Brown has served youth and families through her work at Lena Pope since 2010. She believes that people have the power to change their lives dramatically through counseling. Ms. Brown is passionate about empowering her clients to pursue their goals and learn new skills that help them navigate life’s challenges. She is an avid reader, a music lover, and her favorite pastime is spending time with her family.
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Erin Fairleigh
LMSW
Erin Fairleigh
LMSW
Erin Fairleigh received her bachelor’s degree in social work from TCU and her master’s degree in social work from University of Texas at Arlington. She is a native Texan and has lived in the Fort Worth area for the last 20 years. Her personal mission is to support and empower therapists to do the amazing work they do with children and families. Ms. Fairleigh enjoys being with family, spending time in nature, and reading.
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Imelda De La Cruz
LCSW
Spanish speaking
TF-CBT Trained
EMDR TrainedImelda De La Cruz
LCSW
Spanish speaking
TF-CBT Trained
EMDR TrainedImelda De La Cruz, LCSW, attended UT-Arlington where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Social Work. Imelda came to Lena Pope from Catholic Charities where she worked with migrant children as young as three through adulthood. Her goal is to positively impact the life of all of her clients and their families. In her free time, she enjoys watching old movies, dancing, listening to music, and learning to cook complex meals, especially Mexican dishes.
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Jacob Jones
LCSW
Jacob Jones
LCSW
Jacob Jones, LCSW is a part-time family therapist in the Fort Worth office. Mr. Jones received his bachelor’s from UNT and his master’s in social work from UTA. Mr. Jones was raised in Azle and has spent the last 20 years in Fort Worth. He has worked mostly with people experiencing homelessness and in the hospice community. Mr. Jones’ goal is to be the bright spot for those in difficult times. In his free time, he likes playing music, reading, video games, and traveling.
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Julie Foster
LCSW
German speaking
TBRI Trained
TF-CBT Trained
EMDR TrainedJulie Foster
LCSW
German speaking
TBRI Trained
TF-CBT Trained
EMDR TrainedJulie Foster received her bachelors from Baylor University and Masters in Social Work from University of Texas at Arlington. Ms. Foster lived in Germany for several years while growing up (with a parent in the Army) and has called Fort Worth home since 2007 with her husband and children. She previously worked for JPS Hospital and wrote home studies for Catholic Charities and Advantage Adoptions – OCOC. Ms. Foster loves seeing children and families thrive, overcoming any negative past experiences or trauma, and reaching their full potential – able to fully participate in life and contribute to their own community’s well-being. Ms. Foster enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time outdoors hiking, running, swimming, or just breathing the fresh air.
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Karen Melendez
LPC Associate, supervised by Dr. Megan Pickens, LPC-S
Spanish speaking
EMDR Trained
TBRI Trained
TF-CBT TrainedKaren Melendez
LPC Associate, supervised by Dr. Megan Pickens, LPC-S
Spanish speaking
EMDR Trained
TBRI Trained
TF-CBT TrainedKaren Melendez, LPC Associate, supervised by Dr. Megan Pickens, LPC-S is a Spanish-speaking Family Therapist at Lena Pope’s North Richland Hills office. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and her master’s degree in clinical psychology from Capella University. Ms. Melendez was born in Chicago, Illinois, but has lived in Hurst, Texas, most of her life. She has been a therapist since 2021 and started her career providing services in private practice and working with survivors of domestic violence at Safe Haven of Tarrant County. Her goal as a therapist is to help children and their families through their mental health journey to promote healing and personal growth. Ms. Melendez believes everyone deserves to gain the strengths and abilities to promote a healthier and more positive life. In her free time, Ms. Melendez enjoys cooking, attending concerts, and dedicating time to her family, friends, and pet dogs.
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Kent Bass
LPC
TF-CBT National Certification
TBRI Trained
EMDR TrainedKent Bass
LPC
TF-CBT National Certification
TBRI Trained
EMDR TrainedKent Bass received his bachelor’s degree from University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his master’s degree s in marriage and family counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before coming to Lena Pope, Mr. Bass worked with Buckner Children’s Home, Therapeutic Family Life, and Catholic Charities of Fort Worth. He has experience providing individual and family counseling, marriage counseling, play therapy, and working with children in foster care. Mr. Bass’ goal is to provide support for clients as they gain insight, improve their lives, and strengthen their relationships. Mr. Bass enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, and playing golf.
