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Fran Simpson, M.Ed., EMDR Trained, Program Manager

Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) License #72428
 
Fran obtained her Master of Education in Counseling from Tarleton State University in 2013.  In her last semester at Tarleton, she did an internship with Safe Haven of Fort Worth, working with victims of domestic violence, doing individual counseling and teaching group classes on the signs of abuse. She continued to volunteer there for a while after graduating but desired to expand her scope of experience. This is when she reached out to Dr. Ruth, and her time at Safe Harbor began in 2014. She is also recently retired from Azle ISD, where she was a school counselor for the past 8 years with 23 years of service total. She enjoys working with teens, young adults, adults, and couples. Fran is also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a well-researched trauma technique. EMDR works to help clients put to rest traumatic events that could have been plaguing them for a lifetime. Fran considers it a privilege to guide clients in their process toward healing and hope. Clients often need to be reminded that it is God’s desire to give us beauty for ashes!  Isaiah 61:3

William Rusnak, M.A., LPC-S

Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) License #77592
After earning a Master's degree in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University, “Willie” became a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. He works with adolescents and adults utilizing a wide range of techniques that are grounded in evidence-based modalities 
 
 

Perry Pogue, M Ed, Custodian of Records

Licensed Professional Counselor License #86247

Perry received his Bachelor of Science in counseling and has two Master’s Degrees, Human Services Counseling and Clinical Counseling, from Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU). As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Perry’s heart is in helping couples navigate through past and current issues. He works with all types of addiction and those struggling with anger, bitterness, and resentment. Perry has been involved in Prison Ministry, Divorce Care, Celebrate Recovery, A.A. groups, and Anger Management programs. His hope is through a trusting relationship, healing will begin as we come along with one another in understanding that a power greater than us can make one whole again. Perry is retired from the United States Air Force. He also has a degree in Horticulture and is a Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas. He enjoys spending time in the yard with nature, metal detecting, kayaking, and antiquing with his bride, which keeps life exciting!

Eryn Whiting, M.A., EMDR Trained

Licensed Professional Counselor License #79392
Eryn graduated from Liberty University's Professional Counseling Program. She currently works with women, couples, and children, exploring problems of depression, emotional abuse, couples counseling, and self-esteem. She also addresses spiritual confusion and development.
 
 

Bryan McLain, B.S., M.Ed., M.A. Counseling

Licensed Professional Counselor License #87206
Although counseling is his second career, Bryan McLain has always had deep compassion for others. Bryan spent 30 years in education – he taught 5th & 6th grade successfully for 11 years & then served as an elementary and middle school principal for 19 years before recently retiring in order to go back to school to obtain his counseling degree. He has a Master’s degree in School Leadership and a Master's Degree in Counseling.

He especially enjoys working with children & adolescents & thinks there is nothing more exciting than making a real difference in a client’s life. Bryan finds great purpose in helping youth with self-esteem issues & helping empower clients to see their inherent self-worth as they realize they MATTER!

Bryan also specializes in working with clients who have experienced grief and loss in their lives as well as depression, anxiety, anger, & abuse issues. He is a person-centered counselor who uses principles & strategies from Cognitive Behavior Therapy to empower clients to be more successful & live more productive & satisfying lives, and he is trained and certified in DBT - Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Bryan is a very empathetic & collaborative counselor who recognizes that we all want to be truly seen for who we are & unconditionally accepted.

His Christian faith is extremely important to him & he believes that “when you honor God, He honors you!”

Michele L Lowen, MA, MEd., LPC, EMDR Certified

Licensed Professional Counselor License #88580
 
Michele holds a Master of Education in Counseling from Texas Christian University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from B.H. Carroll Theological Institute. She has worked in public education for more than 20 years serving as a teacher, counselor, and administrator. She enjoys helping others as an LPC at Safe Harbor, where she works with adults, adolescents, and children using an integrative approach to mental health and wellness. She is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDR.  Her favorite book of the Bible is Philippians, the book of “Joy.” She believes God is our healer and champion, the lifter of our heads and intercessor, praying for us even when we cannot utter a sound. She believes love truly conquers all, and her prayer for you, like the Apostle Paul’s to the church at Philippi, is that your love may abound more and more as you learn and grow! (Philippians 1:9-11)

Robin Daugherty, M.A. LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor License #84115

Robin graduated from Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth with a B.S. in Psychology and Secondary English.  She continued her education at Amberton University earning her M.A. in School Counseling in 2015 and her M.A. in Professional Counseling in 2017.  She has been involved in education for more than 25 years, first as an English teacher and currently as a school counselor. 

She utilizes several modalities including Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Person-Centered counseling.  She appreciates the positive nature of Solution Focused Therapy, which emphasizes that the individual is the expert in their own lives and focuses on the individual’s strengths to find solutions to their struggles.  She also makes use of CBT principles such as evaluating faulty or unhelpful patterns of thinking or behavior, so that we can learn better coping or problem-solving skills.  Robin recognizes the importance of getting to know her clients, recognizing and respecting their unique qualities, and providing a safe place for clients to become more self-aware without fear of judgment.

