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!
August 3, 2026 @ 11:30 – 1PM
Presentation: Trauma, Sleep, and The Stuck Brain: When Psychotherapy Needs Biological Support.
Speaker: Imran S. Khawaja, MD
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr., Keller, TX 76248
Imran S. Khawaja, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist, sleep medicine specialist, author, and nationally recognized educator specializing in the connection between trauma, sleep, and mental health. Fellowship-trained at the Mayo Clinic, he has held academic appointments at several leading medical institutions, published over 100 scholarly works, and delivered more than 200 national and international presentations.
Dr. Khawaja is the founder and CEO of MD TruCare, a multidisciplinary mental health practice serving the Dallas–Fort Worth community. His clinical expertise includes trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD, mood disorders, insomnia, and emotional dysregulation. He integrates neuroscience, psychotherapy collaboration, medication management, and advanced psychiatric treatments to help patients achieve meaningful improvement and lasting change. Learn more about Dr. Khawaja’s and his practice at: https://mdtrucare.com/dr-imran-s-khawaja/
1 CEU for licensed providers will be available
July 6, 2026 @ 11:30 – 1PM
Presentation: Multichannel Eye Movement Integration Protocol
Speaker: Brian Simmon, LPC
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr., Keller, TX 76248
Mr. Simmons holds a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Amberton University and is a Certified Hypnotherapist, a Certified Multichannel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI) practitioner and instructor, and an EMDR provider with specialized training in the Feeling State Addiction Protocol, Migraine Pain Reduction Protocol, and treating dissociative disorders with EMDR. He is also trained in Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization procedures (ASSYST) and the EMDR-Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) — both utilized for post-critical incident and mass disaster survivor care. Mr. Simmons holds a total of six diversified trauma-specialized certifications.
Learn more about Brian and his work at https://nscpllc.org
1 CEU for licensed providers will be available
June 1, 2026 @ 11:30 – 1PM
Presentation: Unmasking Distress: An Identity & Regulation-Centered Reframe of ADHD and Autism
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr., Keller, TX 76248
Speaker: Claudia Porras Pyland, PhD
Dr. Claudia Porras Pyland, PhD is a licensed psychologist, Associate Professor and Master’s Program Coordinator in Counseling Psychology at Texas Woman’s University, and the founder of Transcended Healing. Her clinical and scholarly work centers on autism and ADHD from a neuroaffirming, regulation-centered lens, with a particular focus on intersectionality and identity development. As an AuDHD professional, she integrates lived experience, research, and clinical practice to support more accurate and affirming understandings of neurodiverse clients. Learn more about Claudia and her work here: https://transcendedhealing.com/about
1 CEU for licensed providers will be available
May 4, 2026 @ 11:30 – 1PM
Presentation: Navigating the Nervous System
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr., Keller, TX 76248
Speaker: Melissa Harrison, LPC-S
Clinical Director, Melissa Harrison, will share a practical exploration of the nervous system and how to navigate it with our clients. We’ll cover different nervous system states, mapping tools that can be used in session, and regulating resources tailored to each state.
Melissa Harrison is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and the Clinical Director at the Irving Family Advocacy Center. She is a therapist, supervisor, international speaker, consultant, and mentor to clinicians across the country. Melissa has specialized in child abuse and complex trauma for over 15 years and is passionate about equipping professionals to provide trauma-informed care. She is certified in EMDR and serves as an EMDRIA Consultant, and is also trained in TF-CBT, Polyvagal Theory, somatic interventions, and play therapy. She brings a holistic, practical approach to both her clinical work and leadership.
✨ 1 CEU for licensed providers will be available ✨
April 6, 2026 @ 11:30 – 1PM
Presentation: Criminalized, Controlled, and Recovering: What Survivors Need from Mental Health Professionals
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr., Keller, TX 76248
Join Bekah Charleston, MS as she explores how survivors of trafficking and exploitation often enter counseling after years of coercion, criminalization, and complex trauma. In this presentation, Bekah shares a survivor-informed perspective on how systems of control shape behavior, help-seeking, and recovery, along with practical tools for creating trauma-informed, empowering clinical environments.
