Skip to Content
chevron-left chevron-right chevron-up chevron-right chevron-left arrow-back star phone quote checkbox-checked search wrench info shield play connection mobile coin-dollar spoon-knife ticket pushpin location gift fire feed bubbles home heart calendar price-tag credit-card clock envelop facebook instagram twitter youtube pinterest yelp google reddit linkedin envelope bbb pinterest homeadvisor angies

Leadership Team

Allyson Smith

Executive Director

Allyson was raised in the Bay Area of California in a family with four brothers. She enjoys nature, hiking, yoga, reading and traveling. She received a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in the summer of 2007 in Marriage, Family, and Human Development, with a minor in Nutrition. Allyson started working as a residential staff member in Utah at Fulshear’s sister program, New Haven, in 2007 and became a lead supervisor there in 2009. She then moved to Texas in 2013 to be Fulshear’s Residential Director, was soon later the Program Director, and is now the Executive Director. She loves and looks forward to interacting and working with the clients and staff each day. Allyson excels in helping clients create deep change in the way they see themselves, others and the world. She is an example of Fulshear’s relationship model and how we balance love with healthy limits. As Executive Director, Allyson enjoys building and empowering collaborative and creative teams as we all work together to heal attachment wounds with the families and clients we treat.

Della Posner

Admissions Director

Della knows personally all about the work families do during treatment. She believes that working in this field is what she is meant to do — helping families through these trying times and giving them hope for that light at the end of the tunnel is the most rewarding thing she can do.

Being at Fulshear since 2018, Della feels that being able to bring in clients that absolutely want to be here, and then watching them move forward in becoming healthy, strong and influential women, is incredible. Seeing all of the hard work that these young women put into doing their best is absolutely inspiring to be around. It creates an amazing work environment — one that not many people get to have.

Della graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Sociology and Child & Family Development. She loves spending time with her husband, their rescue dogs, Arlie and Benny, and the rest of her family. Della brings an optimism and passion to Fulshear and to families going through the admissions process. Being able to develop relationships with and help steer the way for every family that is considering Fulshear is something she feels lucky to get to do.

Sarah Kelley

Program Director

A Texas native, Sarah received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Colorado in Boulder. While in Boulder pursuing her degree, she worked as a licensed massage therapist at an Ayurvedic clinic which ignited her dedication to health and well-being. Sarah moved back to Texas and began working in higher education as an instructor at a community college, and eventually expanded her skillset to teaching in early childhood development and secondary education settings. Sarah came to Fulshear in 2017 to pursue a career in behavioral health where she could apply her talent for teaching with her academics in psychology. Sarah contributes to the mission and vision of Fulshear by building strong residential teams comprised of coaches dedicated to client safety, engagement, and treatment progression.

Outside of work, Sarah loves spending time with and raising her two daughters, traveling to visit family and friends, and living an active lifestyle of fun and adventure.

Erica Sitka, RN

Nursing Director

Erica brings years of experience from working as a nurse on a Medical-Surgical Unit and in an Outpatient Behavioral Healthcare setting, and earned her degree in Nursing in 2008. She enjoys helping and encouraging others to care for both their physical and mental health for overall well-being. When Erica is not at work, she will be found spending time with her husband and 3 children.

Clinical Team

Dana VanRenterghem, LMSW

Clinical Director - Ranch

Dana VanRenterghem, LMSW (She/Her/Hers) graduated from Central College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and a minor in communication studies; she was also a proud member of the Central College softball team during that time.

Upon completion of undergrad, she spent most of her young career working with at-risk youth in a multitude of roles. Dana has provided direct care to teenagers in multiple residential settings, supported families in reunification and permanency efforts, and advocated for LGBTQ youth in the non-profit realm. She has a passion for helping young people grow as individuals while reconnecting with loved ones who have been estranged.