Elizabeth Mederos, LMSW, LCDC, EMDR-T
Licensed Master Social Worker & Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor
supervised by Dr. Jan Finch, LCSW-S License #06066

Elizabeth is a Licensed Master Social Worker and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor who has been in the behavioral health field for over 5 years.  Elizabeth is a highly skilled, compassionate, empathetic, and solution-oriented therapist who provides exceptional care and excels at implementing effective evidence-based treatment from a Christian perspective. She is an EMDRIA Basic Trained EMDR therapist.  In addition, she utilizes CBT, DBT, person-centered, and solution-focused therapy modalities to help clients who experience various mental health disorders. Elizabeth excels in helping clients who suffer from addictions and helping them with long-term recovery by building skills and fostering healing from the underlying cause.  Elizabeth specializes in trauma and the ripple effect on the family system.  She has experience in effective treatment of anger management, lack of motivation, anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem, and trauma. She believes that the client is the expert of their story and has many innate strengths that will assist them in overcoming daily challenges.  Elizabeth finds pleasure in the journey of empowering clients to seek out a more fulfilling and joyful spirit-filled life. Elizabeth graduated with her undergraduate and graduate social work degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.  She is currently under supervision for her LCSW with Dr. Jan Finch, LCSW-S #06066.  Elizabeth has hospital, outpatient, and residential treatment experience with adults, adolescents, couples, and groups. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music, driving, and engaging in anything that allows her love for art and creativity come to life.  Elizabeth’s favorite scripture is Psalm 18:32 “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.”

Sherri Park, LPC-A, EMDR
Trained under the clinical supervision of: Fran Simpson, M.Ed., LPC-S License #72428

Whether you are a young child who needs a better way to cope with big emotions, an adolescent wrestling with peer pressure and identity, a young person battling anxiety, a middle-aged adult or couple suffering the pains of adverse life experiences, or a senior adult dealing with grief and loss, I am equipped and ready to assist you.
With 20+ years of cross-cultural experience, working with individuals and families, I have been exposed to some of the most tragic life circumstances and the greatest of human trials. Thankfully, I’ve also witnessed the miracle of individuals overcoming seemingly impossible hardships. I would love to be on the road with you as you journey towards healing.

Julie DiMartino, LPC-A License #94602
supervised by Fran Simpson, M.Ed., LPC-S License #72428

She is a full time teacher with 30 years of experience. She earned an M.Ed. in Counseling in 2020 and an M.Ed. in Special Education in 2023, both from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. She is also certified as a School Counselor and as an Educational Diagnostician. Her B.A. is in Foreign Languages from Assumption University in Massachusetts. Julie has a lot of experience working with young people and is looking forward to working with them in another capacity, as well as working with adults of all ages.

Lindsey Coomer, M. Ed., LPC-A License #94525
supervised by William Rusnak, LPC-S License #77592

Lindsey holds a Master of Education in Counseling and is currently an LPC-Associate under the supervision of William Rusnak, LPC-S. She believes in integrating faith and mental health principles to provide holistic care to her clients. Lindsey brings a heart-centered approach to therapy, grounded in the teachings of Christ. She offers a safe and supportive environment for individuals and families seeking emotional healing, spiritual growth, and relational restoration. Lindsey is passionate about serving the community and continually seeks to deepen her understanding of both counseling theory and Biblical principles to better support those she serves.

Elizabeth J. Dennison, M.A., M. Ed., CSC, LPC-A License #93777
supervised by Fran Simpson, M.Ed., LPC-S License #72428

Elizabeth received her Master of Education in School Counseling with the option to be an LPC from Lamar University in December 2020.  Her first career as a teacher has spanned more than 17 years allowing her to serve students and families in all grades PreK - 12.  As an LPC Associate at Safe Harbor, she works with adults utilizing Person Centered Counseling as an approach to mental health and wellness.  She believes that God is the ultimate healer and wants to walk alongside you in your journey to wholeness.

Daniel Tiblets, LMSW License #67239
under the clinical supervision of Kaitlin Tollison, LCSW License #57531

Daniel has felt called to ministry since his early childhood years. He originally answered this call by earning a Marketing degree from Baylor University in 2006, serving others through the business world and mentoring those transitioning out of foster care.  Eventually, the Lord led Daniel to more direct service, which resulted in him obtaining a Masters in Social work from UTA in 2016.  After spending a couple years at Frost Bank while he was landing in the Social Work field, Daniel became a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in 2018, and started working with children, families, and single men at Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County.  In recent years, Daniel has moved on into working with those transitioning out of prison, as well as working with 5th and 6th graders at a local public school.  Daniel blends his backgrounds in business, banking, and Social Work to guide adolescents and men through the process of exploring their God-given purpose, setting priorities and goals, and establishing lasting relationships. 

