Events
Meetings are held once a month, generally on the first Monday of the month, unless there is a holiday, then we may meet the following Monday. We generally meet at the Sunny Street Cafe in Keller, unless otherwise noted. Come join us!
April 1, 2024 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: The SPACE Approach to Parenting the Anxious Child
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
Sadie Monge, LPC-S will explore how parents are an important part of supporting children struggling with anxiety. Learn how healthy patterns of support and connection can help children overcome anxious, thoughts and feelings. Identify natural patterns of parenting that might inadvertently increase anxiety in children. Sadie enjoys helping parents find their calm and confidence in parenting the anxious child. Sadie is an LPC Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist and a SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) trained clinician. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University. Learn more about Sadie and her practice at https://familyconnectionscounseling.com.
1 CEU hour will be available for licensed clinicians.
March 4, 2024 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: How to Integrate Creativity with Your Current Practice
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
Heidi Tournoux-Hanshaw, LPC-S-AT, ATR-BCCS is the clinical director of the Art Station in Fort Worth. She is a graduate of Antioch University in Seattle where she earned master’s degrees in both family therapy and art therapy. She received her undergraduate training in Art and Psychology from Central Washington University. She has worked with children in child development and Montessori school settings as well as conducted art therapy support groups for teens receiving treatment for substance abuse. She has her own business, Heidi Tournoux Studios, where she combines her passion for art and healing. She has presented at the North Texas Art Therapy Association and the American Art Therapy Association. To learn more about her work, go to www.theartstation.org or www.heiditournouxstudios.com.
1 CEU hour will be available for licensed clinicians.
February 5, 2024 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: Differential Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Traumatic Stress-Related Disorders
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
Dr. Alaina Kroes, PsyD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who works with adults and children of all ages. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology with an emphasis in chemistry and sociology from Alverno College in Wisconsin. She earned her Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology and completed a pre-doctoral internship at the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. Dr. Kroes research interests include parent-child relationships which was the subject of her dissertation. She has extensive knowledge in assessments in private practice and is licensed in both Texas and Wisconsin. To learn more about Dr. Kroes and her practice, go to https://mindpsych.org/
1 CEU hour will be available for licensed clinicians.
January 8, 2024 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: Psychodrama: Action Methods in Individual and Group Therapy
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
Darlene Vanchura, MA, LPC-S will give us an overview of Psychodrama with an experiential exercise in action methods utilized in therapy. You won’t want to miss this fun activity! Come willing and ready to participate. However, if your “brave willingness” is in remission, then being a witness might be the perfect spot for you. After all, the audience is one of the five major components of Psychodrama. All are welcome, please join us for this unique experiential approach to therapy. Darlene is a LPC Supervisor and a Certified Practitioner of Psychodrama, with decades of experience. To learn more about Darlene’s work, visit her website at www.VanchuraCounseling.com or www.HiddenLakesCounseling.com.
1 CEU hour will be available for licensed clinicians.
December 4, 2023, 11:30am – 1pm
Jingle and Mingle with the KCA
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
What to Bring: Bring a wrapped therapy-related book/gift to swap with another member. Inexpensive and/or used is preferred.
Come celebrate the holidays by sharing a quick meal and lots of conversations with your colleagues. This is a great time to connect with those who really understand what you do, AND talk about possibilities and opportunities for the New Year. The joy of the season is sharing and caring, so let’s spread that! Bring a book or resource for gift exchange, a used one is fine. Don’t spend a lot, just bring something that could be helpful to someone else. We’ll also share some ideas on how to keep the holidays less stressful.
November 6, 2023 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: Professional Organizer Interventions
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
Tammy O’Neil, CSSC, CPT is an ADHD Coach and a Professional Organizer who specializes in ADHD, chronic disorganization, and hoarding. Tammy’s Business and Communication degrees, continuing education and community volunteer work enhance her abilities to “think outside the box.” She is the mother of two adult children and five grandchildren, which enhances her unique gifts of creative coaching and organization. Tammy is the Co-Coordinator of North Tarrant County CHADD, and a member of Children & Adults w/Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD), Institute of Challenging Disorganization (ICD), International Coaching Federation (ICF) National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO), and Tarrant County Hoarding Task Force (TCHF). Tammy fosters a co-active coaching partnership with her clients and collaborates with them to reach their goals. In addition to owning her own business, the Organizer Coach, she is also an ADHD Coach and Certified Parent Trainer with Avant-Garde Counseling and Coaching Center. Find more information on Tammy at www.TheOrganizerCoach.com