Dana earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver with a concentration in mental health and trauma, and strongly believes in the healing power of relationships. Dana finds joy in seeing others reach their full potential and believes that empathy is at the core of meaningful engagement.

Outside of work Dana enjoys nothing more than spending time with her fiancé and to-be stepchildren, spoiling her nieces and nephews, and keeping in touch with old friends. Dana is a marathoner, a professional MMA competitor, and a blue belt in jiu jitsu, who is constantly searching for her next fitness challenge.

Molly Freemantle, LCSW

Clinical Director - Transition

Molly Freemantle is our Clinical Director at the Transition office located in Stafford, TX, and has been with Fulshear Treatment to Transition since 2013.

Before becoming Clinical Director, Molly developed her therapeutic approach and relational skill having previously filled the role of therapist, specializing in Attachment theory, Trauma-informed practice, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Prior to that, she managed and operated the equine program at the Ranch as our equine specialist and was originally a member of our Residential team.

Molly is a born and raised Houstonian, having grown up within five minutes from downtown Houston. She temporarily moved away to San Antonio to pursue her bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. After returning to the Houston area and joining Fulshear’s vision, Molly attended the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work and received her Master of Social Work alongside her LMSW, and later LCSW, from the state of Texas.

She has always found a sense of purpose by making a difference in the world and being an agent of change in the lives of others. Molly focuses on providing experiences where feelings of hope, acceptance, belonging, and the belief in humanity are found and restored.

She and her partner, Michael, live with their two young children and three fur-babies in the surrounding area of Houston. During her down time, Molly enjoys nature walks with her family, gardening, trying new restaurants with friends, home décor, wholesome road trips accompanied by a great playlist, camping, attending concerts (pre-covid and babies), and remembering to breathe and be grateful for all of it.

Sofia Gonzalez Nunez, LMSW

Therapist - Ranch

Sofia (She/Her/Hers) earned her Masters of Social Work from the University of Houston with a concentration in Clinical Social Work. While in graduate school, Sofia worked closely with individuals with ADHD and ASD across different capacities within therapeutic and in clinical diagnostic settings. She also worked closely with young women in Juvenile Probation and their family systems. She has experience in research focusing on child development and she understands the impact early childhood experiences may have on an individual later in life.

Sofia believes that clients must feel understood to then be empowered to do the challenging work in their mental health journey. Healing is not linear and requires time, security, and the right strategies to help individuals understand their own internal experiences. While the therapy process requires the proper support, the client is the expert on their own personal growth. Nevertheless, Sofia is not afraid to advocate for the individual needs of the client and understands the importance of providing wholistic support during treatment.

Outside of work, Sofia enjoys cuddling with her 3 dogs, listening to music, and reading. She also likes to dedicate time to her loved ones and spending time outdoors.

Tyesha Davis, LPC

Therapist - Ranch

Tyesha Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She attended Houston Baptist University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Business Administration. She enjoyed learning about psychology and did not want her studies to end, so she attended University of Houston Clear Lake where she received a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology.

Tyesha has worked in community mental health for the past several years where her focus has been to assist clients with navigating a number of mental health challenges while highlighting their strengths and resiliency. She believes that one of her strengths is the ability to foster true connection with her clients. The therapeutic relationship is important and valuable to Tyesha as she believes that it is the vehicle through which clients can make significant changes in their lives.

Tyesha views therapy as the safe space to explore anything and everything that comes up without fear of judgment. Her approach to therapy is person-centered, as she likes to meet clients where they are while providing support throughout the counseling process. She also utilizes multiple modalities tailored to an individual’s needs. Tyesha views the therapeutic relationship as a partnership and believes that the client’s expertise and feedback is vital to ensure that one’s therapeutic needs are being met.

Tyesha’s goal as a therapist is to be fully present and authentic with clients and to serve as an encourager that there is hope. She looks forward to working with Fulshear clients and being a part of their journey to wellness!

