Shana Alexander (she/her/hers) is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Board Certified (PMHNP-BC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). After providing DBT counseling for six years with ADBTA, she is pleased to now offer medication management services.  Shana holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Biology from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from St. Edward’s University. Shana also graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Master of Science in Nursing.

 

Shana completed her counseling practicum at Ascension Seton Behavioral Health where she received intensive training in DBT. Since then, she has gained extensive experience across a variety of clinical populations such as individuals struggling with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, homelessness, personality disorders, and individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Shana has also gained experience across an array of different modalities including individual, family, couples, group and community-based therapy. She is honored and excited to be able to use her experience and education to help those in need.

 

In her spare time, Shana enjoys spending time with her family and three wiener dogs.

Ashley Porter (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Supervisor (LCSW-S). She received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology at The University of Texas at Arlington and went on to earn her Master of Social Work degree at Texas State University with a focus in direct clinical practice.

 

Ashley completed her practicum at Austin State Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services, where she worked with adolescents and families providing individual, group, and family therapeutic services. Ashley’s experience includes seven years at a local behavioral health facility within an intensive outpatient program where she worked with adults, adolescents, and families, as she facilitated DBT groups. During this time, she attended and completed DBT foundational training and went on to become the clinical team lead of adolescent IOP programming. Ashley has also completed intensive training  in RO-DBT.

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Ashley is a dedicated, high energy social worker who loves people, humor, and being active.

Ayla Peret (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Texas in 2010, and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, with a focus on culture, identity and politics, from Brown University.

 

Ayla's passion is improving client’s relationships, both with themselves and others. She focuses on increasing self-esteem, decreasing critical judgment and negative self-talk, and building a life that balances accomplishment with enjoyment and relaxation. Ayla also works on strengthening romantic relationships and building new connections. She completed training at the Gottman Institute in Seattle for the “7 principles of making marriage work” and has led workshops to help couples improve their relationships.

 

Ayla has spent the last decade providing therapy and case management to vulnerable populations such as refugees, people with mental illness, people in acute psychiatric crisis, prison populations, and youth with trauma. She worked at the Ascension Seton Behavioral Health -Intensive Outpatient Program as a DBT group clinician and at Integral Care to help clients achieve and maintain maximum functioning in the community, while decreasing need for inpatient hospitalizations. Ayla worked for Refugee Services of Texas assisting newly arrived refugees gain access to and navigate the US healthcare system, and she interned at the Austin State Hospital providing individual and group therapy for psychiatric disorders. Ayla has also received mediation training and has served as a volunteer mediator for the Victim Offender Mediation Dialogue Program.

Cyndi Crowell (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) from Austin, Texas. Cyndi obtained both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work degrees from Texas State University. She has always had a passion for mental health; connecting with and working with people.

 

Cyndi completed her practicum at Ascension Seton Shoal Creek Hospital (SSCH) where she provided case management services. She then went on to work full-time at SSCH where she received extensive experience working with adults and adolescents. Cyndi has treated clients with anxiety, depression, PTSD and complex trauma, bipolar affective disorder, eating disorders, and psychotic disorders. Cyndi’s DBT training began at Ascension Seton Behavioral Health in the intensive outpatient program where she facilitated adolescent and multi-family DBT groups. Cyndi has also provided individual and DBT group counseling services to women who have been sex trafficked, sexually exploited, and experienced domestic violence. In addition to her DBT training, Cyndi has also completed basic training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), which allows clients to heal from unprocessed traumatic memories without going into all of the details about the traumatic/distressing event(s). EMDR is a gentle and organic way of healing through trauma.

 

Cyndi is passionate about destigmatizing mental health while helping people believe in themselves and find their strengths. Cyndi has a strong belief that with commitment, willingness to take an active stance, and a support system, people can make desired changes. As a clinical social worker, it is important to Cyndi to support her clients by providing them a safe, non-judgmental environment, observing their strengths while also encouraging clients to practice looking at other perspectives, challenging negative and dysfunctional thought processes, and helping clients engage in new and effective behaviors.

 

Cyndi has a big heart and soft spot for all animals and critters and in her spare time she enjoys traveling, watching movies, listening to music, trying new foods and restaurants, reading, and spending time with friends, family, and her pet huskies.

Nicole Meitzen (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Fitness and a Master of Science in Social Work, both from the University of Texas at Austin.

 

Nicole has experience working in healthcare and therapy group practice settings supporting adults as they seek wellbeing and community while navigating physical, mental, emotional, relational, systemic, and environmental challenges. Nicole’s approach to therapy is collaborative and systems focused acknowledging how social forces shape us individually and collectively and the impact they have on our access and ability to sustain wellbeing. Nicole seeks to join the people she works alongside with compassion, challenge, and humor as they build their capacity to be with the discomfort of learning and growth. 

 

Since joining ADBTA, Nicole found a passion for facilitating DBT and Radically Open DBT (RODBT) skills classes after witnessing the transformative power of the community and accountability that learning in group skills classes can offer. She’s also seen the benefits of practicing the skills in class member's lives (and personally in her own).

 

Nicole is passionate about her family, friends, and community and is committed to collective antiracism organizing. She enjoys watching comedies, listening to podcasts, reading, eating baked goods, and singing in the car.

Taylor Nowakowski (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Texas and a Master of Counseling degree with a focus on Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Kentucky.

 

Taylor completed her graduate practicum working as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) at Pathways 3H Ranch, a residential treatment center for teenage boys. While working primarily with children in foster care, Taylor facilitated individual and group sessions to teach daily living and pro-social skills. This experience sparked her passion for working with teens and young adults. She has a strong passion for mental health and approaches counseling in a down-to-earth, compassionate, and non-judgmental way.

 

In her free time, Taylor loves going to the park with her husband and two children, volunteering, baking, and family trips to the beach.

Margaret Fiero (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who earned her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Texas State University. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

 

Margaret has worked for 10 years within the intensive outpatient milieu at Ascension Seton Behavioral Health (ASBH), where her focus has primarily been on treating those with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, in the group setting. Margaret is trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), which is an evidence based recommended treatment developed for trauma. Margaret utilized her CPT training while working within the ASBH Restore program, which treats individuals with PTSD.

 

A native of Minnesota, Margaret likes getting outside (except in the summer), being a homebody with her husband and watching old movies or listening to music, trying to keep up with her 5-year-old daughter, and taking care of her geriatric cat.

Emma Holder (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Emma earned a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Theater from New College of Florida and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied motivational interviewing, trauma, and attachment theory.

 

After working as a teacher, comedian, and writer for over a decade, Emma wanted to find a more direct way to help people and decided to pursue her social work degree. She has a collaborative and empathetic approach to therapy and truly believes the client is the expert in their own lives. Emma is honored to get to join people on their mental health journey and excited to help them find the tools they need to bring out their strengths and meet their emotional goals. She has a background in working with adolescents and finds joy in helping them feel supported and heard.

 

Emma is a proponent of self-compassion, humor and mindfulness. She loves animals, especially her dog, Saul Bellow. She is passionate about being an advocate for social justice for all and enjoys comedy, writing, dancing, and watching reality television.

Kayla Haygood (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Kayla earned her Master’s degree from Baylor University in 2020 with an emphasis in clinical work.

 

Kayla's clinical background includes working at a partial hospitalization program for individuals with eating disorders, where she became familiar with using DBT in both group and individual settings. She also has professional experience working with adolescents in the juvenile justice system, mood and anxiety disorders, and women experiencing homelessness.

 

Kayla’s therapeutic style can be described as relational, playful, and open. As a social worker, she operates from a “person-in-environment” lens and remains strengths-based when talking with her clients. She is passionate about meeting individuals where they are at and walking beside them as they navigate life’s challenges. Kayla values her clients’ self directedness and often refers to them as the expert of their own experience.