1 CEU for licensed providers will be available.
October 2, 2023 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: Improving Distress Tolerance – Roundtable Discussion
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
Join Heather Vandygriff and Dr. Lisa Elieson for a discussion on Improving Distress Tolerance in clients. Heather Vandygriff is completing her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University, where she has been studying this topic. Heather serves as a CASA in Collin County and has over a decade of experience in teaching adolescents. Heather is working under the supervision of Lisa Elieson, LPC-S at Hidden Lakes Counseling. Dr. Elieson is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and Certified Sex Therapist. To learn more about their practice, go to www.HiddenLakesCounseling.com
1 CEU hour will be available for licensed clinicians.
September 11, 2023 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: Ethical Dilemmas in Counseling – Roundtable Discussion
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
Join the KCA board and Members to discuss the ethical dilemmas we face in providing services. Dr. Mark DeYoung, Dr. Lisa Elieson, and Darlene Vanchura will share some of the issues they have come across during their decades of providing counseling services, and how they resolved them. Want feedback on a case? This is an excellent opportunity to discuss concerns with other professionals. To learn more about the Keller Counselors Association, go to www.KellerCounselors.com.
August 7, 2023 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
Sylvia Hill, PhD, LPC-S will introduce us to using Internal Family Systems Therapy. Dr. Hill is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor. She received her bachelor’s degree from University of Maryland Global Campus and her master’s degree from Regis University. She earned her Doctorate in Counseling from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Sylvia is trained in Gottman marriage counseling levels I & II. She is also Levels 1 and 2 trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, and that is her primary focus when working with individuals. She is working on becoming a Certified IFS therapist. Sylvia is a Breast Cancer Survivor. She has a profound understanding of those who have experienced or are experiencing serious medical issues. To learn more about Dr. Hill and her practice, go to https://www.SylviaHillCounseling.com/
June 5, 2023 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: Developing the 12 Types of Intimacy
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
Lisa Elieson, PhD, LPC-S, CST will speak on the 12 Types of Intimacy in Relationships and share ideas on how to develop them. Feel free to add your thoughts to this discussion and see how we can all improve our skills. Lisa is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified Professional Coach, Certified Sexologist, and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. She has a Masters in Counseling Psychology from TWU and a Doctorate from ULM in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has completed Level 1, 2 & 3 clinical training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. For more information on her work, go to www.HiddenLakesCounseling.com.
May 1, 2023 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: Update of Psychological Response to School Safety
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
Marcene Weatherall, MA, LCDC will present on the Psychological Response to School Safety issues. Marcene has over 30 years of experience as a mental health and addiction professional. She has served as the Director of Counseling Intervention Services for Keller ISD for 17 years. She recently launched her business, Intentional Hearts Counseling, and Consulting in March. She specializes in crisis management, addiction, and trauma treatment. She is a recognized threat assessment professional and a member of ATAP. She helped develop the first software-based threat assessment in the State of Texas and is skilled in addressing the psychological factors associated with school safety. She has received both the community service award from Betty Ford 5 Star Kids and the Hometown Hero award from the Northeast Chamber and recognition from the Keller Council of PTAs. To learn more about her practice, go to www.IntentionalHeartsCC.com
April 3, 2023 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: Working on “Being Social”: Youth Experiencing Neurodivergence and/or Social Anxiety
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
Join us for this fun discussion with Lyn Rodriguez Neisius, LPC. She will talk about her work with youth and special needs populations; specifically the use of games combined with evidence-based interventions. In small groups, youth make connections with others, have fun, and learn how to navigate social situations. Lyn has a Masters in Counseling Psychology from the University of Denver and an Educational Specialist Degree in Child, Family, and School Psychology. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP), and a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (CASDCS). For more information about Lyn, go to www.YourChildsCounselor.com.
1 CEU hour will be available for licensed clinicians.
March 6, 2023 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: The 7 Types of Depression and ADD
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
Lisa Marie Shaughnessy is a Clinic Outreach Manager for Amen Clinics, Former Vice President of the Trauma Education Association, a Certified Life and Sales Coach, an Amen Clinic Certified Brain Health Coach, and author of the book, Testosterone The Next Drug Epidemic. She has 30 years of experience in marketing, advertising, sales, leadership, and coaching. She has worked with residential treatment centers, acute care hospitals, worked in the field of broadcasting, and assisted many other businesses in achieving their business goals. Her passion and positive energy are focused on helping those who have brain health issues, complex trauma, testosterone trauma, and substance use disorder. You can read more about Lisa at www.AmenClinics.com.