Outside of work, Tyesha enjoys spending time with her family and her dog. She enjoys thrifting, outside activities when the weather is cool, concerts, and plays.

Injila Imam, LPC-A

Therapist - Transition

Injila holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of Houston and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Throughout her academic and professional journey, she has gained experience working with diverse individuals with various backgrounds. Injila is deeply passionate about empowering people and believes in creating long-lasting change by practicing authenticity and cultivating trust.

One of Injila's core beliefs is the importance of providing a non-judgmental and empathetic environment for her clients. She values creating a safe space where individuals can explore and address their traumatic experiences and attachment-related challenges. Injila places a strong emphasis on building a therapeutic relationship based on safety, trust, and a sense of belonging. She actively listens to her clients, validating their emotions, and collaborates with them to develop effective coping strategies and tools. Injila understands that trauma can manifest in various ways and tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each client.

Injila's approach is rooted in the belief that healing from trauma involves not only addressing the immediate effects but also recognizing the underlying attachment wounds that may have contributed to the trauma. She integrates attachment-focused interventions into her therapy, helping clients understand and develop healthy relational patterns. By fostering secure and nurturing connections, Injila empowers her clients to rebuild trust, enhance their sense of self-worth, and form positive and fulfilling relationships.

Outside of work, Injila enjoys cozying up with her two cats and watching psychological thrillers. She also cherishes spending quality time with her loved ones, including close friends and family. Injila believes in the power of self-care and makes it a priority in her life. She loves listening to her favorite playlist or podcast and enjoys some peaceful "me time” to recharge and unwind.

Courtney Deadman, LMSW

Therapist - Transition

Courtney (she/they) graduated from Baylor University with an undergraduate degree majoring in Social Work & Pre-Law, and minoring in Sociology. She went on to graduate again from Baylor University, with a Master's Degree in Social Work on the Clinical Track, specializing in Adolescent Trauma. Before becoming a therapist at Fulshear Treatment to Transition, Courtney worked in residential treatment, detention/juvenile probation, and acute behavioral health in different cities in Texas. They have experience in individual, family, and group therapy.

Core values instilled in Courtney's practice are empowerment, safety, authenticity, and a sense of fun and play. They believe in non-judgment, multi-systems approach, and connection to the client through a sense of trust and robust rapport, built upon common goals of bettering the client's life on the client's terms. Through an attachment lens, Courtney believes that clients are able to build trust in themselves and their family systems through healing the root of trauma and building up confidence to manage daily life and beyond. She fosters resilience in clients, and utilizes individualized, strength-based work in several modalities (including motivational interviewing, systems-theory, social learning theory, psychodynamic model, crisis intervention, narrative therapy, and solution focused model).

Courtney is a native Texan, growing up in San Antonio, before completing schooling in Waco and moving with their partner and 2 dogs to Houston in 2018. You can catch them traveling to random cities, going to concerts, exploring bookstores, trying new coffee shops, and getting tattoos. To relax, a good camping trip usually does it for her!

Alex Priester, LCDC-I

Recovery Counselor

Cara Mularski

Clinical Intern

Before Fulshear, Cara succeeded in a 10+ year career in Early Childhood Education. Before journeying down the mental health path, Cara completed an Associate of Art. She began working towards a Bachelor of Art in Human Resources, which Cara found not to be her passion, and switched Majors receiving a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston- Victoria, where she is continuing to study for a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Cara has taught a wide range of ages, from infants through six years. As much as Cara enjoys teaching children, she also enjoys training employees and parents on the proper ways in which children respond and learn. Before leaving Early Childhood Education, Cara held leadership roles such as Lead Teacher, Safety Coordinator, Program Specialist, Curriculum Coordinator, Assistant Director, and Operations Director.

