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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.

Helaine Sandler

Admissions Director

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.

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.

Adelle Randall

Operations Director

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

David Knighten, M.Ed., LPC, LCCA

Clinical Director - Transition

David began his professional career over 15 years ago with a local Residential Treatment Center in 3rd Ward Houston, Texas. What initially began as simply an entry-level job, aimed at providing him with experience in the field, quickly resonated and grew into a passion to better understand the needs of children, young adults, and families as well as a drive to provide for those needs. After completing his undergraduate degree in Psychology, David began working with The Texas Department of Health and Human Services Commission in their Office of Eligibility Specialists. David continued working for the State of Texas for nearly 6 years, also serving within The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Following the completion of his graduate degree in Counseling, David began working for The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD. It was here that he garnered years of clinical experience working with young adults suffering from a variety of mental health diagnoses. After becoming fully licensed and seeking the opportunity to incorporate his skills in an environment that continues to have an increased need, David returned to the Residential Treatment arena and began working as the Clinical Director for a 90-bed facility in Acres Homes, Texas which serviced children and young adults in the Child Protective Services system.

David believes that therapy should be both engaging and fun. By being able to balance deeply engaging therapeutic work with light-hearted, inviting, and fun energy, David believes the individuals and families he works with can find navigating the process much less stressful.

In his spare time, David enjoys attending sporting events, outdoor activities, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends. David is also enthusiastic about reentry and reducing recidivism among underserved demographics. Because of this enthusiasm, David is currently pursuing his Ph.D. with a research focus in reentry services and effectiveness and hopes to graduate in 2023.

Molly Freemantle, LCSW

(Equine) Therapist - Ranch

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 was equine specialist, and is currently a therapist, using 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.

Monica Mills, MEd, LPC-A

Therapist - Ranch

Monica earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Sciences with minors in Human Development and Family Studies, Addictive Disorders and Recovery Studies, and Social Work Studies from Texas Tech University. She holds a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Houston-Victoria. Her passions include working with children and women struggling with trauma, depression, and anxiety. She has experience in working with all age groups from child and adolescence to young adults and geriatrics.

Monica’s long-term goals include pursuing her PhD and contributing to educating others by teaching and presenting at a university and at public events. She also plans on contributing to or starting non-profit programs to help domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, the LGBTQIA community and child advocacy.

When she is not working, Monica enjoys spending time with her wife, taking care of their animals and other animals in need, fishing, researching, and writing as well as being creative with arts and crafts.

Dana Van Renterghem, LMSW

Therapist - Ranch

Dana Van Renterghem, 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.

Angel Edwards, LCSW

Therapist - Transition

Angel was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. As a teenager, she moved to Louisiana where she would attend high school and college. Angel is no stranger to change and transition. Angel prides herself on being apart of a large, blended family.

Angel is an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) whose journey began in 2013. That passion and desire to assist others be the best version of themselves lead to a Bachelors and Master’s degree in Social Work. Angel briefly studied musical theatre with the hopes of incorporating the aspects of the arts into her work. Angel has future aspirations to become a certified music therapist.

Angel has experience working with a variety of populations from pediatric to geriatric clients in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Prior to joining the Fulshear team, Angel worked for the Department of Family Protective Services as a Conservatorship Specialist. Through this experience she has become well-versed in working with families through crises and generational trauma.

In her spare time, Angel enjoys traveling, singing, reading, engaging in fun activities like go-kart racing and bowling, and eating good food.

Adelene Ruiz, LMSW

Therapist - Transition

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 Chukwuma, MS, LPC-A, NCC

Therapist - Transition

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.

Kevin Randall, LMFT

Clinical Consultant

Kevin Randall, LMFT received his Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Utah and his Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Nebraska. Kevin has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient mental health, home-based client and parent aftercare coaching, and adolescent and young adult treatment facilities. He is passionate about the art of transition, helping clients access their ability to influence the world around them, and the Fulshear Integrated Attachment Model.

Kevin served as the Executive Clinical Director at Fulshear Treatment to Transition from 2013 until 2022. He is the father of 5 children, three of which are young adults. He has been married to the love of his life, Adelle, for over 25 years.