1 CEU hour will be available for licensed clinicians.
Febuary 6, 2023 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: Ethical Record Keeping for Mental Health Professionals
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
Mary King, LPC will lead a discussion on ethical record-keeping and documentation. ary is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor at Hidden Lakes Counseling. Mary specializes in working with athletes, anxiety, and performance issues. To learn more about her practice, go to www.HiddenLakesCounseling.com.
1 CEU hour will be available for licensed clinicians.
January 9, 2023 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: Overcoming Negative Sentiment Override in Couples
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
Dr. Mark DeYoung will lead a discussion on John Gottman’s treatment for Negative Sentiment Override in Couples. Mark is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with a PhD in Child Development. Mark has completed Level, 1, 2, and 3 training in Gottman Methods Couples Therapy. He currently provides in home counseling services for families and relationships in the North Fort Worth area. For more information on Dr. DeYoung, and his private practice go to www.TheInHomeFamilyTherapist.com
1 CEU hour will be available for licensed clinicians.
December 5, 2022 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: EDucate: Combating Disordered Eating
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
McKenzie Harris is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. McKenzie studied Nutrition at Texas A&M University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. McKenzie believes in a ‘Health at Every Size’ approach. She considers herself an “anti-diet” dietitian, so if you’re fed up with diets, she’s your girl! Her approach stems from the philosophy that “all foods fit”- meaning that all foods fit in balance, variety, and moderation. McKenzie has experience with clients ranging from adolescent to adult, including families, wanting to improve their relationship with food and their bodies. She aims to create a safe place for people of any body shape, size, ethnic identity, and sexual identity. McKenzie’s mission as a clinician is to provide professional, warm, compassionate individualized nutrition therapy to help her clients rebuild and nurture a healthy relationship with food. Lastly, McKenzie is a recovered-clinician and is passionate about her sharing her lived experience in the hopes of treating present and preventing future disordered eating. Learn more about McKenzie and her practice at www.NurturedNutritionTherapy.com and www.ConnectionsWellnessGroup.com.
1 CEU hour is available for licensed clinicians.
November 7, 2022 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: Diagnostic Accuracy in Mental Health
Where: The Snooty Pig, 1540 Keller Pkwy #130, Keller, TX 76248
Rosie Staal, PsyD will present on the importance of diagnostic accuracy in treatment. Dr. Staal is a clinical psychologist in private practice at Ardent Psychological Services in Southlake, Texas. She earned her Doctorate in Psychology from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She has a wealth of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. Dr. Staal particularly excels at making a differential diagnosis in cases where there is diagnostic uncertainty. She is the author of the DM-ID 2 Workbook, which is a tool that assists mental health providers to make an accurate mental health diagnosis in individuals with an intellectual disability. She has presented at professional conferences and is the recipient of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Psychology Division Research Award. To learn more about Dr. Staal and her practice, go to www.ArdentPsych.com.
1 CEU hour is available for licensed clinicians.
October 3, 2022 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: Stop Ruminating! Resolving Indecision and Making Effective Decisions
Where: Snooty Pig, 1540 Keller Pkwy #130, Keller, TX 76248
Shannan Crawford, PsyD will present some practical strategies to resolve indecision and move into effective decision-making with clients. Dr. Crawford is a licensed clinical psychologist, conference speaker, adjunct professor, and innovator-expert in Restoring Self-Cohesion (RSC). Dr. Crawford has a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology from Regents University and currently works as an adjunct professor, public speaker, and as a private counselor. She is currently hosting the UnLock U podcast. To learn more about Dr. Crawford and her practice, go to www.DrShannanCrawford.com
September 12, 2022 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Discussion: Using Media in Counseling
Where: Snooty Pig, 1540 Keller Pkwy #130, Keller, TX 76248
Join the Keller Counselors for a round table discussion of media resources that support our counseling work. We have a wealth of useful resources online in video clips, movies, games, apps, memes, etc. Media images can often better illustrate a concept or express an emotion. It’s time to share our favorites and try them out. Bring your ideas to the discussion and we’ll leave with a list of ideas to develop the interactive parts of our practice.