Cara does not shy away from challenging herself to understand an area of particular interest. As an undergraduate, Cara worked with highly qualified graduate students and faculty members, researching individual barriers within a variety of populations to seek help relating to taboo topics and the knowledge gap among Health Care Professionals. Cara conducted and transcribed interviews, collected patterns presented in interviews, reviewed literature, and wrote reference articles discussing findings. Cara has volunteered for Fort Bend Women’s Juvenile Center as a mentor and volunteer for Volunteer Houston.

Cara works diligently with clients teaching and implementing healthy habits that they can take with them throughout their lives.

Cara is a mother to two children of elementary age. She has been happily married for eight years. Cara enjoys spending her free time learning different things, running, drawing, and anything that requires being outside (however, not in the Houston summer).

Beth Hillman

Contracted Parent Coach

Beth is a mother of five boys, an Arbinger Facilitator, and a Double-Certified Life Coach. Beth’s personal experience as a parent to a wilderness teen, combined with her exuberance for self-discovery and her passion for helping others, creates a rare combination of empathy and expertise.

When Beth’s fifteen-year-old son went to wilderness therapy, she realized they both needed a reset. Her personal development journey led her to create the coaching program and support she longed for as a parent. She became a double-certified Life Coach, a facilitator for Arbinger’s Living With an Outward Mindset seminar, and threw herself into parent coaching. Beth has also worked as a Family Program Director, Parent Seminar Teacher at a wilderness therapy program, Parent Transition Coach, and Parent Program Curriculum Developer. Beth’s most recent educational endeavors include a 6-week course on releasing shame and a 3-month course on coaching the unconscious mind. Beth enjoys coaching anyone ready for a change.

With Beth’s natural authenticity and fun-loving demeanor, she connects easily with people. She has exceptional empathy and listening skills and loves teaching and engaging in team-building and leadership activities. Beth is a dynamic and captivating public speaker. She has presented at national and local conferences on parenting struggling teens and influencing change within ourselves and others.

Beth loves spending time with family and friends, especially outdoors. Camping, hiking, kayaking, river-tripping, and getting “lost” in the mountains are all her favorite things. She loves taking her youngest (eight) to the pool for a swim or collecting bugs up the canyon. Beth and her husband also love to travel. When Beth has a free second, you will find her in the water, on the water, drinking water, or splashing water on innocent family members. ;)

Natalie Robles

Outcomes Administrator

Natalie graduated from Lubbock Christian University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Throughout college and for nine years after graduating, Natalie worked in Early Childhood Education. Natalie worked for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and ultimately as the Director of a preschool for six years. After adopting her son and re-evaluating her career in 2016, she chose to join Fulshear and has never doubted that decision!

Natalie has a passion for helping young adult women navigate through the transitions in their lives and achieve their goals! Natalie's favorite thing about being a part of Fulshear is that Fulshear allows clients to make mistakes. Instead of punishing, Fulshear co-regulates, connects, and helps teach through the mistakes with the hope of breaking unhealthy patterns.

Natalie is a proud mother to 4 beautiful children and has been married to the man of her dreams for over a decade. She loves to bake and spend time with her family.

Life Skills Team

Erika Clark

Life Skills Specialist - Ranch

Erika obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management with concentration in Human Recourses from University of Phoenix. She previously worked in the Human Resources Department in the public school district as an HR Advisor. For 20 years, Erika has worked effectively to provide services such as case management/admissions, mentorship, and life skills coach, as well as serving as a program director.

She currently works on the ranch as a Life Skills Specialist, running groups and motivational lessons encouraging clients to live to their full potential, utilizing life skills such as Money Management, Time Management, and Education and Employment advice. She works closely with clients, individually and in group settings, providing support and inspiration to help those at Fulshear blossom into their new identities so that they may go on throughout life confident in their abilities to succeed.

Erika is a widow and has three adult children, and seven grandchildren, plus one on the way. She lives by the standard of work, life and balance. Her greatest joy is spending time with her family and being a motivational speaker to audiences of all ages, by providing a platform to inspire through a conversation.

