DNP, CPNP-PC, PMHS, BICBT-CC

Taking care of your child's well-being and mental health is my passion. I grew up in Wichita Falls and after high school moved to Austin and graduated from The University of Texas with a bachelors of science in nursing. I lived and worked in Austin for about 10 years. During this time, I met my husband, Adam, and worked as a pediatric oncology nurse at Dell Children’s Hospital.

I obtained my masters of science in nursing as a primary care pediatric nurse practitioner in 2010. After graduation my husband and I decided to move back to Wichita Falls. I worked as a pediatric nurse practitioner at the Clinics of North Texas for over 10 years. During this time, I discovered my passion for helping children and teens who were struggling with life’s challenges.

Throughout my own personal journey and working with many children and teens dealing with anxiety and depression, I decided I wanted to provide more in depth mental health care for children and teens. I wanted to ensure I was providing evidence-based high quality mental health care. In 2019, I obtained my pediatric mental health specialist certification in 2019 and went on to pursue my doctorate in nursing.

Throughout my doctorate program, I also trained with the Beck Institute to become a Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Clinician. I graduated with my doctorate in nursing and finished my CBT training in 2022. I want to ensure Wichita Falls and the surrounding area had access to cognitive behavioral therapy and treat both aspects of mental health care.

Outside of work, I am a wife to Adam (an amazing middle school math teacher), a mom to two amazing boys, and love my dogs. I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, taking walks, and going to the lake.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, The University of Texas 2006

Master of Science in Nursing, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center 2010

Doctor of Nursing Practice, The Ohio State University 2022

Certifications

Board Certified Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Board Certified Pediatric Mental Health Specialist

Beck Institute Cognitive Behavioral Therapy- Certified Clinician

Certified COPE2THRIVE Instructor

MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

I became a nurse to care for individuals as a whole - their mind, body, and spirit. Over the course of my career in the hospital setting in conjunction with my own life, I realized that without mental health, it is difficult to have physical and spiritual health. Thus, my passion to provide mental health care was born.

I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, and moved to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech University on a full academic scholarship. I graduated with a degree in public relations in 2005 and began fundraising for a children’s hospital. I quickly learned I would much rather work at the bedside than in the business office! I also met and married my husband Ben and his job took us to Wichita Falls. After moving, I went back to school to obtain my ADN and BSN and we started our family - one son and two daughters. During this time, I worked in the operating room and women’s and children’s services, primarily labor and delivery, where I cared for and counseled patients who were experiencing the loss of their child before, during or after delivery.

I returned to Texas Tech University to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in 2019. Upon graduation, I worked at Rose Street Mental Health Care and have experience in outpatient, inpatient, and partial hospitalization settings. I treat all ages but have extensive experience in and a passion for the pediatric, adolescent, and young(ish) adult population. I love working with kids who are struggling with anxiety or depression, teens who don't seem to be making the best choices, and young adults who are still trying to figure out who they are.

In addition to my day job, I am involved with activities within WFISD, Young Life, sing on the music team at our church, and coach youth basketball.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, Texas Tech University 2005

Associates Degree in Nursing, Vernon College 2010

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Midwestern State University 2018

Master of Science in Nursing, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center 2021

Certifications

Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Completing Cope 2 Thrive CBT Instructor Training

MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Growing up in foster care and later being adopted at an older age I witness mental health struggles up front and personal. I always knew that my calling was to help others with their struggles, it just took some time to land on mental health nursing being the key way to accomplish this! I have always had a heart and passion for children in foster care and those around them as well as adults struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

I was born in Abilene, Tx at Dyess Air force Base before being placed in foster care where I stayed with a sister until I was around 8 years old. I moved to Vernon, Texas in 1994 and have been there ever since. I graduated from Vernon High School in 2004 and originally entered Vernon College as a Pre-Med student studying to be a doctor. Shortly after starting college an encounter with an amazing nurse changed the trajectory of my college career and I switched majors to nursing. I managed to obtain my Associate in Nursing from Vernon College in 2011. Later I attended West Texas A&M in Canyon and obtained my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2013. In the midst of attending school I began a career at North Texas State Hospital as an Mental Health Worker in 2006 and worked my way up to Nurse Manager. While working at NTSH I met and married my husband Kirk and together we have four children( three girls and one boy), with more on the way due in October 2025. We also have an amazing son in law and one grandbaby girl.