August 1, 2022 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Presentation: Supporting Families in the Special Education Process
Where: Snooty Pig, 1540 Keller Pkwy #130, Keller, TX 76248
Learn about the special education process and gain top tips for building a good relationship with the school. Therapists play an important role in supporting families, empowering parents and the individual.
Melissa Griffiths is a passionate advocate for disability rights. Since her childhood, she has been involved in supporting individuals with disabilities. Since having family members and her own child with a disability, Melissa has advocated for change on Capitol Hill and in her local community. She has a Bachelor’s degree from BYU in Public Relations, an MBA from Stevens-Henager College, and is currently pursuing an MSW at UT Arlington. She completed Special Education Advocacy Training provided by the Council of Parents, Attorneys, and Advocates plus coursework by Down Syndrome Education International. As a Texas Partners in Policy Making Graduate, she continues to make strides to improve legislation at the state level. Melissa is especially passionate about education advocacy and actively supports families in navigating the IEP process through the company she founded, DFW Advocacy. Learn more about her work at https://dfwadvocacy.com/
June 6, 2022 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Presentation: Out of the Darkness and From the Screen with Adolescent Care
Where: Mind Above Matter, 4232 Heritage Trace Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76244
Courtney Wilson, MA, LPC will present on dealing with the mental health needs of adolescents/young adults and the effects of screen use. Courtney Wilson, MA, LPC is the Coordinator of Internships and a Therapist at Mind Above Matter in Keller. Courtney graduated from Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. She loves to work with others to develop their own skills and confidence, offering support in treating depression and anxiety. Courtney also offers career counseling skills such as resume writing and training, as well as art therapy, spiritually focused counseling, and trauma treatment.
May 2, 2022 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Presentation: Treating PTSD with Revisioning Psychotherapy in an Inpatient Setting
Where: Snooty Pig, 1540 Keller Pkwy #130, Keller, TX 76248
Dr. Mark Rider will present the importance of short-term psychotherapy like Revisioning when limited treatment time is available. Revisioning takes mirror therapy as used for phantom limb pain and adapts it for the psychological repair of grief and trauma. Mark Rider, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist in northeast Tarrant County, specializing in grief and trauma. He is a creator and co-developer alongside Lynn Heselton, MSN, APRN of Revisioning psychotherapy. To learn more about his practice, go to www.drmarkrider.com.
April 4, 2022 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Presentation: Understanding a Family Law Case
Where: Snooty Pig, 1540 Keller Pkwy #130, Keller, TX 76248
Carrie Tapia will provide a general overview of the process and steps of divorce and child custody cases in Texas. Additional information will be provided regarding how the Court case can impact (or be impacted by) counseling that the family, couple, child, or receives. She will also explain various rights and duties regarding children that parents are awarded during the court process that you should be aware of in your practices.
Carrie Tapia earned a Master of Science in Social Work degree from The University of Texas at Austin in 2010. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from Texas A&M University in Fort Worth in 2015 and was licensed to practice law in Texas in November 2015. Carrie works as a family law attorney with an office in Colleyville, Texas and works on cases in Tarrant, Dallas, and Denton counties. Carrie strives to meet clients where they are in the legal process and provide resources for emotional and financial support so that they can have the best outcome possible from the court case. To learn more about Carrie, visit https://andersonlegalgroup.com/carrie-k-tapia/.
March 7, 2022 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Presentation: Treating Childhood Trauma (Part 2)
Where: Snooty Pig, 1540 Keller Pkwy #130, Keller, TX 76248
Marti Riedel, LPC will present how traumatic experiences affect childhood brain development, both emotionally and behaviorally. Marti has a wealth of expertise in working with children, with over 25 years of experience!
Marti is a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive training in Play Therapy from the University of North Texas. She utilizes cognitive-behavioral methods, with an understanding of child development, behavioral psychology, parent-child interaction therapy, and family systems. Marti has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Health Sciences from Bethany College, and a Masters of Arts in Counseling from West Virginia University. For the last 26 years, Marti has worked as an LPC, focusing primarily on the treatment of child victims of abuse and neglect who have been placed in foster care or adoptive homes. She is currently practicing as part of the team at Hidden Lakes Counseling in Keller. To learn more about Marti and her practice, go to www.HiddenLakesCounseling.com