Hannah Phillips

Life Skills Specialist - Ranch

While living abroad, Hannah (She/Her/Hers) earned her Bachelors of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Sciences from the University of Central Lancashire. She then went on become a Certified Health Coach from the University of Cumbria. She previously worked within substance misuse and in the community as a Health and Wellbeing coach, focusing on clients with mental health conditions.

Hannah believes building relationships through unconditional positive regard is the basis of working together to understand and reduce barriers to achieve each client's individual goals. She is currently working as a Life Skills Specialist on the Ranch, working with individuals and groups to encourage clients to maximize their potential life skills such as healthy habits, managing personal space, healthy media use, along with education, employment, and money and time management skills.

Outside of work, Hannah enjoys live music, reading, the outdoors, travel and spending time with her loved ones.

Elise Schultheis, MA

Life Skills Specialist - Transition

Elise Schultheis was born and raised in Houston, TX. She started working at Fulshear in April of 2020, and has grown from mentor into the shift manager role, most recently becoming a life skills specialist. Elise graduated from Sam Houston State University with a BS in Victim Studies, and received her MA degree in Human Service Counseling from Liberty University. She is currently continuing her education to become a licensed counselor. She has a passion for helping others, and believes in Fulshear's mission in launching healthy, strong, and influential women into our community.

In her free time, Elise loves to travel, spend time with her dog, Vincent, and hang out with family and friends.

Jordan Dunn-Ridgill

Yoga Teacher

Meet Jordan, certified yoga instructor. He is calm, kind, and trauma-informed. He has experience teaching to all ages and experience levels. He has specialized in working in school settings with students.

Admissions and Marketing Team

Helaine Sandler

Director of Outreach and Clinical Partnerships

Helaine has worked closely with therapeutic programs since 2008 and understands, both personally and professionally, the roads parents take when considering therapeutic placement. She has discovered that helping others through difficult times and giving hope to families is what makes life rewarding.

Helaine has been with Fulshear since 2014 and is passionate about the work families do during treatment. She loves watching young women gain the skills, experience, and maturity necessary to reach their full potential. Prior to working in this therapeutic field, Helaine worked for many years in consumer product sales. She graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Finance and Spanish.

Helaine also loves spending time with her husband, two beautiful adult daughters and sweet basset hounds, Phoebe and Larry. She enjoys baking and often shares her delights with the team. In a nutshell, her passion, hard work and enthusiasm has brought an added strength to the Fulshear community and you will love getting to know her.

Della Posner

Admissions Director

Della knows personally all about the work families do during treatment. She believes that working in this field is what she is meant to do — helping families through these trying times and giving them hope for that light at the end of the tunnel is the most rewarding thing she can do.

Being at Fulshear since 2018, Della feels that being able to bring in clients that absolutely want to be here, and then watching them move forward in becoming healthy, strong and influential women, is incredible. Seeing all of the hard work that these young women put into doing their best is absolutely inspiring to be around. It creates an amazing work environment — one that not many people get to have.

Della graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Sociology and Child & Family Development. She loves spending time with her husband, their rescue dogs, Arlie and Benny, and the rest of her family. Della brings an optimism and passion to Fulshear and to families going through the admissions process. Being able to develop relationships with and help steer the way for every family that is considering Fulshear is something she feels lucky to get to do.

Psychiatry and Nursing

Erica Sitka, RN

Nursing Director

Erica brings years of experience from working as a nurse on a Medical-Surgical Unit and in an Outpatient Behavioral Healthcare setting, and earned her degree in Nursing in 2008. She enjoys helping and encouraging others to care for both their physical and mental health for overall well-being. When Erica is not at work, she will be found spending time with her husband and 3 children.

Dr. Bill Bunn, D.O.