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Kristen McNeill
LPC
TBRI Trained
EMDR Certified Therapist
TF-CBT Trained
Specialty in the treatment of BFRB’sKristen McNeill
LPC
TBRI Trained
EMDR Certified Therapist
TF-CBT Trained
Specialty in the treatment of BFRB’sKristen McNeill received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of Oklahoma and her master’s degree in professional counseling from Texas Wesleyan University. She began her career with Lena Pope as a Behavioral Interventionist, and then as a Family Specialist with Arrow Child and Family Ministries. She has experience working with at-risk youth and families, and children in foster care and adoptive home environments. Additionally, she has experience working with Deer Oaks Behavioral Health providing therapeutic counseling to geriatric and chronically ill clients in long-term care facilities. She believes it is an honor and a privilege to help guide individuals and families toward a path of emotional and interpersonal health. Ms. McNeill enjoys spending time with her family, running, and trying new cooking recipes.
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Lauren Cox-Mankowski
LCDC, LPC
TBRI Trained
TF-CBT Trained
EMDR TrainedLauren Cox-Mankowski
LCDC, LPC
TBRI Trained
TF-CBT Trained
EMDR TrainedLauren Cox-Mankowski received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of North Texas and her master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of North Texas. She previously worked at a behavioral health hospital, a residential substance abuse treatment program, and with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Ms. Cox-Mankowski has an eclectic approach to therapy and takes great pride in providing therapeutic counseling services to individuals and families. Her goal is to engage, equip, and encourage clients to see the possibilities that life has to offer and help them discover their own strengths and abilities. Ms. Cox-Mankowski loves to spend time outdoors with her family.
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Lauren Doane
LCSW
TF-CBT Trained
CCPT Trained
EMDR TrainedLauren Doane
LCSW
TF-CBT Trained
CCPT Trained
EMDR TrainedLauren Doane, LCSW, is a therapist in the Fort Worth office. Lauren attended the University of Louisville, earning a BA in Anthropology before earning her Master’s in Social Work at Tarleton State University. Prior to working for Lena Pope, Lauren worked for Mesa Springs and Safe Haven of Tarrant County. Lauren is passionate about helping clients feel empowered as they process their experiences and work toward achieving their desired goals. Lauren enjoys spending time with friends and her two dogs. She also enjoys hiking, exercising, reading, and is an avid Formula One fan.
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Mariah Cordery
Mariah Cordery, LPC
TF-CBT Trained
Mariah Cordery
Mariah Cordery, LPC
TF-CBT Trained
Mariah Cordery, LPC, is a full-time family therapist located at Chapel Hill Academy. Mariah received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Liberty University. Mariah was born in San Angelo, Texas, but has spent most of her adult life traveling internationally and domestically due to her husband’s service in the US Army. Mariah has spent most of her career serving at risk children, adolescents, and families in England, Australia, and Texas. Mariah is passionate about helping children, adolescents, and families create safe, secure, and healthy attachments to promote safety, healing, and growth through foundational relationships. Mariah loves to read, hike, and be near any type of body of water. Give her a book and a body of water to float on and she is set!
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Mayra Toledo
LMSW
Spanish speaking
TF-CBT
EMDR TrainedMayra Toledo
LMSW
Spanish speaking
TF-CBT
EMDR TrainedMayra Toledo attended Texas Woman’s University for her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and Tarleton State University for her master’s degree in social work. She is originally from Michoacan, Mexico, but has lived in Fort Worth for the last 25 years. She worked at Lena Pope previously at the Early Learning Center and as a Family Therapist. Most recently, she worked as a Family Therapist at a private practice working with children ages 7-17 at the Family Resource Centers in Fort Worth ISD. Her goal as a therapist is to foster a sense of safety by empowering clients to confront and process their emotions, leading to a greater self-awareness, personal growth, and improved mental health. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends and family, doing sensory activities with her toddler, and going on walks.
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Megan Canale
LPC
TF-CBT National Certification
TBRI Practitioner
EMDR TrainedMegan Canale
LPC
TF-CBT National Certification
TBRI Practitioner
EMDR TrainedMegan Canale received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Texas Tech University and her master’s degree in counseling psychology from St. Edward’s University. Before coming to Lena Pope, Ms. Canale worked with YMCA Camp Carter, SafeHaven of Tarrant County, Millwood Hospital, MHMR of Tarrant County and more. Her goal as a therapist is to provide an open and safe environment for clients to enable their own personal growth and empowerment. Ms. Canale enjoys hiking, reading, camping, and spending time with family and friends.
