CFGC Team

Brenda Hayward, Executive Director

Brenda holds an MBA from Texas Woman’s University and has served as the Executive Director of the Child & Family Guidance Center of Texoma since 2002. She is deeply passionate about the Center’s mission to provide hope and healing for children and families in the Texoma region. Brenda is a strong advocate for the trauma-informed care model, believing it offers the best framework for supporting both clients and staff.

She specializes in nonprofit management, grant writing, fundraising, and community advocacy for mental health. Brenda is committed to addressing the severe mental health professional workforce shortage in the region and across Texas. She manages a staff of over 20 employees, oversees all agency operations, works closely with an active board of directors, and serves on the board of the Texoma Behavioral Health Leadership Team (TBHLT). She loves to “Fun-Raise,” creating opportunities for community members to engage with and support CFGC’s critical work.

Brenda has been married for 42 years to her husband, Scott. They have two grown sons, wonderful daughters-in-law, and five cherished grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys long walks, reading, practicing yoga and meditation, and spending time with family, friends, and her adorable yorkie.

Click here to email Brenda

Jessica Hamilton, Office Manager

Jessica Hamilton has served as the Office Manager at the Child & Family Guidance Center of Texoma since 2006. With more than 23 years of experience in office management, insurance credentialing, and medical billing, she plays an essential role in supporting both clients and staff. Jessica leads the administrative team to ensure every interaction—from scheduling appointments to discussing financial matters—is handled with professionalism, compassion, and a trauma-informed approach.

She received her training in Office Management and Insurance Billing through Parker University, AAPC, and the American Medical Billing Association. Jessica oversees insurance credentialing, contracting, and patient billing, and she is passionate about educating clients on their insurance benefits and payment options. She is a Certified Physician Practice Manager, Texas Notary Public, and certified in Mental Health First Aid.

Jessica takes great pride in helping secure and manage funding so low-income individuals and families can access quality mental health care. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, running, cooking, reading, listening to music, and spending time with her four daughters—three of whom are grown, and with whom she enjoys continuing to build strong, meaningful connections.

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Loren Hervey, LPC-S

Loren has been a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas since 2012 and has been a Licensed Supervisor since 2014. She received her BA in Psychology from Texas A&M University in 2008 and received her MS in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Texas in 2010.

Loren has previously served in Clinical Director roles overseeing Children and Adolescent Mental Health Programs and Crisis Agencies. She specializes in supervision, program oversight, crisis management, and working with individuals struggling with mood disorders, anxiety, substance use, domestic violence, suicidal ideation/behavior, non-suicidal self-injury and trauma. Loren views her role as an LPC Supervisor and as a Clinical Director as important work towards empowering the next generation of counselors to feel confident providing ethical and quality care to clients. She believes in the principles of trauma informed care and that recovery is possible regardless of difficult circumstances.

Loren loves to spend time with her two children and her family during her time off. She also enjoys going to the lake, exercising, reading, and exploring new places.

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Rachel Carey is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in the state of Texas and has been part of the Child and Family Guidance Center of Texoma since 2013, when she began as a practicum student. She is passionate about supporting children, individuals, and families as they navigate challenges and build resilience.

Rachel earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2012 and her Master of Science in 2014, both from Texas Woman’s University. She is currently pursuing certification in Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy through the HERD Institute.

As a supervisor and full-time therapist, Rachel has specialized training in TF-CBT, Trauma-Informed Care, ARC, Play Therapy, and Sand Tray Therapy. She frequently incorporates art, movement, and experiential activities into her work. Outside of the office, Rachel enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering at a local equine facility, creating resin art, painting, drawing, and being with her two dogs.

Ashley Hinson is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in the state of Texas and has been part of the Child and Family Guidance Center of Texoma since September 2020. She is passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and families as they strengthen relationships, improve communication, and navigate life’s challenges together.

Ashley earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University, where she received extensive training in family therapy, couples therapy, and play therapy. As both a supervisor and full-time therapist, she brings a systems-focused lens to her work, helping families understand patterns and build healthier connections.

Ashley specializes in working with adolescents, children, and families through a collaborative and relational approach. Outside of work, she enjoys playing music, traveling with her husband and children, spending time outdoors or near the water, and catching up on a good nap whenever she can.

John Trader is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in the state of Texas and has been part of the Child and Family Guidance Center of Texoma since 2013. He is passionate about providing affirming, research-informed care and is committed to creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel seen, understood and valued.

John earned his Master of Science degree from Texas A&M University–Commerce. As a supervisor and full-time therapist, he has received specialized training in TF-CBT, Trauma-Informed Care, and ARC. He specializes in working with individuals in the LGBTQ+ community and is dedicated to staying current on the latest research and best practices in the field.

John works from the Person-Centered counseling approach. “It is the client who knows what hurts, what directions to go, what problems are crucial, what experiences have been deeply buried” – Rogers. He relies on the client to guide therapy, beginning with empathic understanding and genuine curiosity for where they are in their life. This approach emphasizes a nonjudgmental stance and unconditional positive regard. When these conditions are met, clients can experience constructive change, maintain healthy boundaries, and develop realistic expectations for themselves and others.