Psychiatrist

Prior to medical school, Dr. William Bunn was a full-time English instructor and was a Meyhew Teaching Award Finalist. He continues his passion for teaching and writing with publications in the area of doctor-patient communications and medical education. His psychiatry training was at the University of Utah, where he received outstanding Junior and Senior Resident Awards and the Arnold P. Gold Foundation for Humanism and Excellence in Teaching. He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is an Adjunct Clinical Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Utah, School of Medicine. Dr. Bunn takes a conservative approach to medication management and supports evidence-based use of natural supplements. Treatment issues include: Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, ADHD, Addiction, PTSD, Grief & Loss, LGBTQ Issues, Life Changes, Personality Disorders, and Marital Issues. To get a sense of his personality style, you can watch his original psychiatry songs at drbillbunn.com.

Tessa Hamilton, APRN

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Tessa Hamilton is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She completed her Doctorate of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Utah in April of 2020, and is licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse in both Utah and Texas, with a Board Certification in Psychiatry from the ANCC.

Over the years, she has worked in various capacities as a registered nurse in both outpatient and inpatient settings, and as an APRN since 2020. Her area of expertise lies in treating adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders. She believes in providing holistic mental health care that is evidence-based and individualized to meet each patient's unique needs and goals. She is committed to helping her clients recognize and harness the power of their choices and firmly believes that the choices we make have a profound impact on our mental health and well-being. In her practice, she works collaboratively with her patients to develop treatment plans that prioritize making better choices for their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.

She grew up on a ranch in Idaho and when she isn't working enjoys riding horses, hiking, reading, and spending time with her friends.

Gina Hemund, LVN

Nursing Manager - Transition

Gina has been a nurse for over 27 years working in a variety of specialties, both inpatient and outpatient, including 11 years serving clients in community mental health.

Outside of work, Gina enjoys traveling with her husband, grown daughter, teenage son and their rescue dogs, Charlie and Livvie. She also loves to read, swim and try new recipes.

Nahia "Nikki" Abouabsi, CNA

Nursing

Quin Williams, CNA

Nursing

Cidney Ashton, CMA

Medical Assistant

Cidney Ashton was born and raised in Houston, TX, and is excited to be a part of the Fulshear team! Her core values tend to follow her wherever she goes: dedication, trust, understanding, patience, and kindness. Being in the nursing field since 2022, and having previously worked at both a pain management program and primary care office, she found that she is most passionate about mental health and well-being. Seeing other individuals evolve and grow is what keeps her motivated.

Self-care is very important in Cidney's daily living. She enjoys working out, reading, and spending quality time with her family and friends. She is so excited to be at Fulshear!

Residential Team

Sarah Kelley

Program Director

A Texas native, Sarah received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Colorado in Boulder. While in Boulder pursuing her degree, she worked as a licensed massage therapist at an Ayurvedic clinic which ignited her dedication to health and well-being. Sarah moved back to Texas and began working in higher education as an instructor at a community college, and eventually expanded her skillset to teaching in early childhood development and secondary education settings. Sarah came to Fulshear in 2017 to pursue a career in behavioral health where she could apply her talent for teaching with her academics in psychology. Sarah contributes to the mission and vision of Fulshear by building strong residential teams comprised of coaches dedicated to client safety, engagement, and treatment progression.

Outside of work, Sarah loves spending time with and raising her two daughters, traveling to visit family and friends, and living an active lifestyle of fun and adventure.

Tasha Johnson

Residential Director - Transition

Andrea Horelica

Ranch Shift Manager

Andrea was born and raised in Texas. She attended the Art Institute of Houston in 2001 where she studied culinary arts and graduated with an Associates of Applied Science. Andrea has a sibling that is mentally disabled -- growing up with and taking care of her sibling has increased her compassion and empathy for others in need. She started her own healing journey and study of human behavior in 2005 and gained a stronger passion for helping others with mental illness at that time.

Andrea joined Fulshear in 2017 after 20 years in customer service. She started as a Mentor in Stafford and was then promoted to the Ranch as a Shift Manager. She loves working on training, guiding, and empowering the other shift managers, and helping our clients get healthy and prepare for life at the apartments.