 

Kayla is originally from New Orleans, and moved to Austin with her husband and their cat. She enjoys exploring Austin’s delicious restaurants, hiking in the park, and spending time with friends and family.

Molly Morman (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She received her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Colorado College and completed her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling at Texas State University. She is also a native Austinite.

 

Molly has worked in a variety of settings with people working towards changing behaviors that were no longer serving them. She completed her graduate internship working with inmates at the jail, has worked in outpatient treatment, and has worked with perpetrators of intimate partner violence. Molly brings a non-judgmental approach to supporting clients in making life changes and working through shame about their pasts. She focuses on helping clients identify their own strengths and using them to learn new behaviors that lead to more fulfilling lives.

 

Outside of work, Molly enjoys going for walks around Austin, spending time with her family, partner, and friends, and playing video games.

Lynne Pierce (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) supervised by Ashley Porter, LCSW-S. She received her Bachelor’s in Social Work with a minor in Psychology from SUNY Brockport and completed her Master’s in Social Work at Texas State University.

 

Lynne has worked with diverse populations and understands the importance of cultural sensitivity and empowerment. She worked with Veterans at the CTVHCS Austin Outpatient Clinic treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma and anger. She has experience working with clients ages 8 and up, as well as families and groups. Lynne provided indigenous social work in Vietnam at autism centers, orphanages, and social welfare centers. While in Vietnam she also treated Agent Orange victims and their families, children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and high school and college-level students. Lynne uses a humanistic approach, with an emphasis on unique strengths and abilities to navigate the direction clients wish to pursue on their therapeutic journey. She strives to create a safe and welcoming environment for clients to express themselves without fear of judgment, and hopes to assist clients in enhancing their quality of life through healthy relationships.

 

Outside of work, Lynne enjoys the company of her partner, son, daughter and dog. Most of her spare time is spent outside doing family picnics, hiking, and paddleboarding.

Jessica Smart (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-A) supervised by Casey Davids,  LPC-S. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Communication Arts from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and a Master’s in Education degree specializing in Guidance and Counseling, from Angelo State University. She also completed her Clinical Mental Health Counseling certification through Lamar University postgraduate school.

 

Professionally, Jessica has extensive experience working with children, teens, young adults and families. She has worked in the public school system in many roles, including working as a teacher and counselor for elementary through high school students. Through her work, she firmly believes that every person has the potential to grow, change and develop into the best possible version of themselves.

 

Jessica is passionate about helping others through a non-judgmental, strengths-based approach that aims to assist clients to feel comfortable and empowered. She has worked with people struggling with anxiety, self-harm, depression, ADHD, grief and loss and disruptive behaviors. She enjoys helping others and working collaboratively with them so that they can achieve their goals.

 

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time outdoors gardening, exercising and exploring with her husband and children.

Marcy Musgrave (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) supervised by Ashley Porter, LCSW-S. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Texas A & M University and her Master’s in Social Work from Texas State University.

 

Marcy is a native Texan and has lived in Austin since 2003. She is honored to work at Austin DBT Associates and looks forward to assisting clients with living their fullest lives.

 

Marcy has experience working with homeless adolescents, transgender youth, the geriatric community, and has served as a behavior intervention specialist in the public school setting. She also has experience with healing religious trauma, navigating inpatient and outpatient treatment, and journeying alongside the LGBTQ community. Marcy is especially passionate about foster care and adoption and utilizes the TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention) approach in her work with youth and families.

 

In her free time, Marcy enjoys gardening, decorating, paddle boarding, hiking, taking road trips and tending to her urban farm, although her very favorite way to spend her time is with her five adopted children.

Emma Blough (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-A) supervised by Chelsea Cohen, LPC-S. Emma received her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Texas at San Antonio and her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Ohio State University. During her studies at UTSA, she has also earned a certification in integrated behavioral health and discovered her passion for working with trauma, anxiety, and suicide prevention.