Outside of work, John enjoys reading comic books and is a devoted Star Wars fan.

John Howard is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A) who returned to the Child and Family Guidance Center of Texoma in May 2023, after previously serving at the Center from 2014–2016. He is passionate about supporting clients through life’s challenges with compassion and steady encouragement.

John earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UNT Dallas and his Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He has seven years of counseling experience and is certified in Trauma-Informed Care, bringing a thoughtful and client-centered approach to his work.

Outside of the office, John enjoys running and biking on trails and roads, exploring music and art, and learning to play the guitar. He is also a proud dad to two very energetic cats.

Vicki is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Texas, licensed since 2021. Prior to moving to Texas, she was licensed in California for 12 years. Vicki has extensive experience across a variety of settings, including domestic violence programs, school-based counseling, behavioral health hospitals, and community mental health centers.

Her approach focuses on the patterns of interaction and communication between people, relationships, and social networks that influence mental health. Through a collaborative process, clients gain insight and develop healthier coping strategies. Vicki provides individual, couples, and family therapy and has experience supporting clients with ADHD, anxiety, depression, childhood abuse, and trauma.

Outside of work, Vicki enjoys traveling, reading, and baking. She is passionate about helping clients strengthen their relationships and find meaningful ways to navigate life’s challenges.

Jacob chose counseling after witnessing the impact emotional challenges—and the counseling process—can have on individuals and families. These experiences sparked a deep curiosity about growth, change, and how people make meaning of their lives. He believes growth can be both meaningful and, at times, even enjoyable.

Jacob earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University and his master’s degree in Counseling from East Texas A&M University. His clinical experience includes community mental health centers, nonprofit organizations, and private practice settings. He primarily works with children and adolescents, while also supporting adults, couples, and families with a compassionate and individualized approach.

Outside of work, Jacob enjoys fishing, kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing.

Alexandra’s path to counseling began early, as she often found herself stepping into the role of peacemaker among friends and family. Shaped by her experiences as a middle child and witnessing loved ones navigate significant challenges, she felt called to support others in a way that was grounded not only in empathy, but also in research, training, and meaningful connection. Wanting to offer the kind of support she once needed herself, she pursued a career in therapy and art therapy.

Alexandra holds a Bachelor of Science in Family Science with minors in Art and Finance from Oklahoma Christian University and a Master of Arts in Education in Art Therapy and Counseling from Springfield College. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) working toward Art Therapy Registration (ATR). She works with children, adolescents, and adults using experiential, family systems, art therapy, person-centered, and cognitive-behavioral approaches.

Kelsey Ticer is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas and has been part of the Child and Family Guidance Center of Texoma since 2018. She is passionate about supporting clients across the lifespan and helping individuals navigate a wide range of emotional and life challenges.

Kelsey earned her Master of Arts degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. As a staff therapist, she has received specialized training in TF-CBT, Trauma-Informed Care, and ARC, allowing her to provide evidence-based, trauma-informed support to children, adolescents, and adults.

Kelsey is known for her steady, compassionate presence and ability to connect with clients of all ages. Outside of work, she enjoys curling up with a good book and spending time reading.

Brandee chose the healing profession out of a deep belief that people are not broken—they are responding to life experiences that deserve understanding, compassion, and care. Her path into counseling was shaped by both personal and professional experiences that revealed the power of being truly seen and heard.

Brandee holds a graduate degree in psychology and counseling and is licensed as an LPC-Associate. Her clinical experience includes working with individuals, couples, families, children, and adolescents in diverse settings.

She specializes in trauma, anxiety, emotional regulation, relational challenges, and life transitions. Brandee’s approach is holistic, experiential, and relational, integrating mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral strategies, family systems, and existential exploration to support meaningful, whole-person healing.

Following the loss of her mother to suicide in 2019, mental health awareness became a personal mission for Sydney. Since then, she has been committed to supporting individuals in improving their mental health and reducing stigma through compassionate, client-centered care. Sydney believes it is a privilege to walk alongside clients in their healing journey, meeting them where they are while helping them move toward meaningful goals.

Sydney earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She joined the Child and Family Guidance Center of Texoma in 2022 as an intern and became a full-time LPC-Associate in 2024.

Sydney’s approach is collaborative and client-centered, fostering growth, healing, and resilience.

Kevin was drawn to the counseling field through his own healing journey and desire to help others facing similar struggles. Having experienced challenges with anger, depression, anxiety, and trauma, he understands how overwhelming those experiences can be and is passionate about supporting children, teens, and adults as they work toward healing.

Kevin earned his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and joined the Child and Family Guidance Center of Texoma in 2024 as a practicum student and intern. He has experience working with individuals and couples across the lifespan.

His primary focus is healing trauma at its source using brain-based and experiential approaches. Kevin has received training in Brainspotting and has studied Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS).