Our Team

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.

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.

Molly received her Bachelor degree of Fine Arts in Psychology and sociology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She spent the following 8 years working with horses, including riding competitively. Molly also supervised at-risk youth, specifically fostered or homeless adolescents, and juvenile offenders. At Fulshear, she started as a residential staff and became equine specialist, then ranch therapist, and is currently the clinical director in Stafford. She loves to use her passion of connecting women with horses while providing examples of strong healthy relationships in therapy.

Being an experienced rider and horse personnel, Molly is aware of the healing and growth that can be found while working with horses. She has shown in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, instructed, trained, and ridden just for fun, and witnessing personal achievements along the way. Her heart is in showing others all that can be gained through working with these large, honest animals.

Molly is originally from Houston, Texas. When she’s not with the women in the barn or planning therapeutic activities with a horse, you can find her enjoying the outdoors such as camping, hiking, and fishing.

Adelene’s journey with Fulshear began in 2020 where she started as a residential mentor at the Ranch. Adelene has returned as a Therapist after receiving her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Texas Southern University, and Master’s in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. Adelene has gained experience in working with a wide range of populations, including those experiencing mental illness, intellectual disabilities, substance abuse, chronic trauma, as well as working with domestic and sexual violence survivors, juvenile probation, and foster care youth. Her ultimate goal is to assist people in achieving their fullest potential. Adelene uses concepts of empowerment, self-care, self-determination, self-advocacy, and self-esteem to help others thrive. She strives to inspire others by reminding them that there is "light at the end of the tunnel" and that success is possible!

During her free time, Adelene loves spending time outdoors, disconnecting, and tuning into nature. Adelene loves to travel, learn about different cultures and try different foods. One of her future goals and passions includes assisting minority families in overcoming cultural stigmas, racial trauma, and generational trauma associated with mental illness or treatment. Finally, Adelene firmly believes that providing direct support and advocacy to one individual leads to family empowerment, which promotes change in a community, a nation, and society as a whole.

Raymond earned his Bachelor's of Psychology from Houston Baptist University and his Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health from the University of Houston-Victoria. Raymond is an out of the box thinker who is passionate about mental health, and has worked with a wide variety of populations and diverse cultures.

Raymond has been at Fulshear since 2016 and has worked with various departments within the company. He believes in empowering clients to use their inner voice to help embark on their journey toward change, based on the belief that each individual's transformational power resides within themselves. Raymond enjoys promoting self-care by reminding others of mindfulness, teaching through slowing down, taking deep breaths, and being more intentional.

Outside of work, Raymond enjoys outdoor activities as well as attending poetry and musical events.

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 will continue 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).

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 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.

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.

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. Andrea became a Residential Director at the Ranch in December of 2019. As Residential Director, she works on training, guiding, and empowering the Shift Managers and helps 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.

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.

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.

B'Lana, better known at the ranch as Loni, was born and raised in Texas and has a passion for mental health. Loni has worked as a school photographer, event coordinator, and has worked in many different customer service and hospitality roles. Loni is a part of Fulshear because she loves to spend time with each of the clients and knows how much value they each hold within them. When not at work, Loni spends time with her dogs (Hiccup and Milo), her friends, and her family.

Lindsey has lived in Texas her whole life and has always desired a role in life where she can help others. She has worked in volunteer roles at the Fort Bend Women’s Center and is in the process of completing her master’s degree in Victim Services Management at Sam Houston State University. Lindsey joined Fulshear’s team because she is committed to helping our young women restore their personal power and realize their own worth. In her down time, Lindsey enjoys dystopian novels, making fairy gardens, and long walks in the park.

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.

Keren Alcala is a born and raised Texan, and Overnight Shift Manager at the ranch. She is easily adaptable and has been successful at other career journeys such as customer service, private investigation, and bounty hunting cases involving international work. Keren is a dedicated worker who believes in Fulshear’s mission and vision. She is passionate about helping the clients find their full potential and helps the clients challenge themselves when they say and think they cannot keep going, while still providing a loving and safe environment.

When Keren isn’t at work, she enjoys self-caring by reading a good book, watching her favorite zombie flicks, and spending time with her friends and family.

Marcela is a Lead coach for the residential team at Stafford. Marcela is a first-generation Latina that graduated with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from the University of Houston. Marcela's unhealthy childhood ignited the desire in her adulthood to be the person she needed for other young women suffering in silence. Marcela is a mental health advocate that is dedicated to making change through healing and promoting personal power. Marcela works closely with the amazing clients at Fulshear and is passionate about healing generations through the mission provided by Fulshear.

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.

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 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 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 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.