 

Emma completed her graduate internship with UTHealth San Antonio working to provide rapid access to care for clients with a diverse range of needs, including depression, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma, and crisis intervention.

Emma believes that each client who reaches out for counseling has made a brave step toward healing. She wants all of her clients to feel seen, heard, and know that they are not alone. In her work, Emma strives to understand each unique individual’s story and help them identify their strengths and goals. She takes an empathic approach to provide a safe, non-judgmental, and culturally sensitive space for clients to share their stories, heal, grow, and create a life worth living.

When she’s not counseling or studying, Emma loves exercising and spending time in nature, exploring Austin with her husband, cooking, baking, spending time with friends and family, and being around
dogs.

Maeve Larkin (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) supervised by Ashley Porter, LCSW-S. Born and raised in Boston, MA, Maeve received her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston College and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Northeastern University. 

 

Maeve’s professional experience with DBT began while working at The Victor School, a therapeutic high school in Acton, MA. While at the school, she created and facilitated a socio-emotional skills group utilizing techniques in mindfulness and emotional regulation, in addition to offering one-on-one therapeutic services. Prior to The Victor School, Maeve worked at Berklee College of Music supporting students with motivational interviewing strategies and Brief Screening Interventions for College Students (BASICS). Most recently, Maeve has worked as a PRN therapist at Ascension Seton Behavioral Health's intensive outpatient program facilitating both DBT and interpersonal process groups.

 

Maeve has experience working with adolescents and adults coping with a wide array of mental health diagnoses: eating disorders, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder, as well as autism spectrum disorders and LGBTQ+ individuals. 

 

Believing that the therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone to successful interventions, Maeve strives to create a conversational and non-judgmental environment where people can feel safe enough to bring their authentic selves to the table and molds her treatment approach in order to best meet the needs of each unique individual. As Maeve would say, “You are the expert of your own life, I’m here to help provide the skills and support so that it’s easier to navigate.”

 

In her spare time, Maeve can be found at a local comedy club, painting, daydreaming about her next travel destination, and taking advantage of all the great BBQ spots Austin has to offer!

Rachel Farley (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) supervised by Ashley Porter, LCSW-S. Rachel earned her Master's degree in Social Work from UT Arlington with a focus in mental health. Rachel also earned her Master's in Psychological Research from Texas State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University. 

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Rachel has worked with children and adolescents ages 4-17, as well as adults as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) at Pathways Youth and Family Services providing behavioral skills to those with ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, ODD, and DMDD. She has experience working with victims of family violence and sexual assault through Guadalupe Family Violence Shelter and Victim Liaison services through the Huntsville Police Department. Rachel currently teaches Psychology courses at Texas State University, and enjoys teaching courses such as Psychopharmacology and Lifespan Development. 

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Rachel has a passion for helping others and uses a strengths-based approach to provide her clients with feelings of personal empowerment alongside a strong therapeutic relationship. Rachel believes that music is an extremely powerful tool in healing and mental health, and utilizes this in her treatment approach.

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In her free time, Rachel enjoys attending concerts with friends, spending time with her dog, and traveling to experience the world alongside friends and family. 

Alexandra “Alex” Cloyd (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) supervised by Ashley Porter, LCSW-S. She received her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Texas State University and went on to earn her Master of Social Work at the University of Denver in 2019. 

 

Alex has worked in a variety of settings including four years in an organization working with youth experiencing homelessness before obtaining her master’s. Alex has worked across all levels of care including outpatient adolescent and family therapy, adolescent intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization, and providing parent support at both the IOP and PHP level of care. Alex has been practicing DBT for three years across the levels of care and loves continuing to grow as a therapist. 

 

Alex is passionate about working with the client and their system to help them lead a life where they can effectively experience all the present moment has to offer. Alex deeply believes in the human ability to learn and grow throughout their life. Alex strives to provide inclusive care and has a specific passion for working with folks in the LGBTQ community. Alex enjoys using humor and validation while also being honest and straightforward with clients. 