Nikki Garza, LCSW

Clinical Consultant

Nikki received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah; she then went on to receive her Master’s degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University. Throughout the past 25 years, Nikki’s professional responsibilities have included providing treatment for adults facing mental illness at the Utah State Hospital, running an intensive out-patient program at a drug and alcohol treatment center for adults, clinical director for a large residential treatment center for adolescent girls, and maintaining a private practice. She was most recently Fulshear's Executive Director from 2014-2023, and now continues to support in training Fulshear's clinical team, as well as help its families as needed.

Life Skills Team

Natalie Robles

Life Skills Director - Ranch

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 3 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.

Sarah Kelley

Program Director/Life Skills Director - Transition

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.

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.

Cara Mularski

Life Skills Specialist

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).

Desireé Jackson

Life Skills Specialist - Transition

Desireé has lived in California, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas, Colorado again, Tennessee, Colorado yet again, Arizona, then Colorado some more, and New Mexico, before returning to Texas. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in history with minors in classics and prelaw from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. She has also enrolled in graduate programs at UCCS, New Mexico State University, and Arizona State University in Public Administration, Social Work, and Social Justice and Human Rights.

She was an elementary and middle school teacher before she began to teach life skills to refugee and asylum-seeking young adults, as well as homeless and system-involved youth. She loves helping young adults develop knowledge and skills so that they can live independently.

Desireé enjoys planning and organization, self-improvement and personality tests, and reading and learning. She has two twin cats named Apollo and Artemis and hopes to add more animals to her family, though she is sure her cats do not currently feel the same.

Pierre Harris

Life Skills Specialist - Transition

Admissions and Marketing Team

Helaine Sandler

Admissions Director

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 Counselor

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.

Nahia "Nikki" Abouabsi, CNA

Nurse - Ranch

Tiffany Bortei-Doku, CNA

Nurse - Ranch

Gina Hemund, LVN

Nurse - 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.

Chizoba "ChiChi" Priester, CNA

Nurse - Transition

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.

Andrea Horelica

Residential Director - Ranch

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 Gonzalez

Residential Director - Transition

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 Kerns

Overnight Director

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 Hill

Ranch Shift Manager

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.

Alex Eversole

Ranch Shift Manager

Lindsey Jones

Ranch Shift Manager

Cassidy Alaniz

Ranch Shift Manager

Keren Alcala

Ranch Shift Manager - Overnight

Keren Alcala is a born and raised Texan, and the PM Shift Lead Supervisor 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 Molina

Transition Lead Coach

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.

Elise Schultheis

Transition Lead Coach

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. 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.

Andrea Arceneaux

Transition Lead Coach - Overnight

Erica Barnes

Transition Coordinator

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.

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.

Gabby

Gabby

Gabby is a 28-year-old female. She sometimes gives off the impression that she does not want to be seen, rather stands back and observes what is going on around her. Gabby is very cautious in her approach to many things, including relationships. She has the tendency to be nurturing and very gentle, while also asserting her needs. When connecting with others, she sees through the surface level and is able to detect incongruence in others’ emotions quickly. Gabby values vulnerability and consistency; she is the kind of partner who doesn’t care if you are on cloud nine or down in the dumps, just that you are honest with yourself. Gabby has a loud mouth and is very vocal in the barn, making sure all the other horses understand her role in the herd. She loves belly scratches and going on rides in the pasture. She teaches the ladies at Fulshear how let go of their fear of rejection and let down their walls. In working with Gabby, many find self-acceptance and learn that genuine connections exist when you love yourself first.

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.

Wendy

Wendy

Everyone meet Wendy, a 24-year-old female. Wendy falls towards the lower end of the herd, somewhere in the middle, although she could care less about her ranking. She enjoys spending time on her own; you will rarely see her with the other horses. As much as she appears to enjoy being alone, it does have an impact on her. Wendy oftentimes isolates and tends to go unseen by both horse and person. This makes it challenging for there to be a connection and the relationship that she truly wants. Wendy engages in some odd or depressing behaviors, such as rolling in the manure pile, and generally not caring for herself due to this lack of connection. Despite this, if someone seeks her out and shows that they are committed to the relationship, she lets her golden personality shine through (just like her color). Wendy is just as much sassy as she is sweet. She has a childlike quality about her and loves to have races in the pasture with our Barn Managers. If she could be a person, she would be Gwyneth Paltrow. Without even trying, Wendy teaches the importance of self-care and our ability to seek out connection, even when we don’t think we need or deserve it. She is one of a kind, and we wouldn’t want her any other way.

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.

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