Bekah is a nationally recognized speaker and advocate whose story has been highlighted by NPR, USA Today, and the New York Post. Holding degrees in criminal justice and criminology—and drawing on her lived experience surviving a decade of exploitation—she now dedicates her work to empowering survivors and fostering stronger community collaboration
Learn more about Bekah and her work here:
👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/bekah-charleston-161b68178/
1 CEU for licensed providers will be available
March 2, 2026 @ 11:30 – 1PM
Presentation: A Collaborative Approach for Therapists, Social Workers, and Psychiatrists
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr., Keller, TX 76248
Join Dr. Ramya Seeni as she explores how therapists, social workers, and psychiatrists can work collaboratively to better support and benefit clients, particularly those experiencing complex or treatment-resistant mental health concerns. Dr. Seeni is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in treatment-resistant and complex mental health conditions, including autism, ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, women’s mental health, and addiction. She completed advanced training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center (New York) and Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (Shreveport), completed an ECT Fellowship at Emory School of Medicine, and earned her medical degree from Gandhi Medical College in Hyderabad, India. Dr. Seeni provides integrated, holistic psychiatric care, blending Eastern and Western methodologies to honor clients’ lived experiences and reduce barriers to healing. She also offers NeuroStar TMS and esketamine therapy.
Learn more about Dr. Seeni’s work here:
👉 https://aretepsychiatry.life/
1 CEU for licensed providers will be available.
February 2, 2026 @ 11:30 – 1PM
Presentation: Soul CPR™: Restoring Agency When Survival Has Become the Story
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr., Keller, TX 76248
Join Ann Papayoti for a thoughtful and engaging presentation exploring how individuals can restore agency, reconnect with their inner truth, and move forward with intention when survival has shaped their story.
Ann is a life coach, author, and creator of Soul CPR™, a healing framework that integrates positive psychology, narrative work, and lived experience to support resilience and meaningful change.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Samford University and completed over 320 hours of professional training through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). Ann is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC), Master Energy Leadership Index Practitioner (ELI-MP), and a Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). She also holds both Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credentials through the International Coach Federation (ICF).
Ann is also the host of the podcast Healing Out Loud, where stories of healing are shared to inspire reflection and hope.
🌐 Learn more about Ann’s work at: https://www.skyviewcoaching.com
January 5, 2026 @ 11:30 – 1PM
Presentation: Healthy as a Horse
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr., Keller, TX 76248
Join Chris Covington, LPC-S, for an introduction to equine-assisted counseling 🐴 and an exploration of why horses are such effective partners in the healing process. Participants will learn how connection, challenge, and mindful interaction with horses create opportunities for insight, emotional regulation, and transformation. Chris Covington, LPC-S, holds a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of North Texas 🎓 and specializes in equine-assisted counseling and experiential approaches that encourage clients to be active participants in their healing. Drawing on his background in mental health, coaching, and adventure-based work, Chris helps individuals build resilience, insight, and connection. His practice emphasizes whole-health wellness grounded in faith, common sense, and real-world application.
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!
December 2025, The holiday season is upon us, and we hope it brings you plenty of rest and meaningful time with loved ones. Because the first Monday in December falls immediately after Thanksgiving this year, we will not hold a December KCA meeting.
Enjoy the holiday break!
November 3, 2025 @ 11:30 – 1PM
Presentation: Cultural Competence Guidelines: Working with Catholic clients as a Special Population
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr., Keller, TX 76248
Join Maribel Rodriguez Laguna, MA for a presentation on supporting our Catholic clients. As a religious subgroup, various historical and political factors affect a Catholic client’s comfort and safety with mainstream psychology. Maribel has a BA in Psychology from the University of Dallas and a Masters from UNT in Counseling Psychology. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist in Dallas, Texas, where she is the founder and owner of Cor Sacrum Counseling and Consulting. She is also the past board president of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association. Maribel has worked as a counselor in a variety of settings including the Dallas County Juvenile Detention Center, Genesis Women’s Shelter, and Dallas Independent School District Youth and Family Centers. She specializes in vocational discernment, premarital preparation, and marital counseling working closely with Catholic diocesan vocational leaders. Additionally, Maribel is a presenter at various Catholic conferences around the country and has been a guest on EWTN’s Cara a Cara. Learn more about Maribel’s work by going to https://www.corsacrumcounseling.com/.
