Faculty and Staff

I am a SoCal native, raised on the sands of the Pacific Ocean. The beach was a place to frolic in the sun, watch sunsets, and play volleyball with friends and church alike. The neighboring tide pools were amazing science teachers and provided infinite opportunities to marvel at creation.

I completed my doctoral clinical training at Biola University/Rosemead School of Psychology, a theological (Christian) affiliated university with emphasis on classical and contemporary psychodynamic theory.  My primary practice interests are in the integrative and intersectional nature of the human experience. Besides the analytic and theological influences of my graduate program, multicultural psychology and Buddhist philosophy/practice have greatly informed my thinking. When I was introduced to attachment theory and science, I immediately fell in love and haven’t wavered. 

I started teaching in 1999, as faculty at Glendale Community College and adjunct at Azusa Pacific University.  In 2005 I began teaching at the Texas School of Professional Psychology (TSPP) at Argosy University, Dallas, where I've taught courses in assessment and multicultural psychology, and held a position in the Clinical Training Department since 2007.  I became the interim Program Chair of TSPP in 2011 and the Program Dean in 2013. I am a teacher at heart, and all my clinical work takes on a teaching flavor (despite my mentors' criticism).  

I am also the founder of Richland Oaks - and while much of my vision, skills, and effort have gone into Richland Oaks, the Center never would have happened without the founding work of Drs. Kelleigh Head, Natalie Kauder, and Kristy Novinski, and the continued support of my wife and our families. The Center continues to train graduate students in mental health and serves a diverse community, regardless of their ability to pay. I have been so honored by the many clinicians that have spent time with us at The Center, and couldn’t be prouder of the many group and independent practices that have launched from Richland Oaks.

I am a Dallas native and grateful to be back after a brief stint in SoCal where I completed my training in the integration of Christian theology and psychoanalytic psychology at Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University. Having completed my undergrad at Baylor University, and post-graduate training in a variety of settings, now having settled on one of my great passions: overseeing clinical training for the next generation of therapists.

I had the great privilege to train under Bruce Narramore, a pillar in the Christian analytic community. Under his tutelage, I’ve come to appreciate the human condition—how guilt and neurotic anxiety reek havoc in our lives. The late Randy Sorenson was an equally important mentor and I am indebted to his great wisdom, insight, and love for us students at Rosemead.

My current professional life centers around teaching and training, oversight of regulating and accreditation standards, and ensuring that the educational offerings of the Texas Institute of Professional Psychology not only meet and exceed these standards, but also meet the unique and local needs of our students and the people and communities they serve. 

We can’t quite find it in us to remove this section just yet. Vicki was a rock during our founding time - we feel so robbed that she will not be participating in all the fruits of her labor. With her death in September 2021, TIPP will always be indebted to her passion, skill and dedication. Thank you, Vicki.

Born in Colorado, I nonetheless consider myself a Dallas native, one of those folk who “got to Texas as soon as I could.” What may be even more true is that although I was not born at the piano bench, I got THERE as soon as I could. I am, at heart, both an artist and a scholar, and have fed my soul a steady diet of music and books since an early age. This thirst for knowledge has brought breadth and depth to my studies, with an undergraduate degree in arts and education from Texas Tech University, advanced studies in theology, and ultimately, the pursuit of an MBA as a means of being ever more equipped to serve the needs of the Texas Institute of Professional Psychology and its students.

My mind loves to dwell at the intersection of beauty and function, the creative and the practical. It is so often how I see God revealed in creation. And it is in this spirit, with this blend of systematic thought and creative vision, that I approach my role as provost at TIPP, providing strategic leadership, guidance, and support for the development of academic programs, evaluating the quality of our current processes and programs with an eye toward growth and the future, and always ensuring that TIPP is providing for our students in the best way possible.

I, too, have had the honor of serving Richland Oaks—in an administrative capacity—and have seen the impact the Center and the many skilled clinicians it employs have made in the lives of the community. My own personal journey has led me to a deep and profound appreciation of mental health professionals and the services they provide. And at Richland Oaks, I had the privilege of being the support to those who provide support—helping the world’s helpers, if you will. From that position, I witnessed just how great the need is for accessible mental health care from experienced and well-trained clinicians. In my work at TIPP, I daily bring this history, a heart that longs to alleviate suffering, and the joy that comes with being partner in an institute responsible for bringing more skilled helpers to a world profoundly troubled.

I am a Texas girl born and bred. I am originally from a small town in West Texas, but lived in Austin for several years and now am settled in the suburbs of the Dallas area where I raise, play with, and love on my family. My background is in psychiatric nursing, and I have spent the last twelve years serving those who suffer from mental illness and substance abuse. God resides with those who suffer. I have had the privilege to see firsthand the healing powers of God with this population. I look forward to working with the students of TIPP — to watch their journey walking alongside God, continuing on to heal those who are oppressed.

My mind works both creatively and systematically. My worlds come together by creating spaces that are both fun and functional. In my spare time, I love throwing parties and catering events for both corporate functions and friends and family. I was introduced to event hosting working in my family’s restaurant and catering business as a teenager and that passion has stayed with me through the years.

In joining the team at TIPP, I bring my enthusiasm for the field of psychology and my passion for creativity. I hope to create a space for both students and faculty where a love of learning and a passion for creativity are alive and well.