I obtained my Master of Science in Nursing and certification for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in 2020 from Midwestern State university. After graduating, I have obtained experience working with several different patient populations and setting including Senior Psych care making geriatric psychiatric rounds, United Regional Physicians group where I work as a PRN PMHNP in their chronic disease management department, and Red River Hospital where I treated several different individuals across the life span with mental health problems. I have experience in outpatient, inpatient, and partial hospitalization settings. I treat all ages but have extensive experience in and a passion for complex mental health cases including psychosis, medical comorbidities, and addiction and mental health struggles. I love working with individuals who are struggling to find the light at the end of their tunnel and help them reclaim their hope and joy.

In my spare time when I am not working I enjoy reading, traveling, and Bible Journaling. I am an active member of my church and support my children in travel sports and extracurricular activities they participate in.

Education

Associates in Science and in Arts, Vernon College 2009

Licensed Vocational Nurse Diploma, Vernon College 2009

Associates Degree in Nursing, Vernon College 2011

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, West Texas A&M University 2013

Master of Science in Nursing, Midwestern State University 2020

Certifications

Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

M.Ed., LPC

Alison is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a unique blend of experience in both education and clinical mental health. During her 34-year career in education with WFISD, she served as a classroom teacher, librarian, school counselor, and special education counselor. While working in schools, she also dedicated weekends/part-time hours to clinical mental health, spending over six years leading group therapy sessions at Red River Hospital.

Alison specializes in counseling for children and young adults, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Solution-Focused Therapy and Mindfulness, with a person-centered approach. She incorporates play and expressive techniques to create a safe, supportive environment where clients can process emotions, navigate challenges, and develop greater self-awareness. A core principle of her approach is that all emotions are valid, and she encourages young people to recognize and honor their feelings without judgment. She helps clients identify emotional triggers, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

In every session, Alison works to empower individuals by fostering self-esteem, self-love, and confidence. She helps them recognize their inherent worth, guiding them toward better decision-making and more positive life outcomes. She also believes that growth should be engaging and exploratory, incorporating fun and creativity to make personal development an enjoyable experience.

Alison has been married for 29 years, has two sons, a daughter-in-law, and a beloved grand-dog. Her family means the world to her. Beyond her professional work, Alison is actively involved in children’s and youth ministry and serves as a member of her church’s worship team. A lifelong resident of Wichita Falls, Alison feels a strong connection to the community. She values the relationships and bonds she has cultivated over the years and is passionate about supporting and uplifting those around her. 

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Education, Texas Tech University, 1990

• Master of Arts in Education, Midwestern State University, 2002

Trainings:

• Rational-Emotive & Cognitive Behavior Therapy

• Expressive Arts

• Youth Mental Health First Aid

• Grief Counseling

• Spiritual Counseling

• Behavior & Social Thinking Methodology

• Conscious Discipline

• Neuroscience of Mindfulness

• Love and Logic

MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

I am Hispanic and come from a loving, supportive family. Growing up in a military household, I had the unique experience of living in different places, eventually landing in Wichita Falls as a teenager. The city quickly became my home, and I’ve developed a deep love for it over the years. From a young age, I knew I wanted to help others with their mental health, and that passion has guided me throughout my career.

​My journey into mental health began with a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant position at the North Texas State Hospital while pursuing a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Witnessing the different ways mental health disorders affected people’s lives—across all ages and backgrounds—solidified that I was in the right field and gave me a deeper understanding of the importance of mental health care.