October 6, 2025 @ 11:30 – 1PM
Presentation: Enhancing Cultural Competency: Best Practices for Working with Transgender Clients
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr., Keller, TX 76248
Join Aimee Tanos, MS, LPC, to learn about working with transgender clients. Aimee has a Masters degree in Counseling from Texas Women’s University and is licensed in Texas and Washington. This course is designed to equip counselors with foundational knowledge and skills to provide culturally competent care to transgender clients. Participants will explore key concepts related to gender identity, learn about the challenges transgender clients face in accessing mental health care, and discover strategies for creating inclusive therapeutic environments. To learn more about Aimee’s practice, go to https://www.aimeetanos.com
1 Cultural Competency CEU for licensed providers will be available.
September 8, 2025 @ 11:30 – 1PM
Presentation: Building Intimacy Games for Fun!
Where: Triple A Cafe, 1540 Keller Pkwy suite130, Keller, TX 76248
Join Lisa Elieson, PhD, to discuss some fun couples games to play that build intimacy. When couples are fighting about sex, they often become stuck in negativity. What they need is a fun way to grow close again and build intimacy. Dr. Elieson is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Certified Sexologist Diplomate, AASECT Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor, and AASECT CEU Provider. Dr. Elieson has a Masters in Psychology from TWU and a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from ULM. She has completed Level 1, 2 & 3 Clinical Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and serves as an adjunct professor for BYU-I. Her book, The 12 Types of Intimacy, can be found on Amazon and her training classes on www.HLCLearn.com. For more information about her private practice, go to www.HiddenLakesCounseling.com.
1 CEU hour will be available for licensed clinicians.
August 4, 2025 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: What is Multichannel Eye Movement Integration?
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
Join Brian Simmons, LPC to discuss how Multichannel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI) can be used to relieve distress. MEMI is a brief, solution-focused eye movement therapy designed to treat PTSD and other forms of anxiety. Brian holds a Master’s in Counseling from Amberton University. He previously worked as a Texas Peace Officer before completing his counseling license. Brian created the Kaufman Country Crisis Response Team, worked in the Battering Intervention program and in Suicide and Crisis Counseling. Brian is a Certified Hypnotherapist, an EMDR provider, and a Certified MEMI practitioner/instructor. Additionally, Brian holds six trauma certifications and is considered an expert in the field of trauma. Brian currently practices at New Solutions Counseling & Trauma Center.
1 CEU hour will be available for licensed clinicians.
July 7, 2025 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: Conscious Breathing
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
We’ve been breathing our whole lives, yet do we really understand how breath assists us to regulate our emotions and health? Learn and practice breathing techniques with Lyn Rodriguez Neisius, LPC-S, Licensed School Psychologist and an Advanced Oxygen Advantage Instructor. Lyn has a Masters in Counseling Psychology from the University of Denver and an Educational Specialist Degree in Child, Family, and School Psychology. For more information about Lyn, go to www.YourChildsCounselor.com.
1 CEU hour will be available for licensed clinicians.
June 2, 2025 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: Migration Trauma
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
Join Ivon Herrera, MA, LPC, NCC for a presentation on Migration Trauma and Mental Health. Learn to identify trauma responses and apply tools to foster a safe, culturally sensitive therapeutic environment. Ivon is a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor and has an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at Tyler. Ivon is the owner of Fuego Therapy Counseling Services PLLC, where she provides individual counseling, couples counseling, and mental health evaluations for immigration cases. To learn more about her practice, go to https://fuegotherapy.com.
1 CEU hour will be available for licensed clinicians.
May 5, 2025 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: Complex Trauma Disorders – Where do I Even Start?
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248
April 7, 2025 @ 11:30 – 1pm
Presentation: Relational Rhythm
Where: Sunny Street Cafe, 242 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248