 

When she isn’t working Alex enjoys reading fantasy romance (ACOTAR, TOG, IYKYK), snuggling her two dogs, watching reality TV with her husband, and buying craft supplies.

Crystal Barfoot (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) supervised

by Ashley Porter, LCSW-S. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a

minor in History from the University of Texas at Austin and later completed her Master of Social Work at Texas State University with a focus in direct clinical practice.

 

Crystal completed her graduate practicum at Dell Children’s Medical Center - Grace Grego Maxwell Mental Health Unit where she gained experience working with children and adolescent struggling with a variety of clinical issues including mood, anxiety, substance use and personality disorders. After graduation, Crystal continued working with children and adolescents to help prevent rehospitalization as an In-Home, Intensive Outpatient Mental Health Therapist at a local hospital in Kansas City, MO. In addition to her work with children and adolescents, she has also provided mental health support and crisis intervention services to veterans who were experiencing a mental health crisis and intense emotions.

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Prior to pursuing a career in social work, Crystal worked as a regulatory reviewer and

inspector for the Texas Department of Health and Human Services in long-term care, daycare, and foster care facilities. Her time working with foster children inspired her to pursue a master's degree in order to become a mental health therapist. Crystal's goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental place where individuals will be heard and validated. She enjoys working with adolescents, young adults and their families and utilizes a collaborative and strengths-based approach to help them build a life worth living. She is honored to help individuals reach their desired goals at Austin DBT Associates.

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Crystal is originally from Austin and currently resides in Round Rock with her spouse, two children, and two dogs. When she’s not working, Crystal enjoys hiking, gardening, thrift shopping, photography, watching movies, and playing games with friends and family.

Elizabeth “Izzy” Madaelil (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) supervised by Ashley Porter, LCSW-S. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and her Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin in 2023.

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Izzy’s first graduate internship was at Westlake High School, where she provided individual and

group counseling for students and teachers. During her final graduate internship at Ascension Seton Behavioral Health, Izzy utilized DBT with clients who struggled with suicidal thoughts, impulsive behaviors, and intense emotions. She also has an extensive research background in psychology and gained experience with DBT as a research specialist; she worked on a study examining DBT’s effects on women with borderline personality disorder and their preschool-aged children.

 

Izzy has worked with adolescents and adults facing a variety of mental health diagnoses – including eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, mood, anxiety, and personality disorders – in both research and clinical settings.

 

Izzy’s clinical approach is strengths-based, non-judgmental, and collaborative. As a South Asian woman, she is dedicated to making mental healthcare more accessible and approachable for all clients, especially for people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other folks with intersecting identities. She looks forward to moving with clients towards a life aligned with their values, prioritizing empathy, open communication, authenticity, and humor along the way.

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Izzy grew up in New Orleans and lived in the Northeast for nearly 10 years before moving to Austin. In her free time, she likes to bake, watch reality TV, and roller skate (poorly). She also loves dad jokes and has a state/city pun series she will share with anyone who will listen.

Jennifer Mauck (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) supervised by Ashley Porter, LCSW-S. 

She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Arizona State University and later achieved her Master of Arts in Social Work from the University of Kansas. 

 

Jennifer is honored and excited to be part of the ADBTA team and further expand on her passion to help others find their life worth living. She brings with her an abundance of experience across an array of populations. Jennifer completed part of her practicum at the Rose Brooks Center, a domestic violence shelter, working with the Bridge and Transitional Housing Program where she provided brief crisis counseling and safe options for victims of intimate partner violence. She also gained clinical experience at the Johnson County Mental Health Center where she worked with clients who struggled with mood and anxiety disorders. 

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Prior to receiving her graduate degree, Jennifer was a high school Psychology teacher and counselor. This was where she initially discovered her passion for assisting individuals to discover and harness their own inner strengths. While she worked alongside her students as they navigated their teenage lives and explored their future pursuits, she also collaborated with parents in identifying effective interventions to support their adolescents. More recently she has had opportunities to support aging individuals in her church community.