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Ora Beth McMullen
LCSW
TF-CBT Trained
TBRI Practitioner
Trained in DBT Skills Based TherapyOra Beth McMullen
LCSW
TF-CBT Trained
TBRI Practitioner
Trained in DBT Skills Based TherapyOra Beth McMullen received her master’s degree in social work from Our Lady of the Lake University. Before coming to Lena Pope in 1998, she worked with Tarrant County Child Protective Services and the U.S. House of Representatives. Ms. McMullen has 20+ years of experience working with youth, adults, and families. Her goal is to provide clients with the tools they need to live happy and successful lives. In her spare time, Ms. McMullen trains hunting dogs, competes in American Kennel Club horseback field trials with her dogs, and rides horses.
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Paola Gordillo
LCDC, LPC
Spanish speaking
TBRI Trained
TF-CBT Trained
COPS-D Trained
EMDR TrainedPaola Gordillo
LCDC, LPC
Spanish speaking
TBRI Trained
TF-CBT Trained
COPS-D Trained
EMDR TrainedPaola Gordillo is a native Spanish-speaking therapist in the Fort Worth office. Mrs. Gordillo received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and her master’s degree from Texas Christian University. Mrs. Gordillo lived the first half of her life in Mexico and has lived in Fort Worth ever since. She has experience counseling children, adolescents, and adults in diverse settings such as school districts, home visits, juvenile detention centers, substance use residential placements, community resource centers, and private practice.
She hopes to provide a safe space where clients can access their strengths to cultivate a healthy relationship with themselves and others. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and learning about planting.
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Paul Blankenship
LPC
TBRI Trained
TF-CBT Trained
COPSD Trained
DBTA Skills Based Therapy Trained
EMDR TrainedPaul Blankenship
LPC
TBRI Trained
TF-CBT Trained
COPSD Trained
DBTA Skills Based Therapy Trained
EMDR TrainedPaul Blankenship received his master’s degree in clinical counseling psychology from Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Mr. Blankenship has 20+ years of working with families, individuals, and couples through pastoring, hospital and police chaplaincy, and serving as director of a non-profit. His primary focus is working with individuals and families in crisis related to substance use, addiction, grief, and trauma. Mr. Blankenship’s goal is to build trust with clients, walk alongside them in their hurt and pain, and support them on their journey to recovery and health. Mr. Blankenship enjoys DIY projects, yard work, reading, and hiking.
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Shana Hazzard
LCSW-Supervisor
TF-CBT National Certification
TBRI PractitionerShana Hazzard
LCSW-Supervisor
TF-CBT National Certification
TBRI PractitionerShana Hazzard received her bachelor’s degree from Harding University and her master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington. Ms. Hazzard is a designated clinical supervisor, and has experience facilitating grief support groups, providing therapy, and working in residential care and foster care. It is Ms. Hazzard’s goal to help families develop and maintain healthy, beneficial relationships. She enjoys spending time with her family, taking family vacations, reading, and going to the movies.
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Tela Thornton
LCSW
Spanish speaking
TBRI Trained
TF-CBT National Certification
EMDR TrainedTela Thornton
LCSW
Spanish speaking
TBRI Trained
TF-CBT National Certification
EMDR TrainedTela Thornton received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Texas Christian University and her master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington. Ms. Thornton is from Fort Worth, and before coming to Lena Pope, she worked with Alliance for Children, treating children and families in trauma. Ms. Thornton has also worked in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings at Mesa Springs and Innovations. Her goal as a therapist is to empower children and families to heal and grow together in a safe, judgment-free setting. Ms. Thornton enjoys DIY projects, gardening, aquascaping, and spending time with her friends and family.
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Yesika Moncada
LMSW
Spanish speaking
TF-CBT
EMDR TrainedYesika Moncada
LMSW
Spanish speaking
TF-CBT
EMDR TrainedYesika Moncada, LMSW, is a Spanish speaking therapist in the Fort Worth office. Ms. Moncada received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Boise State University in Boise, Idaho and her masters degree in social work from University of Texas at Arlington. Ms. Moncada grew up in Idaho and has lived in Fort Worth with her husband and children since 2013. She previously worked for Safe Haven of Tarrant County and Catholic Charities. Ms. Moncada’s goal as a therapist is to provide and hold a safe space for healing and personal growth, challenging and empowering children and their families towards their potential to live an authentic and joyous life. Ms. Moncada enjoys reading, DIY projects, photographing family and friends, and movie nights with her family.