After graduation, I transitioned to outpatient intensive services at Helen Farabee MHMR, where I supported patients at high risk of hospitalization and mental health crises, helping them access both mental health services and community resources. This role deepened my understanding of how mental health connects to many aspects of life.

​I had the opportunity to work alongside talented psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners, which inspired me to take the next step and pursue becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Along the way, I also worked as an Intensive Care Unit nurse, using my mental health background in a critical care setting to support patients and families during some of their most challenging moments.

Having worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, I quickly realized that our community has limited mental health resources, especially when it comes to medication management that focuses on a patient’s emotional and social well-being. This motivated me to take on a role where I could offer more comprehensive care.

What I find most fulfilling in my work is connecting with patients at all stages of life. I prioritize understanding their unique challenges and approach each relationship with empathy, respect, and a commitment to their long-term health.

​At the end of the day, there’s nothing better than cuddling up with my daughter and our pets, enjoying a good book with a warm cup of coffee—or savoring my husband’s latest culinary creations.

Education 

Bachelors of Science in Psychology 2012   

Bachelors of Science in Nursing   2018

Masters of Science in Nursing   2022

Office Manager

Abby, a proud native of Wichita Falls, Texas, earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology from Midwestern State University in May 2024. Driven by a deep passion for mental health care, she is set to continue her academic journey in the Fall of 2025 at Loyola University New Orleans, where she will pursue a Master’s in Counseling on a Clinical Mental Health track. Abby aspires to specialize in trauma therapy and contribute to the research side of counseling.

Outside of the office and classroom, you can find Abby coaching competitive volleyball, spending time with her family and friends, and reading all things true crime related. Her experience at A Sustainable Mind has only strengthened her conviction that she is on the right path, committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. 

Office Assistant

Karina was born and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas, and graduated from Midwestern State University in December 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Spanish. She has had a deep passion for mental health since childhood and is committed to making a difference in the field.

In her free time, Karina enjoys reading, staying active through workouts, spending quality time with loved ones, and listening to podcasts.

Her long-term career goal is to pursue a Masters in Counseling and Mental Health from Midwestern State University. Karina is particularly driven by the desire to provide mental health care to Spanish-speaking communities, recognizing the need for culturally competent care. She is dedicated to becoming a compassionate and effective mental health care provider, aiming to serve those who need it most.

Specialist in School Psychology

Bio coming soon!

MA, LPC-Associate

Bio coming soon!

Yoga instructor

Julia is a 200-Hour Registered Yoga Instructor with accreditation and certification through Yoga Alliance . Since 2020, she has been deeply engaged in understanding the impact of trauma on both the mind and body, leading her to explore the healing potential of trauma-informed yoga.

Her continuing education has focused on how trauma affects our physical and mental well-being, fostering a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health.

Julia has broadened her expertise to integrate trauma-informed practices into her yoga classes, completing the following specialized training programs:

* Foundations of Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Training - University of Buffalo, instructed by Dr. Lydia Snyder YACEP®

* Trauma Informed Yoga Certification Training - Transcending Trauma With Yoga, instructed by Zabie Yamasaki in Los Angeles YACEP®

* Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga for Traumatic Recovery, Levels 1-3 (Currently Enrolled) - The Embody Lab, instructed by Dr. Arielle Schwartz YACEP®

* YogaFit for Injury Prevention and Recovery - YogaFit, instructed by Renee Harrington, E-RYT® 500, YACEP®

* The Body Keeps the Score - Healing Trauma Through Somatics Webinar Training - The Embody Lab, instructed by Bessel Van Der Kolk and Peter Levine

Julia is a firm believer in the importance of attending to our mental and physical health. Just as we prioritize regular check-ups with doctors and dentists, taking care of our mental health is vital for our overall well-being.

Additionally, she brings over 15 years of experience working with youth and young adults, gained through her involvement as a Young Life leader and Assistant Youth Director at First United Methodist Church in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Julia is dedicated to educating and empowering others to discover pathways to heal their minds, bodies, and spirits through the practice of yoga.