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Jennifer is a world traveler and has lived in various places in the United States and abroad in Singapore. Currently she has taken up residence in the Austin area where she enjoys spending time with her family and taking care of her dog, cat and chickens. She also enjoys personal fitness, which includes running, swimming and weight lifting. 

Kay Brady (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) supervised by Ashley Porter, LCSW-S. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English from The University of Texas at Austin. She received her Master of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, specializing in Children and Adolescents.

 

Kay has worked in the mental health field for thirteen years in various settings. She has

extensive experience in residential treatment, most recently serving as the clinical director of an area treatment center. She has worked in crisis settings, including counseling on the psychiatric intensive care unit at an acute inpatient behavioral health hospital.

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Kay specializes in working with mood and personality disorders. She enjoys working with neurodivergent clients and clients who are experiencing symptoms of codependency and low self-esteem. Kay believes we all need to be seen and heard for who we are. She works with her clients to empower them to live full lives by using a relational approach that is direct and warm.

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Kay is originally from Georgetown, TX, twenty miles North of Austin. She enjoys spending time with her seven-year-old son and their cat, Pearl. Kay loves old things, reading, and thrift store shopping. She is also a huge dog lover and has had four dogs plus a foster dog in her home at one time!

Darian Salinas (She/Her/Hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioral Science from Concordia Texas University and later completed her Master of Science degree in Clinical Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin.

 

Darian has professional experience working with youth and adolescents and

completed her first graduate internship in a school setting, where she provided

integrated student support through case management, individual and group counseling services, and basic needs assistance to students and families. During her final graduate

internship at Youth Advocates Program Inc., she provided skills training to assist youth and their families in adjusting to unique challenges related to their youth’s mental health

needs. In this role she gained clinical experience in working with clients who have experienced anxiety, depression, transitional stress, ADHD/ADD symptoms, trauma, disruptive behaviors, and self-harm.

 

Darian’s clinical approach is person-centered, strengths-based, and rooted in fostering authentic connection with clients, so that they may feel safe and welcomed when working together. As a woman of Latino and Indigenous descent, Darian is also

passionate about working with communities of color and dispelling stigma around

utilizing mental health services. Darian deeply believes that people are forever changing, evolving, and growing, and her general purpose in this field is to promote the psychosocial well-being of others and walk alongside her clients as they work to heal and enhance their lives.

 

Darian was born and raised in Austin, Texas and currently resides with her partner and

their black Labrador, Raven. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, traveling, trying new foods, binge-watching tv shows, and working on arts and crafts.

Jennifer Mauck (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) supervised by Ashley Porter, LCSW-S. 

She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Arizona State University and later achieved her Master of Arts in Social Work from the University of Kansas. 

 

Jennifer is honored and excited to be part of the ADBTA team and further expand on her passion to help others find their life worth living. She brings with her an abundance of experience across an array of populations. Jennifer completed part of her practicum at the Rose Brooks Center, a domestic violence shelter, working with the Bridge and Transitional Housing Program where she provided brief crisis counseling and safe options for victims of intimate partner violence. She also gained clinical experience at the Johnson County Mental Health Center where she worked with clients who struggled with mood and anxiety disorders. 

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Prior to receiving her graduate degree, Jennifer was a high school Psychology teacher and counselor. This was where she initially discovered her passion for assisting individuals to discover and harness their own inner strengths. While she worked alongside her students as they navigated their teenage lives and explored their future pursuits, she also collaborated with parents in identifying effective interventions to support their adolescents. More recently she has had opportunities to support aging individuals in her church community.

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Jennifer is a world traveler and has lived in various places in the United States and abroad in Singapore. Currently she has taken up residence in the Austin area where she enjoys spending time with her family and taking care of her dog, cat and chickens. She also enjoys personal fitness, which includes running, swimming and weight lifting.