Andrea is fulfilled when serving others; she loves to connect with people and help them through their personal journeys. Sitting in the dark with someone while they find the courage to change and grow is the most meaningful aspect of her work. She sees the good in others when they cannot see it themselves and believes that restoring personal power is one of the greatest gifts you can help someone achieve.

Andrea enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, reading, and new adventures.

Kaitlyn Tomaskovic

Ranch Shift Manager

Kaitlyn is a Houston native and grew up around horses. She spent time competing in horseback riding competitions when she was younger. In high school, she made the transition to being homeschooled and doing independent study. During that time, mental health became very important to her, and she wanted to learn more about it. She attended community college and eventually graduated from the University of Houston in 2020 with a degree in psychology.

She has always had jobs that involve working with people like tutoring, childcare, the YMCA, and even managing the merch for a local band. She enjoys photography and live music, and spent time doing photography and videography for local bands. She also loves art, specifically painting and crocheting. You might see one of her crocheted creations around campus!

She joined Fulshear in 2021 and loves the work she does with our clients every day. One of her favorite parts of a client's journey is seeing the hard work they've done and all the love they are surrounded with at their graduations.

Cassidy Alaniz

Ranch Shift Manager

Cassidy has been in the mental health field since 2017. She is very passionate about mental health, and chose a career in it because of the negative stigma it tends to have. She wants to be someone’s voice who doesn’t have one, wants to empower individuals, and wants to help them find themselves. Cassidy started with Fulshear in 2021, first as a mentor, then master mentor, and has worked her way up to the shift manager position. She is also a Certified Registered Medical Assistant.

Cassidy grew up in Texas, and played competitive fast-pitch softball for five years. She has been to the World Series three times in her life so far. She has two cats, Midas and Kit, and one dog, Faith, who she absolutely loves. In her spare time, Cassidy loves spending time with her animals, and watching documentaries and scary movies.

Iyanna Normil

Ranch Shift Manager

Nekka Kerns

Ranch Shift Manager - Overnight

Nekka received her degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix in 2016. Nekka volunteered as head coach for a cheer squad for 8 years and enjoyed helping to mentor and motivate young girls to be confident and empowered. She also worked in special education for high school students with learning differences and mental illnesses for 4 years. Nekka's main focus is to empower young adults and help them realize their full potential. She has a deep passion for mental health and helping those who struggle with anxiety, depression, and a variety of other disorders.

Angela Gonzalez

Transition Lead Coach

Angela is a native Texan, born and raised in Houston. She is the Residential Director at the Transition campus and joined our team in May 2021. She is focused on providing a safe and positive environment for the clients. She believes strongly in Fulshear's mission, values, and helping young women become healthy, strong, and influential.

Angela is passionate about mental health and the criminal justice system. She is earning her degree in Healthcare Service Coordination at WGU. When Angela isn't at work, she spends her time at the beach, watching true crime documentaries, and creating digital art.

Erica Barnes

Transition Lead Coach

Erica Barnes: Mother of two daughters, passionate about the justice system and mental health which brings her to Fulshear. She wants to make a difference, one lady at a time.

Andrea Arceneaux

Transition Lead Coach - Overnight

Equine Team

Ashley Bray

Equine Specialist
Bonus

Bonus

Bonus is a 23-year-old male horse, although he believes he is a Great Dane. He came to Fulshear having been a lesson horse at a pristine show barn, but Fulshear is more his style. His playful nature is beyond compare, and he makes friends with everyone. Bonus is known for having conversations with the cows in the neighboring pasture, and he loves to roll around, especially in mud puddles. His desire to please others in relationships can get the best of him, resulting in a lack of boundaries. He will push your boundaries and let others push his. This can sometimes lead to him having many surface-level relationships and going to a place of compliance instead of cooperation. When he does genuinely connect with someone and find that partnership, he is excellent at providing space to feel safe and process emotions. A connection is truly what fills his bucket and shows us what it’s like to love others unconditionally. Bonus encourages us to be in tune with our inner child while recognizing the importance of having personal boundaries.