Lesa Whaley, M.Ed. LPC-A License #95023
supervised by Fran Simpson, M.Ed., LPC-S License #72428

 
Lesa holds a Master’s degree in counseling and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Tarleton State University. Counseling is her second career after 27 years in Texas public schools as a teacher, counselor and administrator. 
Lesa utilizes a very person centered approach to counseling that is grounded in Adlerian theory and the principles of Christian faith. Lesa believes that the opportunity to help others navigate life’s issues is a gift from God, and she prayerfully strives to assist each person who comes her way in finding healing and peace. 

Whitney Beard Atkins, LPC-A License #94097
supervised by William Rusnak, LPC-S License #77592

 
 
I am a LPC Associate and trained Functional Medicine Trauma Specialist. I specialize in working with teens and adults who want to heal from emotional and religious abuse. Many of my clients are also neurodiverse and seek skill building for ADHD, anxiety, and OCD. I like to use an eclectic mix of evidence-based skills, holistic approaches, and faith-informed interventions in my sessions. I believe that we all deserve to feel connected, capable, and creative. We also deserve a healthy faith and supportive relationships that give us peace in our turbulent world. Feel free to come in my office and kick off your shoes and grab a fidget and let’s see what God can do in your healing. 

Jackie Carlino, M.S.M.H, LPC-A License #92573
supervised by Fran Simpson, M.Ed., LPC-S License #72428

 
As someone who experienced childhood trauma, I learned for many years throughout my healing journey how to have proper self-care and healing. As a Christian, I believe God is the ultimate healer and simply works through me to help others find peace and joy in their lives, just like he did for me. I enjoy working with adolescents in group counseling on my ranch. I also enjoy helping people over age 10 learn how to heal from trauma. Trauma is why I became a counselor, and trauma is my specialty. Counseling others is something that God put on my heart many years ago.

Jasmin Calderon, M.A., LPC-A License #93882, NCC
supervised by Fran Simpson, M.Ed., LPC-S License #72428

Jasmin holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Business and Economics. She has dedicated seven years to full-time ministry and has gained invaluable experience in preaching the gospel, spiritual warfare, and church trauma by fostering hope, resilience, and connection within individuals and communities across the United States and abroad. This firm foundation, coupled with her clinical expertise as a bilingual therapist, fluent in Spanish and English, allows her to offer a culturally and spiritually sensitive and comprehensive approach to mental health care.

She works with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or suicidality. Her counseling style is person-centered and eclectic, tailoring treatment to each individual’s unique needs and strengths. Jasmin is committed to creating a safe and supportive space where clients can feel heard, explore their challenges and develop coping mechanisms to cultivate their emotional and spiritual well-being.

Yvonne Pierce, M.Ed, LPC-A License #94626
supervised by Fran Simpson, M.Ed., LPC-S License #72428

Yvonne is a counselor who happens to be a Christian! She earned her bachelor's degree (BA) with a major in psychology from Abilene Christian University. She received her Master of Education in counseling (MEd.) from Dallas Baptist University as well as her Master of Arts in Counseling, now a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. She has worked for over 10 years in education working with diverse populations within the mental health field. Working closely with children and adults to help bridge gaps between education, home and personal life. She lives her life and inspires others through Matthew 19:26 -  with God all things are possible!

Stephanie Dean, LPC-A License #95589
supervised by Willie Rusnak, LPC-S License #77952

My goal as a counselor is to walk with you through your journey to finding peace, hope, and faith. I will guide you on your journey to understand and process your pain with Christ-Centered techniques with an eclectic therapy approach. I specialize in grief and anxiety counseling.  The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalms 18:2

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Jeani Copeland, MAMFC, LMFT-A License #205598
supervised by Russ Bartee, PhD, LMFT-S License #2773

Jeani is a Christian who wants to walk with you through life's most difficult seasons, helping you come out thriving. With 13 years of cross-cultural experience with her family and 8 years working in the mental health field, she is dedicated to supporting others in their mental and spiritual well-being. She holds a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling and recognizes the importance of understanding the family system in healing. She uses evidence-based approaches, specializing in grief and strengthening marriages. She also focuses on treating anxiety and depression in adults and teens. She looks forward to starting this journey with you.

Ruth Goodwin, Ph.D., LPC-S License #12874

Founder (Retired), Donor Liaison
“Dr. Ruth” earned Master Degrees in Marriage & Family Counseling and Religious Education, as well as a Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Her B.A. in Social and Behavioral Science is from Mesa State College in Grand Junction, CO. Her work history includes pastoral care, managing MHMR clinics, working in John Peter Smith psychiatric emergency room, and MST Therapy with adjudicated youth. Her post-doctorate was spent doing geriatric and CPS psychological evaluations. Dr. Ruth started Safe Harbor in 2004 in one donated room, and it has now grown to have two locations and currently over 30 team members.
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