Shelbee

Shelbee

Shelbee is a 14-year-old female and a true teenager at heart. She had a difficult time transitioning to life on the Ranch, having never left her mom and sibling or even seen a cow before, but after 6 years of being part of the equine team she has settled in nicely. Shelbee is very pretty, and she knows it, but not always the most confident despite being the alpha female in the herd. In fact, she is often very anxious having struggled with abandonment and is fearful of being left alone. She tends to rely on others for safety and security, seeking out a connection in healthy ways and sometimes through a crisis. She loves to be pampered and given attention, bath time and having her mane brushed out are some of her favorites. Shelbee is a great teacher when it comes to lessons on codependency, emotional regulation, connection, and healthy attachment. She resembles so many of our ladies here and many have related to Shelbee, recognizing more and more about themselves as they spend time with her.

Tex

Tex

Tex is a 27-year-old male who packs a major punch in a small size. Although he may be on the “smaller” size, his heart is as big as his name (Texas). Tex’s past is just as mysterious as he is, but he is one of the OG members of the herd here at Fulshear. Tex often stands alone, appearing distant from his herd and people. However, he is confident in himself and his place. As far as relationships, Tex sets high expectations and will test others before getting close. Sometimes he, unfortunately, ends up pushing people away out of his fear of abandonment. Tex values consistency and commitment in his relationships, which helps to build trust and ultimately the opportunity for a lifelong connection. Tex keeps his space very tidy and prides himself in having the cleanest stall in the barn. He loves to people-watch and is very curious about his surroundings. So much so, that when left to his own devices, he has coined the nickname of “Houdini” after figuring out how to escape his stall. Tex demonstrates daily how trusting relationships must be earned and are not freely given. He offers respect for those who work with him, and in doing so teaches the ladies at Fulshear that they too deserve to respect themselves. His loyalty is a quality that should be cherished. Boy, do we love our Texas.

Dudley

Dudley is a miniature horse whose age is unknown. He was rescued by Fulshear’s Equine Specialist and spent a year on her family’s ranch before becoming a part of the herd at Fulshear. He is very confident in himself and strives to keep healthy boundaries with all those he encounters - horse or human. However, he is welcoming and generous with affection. Dudley spent many years alone with little attention or connection, making him very grateful for the wonderful life he now leads and the love he gets from Fulshear's clients. His past of being alone, ignored, and only fed just enough shows how resilient he is - he still seeks connection and relationships, though is wary about letting others too close, hence his strong boundaries. Dudley demonstrates how to live in the moment and value the healthy relationships we make along the way. He is excellent at teaching the clients at Fulshear that they are worthy of connection, love and respect, no matter what their paths in life have been.

Fender

Fender is a 10 year old Thoroughbred who has competed in two official horse races.

After his less-than-illustrious racing career, he was surrendered to the Humane Society of North Texas...which is why he has a "HSNT" brand on his shoulder. This brand is kind of like a tattoo that will help him get back to the humane society if he ever finds himself in need of saving...but we won't have to worry about that for him again now that he is safe with us.

He was first adopted by an individual who after owning him for a few years could no longer afford to care for him. He may have also experienced harsh training during this part of his life. He was surrendered again to an equine humane society in our area.

He had gotten pretty skinny, but his foster family gave him lots of food to help him gain weight. Talking about food, he really likes food and is enjoying all the extra hay he is already getting at Fulshear.

He really wants to do the right thing and can get a bit nervous if he doesn't think he is pleasing you. Lots of connection, attunement, security, and commitment will help him be the best version of himself that we believe he can be. He really is a good boy and likes lots of attention and connection. However, he can be reserved once you really start to interact with him.

Take the First Step Toward Lasting Independence